bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xanthine dehydrogenase downregulation promotes TGFβ signaling and cancer stem cell-related gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen G-L , Ye T , Chen H-L , Zhao Z-Y , Tang W-Q , Wang L-S , Xia J-L
Published: September 2017

Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), a rate-limiting enzyme involved in purine metabolism, has an essential role in inflammatory cascades. Researchers have known for decades that XDH activity is decreased in some cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of XDH in cancer pathogenesis has not been fully explored. In this study, we showed that low XDH mRNA levels were correlated with higher tumor stages and poorer prognoses in patients with HCC. Knocking down or inhibiting XDH promoted migration and invasion but not proliferation of HCC cells. The abovementioned phenotypic changes are dependent on increases in epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker gene expression and transforming growth factor-β-Smad2/3 signaling activity in HCC. XDH overexpression suppressed HCC cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the expression and activity of XDH were associated with the expression of CSC-related genes, such as CD44 or CD133, in HCC cells. These data suggest that downregulated XDH expression may be a useful clinical indicator and contribute to the development and progression of HCC.
Myeloablation-associated deletion of ORF4 in a human coronavirus 229E infection
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Pepper Gregory , Shean Ryan C. , Cent Anne , Palileo Isabel , Kuypers Jane M. , Schiffer Joshua T. , Jerome Keith R.
Published: September 2017

We describe metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of a human coronavirus 229E from a patient with AML and persistent upper respiratory symptoms, who underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). mNGS revealed a 548-nucleotide deletion, which comprised the near entirety of the ORF4 gene, and no minor allele variants were detected to suggest a mixed infection. As part of her pre-HCT conditioning regimen, the patient received myeloablative treatment with cyclophosphamide and 12 Gy total body irradiation. Iterative sequencing and RT-PCR confirmation of four respiratory samples over the 4-week peritransplant period revealed that the pre-conditioning strain contained an intact ORF4 gene, while the deletion strain appeared just after conditioning and persisted over a 2.5-week period. This sequence represents one of the largest genomic deletions detected in a human RNA virus and describes large-scale viral mutation associated with myeloablation for HCT.
In situ observation of nanotwins formation through twin terrace growth in pulse electrodeposited Cu films
Authors: Cheng Gong , Li Heng , Xu Gaowei , Gai Wei , Luo Le
Published: September 2017

Nanotwinned copper (nt-Cu) shows a broad application prospects as interconnection materials in integrated circuit industry, since it combines the excellent mechanical and electrical properties. However, the formation and growth behavior of twin lamellae in pulse electrodeposited copper films are not fully understood. In this work, a series of electroplated copper films are prepared by verifying the electroplating parameters and the microstructures are analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The surface morphology indicates strong evidence of stacked twin terraces and layers, suggesting that nanotwins grow up layer by layer. Combined with in situ characterization by SEM and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, it is proved that the terraces originate from the triple junction of grain boundaries and grow up by extending along the lateral (111) crystal plane. A twin terrace-growing model for nt-Cu is then deduced, which distinguishes from deformation twins or annealed twins. This growth model would be prospective to help obtain high quality of nt-Cu in industry.
Identification of key regions and residues controlling Aβ folding and assembly
Authors: Hayden Eric Y. , Hoi Kimberly K. , Lopez Jasmine , Inayathullah Mohammed , Condron Margaret M. , Teplow David B.
Published: September 2017

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) assembly is hypothesized to be a seminal neuropathologic event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We used an unbiased D-amino acid substitution strategy to determine structure-assembly relationships of 76 different Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides. We determined the effects of the substitutions on peptide oligomerization, secondary structure dynamics, fibril assembly dynamics, and fibril morphology. Our experiments revealed that the assembly of Aβ42 was more sensitive to chiral substitutions than was Aβ40 assembly. Substitutions at identical positions in the two peptides often, but not always, produced the same effects on assembly. Sites causing substantial effects in both Aβ40 and Aβ42 include His14, Gln15, Ala30, Ile31, Met35, and Val36. Sites whose effects were unique to Aβ40 include Lys16, Leu17, and Asn 27, whereas sites unique to Aβ42 include Phe20 and Ala21. These sites may be appropriate targets for therapeutic agents that inhibit or potentiate, respectively, these effects.
Asymmetric effects in waveguide systems using PT symmetry and zero index metamaterials
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Xu Yadong
Published: September 2017

Here we demonstrate directional excitation and asymmetric reflection by using parity-time (PT) symmetric and zero index metamaterials (ZIMs) in a three-port waveguide system. The principle lies on that the field distribution at gain/ loss interface is significantly affected by the incident direction of electromagnetic wave. By taking advantage of the empty volume feature of ZIMs, these asymmetric effects are extended to a more general three-port waveguide system. In addition, by exciting a weak modulated signal in branch port in our proposed design, unidirectional transmission with an unbroken propagation state is achieved, opening up a new way distinguished from the present technologies.
Generating highly reflective and conductive metal layers through a light-assisted synthesis and assembling of silver nanoparticles in a polymer matrix
Authors: Zaier Mohamed , Vidal Loïc , Hajjar-Garreau Samar , Balan Lavinia
Published: September 2017

The development of metalized surfaces exhibiting mirror properties and/or electric conductivity without heavy equipments and with low metal charge is a big challenge in view of many industrial applications. We report herein on the photo-assembling of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a polymer matrix, carried out within minutes from an acrylate monomer and silver nitrate at room temperature, under air and without any solvents. The top surface of the material gets converted into a continuous silver thin film and a depthwise concentration gradient of AgNPs is created in the polymer, which images the absorption profile of the actinic UV light in the reactive formulation. This specific assembling of the silver@polymer coating induces excellent reflective and conductive properties. The conductance was observed to strongly increase with increasing the exposure from 3 to 30 min due to the formation of a more and more compact metal film. This coating strategy works with a variety of substrates (textile, paper, glass, wood, plastic and stainless steel). Moreover, on flexible surfaces such as textile, the flexibility was preserved. The possibility to use this kind of nanomaterial as a printing ink, with a much lower metal concentration (3 to 5 wt.%) than concurrent inks, was also demonstrated.
Tosylation of alcohols: an effective strategy for the functional group transformation of organic derivatives of polyoxometalates
Authors: Jia Hongli , Li Qi , Bayaguud Aruuhan , She Shan , Huang Yichao , Chen Kun , Wei Yongge
Published: September 2017

Recently, the organic functionalization of polyoxometalates (POMs) has drawn increasing interest, and an easy and effective route to achieve organic derivatives is of great importance. Herein, the first reported synthesis of a tosyl ester derivative of the polyoxometalate (Bu4N)2[V6O13{(OCH2)3CCH2SO3C7H4}2]·2.5CH3CN (compound 1) was performed by using DMAP as an activating reagent and triethylamine as an HCl scavenger. The tosyl ester was transformed into an azide or halide group by using sodium azide or sodium bromide, respectively, as the nucleophilic agent. Two derivatives of POMs, (Bu4N)2[V6O13{(OCH2)3CCH2N3}2]·4CH3CN (compound 2) and (Bu4N)2[V6O13{(OCH2)3CCH2Br}2] (compound 3), were easily obtained. All the compounds were structurally and compositionally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy and TGA. This work provides a new route for the functional group transformation of organic derivatives of polyoxometalates.
Methylene blue inhibits NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and non-canonical inflammasome activation
Authors: Ahn Huijeong , Kang Seung Goo , Yoon Sung-il , Ko Hyun-Jeong , Kim Pyeung-Hyeun , Hong Eui-Ju , An Beum-Soo , Lee Eunsong , Lee Geun-Shik
Published: September 2017

Methylene blue (MB), which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and mitochondria protective effects, has been widely used as a dye and medication. However, the effect of MB on inflammasome activation has not yet been studied. Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that induce maturation of interleukins (ILs)-1β and -18 as well as caspase-1-mediated cell death, known as pyroptosis. Dysregulation of inflammasomes causes several diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and gout. In this study, we assess the effect of MB on inflammasome activation in macrophages. As the result, MB attenuated activation of canonical inflammasomes such as NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 as well as non-canonical inflammasome activation. In addition, MB inhibited upstream signals such as inflammasome assembly, phagocytosis, and gene expression of inflammasome components via inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, MB reduced the activity of caspase-1. The anti-inflammasome properties of MB were further confirmed in mice models. Thus, we suggest that MB is a broad-spectrum anti-inflammasome candidate molecule.
Cytokine-induced autophagy promotes long-term VCAM-1 but not ICAM-1 expression by degrading late-phase IκBα
Authors: Chu Ling-Yun , Hsueh Ying-Chang , Cheng Hsiao-Ling , Wu Kenneth K.
Published: September 2017

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are known to induce endothelial cell autophagy, but the role of autophagy in regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules has not been characterized. We hypothesized that autophagy facilitates expression of endothelial adhesion molecules. TNFα and IL-1β induced autophagy markers in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) blocked adhesion of Jurkat lymphocytes. Interestingly, 3-MA suppressed VCAM-1 but not ICAM-1 expression at 24 hours but not 6 hours. 3-MA suppressed VCAM-1 transcription and decreased nuclear NF-κB p65 level at 6 hours but not at 2 hours. Cytokines induced a biphasic degradation of IκBα and 3-MA selectively blocked the late-phase IκBα degradation. Our results suggest that cytokine-induced autophagy contributes to late-phase IκBα degradation, facilitates NF-κB nuclear translocation and VCAM-1 transcription for long-term VCAM-1 expression. With a cytokines array assay, we found that 3-MA also inhibited IP-10 expression. These findings provide new information about the role of endothelial autophagy in persistent expression of VCAM-1 and IP-10 which enhance lymphocyte recruitment and adhesion to endothelium.
Mast Cell-Intervertebral disc cell interactions regulate inflammation, catabolism and angiogenesis in Discogenic Back Pain
Authors: Wiet Matthew G. , Piscioneri Andrew , Khan Safdar N. , Ballinger Megan N. , Hoyland Judith A. , Purmessur Devina
Published: September 2017

Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread debilitating disorder of significant socio-economic importance and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Despite its high prevalence the underlying causes of LBP and IVD degeneration are not well understood. Recent work in musculoskeletal degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis have revealed a critical role for immune cells, specifically mast cells in their pathophysiology, eluding to a potential role for these cells in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration. This study sought to characterize the presence and role of mast cells within the IVD, specifically, mast cell-IVD cell interactions using immunohistochemistry and 3Din-vitrocell culture methods. Mast cells were upregulated in painful human IVD tissue and induced an inflammatory, catabolic and pro-angiogenic phenotype in bovine nucleus pulposus and cartilage endplate cells at the gene level. Healthy bovine annulus fibrosus cells, however, demonstrated a protective role against key inflammatory (IL-1β and TNFα) and pro-angiogenic (VEGFA) genes expressed by mast cells, and mitigated neo-angiogenesis formationin vitro. In conclusion, mast cells can infiltrate and elicit a degenerate phenotype in IVD cells, enhancing key disease processes that characterize the degenerate IVD, making them a potential therapeutic target for LBP.
1, 25(OH)2 D3 Induces Reactivation and Death of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus of Primary Effusion Lymphoma cells
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mohanty Suchitra , Das Piyanki , Sahu Sushil Kumar , Rajasubramaniam Shanmugam , Choudhuri Tathagata
Published: September 2017

Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) a gammaherpesvirus establishes perennial latency in the host with periodic reactivation. Occasionally change in the physiological condition like hypoxia, host cell differentiation can trigger the lytic switch and reactivation of the virus. The biologically active form of 1, 25(OH)2 D3 plays a critical role in the regulation of various physiological processes (e.g. regulation of mineral homeostasis and control of bone metabolism). Apart from its role in host physiology, 1, 25(OH)2 D3 has been implicated as a potential agent for the prevention and/or treatment of many a tumors. Here we show that 1, 25(OH)2 D3 induces both death of Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus infected PEL cells and KSHV replication. 1, 25(OH)2 D3 mediated inhibition of proliferation was associated with apoptosis of the PEL cells, and virus reactivation. In addition, p38 signalling is required for KSHV reactivation. Furthermore, treatment of PEL cells with p38 inhibitor abrogated the expression of ORF57, thus blocking lytic switch. Furthermore, silencing of VDR resulted in reduced ORF57 expression compared to the control cells, signifying the potential role of 1, 25(OH)2 D3 in KSHV reactivation. Thus, our studies have revealed a novel role of 1, 25(OH)2 D3 in the regulation of KSHV reactivation and PEL cell death.
X-ray microbeam measurements with a high resolution scintillator fibre-optic dosimeter
Authors: Archer James , Li Enbang , Petasecca Marco , Dipuglia Andrew , Cameron Matthew , Stevenson Andrew , Hall Chris , Hausermann Daniel , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Lerch Michael
Published: September 2017

Synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy is a novel external beam therapy under investigation, that uses highly brilliant synchrotron x-rays in microbeams 50 μm width, with separation of 400 μm, as implemented here. Due to the fine spatial fractionation dosimetry of these beams is a challenging and complicated problem. In this proof-of-concept work, we present a fibre optic dosimeter that uses plastic scintillator as the radiation conversion material. We claim an ideal one-dimensional resolution of 50 μm. Using plastic scintillator and fibre optic makes this dosimeter water-equivalent, a very desirable dosimetric property. The dosimeter was tested at the Australian Synchrotron, on the Imaging and Medical Beam-Line. The individual microbeams were able to be resolved and the peak-to-valley dose ratio and the full width at half maximum of the microbeams was measured. These results are compared to a semiconductor strip detector of the same spatial resolution. A percent depth dose was measured and compared to data acquired by an ionisation chamber. The results presented demonstrate significant steps towards the development of an optical dosimeter with the potential to be applied in quality assurance of microbeam radiation therapy, which is vital if clinical trials are to be performed on human patients.
Magmatic tempo of Earth’s youngest exposed plutons as revealed by detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology
Authors: Ito Hisatoshi , Spencer Christopher J. , Danišík Martin , Hoiland Carl W.
Published: September 2017

Plutons are formed by protracted crystallization of magma bodies several kilometers deep within the crust. The temporal frequency (i.e. episodicity or ‘tempo’) of pluton formation is often poorly constrained as timescales of pluton formation are largely variable and may be difficult to resolve by traditional dating methods. The Hida Mountain Range of central Japan hosts the youngest exposed plutons on Earth and provides a unique opportunity to assess the temporal and spatial characteristics of pluton emplacement at high temporal resolution. Here we apply U-Pb geochronology to zircon from the Quaternary Kurobegawa Granite and Takidani Granodiorite in the Hida Mountain Range, and from modern river sediments whose fluvial catchments include these plutons in order to reconstruct their formation. The U-Pb data demonstrate that the Kurobegawa pluton experienced two magmatic pulses at ~2.3 Ma and ~0.9 Ma; whereas, to the south, the Takidani pluton experienced only one magmatic pulse at ~1.6 Ma. These data imply that each of these magmatic systems were both spatially and temporally distinct. The apparent ~0.7 Myr age gap between each of the three magmatic pulses potentially constrains the recharge duration of a single pluton within a larger arc plutonic complex.
Genetic connection between cell-wall composition and grain yield via parallel QTL analysis in indica and japonica subspecies
Authors: Xu Zuopeng , Li Shance , Zhang Changquan , Zhang Baocai , Zhu Kongzhi , Zhou Yihua , Liu Qiaoquan
Published: September 2017

Grain yield is a complicated trait, which is highly associated with biomass productivity. The cell wall is a central element of biomass, and its biogenesis contributes to plant architecture and development. However, the genetic link between cell-wall property and grain yield is largely unclear. Here, we report on identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain yield-related traits and cell-wall composition with a set of chromosomal segment substitution lines (CSSLs) that were generated by using 9311, an indica cultivar as donor, and Nipponbare, a japonica cultivar as recipient. Nipponbare and 9311 showed significant differences in grain yield-related traits and cell-wall composition. Genotyping with molecular markers, 125 lines covering 95.6% of the whole genome of 9311 were employed for phenotypic and chemical examinations. Thirty-seven QTLs for grain yield-related traits and nineteen QTLs for cell-wall composition have been identified. In addition to correlation analysis, we found overlapped and closely linked QTLs for two sets of traits. Fine-mapping further narrowed a QTL for cellulose content together with HD17, a known QTL for heading date and grain yield, suggesting that plants may regulate cell wall biogenesis and grain yield via related means. Our study provided genetic clues for cloning QTLs for both complicated traits.
Relationship Between Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Complications or Delivery Outcome
Authors: Yang Wenjia , Han Feifei , Gao Xueying , Chen Yifei , Ji Linong , Cai Xiaoling
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study is to analyse the association between gestational weight gain and delivery outcome or the morbidity of pregnancy complications. A total of 1,102 pregnant women who delivered at Peking University People’s Hospital in China between January 2011 and December 2012 were included in this study. We divided them into 4 groups according to the baseline BMI quartiles and weight gain quartiles in different trimesters of pregnancy to analyse the status of delivery outcome and morbidity of pregnancy complications. Baseline BMI was significantly positive correlated with the morbidity of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes. Weight gain in the second trimester of pregnancy was significantly positively correlated with the morbidity of macrosomia. Weight gain in the third trimester of pregnancy showed significantly positive correlation with the morbidity of macrosomia, and significantly negative correlation with the morbidity of neonatal death, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and low birth-weight infant. Gestational weight gain showed significantly positive correlation with the morbidity of macrosomia and significantly negative correlation with neonatal death, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and low birth-weight infant. There is a correlation between baseline BMI, pregnancy weight gain and gestational complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and status of neonate in varying degrees.
Exploration of changes in the brain response to sleep-related pictures after cognitive–behavioral therapy for psychophysiological insomnia
Authors: Kim Seog Ju , Lee Yu Jin , Kim Nambeom , Kim Soohyun , Choi Jae-Won , Park Juhyun , Gwak Ah Reum , Kang Chang-Ki , Kang Seung-Gul , Jeong Do-Un
Published: September 2017

Psychophysiological insomnia (PI) includes arousal to sleep-related stimuli (SS), which can be treated by cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The present study was an exploratory, prospective intervention study that aimed to explore brain response to visual SS in PI before and after CBT-I. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal differences in response to SS and neutral stimuli (NS) were compared between 14 drug-free PI patients and 18 good sleepers (GS) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). BOLD changes after CBT-I in patients were also examined. PI patients showed higher BOLD activation to SS in the precentral, prefrontal, fusiform, and posterior cingulate cortices before CBT-I. The increased responses to SS were reduced after CBT-I. The increased response to SS in the precentral cortex was associated with longer wake time after sleep onset (WASO), and its reduction after CBT-I was associated with improvements in WASO. Clinical improvements after CBT-I were correlated with BOLD reduction in the right insula and left paracentral cortex in response to SS. PI showed hyper-responses to SS in the precentral cortex, prefrontal cortex, and default mode network and these brain hyper-responses were normalized after CBT-I. CBT-I may exert its treatment effects on PI by reducing hyper-responses to SS in the precentral cortex and insula.
Three-dimensional image reconstruction of distribution of Pnmt+ cell-derived cells in murine heart
Authors: Ni Haibo , Wang Yange , Crawford William , Zhang Shanzhuo , Cheng Longxian , Zhang Henggui , Lei Ming
Published: September 2017

Elucidating the function of specific cell types in a highly complex multicellular system such as the heart often requires detailed anatomic reconstruction. We recently described a distinctive class of phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (Pnmt+) cell-derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs), a new cardiomyocyte population with a potential endocrine role. In this dataset, a 3D reconstruction was carried out to visualise the distribution of PdCMs throughout the murine heart. Rigid registration (stiff rotation and translation) was applied to properly align the fused heart slice images based on landmarks using TrakEM2, an open source plug-in in Fiji. The registered slices were then analysed and reconstructed using MATLAB (MATLAB®. Version 8.3.0.532). The final reconstructed 3D volume was 561×866×48 pixels (corresponding to spatial resolutions of 5.8, 8.9 and 2.5 mm in the x-, y- and z-direction respectively), and visualised in Paraview. The reconstruction allows for detailed analyses of morphology, projections and cellular features of different cell types, enabling further geometrical and topological analyses. Image data can be accessed and viewed through Figshare.
Regioselective surface functionalization of lithographically designed gold nanorods by plasmon-mediated reduction of aryl diazonium salts
Authors: Nguyen Mai , Kherbouche Issam , Gam-Derouich Sarra , Ragheb Iman , Lau-Truong Stéphanie , Lamouri Aazdine , Lévi Georges , Aubard Jean , Decorse Philippe , Félidj Nordin , Mangeney Claire
Published: September 2017

Regioselective surface functionalization of gold nanorods is achieved using the plasmon-mediated reduction of aryl diazonium salts.
Synthesis of trinorbornane
Authors: Delarue Bizzini Lorenzo , Müntener Thomas , Häussinger Daniel , Neuburger Markus , Mayor Marcel
Published: September 2017

The tetracyclic, chiral, and C2-symmetric structure of trinorbornane (tetracyclo[5.2.2.01,6.04,9]undecane) is synthesized for the first time as a racemic mixture.
A bio-inspired design and computational prediction of scorpion-like SCS nickel pincer complexes for lactate racemization
Authors: Qiu Bing , Yang Xinzheng
Published: September 2017

Computationally predicted scorpion-like SCS nickel pincer complexes are promising for the catalysis of lactate racemization under mild conditions.
Local water sensing: water exchange in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers embedded in a trehalose glass studied using multiresonance EPR
Authors: Nalepa Anna , Malferrari Marco , Lubitz Wolfgang , Venturoli Giovanni , Möbius Klaus , Savitsky Anton
Published: September 2017

Pulsed EPR spectroscopies and isotope labeled water are applied to detect and quantify the local water in a bacterial reaction center embedded into a trehalose glass.
On the microscopic origin of the temperature evolution of isosteric heat for methane adsorption on graphite
Authors: Liu Lumeng , Zhang Han , Do D. D. , Nicholson D. , Liu Junjie
Published: September 2017

Evolution of the isosteric heat of methane adsorption on graphite with temperature.
Elastic moduli of biological fibers in a coarse-grained model: crystalline cellulose and β-amyloids
Authors: Poma Adolfo B. , Chwastyk Mateusz , Cieplak Marek
Published: September 2017

Sketch of the nanoindentation process. The experimentalF–h3/2curve, withFas the force andhthe penetration depth. The slope of the curve yields the elastic modulus.
Few-layered metallic 1T-MoS2/TiO2 with exposed (001) facets: two-dimensional nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic activities
Authors: Han HyukSu , Kim Kang Min , Lee Chan-Woo , Lee Caroline S. , Pawar Rajendra C. , Jones Jacob L. , Hong Yu-Rim , Ryu Jeong Ho , Song Taeseup , Kang Suk Hyun , Choi Heechae , Mhin Sungwook
Published: September 2017

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) with exposed (001) facets (TiO2(001)) has attractive photocatalytic properties.
A comparison of SERS and MEF of rhodamine 6G on a gold substrate
Authors: Kohr Elizabeth , Karawdeniya Buddini I. , Dwyer Jason R. , Gupta Anju , Euler William B.
Published: September 2017

Multilayer films of rhodamine 6G can act as its own dielectric layer on gold surfaces to enhance emission spectra.
Power of protein/tRNA functional assembly against aberrant aggregation
Authors: Bou-Nader Charles , Pecqueur Ludovic , Cornu David , Lombard Murielle , Dezi Manuela , Nicaise Magali , Velours Christophe , Fontecave Marc , Hamdane Djemel
Published: September 2017

Understanding the mechanisms of protein oligomerization and aggregation is a major concern for biotechnology and medical purposes.
Enhanced piezoelectricity of monolayer phosphorene oxides: a theoretical study
Authors: Yin Huabing , Zheng Guang-Ping , Gao Jingwei , Wang Yuanxu , Ma Yuchen
Published: September 2017

We investigate the quasiparticle electronic structures and piezoelectronic properties of 2D monolayer phosphorene oxides by using first-principles simulations at different scales.
Topologyvs.thermodynamics in chemical reactions: the instability of PH5
Authors: Tantardini Christian , Benassi Enrico
Published: September 2017

The topological approach, based on Bader theory, is compared to the common thermodynamical methodology to study chemical reactivity.
A series of organic–inorganic hybrid compounds formed by [P2W18O62]6−and several types of transition metal complexes
Authors: Lü Ying , Xiao Li-Na , Hao Xiang-Rong , Cui Xiao-Bing , Xu Ji-Qing
Published: September 2017

A series of new organic–inorganic hybrid compounds based on [P2W18O62]6−and several types of transition metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized.
Structures, electron density and characterization of novel photocatalysts, (BaTaO2N)1−x(SrWO2N)xsolid solutions
Authors: Hibino Keisuke , Yashima Masatomo , Oshima Takayoshi , Fujii Kotaro , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: September 2017

W5+doping in BaTaO2N enhances (Ta,W)–(O,N) covalent bonding and can improve the photocatalytic activity.
Graphene-based antimicrobial nanomaterials: rational design and applications for water disinfection and microbial control
Authors: Zeng Xiangkang , Wang Gen , Liu Yue , Zhang Xiwang
Published: September 2017

Through rational design, graphene-based antimicrobial nanomaterials provide promising alternative approaches for sustainable water disinfection and microbial control.
Metal ions as external stimuli in stereoselective self-sorting of koneramines and thiokoneramines
Authors: Raje Sakthi , Mani Kalaikodikumaran , MinnathParsutkar Mahesh , Angamuthu Raja
Published: September 2017

Stereoselective self-sorting of koneramines and thiokoneramines, which are N3 ligands, evolved from the system of pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde, mono-N-substituted ethylenediamine, primary alcohol or thiol, is observed when metal ions such as Ni(ii), Cu(ii), Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) are added as external stimuli to isolate the emergent molecule.
Probing the competition between acetate and 2,2′-bipyridine ligands to bind to d-block group 12 metals
Authors: do Nascimento Neto José Antônio , da Silva Cameron Capeletti , Ribeiro Leandro , Vasconcelos Géssica Adriana , Gontijo Vaz Boniek , Ferreira Vinicius Sousa , Queiroz Júnior Luiz Henrique Keng , Maia Lauro June Queiroz , Sarotti Ariel M. , Martins Felipe T.
Published: September 2017

Molecular and structural diversity in Zn2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ complexes towards high-efficiency luminescent materials.
Improving solubility and avoiding hygroscopicity of tetrahydroberberine by forming hydrochloride salts by introducing solvents: [HTHB]Cl, [HTHB]Cl·CH3OH and [HTHB]Cl·CH3COOH
Authors: Zhang Yunan , Zhang Dajun , Zhang Yu , Liu Lixin , Zhang Xuesong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yunjie , Chang Liang , Fan Qiushuang , Zhang Yongbiao , Xi Jiaming , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2017

Improving the solubility of tetrahydroberberine by forming hydrochloride salts and avoiding the hygroscopicity.
Controlling charge-transfer properties through a microwave-assisted mono- or bis-annulation of dialkynyl-N-(het)arylpyrroles
Authors: Pierrat Philippe , Hesse Stéphanie , Cebrián Cristina , Gros Philippe C.
Published: September 2017

Charge-transfer properties dependence on mono or bisannulation of dialkynyl-N-(het)arylpyrroles is reported.
Modulating spin dynamics of binuclear LnIII–radical complexes by using different indazole radicals
Authors: Chen Peng Yun , Shi Xiu Juan , Li Ting , Tian Li , Liu Zhong Yi , Hua Feng Zhen , Yu Si Jia , Xu Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2017

Four LnIII–indazole–radical complexes have been synthesized. By changing the location of the radical in the indazole ring, they exhibit interesting magnetic properties.
Relative quantification of neuronal polar lipids by UPLC-MS reveals the brain protection mechanism of Danhong injection
Authors: Xu Jing , Tang Liying , Zhang Qiong , Wei Junying , Xian Minghua , Zhao Ye , Jia Qiang , Li Xin , Zhang Yi , Zhao Yan , Wu Hongwei , Yang Hongjun
Published: September 2017

Promising results from clinical trials have fueled a growing acceptance of Danhong injection (DHI) as a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Far-red fluorescent carbon nano-onions as a biocompatible platform for cellular imaging
Authors: Lettieri Stefania , Camisasca Adalberto , d'Amora Marta , Diaspro Alberto , Uchida Takashi , Nakajima Yoshikata , Yanagisawa Keiichi , Maekawa Toru , Giordani Silvia
Published: September 2017

Fluorescent carbon nano-onions emitting in the far-red spectral window with enhanced solubility in biological media and bright photoluminescence are reported.
Robust quasi-ohmic contact against angle rotation in noble transition-metal-dichalcogenide/graphene heterobilayers
Authors: Hou Siyao , Han Lihong , Wu Liyuan , Quhe Ruge , Lu Pengfei
Published: September 2017

Small Schottky barriers appear in PtS2/graphene and PdS2/graphene against interlayer rotation angles.
The short device lifetimes of blue PhOLEDs: insights into the photostability of blue Ir(iii) complexes
Authors: Jacquemin Denis , Escudero Daniel
Published: September 2017

Computationally-guided blue phosphor design strategies to attain photostable complexes upon PhOLED operation.
Exploring effects of intermittent light upon visible light promoted water oxidations
Authors: Walsh Dominic , Patureau Pascaline , Robertson Karen , Reeksting Shaun , Lubben Anneke , Eslava Salvador , Weller Mark T.
Published: September 2017

Illumination of visible light photocatalytic water oxidations using continuous or intermittent light was investigated using a range of earth abundant metal oxides. Brief light cessations allowed reduced light harvester degradation and gave an approximate doubling of yield and reaction rate.
Influence of multi-cycle loading on the structure and mechanics of marine mussel plaques
Authors: Wilhelm Menaka H. , Filippidi Emmanouela , Waite J. Herbert , Valentine Megan T.
Published: September 2017

Strain-dependent plastic damage within the microstructure of mussel plaque–threads dissipates energy and improves adhesion strength.
Correction: Self-segregated nanostructure in room temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Pontoni Diego , Haddad Julia , Di Michiel Marco , Deutsch Moshe
Published: September 2017

Correction for ‘Self-segregated nanostructure in room temperature ionic liquids’ by Diego Pontoni et al., Soft Matter, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7sm01464c.
Cobalt-doping in Cu2SnS3: enhanced thermoelectric performance by synergy of phase transition and band structure modification
Authors: Zhao Huiwen , Xu Xiaoxuan , Li Chao , Tian Ruoming , Zhang Ruizhi , Huang Rong , Lyu Yinong , Li Dongxu , Hu Xiaohui , Pan Lin , Wang Yifeng
Published: September 2017

Mohite-type ternary sulfide Cu2SnS3, which has been intensively studied in the photovoltaic field, has recently attracted much attention as an outstanding p-type eco-friendly thermoelectric material.
Rigid fused π-spacers in D–π–A type molecules for dye-sensitized solar cells: a computational investigation
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Zhixiang , Song Chongping , Zhang Houyu
Published: September 2017

Rigid π-bridges incorporating fused electron-deficient and electron-rich moieties provide an effective approach to design novel π-bridges for DSSCs.
Toxicity of Pb2+on rat liver mitochondria induced by oxidative stress and mitochondrial permeability transition
Authors: Ma Long , Liu Jun-Yi , Dong Jia-Xin , Xiao Qi , Zhao Jie , Jiang Feng-Lei
Published: September 2017

Toxicities and mechanisms of Pb2+on isolated rat liver mitochondria.
Optically reconfigurable unit cell for Ka‐band reflectarray antennas
Authors: Alizadeh P. , Parini C.G. , Rajab K.Z.
Published: September 2017

A new method for achieving amplitude reconfiguration in a reflectarray antenna is presented in this Letter. An individual unit cell is a compact multilayer structure, including a silver inkjet‐printed layer for rapid prototyping of the reflectarray. A small infrared light emitting diode (IR‐LED) illuminating a silicon wafer provides the reconfiguration in the system. Various illumination intensities of the IR‐LED allow for differing magnitudes of reflection from the unit cell. This provides the potential for radiation pattern tapering or amplitude modifications of the gain of the reflectarray. Simulation and measurement results for a single unit cell are presented here, with the matching between measurement and simulation also allowing for the change in the values of conductivity of the silicon to be extracted.
Oscillator with tunable phase capability
Authors: Maundy B.J. , Elwakil A.S. , Elamien M.B.
Published: September 2017

A novel four‐output oscillator based on cross‐coupled differential pairs is introduced and its validity is verified experimentally using discrete transistors as well as by simulations in a 90 nm CMOS technology. This oscillator has the unique capability of phase tunabililty where the phase shift between two of its outputs can be a design parameter while the phase shift between the other two outputs is always .
Effect of secondary discharge on the repeatability of contact discharge method
Authors: Wan Fayu , Wang Xiangwei , Li Binhong
Published: September 2017

Submillimetre gaps caused by buttons, switches exist in the electronic device. IEC 61000‐4‐2 indicates that contact discharge method will be used if these floating metals could be touched in its normal use. Secondary discharge happens when conduct contact discharge on these floating metals. The influence of the secondary discharge on the repeatability of contact discharge method using experimental method is analysed. At same applied voltage, the secondary discharge current varies largely, causing bad repeatability. The time lag is the main parameter that influences the secondary discharge greatly. The time lag distribution is also analysed.
Adaptive delay control for synchronous rectification phase‐shifted full bridge converter with GaN HEMT
Authors: Joo D.M. , Byun J.E. , Lee B.K. , Kim J.S.
Published: September 2017

An adaptive delay control method for a phase‐shifted full bridge converter with a synchronous rectifier is presented. With this control, the delay time between primary and secondary switches can be optimised to reduce dead time, according to output power. Moreover, due to the poor third quadrant conduction of gallium nitride (GaN) high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs), the dead time needs to be optimised to utilise the benefits of a GaN HEMT. The experimental results with a 500 W prototype show that the efficiency can be improved by 0.7% with the proposed control.
Basis expansion model based spectral efficient channel recovery scheme for spatial‐temporal correlated massive MIMO systems
Authors: Wang Xuesi , Wang Jintao , He Longzhuang , Pan Changyong , Song Jian
Published: September 2017

In this study, a spectral efficient channel recovery scheme is proposed for spatial‐temporal correlated sparse massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems. By exploiting the spatial‐temporal correlations of massive MIMO channels, superimposed time‐frequency training sequences (TSs) are jointly utilised for accurate channel state information (CSI) acquisition. Moreover, a novel time‐frequency TS pattern design scheme is proposed to improve the recovery performance based on structured compressive sensing theory. Furthermore, the discrete prolate spheroidal basis expansion model of massive MIMO channels in the space‐domain is utilised to reduce the frequency‐domain pilots overhead and improve the spectral efficiency. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme could achieve accurate CSI with great improvement in spectral efficiency and computational complexity.
Performance analysis of energy harvesting relay systems under unreliable backhaul connections
Authors: Nguyen Huy T. , Nguyen Sang Quang , Hwang Won‐Joo
Published: September 2017

In this study, the performance of energy harvesting systems in the presence of unreliable backhaul links is investigated over independent but not necessarily identically distributed Nakagami‐m fading channels. In particular, the energy‐constrained relay uses the amount of harvested energy from the best small‐cell transmitter based on time switching‐based relaying protocol to process for the next hop transmission. The authors derived the closed‐form expressions of the outage probability and the effective throughput with two distinct transmission schemes: (i) delay‐limited transmission, and (ii) delay‐tolerance transmission are attained. In order to assess the impacts of unreliable backhaul links, they thus obtain the asymptotic expression of the outage probability in high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) regime. The numerical results are conducted to analyse the effects of energy harvesting fraction time, energy efficiency, backhaul reliability, and the fading parameters on the system performance. The authors' results show that under the unreliable backhaul links the outage probability yields the error‐floor in the high SNR regime which demonstrates the significant impact of the backhaul unreliability.
Mitigation of self‐interference and multi‐user interference in downlink multi‐user MIMO system
Authors: Ahmed Rafeeq , Al‐Saggaf Ubaid M. , Moinuddin Muhammad , Hassan Ahmad Kamal
Published: September 2017

Here, the authors develop a method of simultaneous optimisation of precoder and equaliser for the multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system by minimising outage probability. In order to do that, the authors first characterise the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio of downlink multi‐user MIMO system in the presence of both multi‐user interference and self‐interference. The closed‐form expression for the outage probability is derived in terms of the eigenvalues of an indefinite weight matrix of a quadratic norm. Next, the authors develop an active‐set algorithm‐based precoder and equaliser by minimising the derived outage probability expression. This work investigates the effect of various system parameters such as the number of users, the number of multi‐path channels, the number of transmitting and receiving antenna elements, and the additive noise variance on the outage probability and bit error rate. Simulation results validate the theoretical analysis for multiple system configurations. Lastly, the authors show that the designed precoder and equaliser improves the overall system performance.
Virtual Element Method for the Laplace-Beltrami equation on surfaces
Authors: Frittelli Massimo , Sgura Ivonne
Published: September 2017

We present and analyze a Virtual Element Method (VEM) for the Laplace-Beltrami equation on a surface in ℝ3, that we call Surface Virtual Element Method (SVEM). The method combines the Surface Finite Element Method (SFEM) (Dziuk, Eliott, G. Dziuk and C.M. Elliott., Acta Numer. 22 (2013) 289–396.) and the recent VEM (Beirão da Veiga et al., Math. Mod. Methods Appl. Sci. 23 (2013) 199–214.) in order to allow for a general polygonal approximation of the surface. We account for the error arising from the geometry approximation and in the case of polynomial order k = 1 we extend to surfaces the error estimates for the interpolation in the virtual element space. We prove existence, uniqueness and first order H1 convergence of the numerical solution.We highlight the differences between SVEM and VEM from the implementation point of view. Moreover, we show that the capability of SVEM of handling nonconforming and discontinuous meshes can be exploited in the case of surface pasting. We provide some numerical experiments to confirm the convergence result and to show an application of mesh pasting.
The Emergence of Classical Homoeopathy as Opposed to the Later Hahnemannian Approach
Authors: Roy Ravi
Published: September 2017

Curiously, classical homoeopathy has departed from the unalloyed homoeopathy which Hahnemann developed. The actual discrepancies between Hahnemann's homoeopathy and classical homoeopathy are astounding. The distinction began with the theory of chronic diseases, the miasms, that Hahnemann put forward in 1828. This led to the ignoring of the rules and principles he laid down in his work, The Chronic Diseases. Since then, classical homoeopaths have disregarded the later works of Hahnemann and have adhered to the earlier editions of The Organon. Hering's practice does not confirm to the principles and rules laid down by Hahnemann in The Chronic Diseases, even though Hering praises the genius of Hahnemann's theory of the miasms. He also propagated classical homoeopathy in America; therefore, the last and very fruitful 15 years of Hahnemann's research remains widely unaccounted for in the English literature. The cleft in Germany between classical and Hahnemannian homoeopathy started in the 1830s and the magazine Die Allgemeine Homöopathische Zeitung became the journal for classical homoeopathy. These classical homoeopaths laid down the fundamentals of the homoeopathy they adhered to, and Hahnemann's homoeopathy went into the shadows; it was practised by a very few. Now it is time to revive Hahnemann's homoeopathy and remind people of his extraordinary insights and of their effectiveness.
Health Information Management: Changing with Time
Authors: Fenton S. H. , Low S. , Abrams K. J. , Butler-Henderson K.
Published: September 2017

Objective: With the evolution of patient medical records from paper to electronic media and the changes to the way data is sourced, used, and managed, there is an opportunity for health information management (HIM) to learn and facilitate the increasing expanse of available patient data.

Methods: This paper discusses the emerging trends and lessons learnt in relation with the following four areas: 1) data and information governance, 2) terminology standards certification, 3) International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11), and 4) data analytics and HIM.

Results: The governance of patient data and information increasingly requires the HIM profession to incorporate the roles of data scientists and data stewards into its portfolio to ensure data analytics and digital transformation is appropriately managed. Not only are terminology standards required to facilitate the structure and primary use of this data, developments in Canada in relation with the standards, role descriptions, framework and curricula in the form of certification provide one prime example of ensuring the quality of the secondary use of patient data. The impending introduction of ICD-11 brings with it the need for the HIM profession to manage the transition between ICD versions and country modifications incorporating changes to standards and tools, and the availability and type of patient data available for secondary use.

Conclusions: In summary, the health information management profession now requires abilities in leadership, data, and informatics in addition to health information science and coding skills to facilitate the expanding secondary use of patient data.