bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extranodal extension of lymph node metastasis influences recurrence in prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luchini Claudio , Fleischmann Achim , Boormans Joost L. , Fassan Matteo , Nottegar Alessia , Lucato Paola , Stubbs Brendon , Solmi Marco , Porcaro Antonio , Veronese Nicola , Brunelli Matteo , Scarpa Aldo , Cheng Liang
Published: May 2017

The extranodal extension (ENE) of nodal metastasis involves the extension of neoplastic cells through the lymph node capsule into the perinodal adipose tissue. This morphological feature has recently been indicated as an important prognostic factor in various cancer types, but its role in prostate cancer is still unclear. We aimed to clarify it, performing the first meta-analysis on this issue, comparing prognostic parameters in surgically treated, node-positive prostate cancer patients with (ENE+) vs. without (ENE−) ENE. Data were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) for number of deaths/recurrences and hazard ratios (HRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for the time-dependent risk related to ENE positivity. Six studies followed-up 1,113 patients with N1 prostate cancer (658 ENE+ vs. 455 ENE−) for a median of 83 months. The presence of ENE was associated with a significantly higher risk of biochemical recurrence (RR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.03–1.28; I2 = 0%; HR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.12–1.74; I2 = 0%) and “global” (biochemical recurrence and distant metastasis) recurrence (RR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.04–1.28; I2 = 0%; HR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.14–1.74; I2 = 0%). ENE emerged as a potential prognostic moderator, earmarking a subgroup of patients at higher risk of recurrence. It may be considered for the prognostic stratification of metastatic patients. New possible therapeutic approaches may explore more in depth this prognostic parameter.
SesameFG: an integrated database for the functional genomics of sesame
Authors: Wei Xin , Gong Hao , Yu Jingyin , Liu Pan , Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , Zhang Xiurong
Published: May 2017

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) has high oil content, a small diploid genome and a short growth period, making it an attractive species for genetic studies on oilseed crops. With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technology, genomics and functional genomics research of sesame has developed quickly in the last few years, and large amounts of data have been generated. However, these results are distributed in many different publications, and there is a lack of integration. To promote functional genomics research of sesame, we collected genetic information combined with comprehensive phenotypic information and integrated them in the web-based database named SesameFG. The current version of SesameFG contains phenotypic information on agronomic traits of 705 sesame accessions, de novo assembled genomes of three sesame varieties, massive numbers of identified SNPs, gene expression profiles of five tissues, gene families, candidate genes for the important agronomic traits and genomic-SSR markers. All phenotypic and genotypic information in SesameFG is available for online queries and can be downloaded freely. SesameFG provides useful search functions and data mining tools, including Genome Browser and local BLAST services. SesameFG is freely accessible at http://ncgr.ac.cn/SesameFG/. SesameFG provides valuable resources and tools for functional genomics research and the molecular breeding of sesame.
Local surface plasmon enhanced polarization and internal quantum efficiency of deep ultraviolet emissions from AlGaN-based quantum wells
Authors: Zhang Cai , Tang Ning , Shang Liangliang , Fu Lei , Wang Weiying , Xu Fujun , Wang Xinqiang , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo
Published: May 2017

We report the enhancement of the polarization and internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of deep-UV LEDs by evaporating Al nanoparticles on the device surface to induce localized surface plasmons (LSPs). The deep-UV LEDs polarization is improved due to part of TM emission turns into TE emission through LSPs coupling. The significantly enhanced IQE is attributed to LSPs coupling, which suppress the participation of delocalized and dissociated excitons to non-radiative recombination process.
Ultrashort vortex from a Gaussian pulse – An achromatic-interferometric approach
Authors: Naik Dinesh N. , Saad Nabil A. , Rao D. Narayana , Viswanathan Nirmal K.
Published: May 2017

The more than a century old Sagnac interferometer is put to first of its kind use to generate an achromatic single-charge vortex equivalent to a Laguerre-Gaussian beam possessing orbital angular momentum (OAM). The interference of counter-propagating polychromatic Gaussian beams of beam waist ωλ with correlated linear phase (ϕ
0
 ≥ 0.025 λ) and lateral shear (y
0
 ≥ 0.05 ωλ) in orthogonal directions is shown to create a vortex phase distribution around the null interference. Using a wavelength-tunable continuous-wave laser the entire range of visible wavelengths is shown to satisfy the condition for vortex generation to achieve a highly stable white-light vortex with excellent propagation integrity. The application capablitiy of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by generating ultrashort optical vortex pulses, its nonlinear frequency conversion and transforming them to vector pulses. We believe that our scheme for generating robust achromatic vortex (implemented with only mirrors and a beam-splitter) pulses in the femtosecond regime, with no conceivable spectral-temporal range and peak-power limitations, can have significant advantages for a variety of applications.
Uneven distribution of complementary sex determiner (csd) alleles in Apis mellifera population
Authors: Zareba Joanna , Blazej Pawel , Laszkiewicz Agnieszka , Sniezewski Lukasz , Majkowski Michal , Janik Sylwia , Cebrat Malgorzata
Published: May 2017

The complementary sex determiner (csd) gene determines the sex of the western honey bee (Apis melliferaL.). Bees that are heterozygous at thecsdlocus develop into females; whereas hemizygous bees develop into males. The co-occurrence of two identicalcsdalleles in a single diploid genome leads to the genetic death of the bee. Thus, the maintenance ofcsddiversity in the population is favoured. The number and distribution ofcsdalleles is particularly interesting in light of the recent decline in the honey bee population. In this study, we analysed the distribution ofcsdalleles in two Polish populations separated by about 100 km. We analysed the maternal alleles of 193 colonies and found 121 different alleles. We also analysed the distribution and frequency of the alleles, and found that they are distributed unevenly. We show that the methods that have been used so far to estimate the total worldwide number ofcsdalleles have significantly underestimated their diversity. We also show that the uneven distribution ofcsdalleles is caused by a large number of infrequent alleles, which most likely results from the fact that these alleles are generated very frequently.
Effect of exenatide after short-time intensive insulin therapy on glycaemic remission maintenance in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shi Xiulin , Shi Yalin , Chen Ning , Lin Mingzhu , Su Weijuan , Zhang Huijie , Liu Changqin , Song Haiqu , Xiao Fangsen , Huang Peiying , Wang Liying , Liu Wei , Zeng Jinyang , Yan Bing , Liu Qi , Liu Suhuan , Yang Shuyu , Li Xiaoying , Li Zhibin , Li Xuejun
Published: May 2017

Early short-term intensive insulin (STII) therapy can induce drug-free glycemic remission for up to 1 year in half of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. Whether exenatide following STII therapy will induce higher long-term glycaemic remission is currently unknown. To assess the effect of STII+ exenatide therapy, compared with STII only, on maintenance of glycaemic remission in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. In this randomized, parallel-group, open-label, controlled trial, 129 patients (66 in STII+ exenatide group and 63 in STII only group) firstly completed 3-week STII therapy, then STII+ exenatide group was treated with exenatide for 12 weeks further. The cumulative probabilities of 1-year and 2-year glycaemic remission in STII+ exenatide group were 68.2 ± 5.7% and 53.0 ± 6.1%, which were significantly higher than STII only group (36.5 ± 6.1% and 31.8 ± 5.9%) (p-values < 0.001). Patients in STII+ exenatide group, compared with STII only group, showed significantly decreased levels of waist (82.2 (81.0, 83.5) cm v.s. 84.2 (82.7, 85.7) cm, p = 0.048) and HbA1c (5.83 (5.60, 6.06)% v.s. 6.49 (6.20, 6.77)%, p < 0.001) after 12-week exenatide treatment, but these differences disappeared after 1-year and 2-year follow-up. As conclusions, Improved effect of sequential exenatide after STII therapy on maintenance of glycaemic remission only occurred during exenatide treatment and lost upon treatment cessation.
The CCR5-antagonist Maraviroc reverses HIV-1 latency in vitro alone or in combination with the PKC-agonist Bryostatin-1
Authors: López-Huertas María Rosa , Jiménez-Tormo Laura , Madrid-Elena Nadia , Gutiérrez Carolina , Rodríguez-Mora Sara , Coiras Mayte , Alcamí José , Moreno Santiago
Published: May 2017

A potential strategy to cure HIV-1 infection is to use latency reversing agents (LRAs) to eliminate latent reservoirs established in resting CD4+ T (rCD4+) cells. As no drug has been shown to be completely effective, finding new drugs and combinations are of increasing importance. We studied the effect of Maraviroc (MVC), a CCR5 antagonist that activates NF-κB, on HIV-1 replication from latency. HIV-1-latency models based on CCL19 or IL7 treatment, before HIV-1 infection were used. Latently infected primary rCD4+ or central memory T cells were stimulated with MVC alone or in combination with Bryostatin-1, a PKC agonist known to reverse HIV-1 latency. MVC 5 μM and 0.31 μM were chosen for further studies although other concentrations of MVC also increased HIV-1 replication. MVC was as efficient as Bryostatin-1 in reactivating X4 and R5-tropic HIV-1. However, the combination of MVC and Bryostatin-1 was antagonistic, probably because Bryostatin-1 reduced CCR5 expression levels. Although HIV-1 reactivation had the same tendency in both latency models, statistical significance was only achieved in IL7-treated cells. These data suggest that MVC should be regarded as a new LRA with potency similar as Bryostatin-1. Further studies are required to describe the synergistic effect of MVC with other LRAs.
Functional characterization of the meiosis-specific DNA double-strand break inducing factor SPO-11 from C. elegans
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Yi , Lin Sheng-Wei , Wu Yi-Chun , Chan Nei-Li , Chi Peter
Published: May 2017

The programmed induction of meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by the evolutionarily conserved SPO-11 protein, which is structurally related to archaeal Topo VIA topoisomerases, triggers meiotic recombination. Identification of several meiosis-specific factors that are required for SPO-11-mediated DSB formation raises the question whether SPO-11 alone can cleave DNA. Here, we have developed procedures to express and purify C. elegans SPO-11 in a soluble, untagged, and monodispersed form. Our biochemical and biophysical analyses demonstrate that SPO-11 is monomeric and binds DNA, double-stranded DNA in particular. Importantly, SPO-11 does not exhibit DNA cleavage activity under a wide range of reaction conditions, suggesting that co-factors are needed for DSB induction activity. Our SPO-11 purification system and the findings reported herein should facilitate future mechanistic studies directed at delineating the mechanism of action of the SPO-11 ensemble in meiotic DSB formation.
Quasispecies composition and evolution of a typical Zika virus clinical isolate from Suriname
Authors: van Boheemen Sander , Tas Ali , Anvar S. Yahya , van Grootveld Rebecca , Albulescu Irina C. , Bauer Martijn P. , Feltkamp Mariet C. , Bredenbeek Peter J. , van Hemert Martijn J.
Published: May 2017

The arthropod-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) is currently causing a major international public health threat in the Americas. This study describes the isolation of ZIKV from the plasma of a 29-year-old female traveler that developed typical symptoms, like rash, fever and headache upon return from Suriname. The complete genome sequence including the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions was determined and phylogenetic analysis showed the isolate clustering within the Asian lineage, close to other viruses that have recently been isolated in the Americas. In addition, the viral quasispecies composition was analyzed by single molecule real time sequencing, which suggested a mutation frequency of 1.4 × 10−4 for this ZIKV isolate. Continued passaging of the virus in cell culture led to the selection of variants with mutations in NS1 and the E protein. The latter might influence virus binding to cell surface heparan sulfate.
Toward a nearly defect-free coating via high-energy plasma sparks
Authors: Kaseem Mosab , Yang Hae Woong , Ko Young Gun
Published: May 2017

A nearly defect-free metal-oxide-based coating structure was made on Al-Mg-Si alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation at high current density accompanying high-energy plasma sparks. The present coatings were performed at two different current densities of 50 and 125 mA/cm2 in the alkaline-phosphate-based electrolytes with different concentrations of sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6). The addition of (Na3AlF6) to the electrolyte used in this study would result in a decrease in the size of the micropore, and a reasonably defect-free coating structure was achieved in the sample treated at high current density of 125 mA/cm2. This was attributed mainly to the hydrolysis of AlF63− triggered by intense plasma sparks, which resulted in a uniform distribution of fluorine throughout the coating. Accordingly, the corrosion performance of the coating formed in the electrolyte containing 1.5 g/L Na3AlF6 at 125 mA/cm2 was improved significantly as confirmed by electrochemical impedance analysis. In addition, the formation mechanism of the nearly defect-free coating in the presence of Na3AlF6 was discussed.
On-line photoionization mass spectrometric study on the mouth retention of gaseous mainstream cigarette smoke
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Yonghua , Xu Yingbo , Tian Zhenfeng , Pan Yang
Published: May 2017

Measurement of the retention of cigarette smoke components in the human mouth is important for evaluating smoking-related diseases.
Enhancement of the peroxidase-like activity of cerium-doped ferrite nanoparticles for colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Hosseini Morteza , Sadat Sabet Fereshte , Khabbaz Hossein , Aghazadeh Mustafa , Mizani Farhang , Ganjali Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2017

In this report, cerium doped-ferrite nanoparticles (Ce–Fe3O4 NPs), a novel ceria nanostructure, were proposed to have intrinsic peroxidase-like activity toward a classic peroxidase substrate in the presence of H2O2.
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for quantification of sodium and potassium in minced beef: a potential technique for detecting beef kidney adulteration
Authors: Dixit Y. , Casado-Gavalda Maria P. , Cama-Moncunill R. , Cama-Moncunill X. , Markiewicz-Keszycka Maria , Cullen P. J. , Sullivan Carl
Published: May 2017

This study evaluates the capability of LIBS for quantification of the sodium (Na) and potassium (K) contents of minced beef as a potential method of detecting beef kidney adulteration. Additionally, the study aims to demonstrate the ability of LIBS to provide spatial mineral information of minced beef.
Thermosensitive polymer controlled morphogenesis and phase discrimination of calcium carbonate
Authors: Jiang Jun , Tauer Klaus , Qiu Yun-Hao , Zhong Ya-Xu , Gao Min-Rui , Antonietti Markus , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: May 2017

Homogeneous aragonite flowers with controlled surface structures can be synthesized by using a thermosensitive polymer, i.e. poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)–poly(acrylamido methyl propane sulfonate) (PEG–PNIPAM–PAMPS), as a crystal growth modifier in the mineralization of calcium carbonate.
Rhodium-catalyzed C2 and C4 C–H activation/annulation of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles with internal alkynes: a facile access to substituted and fused carbazoles
Authors: Zhou Tao , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan
Published: May 2017

Rhodium-catalyzed C2 and C4 C–H activation/annulation of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles with internal alkynes has been developed. Substituted and fused carbazole derivatives were obtained through formal rhodium-catalyzed (4+2) or tandem (4+2) and (5+2) cycloaddition reactions under mild reaction conditions in good yields.
Stepping operation of a rotary DNA origami device
Authors: Tomaru Takahiro , Suzuki Yuki , Kawamata Ibuki , Nomura Shin-ichiro M. , Murata Satoshi
Published: May 2017

A rotary DNA origami device that is operated by sequential strand displacement is developed.
Superionic conduction in β-eucryptite: inelastic neutron scattering and computational studies
Authors: Singh Baltej , Gupta Mayanak Kumar , Mittal Ranjan , Zbiri Mohamed , Rols Stephane , Patwe Sadequa Jahedkhan , Achary Srungarpu Nagabhusan , Schober Helmut , Tyagi Avesh Kumar , Chaplot Samrath Lal
Published: May 2017

The inter- and intra-channel correlated motion of lithium along the hexagonalc-axis gives the minimum energy pathway for ion conduction.
Colloid–oil–water-interface interactions in the presence of multiple salts: charge regulation and dynamics
Authors: Everts J. C. , Samin S. , Elbers N. A. , van der Hoeven J. E. S. , van Blaaderen A. , van Roij R.
Published: May 2017

The salt-induced dislodgement of charged colloidal particles from an oil–water interface is investigated theoretically and experimentally.
Optical emission and dynamics of aluminum plasmas produced by ultrashort and short laser pulses
Authors: Sankar Pranitha , Nivas Jijil J. J. , Smijesh N. , Tiwari Gaurav K. , Philip Reji
Published: May 2017

Optical emission and dynamics of ionized and neutral species present in plasmas generated by irradiating an aluminum target with ultrashort (100 fs) and short (7 ns) laser pulses is investigated, in the background pressure range of 10−2 to 760 Torr.
A tale of two membranes: from poly (ionic liquid) to metal–organic framework hybrid nanoporous membranesviapseudomorphic replacement
Authors: Sun Jian-Ke , Lin Hui-Juan , Zhang Wei-Yi , Gao Min-Rui , Antonietti Markus , Yuan Jiayin
Published: May 2017

A general method to produce a variety of free-standing asymmetric MOF hybrid membranes and superstructure arrays on different substrates was developed.
Fluorination induced electronic effects on a Pt(ii) square-planar complex of the o-phenylenediimine ligand
Authors: Pilia L. , Matsushita M. M. , Awaga K. , Robertson N.
Published: May 2017

The effect induced by the fluorine atoms on a Pt(ii) complex of the tetrafluorinated-1,2-phenylenediimine ligand is highlighted by comparison with the corresponding Ni(ii) and Pt(ii) hydrogenated complexes.
Novel organotin(iv) complexes derived from 4-fluorophenyl-selenoacetic acid: synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytostatic activity evaluation
Authors: Qiu Ya-Ru , Zhang Ru-Fen , Zhang Shao-Liang , Cheng Shuang , Li Qian-Li , Ma Chun-Lin
Published: May 2017

A cluster of novel organotin(iv) complexes were designed, synthesized, and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, and NMR (1H, 13C, and 119Sn) spectroscopy as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Ruthenium(ii) complexes incorporating carbazole–diazafluorene based bipolar ligands for dye sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Sivakumar Radhakrishnan , Recabarren Rodrigo , Ramkumar Sekar , Manivel Arumugam , Alzate-Morales Jans , Contreras David , Manidurai Paulraj
Published: May 2017

A new type of ruthenium sensitizers, S3 and S4, consisting of carbazole–diazafluorene based bipolar ancillary ligands have been synthesized and characterized for dye sensitized solar cells.
Water-dispersible hyperbranched conjugated polymer nanoparticles with sulfonate terminal groups for amplified fluorescence sensing of trace TNT in aqueous solution
Authors: Wu Xiaofu , Hang Hao , Li Hua , Chen Yonghong , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang
Published: May 2017

The efficient encapsulation of TNT by numerous hydrophobic cavities inside the hyperbranched conjugated polymer core allows for amplified fluorescence quenching detection of TNT down to 0.8 ppb.
Substrate-mediated growth of vanadium carbide with controllable structure as high performance electrocatalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jin Jutao , Wei Zhiyang , Qiao Xiaochang , Fan Hongbo , Cui Lifeng
Published: May 2017

VC nanoparticles, from cuboctahedron to cubic, have been synthesized using graphene oxide as the nucleation and growth substrate. The energy conversion efficiency of the DSSCs with the VC-ch counter electrode reached 7.92%, comparable to Pt based CE.
Physicochemical and catalytic properties of polysiloxane network–Pt systems
Authors: Stochmal Edyta , Strzezik Joanna , Krowiak Agnieszka
Published: May 2017

Polysiloxane networks with the ability to modify their topology as supports for platinum heterogeneous catalysts.
Computational investigation on the large energy gap between the triplet excited-states in acenes
Authors: Pan Y. Y. , Huang J. , Wang Z. M. , Yu D. W. , Yang B. , Ma Y. G.
Published: May 2017

Accurate description triplet excited states is a challenge of organic materials. In this work, we investigate excited state behavior of acenes. The results show that the symmetry of the transition orbital have a great influence on the energy gap.
Aloe vera assisted facile green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide for electrochemical and dye removal applications
Authors: Bhattacharya Gourav , Sas Shrawni , Wadhwa Shikha , Mathur Ashish , McLaughlin James , Roy Susanta Sinha
Published: May 2017

In the present work, the suitability of Aloe vera (AV) as a ‘green reducing agent’ has been investigated for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO).
Core–shell structured nanospheres for photothermal ablation and pH-triggered drug delivery toward synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Zhong Tian , Fu Jia , Huang Ran , Tan Lianjiang
Published: May 2017

Core–shell CuS(DOX)@CS nanospheres with pH-responsive drug release ability and photothermal conversion properties are synthesized for synergistic cancer therapy.
InGaN/GaN nanowires epitaxy on large-area MoS2 for high-performance light-emitters
Authors: Zhao Chao , Ng Tien Khee , Tseng Chien-Chih , Li Jun , Shi Yumeng , Wei Nini , Zhang Daliang , Consiglio Giuseppe Bernardo , Prabaswara Aditya , Alhamoud Abdullah Ali , Albadri Abdulrahman M. , Alyamani Ahmed Y. , Zhang X. X. , Li Lain-Jong , Ooi Boon S.
Published: May 2017

High-quality nitride nanowires on large-area layered transition metal dichalcogenides are first reported, which yielded light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with superior performance.
Rapid preparation of block copolymer templated mesoporous Zr1−xCexO2 thin films
Authors: Violi Ianina L. , Luca Vittorio , Soldati Analía L. , Troiani Horacio , Soler-Illia Galo J. A. A. , Zelcer Andrés
Published: May 2017

A rapid deposition method for the preparation of ordered mesoporous Zr1−xCexO2 thin films using commercial templates is developed, with a comprehensive study on the relationship between synthesis conditions and the properties of the resulting films.
Metal chloride-assisted synthesis of hierarchical porous carbons for high-rate-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Bing Xuefeng , Jiang Xu , Tian Meng , Wang Jitong , Qiao Wenming , Ling Licheng
Published: May 2017

The hierarchical porosity leads to the excellent rate capability of ca. 84% retention from 0.1 A g−1 to 20 A g−1, higher than that of many hierarchical porous carbons reported in previous literatures.
Avoiding leaching of silica supported metallocenes in slurry phase ethylene homopolymerization
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Ahsan , Monteil Vincent , Boisson Christophe , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: May 2017

Leaching of (n-BuCp)2ZrCl2/MAO catalyst from silica supports has been studied in slurry phase ethylene homopolymerisation by changing i) the polymerization protocol, ii) aluminum alkyl scavengers and iii) by adding butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT-H) along with aluminum alkyl scavengers.
High thermoelectric performance due to nano-inclusions and randomly distributed interface potentials in N-type (PbTe0.93−xSe0.07Clx)0.93(PbS)0.07composites
Authors: Ginting Dianta , Lin Chan-Chieh , Rathnam Lydia , Yun Jae Hyun , Yu Byung-Kyu , Kim Sung-Jin , Rhyee Jong-Soo
Published: May 2017

The nano-inclusion in a matrix effectively scatters phonons and the band bending effect at the interfaces can selectively scatter carriers, resulting in the enhancement of thermoelectric performance.
Design of salt–metal organic framework composites for seasonal heat storage applications
Authors: Permyakova Anastasia , Wang Sujing , Courbon Emilie , Nouar Farid , Heymans Nicolas , D'Ans Pierre , Barrier Nicolas , Billemont Pierre , De Weireld Guy , Steunou Nathalie , Frère Marc , Serre Christian
Published: May 2017

A series of MOFs–CaCl2 composite sorbents was developed for seasonal heat storage which combine outstanding energy capacity and cycling stability.
Enhancement of synergistic gene silencing by RNA interference using branched “3-in-1” trimer siRNA
Authors: Nair Baiju G. , Zhou Yue , Hagiwara Kyoji , Ueki Masashi , Isoshima Takashi , Abe Hiroshi , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: May 2017

Nanostructured RNA carrying three different siRNAs was assembled to silence three target genes (Axin, APC, and GSK-3β) in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This nanostructured ‘3-in-1’ siRNA showed high activity at a low concentration due to the long-term resistance, and enhancing the effect of RNA interference.
Carbon nanostructures in biology and medicine
Authors: Liu Haiyun , Zhang Lina , Yan Mei , Yu Jinghua
Published: May 2017

Carbon nanostructures have unique physical, chemical, and electrical properties, which have attracted great interest from scientists. Carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene and other carbon nanomaterials are being successfully implemented in electrochemical sensing, biomedical and biological imaging.
SC79-loaded ZSM-5/chitosan porous scaffolds with enhanced stem cell osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration
Authors: Zhu Rong , Chen Yi-Xuan , Ke Qin-Fei , Gao You-Shui , Guo Ya-Ping
Published: May 2017

SC79-loaded ZSM-5/chitosan porous scaffolds were fabricated for defined local bone regeneration, and the controlled release of SC79 from therapeutic scaffolds enhanced stem cell osteogenic differentiationviathe activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs encapsulated in chondroinductive polysaccharide/collagen hybrid hydrogels
Authors: Li Xiupeng , Teng Yingying , Liu Jun , Lin Hai , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong
Published: May 2017

Although BMSC-based therapy is one of the most front-line technologies for cartilage repair, it is still a big challenge to attain ideal niches for BMSC chondrogenic differentiation.
Photoresponsive cellulose paper as a molecular printboard for covalent printing
Authors: Rull-Barrull J. , d'Halluin M. , Le Grognec E. , Felpin F.-X.
Published: May 2017

The concept of covalent printing onto cellulose paper using thiol–ene and thiol–yne ligations is disclosed.
Functional characterization of the copper transcription factor AfMac1 from Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Park Yong-Sung , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Yun Cheol-Won
Published: May 2017

Although copper functions as a cofactor in many physiological processes, copper overload leads to harmful effects in living cells. Thus, copper homeostasis is tightly regulated. However, detailed copper metabolic pathways have not yet been identified in filamentous fungi. In this report, we investigated the copper transcription factor AfMac1 (Aspergillus fumigatusMac1 homolog) and identified its regulatory mechanism in A. fumigatus. AfMac1 has domains homologous to the DNA-binding and copper-binding domains of Mac1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and AfMac1 efficiently complemented Mac1 in S. cerevisiae. Expression of Afmac1 resulted in CTR1 up-regulation, and mutation of the DNA-binding domain of Afmac1 failed to activate CTR1 expression in S. cerevisiae. The Afmac1 deletion strain of A. fumigatus failed to grow in copper-limited media, and its growth was restored by introducing ctrC. We found that AfMac1 specifically bound to the promoter region of ctrC based on EMSA. The AfMac1-binding motif 5′-TGTGCTCA-3′ was identified from the promoter region of ctrC, and the addition of mutant ctrC lacking the AfMac1-binding motif failed to up-regulate ctrC in A. fumigatus. Furthermore, deletion of Afmac1 significantly reduced strain virulence and activated conidial killing activity by neutrophils and macrophages. Taken together, these results suggest that AfMac1 is a copper transcription factor that regulates cellular copper homeostasis in A. fumigatus.
Associations between male reproductive characteristics and the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Authors: Liu Zhangshun , Shi Xiaohong , Wang Lihong , Yang Yan , Fu Qiang , Tao Minfang
Published: May 2017

The present study was designed to investigate the relationships between indicators of male body mass index (BMI), age, reproductive hormone levels, semen parameters, and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The clinical data were collected from 636 couples who underwent ART between January, 2013 and December, 2015 at the reproductive center involved in our study. Pearson’s correlation or Spearman rank correlation was applied to establish the relevant correlation coefficients. The correlation between influence factors’ and pregnancy outcomes was analyzed using the Logistic regression model. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software. Male BMI was found to be negatively correlated with testosterone (T) (P<0.05), while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was negatively correlated with semen parameters (P<0.05). Luteinizing hormone (LH) was found to be negatively correlated with total sperm count, normal sperm morphology, and abortion (all P<0.05). Clinical pregnancy was related to sperm concentration and female age (P<0.05), and live birth was found to be associated only with female age (P<0.05). Male BMI was associated with the secretion of reproductive hormones, but had no effect on sperm parameters or ART outcome. A higher male age was also negatively connected with the outcome of clinical pregnancy. Reproductive hormones were not associated with ART outcome. Sperm concentration and female age were important factors influencing ART clinical pregnancy, while the only significant factor influencing live birth was female age. Levels of obesity-related inflammatory indicators (i.e. free fatty acid (FFA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), human inhibin-B (IHNB), interleukin-1 (IL-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS)) also varied with degrees of BMI. The present study provides information on the associations between male reproductive characteristics and the outcome of ART, which may contribute to improved strategies to help couples achieve better pregnancy outcomes.
Clinical presentations and epidemiology of vascular dementia
Authors: Smith Eric E.
Published: May 2017

Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases cause vascular brain injury that can lead to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). VCI is the second most common neuropathology of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), accounting for up to one-third of the population risk. It is frequently present along with other age-related pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple etiology dementia with both VCI and AD is the single most common cause of later life dementia. There are two main clinical syndromes of VCI: post-stroke VCI in which cognitive impairment is the immediate consequence of a recent stroke and VCI without recent stroke in which cognitive impairment is the result of covert vascular brain injury detected only on neuroimaging or neuropathology. VCI is a syndrome that can result from any cause of infarction, hemorrhage, large artery disease, cardioembolism, small vessel disease, or other cerebrovascular or cardiovascular diseases. Secondary prevention of further vascular brain injury may improve outcomes in VCI.
Improved hidden Markov model adaptation method for reduced frame rate speech recognition
Authors: Lee L.M. , Le H.H. , Jean F.R.
Published: May 2017

An improved hidden Markov model (HMM) adaptation method is proposed for the recognition of reduced frame rate speech. In previous studies of this kind of model adaptation, individual models were first adapted and then the adapted models were connected to form the word network for a speech recognition system. This adapting‐then‐connecting approach can produce transitions that skip too many states and increase insertion errors. In the proposed new method, the transition probabilities from the states of a HMM to the states of a following model are calculated by first connecting the two models to form a combined model and then adapting the transition probability matrix of the combined model. This connecting‐then‐adapting approach can rectify the problem of skipping too many states, and therefore reduce insertion errors. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the experimental results show that the proposed new method can obtain better recognition accuracy.
Low cross‐polarisation high‐isolation frequency scanning aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna array with matched dual‐polarisation radiation patterns
Authors: Saeidi‐Manesh H. , Mirmozafari M. , Zhang G.
Published: May 2017

A method of beam matching between two linear polarised radiation patterns of a dual‐polarised frequency scanning antenna is proposed, implemented, and tested. A meticulous phase match process between the outputs of both individual cells and the whole corresponding horizontal and vertical feed lines is carried out. To verify the simulation results and to take the coupling effect into account, the radiation patterns of an isolated column, as well as those of three columns, are measured. In agreement with the design and with the simulation results, horizontal and vertical polarisation beams with a pointing angle mismatch of less than ±0.2° within the resonant frequency bandwidth of 2.75–2.95 GHz are achieved.
Comparison of winding configurations in double‐stator switched reluctance machines
Authors: Cosoroaba Eva , Bostanci Emine , Li Yinan , Wang Wei , Fahimi Babak
Published: May 2017

The double‐stator configuration of the switched reluctance machine (SRM) aims to maximise the energy conversion efficiency by optimising the ratio of motional force to the total magnetic force. Maintaining the attractive features of SRM, the double‐stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM) proves to have higher torque/power density than the conventional SRM, which is a crucial feature for traction applications. The original winding configuration used in DSSRM is the full‐pitch winding, which yields high‐power density but causes significant heat within the machine's end windings. As end windings do not take part in torque generation, concentrated windings were proposed to reduce the heat as well as to reduce the size, cost, and weight of the machine. This study provides a detailed comparative analysis of the effects that the winding configuration has on the performance of a 100kW DSSRM, with emphasis on flux density distribution, efficiency, and heat generation. It is concluded that the concentrated windings are a better alternative to the full‐pitch windings in DSSRM.
Position sensorless startup for doubly salient electro‐magnetic motor with only one test pulse
Authors: Zhou Xingwei , Zhou Bo , Yang Lan , Shi Liwei
Published: May 2017

The self‐inductance of doubly salient electro‐magnetic motor (DSEM) varies with rotor position, so it's becoming an effective approach to estimate rotor position in DSEM sensorless drive system. Based on the feature that there must be a change in the magnitude relation of two phase self‐inductances when the rotor goes from one sector to the other, this study proposes a novel rotor position estimation method for DSEM sensorless startup, it needs only one test pulse injection. The proposed method starts with injecting a test voltage pulse in all three‐phase windings by turning on three proper transistors a certain time synchronously. Then at the end of the test pulse, the response currents of the two parallel‐connected phases are sampled and compared for judging whether the rotor has reached the commutation instant. Moreover, the rotor position estimation error and output torque of the pulse‐injection‐based methods are theoretically analysed. Compared with the conventional rotor position estimating method which requires multiple test pulses, the proposed strategy has merits of less test time consuming, higher‐accurate commutation, greater output torque and superior startup performance. Finally, the experiments on a 12/8‐pole DSEM confirm the correctness and flexibility of the proposed method.
Optimisation‐based procedure for characterising switched reluctance motors
Authors: Jiang James W. , Peng Fei , Bilgin Berker , Emadi Ali
Published: May 2017

This study introduces an optimisation‐based procedure for characterising switched reluctance machine (SRM) performance and studies the optimisation to determine the conduction angles in SRM drives. The objectives employed in the optimisation cases are maximising average output torque, maximising the ratio of average torque over root mean square (RMS) value of phase current, and minimising RMS value of net torque ripple. Combinations of these objectives are used in four different cases, which are formulated either as single‐ or multi‐objective problems. These cases are then compared in terms of output torque, torque ripple, and efficiency. One method of the four is selected and the performance of the motor over the entire operating range is characterised based on optimised turn‐on and turn‐off angles. Experimental results are used to verify the motor performance obtained from the optimisations for selected operating points.
Comparative study of multicore planar transformers on printed circuit boards
Authors: Tria Lew Andrew R. , Alam Kazi Saiful , Zhang Daming , Fletcher John E.
Published: May 2017

Three potential options to implement multicore planar transformers using a printed circuit board as windings are presented. The first option utilises a distributed transformer configuration where smaller transformer elements with separate cores are interconnected to function as a single transformer. The second option has a lumped core configuration which uses multiple cores arranged to function as a monolithic core while the third is a hybrid of the first two configurations. The three transformers were designed for a 400/40 V, 1 kW, DC–DC converter application at a switching frequency of 100 kHz. The electrical and thermal characteristics of the three configurations are compared using finite‐element analysis of the electromagnetic fields. The simulation results are also validated by measuring the electrical characteristics of transformers fabricated in the three configurations. The electrical and thermal characteristics of the transformers are also verified in a power converter system. Results of the comparison show that the distributed core configuration gave the best thermal characteristic while the lumped core configuration has the least winding losses.
Modelling and measurement of high‐frequency conducted electromagnetic interference in DC–DC converters
Authors: Grobler Inus , Gitau Michael Njoroge
Published: May 2017

Conducted electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) noise qualification tests are normally carried out after a prototype has been designed, built and tested and the process is repeated in the event of non‐compliance. The ability to determine compliance with electromagnetic interference (EMI) standards at the design stage is therefore desirable. This study will present conducted EMC noise modelling and measurement techniques, yielding simulated and measurement noise results accurate enough to serve as a prequalification test at the design and prototyping stages, respectively. Accurate models of the power feed line connecting the line impedance stabilisation network to the device under test (converter), including the load are developed. Predictive conducted EMC modelling is accomplished using detailed active level 3 SPICE‐based models, creating a real‐time circuit model consisting of a complete converter in its operational state, without the need to separate into equivalent models. Effects of the power feed‐line length on EMI noise measurements are investigated as currently available literature has not dealt adequately with this issue. The modelling and measurements are performed using software and instruments available in a development laboratory..
Sampling strategy and error estimation for evaluation of quadratic form error using Cartesian coordinate data
Authors: Fei Liu , Dan Liu , Lin Liang , Guanghua Xu , Qing Zhang , Zixia Meng
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the relationship between sampling strategy and error estimation, which is used to improve the measurement and evaluation of quadratic form error in Cartesian coordinates. This study is focused on the sampling strategy, the sampling error estimation, and the error evaluation model, and it is particularly useful when a special device measures the form characteristics of a workpiece. To obtain a reasonable sample size and an accurate error estimate for the geometric features of a quadratic form, Boltzmann curve is used to predict the reasonable sample size by fitting different evaluation results of form error. As a result, compared with earlier methods, the curve helps us to obtain a better accuracy, while the process only distinguishes a part of the form features on one or several workpieces from a mass production. In addition, a new error model based on the quadratic form is established by least squares method, which can be applied to measure and evaluate the roundness error and sphericity error. Two experiments are performed to verify the effectiveness of the new error model, and the results indicate that a systematic sampling strategy and error estimation can determine the reasonable sample size while maintaining high accuracy.
Optimisation of significant parameters through response surface methodology in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by chemical reduction method
Authors: Ahani Mina , Khatibzadeh Marziyeh
Published: May 2017

Response surface methodology coupled with the central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimise the significant parameters in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by chemical reduction method to obtain smaller average particle size. Different parameters such as the ethylene glycol (EG) concentration as reducing agent, the polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) content as stabiliser and the pH were selected as they have the dominant effects on the particle size of AgNPs. Each of these parameters was studied at three levels. The average particle size of AgNPs was considered as the response value and determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The statistical analysis showed that the pH emerged as the most significant parameter influencing the average particle size and after that, the PVP content was also a significant parameter. The AgNPs synthesised under optimal conditions (6.88 M of EG, 0.5% of PVP and pH = 11) were characterised by UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), DLS, zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The XRD pattern showed the face‐centred cubic silver and the average crystallite size of AgNPs was 30 nm. The average particle size of AgNPs was 37.35 nm according to DLS analysis, which was in good agreement with the predicted value (37.65 nm) by CCD.
Kinematics of the local disk from the RAVE survey and the Gaia first data release
Authors: Robin Annie C. , Bienaymé Olivier , Fernández-Trincado José G. , Reylé Céline
Published: May 2017

Aims. We attempt to constrain the kinematics of the thin and thick disks using the Besançon population synthesis model together with RAVE DR4 and Gaia first data release (TGAS).

Methods. The RAVE fields were simulated by applying a detailed target selection function and the kinematics was computed using velocity ellipsoids depending on age in order to study the secular evolution. We accounted for the asymmetric drift computed from fitting a Stäckel potential to orbits. Model parameters such as velocity dispersions, mean motions, and velocity gradients were adjusted using an ABC-MCMC method. We made use of the metallicity to enhance the separation between thin and thick disks.

Results. We show that this model is able to reproduce the kinematics of the local disks in great detail. The disk follows the expected secular evolution, in very good agreement with previous studies of the thin disk. The new asymmetric drift formula, fitted to our previously described Stäckel potential, fairly well reproduces the velocity distribution in a wide solar neighborhood. The U and W components of the solar motion determined with this method agree well with previous studies. However, we find a smaller V component than previously thought, essentially because we include the variation of the asymmetric drift with distance to the plane. The thick disk is represented by a long period of formation (at least 2 Gyr), during which, as we show, the mean velocity increases with time while the scale height and scale length decrease, very consistently with a collapse phase with conservation of angular momentum.

Conclusions. This new Galactic dynamical model is able to reproduce the observed velocities in a wide solar neighborhood at the quality level of the TGAS-RAVE sample, allowing us to constrain the thin and thick disk dynamical evolution, as well as determining the solar motion.
An Efficient and Concise Synthesis of N-3-Substituted 9-Methoxy-4H-[1]-benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-imines and Form­amidine Derivatives from Methyl N-(3-Cyano-8-methoxy-4H-[1]-benzopyran-2-yl)methanimidate
Authors: Ammar Houcine , Bazureau Jean-Pierre , Bouattour Ali , Fakhfakh Mehdi , Abid Souhir , Paquin Ludovic
Published: May 2017

A four-step microwave-assisted reaction of N-3-susbstituted 4H-[1]-benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-imines and formamidine derivatives was successfully developed from primary amines, cyclic secondary amines, and methyl N-(3-cyano-8-methoxy-4H-[1]-benzopyran-2-yl)methanimidate as key intermediate. The simplicity of the microwave protocols gave facile possibilities of isolation of the desired products by simple filtration. The synthesized compounds were obtained in good yields and purity, and characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR, and HRMS analyses.
Synthesis of Fluorine-Containing Analogues of 1-Lysoglycerophospholipids via Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Reaction
Authors: Sano Shigeki , Nakao Michiyasu , Tanaka Kazue , Kitaike Syuji
Published: May 2017

An efficient method of synthesizing fluorine-containing analogues of 1-lysoglycerophospholipids (1-LPLs) by introducing a palmitoyl moiety starting from bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphonoacetate (Still–Gennari reagent) is described. The method effectively employs Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reagents as masked 1-LPL derivatives to prepare a series of analogues of 1-lysophosphatidic acid (1-LPA), 1-lysophosphatidylethanolamine (1-LPE), and 1-lysophosphatidylcholine (1-LPC).