bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A switchable bandstop-to-bandpass reconfigurable filter for cognitive radio applications
Authors: Nachouane Hamza , Najid Abdellah , Tribak Abdelwahed , Riouch Fatima
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a simple reconfigurable bandpass filter switching from 2.4 to 5 GHz based on PIN diodes. The proposed filter is intended to add frequency-tunability to antenna systems used in cognitive radio applications. It consists of a bent connecting stub with two open-circuited quarter-wave stubs grounded via PIN diodes. By controlling the didoes states, the electrical length of the stubs can be switched from quarter-wave to half-wave and vice versa, so as to tune the filter center frequency. The proposed design approach consists of ensuring communication at 2.4 GHz while blocking the 5 GHz band in the ON state, whereas in the OFF state, the filter is intended to reject the 2.4 GHz band and passing the 5 GHz band. A prototype of the proposed filter is fabricated and measured to validate the proposed concept. Both simulated and measured results show a two-state filter with a wide tuning range from 2.4 to 5 GHz and a good stopband rejection level better than 40 dB. Moreover, a flat group delay of about 0.55–0.7 ns is achieved within the operating bandwidth in both states. The proposed filter is able to achieve simultaneous bandwidth and frequency control, showing an important tool to meet modern system requirements.
Der Ironman-Triathlon
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Rosemann Thomas , Rüst Christoph A.
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Jedes Jahr versuchen Tausende von Triathleten sich für den «Ironman Hawaii» (3,8 km Schwimmen, 180 km Radfahren und 42,195 km Laufen), die Weltmeisterschaft der Langstreckentriathleten, zu qualifizieren. Wir stellen die wichtigsten Erkenntnisse der Literatur zusammen, welche Faktoren die Leistung für einen Ironman-Triathlon am ehesten beeinflussen können. Die wichtigsten leistungsbeeinflussenden Faktoren für eine schnelle Ironman-Wettkampfzeit für Männer wie für Frauen sind ein grosses Trainingsvolumen und eine hohe Intensität im Training, wobei ein grosses Volumen wichtiger ist als eine hohe Intensität, ein tiefer prozentualer Anteil an Körperfett, ein ideales Alter von 30–35 Jahren, eine schnelle persönliche Bestzeit über die Olympische Distanz (1,5 km Schwimmen, 40 km Radfahren und 10 km Laufen), eine schnelle persönliche Bestzeit im Marathon sowie Herkunft aus den USA.
Experimental demonstration of the microscopic origin of circular dichroism in two-dimensional metamaterials
Authors: Khanikaev A. B. , Arju N. , Fan Z. , Purtseladze D. , Lu F. , Lee J. , Sarriugarte P. , Schnell M. , Hillenbrand R. , Belkin M. A. , Shvets G.
Published: June 2016

Optical activity and circular dichroism are fascinating physical phenomena originating from the interaction of light with chiral molecules or other nano objects lacking mirror symmetries in three-dimensional (3D) space. While chiral optical properties are weak in most of naturally occurring materials, they can be engineered and significantly enhanced in synthetic optical media known as chiral metamaterials, where the spatial symmetry of their building blocks is broken on a nanoscale. Although originally discovered in 3D structures, circular dichroism can also emerge in a two-dimensional (2D) metasurface. The origin of the resulting circular dichroism is rather subtle, and is related to non-radiative (Ohmic) dissipation of the constituent metamolecules. Because such dissipation occurs on a nanoscale, this effect has never been experimentally probed and visualized. Using a suite of recently developed nanoscale-measurement tools, we establish that the circular dichroism in a nanostructured metasurface occurs due to handedness-dependent Ohmic heating.
Programming a topologically constrained DNA nanostructure into a sensor
Authors: Liu Meng , Zhang Qiang , Li Zhongping , Gu Jimmy , Brennan John D. , Li Yingfu
Published: June 2016

Many rationally engineered DNA nanostructures use mechanically interlocked topologies to connect individual DNA components, and their physical connectivity is achieved through the formation of a strong linking duplex. The existence of such a structural element also poses a significant topological constraint on functions of component rings. Herein, we hypothesize and confirm that DNA catenanes with a strong linking duplex prevent component rings from acting as the template for rolling circle amplification (RCA). However, by using an RNA-containing DNA [2] catenane with a strong linking duplex, we show that a stimuli-responsive RNA-cleaving DNAzyme can linearize one component ring, and thus enable RCA, producing an ultra-sensitive biosensing system. As an example, a DNA catenane biosensor is engineered to detect the model bacterial pathogen Escherichia coli through binding of a secreted protein, with a detection limit of 10 cells ml−1, thus establishing a new platform for further applications of mechanically interlocked DNA nanostructures.
Correction: Corrigendum: The child brain computes and utilizes internalized maternal choices
Authors: Lim Seung-Lark , Cherry J. Bradley C , Davis Ann M. , Balakrishnan S. N. , Ha Oh-Ryeong , Bruce Jared M. , Bruce Amanda S.
Published: June 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 11700 (2016); Published: 24 May 2016; Updated: 23 June 2016. The financial support for this Article was not fully acknowledged. The Acknowledgements should have also included the following: The Hoglund Brain Imaging Center is supported by a generous gift fromForrest and Sally Hoglund and funding from the National Institutes of Health (P30 HD002528, S10 RR29577, UL1 TR000001).
Intrinsic hepatocyte dedifferentiation is accompanied by upregulation of mesenchymal markers, protein sialylation and core alpha 1,6 linked fucosylation
Authors: Mehta Anand , Comunale Mary Ann , Rawat Siddhartha , Casciano Jessica C. , Lamontagne Jason , Herrera Harmin , Ramanathan Aarti , Betesh Lucy , Wang Mengjun , Norton Pamela , Steel Laura F. , Bouchard Michael J.
Published: June 2016

Alterations in N-linked glycosylation have long been associated with cancer but for the most part, the reasons why have remained poorly understood. Here we show that increased core fucosylation is associated with de-differentiation of primary hepatocytes and with the appearance of markers indicative of a transition of cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal state. This increase in core fucosylation was associated with increased levels of two enzymes involved in α-1,6 linked fucosylation, GDP-mannose 4, 6-dehydratase (Gmds) and to a lesser extent fucosyltransferase 8 (Fut8). In addition, the activation of cancer-associated cellular signaling pathways in primary rat hepatocytes can increase core fucosylation and induce additional glycoform alterations on hepatocyte proteins. Specifically, we show that increased levels of protein sialylation and α-1,6-linked core fucosylation are observed following activation of the β-catenin pathway. Activation of the Akt signaling pathway or induction of hypoxia also results in increased levels of fucosylation and sialylation. We believe that this knowledge will help in the better understanding of the genetic factors associated with altered glycosylation and may allow for the development of more clinically relevant biomarkers.
Foetal hepatic progenitor cells assume a cholangiocytic cell phenotype during two-dimensional pre-culture
Authors: Anzai Kazuya , Chikada Hiromi , Tsuruya Kota , Ida Kinuyo , Kagawa Tatehiro , Inagaki Yutaka , Mine Tesuya , Kamiya Akihide
Published: June 2016

Liver consists of parenchymal hepatocytes and other cells. Liver progenitor cell (LPC) is the origin of both hepatocytes and cholangiocytic cells. The analyses of mechanism regulating differentiation of LPCs into these functional cells are important for liver regenerative therapy using progenitor cells. LPCs in adult livers were found to form cysts with cholangiocytic characteristics in 3D culture. In contrast, foetal LPCs cannot form these cholangiocytic cysts in the same culture. Thus, the transition of foetal LPCs into cholangiocytic progenitor cells might occur during liver development. Primary CD45−Ter119−Dlk1+ LPCs derived from murine foetal livers formed ALBUMIN (ALB)+CYTOKERATIN (CK)19− non-cholangiocytic cysts within 3D culture. In contrast, when foetal LPCs were pre-cultured on gelatine-coated dishes, they formed ALB−CK19+ cholangiocytic cysts. When hepatocyte growth factor or oncostatin M, which are inducers of hepatocytic differentiation, was added to pre-culture, LPCs did not form cholangiocytic cysts. These results suggest that the pre-culture on gelatine-coated dishes changed the characteristics of foetal LPCs into cholangiocytic cells. Furthermore, neonatal liver progenitor cells were able to form cholangiocytic cysts in 3D culture without pre-culture. It is therefore possible that the pre-culture of mid-foetal LPCs in vitro functioned as a substitute for the late-foetal maturation step in vivo.
Sorghum Dw1, an agronomically important gene for lodging resistance, encodes a novel protein involved in cell proliferation
Authors: Yamaguchi Miki , Fujimoto Haruka , Hirano Ko , Araki-Nakamura Satoko , Ohmae-Shinohara Kozue , Fujii Akihiro , Tsunashima Masako , Song Xian Jun , Ito Yusuke , Nagae Rie , Wu Jianzhong , Mizuno Hiroshi , Yonemaru Jun-ichi , Matsumoto Takashi , Kitano Hidemi , Matsuoka Makoto , Kasuga Shigemitsu , Sazuka Takashi
Published: June 2016

Semi-dwarfing genes have contributed to enhanced lodging resistance, resulting in increased crop productivity. In the history of grain sorghum breeding, the spontaneous mutation, dw1found in Memphis in 1905, was the first widely used semi-dwarfing gene. Here, we report the identification and characterization ofDw1. We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and cloning, and revealed thatDw1encodes a novel uncharacterized protein. Knockdown or T-DNA insertion lines of orthologous genes in rice and Arabidopsis also showed semi-dwarfism similar to that of a nearly isogenic line (NIL) carryingdw1(NIL-dw1) of sorghum. A histological analysis of the NIL-dw1revealed that the longitudinal parenchymal cell lengths of the internode were almost the same between NIL-dw1and wildtype, while the number of cells per internode was significantly reduced in NIL-dw1.NIL-dw1dw3, carrying bothdw1anddw3(involved in auxin transport), showed a synergistic phenotype. These observations demonstrate that thedw1reduced the cell proliferation activity in the internodes, and the synergistic effect ofdw1anddw3contributes to improved lodging resistance and mechanical harvesting.
Flexible decision-making relative to reward quality and tool functionality in Goffin cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana)
Authors: Laumer I. B. , Bugnyar T. , Auersperg A. M. I.
Published: June 2016

Decisions involving the use of tools may require an agent to consider more levels of relational complexity than merely deciding between an immediate and a delayed option. Using a new experimental approach featuring two different types of tools, two apparatuses as well as two different types of reward, we investigated the Goffin cockatoos’ ability to make flexible and profitable decisions within five different setups. Paralleling previous results in primates, most birds overcame immediate drives in favor of future gains; some did so even if tool use involved additional work effort. Furthermore, at the group level subjects maximized their profit by simultaneously considering both the quality of an immediate versus a delayed food reward (accessible with a tool) and the functionality of the available tool. As their performance levels remained stable across trials in all testing setups, this was unlikely the result of a learning effect. The Goffin cockatoos’ ability to focus on relevant information was constrained when all task components (both food qualities, both apparatuses and both tools) were presented at the same time.
Genome-wide identification of microRNA-related variants associated with risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ghanbari Mohsen , Ikram M. Arfan , de Looper Hans W. J. , Hofman Albert , Erkeland Stefan J. , Franco Oscar H. , Dehghan Abbas
Published: June 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Genetic variation in miRNAs and miRNA-binding sites may affect miRNA function and contribute to disease risk. Here, we investigated the extent to which variants within miRNA-related sequences could constitute a part of the functional variants involved in developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), using the largest available genome-wide association study of AD. First, among 237 variants in miRNAs, we found rs2291418 in the miR-1229 precursor to be significantly associated with AD (p-value = 6.8 × 10−5, OR = 1.2). Our in-silico analysis and in-vitro miRNA expression experiments demonstrated that the variant’s mutant allele enhances the production of miR-1229-3p. Next, we found miR-1229-3p target genes that are associated with AD and might mediate the miRNA function. We demonstrated that miR-1229-3p directly controls the expression of its top AD-associated target gene (SORL1) using luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, we showed that miR-1229-3p and SORL1 are both expressed in the human brain. Second, among 42,855 variants in miRNA-binding sites, we identified 10 variants (in the 3′ UTR of 9 genes) that are significantly associated with AD, including rs6857 that increases the miR-320e-mediated regulation of PVRL2. Collectively, this study shows that miRNA-related variants are associated with AD and suggests miRNA-dependent regulation of several AD genes.
Identification of Tissue-Specific Protein-Coding and Noncoding Transcripts across 14 Human Tissues Using RNA-seq
Authors: Zhu Jinhang , Chen Geng , Zhu Sibo , Li Suqing , Wen Zhuo , Bin Li  , Zheng Yuanting , Shi Leming
Published: June 2016

Many diseases and adverse drug reactions exhibit tissue specificity. To better understand the tissue-specific expression characteristics of transcripts in different human tissues, we deeply sequenced RNA samples from 14 different human tissues. After filtering many lowly expressed transcripts, 24,729 protein-coding transcripts and 1,653 noncoding transcripts were identified. By analyzing highly expressed tissue-specific protein-coding transcripts (TSCTs) and noncoding transcripts (TSNTs), we found that testis expressed the highest numbers of TSCTs and TSNTs. Brain, monocytes, ovary, and heart expressed more TSCTs than the rest tissues, whereas brain, placenta, heart, and monocytes expressed more TSNTs than other tissues. Co-expression network constructed based on the TSCTs and TSNTs showed that each hub TSNT was co-expressed with several TSCTs, allowing functional annotation of TSNTs. Important biological processes and KEGG pathways highly related to the specific functions or diseases of each tissue were enriched with the corresponding TSCTs. These TSCTs and TSNTs may participate in the tissue-specific physiological or pathological processes. Our study provided a unique data set and systematic analysis of expression characteristics and functions of both TSCTs and TSNTs based on 14 distinct human tissues, and could facilitate future investigation of the mechanisms behind tissue-specific diseases and adverse drug reactions.
Dioscin strengthens the efficiency of adriamycin in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells through autophagy induction: More than just down-regulation of MDR1
Authors: Wang Changyuan , Huo Xiaokui , Wang Lijuan , Meng Qiang , Liu Zhihao , Liu Qi , Sun Huijun , Sun Pengyuan , Peng Jinyong , Liu Kexin
Published: June 2016

The purpose of present study was to investigate the effect of dioscin on activity of adriamycin (ADR) in ADR-sensitive (MCF-7) and ADR-resistant (MCF-7/ADR) human breast cancer cells and to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved. Antiproliferation effect of ADR was enhanced by dioscin in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells. Dioscin significantly inhibited MDR1 mRNA and protein expression and MDR1 promoter and nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) activity in MCF-7/ADR cells. Additionally, inhibitor κB-α (IκB-α) degradation was inhibited by dioscin. Moreover, dioscin induced the formation of vacuoles in the cytoplasm and protein level of LC3-II in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells. Autophagy inhibitor 3-MA abolished the effect of dioscin on ADR cytotoxicity. Dioscin inhibited phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, resulting in upregulation of LC3-II expression. In conclusion, dioscin increased ADR chemosensitivity by down-regulating MDR1 expression through NF-κB signaling inhibition in MCF-7/ADR cells. Autophagy was induced by dioscin to ameliorate the cytotoxicity of ADR via inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathways in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells. These findings provide evidence in support of further investigation into the clinical application of dioscin as a chemotherapy adjuvant.
On the importance of full-dimensionality in low-energy molecular scattering calculations
Authors: Faure Alexandre , Jankowski Piotr , Stoecklin Thierry , Szalewicz Krzysztof
Published: June 2016

Scattering of H2 on CO is of great importance in astrophysics and also is a benchmark system for comparing theory to experiment. We present here a new 6-dimensional potential energy surface for the ground electronic state of H2-CO with an estimated uncertainty of about 0.6 cm−1 in the global minimum region, several times smaller than achieved earlier. This potential has been used in nearly exact 6-dimensional quantum scattering calculations to compute state-to-state cross-sections measured in low-energy crossed-beam experiments. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment has been achieved in all cases. We also show that the fully 6-dimensional approach is not needed with the current accuracy of experimental data since an equally good agreement with experiment was obtained using only a 4-dimensional treatment, which validates the rigid-rotor approach widely used in scattering calculations. This finding, which disagrees with some literature statements, is important since for larger systems full-dimensional scattering calculations are currently not possible.
Genetic and environmental influences on height from infancy to early adulthood: An individual-based pooled analysis of 45 twin cohorts
Authors: Jelenkovic Aline , Sund Reijo , Hur Yoon-Mi , Yokoyama Yoshie , Hjelmborg Jacob v. B. , Möller Sören , Honda Chika , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Ooki Syuichi , Aaltonen Sari , Stazi Maria A. , Fagnani Corrado , D’Ippolito Cristina , Freitas Duarte L. , Maia José Antonio , Ji Fuling , Ning Feng , Pang Zengchang , Rebato Esther , Busjahn Andreas , Kandler Christian , Saudino Kimberly J. , Jang Kerry L. , Cozen Wendy , Hwang Amie E. , Mack Thomas M. , Gao Wenjing , Yu Canqing , Li Liming , Corley Robin P. , Huibregtse Brooke M. , Derom Catherine A. , Vlietinck Robert F. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Heikkilä Kauko , Wardle Jane , Llewellyn Clare H. , Fisher Abigail , McAdams Tom A. , Eley Thalia C. , Gregory Alice M. , He Mingguang , Ding Xiaohu , Bjerregaard-Andersen Morten , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Sodemann Morten , Tarnoki Adam D. , Tarnoki David L. , Knafo-Noam Ariel , Mankuta David , Abramson Lior , Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L. , Silberg Judy L. , Eaves Lindon J. , Maes Hermine H. , Krueger Robert F. , McGue Matt , Pahlen Shandell , Gatz Margaret , Butler David A. , Bartels Meike , van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Craig Jeffrey M. , Saffery Richard , Dubois Lise , Boivin Michel , Brendgen Mara , Dionne Ginette , Vitaro Frank , Martin Nicholas G. , Medland Sarah E. , Montgomery Grant W. , Swan Gary E. , Krasnow Ruth , Tynelius Per , Lichtenstein Paul , Haworth Claire M. A. , Plomin Robert , Bayasgalan Gombojav , Narandalai Danshiitsoodol , Harden K. Paige , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Spector Timothy , Mangino Massimo , Lachance Genevieve , Baker Laura A. , Tuvblad Catherine , Duncan Glen E. , Buchwald Dedra , Willemsen Gonneke , Skytthe Axel , Kyvik Kirsten O. , Christensen Kaare , Öncel Sevgi Y. , Aliev Fazil , Rasmussen Finn , Goldberg Jack H. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: June 2016

Height variation is known to be determined by both genetic and environmental factors, but a systematic description of how their influences differ by sex, age and global regions is lacking. We conducted an individual-based pooled analysis of 45 twin cohorts from 20 countries, including 180,520 paired measurements at ages 1–19 years. The proportion of height variation explained by shared environmental factors was greatest in early childhood, but these effects remained present until early adulthood. Accordingly, the relative genetic contribution increased with age and was greatest in adolescence (up to 0.83 in boys and 0.76 in girls). Comparing geographic-cultural regions (Europe, North-America and Australia and East-Asia), genetic variance was greatest in North-America and Australia and lowest in East-Asia, but the relative proportion of genetic variation was roughly similar across these regions. Our findings provide further insights into height variation during childhood and adolescence in populations representing different ethnicities and exposed to different environments.
Ultrafast diffusion of Ionic Liquids Confined in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ghoufi Aziz , Szymczyk Anthony , Malfreyt Patrice
Published: June 2016

Over the past decade many works have focused on various aspects of the dynamics of liquids confined at the nanoscale such as e.g. water flow enhancement through carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Transport of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) through various nanochannels has also been explored and some conflicting findings about their translational dynamics have been reported. In this work, we focus on translational dynamics of RTILs confined in various CNTs. By means of molecular dynamics simulations we highlight a substantially enhanced diffusion of confined RTILs with an increase up to two orders of magnitude with respect to bulk-phase properties. This ultrafast diffusion of RTILs inside CNTs is shown to result from the combination of various factors such as low friction, molecular stacking, size, helicity, curvature and cooperative dynamics effects.
Pre-exposure of Arabidopsis to the abiotic or biotic environmental stimuli “chilling” or “insect eggs” exhibits different transcriptomic responses to herbivory
Authors: Firtzlaff Vivien , Oberländer Jana , Geiselhardt Sven , Hilker Monika , Kunze Reinhard
Published: June 2016

Plants can retain information about environmental stress and thus, prepare themselves for impending stress. In nature, it happens that environmental stimuli like ‘cold’ and ‘insect egg deposition’ precede insect herbivory. Both these stimuli are known to elicit transcriptomic changes inArabidposis thaliana.It is unknown, however, whether they affect the plant’s anti-herbivore defence and feeding-induced transcriptome when they end prior to herbivory. Here we investigated the transcriptomic response ofArabidopsisto feeding byPieris brassicaelarvae after prior exposure to cold or oviposition. The transcriptome of plants that experienced a five-day-chilling period (4 °C) was not fully reset to the pre-chilling state after deacclimation (20 °C) for one day and responded differently to herbivory than that of chilling-inexperienced plants. In contrast, when after a five-day-lasting oviposition period the eggs were removed, one day later the transcriptome and, consistently, also its response to herbivory resembled that of egg-free plants. Larval performance was unaffected by previous exposure of plants to cold and to eggs, thus indicatingP. brassicaetolerance to cold-mediated plant transcriptomic changes. Our results show strong differences in the persistence of the plant’s transcriptomic state after removal of different environmental cues and consequently differential effects on the transcriptomic response to later herbivory.
Gene knockout of nuclear progesterone receptor provides insights into the regulation of ovulation by LH signaling in zebrafish
Authors: Tang Haipei , Liu Yun , Li Jianzhen , Yin Yike , Li Gaofei , Chen Yu , Li Shuisheng , Zhang Yong , Lin Haoran , Liu Xiaochun , Cheng Christopher H. K.
Published: June 2016

It is well established that the luteinizing hormone surge triggers ovulation, a dynamic process leading to the release of the mature oocyte from the ovarian follicle. But how this process controlled by LH signaling remains largely unknown in non-mammalian species. In this study, we investigated the roles of nuclear progesterone receptor (npr) in LH-induced ovulation. Our results indicate that the nuclear progesterone receptor serves as an important mediator of LH action on ovulation. This conclusion is based on the following results: (1) the expression level of npr peaks at the full-grown stage of the follicles; (2) the expression of npr is stimulated by LH signaling in vitro and in vivo; and (3) the npr null females are infertile due to ovulation defects. Moreover, we further show that LH signaling could induce ptger4b expression in an npr-dependent manner and blockage of Ptger4b could also block hCG-induced ovulation. Collectively, our results not only demonstrate that npr serves an indispensable role in mediating the action of LH on ovulation in zebrafish, but also provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of ovulation in fish.
Prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of congenital cataract: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaohang , Long Erping , Lin Haotian , Liu Yizhi
Published: June 2016

Congenital cataract (CC) is the primary cause of treatable childhood blindness worldwide. The establishment of reliable, epidemiological estimates is an essential first step towards management strategies. We undertook an initial systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and other epidemiological characteristics of CC. PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched before January 2015. A meta-analysis with random-effects model based on a proportions approach was performed to determine the population-based prevalence of CC and to describe the data regarding the laterality, morphology, associated comorbidities and etiology. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the meta-regression method and subgroup analyses were performed. 27 studies were selected from 2,610 references. The pooled prevalence estimate was 4.24 per 10,000 people, making it a rare disease based on WHO standards. Subgroup analyses revealed the highest CC prevalence in Asia and an increasing prevalence trend through 2000. Other epidemiological characteristics showed CC tended to be bilateral, isolated, hereditary and in total/nuclear morphology. Huge heterogeneity was identified across most estimates (I2 > 75%). Most of the variations could be explained by sample size, research period and age at diagnosis. The findings provide suggestions for etiology of CC, improvements in screening techniques and development of public health strategies.
The role of inflammatory cytokines and ERK1/2 signaling in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome with related mental health disorders
Authors: Hu Chao , Yang Hualan , Zhao Yanfang , Chen Xiang , Dong Yinying , Li Long , Dong Yehao , Cui Jiefeng , Zhu Tongyu , Zheng Ping , Lin Ching-Shwun , Dai Jican
Published: June 2016

Mental health disorders(MHD) in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) have been widely studied. However, the underlying role of inflammatory cytokines and their associated signaling pathways have not been investigated. Here, we report the potential role of cytokines and associated signaling pathways in CP/CPPS patients with MHD and in a CP/CPPS animal model. CP/CPPS patients (n = 810) and control subjects (n = 992) were enrolled in this case-control multicenter study, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received multiple intracutaneous injections of an immuno-agent along with a pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus triple vaccine for autoimmune CP/CPPS development. The results revealed that, in CP/CPPS patients with significant MHD, elevated IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α serum levels were observed. The above five cytokines in CP/CPPS rats were significantly elevated in prostate tissue (p < 0.05), and IL-1β levels were elevated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. In behavioral tests, CP/CPPS rats showed anxiety- and depression-like symptoms, and impaired spatial and associative memory performance (p < 0.05). In the CP/CPPS group, ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels were increased in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, and decreased in the hippocampus, but not caudate nucleus. Thus, prostate-derived cytokines, especially IL-1β, cross the blood brain barrier and may lead to enhanced ERK1/2 signaling in several brain areas, possibly underlying induction of CP/CPPS-related MHD.
Detection, differentiation, and identification of botulinum neurotoxin serotypes C, CD, D, and DC by highly specific immunoassays and mass spectrometry
Authors: Hansbauer Eva-Maria , Skiba Martin , Endermann Tanja , Weisemann Jasmin , Stern Daniel , Dorner Martin B. , Finkenwirth Friedrich , Wolf Jessica , Luginbühl Werner , Messelhäußer Ute , Bellanger Laurent , Woudstra Cédric , Rummel Andreas , Fach Patrick , Dorner Brigitte G.
Published: June 2016

Novel antibodies to differentiate veterinary BoNTs by immunoassays and mass spectrometry.
A quantum dot-based fluorescence sensor for sensitive and enzymeless detection of creatinine
Authors: Tajarrod Narjes , Rofouei Mohammad Kazem , Masteri-Farahani Majid , Zadmard Reza
Published: June 2016

A schematic illustration of a sensitive creatinine probe using fluorescence enhancement of water-soluble thioglycolic acid capped ZnS:Mn/ZnS core/shell quantum dots.
UV gelation of single-component polyacrylates bearing dinitrobenzoate side groups
Authors: Xie Tongqing , Yang Li , Sun Xingxing , Jiang Jun , Zhang Xuepeng , Luo Yi , Zhang Guoqing
Published: June 2016

Polyacrylates bearing dinitrobenzoate side groups undergo sol–gel–sol transformations in DMF or THF solutions regulated by alternating UV light and dark conditions.
M12L8 metallo-supramolecular cube with cyclotriguaiacylene-type ligand: spontaneous resolution of cube and its constituent host ligand
Authors: Fowler Jonathan M. , Thorp-Greenwood Flora L. , Warriner Stuart L. , Willans Charlotte E. , Hardie Michaele J.
Published: June 2016

(±)-Tris-(4-methylthiazolyl)cyclotriguaiacylene forms chirally resolved clathrate complexes and self-assembles with Ag(i) to form a homochiral cubic coordination cage with spontaneous resolution.
Dynamic nanoproteins: self-assembled peptide surfaces on monolayer protected gold nanoparticles
Authors: Garcia Martin Sergio , Prins Leonard J.
Published: June 2016

Small peptides self-assemble on gold nanoparticles to form a dynamic multivalent peptide surface.
Doubly ionic hydrogen bond interactions within the choline chloride–urea deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Ashworth Claire R. , Matthews Richard P. , Welton Tom , Hunt Patricia A.
Published: June 2016

Computational analysis indicates flexibility and diversity in the hydrogen bonding, but limited charge delocalisation, within the choline chloride–urea eutectic.
A self-protection phenomenon in the Nafion membrane when it breathes in methanol-saturated air
Authors: Feng Kai , Tang Beibei , Wu Peiyi
Published: June 2016

A breathing phenomenon and self-protection ability are first found in the Nafion membrane when it is exposed to methanol vapor.
Spin–orbit effects on the 119Sn magnetic-shielding tensor in solids: a ZORA/DFT investigation
Authors: Alkan Fahri , Holmes Sean T. , Iuliucci Robbie J. , Mueller Karl T. , Dybowski Cecil
Published: June 2016

Calculations with ZORA/DFT show the importance of spin–orbit coupling on 119Sn magnetic-shielding tensors.
Mesophase structure and behaviour in bulk and restricted geometry of a dimeric compound exhibiting a nematic–nematic transition
Authors: Sebastián N. , Tamba M. G. , Stannarius R. , de la Fuente M. R. , Salamonczyk M. , Cukrov G. , Gleeson J. , Sprunt S. , Jákli A. , Welch C. , Ahmed Z. , Mehl G. H. , Eremin A.
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate a liquid crystal system exhibiting a variety of modulated structures on different length-scales: from helicoidal nematic to modulated smectic.
Emerging nanomedicine approaches fighting tumor metastasis: animal models, metastasis-targeted drug delivery, phototherapy, and immunotherapy
Authors: Liang Chao , Xu Ligeng , Song Guosheng , Liu Zhuang
Published: June 2016

Nanomedicine approaches may bring new opportunities for tumor metastasis treatment.
Magnetically recoverable catalysts based on mono- or bis-(NHC) complexes of palladium for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in aqueous media: two NHC–Pd linkages are better than one
Authors: Martínez-Olid Francisco , Andrés Román , de Jesús Ernesto , Flores Juan C. , Gómez-Sal Pilar , Heuzé Karine , Vellutini Luc
Published: June 2016

Mono- and bis(NHC) Pd complexes grafted onto magnetic particles are compared as catalysts in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in aqueous media. The latter is found to be an outstanding recyclable catalyst.
Group 5 chemistry supported by β-diketiminate ligands
Authors: Hohloch Stephan , Kriegel Benjamin M. , Bergman Robert G. , Arnold John
Published: June 2016

β-Diketiminate (BDI) ligands are widely used supporting ligands in modern organometallic chemistry and are capable of stabilizing various metal complexes in multiple oxidation states and coordination environments.
Unimolecular dissociation of peptides: statistical vs. non-statistical fragmentation mechanisms and time scales
Authors: Spezia Riccardo , Martin-Somer Ana , Macaluso Veronica , Homayoon Zahra , Pratihar Subha , Hase William L.
Published: June 2016

In the present work we have investigated mechanisms of gas phase unimolecular dissociation of a relatively simple dipeptide, the di-proline anion, by means of chemical dynamics simulations, using the PM3 semi-empirical Hamiltonian. In particular, we have considered two activation processes that are representative limits of what occurs in collision induced dissociation experiments: (i) thermal activation, corresponding to several low energy collisions, in which the system is prepared with a microcanonical distribution of energy; (ii) collisional activation where a single shock of hundreds of kcal mol−1(300 kcal mol−1in the present case) can transfer sufficient energy to allow dissociation. From these two activation processes we obtained different product abundances, and for one particular fragmentation pathway a clear mechanistic difference for the two activation processes. This mechanism corresponds to the leaving of an OH−group and subsequent formation of water by taking a proton from the remaining molecule. This last reaction is always observed in thermal activation while in collisional activation it is less favoured and the formation of OH−as a final product is observed. More importantly, we show that while in thermal activation unimolecular dissociation follows exponential decay, in collision activation the initial population decays with non-exponential behaviour. Finally, from the thermal activation simulations it was possible to obtain rate constants as a function of temperature that show Arrhenius behaviour. Thus activation energies have also been extracted from these simulations.
Hydrolytic degradation of ROMP thermosetting materials catalysed by bio-derived acids and enzymes: from networks to linear materials
Authors: Hou S. , Hoyle D. M. , Blackwell C. J. , Haernvall K. , Perz V. , Guebitz G. M. , Khosravi E.
Published: June 2016

ROMP thermosetting polymers are degraded by bio-derived acetic and citric acids as well as cutinase fromThermobifida cellulosilyticaenzyme becoming soluble in DCM. The degradation process breaks the acetal ester linkages allowing transition to linear thermoplastic polymers.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate to γ-valerolactone over zirconium-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Valekar Anil H. , Cho Kyung-Ho , Chitale Sachin K. , Hong Do-Young , Cha Ga-Young , Lee U-Hwang , Hwang Dong Won , Serre Christian , Chang Jong-San , Hwang Young Kyu
Published: June 2016

A series of zirconium-based MOFs with different ligand functionalities and porosities were applied for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate to form γ-valerolactone, using isopropanol as a hydrogen donor.
Versatile nickel–tungsten bimetallics/carbon nanofiber catalysts for direct conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Wen , Yang Feng , Brown Dennis E. , Ren Yang , Lee Sungsik , Zeng Dehong , Gao Qiang , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2016

Sustainable and highly efficient production of ethylene glycol is achieved by direct conversion of cellulose over nickel–tungsten bimetallics/carbon nanofiber catalysts.
Sunlight-promoted cyclization versus decarboxylation in the reaction of alkynoates with N-iodosuccinimide: easy access to 3-iodocoumarins
Authors: Ni Shengyang , Cao Jia , Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin , Li Shuhua , Pan Yi
Published: June 2016

We report the green, sunlight-initiated radical conversion of aryl alkynoates to 3-iodocoumarins using NIS without the use of a catalyst or additive. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds through iodination, spirocyclization and ring expansion to form the kinetic product.
Synthesis of biorenewable and water-degradable polylactam esters from itaconic acid
Authors: Qi Pengxu , Chen Hsiao-Li , Nguyen Ha Thi Hoang , Lin Chu-Chieh , Miller Stephen A.
Published: June 2016

Polylactam esters are readily made from biobased itaconic acid and are compared to polylactic acid. The lactam ring improves the glass transition temperature and the main-chain ester groups are more readily hydrolyzed, degrading fully via agitation in water for one year.
Lab on a stick: multi-analyte cellular assays in a microfluidic dipstick
Authors: Reis Nuno M. , Pivetal Jeremy , Loo-Zazueta Ana L. , Barros João M. S. , Edwards Alexander D.
Published: June 2016

A lab-on-a-stick concept for simple, rapid, multiplexed and quantitative cellular bioassays in a dipstick format with the benefits of microfluidics.
Rapid formation of size-controllable multicellular spheroids via 3D acoustic tweezers
Authors: Chen Kejie , Wu Mengxi , Guo Feng , Li Peng , Chan Chung Yu , Mao Zhangming , Li Sixing , Ren Liqiang , Zhang Rui , Huang Tony Jun
Published: June 2016

A 3D acoustic tweezers platform is developed to fabricate size-controllable multicellular spheroids in a rapid and high-throughput manner, utilizing the acoustic Gor'kov potential field and microstreaming.
Modular, pumpless body-on-a-chip platform for the co-culture of GI tract epithelium and 3D primary liver tissue
Authors: Esch Mandy B. , Ueno Hidetaka , Applegate Dawn R. , Shuler Michael L.
Published: June 2016

We have developed an expandable modular body-on-a-chip design that allows for a plug-and-play approach.
Mechanistic study on the facet etching effect of silver nanoprisms in the presence of halide ions and their application in the colorimetric sensing of metformin hydrochloride
Authors: Gu Yu , Kong Sumei , Diao Xintong , Guo Yuhan , Zhang Kai , He Hua
Published: June 2016

The driving force of halide ions etching on Ag nanoprisms is the formation of a precipitant with Ag+ at the [110] facet.
Unexpected formation of π-expanded isoquinoline from anthracene possessing four electron-donating groups via the Duff reaction
Authors: Węcławski Marek K. , Deperasińska Irena , Leniak Arkadiusz , Banasiewicz Marzena , Kozankiewicz Bolesław , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: June 2016

An electron-rich derivative of anthracene reacts with hexamethylenetetramine under acidic conditions to give a rare heterocyclic scaffold possessing a pyridine moiety.
Novel folate-targeted docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles for tumour targeting: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Han M. H. , Li Z. T. , Bi D. D. , Guo Y. F. , Kuang H. X. , Wang X. T.
Published: June 2016

Cholesterol-PEG1000-FA (folic acid) was synthesized as a stabilizer to encapsulate DTX, for the construction of a promising targeted delivery system for breast cancer therapy.
Heteroatom-doped mesoporous carbons as efficient adsorbents for removal of dimethoate and omethoate from water
Authors: Lazarević-Pašti Tamara D. , Pašti Igor A. , Jokić Bojan , Babić Biljana M. , Vasić Vesna M.
Published: June 2016

B-, N- and P-doped mesoporous carbons have been successfully applied for removal of dimethoate and omethoate from water.
Synthesis of benzoimidazoquinazolines by cobalt-catalyzed isocyanide insertion–cyclization
Authors: Ahmadi Fereshteh , Bazgir Ayoob
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of benzoimidazoquinazoline amines by the reaction of isocyanides and benzo[d]imidazol-anilines via a cobalt-catalyzed isocyanide insertion reaction into the two N–H active bonds is reported.
Fast multigram scale microwave-assisted synthesis of vitamin E and C10-, C15-analogues under vacuum
Authors: Rotolo L. , Calcio Gaudino E. , Carnaroglio D. , Barge A. , Tagliapietra S. , Cravotto G.
Published: June 2016

A novel protocol for the microwave-assisted synthesis of (all-rac)-α-tocopherol, including its C10- and C15-analogues, is reported.
Correction: Essential role of hydride ion in ruthenium-based ammonia synthesis catalysts
Authors: Kitano Masaaki , Inoue Yasunori , Ishikawa Hiroki , Yamagata Kyosuke , Nakao Takuya , Tada Tomofumi , Matsuishi Satoru , Yokoyama Toshiharu , Hara Michikazu , Hosono Hideo
Published: June 2016

Correction for ‘Essential role of hydride ion in ruthenium-based ammonia synthesis catalysts’ by Masaaki Kitano et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, 4036-4043.
Polypyrrole multilayer-laminated cellulose for large-scale repeatable mercury ion removal
Authors: Hanif Zahid , Lee Seyeong , Hussain Qasim Gullam , Ardiningsih Indah , Kim Jeong-Ah , Seon Jaeyoung , Han Seunghee , Hong Sukwon , Yoon Myung-Han
Published: June 2016

Polypyrrole multilayer-laminated cellulose was fabricatedviavapor-phase polymerization and employed as a cost-effective adsorbent hybrid material removing potentially toxic metal ions with high adsorption efficiency and good adsorbent recyclability even on a large scale (>1 liter).
Preparation, structure and properties of Na2Mn3(SO4)4: a new potential candidate with high voltage for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Jianhua , Sha Xunshan , Liu Xi , Song Limei , Zhao Pan
Published: June 2016

The structure of Na2Mn3(SO4)4shows straight tunnels, occupied by the Na+ions, which favour the (de)insertion of Na+ions.
Monodisperse cobalt sulfides embedded within nitrogen-doped carbon nanoflakes: an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Liqun , Chen Xu , Lu Yanluo , Yang Wensheng
Published: June 2016

Monodisperse Co9S8 nanoparticles embedded within nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanoflakes are synthesized by an interlayer confined reaction and exhibit excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity.
Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone): a superior and general additive in polysulfide electrolytes for high efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jiang Guocan , Pan Zhenxiao , Ren Zhenwei , Du Jun , Yang Cheng , Wang Wenran , Zhong Xinhua
Published: June 2016

Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as a superior and general additive to modify the traditional polysulfide electrolyte in quantum dot sensitized solar cells and the photovoltaic performance of the constructed solar cells was significantly improved benefiting from the reduced charge recombination.
Size effects of graphene oxide nanosheets on the construction of three-dimensional graphene-based macrostructures as adsorbents
Authors: Shen Yi , Zhu Xiaoying , Chen Baoliang
Published: June 2016

3D GBMs constructed from large graphene nanosheets favor the diffusion and adsorption of pollutants in water purification.
Unified film patterning and annealing of an organic semiconductor with micro-grooved wet stamps
Authors: Kim Kyunghun , Jang Mi , Lee Minjung , An Tae Kyu , Anthony John E. , Kim Se Hyun , Yang Hoichang , Park Chan Eon
Published: June 2016

A unified patterning and annealing approach was successfully demonstrated for 5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)-anthradithiophene (TES-ADT) films spun-cast on polymer-treated SiO2 dielectrics.
Local order drives the metallic state in PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Stadler Philipp , Farka Dominik , Coskun Halime , Głowacki Eric D. , Yumusak Cigdem , Uiberlacker Lisa M. , Hild Sabine , Leonat Lucia N. , Scharber Markus C. , Klapetek Petr , Menon Reghu , Sariciftci N. Serdar
Published: June 2016

Ordering of PEDOT:PSS by self-organization results in a metallic transition described by weak localization.
Design of compact wideband filtering power divider with extended isolation and rejection bandwidth
Authors: Deng Yijing , Wang Jianpeng , Li Jia‐lin
Published: June 2016

A wideband filtering power divider (FPD) with good isolation and widen upper stopband is presented. A distributed stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) network composed of three short‐circuited SIRs and one isolation resistor is introduced to obtain both port‐to‐port isolation and harmonic suppression. For demonstration, an FPD operating at 2.3 GHz with 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 31% is designed, fabricated and measured. In the operating band, the measured isolation is better than 17 dB, while out of band, the upper stopband is extended to 9.8 GHz (4.2f0) with a rejection level of 20 dB.
Double‐LCL resonant compensation network for electric vehicles wireless power transfer: experimental study and analysis
Authors: Liu Chuang , Ge Shukun , Guo Ying , Li Hang , Cai Guowei
Published: June 2016

This study presents the experimental study and analysis of double‐LCL resonant compensation network based wireless power transfer (WPT) system for electric vehicles. The WPT system could accomplish both constant current and the unity‐power‐factor for the transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal. In addition, the transmitting terminal inverter can achieve zero‐voltage‐switching. The multi‐physical characteristics of the transmitting and receiving terminals based on LCL resonant compensation network are analysed in detail. Finally, three‐dimensional finite element analysis and an experimental system with circular pads is setup to verify the theoretical analysis under different loads and horizontal/vertical misalignment conditions. At the condition of 200 mm gap and no horizontal misalignment, the system can supply the maximum output power of about 7.36 kW having the maximum efficiency of 95.87%.
Series Z‐source and nine‐switch dual‐output inverter stage two‐stage matrix converter
Authors: Deng Wenlang , Ju Xinchao , Li Lijuan , Guo Yougui , Huang Zhujin , Zheng Li , Deng Shuwei
Published: June 2016

Nine‐switch dual‐output inverter stage two‐stage matrix converter (NS‐TSMC) has been widely applied in dual AC motors drive system, while it has the shortcoming of low voltage transfer ratio. Based on the NS‐TSMC, a modified topology, named as series Z‐source and nine‐switch dual‐output inverter stage two‐stage matrix converter (ZS‐NS‐TSMC), is proposed, in which the series Z‐source network is connected between the rectifier stage and nine‐switch dual‐output inverter stage (NS‐DOI). In the presented topology, a brief shoot‐through vector is employed, which can improve the voltage transfer ratio. Other advantages of the series Z‐source network, such as low voltage stress of Z‐source capacitor, zero dead‐time of NS‐DOI and limiting inrush current at startup, are discussed in the study. Furthermore, the dual space vector modulation is presented, which can achieve the merits of unity input power factor, sinusoidal input and outputs. Besides, the sinusoidal outputs, the capability of boosting voltage and adjustable output voltage amplitude are also discussed by the mathematical proof. Finally, an experimental prototype is set up based on the controllers of TMS320F28069 (DSP) and EPM570 (CPLD), the results of which verify the feasibility and desired advantages of the proposed topology and modulation strategy.