bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced angiogenesis, hypoxia and neutrophil recruitment during Myc-induced liver tumorigenesis in zebrafish
Authors: Zhao Ye , Huang Xiaoqian , Ding Tony Weixi , Gong Zhiyuan
Published: August 2016

Angiogenesis, hypoxia and immune cells are important components in tumor microenvironment affecting tumor growth. Here we employed a zebrafish liver tumor model to investigate the effect of Myc expression on angiogenesis, hypoxia and tumor-infiltrated neutrophils during the tumor initiation stage. We found that induced Myc expression in the liver caused a dramatic increase of liver size with neoplastic features. The tumorigenic liver was accompanied by enhanced angiogenesis and inhibition of angiogenesis by an inhibitor (SU5416 or sunitinib) hindered the tumorigenic growth, suggesting an essential role of angiogenesis in tumorigenic growth of liver tumor in this zebrafish model. Myc induction also caused hypoxia, which could be further enhanced by hypoxia activator, ML228, to lead to a further enlargement of tumorigenic liver. Furthermore, Myc overexpression incurred an increase of liver-infiltrated neutrophils and the increase could be suppressed by angiogenesis inhibitors or by morpholino knockdown inhibition of neutrophil differentiation, leading to a suppression of growth of tumorigenic livers. Finally, the enhanced angiogenesis, hypoxia and tumor-infiltrated neutrophils by Myc overexpression were validated by RT-qPCR examination of expression of relevant biomarker genes. In sum, the current study demonstrated that the Myc-induced liver tumor model in zebrafish provides an excellent platform for study of tumor microenvironment.
Mapping of fiber quality QTLs reveals useful variation and footprints of cotton domestication using introgression lines
Authors: Zhang Shu-Wen , Zhu Xie-Fei , Feng Liu-Chun , Gao Xiang , Yang Biao , Zhang Tian-Zhen , Zhou Bao-Liang
Published: August 2016

Fiber quality improvement is a driving force for further cotton domestication and breeding. Here, QTLs for fiber quality were mapped in 115 introgression lines (ILs) first developed from two intraspecific populations of cultivated and feral cotton landraces. A total of 60 QTLs were found, which explained 2.03–16.85% of the phenotypic variance found in fiber quality traits. A total of 36 markers were associated with five fiber traits, 33 of which were found to be associated with QTLs in multiple environments. In addition, nine pairs of common QTLs were identified; namely, one pair of QTLs for fiber elongation, three pairs for fiber length, three pairs for fiber strength and two pairs for micronaire (qMICs). All common QTLs had additive effects in the same direction in both IL populations. We also found five QTL clusters, allowing cotton breeders to focus their efforts on regions of QTLs with the highest percentages of phenotypic variance. Our results also reveal footprints of domestication; for example, fourteen QTLs with positive effects were found to have remained in modern cultivars during domestication, and two negative qMICs that had never been reported before were found, suggesting that the qMICs regions may be eliminated during artificial selection.
Sleep Duration and the Risk of Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Na , Wang Peng , Yan Weiming
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have reported inconsistent results on the association between sleep duration and the risk of fatty liver disease (FLD). Thus, we quantitatively evaluated this association by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis, based on a comprehensive electronic search in databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Wanfangdata and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (updated to April 2016). Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were extracted and pooled by using a random-effects model. Eight eligible studies involving 97,371 participants were included. We found that neither short nor long sleep duration was significantly related with FLD risk. For short sleep duration, the pooled OR was 1.17 (95% CI = 0.98–1.38) and for long sleep duration, the pooled OR was 1.01 (95% CI = 0.72–1.41). Subgroup analyses by sex, outcome and exposure reference also did not identify any effect of sleep duration on FLD onset. In summary, our findings suggested that short or long sleep duration was not significantly associated with FLD risk. Further cohort studies with refined designs are still warranted to validate our results.
Cognitive deficits caused by a disease-mutation in the α3 Na+/K+-ATPase isoform
Authors: Holm Thomas Hellesøe , Isaksen Toke Jost , Glerup Simon , Heuck Anders , Bøttger Pernille , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin , Nedergaard Steen , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Andreasen Mogens , Nissen Poul , Lykke-Hartmann Karin
Published: August 2016

The Na+/K+-ATPases maintain Na+ and K+ electrochemical gradients across the plasma membrane, a prerequisite for electrical excitability and secondary transport in neurons. Autosomal dominant mutations in the human ATP1A3 gene encoding the neuron-specific Na+/K+-ATPase α3 isoform cause different neurological diseases, including rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP) and alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) with overlapping symptoms, including hemiplegia, dystonia, ataxia, hyperactivity, epileptic seizures and cognitive deficits. Position D801 in the α3 isoform is a mutational hotspot, with the D801N, D801E and D801V mutations causing AHC and the D801Y mutation causing RDP or mild AHC. Despite intensive research, mechanisms underlying these disorders remain largely unknown. To study the genotype-to-phenotype relationship, a heterozygous knock-in mouse harboring the D801Y mutation (α3+/D801Y) was generated. The α3+/D801Y mice displayed hyperactivity, increased sensitivity to chemically induced epileptic seizures and cognitive deficits. Interestingly, no change in the excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the α3+/D801Y mice was observed. The cognitive deficits were rescued by administration of the benzodiazepine, clonazepam, a GABA positive allosteric modulator. Our findings reveal the functional significance of the Na+/K+-ATPase α3 isoform in the control of spatial learning and memory and suggest a link to GABA transmission.
Altered Fecal Microbiota Correlates with Liver Biochemistry in Nonobese Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Baohong , Jiang Xiangyang , Cao Min , Ge Jianping , Bao Qiongling , Tang Lingling , Chen Yu , Li Lanjuan
Published: August 2016

Increasing evidence suggests a role of intestinal dysbiosis in obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). But it remains unknown in nonobese NAFLD. This prospective, cross-sectional study sought to characterize differences in fecal microbiota between nonobese adult individuals with and without NAFLD and their potential association with metabolic markers of disease progression. A total of 126 nonobese subjects were enrolled: 43 NAFLD and 83 healthy controls (HC). The microbial community was profiled by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and examined by 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA V3 region. Lower diversity and a phylum-level change in the fecal microbiome were found in NAFLD. Compared with HC, patients had 20% more phylum Bacteroidetes (p = 0.005) and 24% less Firmicutes (p = 0.002). Within Firmicutes, four families and their 8 genera, which were short-chain fatty acids-producing and 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria, were significantly decreased. Moreover, Gram-negative (G−) bacteria were prevalent in NAFLD (p = 0.008). Furthermore, a significant correlation with metabolic markers was revealed for disturbed microbiota in NAFLD. This novel study indicated that intestinal dysbiosis was associated with nonobese NAFLD and might increase the risk of NAFLD progression.
Role of vocal tract characteristics in individual discrimination by Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Furuyama Takafumi , Kobayasi Kohta I. , Riquimaroux Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) exhibits a species-specific communication sound called the “coo call” to locate group members and maintain within-group contact. Monkeys have been demonstrated to be capable of discriminating between individuals based only on their voices, but there is still debate regarding how the fundamental frequencies (F0) and filter properties of the vocal tract characteristics (VTC) contribute to individual discrimination in nonhuman primates. This study was performed to investigate the acoustic keys used by Japanese macaques in individual discrimination. Two animals were trained with standard Go/NoGo operant conditioning to distinguish the coo calls of two unfamiliar monkeys. The subjects were required to continue depressing a lever until the stimulus changed from one monkey to the other. The test stimuli were synthesized by combining the F0s and VTC from each individual. Both subjects released the lever when the VTC changed, whereas they did not when the F0 changed. The reaction times to the test stimuli were not significantly different from that to the training stimuli that shared the same VTC. Our data suggest that vocal tract characteristics are important for the identification of individuals by Japanese macaques.
Oxytocin efficacy is modulated by dosage and oxytocin receptor genotype in young adults with high-functioning autism: a 24-week randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kosaka H , Okamoto Y , Munesue T , Yamasue H , Inohara K , Fujioka T , Anme T , Orisaka M , Ishitobi M , Jung M , Fujisawa T X , Tanaka S , Arai S , Asano M , Saito D N , Sadato N , Tomoda A , Omori M , Sato M , Okazawa H , Higashida H , Wada Y
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have suggested that long-term oxytocin administration can alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, factors influencing its efficacy are still unclear. We conducted a single-center phase 2, pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial in young adults with high-functioning ASD, to determine whether oxytocin dosage and genetic background of the oxytocin receptor affects oxytocin efficacy. This trial consisted of double-blind (12 weeks), open-label (12 weeks) and follow-up phases (8 weeks). To examine dose dependency, 60 participants were randomly assigned to high-dose (32 IU per day) or low-dose intranasal oxytocin (16 IU per day), or placebo groups during the double-blind phase. Next, we measured single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). In the intention-to-treat population, no outcomes were improved after oxytocin administration. However, in male participants, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores in the high-dose group, but not the low-dose group, were significantly higher than in the placebo group. Furthermore, we examined whether oxytocin efficacy, reflected in the CGI-I scores, is influenced by estimated daily dosage and OXTR polymorphisms in male participants. We found that >21 IU per day oxytocin was more effective than ⩽21 IU per day, and that a SNP in OXTR (rs6791619) predicted CGI-I scores for ⩽21 IU per day oxytocin treatment. No severe adverse events occurred. These results suggest that efficacy of long-term oxytocin administration in young men with high-functioning ASD depends on the oxytocin dosage and genetic background of the oxytocin receptor, which contributes to the effectiveness of oxytocin treatment of ASD.
Loss of promoter IV-driven BDNF expression impacts oscillatory activity during sleep, sensory information processing and fear regulation
Authors: Hill J L , Hardy N F , Jimenez D V , Maynard K R , Kardian A S , Pollock C J , Schloesser R J , Martinowich K
Published: August 2016

Posttraumatic stress disorder is characterized by hyperarousal, sensory processing impairments, sleep disturbances and altered fear regulation; phenotypes associated with changes in brain oscillatory activity. Molecules associated with activity-dependent plasticity, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), may regulate neural oscillations by controlling synaptic activity. BDNF synthesis includes production of multiple Bdnf transcripts, which contain distinct 5′ noncoding exons. We assessed arousal, sensory processing, fear regulation and sleep in animals where BDNF expression from activity-dependent promoter IV is disrupted (Bdnf-e4 mice). Bdnf-e4 mice display sensory hyper-reactivity and impaired electrophysiological correlates of sensory information processing as measured by event-related potentials (ERP). Utilizing electroencephalogram, we identified a decrease in slow-wave activity during non-rapid eye movement sleep, suggesting impaired sleep homeostasis. Fear extinction is controlled by hippocampal–prefrontal cortical BDNF signaling, and neurophysiological communication patterns between the hippocampus (HPC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) correlate with behavioral performance during extinction. Impaired fear extinction in Bdnf-e4 mice is accompanied by increased HPC activation and decreased HPC–mPFC theta phase synchrony during early extinction, as well as increased mPFC activation during extinction recall. These results suggest that activity-dependent BDNF signaling is critical for regulating oscillatory activity, which may contribute to altered behavior.
Capsaicin determination and chili sauce discrimination using low-cost and portable electrochemical sensors based on all graphite pencil electrodes
Authors: Wu Shixin , Zeng Jiamin , Xie Hong , Ng Sum Huan
Published: August 2016

Determination of capsaicin using home-made electrochemical cells with all graphite pencil electrodes (GPEs) and successful discrimination of chili sauces by principal component analysis (PCA) andk-means clustering were performed.
A very fast 3-hydroxy-coumarin-based fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of thiophenols and its application in water samples
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bo , Zhou Jianhua , Zhang Datong , Wang Bin
Published: August 2016

In this work, we have developed a novel off–on fluorescent probe by combining 7-diethylamino-3-hydroxy-coumarin as the fluorophore and 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonate as the recognition unit.
Quantum dots protected from oxidative attack using alumina shells synthesized by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Yin B. , Sadtler B. , Berezin M. Y. , Thimsen E.
Published: August 2016

Modern applications for quantum dots require that the photoluminescence intensity and wavelength be stable for long periods of time in reactive environments. Coating of quantum dots with conformal shells of Al2O3 provides the required stability.
Screening for positive electrodes for magnesium batteries: a protocol for studies at elevated temperatures
Authors: Duffort Victor , Sun Xiaoqi , Nazar Linda F.
Published: August 2016

A protocol for screening of new Mg battery positive electrodes at temperatures up to 180 °C and 2 V vs. Mg enabled discovery of a high capacity conversion material, CuS.
Single-armed phenylsulfonated pyridine derivative of DOTA is rigid and stable paramagnetic tag in protein analysis
Authors: Yang Feng , Wang Xiao , Pan Bin-Bin , Su Xun-Cheng
Published: August 2016

Single-armed DOTA-like phenylsulfonated pyridine derivatives are rigid and stable paramagnetic tags for site-specific labelling of proteins. The respective protein conjugates yield valuable long-range structural restraints for proteins.
Gas phase vibrational spectroscopy of the protonated water pentamer: the role of isomers and nuclear quantum effects
Authors: Fagiani Matias R. , Knorke Harald , Esser Tim K. , Heine Nadja , Wolke Conrad T. , Gewinner Sandy , Schöllkopf Wieland , Gaigeot Marie-Pierre , Spezia Riccardo , Johnson Mark A. , Asmis Knut R.
Published: August 2016

We use cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectroscopy to study the structure of the protonated water pentamer, H+(H2O)5, and its fully deuterated isotopologue, D+(D2O)5.
A “turn-on” lanthanide complex chemosensor for recognition of lead(ii) based on the formation of nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Benhua , Tang Xiaoliang , Zhou Ji'an , Chen Wanmin , Liu Haile , Ju Zhenghua , Liu Weisheng
Published: August 2016

A pincer ligand could fix effectively Tb3+ to form complex-based chemosensor, which could further capture Pb2+ to induce the formation of nanoclusters as a novel recognition mechanism, accompanied with turn-on phosphorescent response of Tb3+ complex.
Oxygenation of a benzyl ligand in SNS-palladium complexes with O2: acceleration by anions or Brønsted acids
Authors: Shimokawa Reina , Kawada Yumi , Hayashi Miki , Kataoka Yasutaka , Ura Yasuyuki
Published: August 2016

n-Bu4NX or HX accelerated the oxygenation of an SNS-benzylpalladium complex, and the product selectivity was regulated primarily by a proton.
GC-TOF-MS based metabolomics and ICP-MS based metallomics of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruits reveal alteration of metabolites profile and biological pathway disruption induced by nano copper
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Huang Yuxiong , Zhou Hongjun , Adeleye Adeyemi S. , Wang Hongtao , Ortiz Cruz , Mazer Susan J. , Keller Arturo A.
Published: August 2016

Copper-based nanoparticles have wide application in agriculture as fungicides and bactericides.
Quantification of microbial uptake of quercetin and its derivatives using an UHPLC-ESI-QTOF mass spectrometry assay
Authors: Said Inamullah Hakeem , Shah Rohan Lakshmidas , Ullrich Matthias S. , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: August 2016

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based method for the quantification of intracellular concentrations of dietary phenolics in bacteria was developed.
A ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the mitochondrial copper pool
Authors: Shen Clara , Kolanowski Jacek L. , Tran Carmen M.-N. , Kaur Amandeep , Akerfeldt Mia C. , Rahme Matthew S. , Hambley Trevor W. , New Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2016

Ratiometric probe for Cu(i) reveals influence of cisplatin on mitochondrial copper homeostasis.
Controlled synthesis and magnetic properties of iron–cobalt–phosphide nanorods
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Wu Xiaoming , Yu Yongsheng , Yang Chunhui , Xu Shichong , Li Haibo
Published: August 2016

A simple one-step solution-phase synthesis of iron–cobalt–phosphide ((Fe1−xCox)2P) nanorods (NRs) is reported in this paper.
Confinement of a β-barrel protein in nanoperforated free-standing nanomembranes for ion transport
Authors: Puiggalí-Jou Anna , Pérez-Madrigal Maria M. , del Valle Luis J. , Armelin Elaine , Casas María T. , Michaux Catherine , Perpète Eric A. , Estrany Francesc , Alemán Carlos
Published: August 2016

Bioinspired nanodevices for selective ion transport have been tailored by immobilizing a membrane protein inside nanoperforations of a flexible polymeric nanomembranes.
Ruthenium(ii) arene complexes containing benzhydrazone ligands: synthesis, structure and antiproliferative activity
Authors: Subarkhan Mohamed Kasim Mohamed , Ramesh Rengan
Published: August 2016

Six new Ru(ii) arene anthracene benzhydrazone complexes have been synthesized and show excellent cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines. The results of apoptosis assays demonstrated that complexes4and6are able to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells.
Synthesis of a self-healable and pH responsive hydrogel based on an ionic polymer/clay nanocomposite
Authors: Banerjee Sovan Lal , Khamrai Moumita , Kundu P. P. , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: August 2016

This investigation reports the preparation of a pH responsive self-healing nanocomposite hydrogel based on ionic polymer and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay.
Trapping analyte molecules in hotspots with modified free-standing silver bowtie nanostructures for SERS detection
Authors: Xu Daren , Liu Lingxiao , Teng Fei , Wu Feifei , Lu Nan
Published: August 2016

A free-standing silver bowtie nanostructure with supporting bridge is fabricated to trap analyte molecules in hotspots for SERS detection.
Preparation of α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres, nanotubes, nanoplates and nanorings as highly efficient Cr(vi) adsorbents
Authors: Liu Zhong , Yu Ruitao , Dong Yaping , Li Wu , Zhou Wuzong
Published: August 2016

α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles like hollow spheres, nanotubes, nanoplates and nanorings have been synthesized. As highly efficient Cr(vi) adsorbents, the adsorption mechanism may be due to chemical adsorption by the doubly and triply coordinated hydroxyl groups.
Colorimetric and ON–OFF–ON fluorescent chemosensor for the sequential detection of Cu(ii) and cysteine and its application in imaging of living cells
Authors: Singh Yadvendra , Arun Shiva , Singh Brijesh Kumar , Dutta Pradip Kumar , Ghosh Tamal
Published: August 2016

An easy-to-prepare colorimetric and ON–OFF–ON fluorescent naphthol derivative1has been used for sequential detection of Cu2+and cysteine.
New one-pot method for the synthesis of pyrrolidinofullerenes
Authors: Tuktarov A. R. , Shakirova Z. R. , Budnikova Yu. G. , Salikhov R. B. , Dzhemilev U. M.
Published: August 2016

The reaction of fullerene C60 with isocyanoacetates and EtMgBr in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of Ti(Oi-Pr)4 was studied for the first time.
Can hyperelastic material parameters be uniquely determined from indentation experiments?
Authors: Pan Yihui , Zhan Yuexing , Ji Huanyun , Niu Xinrui , Zhong Zheng
Published: August 2016

Uniqueness of hyperelastic parameters depends on a simple criterion: whether dimensionless material parameters are coupled with indentation displacement.
Template assisted fast photocatalytic degradation of azo dye using ferric oxide–gallia nanostructures
Authors: Bagheri Minoo , Mahjoub Ali Reza
Published: August 2016

Photocatalytic activity of Fe2O3–Ga2O3 nanostructures, synthesized via two routes (with and without glycoluril as structure directing agent), containing various proportions of Fe2O3 in presence of 15 ppm CR was investigated.
One-step synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines in water
Authors: Zali-Boeini H. , Norastehfar N. , Amiri Rudbari H.
Published: August 2016

A novel efficient and convenient synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines in water has been developed.
Study of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and benzylideneacetone as electrolyte additives for valve-regulated lead-acid batteries under high-rate partial-state-of-charge conditions
Authors: Zhao L. , Zhou W. , Wu J. Z. , Wu Q. , Wang D. L.
Published: August 2016

Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and benzylideneacetone can decrease the evolution rate of hydrogen and prolong the cycle life of VRLA batteries.
Optical in situ study of de-alloying kinetics in nanoporous gold sponges
Authors: Tai M. C. , Gentle A. , Arnold M. D. , Cortie M. B.
Published: August 2016

Nanoporous gold sponges are useful for a variety of applications but the kinetics of the dissolution process used to make them is not well understood.
Phase transition, conduction mechanism and modulus study of KMgPO4 compound
Authors: Miladi L. , Oueslati A. , Guidara K.
Published: August 2016

The structure of KMgPO4 is formed by six-membered rings of tetrahedral MgO4 and PO4, linked by common vertices and by large cavities that are occupied by K+ cations.
Design of C^NN type iridium(iii) complexes towards short-wavelength emission for high efficiency organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhang Xun Lu , Liu Shao Jie , Guo Li Yuan , Wang Chuan Jun , Tong Yu , Mi Bao Xiu , Cao Da Peng , Song Juan , Gao Zhi Qiang
Published: August 2016

The first blue-emitting C^NN based Ir-complex was synthesized and applied to PhOLEDs, with efficiencies of 20.1% and 41.6 cd A−1.
A PtPdCu thin-film catalyst based on titanium nitride nanorod arrays with high catalytic performance for methanol electro-oxidation
Authors: Jiang Shangfeng , Yi Baolian , Zhao Qing , Zhang Hongjie , Su Yang , Yu Hongmei , Shao Zhigang
Published: August 2016

Here, we present a novel MOR anode catalyst based on TiN nanorod arrays with high performance towards MOR.
Using the laboratory to engage all students in science practices
Authors: Walker J. P. , Sampson V. , Southerland S. , Enderle P. J.
Published: August 2016

This study examines the extent to which the type of instruction used during a general chemistry laboratory course affects students’ ability to use core ideas to engage in science practices. We use Ford’s (2008) description of the nature of scientific practices to categorize what student do in the laboratory as either empirical or representational. One approach to lab instruction, engages students in the empirical practices of science but in a traditional prescriptive manner designed to demonstrate and verify content. The second approach, Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI), engages students in both the empirical and representational practices of science. A practical exam was used to compare student learning in each condition. The assessment targeted student ability to participate in specific scientific practices, including planning and conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data and arguing from evidence. Students who were taught with either ADI (N= 81) or Traditional (N= 76) had equivalent understanding of content based on the ACS-GCST exam, however the mean score on the practical exam was significantly higher for students in the ADI sections. Results also indicate that the mean scores on the practical exam were significantly higher in the ADI sections for all students including female students, under-represented minority (URM) students, and students with lower past academic achievement. In the traditional laboratory sections there was a significant difference in the mean scores on the practical exam for the URM student relative to the majority, which was not present in the ADI sections. However, the opposite was found for students with low past academic achievement; the mean score on the practical exam was significantly lower for the students in the ADI sections in comparison to the traditional sections.
Safe and flexible ion gel based composite electrolyte for lithium batteries
Authors: Que Mingming , Tong Yongfen , Wei Guochang , Yuan Kai , Wei Junchao , Jiang Yaoquan , Zhu Hui , Chen Yiwang
Published: August 2016

Safe and flexible electrolyte functioning well at wide temperature range and deformable conditions by incorporating ion gel in electrospun membranes.
Efficient and selective oxidation of sulfur mustard using singlet oxygen generated by a pyrene-based metal–organic framework
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Buru Cassandra T. , Howarth Ashlee J. , Mahle John J. , Buchanan James H. , DeCoste Jared B. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: August 2016

Singlet oxygen generated by a metal–organic framework under UV LED irradiation selectively oxidizes sulfur mustard to nontoxic products.
Inhibition of EphA2/EphrinA1 signal attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury
Authors: Hong Ji Young , Shin Mi Hwa , Douglas Ivor S. , Chung Kyung Soo , Kim Eun Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kang Young Ae , Kim Se Kyu , Chang Joon , Kim Young Sam , Park Moo Suk
Published: August 2016

Eph-Ephrin signalling mediates various cellular processes, including vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, cell migration, axon guidance, fluid homoeostasis and repair after injury. Although previous studies have demonstrated that stimulation of the EphA receptor induces increased vascular permeability and inflammatory response in lung injury, the detailed mechanisms of EphA2 signalling are unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the role of EphA2 signalling in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury. Acute LPS exposure significantly up-regulated EphA2 and EphrinA1 expression. Compared with LPS+IgG mice (IgG instillation after LPS exposure), LPS+EphA2 mAb mice [EphA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) instillation posttreatment after LPS exposure] had attenuated lung injury and reduced cell counts and protein concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). EphA2 mAb posttreatment down-regulated the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) 110γ, phospho-Akt, phospho-NF-κB p65, phospho-Src and phospho-S6K in lung lysates. In addition, inhibiting the EphA2 receptor augmented the expression of E-cadherin, which is involved in cell–cell adhesion. Our study identified EphA2 receptor as an unrecognized modulator of several signalling pathways–including PI3K-Akt-NF-kB, Src-NF-κB, E-cadherin and mTOR–in LPS-induced lung injury. These results suggest that EphA2 receptor inhibitors may function as novel therapeutic agents for LPS-induced lung injury.
Glufosinate aerogenic exposure induces glutamate and IL-1 receptor dependent lung inflammation
Authors: Maillet Isabelle , Perche Olivier , Pâris Arnaud , Richard Olivier , Gombault Aurélie , Herzine Ameziane , Pichon Jacques , Huaux Francois , Mortaud Stéphane , Ryffel Bernhard , Quesniaux Valérie F.J. , Montécot-Dubourg Céline
Published: August 2016

Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA), the active component of an herbicide, is known to cause neurotoxicity. GLA shares structural analogy with glutamate. It is a powerful inhibitor of glutamine synthetase (GS) and may bind to glutamate receptors. Since these potentials targets of GLA are present in lung and immune cells, we asked whether airway exposure to GLA may cause lung inflammation in mice. A single GLA exposure (1 mg/kg) induced seizures and inflammatory cell recruitment in the broncho-alveolar space, and increased myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interstitial inflammation and disruption of alveolar septae within 6–24 h. Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) was increased and lung inflammation depended on IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). We demonstrate that glutamate receptor pathway is central, since the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor inhibitor MK-801 prevented GLA-induced lung inflammation. Chronic exposure (0.2 mg/kg 3× per week for 4 weeks) caused moderate lung inflammation and enhanced airway hyperreactivity with significant increased airway resistance. In conclusion, GLA aerosol exposure causes glutamate signalling and IL-1R-dependent pulmonary inflammation with airway hyperreactivity in mice.
Average packet delay in Dual‐Mode EEE: An analytical model
Authors: Mostowfi M. , Shafie K.
Published: August 2016

An analytical model is developed for the average packet delay for Dual‐Mode Energy Efficient Ethernet to complement the power consumption model for Dual‐Mode EEE developed previously. The model can be used for determining the tradeoff between power reduction and performance degradation caused by utilising the method. The analytical mode's results closely match the results from simulation.
Sparse array synthesis for WBAN with minimised side lobe via convex optimisation
Authors: Liu Xiaolan , Hu Fengye , Xiong Wei , Du Yu , Cen Ling
Published: August 2016

This study concerns sensor selection problem in wireless body area network (WBAN), which can reduce the burden of the human body and improve the energy efficiency. The authors highlight the sparse sensor array synthesis algorithm for different shapes of sensor arrays via convex optimisation to solve this problem. For simplicity, one regular spherical sensor array and five regular cuboid sensor arrays are considered to simulate the sensor distribution around the human body. As a comparison, the conventional method with one objective method is used to synthesise the sensor array first. Then the proposed algorithm which includes two objective variables: the l1‐norm of weight vector and the peak side‐lobe level is used. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed sparse sensor array synthesis algorithm achieves array sparsity with lower side lobe and more concentrated main lobe when operated in spherical and cuboid sensor array. Hence, the sensor selection problem is achieved by the sparse sensor array synthesis.
Pattern reconfigurable back‐to‐back microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Yang Kansheng , Bao Xiulong , McEvoy Patrick , Ammann Max J.
Published: August 2016

A back‐to‐back microstrip patch antenna with a switchable pattern is proposed for WLAN applications. The patch elements, printed on FR‐4 substrates with a common ground plane, are switched with a single‐pole double‐throw PIN diode circuit. Switching the feed selects either of two identical radiation patterns in the opposing hemispheres for spatial diversity that would benefit a distributed network.
Design of a wireless charging system with a phase‐controlled inverter under varying parameters
Authors: Deng Qijun , Liu Jiangtao , Czarkowski Dariusz , Bojarski Mariusz , Asa Erdem , de Leon Francisco
Published: August 2016

Class‐D full bridge is the most common inverter topology at the primary side for wireless electric vehicles (EVs) charging systems. This study takes a novel topology of a phase‐controlled inverter as the power amplifier and puts it in a context of the whole charging system. The proposed inverter topology regulates the charging power through adjusting the phase‐shift angle among phases with a constant operating frequency, which alleviates the EMI filter design. For various wireless EVs chargers, the gaps between the primary side and the secondary side are changing, which results in various coupling factors k. The equivalent resistance of the EVs battery Rbattery is also changing during the charging process. Even resonant frequencies at two sides are variable because of the components tolerances and operating environments. This study presents design considerations of a wireless EVs charging system with the proposed technology under variable k, Rbattery, and resonant frequencies. Circuit parameters are designed and the system efficiency is derived. Industrial prototype of an EV charging system is manufactured with the proposed topology at 3.0 kW. Experiments show that these design considerations can reflect the system characteristics, and the proposed system is a good candidate to be used in wireless EV battery chargers.
Voltage transfer ratio analysis for multi‐receiver resonant power transfer systems
Authors: Zhou Jing , Gao Yuqing , Huang Xiaoyan , Hu Sideng , Fang Youtong
Published: August 2016

The wireless power transfer characteristics of system architectures with single transmitter and multiple receiver coils are investigated. With multiple receivers in a limited space, couplings within receivers occur. Effective resonant frequency is changed due to such couplings, the desired working region should be adjusted accordingly. An equivalent circuit model is developed to describe the system with a single receiver, and extended to describe the system with two receivers. The circuit model yields transfer frequency responses that are in good agreement with experimental measurements over a range of frequencies that span the resonance. In a multi‐receiver system, a method for tracking frequency shifts or retuning the lumped capacitance so as to maximise the efficiency is proposed. The simulation and experimental results well agree with the theoretical analysis.
Nested three‐layer optimisation method for magnetic coils used in 3 kW vehicle‐mounted wireless power transfer system
Authors: Wang Zhenshi , Wei Xuezhe , Dai Haifeng
Published: August 2016

Wireless power transfer is becoming more and more popular, especially for the charging design of electric vehicles. In this study, a novel nested three‐layer optimisation method based on finite element model (FEM) is proposed to determine the structure of magnetic coils, which can increase the coupling coefficient, and hence, improve the transfer efficiency. The boundary conditions which consider practical situations for electric vehicles are first elaborated, then the optimisation flow is detailed and further analysed. Two magnetic coils are fabricated based on the optimised structure parameters, and their electric parameters, including self‐inductances, mutual inductances as well as parasitic resistances, are measured and compared with those extracted from FEM, in addition, the magnetic flux densities around magnetic coils are also analysed. At last, a 3 kW prototype with 95% efficiency over a 20 cm transfer distance is achieved to validate this research results.
Optimising a nantenna array at 1550 nm band
Authors: Sethi Waleed Tariq , Vettikalladi Hamsakutty , Fathallah Habib , Himdi Mohamed
Published: August 2016

The theoretical analysis and simulated design of a plasmonic equilateral triangular dielectric resonator nantenna fed via a 1 × 2 corporate feed network are presented. Utilising full wave electromagnetic simulation software Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio (MWS) and verifying results via high‐frequency structure simulator, the working of the proposed nantenna at optical C‐band (1.55 μm) is demonstrated and confirmed. Numerical results prove that the proposed nantenna exhibits a directivity of 9.57 dB with an impedance bandwidth of 2.58% (189–194 THz) covering the standard optical C‐band transmission window. Furthermore, by selecting the appropriate orientation of the triangular dielectric resonators, the proposed nantenna structure can be tuned to operate at the higher or lower optical bands offering a threshold value of directivity and bandwidth Δf. By tuning the nantenna they achieve an increase in bandwidth of 4.96% (185.1–194.7 THz) and directivity also improves to 9.7 dB. The wideband and directive properties make the proposed nantenna attractive for a wide range of applications including broadband nanophotonics, optical sensing, optical imaging and energy harvesting applications.
Injured Anterior Superior Alveolar Nerve Endoscopically Resected within Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Dorafshar Amir H. , Dellon A.Lee , Wan EricLee , Reddy Sashank , Wong Victor W.
Published: August 2016

Posttraumatic facial pain is due to an injured nerve, most often a branch of the trigeminal nerve. While surgical approaches to injuries of the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, and inferior alveolar nerves have been reported, an injury to the anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN) has not been reported. An algorithm is proposed for the diagnosis of injury to the ASAN versus the infraorbital nerve itself. A case is reported in which pain relief was achieved by dividing the ASAN within the maxillary sinus, leaving the proximal end exposed within the sinus at the level of the orbital floor.
Altmetrics: diversifying the understanding of influential scholarship
Authors: Konkiel Stacy
Published: August 2016

The increase in the availability of data about how research is discussed, used, rated, recommend, saved and read online has allowed researchers to reconsider the mechanisms by which scholarship is evaluated. It is now possible to better track the influence of research beyond academia, though the measures by which we can do so are not yet mature enough to stand on their own. In this article, we examine a new class of data (commonly called “altmetrics”) and describe its benefits, limitations and recommendations for its use and interpretation in the context of research assessment. This article is published as part of a collection on the future of research assessment.
Spatial resolution of a spherical x-ray crystal spectrometer at various magnifications
Authors: Gao Lan , Hill K. W. , Bitter M. , Efthimion P. C. , Delgado-Aparicio L. , Pablant N. A. , Baronova E. O. , Pereira N. R.
Published: August 2016

A high spatial resolution of a few μm is often required for probing small-scale high-energy-density plasmas using high resolution x-ray imaging spectroscopy. This resolution can be achieved by adjusting system magnification to overcome the inherent limitation of the detector pixel size. Laboratory experiments on investigating the relation between spatial resolution and system magnification for a spherical crystal spectrometer are presented. Tungsten Lβ2 rays from a tungsten-target micro-focus x-ray tube were diffracted by a Ge 440 crystal, which was spherically bent to a radius of 223 mm, and imaged onto an x-ray CCD with 13-μm pixel size. The source-to-crystal (p) and crystal-to-detector (q) distances were varied to produce spatial magnifications (M = q/p) ranging from 2 to 10. The inferred instrumental spatial width reduces with increasing system magnification M. However, the experimental measurement at each M is larger than the theoretical value of pixel size divided by M. Future work will focus on investigating possible broadening mechanisms that limit the spatial resolution.
160 Gbit/s photonics wireless transmission in the 300-500 GHz band
Authors: Yu X. , Jia S. , Hu H. , Galili M. , Morioka T. , Jepsen P. U. , Oxenløwe L. K.
Published: August 2016

To accommodate the ever increasing wireless traffic in the access networks, considerable efforts have been recently invested in developing photonics-assisted wireless communication systems with very high data rates. Superior to photonic millimeter-wave systems, terahertz (THz) band (300 GHz-10 THz) provides a much larger bandwidth and thus promises an extremely high capacity. However, the capacity potential of THz wireless systems has by no means been achieved yet. Here, we successfully demonstrate 160 Gbit/s wireless transmission by using a single THz emitter and modulating 25 GHz spaced 8 channels (20 Gbps per channel) in the 300-500 GHz band, which is the highest bitrate in the frequency band above 300 GHz, to the best of our knowledge.
Critical role of wettability in assembly of zirconia nanoparticles on a self-assembled monolayer-patterned substrate
Authors: Yang Mi-Sun , Lee Seung-Hoon , Moon Byung Kee , Yoo Seung Ryul , Hwang Seongpil , Jang Jae-Won
Published: August 2016

This study investigated which factors decisively influence colloidal nanoparticle (NP) assembly on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-patterned substrate. Zirconia (ZrO2) NP assembly on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-stamped SAM-patterned Au substrate was carried out while the size and surface charge state of the NPs and the substrate wettability were altered. ZrO2 particles with diameters of 350 nm, 560 nm, and 1100 nm were employed to examine the effect of NP size on the assembly. Bare ZrO2 NPs with a negatively charged surface and ZrO2 NPs with a positively charged surface through 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane encapsulation were prepared for the NP assembly. Moreover, the substrate wettability effect on the NP assembly was evaluated by comparing the assembly on substrates with the PDMS-patterned SAMs of thiols with polar and non-polar functional groups. From the characterization of the number of NPs in a pattern and the effective area of assembled NPs (Aeff), positively charged ZrO2 NP assembly on negatively charged patterns showed the highest number density of particles in a pattern compared with the other combinations in both 350-nm and 560-nm ZrO2 NPs. This observation can be attributed to negatively charged 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid SAMs having greater polarity (more polar groups) than positively charged 11-amino-1-undecanethiol SAMs within the condition of the colloidal ZrO2 NP assembly.
Geometric stabilization of the electrostatic ion-temperature-gradient driven instability. I. Nearly axisymmetric systems
Authors: Zocco A. , Plunk G. G. , Xanthopoulos P. , Helander P.
Published: August 2016

The effects of a non-axisymmetric (3D) equilibrium magnetic field on the linear ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) driven mode are investigated. We consider the strongly driven, toroidal branch of the instability in a global (on the magnetic surface) setting. Previous studies have focused on particular features of non-axisymmetric systems, such as strong local shear or magnetic ripple, that introduce inhomogeneity in the coordinate along the magnetic field. In contrast, here we include non-axisymmetry explicitly via the dependence of the magnetic drift on the field line label α, i.e., across the magnetic field, but within the magnetic flux surface. We consider the limit where this variation occurs on a scale much larger than that of the ITG mode, and also the case where these scales are similar. Close to axisymmetry, we find that an averaging effect of the magnetic drift on the flux surface causes global (on the surface) stabilization, as compared to the most unstable local mode. In the absence of scale separation, we find destabilization is also possible, but only if a particular resonance occurs between the magnetic drift and the mode, and finite Larmor radius effects are neglected. We discuss the relative importance of surface global effects and known radially global effects.
Heteroepitaxial growth of In0.30Ga0.70As high-electron mobility transistor on 200 mm silicon substrate using metamorphic graded buffer
Authors: Kohen David , Nguyen Xuan Sang , Yadav Sachin , Kumar Annie , Made Riko I , Heidelberger Christopher , Gong Xiao , Lee Kwang Hong , Lee Kenneth Eng Kian , Yeo Yee Chia , Yoon Soon Fatt , Fitzgerald Eugene A.
Published: August 2016

We report on the growth of an In0.30Ga0.70As channel high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on a 200 mm silicon wafer by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. By using a 3 μm thick buffer comprising a Ge layer, a GaAs layer and an InAlAs compositionally graded strain relaxing buffer, we achieve threading dislocation density of (1.0 ± 0.3) × 107 cm−2 with a surface roughness of 10 nm RMS. No phase separation was observed during the InAlAs compositionally graded buffer layer growth. 1.4 μm long channel length transistors are fabricated from the wafer with IDS of 70 μA/μm and gm of above 60 μS/μm, demonstrating the high quality of the grown materials.
Rogue-pair and dark-bright-rogue waves of the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations from inhomogeneous femtosecond optical fibers
Authors: Yomba Emmanuel , Zakeri Gholam-Ali
Published: August 2016

The coupled inhomogeneous Schrödinger equations with a wide range of applications describing a field of pluses with the right and the left polarizations that take into account cross-phase modulations, stimulated Ramani scattering, and absorption effects are investigated. A combination of several different approaches is used in a novel way to obtain the explicit expressions for the rogue-pair and dark-bright-rogue waves. We study the dynamics of these structurally stable rogues and analyze the effects of a parameter that controls the region of stability that intrinsically connects the cross-phase modulation and other Kerr nonlinearity factors. The effects of the right and left polarizations on the shape of the rogue-pair and other solitary rogue waves are graphically analyzed. These rogue-pair waves are studied on periodic and non-periodic settings. We observe that rogue-pair wave from the right and left polarizations has a similar structure while the dark-bright-rogue waves have quite different intensity profiles.
Complementary resistive switching in single sandwich structure for crossbar memory arrays
Authors: Duan W. J. , Wang J. B. , Zhong X. L. , Song H. J. , Li B.
Published: August 2016

Cu2O film based single sandwich structure with complementary resistive switching characteristics is demonstrated. Unlike the conventional complementary resistive switching devices, the Pt/Cu2O/fluorine doped tin oxide sandwich structure is fabricated without anti-serially bipolar resistive switching cells or interfacial layer. In addition, the forming-step is unnecessary to turn on the device, which makes the complementary resistive switching process easy to control. With high resistance ratio, stable retention and reproducible switching properties, this complementary resistive switching device can be used in three dimensional stacked crossbar memory arrays. The switching mechanism is also discussed by developing a conductive path model.