bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific geographic variation in rod and cone visual pigment sensitivity of a parrot, Platycercus elegans
Authors: Knott Ben , Berg Mathew L. , Ribot Raoul F. H. , Endler John A. , Bennett Andrew T. D.
Published: January 2017

Variation in wavelength sensitivity among subspecies is unknown among vertebrates. The parrot Platycercus elegans has extreme plumage variation between subspecies ranging from pale yellow to crimson which, with differences in background colour and light environment between subspecies, makes it a good candidate for the evolution of within-species differences in vision. We report differences in visual pigments between populations of P. elegans from two subspecies, providing the first known support for population and subspecies variation in visual pigments within a vertebrate species; it is also the first instance of intraspecific variation in rod sensitivity within any vertebrate species. Differences in wavelength sensitivity of rods and cones corresponded to geographic differences in plumage colour. Between study populations, visual pigments varied but not oil droplets. Adaptive functions for the visual pigment differences are untested but they could cause divergence in behaviours associated with colour as well as in dim light, and provide insights into the role of senses in divergence and speciation.
Identification of a novel selective PPARγ ligand with a unique binding mode and improved therapeutic profile in vitro
Authors: Yi Wei , Shi Jingjing , Zhao Guanguan , Zhou X. Edward , Suino-Powell Kelly , Melcher Karsten , Xu H. Eric
Published: January 2017

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) function as potent anti-diabetic drugs through their direct action on the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), but their therapeutic benefits are compromised by severe side effects. To address this concern, here we developed a potent “hit” compound, VSP-51, which is a novel selective PPARγ-modulating ligand with improved therapeutic profiles in vitro compared to the multi-billion dollar TZD drug rosiglitazone (Rosi). Unlike Rosi, VSP-51 is a partial agonist of PPARγ with improved insulin sensitivity due to its ability to bind PPARγ with high affinity without stimulating adipocyte differentiation and the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. We have determined the crystal structure of the PPARγ ligand-binding domain (LBD) in complex with VSP-51, which revealed a unique mode of binding for VSP-51 and provides the molecular basis for the discrimination between VSP-51 from TZDs and other ligands such as telmisartan, SR1663 and SR1664. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that: a) VSP-51 can serve as a promising candidate for anti-diabetic drug discovery; and b) provide a rational basis for the development of future pharmacological agents targeting PPARγ with advantages over current TZD drugs.
Protective effect of butin against ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury in diabetic mice: involvement of the AMPK/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Duan Jialin , Guan Yue , Mu Fei , Guo Chao , Zhang Enhu , Yin Ying , Wei Guo , Zhu Yanrong , Cui Jia , Cao Jinyi , Weng Yan , Wang Yanhua , Xi Miaomiao , Wen Aidong
Published: January 2017

Hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation contributes to development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study was designed to determine the effect of an antioxidant butin (BUT) on ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury in diabetic mice. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) was induced in C57/BL6J diabetes mice. Infarct size and cardiac function were detected. For in vitro study, H9c2 cells were used. To clarify the mechanisms, proteases inhibitors or siRNA were used. Proteins levels were investigated by Western blotting. In diabetes MI/R model, BUT significantly alleviated myocardial infarction and improved heart function, together with prevented diabetes-induced cardiac oxidative damage. The expression of Nrf2, AMPK, AKT and GSK-3β were significantly increased by BUT. Furthermore, in cultured H9c2 cardiac cells silencing Nrf2 gene with its siRNA abolished the BUT’s prevention of I/R-induced myocardial injury. Inhibition of AMPK and AKT signaling by relative inhibitor or specific siRNA decreased the level of BUT-induced Nrf2 expression, and diminished the protective effects of BUT. The interplay relationship between GSK-3β and Nrf2 was also verified with relative overexpression and inhibitors. Our findings indicated that BUT protected against I/R-induced ROS-mediated apoptosis by upregulating the AMPK/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, which further activated Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes in diabetic cardiomyocytes exposed to I/R.
Effects of non-exciton components excited by broadband pulses on quantum beats in a GaAs/AlAs multiple quantum well
Authors: Kojima Osamu , Iwasaki Yuki , Kita Takashi , Akahane Kouichi
Published: January 2017

In this study, we report the effect of the excitation of non-exciton components caused by broadband pulses on quantum beat oscillation. Using a spectrally controlled pump pulse, a long-lived oscillation is clearly observed, and the pump-power dependence shows the suppression of the dephasing rate of the oscillation. Our results from incoherent carrier generation using a continuous wave laser demonstrate that the non-exciton components behaving as free carriers increase the oscillation dephasing rate.
Nano-biomimetic carriers are implicated in mechanistic evaluation of intracellular gene delivery
Authors: Alipour Mohsen , Hosseinkhani Saman , Sheikhnejad Reza , Cheraghi Roya
Published: January 2017

Several tissue specific non-viral carriers have been developed for gene delivery purposes. However, the inability to escape endosomes, undermines the efficacy of these carriers. Researchers inspired by HIV and influenza virus, have randomly used Gp41 and H5WYG fusogenic peptides in several gene delivery systems without any rational preference. Here for the first time, we have genetically engineered two Nano-biomimetic carriers composed of either HWYG (HNH) or Gp41 (GNH) that precisely provide identical conditions for the study and evaluation of these fusogenic peptides. The luciferase assay demonstrated a two-fold higher transfection efficiency of HNH compared to GNH. These nanocarriers also displayed equivalent properties in terms of DNA binding ability and DNA protection against serum nucleases and formed similar nanoparticles in terms of surface charge and size. Interestingly, hemolysis and cellular analysis demonstrated both of nanoparticles internalized into cells in similar rate and escaped from endosome with different efficiency. Furthermore, the structural analysis revealed the mechanisms responsible for the superior endosomal escaping capability of H5WYG. In conclusion, this study describes the rationale for using H5WYG peptide to deliver nucleic acids and suggests that using nano-biomimetic carriers to screen different endosomal release peptides, improves gene delivery significantly.
Effects of interspecific interaction-linked habitat factors on moose resource selection and environmental stress
Authors: Bao Heng , Fryxell John M. , Liu Hui , Dou Hongliang , Ma Yingjie , Jiang Guangshun
Published: January 2017

Resource selection of herbivores is a complex ecological process that operates in relation to biological or non-biological factors, which may affect the feeding and movement, and subsequently their spatial distribution and environmental stress. Here, we estimated moose (Alces alces cameloides) resource selection for habitat variables and the effect of interspecific interactions related to roe deer (Capreolus pygargus bedfordi) on its population distribution and environmental stress in the Khingan Mountain region of northeast China at local and regional scales. Different response patterns of moose resource selection, spatial distribution, and environmental stress to interspecific interaction-linked habitat factors were shown at the two scales. A general ecological chain, response of moose to interspecific interaction-linked habitat factors, was exhibited at the regional scale, and at the local scale, heterogeneous responses, linkages of habitat selection and environmental stress of moose population might be driven by different interspecific interaction patterns. Our study firstly suggested that moose resource selection, food availability, diet quality, population density and environmental stress indicators were impacted by interactions with the distribution of other sympatric herbivore species and showed differences in ecological response chains at various spatial scales. These findings are useful for sympatric herbivore assembly conservation, habitat quality monitoring and management.
Converting Ni-loaded biochars into supercapacitors: Implication on the reuse of exhausted carbonaceous sorbents
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zhang Yue , Pei Lei , Ying Diwen , Xu Xiaoyun , Zhao Ling , Jia Jinping , Cao Xinde
Published: January 2017

Biochar derived from waste biomass has proven as a promising sorbent for removal of heavy metals from wastewater. However, proper disposal of such a heavy metal-containing biochar is challengeable. The major objective of this study is to create a reuse way by converting the heavy metal-loaded biochar into supercapacitor. Two biochars were produced from dairy manure and sewage sludge, respectively, and subjected to sorption of Ni from solution, and then the Ni-loaded biochar underwent microwave treatments for fabrication of supercapacitor. The specific capacitance of biochar supercapacitor increased with Ni loading, especially the Ni-loaded biochar further treated with microwave in which the capacitance increased by over 2 times, compared to the original biochar supercapacitors. The increase of capacitance in the Ni-loaded biochar supercapacitor following microwave treatment was mainly attributed to the conversion of Ni into NiO and NiOOH, which was evidenced by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The biochar supercapacitors, especially microwave-treated Ni-loaded biochar supercapacitors exhibited the high stability of specific capacitance, with less than 2% loss after 1000 charge-discharge cycles. This study demonstrated that Ni-loaded biochar can be further utilized for generation of supercapacitor, providing a potential way for the reuse of exhausted carbonaceous sorbents.
Discovery of Cancer Driver Long Noncoding RNAs across 1112 Tumour Genomes: New Candidates and Distinguishing Features
Authors: Lanzós Andrés , Carlevaro-Fita Joana , Mularoni Loris , Reverter Ferran , Palumbo Emilio , Guigó Roderic , Johnson Rory
Published: January 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a vast unexplored genetic space that may hold missing drivers of tumourigenesis, but few such “driver lncRNAs” are known. Until now, they have been discovered through changes in expression, leading to problems in distinguishing between causative roles and passenger effects. We here present a different approach for driver lncRNA discovery using mutational patterns in tumour DNA. Our pipeline, ExInAtor, identifies genes with excess load of somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) across panels of tumour genomes. Heterogeneity in mutational signatures between cancer types and individuals is accounted for using a simple local trinucleotide background model, which yields high precision and low computational demands. We use ExInAtor to predict drivers from the GENCODE annotation across 1112 entire genomes from 23 cancer types. Using a stratified approach, we identify 15 high-confidence candidates: 9 novel and 6 known cancer-related genes, including MALAT1, NEAT1 and SAMMSON. Both known and novel driver lncRNAs are distinguished by elevated gene length, evolutionary conservation and expression. We have presented a first catalogue of mutated lncRNA genes driving cancer, which will grow and improve with the application of ExInAtor to future tumour genome projects.
Hazy Transparent Cellulose Nanopaper
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Chun , Koga Hirotaka , Suganuma Katsuaki , Nogi Masaya
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to clarify light scattering mechanism of hazy transparent cellulose nanopaper. Clear optical transparent nanopaper consists of 3–15 nm wide cellulose nanofibers, which are obtained by the full nanofibrillation of pulp fibers. At the clear transparent nanopaper with 40 μm thickness, their total transmittance are 89.3–91.5% and haze values are 4.9–11.7%. When the pulp fibers are subjected to weak nanofibrillation, hazy transparent nanopapers are obtained. The hazy transparent nanopaper consists of cellulose nanofibers and some microsized cellulose fibers. At the hazy transparent nanopaper with 40 μm thickness, their total transmittance were constant at 88.6–92.1% but their haze value were 27.3–86.7%. Cellulose nanofibers are solid cylinders, whereas the pulp fibers are hollow cylinders. The hollow shape is retained in the microsized cellulose fibers, but they are compressed flat inside the nanopaper. This compressed cavity causes light scattering by the refractive index difference between air and cellulose. As a result, the nanopaper shows a hazy transparent appearance and exhibits a high thermal durability (295–305 °C), and low thermal expansion (8.5–10.6 ppm/K) because of their high density (1.29–1.55 g/cm3) and crystallinity (73–80%).
LPS-induced inflammatory response is suppressed by Wnt inhibitors, Dickkopf-1 and LGK974
Authors: Jang Jaewoong , Jung Yoonju , Kim Youngeun , Jho Eek-hoon , Yoon Yoosik
Published: January 2017

In this study, LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC)s were found to be prevented by Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a secreted Wnt antagonist, and LGK974, a small molecular inhibitor of the Wnt secretion. LPS-induced IκB degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation as well as the expressions of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-6, IL-8, TNF- α, IL-1β, MCP-1, MMP-9, COX-2 and iNOS, were all suppressed by DKK-1 and LGK974 in a dose-dependent manner. The suppressive effects of LGK974 on NF-κB, IκB, and pro-inflammatory gene expression were rescued by ectopic expression of β-catenin, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory activity of LGK974 is mediated by modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and not by unrelated side effects. When Wnt recombinant proteins were treated to cells, Wnt3a and Wnt5a significantly induced pro-inflammatory gene expressions, while Wnt7a and Wnt10b showed little effects. It was also found that Wnt3a and Wnt5a expressions were significantly induced by LPS treatment. Consistently, knockdown of Wnt3a and Wnt5a blocked LPS-induced inflammatory responses, while treatment of recombinant Wnt3a and Wnt5a proteins rescued the inhibition of inflammatory responses by LGK974. Findings of this study showed that DKK-1 and LGK974 suppress LPS-induced inflammatory response by modulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Attention Bias of Avoidant Individuals to Attachment Emotion Pictures
Authors: Liu Ying , Ding Yi , Lu Luluzi , Chen Xu
Published: January 2017

How attachment style affects emotion processing is tightly connected with individuals’ attention bias. This experiment explored avoidant individuals’ attentional engagement and attentional disengagement using a cue-target paradigm in fMRI. The experimental group consisted of 17 avoidant participants, while the control group consisted of 16 secure participants; these were identified by the Experiences in Close Relationships inventory and the Relationship Questionnaire. Each reacted to pictures of positive parent-child attachment, negative parent-child attachment, positive romantic attachment, negative romantic attachment, and neutral non-attachment. Behaviorally, avoidant individuals were slower than secure individuals in responding to emotions and their attentional disengagement effect for negative parent-child emotions was stronger than positive ones. fMRI results showed that avoidant compared to secure individuals activated more strongly in the right superior temporal gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, and the left medial frontal gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, supplementary motor area, and cingulate gyrus. They also showed stronger activation in disengaging from positive than negative emotions in the bilateral fusiform and middle occipital gyri. In conclusion, avoidant individuals could detect emotions as effective as secure individuals in attentioal engaging stages. They can disengage from positive emotions with effective cognitive resources and were harder to get rid of negative emotions with insufficient resource.
Periostin Upregulates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Promote the
Osteogenesis of CTLA4-Modified Human Bone
Marrow-Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Fei , Luo Keyu , Rong Zhigang , Wang Zhengdong , Luo Fei , Zhang Zehua , Sun Dong , Dong Shiwu , Xu Jianzhong , Dai Fei
Published: January 2017

The enhanced osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modified by
expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) has been shown in
previous studies, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here we found that the bone
repair effect of CTLA4-modified MSCs in
demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in a rabbit radius defect model was significantly
better than that observed for unmodified MSCs in DBM or DBM alone, and the periostin
(POSTN) expression in CTLA4-modified MSCs was
significantly higher than that in unmodified MSCs both in
vivo and in vitro. In addition, we
also found that treatment of CTLA4-modified MSCs
with soluble POSTN could inhibit the glycogen synthase kinase-3β activity and
increase β-catenin expression through up-regulation of lipoprotein-related protein-6
phosphorylation to promote osteogenic differentiation, but blocking of integrin
αvβ3, a receptor of POSTN, could suppress these effects. Our data demonstrated that
POSTN expressed in response to CTLA4 can promote the osteogenesis of
xenotransplanted MSCs through interaction with Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Differentiation of Club Cells to Alveolar Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Zheng Dahai , Soh Boon-Seng , Yin Lu , Hu Guangan , Chen Qingfeng , Choi Hyungwon , Han Jongyoon , Chow Vincent T. K. , Chen Jianzhu
Published: January 2017

Club cells are known to function as regional progenitor cells to repair the bronchiolar epithelium in response to lung damage. By lineage tracing in mice, we have shown recently that club cells also give rise to alveolar type 2 cells (AT2s) and alveolar type 1 cells (AT1s) during the repair of the damaged alveolar epithelium. Here, we show that when highly purified, anatomically and phenotypically confirmed club cells are seeded in 3-dimensional culture either in bulk or individually, they proliferate and differentiate into both AT2- and AT1-like cells and form alveolar-like structures. This differentiation was further confirmed by transcriptomic analysis of freshly isolated club cells and their cultured progeny. Freshly isolated club cells express Sca-1 and integrin α6, markers commonly used to characterize lung stem/progenitor cells. Together, current study for the first time isolated highly purified club cells for in vitro study and demonstrated club cells’ capacity to differentiate into alveolar epithelial cells at the single-cell level.
Microencapsulation of Probiotic Bacteria into Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Cook M. T. , Charalampopoulos D. , Khutoryanskiy V. V.
Published: January 2017

The oral consumption of probiotic bacteria has become a popular method of improving gut health. However, a large number of potentially probiotic strains are too acid sensitive to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract, or storage in foods. A popular method of protecting these cells, thereby improving a supplement's efficacy, is by microencapsulation into hydrogels based on the ionic gelation of alginates. The majority of work concerning the use of hydrogels in cell-based therapies involves the study of eukaryotes, and the use of prokaryotic cells, such as probiotics, requires different considerations to be made. Described within this chapter is a description of the development of alginate microencapsulation, its adaptation, and demonstrations of its efficacy in protecting live probiotic cells.
Statistical Analysis of Comet Assay Data
Authors: Lovell David P.
Published: January 2017

This chapter describes the issues associated with the experimental design and statistical analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as human studies and other biomonitoring investigations using the Comet assay. The objective is to describe the concepts underlying the designs and analyses rather than provide detailed mathematical descriptions of the various methods. Emphasis is given to the identification of the experimental unit, the role of power and sample size calculations in the design and the care needed to be taken to avoid artefactual results.
Visualisation of the Permeation of Chlorhexidine Within Skin Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)
Authors: Judd A. , Scurr D. , Heylings J. , Griffiths D. , Wan K.-W. , Moss G. P.
Published: January 2017

The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, is the rate-limiting barrier to the ingress of exogenous chemicals. To improve the bioavailablility of future topically applied formulations, the permeation pathway and distribution throughout the skin strata must be understood and permeation into and across the skin characterised. Thus, this study outlines the development of a Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) method in order to visualise drug permeation within the skin and its potential applications in skin permeation studies.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kou, Ph.D. Zhifeng , Benson, M.D., Randall R. , Mark Haacke, Ph.D. E.
Published: January 2017

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) constitutes the majority of brain trauma cases. Despite its prevalence, detection in clinical imaging remains a challenge, as does the ability to predict duration and extent of disability. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods combined with improved data analytic techniques have already demonstrated the potential to meet this challenge. This chapter reviews the recent progress in detection and outcome prediction in mTBI using the latest MRI techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and perfusion imaging. In the past five years, several published reports have found that DTI is sensitive to alterations in white matter ultrastructure which are not revealed in conventional MRI. More specifically, DTI reveals alterations in the ultrastructure of white matter axons caused by traumatic shear and stretch, which have been shown to correlate with clinical severity indicators and neuropsychological deficits. By virtue of its excellent sensitivity to iron and deoxygenated hemoglobin, SWI has demonstrated exquisite detection of hemorrhages, including the smallest micro-hemorrhages, which are frequently seen in TBI. MRS is capable of detecting indicators of injury by quantification of cerebral metabolic compounds (i.e. metabolites) which have also been found to be predictive of outcome and neuropsychological impairments. Measurement of perfusion has demonstrated utility in moderate and severe TBI using radioisotope techniques such as SPECT and PET and is now being explored using high-resolution flow sensitized MRI methods. Used together, these advanced imaging techniques have the potential to serve as a set of surrogate biomarkers which can be used in determining prognosis and will likely have a major role in animal and human therapeutic trials, both to improve selection criteria of experimental subjects and to provide a number of new biomarkers to follow in addition to conventional clinical and behavioral measures. These methods, in addition to still other MRI methods, including functional MRI and functional connectivity, may help to reveal the neural mechanisms underlying neurocognitive recovery following TBI. Therefore, it is expected that continued progress using these advanced MR imaging techniques at all stages of TBI will likely impact the routine diagnosis care of TBI including mTBI in the not too distant future.
Utilities of TBI Biomarkers in Various Clinical Settings
Authors: Mondello Stefania , Hayes Ronald L. , Wang Kevin K. W.
Published: January 2017

Biochemical markers are urgently needed to improve diagnosis, guide molecularly targeted therapy, and monitor activity and therapeutic response in traumatic brain injury. Proteomics methods based on mass spectrometry hold special promise for the discovery of novel biomarkers that might form the foundation for new clinical blood tests, but to date there are no biomarkers of brain injury approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This chapter will provide a detailed outline of the overall process of biomarker discovery, the regulatory considerations necessary for a biomarker to file for approval by FDA, and information on their clinical utility for diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients exposed to severe brain injuries.
The influence of surface modified poly(l-lactic acid) films on the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages
Authors: Correia Clara R. , Gaifem Joana , Oliveira Mariana B. , Silvestre Ricardo , Mano João F.
Published: January 2017

The interaction of human monocytes with different surface modified poly(l-lactic acid) films was evaluated. All surface modified films disrupted the balance of macrophage polarization towards a favorable anti-inflammatory profile, particularly after an LPS stimulus.
The hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit on high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in SD rats
Authors: Huang Cheng-Ze , Tung Yu-Tang , Hsia Shih-Min , Wu Chi-Hao , Yen Gow-Chin
Published: January 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease, is closely associated with metabolic syndrome and refers to the accumulation of hepatic steatosis not due to excess alcohol consumption.
Highly uniform SERS-active microchannel on hydrophobic PDMS: a balance of high reproducibility and sensitivity for detection of proteins
Authors: Lu Hui , Zhu Li , Zhang Chuanlong , Wang Zhile , Lv Yiru , Chen Kexiang , Cui Yiping
Published: January 2017

SERS-active microchannels on hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with both high reproducibility and sensitivity are fabricated. Proteins might denature while drying on the SERS-active substrate, but keep native structures in the microchannels.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of terminal functionalized thiourea-containing dipeptides as antitumor agents
Authors: Huang Ri-Zhen , Zhang Bin , Huang Xiao-Chao , Liang Gui-Bin , Qin Jian-Mei , Pan Ying-Ming , Liao Zhi-Xin , Wang Heng-Shan
Published: January 2017

Terminal functionalized dipeptide derivatives containing the thiourea moiety were synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activity. Representative compoundI-11induced apoptosis by the ROS-dependent endoplasmic reticulum pathway in NCI-H460 cells.
Cryo scanning probe nanotomography study of the structure of alginate microcarriers
Authors: Efimov Anton E. , Agapova Olga I. , Safonova Liubov A. , Bobrova Maria M. , Volkov Alexey D. , Khamkhash Laura , Agapov Igor I.
Published: January 2017

Nanostructure of microparticles of decellularized rat liver ECM on spherical alginate hydrogel microcarriers is analyzed by cryo scanning probe nanotomography.
Mapping metabolites from rough terrain: laser ablation electrospray ionization on non-flat samples
Authors: Bartels Benjamin , Kulkarni Purva , Danz Norbert , Böcker Sebastian , Saluz Hans Peter , Svatoš Aleš
Published: January 2017

A laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) source was custom-built to accommodate the topography of non-flat sample surfaces. Reproducible ablation mark diameters of 69 ± 7 μm in average have been achieved.
Iron–nitrogen co-doped hierarchically mesoporous carbon spheres as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Liu You-Lin , Xu Xue-Yan , Shi Cheng-Xiang , Ye Xin-Wei , Sun Ping-Chuan , Chen Tie-Hong
Published: January 2017

Iron and nitrogen co-doped hierarchically mesoporous carbon spheres (Fe–N–CS) were successfully prepared by using hierarchically mesoporous silica spheres as hard template.
A renewable bio-based epoxy resin with improved mechanical performance that can compete with DGEBA
Authors: Nikafshar Saeid , Zabihi Omid , Hamidi Susan , Moradi Yousef , Barzegar Saeed , Ahmadi Mojtaba , Naebe Minoo
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to find a suitable substitution for diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA) to avoid the devastating side effects of bisphenol A.
Europium-based infinite coordination polymer nanospheres as an effective fluorescence probe for phosphate sensing
Authors: Song Xiangyang , Ma Yue , Ge Xiao , Zhou Hongjian , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Tang Xiaoxian , Zhang Yunxia
Published: January 2017

Uniform europium-based infinite coordination polymer nanospheres have been successfully fabricated as an effective fluorescence probe for phosphate sensing.
Tailoring the alignment of string-like nanoparticle assemblies in a functionalized polymer matrix via steady shear
Authors: Chen Yulong , Liu Jun , Liu Li , Han Huanre , Xu Qian , Qian Xin
Published: January 2017

This work reports the steady shear induced aligning behaviour of nanoparticle strings in a functionalized polymer matrix.
Managing nucleophilic addition reactions to tune the physical properties of 2-substituted pentamethylBODIPY derivatives
Authors: Sritharan S. R. , Hussein B. A. , Machin D. D. , El-Aooiti M. A. , Adjei J. A. , Singh J. K. , Pau J. T. H. , Dhindsa J. S. , Lough A. J. , Koivisto B. D.
Published: January 2017

A structure–property study using a new approach to electronically desymmetrize the BODIFY core.
Large-scale synthesis of uniformly loaded cobalt nanoparticles on alumina for efficient clean fuel production
Authors: Park Ji Chan , Kwon Jae In , Kang Shin Wook , Chun Dong Hyun , Lee Ho-Tae , Jung Heon , Yang Jung-Il
Published: January 2017

The Co/Al2O3 nanocatalyst prepared with tens of gram scale in a batch, showed good CO conversion (∼76%), very high CTY value (∼1.4 × 10−4 molCO gCo−1 s−1) and remarkable hydrocarbon productivity (∼1.0 gHC gcat−1 h−1) under controlled FTS conditions.
Ideal strength and elastic instability in single-layer 8-Pmmn borophene
Authors: Yuan Junhui , Yu Niannian , Xue Kanhao , Miao Xiangshui
Published: January 2017

The 8-Pmmn borophene is predicted to be a hard but also flexible 2D material.
Monodisperse anatase titania microspheres with high-thermal stability and large pore size (∼80 nm) as efficient photocatalysts
Authors: Cao Lu , Chen Dehong , Wu Wu-Qiang , Tan Jeannie Z. Y. , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: January 2017

Anatase microspheres maintain the crystal phase after heating at temperatures > 800 °C and are photocatalytically active under UV-light.
Poly-γ-glutamic acid-based GGT-targeting and surface camouflage strategy for improving cervical cancer gene therapy
Authors: Tan Jiao , Wang Huiyuan , Xu Fan , Chen Yingzhi , Zhang Meng , Peng Huige , Sun Xun , Shen Youqing , Huang Yongzhuo
Published: January 2017

A γ-PGA-based GGT-targeting and surface camouflage strategy for constructing a ternary layer-by-layer self-assembly gene delivery system.
Correction: Liquid-capped encoded microcapsules for multiplex assays
Authors: Song Younghoon , Jeong Yunjin , Kwon Taehong , Lee Daewon , Oh Dong Yoon , Park Tae-Joon , Kim Junhoi , Kim Jiyun , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: January 2017

Correction for 'Liquid-capped encoded microcapsules for multiplex assays' by Younghoon Song et al., Lab Chip, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01268j.
Aerosol delivery of biocompatible dihydroergotamine-loaded PLGA-PSPE polymeric micelles for efficient lung cancer therapy
Authors: Qiao Jian-Bin , Jang Yoonjeong , Fan Qian-Qian , Chang Seung-Hee , Xing Lei , Cui Peng-Fei , He Yu-Jing , Lee Soomin , Hwang Sunghyun , Cho Myung-Haing , Jiang Hu-Lin
Published: January 2017

Safe and efficient drug delivery systems have received great attention for cancer therapy due to their enhanced cancer-targeting efficiency and reduced undesirable side effects.
Stretchable, alternating-current-driven white electroluminescent device based on bilayer-structured quantum-dot-embedded polydimethylsiloxane elastomer
Authors: Jeong Soon Moon , Song Seongkyu , Kim Hyunmin , Baek Seong-Ho , Kwak Joon Seop
Published: January 2017

This study examines the use of a spontaneously formed bilayer-structured emitting layer for white light from stretchable ACEL devices.
Correction: Three-dimensional homo-nanostructured MnO2/nanographene membranes on a macroporous electrically conductive network for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Dajun , Xu Shaohui , Zhang Chi , Zhu Yiping , Xiong Dayuan , Huang Rong , Qi Ruijuan , Wang Lianwei , Chu Paul K.
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Three-dimensional homo-nanostructured MnO2/nanographene membranes on a macroporous electrically conductive network for high performance supercapacitors’ by Dajun Wu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 11317–11329.
Binding of NADP+ triggers an open-to-closed transition in a mycobacterial FabG β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase
Authors: Blaise Mickaël , Van Wyk Niël , Banères-Roquet Françoise , Guérardel Yann , Kremer Laurent
Published: January 2017

The ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase FabG catalyzes the NADPH/NADH dependent reduction of β-ketoacyl-ACP substrates to β-hydroxyacyl-ACP products, the first reductive step in the fatty acid biosynthesis elongation cycle. FabG proteins are ubiquitous in bacteria and are part of the type II fatty acid synthase system. Mining the Mycobacterium smegmatis genome uncovered several putative FabG-like proteins. Among them, we identified M. smegmatis MSMEG_6753 whose gene was found adjacent to MSMEG_6754, encoding a recently characterized enoyl-CoA dehydratase, and to MSMEG_6755, encoding another potential reductase. Recombinantly expressed and purified MSMEG_6753 exhibits ketoacyl reductase activity in the presence of acetoacetyl-CoA and NADPH. This activity was subsequently confirmed by functional complementation studies in a fabG thermosensitive Escherichia coli mutant. Furthermore, comparison of the apo and the NADP+-bound MSMEG_6753 crystal structures showed that cofactor binding induces a closed conformation of the protein. A ΔMSMEG_6753 deletion mutant could be generated in M. smegmatis, indicating that this gene is dispensable for mycobacterial growth. Overall, these results showcase the diversity of FabG-like proteins in mycobacteria and new structural features regarding the catalytic mechanism of this important family of enzymes that may be of importance for the rational design of specific FabG inhibitors.
RBFOX3 regulates Claudin-1 expression in human lung tissue via attenuation of proteasomal degradation
Authors: Kim Yong-Eun , Choi Sunkyung , Kim Jong Ok , Kim Kee K.
Published: January 2017

RBFOX3, a nuclear RNA-binding protein, is well known as a regulator of alternative pre-mRNA splicing during neuronal development. However, other functions of RBFOX3 are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the function of RBFOX3 in the cytoplasm with respect to regulation of Claudin-1 expression. In human lung tissue, Claudin-1 is higher in RBFOX3-positive cells than in RBFOX3-negative cells. Immunostaining and mRNA quantification revealed that protein levels, but not mRNA levels, of Claudin-1 are increased by RBFOX3. In addition, cycloheximide treatment of human lung cancer cells revealed that RBFOX3 increases the stability of Claudin-1 through attenuation of its ubiquitination. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms by which RBFOX3 regulates Claudin-1 expression in human lung tissue.
Comment on ‘Strong recovery conditions for least support orthogonal matching pursuit in noisy case’
Authors: Li H.
Published: January 2017

In a very interesting recent paper, the authors proposed a least support denoising‐orthogonal matching pursuit (LSD‐OMP) algorithm and gave a sufficient condition for LSD‐OMP algorithm in terms of restricted isometry constant of the measurement matrix. According to Dai and Milenkovic (2009), Wang et al. (2012) and Needell and Tropp (2009), this comment will point out that there are some errors in Tawfic and Kayhan (2015).
Energy‐efficient network processing based on netmap framework
Authors: Redžović H. , Vesović M. , Smiljanić A. , Bjelica M.
Published: January 2017

Software routers are becoming popular building blocks of software defined networking, due to their low cost and flexibility. Netmap is a platform that allows packet processing with high throughputs using standard computing hardware. The algorithm for energy‐efficient network processing based on netmap platform, named energy‐efficient netmap (EEN) is proposed and evaluated. EEN saves the energy by minimising the number of active cores needed to handle the given traffic load. Appreciable energy savings that can be achieved by the proposed algorithm is demonstrated.
Reply: Comment on ‘strong recovery conditions for least support orthogonal matching pursuit in noisy case’
Authors: Tawfic Israa Shaker , Kayhan Sema Koc
Published: January 2017

The comment of Haifeng Li is acknowledged. In response, it is argued that by establishing the complete comment response, the conclusions in the original Letter are appropriate. The authors have studied the comments carefully and revised their response accordingly.
Control of switched reluctance motor by current profiling under normal and open phase operating condition
Authors: Dúbravka Peter , Rafajdus Pavol , Makyš Pavol , Szabó Loránd
Published: January 2017

This study is focused on a new approach of current profile computation to minimise switched reluctance motor (SRM) torque ripple both in healthy and one open phase fault condition. The analysis of static parameters by means of finite element method is carried out and it is verified by measurements. The mathematical model of SRM is described to simulate all transients. The new current profiling method is applied and tested for normal and faulty operation of a real SRM. The torque ripple is measured at a 10 kHz switching frequency. Lower torque ripple is obtained when compared with standard control methods, both under normal and open phase conditions. The simulations of diverse dynamic states are carried out and compared with experimental results.
Design of reactive power and reactive power reserve market
Authors: Khandani Ali , Akbari Foroud Asghar
Published: January 2017

Maintaining network stability and encouraging generation companies (GenCos) to participate in maintaining stability are major concerns of independent system operators in deregulated electricity markets. This study proposes joint reactive power (RP) and RP reserve (RPR) market in order to use full capacity of synchronous generators to enhance network stability. This market maximises system voltage stability by minimising RP cost and considering the effect of quality and quantity of RPR on network stability. Quantity and quality of RPR, which is supplied by generators, have an important role in network and especially voltage stability. GenCos can improve operation of generators to provide required RPR. Furthermore, by installing new equipment and using some efficient methods they can improve RPR quality. The proposed joint market encourages GenCos to install new equipment and use efficient methods. In this study, IEEE 30‐bus and 118‐bus systems are used to demonstrate performance of the proposed market model.
Robust reactive power optimisation and voltage control method for active distribution networks via dual time‐scale coordination
Authors: Zheng Weiye , Wu Wenchuan , Zhang Boming , Wang Yongjie
Published: January 2017

In distribution networks, there are slow controlling devices and fast controlling devices for Volt‐VAr regulation. These slow controlling devices, such as capacitors or voltage regulators, cannot be operated frequently and should be scheduled tens of minutes ahead (hereafter named as slow control). Since of the uncertainties in predicting the load and distributed generation, the voltage violations cannot be eliminated by fast controlling devices with improper schedule of the slow controlling devices. In this paper we propose dual time‐scale coordination for the Volt‐VAr control scheme, corresponding to slow and fast control. Slow control guarantees that subsequent fast controls can maintain the system's voltage security if the uncertain parameters vary within predefined limits. A column‐and‐constraint generation algorithm was used to solve the robust convexified model. A conventional deterministic optimization model can be used to determine the fast control mechanism. The simulation results show that solving the deterministic model is not always feasible and voltage violation may occur. The robust model was shown to be effective with respect to all possible scenarios in the uncertainty set, with little compromise in terms of network losses.
Decomposition‐based approach to risk‐averse transmission expansion planning considering wind power integration
Authors: Qiu Jing , Zhao Junhua , Wang Dongxiao , Dong Zhao Yang
Published: January 2017

The increasing penetration of wind power (WP) and demand response (DR) programs into modern power systems poses more challenges on transmission expansion planning (TEP). To ensure the economical, secure and reliable operations of power systems, this study presents a risk‐averse TEP framework. Instead of using the deterministic security criterion, an insecurity risk cost (RC) is proposed to provide network planners with the insight into the problem, options and future implications in decision making. Specifically, this RC can quantify the system security degree, considering the probability and the severity of contingencies. Meanwhile, the economic value of DR is modelled and incorporated into the optimal operation solutions. Moreover, to enhance the computational efficiency, an iterative solution algorithm based on the Benders decomposition is developed to solve the formulated TEP problem. The proposed approach is numerically verified on the Garver's 6‐bus, IEEE 24‐bus RTS, and 2383‐bus polish systems. Case study results demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively investigate the impacts of large‐scale integration of WP and DR on system operations and planning. Moreover, the proposed risk‐averse approach is economically efficient and more robust to stochastic variations.
Blur‐invariant copy‐move forgery detection technique with improved detection accuracy utilising SWT‐SVD
Authors: Dixit Rahul , Naskar Ruchira , Mishra Swati
Published: January 2017

Majority of the existing copy‐move forgery detection algorithms operate based on the principle of image block matching. However, such detection becomes complicated when an intelligent adversary blurs the edges of forged region(s). To solve this problem, the authors present a novel approach for detection of copy‐move forgery using stationary wavelet transform (SWT) which, unlike most wavelet transforms (e.g. discrete wavelet transform), is shift invariant, and helps in finding the similarities, i.e. matches and dissimilarities, i.e. noise, between the blocks of an image, caused due to blurring. The blocks are represented by features extracted using singular value decomposition (SVD) of an image. Also, the concept of colour‐based segmentation used in this work helps to achieve blur invariance. The authors’ experimental results prove the efficiency of the proposed method in detection of copy‐move forgery involving intelligent edge blurring. Also, their experimental results prove that the performance of the proposed method in terms of detection accuracy is considerably higher compared with the state‐of‐the‐art.
Design and development of improved power quality based micro‐butt welding power supply
Authors: Madhulingam Thiruvenkadam , Subbaiyan Thangavel , Shanmugam Paramasivam , Kannan Shrinath
Published: January 2017

This study proposes a suitable DC–DC converter topology with improved power quality at the input side for micro‐butt welding machine by evaluating different power factor correction (PFC) techniques and DC–DC converter topologies. Firstly, different control strategies of boost converters such as peak current controlled PFC, average current controlled PFC and hysteresis current controlled PFC are discussed for minimising input current distortions and improving the power quality. Also, the current loop gain stability analyses are presented using small‐signal model for selecting the best model and optimisation of the same. Secondly, the important key parameters such as cost, size, weight, complexity in implementation and other application dependent parameters of various isolated type of DC–DC converter topologies are compared and the best DC–DC converter topology is selected for the proposed application. Finally, the modelling and stability analysis is performed on the DC–DC converter and optimisation is achieved for the welding current controller. The software packages MATLAB/Plecs/OrCAD PSpice are used for simulation and implementation of the desired circuitry with optimised design. A prototype has been developed based on optimised design, hysteresis current controller for PFC and DC–DC converter; and the control algorithm is implemented DSP TMS320F2812 and the experimental results were discussed.
Understanding the energy yield of photovoltaic modules in different climates by linear performance loss analysis of the module performance ratio
Authors: Schweiger Markus , Herrmann Werner , Gerber Andreas , Rau Uwe
Published: January 2017

The energy yield of 15 different photovoltaic module technologies is measured during one year of operation at four locations (Germany, Italy, India, Arizona) corresponding to four different climate zones. The data are analysed in terms of a linear performance loss analysis for the module performance ratio (MPR) taking into account the influence of module temperature, low irradiance conditions, spectral and angular effects and soiling. This analysis is based on an independent characterisation of the modules in the laboratory combined with site specific data accumulated during operation. The model predicts trends of the measured MPR due to different module technologies and different locations.
Directional outcoupling of photoluminescence from Eu(III)-complex thin films by plasmonic array
Authors: Murai S. , Saito M. , Sakamoto H. , Yamamoto M. , Kamakura R. , Nakanishi T. , Fujita K. , Verschuuren M. A. , Hasegawa Y. , Tanaka K.
Published: January 2017

A plasmonic array, consisting of metallic nanocylinders periodically arranged with a pitch comparable to the optical wavelength, is a system in which both the localized surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and diffraction in the plane of the array are simultaneously excitable. When combined with a phosphor film, the array acts as a photoluminescence (PL) director and enhancer. Since the array can modify both excitation and emission processes, the overall modification mechanism is generally complex and difficult to understand. Here, we examined the mechanism by simplifying the discussion using an emitter with a high quantum yield, large Stokes shift, and long PL lifetime. Directional PL enhancement as large as five-fold occurred, which is mainly caused by outcoupling, i.e., the PL trapped in the emitter film by total internal reflection is extracted into free space through the SPPs and diffraction. The present scheme is robust and applicable to arbitrary emitters, and it is useful for designing compact and efficient directional illumination devices.
A complete set of eigenstates for position-dependent massive particles in a Morse-like scenario
Authors: Correa R. A. C. , de Souza Dutra A. , de Oliveira J. A. , Garcia M. G.
Published: January 2017

In this work, we analyze a system consisting in two-dimensional position-dependent massive particles in the presence of a Morse-like potential in two spatial dimensions. We obtain the exact wavefunctions and energies for a complete set of eigenstates for a given dependence of the mass with the spatial variables. Furthermore, we argue that this scenario can play an important role to construct more realistic ones by using their solution in perturbative approaches.