bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lamb-dip spectroscopy of the C−N stretching band of methylamine by using frequency-tunable microwave sidebands of CO2 laser lines
Authors: Sun Zhen-Dong , Qi Shan-Dong , Lees Ronald M. , Xu Li-Hong
Published: October 2016

Lamb-dip spectroscopy of the C−N stretching band of methylamine has been systematically extended to P-, Q-, and R-branch by using microwave sidebands of a large number of CO2 laser lines as frequency-tunable infrared sources in a sub-Doppler spectrometer. Lamb-dip signals of more than 150 spectral lines have been observed with a resolution of 0.4 MHz and their frequencies have been precisely measured with an accuracy of ±0.1 MHz. More than 30 closed combination loops have been formed, which unambiguously confirm the assignments. For over 150 vibrational excited levels in 27 substates, refined term values have been determined and expanded in J(J + 1) power-series to determine the substate origins and the effective rotational constants. For transitions with Aa torsion-inversion symmetry in torsional state υt = 0, 57 K-doublet lines displaying asymmetry splittings have been observed and the splitting constants for levels with K = 1, 2, and 3 in the excited states have been determined. Our results provide accurate experimental information for spectroscopic studies of the interesting vibrational perturbations and intermode interactions related to the C−N stretching mode, directly support astronomical surveys, and are very relevant in practice to identification and frequency determination of the CO2-laser-pumped far-infrared laser lines of methylamine.
Statistical and Ontological Analysis of Adverse Events Associated with Monovalent and Combination Vaccines against Hepatitis A and B Diseases
Authors: Xie Jiangan , Zhao Lili , Zhou Shangbo , He Yongqun
Published: October 2016

Vaccinations often induce various adverse events (AEs) and sometimes serious AEs (SAEs). While many vaccines are used in combination, the effects of vaccine-vaccine interactions (VVIs) on vaccine AEs are rarely studied. In this study, AE profiles induced by hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix), hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B) and hepatitis A and B combination vaccine (Twinrix) were studied using the VAERS data. From May 2001 to January 2015, VAERS recorded 941, 3,885 and 1,624 AE case reports where patients aged at least 18 years old were vaccinated with only Havrix, Engerix-B and Twinrix, respectively. Using these data, our statistical analysis identified 46, 69 and 82 AEs significantly associated with Havrix, Engerix-B and Twinrix, respectively. Based on the Ontology of Adverse Events (OAE) hierarchical classification, these AEs were enriched in the AEs related to behavioral and neurological conditions, immune system and investigation results. Twenty-nine AEs were classified as SAEs and mainly related to immune conditions. Using a logistic regression model accompanied with MCMC sampling, 13 AEs (e.g., hepatosplenomegaly) were identified to result from VVI synergistic effects. Classifications of these 13 AEs using OAE and MedDRA hierarchies confirmed the advantages of the OAE-based method over MedDRA in AE term hierarchical analysis.
Disruption of phenylalanine hydroxylase reduces adult lifespan and fecundity, and impairs embryonic development in parthenogenetic pea aphids
Authors: Simonet Pierre , Gaget Karen , Parisot Nicolas , Duport Gabrielle , Rey Marjolaine , Febvay Gérard , Charles Hubert , Callaerts Patrick , Colella Stefano , Calevro Federica
Published: October 2016

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is a key tyrosine-biosynthetic enzyme involved in neurological and melanin-associated physiological processes. Despite extensive investigations in holometabolous insects, a PAH contribution to insect embryonic development has never been demonstrated. Here, we have characterized, for the first time, the PAH gene in a hemimetabolous insect, the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses confirmed that ApPAH is closely related to metazoan PAH, exhibiting the typical ACT regulatory and catalytic domains. Temporal expression patterns suggest that ApPAH has an important role in aphid developmental physiology, its mRNA levels peaking at the end of embryonic development. We used parental dsApPAH treatment to generate successful knockdown in aphid embryos and to study its developmental role. ApPAH inactivation shortens the adult aphid lifespan and considerably affects fecundity by diminishing the number of nymphs laid and impairing embryonic development, with newborn nymphs exhibiting severe morphological defects. Using single nymph HPLC analyses, we demonstrated a significant tyrosine deficiency and a consistent accumulation of the upstream tyrosine precursor, phenylalanine, in defective nymphs, thus confirming the RNAi-mediated disruption of PAH activity. This study provides first insights into the role of PAH in hemimetabolous insects and demonstrates that this metabolic gene is essential for insect embryonic development.
An Adaptive Fisher’s Combination Method for Joint Analysis of Multiple Phenotypes in Association Studies
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Wang Zhenchuan , Sha Qiuying , Zhang Shuanglin
Published: October 2016

Currently, the analyses of most genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed on a single phenotype. There is increasing evidence showing that pleiotropy is a widespread phenomenon in complex diseases. Therefore, using only one single phenotype may lose statistical power to identify the underlying genetic mechanism. There is an increasing need to develop and apply powerful statistical tests to detect association between multiple phenotypes and a genetic variant. In this paper, we develop an Adaptive Fisher’s Combination (AFC) method for joint analysis of multiple phenotypes in association studies. The AFC method combines p-values obtained in standard univariate GWAS by using the optimal number of p-values which is determined by the data. We perform extensive simulations to evaluate the performance of the AFC method and compare the power of our method with the powers of TATES, Tippett’s method, Fisher’s combination test, MANOVA, MultiPhen and SUMSCORE. Our simulation studies show that the proposed method has correct type I error rates and is either the most powerful test or comparable with the most powerful test. Finally, we illustrate our proposed methodology by analyzing whole-genome genotyping data from a lung function study.
Electrochemical aptasensor for lung cancer-related protein detection in crude blood plasma samples
Authors: Zamay Galina S. , Zamay Tatiana N. , Kolovskii Vasilii A. , Shabanov Alexandr V. , Glazyrin Yury E. , Veprintsev Dmitry V. , Krat Alexey V. , Zamay Sergey S. , Kolovskaya Olga S. , Gargaun Ana , Sokolov Alexey E. , Modestov Andrey A. , Artyukhov Ivan P. , Chesnokov Nikolay V. , Petrova Marina M. , Berezovski Maxim V. , Zamay Anna S.
Published: October 2016

The development of an aptamer-based electrochemical sensor for lung cancer detection is presented in this work. A highly specific DNA-aptamer, LC-18, selected to postoperative lung cancer tissues was immobilized onto a gold microelectrode and electrochemical measurements were performed in a solution containing the redox marker ferrocyanide/ferricyanide. The aptamer protein targets were harvested from blood plasma of lung cancer patients by using streptavidin paramagnetic beads and square wave voltammetry of the samples was performed at various concentrations. In order to enhance the sensitivity of the aptasensor, silica-coated iron oxide magnetic beads grafted with hydrophobic C8 and C4 alkyl groups were used in a sandwich detection approach. Addition of hydrophobic beads increased the detection limit by 100 times. The detection limit of the LC-18 aptasensor was enhanced by the beads to 0.023 ng/mL. The formation of the aptamer – protein – bead sandwich on the electrode surface was visualized by electron microcopy. As a result, the electrochemical aptasensor was able to detect cancer-related targets in crude blood plasma of lung cancer patients.
High sensitivity of gold nanoparticles co-doped with Gd2O3 mesoporous silica nanocomposite to nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Songjin , Tian Xiumei , Liu Chufeng , Zhang Lei , Hu Wenyong , Shao Yuanzhi , Li Li
Published: October 2016

Nanoprobes for combined optical and magnetic resonance imaging have tremendous potential in early cancer diagnosis. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) co-doped with Gd2O3 mesoporous silica nanocomposite (Au/Gd@MCM-41) can produce pronounced contrast enhancement for T1 weighted image in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we show the remarkably high sensitivity of Au/Gd@MCM-41 to the human poorly differentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line (CNE-2) using fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). The upconversion luminescences from CNE-2 and the normal nasopharyngeal (NP) cells (NP69) after uptake of Au/Gd@MCM-41 show the characteristic of two-photon-induced-radiative recombination of the AuNPs. The presence of the Gd3+ ion induces a much shorter luminescence lifetime in CNE-2 cells. The interaction between AuNPs and Gd3+ ion clearly enhances the optical sensitivity of Au/Gd@MCM-41 to CNE-2. Furthermore, the difference in the autofluorescence between CNE-2 and NP69 cells can be efficiently demonstrated by the emission lifetimes of Au/Gd@MCM-41 through the Forster energy transfers from the endogenous fluorophores to AuNPs. The results suggest that Au/Gd@MCM-41 may impart high optical resolution for the FLIM imaging that differentiates normal and high-grade precancers.
Subcellular and in-vivo Nano-Endoscopy
Authors: Cheemalapati Surya Venkatasekhar , Winskas John , Wang Hao , Konnaiyan Karthik , Zhdanov Arseny , Roth Alison , Adapa Swamy Rakesh , Deonarine Andrew , Noble Mark , Das Tuhin , Gatenby Robert , Westerheide Sandy D. , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Pyayt Anna
Published: October 2016

Analysis of individual cells at the subcellular level is important for understanding diseases and accelerating drug discovery. Nanoscale endoscopes allow minimally invasive probing of individual cell interiors. Several such instruments have been presented previously, but they are either too complex to fabricate or require sophisticated external detectors because of low signal collection efficiency. Here we present a nanoendoscope that can locally excite fluorescence in labelled cell organelles and collect the emitted signal for spectral analysis. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations have shown that with an optimized nanoendoscope taper profile, the light emission and collection was localized within ~100 nm. This allows signal detection to be used for nano-photonic sensing of the proximity of fluorophores. Upon insertion into the individual organelles of living cells, the nanoendoscope was fabricated and resultant fluorescent signals collected. This included the signal collection from the nucleus of Acridine orange labelled human fibroblast cells, the nucleus of Hoechst stained live liver cells and the mitochondria of MitoTracker Red labelled MDA-MB-231 cells. The endoscope was also inserted into a live organism, the yellow fluorescent protein producing nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and a fluorescent signal was collected. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of in vivo, local fluorescence signal collection on the sub-organelle level.
A 3′-end structure in RNA2 of a crinivirus is essential for viral RNA synthesis and contributes to replication-associated translation activity
Authors: Mongkolsiriwattana Chawin , Zhou Jaclyn S. , Ng James C. K.
Published: October 2016

The terminal ends in the genome of RNA viruses contain features that regulate viral replication and/or translation. We have identified a Y-shaped structure (YSS) in the 3′ terminal regions of the bipartite genome of Lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV), a member in the genus Crinivirus (family Closteroviridae). The YSS is the first in this family of viruses to be determined using Selective 2′-Hydroxyl Acylation Analyzed by Primer Extension (SHAPE). Using luciferase constructs/replicons, in vivo and in vitro assays showed that the 5′ and YSS-containing 3′ terminal regions of LCV RNA1 supported translation activity. In contrast, similar regions from LCV RNA2, including those upstream of the YSS, did not. LCV RNA2 mutants with nucleotide deletions or replacements that affected the YSS were replication deficient. In addition, the YSS of LCV RNA1 and RNA2 were interchangeable without affecting viral RNA synthesis. Translation and significant replication were observed for specific LCV RNA2 replicons only in the presence of LCV RNA1, but both processes were impaired when the YSS and/or its upstream region were incomplete or altered. These results are evidence that the YSS is essential to the viral replication machinery and contributes to replication enhancement and replication-associated translation activity in the RNA2 replicons.
RAB39B gene mutations are not linked to familial Parkinson’s disease in China
Authors: Kang Ji-feng , Luo Yang , Tang Bei-sha , Wan Chang-min , Yang Yang , Li Kai , Liu Zhen-hua , Sun Qi-ying , Xu Qian , Yan Xin-xiang , Guo Ji-feng
Published: October 2016

Recently, RAB39B mutations were reported to be a causative factor in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To validate the role of RAB39B in familial PD, a total of 195 subjects consisting of 108 PD families with autosomal-dominant (AD) inheritance and 87 PD families with autosomal-recessive (AR) inheritance in the Chinese Han population from mainland China were included in this study. We did not identify any variants in the coding region or the exon-intron boundaries of the gene by Sanger sequencing method in the DNA samples of 180 patients (100 with AD and 80 with AR). Furthermore, we did not find any variants in the RAB39B gene when Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was applied to DNA samples from 15 patients (8 with AD and 7 with AR) for further genetic analysis. Additionally, when quantitative real-time PCR was used to exclude large rearrangement variants in these patients, we found no dosage mutations in RAB39B gene. Our results suggest that RAB39B mutation is very rare in familial PD and may not be a major cause of familial PD in the Chinese Han Population.
CRISPR/Cas9 Targets Chicken Embryonic Somatic Cells In Vitro and In Vivo and generates Phenotypic Abnormalities
Authors: Abu-Bonsrah Kwaku Dad , Zhang Dongcheng , Newgreen Donald F.
Published: October 2016

Chickens are an invaluable model for studying human diseases, physiology and especially development, but have lagged in genetic applications. With the advent of Programmable Engineered Nucleases, genetic manipulation has become efficient, specific and rapid. Here, we show that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can precisely edit the chicken genome. We generated HIRA, TYRP1, DICER, MBD3, EZH2 and 6 other gene knockouts in two chicken cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, with no off-target effects detected. We also showed that very large deletions (>75 kb) could be achieved. We also achieved targeted modification by homology-directed repair (HDR), producing MEN2A and MEN2B mutations of the RET gene. We also targeted DGCR8 in neural cells of the chicken embryo by in vivo electroporation. After FACS isolation of transfected cells, we observed appropriate sequence changes in DGCR8. Wholemount and frozen section antibody labelling showed reduction of DGCR8 levels in transfected cells. In addition, there was reduced expression levels of DGCR8-associated genes DROSHA, YPEL1 and NGN2. We also observed morphological differences in neural tissue and cardiac-related tissues of transfected embryos. These findings demonstrate that precisely targeted genetic manipulation of the genome using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be extended to the highly adaptable in vivo chicken embryo model.
Neural Correlates of Deficits in Humor Appreciation in Gelotophobics
Authors: Chan Yu-Chen
Published: October 2016

Gelotophobics have social deficits in the form of relative humorlessness and heightened sensitivity to aggressive humor; however, little is known about the neural reward mechanisms for this group. The present study attempted to identify the neural substrates of responses to hostile and non-hostile jokes in gelotophobics and non-gelotophobics. Gelotophobics showed greater activation than did non-gelotophobics in the dorsal corticostriatal system, which comprises the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal striatum, suggesting a higher degree of voluntary top-down cognitive control of emotion. As expected, gelotophobics showed less activation in the ventral mesocorticolimbic system (MCL) in response to both hostile and non-hostile jokes, suggesting a relative deficit in the reward system. Conversely, non-gelotophobics displayed greater activation than gelotophobics did in the MCL system, particularly for non-hostile jokes, which suggests a more robust bottom-up emotional response. In response to non-hostile jokes, non-gelotophobics showed greater activation in the ventral MCL reward system, which comprises the midbrain, amygdalae, nucleus accumbens, ventral anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. Psychophysiological interaction analyses further showed that gelotophobics exhibited diminished MCL activation in response to hostile jokes. These group differences may have important implications for our understanding of the neural correlates of social motivation and humor appreciation.
A role for the asexual spores in infection of Fraxinus excelsior by the ash-dieback fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Authors: Fones Helen Nicola , Mardon Charlotte , Gurr Sarah Jane
Published: October 2016

The invasive pathogen, ash dieback fungusHymenoscyphus fraxineus, is spreading rapidly across Europe. It shows high levels of outcrossing and limited population structure, even at the epidemic front. The anamorphic (asexual) form produces prolific conidia, thought to function solely as spermatia (male gametes), facilitating gene flow between sympatric strains. Here, we show that conidia are capable of germination on ash leaves andin vitro, and can infect seedlingsvialeaves or soil. In leaves, germlings form structures resembling fruiting bodies. Additionally,H. fraxineuscolonises ash debris and grows in soil in the absence of ash tissues. We propose an amended life-cycle in which wind-dispersed, insect-vectored or water-spread conidia infect ash and may sporulatein planta,as well as in forest debris. This amplifies inoculum levels of different strains in ash stands. In combination with their function as spermatia, conidia thus act to maximise gene flow between sympatric strains, including those originally present at low inoculum. Such mixing increases evolutionary potential, as well as enhancing the likelihood of gene introgression from closely-related strains or assimilation of further genetic diversity from parental Asian populations. This scenario increases the adaptability ofH. fraxineusto new climates and, indeed, onto new host species.
Antidepressant indatraline induces autophagy and inhibits restenosis via suppression of mTOR/S6 kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Cho Yoon Sun , Yen Chih-na , Shim Joong Sup , Kang Dong Hoon , Kang Sang Won , Liu Jun O. , Kwon Ho Jeong
Published: October 2016

Indatraline is an antidepressive agent and a non-selective monoamine transporter inhibitor that blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine). In this study, we report that indatraline induces autophagy via the suppression of mTOR/S6 kinase signaling. Autophagy induction was examined by a cell-based high content screening system using LysoTracker, which was followed by monodansylcadaverine staining and transmission electron microscope observation. Indatraline increased the number of EGFP-LC3 cells expressing autophagosomes in the cytoplasm. Conversion of LC3 was further validated by immunoblotting. Indatraline induced autophagy by affecting the AMPK/mTOR/S6K signaling axis and had no influence on the PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling. Moreover, indatraline induced autophagy in smooth muscle cells (SMCs); further, it exhibited therapeutic potential for restenosis by inhibiting SMC accumulation in a rat restenosis model. These results provide new insights into the role of monoamine transporters in autophagy regulation and identify indatraline as a novel agent for inducing autophagy.
Electrosprayed Multi-Core Alginate Microcapsules as Novel Self-Healing Containers
Authors: Hia Iee Lee , Pasbakhsh Pooria , Chan Eng-Seng , Chai Siang-Piao
Published: October 2016

Alginate microcapsules containing epoxy resin were developed through electrospraying method and embedded into epoxy matrix to produce a capsule-based self-healing composite system. These formaldehyde free alginate/epoxy microcapsules were characterized via light microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Results showed that epoxy resin was successfully encapsulated within alginate matrix to form porous (multi-core) microcapsules with pore size ranged from 5–100 μm. The microcapsules had an average size of 320 ± 20 μm with decomposition temperature at 220 °C. The loading capacity of these capsules was estimated to be 79%. Under in situ healing test, impact specimens showed healing efficiency as high as 86% and the ability to heal up to 3 times due to the multi-core capsule structure and the high impact energy test that triggered the released of epoxy especially in the second and third healings. TDCB specimens showed one-time healing only with the highest healing efficiency of 76%. The single healing event was attributed by the constant crack propagation rate of TDCB fracture test. For the first time, a cost effective, environmentally benign and sustainable capsule-based self-healing system with multiple healing capabilities and high healing performance was developed.
Chemical profiles of Robusta and Arabica coffee by ESI(−)FT-ICR MS and ATR-FTIR: a quantitative approach
Authors: Correia Radigya M. , Loureiro Laiza B. , Rodrigues Rayza R. T. , Costa Helber B. , Oliveira Bruno G. , Filgueiras Paulo R. , Thompson Christopher J. , Lacerda Valdemar , Romão Wanderson
Published: October 2016

This paper reports a method to quantify Robusta coffee in Arabica coffee blends using univariate and multivariate models.
Rheological properties, biocompatibility and in vivo performance of new hydrogel-based bone fillers
Authors: Giannoni Paolo , Villa Federico , Cordazzo Cinzia , Zardi Luciano , Fattori Paolo , Quarto Rodolfo , Fiorini Mauro
Published: October 2016

Three different heterologous substitutes for bone regeneration, manufactured with equine-derived cortical powder, cancellous chips and demineralized bone matrix granules, were comparedin vitroandin vivo.
Impact electrochemistry on screen-printed electrodes for the detection of monodispersed silver nanoparticles of sizes 10–107 nm
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Zafir Mohamad , Pumera Martin
Published: October 2016

We discuss the use of screen-printed electrodes for the impact electrochemistry detection of well-defined monodispersed silver nanoparticles of sizes 10, 20, 40, 80, and 107 nm.
Molecular simulations of nitrogen-doped hierarchical carbon adsorbents for post-combustion CO2capture
Authors: Psarras Peter , He Jiajun , Wilcox Jennifer
Published: October 2016

A present challenge in the mitigation of anthropogenic CO2emissions involves the design of less energy- and water-intensive capture technologies.
Genesis of a bi-functional acid–base site on a Cr-supported layered double hydroxide catalyst surface for one-pot synthesis of furfurals from xylose with a solid acid catalyst
Authors: Shirotori Mahiro , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: October 2016

The cross boundary between Cr3+ oxide and Mg–Al LDH generates highly active bi-functional acid–base sites for xylose isomerization.
The polynuclear complex Cu4I4py4 loaded in mesoporous silica: photophysics, theoretical investigation, and highly sensitive oxygen sensing application
Authors: Ravaro Leandro P. , Almeida Tiago. R. , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , de Camargo Andrea S. S.
Published: October 2016

The polynuclear complex Cu4I4py4 has been largely studied in solution and in the powder form due to its interesting luminescent properties, which are largely dependent on temperature and pressure.
Construction of copper chains with new fluorescent guanidino-functionalized naphthyridine ligands
Authors: Krämer Christoph , Leingang Simone , Hübner Olaf , Kaifer Elisabeth , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans-Jörg
Published: October 2016

A high charge and a low coordination number are the characteristics of fluorescent Cu4 chain complexes with 2,7-bisguanidino-naphthyridine ligands.
cis-Conformation of indigo in the coordination complex (indigo-O,O)(Cp*CrIICl)
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Kuzmin Aleksey V. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Saito Gunzi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: October 2016

The interaction of decamethylchromocene (Cp*2Cr) with indigo yields the complex (indigo-O,O)(Cp*CrIICl) (1). Indigo adopts an unusualcis-conformation in1, allowing the coordination of both indigo carbonyl groups to CrII.
Deuterium substitution effects on the structural and magnetic phase transitions of a hydrogen-bonded coordination polymer, bis(glycolato)copper(ii)
Authors: Yoneyama Shota , Kodama Takeshi , Kikuchi Koichi , Fujisawa Takumi , Yamaguchi Akira , Sumiyama Akihiko , Shuku Yoshiaki , Aoyagi Shinobu , Fujita Wataru
Published: October 2016

Bis(glycolato)copper(ii) [Cu(HOCH2CO2)2] shows a large shift of the structural phase transition temperature by deuterium substitution of the hydroxyl groups in it.
Preparation of layered graphene and tungsten oxide hybrids for enhanced performance supercapacitors
Authors: Xing Ling-Li , Huang Ke-Jing , Fang Lin-Xia
Published: October 2016

Graphene–tungsten oxide hybrids are prepared and used for enhanced performance supercapacitor electrode materials.
Affordable, flexible, and modular: a guide to open-source membrane-based water treatment systems
Authors: Slade Adam , Jassby David
Published: October 2016

A guide towards the implementation of open-source/open-access tools for the design and construction of affordable, scalable, and reliable membrane-based treatment systems.
Virus removal of new and aged UF membranes at full-scale in a wastewater reclamation plant
Authors: Reeve Petra , Regel Rudi , Dreyfus Jennifer , Monis Paul , Lau Melody , King Brendon , van den Akker Ben
Published: October 2016

We examined the consequence of long-term membrane ageing on the virus rejection performance of full-scale ultrafiltration membranes to better understand health risks associated with membrane use in wastewater reuse schemes.
Robust and accurate prediction of protein self-interactions from amino acids sequence using evolutionary information
Authors: An Ji-Yong , You Zhu-Hong , Chen Xing , Huang De-Shuang , Yan Guiying , Wang Da-Fu
Published: October 2016

Self-interacting proteins (SIPs) play an essential role in cellular functions and the evolution of protein interaction networks (PINs).
Glutathione responsive polymers and their application in drug delivery systems
Authors: Quinn John F. , Whittaker Michael R. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: October 2016

Materials which respond to biological cues are the subject of intense research interest due to their possible application in smart drug delivery vehicles.
Low-cost iron oxide magnetic nanoclusters affinity probe for the enrichment of endogenous phosphopeptides in human saliva
Authors: Long Xing-yu , Li Jia-yuan , Sheng Dong , Lian Hong-zhen
Published: October 2016

Simple and low cost iron oxide magnetic nanoclusters (Fe3O4 MNCs) affinity material has been directly applied for phosphorylated peptides/proteins enrichment.
The mechanism of action of acid-soluble chitosan as an adjuvant in the formulation of nasally administered vaccine against HBV
Authors: Wang Zhi-Biao , Shan Pu , Li Su-Zhen , Zhou Ya , Deng Xia , Li Ji-Lai , Zhang Yu , Gao Jin-Shuang , Xu Jing
Published: October 2016

Recently, numerous attempts have been made to evaluate the potential of chitosan as an adjuvant; however, few have explored the mechanism underlying the adjuvant activity of chitosan.
Electrospraying magnetic-fluorescent bifunctional Janus PLGA microspheres with dual rare earth ions fluorescent-labeling drugs
Authors: Li Ping , Li Kun , Niu Xufeng , Fan Yubo
Published: October 2016

Magnetic-fluorescent Janus PLGA microspheres [PLGA/EuLa3(Bim)12]//[PLGA/Fe3O4] with dual rare earth ions fluorescent-labeling drug could provide accuracy and efficiency for fluorescent tracing.
Rice protein radicals: growth and stability under microwave treatment
Authors: Fan Da-ming , Hu Bo , Lin Lu-fen , Huang Lue-lue , Wang Ming-fu , Zhao Jian-xin , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2016

Carbon-centred radicals are revealed in the microwave treated rice protein samples. The change of protein structure in a microwave field is often presumed to be caused by free radicals.
Synthesis and shape memory property of segmented poly(ester urethane) with poly(butylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) as the soft segment
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Ruoyu , Huang Miaoming , Dong Xia , Xu Wei , Wang Yubin , Hu Guo-Hua , Zhu Jin
Published: October 2016

Shape memory property of segmented poly(ester urethane) with poly(butylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) as the soft segment.
A novel PVdF-based composite gel polymer electrolyte doped with ionomer modified graphene oxide
Authors: Li Weili , Zhu Zhengbao , Shen Wenjun , Tang Jijun , Yang Gang , Xu Zexiao
Published: October 2016

A novel composite gel polymer electrolyte (CGPE) was prepared by doping ionomer-modified-graphene (IMGO) into poly(vinylidenefluoride) with a phase separation technique. IMGO can enhance the properties of CGPE due to the effect of the ion-conducting channel.
Characterization of depolymerized lignin and renewable phenolic compounds from liquefied waste biomass
Authors: Feng Junfeng , Jiang Jianchun , Yang Zhongzhi , Su Qiuli , Wang Kui , Xu Junming
Published: October 2016

This investigation aimed to analyze the renewable phenolic compounds that separate from liquefied mason pine.
Bile salt assisted morphological changes of cationic gemini surfactant (12-4-12) micelles
Authors: Padasala Shailesh , Patel Vijay , Ray Debes , Singh Kulbir , Aswal Vinod K. , Bahadur Pratap
Published: October 2016

pH and concentration dependent growth of gemini surfactant (12-4-12) micelles in the presence of bile salts.
Carbon quantum dot/mixed crystal TiO2 composites via a hydrogenation process: an efficient photocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Tang Yunqi , Hao Rong , Fu Yu , Jiang Yong , Zhang Xiangcheng , Pan Qingjiang , Jiang Baojiang
Published: October 2016

High-performance photocatalyst including mixed crystal TiO2/carbon quantum dots was obtained via a facile approach, which exhibited excellent property for hydrogen evolution under solar light.
Localized self-assembly and nucleation: a new strategy for preparing highly toughened polymer blends
Authors: Shi Shaohong , Liu Wei , Nie Min , Wang Qi
Published: October 2016

We report a facile method to prepare advanced PA66/iPP hybrids with core-pompon structure via localized diffusion and self-assembly of β-nucleating agents.
Ag-doped nano magnetic γ-Fe2O3@DA core–shell hollow spheres: an efficient and recoverable heterogeneous catalyst for A3and KA2coupling reactions and [3 + 2] cycloaddition
Authors: Elhampour A. , Malmir M. , Kowsari E. , Boorboor ajdari F. , Nemati F.
Published: October 2016

An effective protocol for the fabrication of Ag-doped nano magnetic γ-Fe2O3@DA core–shell hollow spheres (h-Fe2O3@DA/Ag) by a simple hydrothermal method is demonstrated without any templates in the reaction system.
Fabrication of highly photoluminescent quantum dot-polymer composite micropatterned surface using thiol-ene chemistry
Authors: Kim Chung-Hyeon , Bang Jin-Hyuk , Hong Ki Bum , Park Myoung-Hwan
Published: October 2016

The fabrication of a micropatterned QD composite with superior PL properties in that the presence of a positive charge on the QDs enhances the dispersion interaction between the QDs, and the allylic group enables the QDs to form strong chemical binding to the polymer matrix.
Improved performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on modified kaolin/PVDF-HFP composite gel electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Kaiyue , Cui Zijian , Xing Guangyu , Feng Yaqing , Meng Shuxian
Published: October 2016

The DSSCs based on modified kaolin/PVDF-HFP composite gel electrolyte have excellent efficiency.
Theoretical investigations of the small molecular acceptor materials based on oligothiophene – naphthalene diimide in organic solar cells
Authors: Tang Xiaoqin , Liu Xiaorui , Shen Wei , Hu Weixia , He Rongxing , Li Ming
Published: October 2016

The electronic transmission paths of NDI-T3DCRD with the centroid distance from core molecule to ambient molecules marked.
Photocatalysis of C, N-doped ZnO derived from ZIF-8 for dye degradation and water oxidation
Authors: Liang Ping , Zhang Chi , Sun Hongqi , Liu Shaomin , Tadé Moses , Wang Shaobin
Published: October 2016

The C, N-doped ZnO derived from ZIF-8 via two-step pyrolysis showed excellent performances in photocatalytic dye degradation and oxygen evolution.
Ionic and electronic conductivities of atomic layer deposition thin film coated lithium ion battery cathode particles
Authors: Patel Rajankumar L. , Park Jonghyun , Liang Xinhua
Published: October 2016

The ionic and electronic conductivities of ceria ALD-coated and uncoated LiMn2O4 and LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 samples were studied. The ionic conductivity of the ceria films resulted in the improved performance and longer life cycle of the CeO2 ALD-coated samples.
Reduced graphene oxide–polyethylene oxide hybrid films for toluene sensing at room temperature
Authors: Su Yuanjie , Xie Guangzhong , Chen Jun , Du Hongfei , Zhang Hulin , Yuan Zhen , Ye Zongbiao , Du Xiaosong , Tai Huiling , Jiang Yadong
Published: October 2016

A reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–polyethylene oxide (PEO) hybrid film was constructed with composite and bilayer film structures for effective ambient toluene detection.
Synthesis of 3-arylindole derivatives from nitroalkane precursors
Authors: Huang Chia-Yu , Kuo Chun-Wei , Konala Ashok , Yang Tang-Hao , Lin Lyu , Chen Yu-Wen , Kavala Veerababurao , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: October 2016

3-Arylindole derivatives were synthesized by Cu(i) catalysed intramolecular Ullmann coupling of 2-bromoarylaminoalkanes.
On-water magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticle-catalyzed Michael additions of active methylene compounds, aromatic/aliphatic amines, alcohols and thiols to conjugated alkenes
Authors: Payra Soumen , Saha Arijit , Banerjee Subhash
Published: October 2016

Here, we have demonstrated Michael addition of active methylene compounds, aromatic/aliphatic amines, thiols and alcohols to conjugated alkenes using magnetic nano-NiFe2O4 as reusable catalyst in water.
Current advances of organocatalytic Michael–Michael cascade reaction in the synthesis of highly functionalized cyclic molecules
Authors: Nayak Sabita , Panda Pravati , Bhakta Sujitlal , Mishra Sambita Kumar , Mohapatra Seetaram
Published: October 2016

Organocatalytic domino/cascade reactions provide a convenient method for the construction of highly functionalized cyclic molecular structures bearing multiple stereocenters in a highly stereoselective fashion.
Hierarchically porous biomorphic polymer derived C–SiOC ceramics
Authors: Choudhary Abhisek , Pratihar Swadesh K. , Behera Shantanu K.
Published: October 2016

Pinewood derived carbon templates were infiltrated with preceramic polymers and pyrolyzed in inert atmosphere to fabricate hierarchically porous biomorphic silicon oxycarbide amorphous ceramics with ∼80% porosity.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in a percolated bismuth sulfide composite
Authors: Wong Deniz P. , Chien Wei-Lun , Huang Chien-Yu , Chang Cheng-en , Ganguly Abhijit , Lyu Lian-Ming , Hwang Jih-Shang , Chen Li-Chyong , Chen Kuei-Hsien
Published: October 2016

We synthesized a percolated composite of bismuth sulfide which improved the electrical conductivity and subsequent thermoelectric performance.
A novel ionomeric polyurethane elastomer based on ionic liquid as crosslinker
Authors: Behera Prasanta Kumar , Usha K. M. , Guchhait P. K. , Jehnichen Dieter , Das Amit , Voit Brigitte , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: October 2016

A novel flexible polyurethane was prepared using ionic liquid as crosslinker. It showed lower Tg, superelastomeric behavior with very high elongation, better tensile and oil resistance properties than a non-ionic crosslinked PU or a linear PU.
Evaluation of Fe3+fixation into montmorillonite clay and its application in the polymerization of ethylenedioxythiophene
Authors: García-González N. , Frontana-Uribe B. A. , Ordoñez-Regil E. , Cárdenas J. , Morales-Serna J. A.
Published: October 2016

An analysis of the sorption process allowed to establish that Fe3+sorption into montmorillonite is a chemical process that involves an exchange of cations from the montmorillonite interstitial space between layers.
Size-controlled fabrication of silver nanoparticles using the Hedyotis puberula leaf extract: toxicity on mosquito vectors and impact on biological control agents
Authors: Thameem Azarudeen Raja Mohamed Sait , Govindarajan Marimuthu , Amsath Abubucker , Kadaikunnan Shine , Alharbi Naiyf S. , Vijayan Periasamy , Muthukumaran Udaiyan , Benelli Giovanni
Published: October 2016

As a low-cost and eco-friendly control tool, Ag nanoparticles were fabricated usingHedyotis puberulaaqueous extract as a reducing and capping agent and showed potent activity against malaria and arbovirus vectors with low biotoxicity against non-target aquatic organisms.
Rapid multistep kinetic model generation from transient flow data
Authors: Hone Christopher A. , Holmes Nicholas , Akien Geoffrey R. , Bourne Richard A. , Muller Frans L.
Published: October 2016

SNAr reaction profiles were generated using an automated reactor, collected in less than 3 hours, and allowed accurate estimation of kinetic parameters.
A new approach to the asymmetric Mannich reaction catalyzed by chiral N,N′-dioxide–metal complexes
Authors: Lian Xiangjin , Lin Lili , Fu Kai , Ma Baiwei , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: October 2016

An efficient asymmetric Mannich-type reaction between α-tetralone-derived β-keto esters/amides and 1,3,5-triaryl-1,3,5-triazinanes was realized catalyzed by chiral N,N'–dioxide-Ni(ii)/Mg(ii) complexes.
Hierarchical three-dimensional MnO nanorods/carbon anodes for ultralong-life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sheng Jinzhi , Zhang Jie , He Ting , Hu Lin , Wang Rui , Mai Liqiang , Mu Shichun
Published: October 2016

N-Doped carbon network encapsulated MnO nanorods demonstrate 95% capacity retention at a current density of 4000 mA g−1for 3000 cycles. In this case, almost no pulverization or size variation of the nanorods can be observed.
An ordered ZIF-8-derived layered double hydroxide hollow nanoparticles-nanoflake array for high efficiency energy storage
Authors: Yu Dongbo , Wu Bin , Ran Jin , Ge Liang , Wu Liang , Wang Huanting , Xu Tongwen
Published: October 2016

A promising strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of a novel ZIF-8 nanoflake array and a unique layered double hydroxide hollow nanoparticles-nanoflake array. Due to its specific structure, the NiCo hollow nanoparticles-nanoflake array exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties.
Evidence-Based Practices and Predictors: Improving Post-School Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Stevenson Bradley S. , Flynn Perry F. , Test David W.
Published: October 2016

Post-school outcomes for individuals with disabilities have been persistently poor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014) found only 18% of individuals with disabilities were active in the labor force, and Newman et al. (2011) found only 41% have completed a post-secondary education program. Research in secondary transition has identified 64 practices that are effective with and 16 predictors that improve the post-school outcomes for this population. Many of these are compatible with the services speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide. This article reviews the evidence-based practices and predictors relevant to SLPs by defining, describing, and providing examples of how to use them.
RFID‐based stent‐graft dynamic assessment for health cares
Authors: Wei Lifang , Yang Changcai , Chen Riqing
Published: October 2016

With the rapid development of RFID technologies, it is possible to make the three‐dimensional dynamics of stent graft. The authors design an RFID‐based method for automatic assessment of stent‐graft dynamic. The posterior probability from correspondence between two tag sets in successive frames is calculated to estimate what degree the observed RFID tag coincides with others. The results from simulation experiments show the superior performance of the proposed method.
Implementation of traffic splitting using meter table in software‐defined networking
Authors: Kitsuwan Nattapong , Oki Eiji
Published: October 2016

An implementation technique for traffic splitting using a meter table of a standard OpenFlow in a software‐defined network is proposed. The proposed technique uses different differentiated services code point (DSCP) numbers, which are generally used to classify network traffic for quality of service (QoS) levels, in a packet header to decide an output port for a corresponding route. The meter table is generally designed for a QoS purpose. The OpenFlow standard provides two types of meter band, ‘drop’ and ‘dscp_remark’. The proposed technique adopts the ‘dscp_remark’ type for a splitting traffic purpose, instead of the QoS purpose. The DSCP number of the packet is modified when the packet rate exceeds a pre‐defined traffic rate. Packets with different DSCP numbers are sent out to the neighbour switches from their corresponding output ports. The original DSCP number is returned to the packets when they are sending out to the neighbour switches, so that the QoS is not affected.
OIFITS 2: the 2nd version of the data exchange standard for optical interferometry
Authors: Duvert Gilles , Young John , Hummel Christian A.
Published: October 2016

This paper describes version 2 of the Optical Interferometry exchange Format (OIFITS), the standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible or infrared) interferometers. This IAU-endorsed standard has been in use for 10 years at most of the past and current optical interferometer projects, including COAST, NPOI, IOTA, CHARA, VLTI, PTI and the Keck interferometer. Software is available for reading, writing and merging OIFITS files. This version 2 provides definitions of additional data tables (for example for polarisation measurements), addressing the needs of future interferometric instruments. Also included are data columns for a more rigorous description of measurement errors and their correlations. In that, this document is a step towards the design of a common data model for optical interferometry. Finally, the main OIFITS header is expanded with several new keywords summarising the content to allow doing data base searches.
Proper motion survey and kinematic analysis of the ρ Ophiuchi embedded cluster
Authors: Ducourant C. , Teixeira R. , Krone-Martins A. , Bontemps S. , Despois D. , Galli P. A. B. , Bouy H. , Le Campion J. F. , Rapaport M. , Cuillandre J. C.
Published: October 2016

Context. The ρ Ophiuchi molecular complex and in particular the Lynds L1688 dark cloud is unique in its proximity (~130 pc), in its richness in young stars and protostars, and in its youth (0.5 Myr). It is certainly one of the best targets currently accessible from the ground to study the early phases of star-formation. Proper motion analysis is a very efficient tool for separating members of clusters from field stars, but very few proper motions are available in the ρ Ophiuchi region since most of the young sources are deeply embedded in dust and gas.

Aims. We aim at performing a kinematic census of young stellar objects (YSOs) in the ρ Ophiuchi F core and partially in the E core of the L1688 dark cloud.

Methods. We run a proper motion program at the ESO New Technology Telescope (NTT) with the Son of ISAAC (SOFI) instrument over nine years in the near-infrared. We complemented these observations with various public image databases to enlarge the time base of observations and the field of investigation to 0.5° × 0.5°. We derived positions and proper motions for 2213 objects. From these, 607 proper motions were derived from SOFI observations with a ~1.8 mas/yr accuracy while the remaining objects were measured only from auxiliary data with a mean precision of about ~3 mas/yr.

Results. We performed a kinematic analysis of the most accurate proper motions derived in this work, which allowed us to separate cluster members from field stars and to derive the mean properties of the cluster. From the kinematic analysis we derived a list of 68 members and 14 candidate members, comprising 26 new objects with a high membership probability. These new members are generally fainter than the known ones. We measured a mean proper motion of (μαcosδ, μδ) = (−8.2,−24.3) ± 0.8 mas/yr for the L1688 dark cloud. A supervised classification was applied to photometric data of members to allocate a spectral energy distribution (SED) classification to the unclassified members.

Conclusions. We kinematically confirmed that the 56 members that were known from previous studies of the ρ Ophiuchi F cluster and that were also part of our survey are members of the cluster, and we added 26 new members. We defined the evolutionary status of the unclassified members of the cluster. We showed that a large part (23) of these new members are probably brown dwarfs, which multiplies the number of known substellar objects in the cluster by a factor of 3.3.
Quantum oscillator and Kepler–Coulomb problems in curved spaces: Deformed shape invariance, point canonical transformations, and rational extensions
Authors: Quesne C.
Published: October 2016

The quantum oscillator and Kepler-Coulomb problems in d-dimensional spaces with constant curvature are analyzed from several viewpoints. In a deformed supersymmetric framework, the corresponding nonlinear potentials are shown to exhibit a deformed shape invariance property. By using the point canonical transformation method, the two deformed Schrödinger equations are mapped onto conventional ones corresponding to some shape-invariant potentials, whose rational extensions are well known. The inverse point canonical transformations then provide some rational extensions of the oscillator and Kepler-Coulomb potentials in curved space. The oscillator on the sphere and the Kepler-Coulomb potential in a hyperbolic space are studied in detail and their extensions are proved to be consistent with already known ones in Euclidean space. The partnership between nonextended and extended potentials is interpreted in a deformed supersymmetric framework. Those extended potentials that are isospectral to some nonextended ones are shown to display deformed shape invariance, which in the Kepler-Coulomb case is enlarged by also translating the degree of the polynomial arising in the rational part denominator.
A novel ultra-wideband waveguide-to-microstrip transition for millimeter-wave applications
Authors: Xu Weiye , Liu Fukun , Xu Handong
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a novel waveguide-to-microstrip transition is developed based on probe coupling. It is designed for millimeter wave applications. The proposed structure is simple and easy to fabricate with good performance. Simulation results show that the return loss is less than -18.9 dB in the entire D-band.