bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen receptor is a potential novel prognostic marker and oncogenic target in osteosarcoma with dependence on CDK11
Authors: Liao Yunfei , Sassi Slim , Halvorsen Stefan , Feng Yong , Shen Jacson , Gao Yan , Cote Gregory , Choy Edwin , Harmon David , Mankin Henry , Hornicek Francis , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: March 2017

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in children and adolescents. Previously, we have found that cyclin-dependent kinase 11 (CDK11) signaling was essential for osteosarcoma cell growth and survival. Subsequently, CDK11 siRNA gene targeting, expression profiling, and network reconstruction of differentially expressed genes were performed between CDK11 knock down and wild type osteosarcoma cells. Reconstructed network of the differentially expressed genes pointed to the AR as key to CDK11 signaling in osteosarcoma. CDK11 increased transcriptional activation of AR gene in osteosarcoma cell lines. AR protein was highly expressed in various osteosarcoma cell lines and patient tumor tissues. Tissue microarray analysis showed that the disease-free survival rate for patients with high-expression of AR was significantly shorter than for patients with low-expression of AR. In addition, AR gene expression knockdown via siRNA greatly inhibited cell growth and viability. Similar results were found in osteosarcoma cells treated with AR inhibitor. These findings suggest that CDK11 is involved in the regulation of AR pathway and AR can be a potential novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.
Thermal transport and anharmonic phonons in strained monolayer hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Li Shasha , Chen Yue
Published: March 2017

Thermal transport and phonon-phonon coupling in monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) under equibiaxial strains are investigated from first principles. Phonon spectra at elevated temperatures have been calculated from perturbation theory using the third-order anharmonic force constants. The stiffening of the out-of-plane transverse acoustic mode (ZA) near the Brillouin zone center and the increase of acoustic phonon lifetimes are found to contribute to the dramatic increase of thermal transport in strained h-BN. The transverse optical mode (TO) at the K point, which was predicted to lead to mechanical failure of h-BN, is found to shift to lower frequencies at elevated temperatures under equibiaxial strains. The longitudinal and transverse acoustic modes exhibit broad phonon spectra under large strains in sharp contrast to the ZA mode, indicating strong in-plane phonon-phonon coupling.
Diagnostic implication of fibrin degradation products and D-dimer in aortic dissection
Authors: Dong Jian , Duan Xianli , Feng Rui , Zhao Zhiqing , Feng Xiang , Lu Qingsheng , Jing Qing , Zhou Jian , Bao Junmin , Jing Zaiping
Published: March 2017

Fibrin degradation products (FDP) and D-dimer have been considered to be involved in many vascular diseases. In this study we aimed to explore the diagnostic implication of FDP and D-dimer in aortic dissection patients. 202 aortic dissection patients were collected as the case group, 150 patients with other cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI, n = 45), pulmonary infarction (n = 51) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 54) were collected as non-dissection group, and 27 healthy people were in the blank control group. The FDP and D-dimer levels were detected with immune nephelometry. Logist regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of FDP and D-dimer for the aortic dissection patients. ROC curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of FDP and D-dimer. The FDP and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in aortic dissection patients than in non-dissection patients and the healthy controls. FDP and D-dimer were both the risk factors for patients with aortic dissection. From the ROC analysis, diagnostic value of FDP and D-dimer were not high to distinguish aortic dissection patients from the non-dissection patients. However FDP and D-dimer could be valuable diagnostic marker to differentiate aortic dissection patients and healthy controls with both AUC 0.863.
Sex allocation promotes the stable co-occurrence of competitive species
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya
Published: March 2017

Biodiversity has long been a source of wonder and scientific curiosity. Theoretically, the co-occurrence of competitive species requires niche differentiation, and such differences are well known; however, the neutral theory, which assumes the equivalence of all individuals regardless of the species in a biological community, has successfully recreated observed patterns of biodiversity. In this research, the evolution of sex allocation is demonstrated to be the key to resolving why the neutral theory works well, despite the observed species differences. The sex allocation theory predicts that female-biased allocation evolves in species in declining density and that this allocation improves population growth, which should lead to an increase in density. In contrast, when the density increases, a less biased allocation evolves, which reduces the population growth rate and leads to decreased density. Thus, sex allocation provides a buffer against species differences in population growth. A model incorporating this mechanism demonstrates that hundreds of species can co-occur over 10,000 generations, even in homogeneous environments, and reproduces the observed patterns of biodiversity. This study reveals the importance of evolutionary processes within species for the sustainability of biodiversity. Integrating the entire biological process, from genes to community, will open a new era of ecology.
Mineral binding peptides with enhanced binding stability in serum
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , Yu Xiaohua , Wagoner Johnson Amy J. , Murphy William L.
Published: March 2017

Modular growth factor peptides that bind to calcium phosphate mineralsviaan osteocalcin-inspired sequence show significantly enhanced binding stability in serum.
Transition-metal-free, visible-light induced cyclization of arylsulfonyl chlorides with o-azidoarylalkynes: a regiospecific route to unsymmetrical 2,3-disubstituted indoles
Authors: Gu Lijun , Jin Cheng , Wang Wei , He Yonghui , Yang Guangyu , Li Ganpeng
Published: March 2017

A visible-light-catalyzed synthesis of unsymmetrical 2,3-diaryl-substituted indoles from arylsulfonyl chlorides and o-azidoarylalkynes at room temperature has been discovered.
Surface chemistry of propanal, 2-propenol, and 1-propanol on Ru(001)
Authors: Esan Dominic A. , Trenary Michael
Published: March 2017

We show the complex chemistries between 2-propenol, propanal, and 1-propanol on Ru(001) including isomerization, hydrogenation and dehydrogenation steps.
Temperature effects on the viscosity and the wavelength-dependent refractive index of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with a phosphorus-containing anion
Authors: Chiappe C. , Margari P. , Mezzetta A. , Pomelli C. S. , Koutsoumpos S. , Papamichael M. , Giannios P. , Moutzouris K.
Published: March 2017

Anion species affect the viscosity and refractive index of imidazolium-based ionic liquids.
Tunable dynamic fluorinated poly(orthoester)-based drug carriers for greatly enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy
Authors: Yan Guoqing , Wang Jun , Zhang Panpan , Hu Liefeng , Wang Xin , Yang Guanqing , Fu Shengxiang , Cheng Xu , Tang Rupei
Published: March 2017

Tunable dynamic fluorinated poly(orthoester)-based drug carriers were evaluatedin vitroandin vivoand showed greatly enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy.
Ultra-thin ZnO film as an electron transport layer for realizing the high efficiency of organic solar cells
Authors: Chi Dan , Huang Shihua , Yue Shizhong , Liu Kong , Lu Shudi , Wang Zhijie , Qu Shengchun , Wang Zhanguo
Published: March 2017

We introduce an ultra-thin ZnO film (4 nm) into the PBDTTT-CF:PC70BM bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells as the electron transport layer and realize a power conversion efficiency of 7.51%.
Confinement of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals in water cages: a density functional theory study
Authors: Liu Liuxie , Mao Shuang , Li Quan , Wang Xiaolan , Yang Mingli , Li Laicai
Published: March 2017

Radicals can be confined in water cages and exhibit similar structures and properties to their corresponding free forms.
Fabrication of surface skinless membranes of epoxy resin-based mesoporous monoliths toward advanced separators for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Sakakibara Keita , Kagata Hideki , Ishizuka Norio , Sato Takaya , Tsujii Yoshinobu
Published: March 2017

In this article, we propose a versatile method to prepare epoxy resin-based monolith membrane without any surface skin layer through polymerization induced spinodal type phase separation using a poly(vinyl alcohol) sacrificial film, where the monolith is a porous material with a bicontinuous skeletal structure.
Gene delivery to mammalian cells using a graphene nanoribbon platform
Authors: Foreman Hui-Chen Chang , Lalwani Gaurav , Kalra Jaslin , Krug Laurie T. , Sitharaman Balaji
Published: March 2017

We developed a novel oxidized graphene nanoribbon-based platform (O-GNR) for gene delivery of double-stranded DNA into mammalian cells.
Development of kartogenin-conjugated chitosan–hyaluronic acid hydrogel for nucleus pulposus regeneration
Authors: Zhu Yanxia , Tan Jie , Zhu Hongxia , Lin Guangyao , Yin Fei , Wang Liang , Song Kedong , Wang Yiwei , Zhou Guangqian , Yi Weihong
Published: March 2017

Injectable constructs for in vivo gelation have many advantages in the regeneration of degenerated nucleus pulposus.
Metal-free and light-promoted radical iodotrifluoromethylation of alkenes with Togni reagent as the source of CF3 and iodine
Authors: Beniazza Redouane , Douarre Maxime , Lastécouères Dominique , Vincent Jean-Marc
Published: March 2017

Iodotrifluoromethylation of alkenes is effectively conducted by combining benzophenone, “black light”, isopropanol and Togni reagent 1 as the source of both the CF3 group and iodine atom.
Surface modification of a polyvinyl alcohol sponge with functionalized boronic acids to develop porous materials for multicolor emission, chemical sensing and 3D cell culture
Authors: Nishiyabu Ryuhei , Iizuka Shunsuke , Minegishi Saika , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Kubo Yuji
Published: March 2017

Surface modification of a polyvinyl alcohol sponge with functionalized boronic acids led to the formation of porous materials applicable for multicolor emission, chemical sensing and 3D cell culture.
Iron vacancy in tetragonal Fe1−xS crystals and its effect on the structure and superconductivity
Authors: Guo Zhongnan , Sun Fun , Han Bingling , Lin Kun , Zhou Liang , Yuan Wenxia
Published: March 2017

Fe1−xS crystals were synthesized, and the effects of Fe vacancies on this superconducting material were investigated.
High velocity proton collision with liquid lithium: a time dependent density functional theory study
Authors: Bi Gang , Kang Jun , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: March 2017

Liquid lithium is often used as a coating material in fusion reaction chambers, where it is under constant bombardment from high speed neutrons and protons.
Accelerated evaporation of water on graphene oxide
Authors: Wan Rongzheng , Shi Guosheng
Published: March 2017

The evaporation rate of water on patterned GO with different degrees of oxidation.
Interface/defect-tuneable macro and micro photoluminescence behaviours of trivalent europium ions in electrospun ZrO2/ZnO porous nanobelts
Authors: Mao Yanzhe , Bai Jinglong , Zhang Mingxiang , Zhao Hao , Sun Gengzhi , Pan Xiaojun , Zhang Zhenxing , Zhou Jinyuan , Xie Erqing
Published: March 2017

Defects/interfaces were tuned by introducing ZnO into the ZrO2:Eu3+ porous nanobelt, exhibiting enhanced PLs from Eu3+ ions.
Bimetallic phosphide hollow nanocubes derived from a prussian-blue-analog used as high-performance catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zou Hong-Hong , Yuan Cheng-Zong , Zou Hong-Yan , Cheang Tuck-Yun , Zhao Sheng-Jie , Qazi Umair Yaqub , Zhong Sheng-Liang , Wang Lei , Xu An-Wu
Published: March 2017

Bimetallic phosphide (NixFe1−x)2P hollow nanocubes were prepared from PBAs as highly active and stable OER electrocatalysts.
Retracted Article: Stable ‘arrested’ non-aqueous edible foams based on food emulsifiers
Authors: Patel A. R.
Published: March 2017

Stable oil foams with structured air–oil interfaces and high overrun (φair ≫ 0.5) were fabricated using edible emulsifiers (sucrose esters and lecithin).
Access to π-conjugated azaindole derivatives via rhodium(iii)-catalyzed cascade reaction of azaindoles and diazo compounds
Authors: Liu Chen-Fei , Zhang Guo-Tai , Sun Jun-Shu , Dong Lin
Published: March 2017

Diazo compounds play an important role as a coupling partner to access unique π-conjugated 7-azaindole derivatives via rhodium(iii)-catalyzed double C–H activation/cyclization.
nBu4NI-Mediated oxidation of methyl ketones to α-ketoamides: using ammonium, primary and secondary amine-salt as an amine moiety
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Kuan , Jia Luhan , Zhang Danting , Zhang Yue , Cheng Yujia , Lin Chang , Wang Bo
Published: March 2017

Presented is the first example of synthesizing an array of primary-, secondary-, and tertiary-α-ketoamides in moderate to excellent yields with a catalyst nBu4NI from methyl ketones and amine/ammonium salts under mild conditions using oxidant TBHP.
Zwitterionic polymer brush grafting on anodic aluminum oxide membranes by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Chu Chien-Wei , Higaki Yuji , Cheng Chao-Hung , Cheng Ming-Hsiang , Chang Chun-Wei , Chen Jiun-Tai , Takahara Atsushi
Published: March 2017

A feasible processing of zwitterionic polymer-grafted anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) and the geometric effect were investigated.
Super water absorbency OMMT/PAA hydrogel materials with excellent mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Liu Yao , Liu Jiaqi , Guo Pu , Heng Liping
Published: March 2017

Montmorillonite/poly(acrylic acid) composite hydrogels, fabricated through UV irradiation polymerization, have a super water absorbency of 2786 g g−1and excellent mechanical properties.
A graphene oxide-based tool-kit capable of characterizing and classifying exonuclease activities
Authors: Song Jayeon , Hoa Vo Minh , Yoo Jungmin , Oh Sanghoon , Im Hyeryeon , Park Daeho , Lee Gwangrog
Published: March 2017

Exonuclease kinetics and classification assay by graphene oxide-based fluorometric quenching.
Strategies for fast ion transport in electrochemical capacitor electrolytes from diffusion coefficients, ionic conductivity, viscosity, density and interaction energies based on HSAB theory
Authors: Saito Morihiro , Kawaharasaki Satoru , Ito Kensuke , Yamada Shinya , Hayamizu Kikuko , Seki Shiro
Published: March 2017

To elucidate factors affecting ion transport in capacitor electrolytes, five propylene carbonate (PC) electrolytes were prepared, each of which includes a salt ((C2H5)4NBF4, (C2H5)4NPF6, (C2H5)4NSO3CF3, (C2H5)3CH3NBF4and LiBF4).
Recent developments in chemical reactivity of N,N-dimethylenamino ketones as synthons for various heterocycles
Authors: Gaber Hatem M. , Bagley Mark C. , Muhammad Zeinab A. , Gomha Sobhi M.
Published: March 2017

This review demonstrates the high number of synthetic applications of enaminones in the preparation of acyclic, carbocyclic, heterocyclic and fused heterocyclic compounds.
Dually sensitive dextran-based micelles for methotrexate delivery
Authors: Blanco-Fernandez B. , Concheiro A. , Makwana H. , Fernandez-Trillo F. , Alexander C. , Alvarez-Lorenzo C.
Published: March 2017

Temperature and pH-sensitive micelles prepared from dextran grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/polyethylene glycol methyl ether (PEGMA) with/without 2-aminoethylmethacrylate (2-AEM) were evaluated as methotrexate delivery systems.
Tunable luminescence and energy transfer properties of Bi3+ and Mn4+ co-doped Ca14Al10Zn6O35 phosphors for agricultural applications
Authors: Li Li , Pan Yuexiao , Chen Zhen , Huang Shaoming , Wu Mingmei
Published: March 2017

A novel blue phosphor CAZO:Bi3+ and a color tunable phosphor CAZO:Bi3+,Mn4+ have been synthesized, characterized, and studied. The internal QY of CAZO:Bi3+,Mn4+ is as high as 89.1% due to the energy transfer efficiency from Bi3+ to Mn4+.
Correction: Ultrasensitive and in situ DNA detection in various pH environments based on a microfiber with a graphene oxide linking layer
Authors: Huang Yunyun , Yu Bo , Guo Tuan , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Ultrasensitive and in situ DNA detection in various pH environments based on a microfiber with a graphene oxide linking layer’ by Yunyun Huang et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 13177–13183.
A coaxial triboelectric nanogenerator fiber for energy harvesting and sensing under deformation
Authors: Yu Xinghai , Pan Jian , Zhang Jing , Sun Hao , He Sisi , Qiu Longbin , Lou Huiqing , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: March 2017

A coaxial triboelectric nanogenerator fiber for both energy harvesting and sensing was developed by using aligned carbon nanotube sheets.
A review of gassing behavior in Li4Ti5O12-based lithium ion batteries
Authors: Han Cuiping , He Yan-Bing , Liu Ming , Li Baohua , Yang Quan-Hong , Wong Ching-Ping , Kang Feiyu
Published: March 2017

This review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of gassing behavior in Li4Ti5O12-based lithium ion batteries. Details will be given specifically on the influencing factors, possible gassing mechanisms, state-of-the art remedies and the future development of Li4Ti5O12-based batteries.
Aptamer-functionalized neural recording electrodes for the direct measurement of cocaine in vivo
Authors: Taylor I. Mitch , Du Zhanhong , Bigelow Emma T. , Eles James R. , Horner Anthony R. , Catt Kasey A. , Weber Stephen G. , Jamieson Brian G. , Cui X. Tracy
Published: March 2017

First everin vivosensor for directly measuring cocaine concentration in the brainviaelectrochemical detection at DNA aptamer functionalized single shank, silicon-based neural recording probes.
Predicting stable phase monolayer Mo2C (MXene), a superconductor with chemically-tunable critical temperature
Authors: Lei Jincheng , Kutana Alex , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: March 2017

Two-dimensional molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) MXene is predicted to be a superconductor with the critical temperature tunable by surface termination.
Classification of Esophageal Strictures following Esophageal Atresia Repair
Authors: Macchini Francesco , Parente Giovanni , Farris Giorgio , Gentilino Valerio , Leva Ernesto , Morandi Anna
Published: March 2017

Introduction The aim of this study was to stratify anastomotic strictures (AS) following esophageal atresia (EA) repair and to establish predictors for the need of dilations.

Materials and Methods A retrospective study on children operated on for EA between 2004 and 2014 was conducted. The stricture index (SI) was measured both radiologically (SIXR) and endoscopically (SIEND). A correlation analysis between the SI and the number of dilations was performed using Spearman's test and linear regression analysis.

Results In this study, 40 patients were included: 35 (87.5%) presented with Gross's type C EA, 3 (7.5%) type A, 1 (2.5%) type B, and 1 (2.5%) type D. The mean follow-up time was 101 ± 71.1 months (range: 7.8–232.5, median: 97.6). The mean SIXR was 0.56 ± 0.16 (range: 0.15–0.86). The mean SIEND was 0.45 ± 0.22 (range: 0.15–0.85). Twenty-four patients (60%) underwent a mean of 2 endoscopic dilations (range: 1–9). The number of dilations was poorly correlated with SIXR, while significantly correlated with SIEND. Patients who did not need dilations had a SIEND < 0.33, patients who needed only one dilation had 0.33 ≤ SIEND < 0.44, and those with SIEND ≥ 0.44 needed two or more dilations. No significant association with other clinical variables was found. All patients were asymptomatic at the time of the first endoscopy.

Conclusion SIEND is a useful tool to classify AS and can represent a predictor of the need for endoscopic dilation. The role of the SIEND becomes even more important as clinical characteristics have a low predictive value for the development of an AS and the need for subsequent endoscopic esophageal dilatations.
Ligaments Reconstruction for Posttraumatic Ulnar Translocation of the Carpus: A Case Report
Authors: Innocenti Marco , Piacentini Federico , Fok Margaret
Published: March 2017

Background Posttraumatic ulnar translocation of the carpus, a result of radiocarpal ligament tear is a relatively rare condition that may lead to persistent wrist pain and loss of function.

Case Description We report a case of radiocarpal ligament tear of which we reconstruct it with a vascularized interosseous membrane with 13 years of follow-up.

Literature Review Many treatment options have been proposed for the posttraumatic ulnar translocation, ranging from open repair to partial wrist fusion. However, the long term results have been disappointing.

Clinical Relevance Though this technique of reconstruction is technically demanding, it shows promising long term clinical outcome.
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Proximal Lunate Articular Defects
Authors: Jacoby Sidney , Marchetto Paul , DeLuca Peter , Culp Randall , Gaspar Michael
Published: March 2017

Background No consensus treatment option for focal osteochondral defects of the proximal lunate exist in the literature. Surgical management has thus far been limited to salvage procedures such as proximal row carpectomy and partial arthrodesis.

Case Description We report our experience using the osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery (OATS) procedure in two young, active patients with focal osteochondral defects of the proximal lunate. At mean follow-up of 6 years, sustained improvements in pain, motion, and function were observed. Both patients reported high levels of satisfaction and neither experienced any complications.

Literature Review To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of OATS to treat proximal lunate defects.

Clinical Relevance OATS is a valuable surgical option for treating focal chondral defects of the proximal lunate, with positive outcomes at greater than 5 years postoperatively. This may be an especially useful technique for younger, active patients, and those wishing to maintain maximum functionality.
Patients at Increased Risk of Major Adverse Events Following Operative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: Inpatient versus Outpatient
Authors: Whiting Paul , Rice Christopher , Avilucea Frank , Bulka Catherine , Shen Michelle , Obremskey William , Sethi Manish
Published: March 2017

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare complication rates following inpatient versus outpatient distal radius fracture ORIF and identify specific complications that occur at increased rates among inpatients.

Methods Using the 2005–2013 ACS-NSQIP, we collected patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and 30-day postoperative complications following isolated ORIF of distal radius fractures. A propensity score matched design using an 8-to-1 “greedy” matching algorithm in a 1:4 ratio of inpatients to outpatients was utilized. Rates of minor, major, and total complications were compared. A multinomial logistic regression model was then used to assess the odds of complications following inpatient surgery.

Results Total 4,016 patients were identified, 776 (19.3%) of whom underwent inpatient surgery and 3,240 (80.3%) underwent outpatient surgery. The propensity score matching algorithm yielded a cohort of 629 inpatients who were matched with 2,516 outpatients (1:4 ratio). After propensity score matching, inpatient treatment was associated with increased rates of major and total complications but not with minor complications. There was an increased odds of major complications and total complications following inpatient surgery compared with outpatient surgery. There was no difference in odds of minor complications between groups.

Conclusion Inpatient operative treatment of distal radius fractures is associated with significantly increased rates of major and total complications compared with operative treatment as an outpatient. Odds of a major complication are six times higher and odds of total complications are two and a half times higher following inpatient distal radius ORIF compared with outpatient. Quality improvement measures should be specifically targeted to patients undergoing distal radius fracture ORIF in the inpatient setting.
Chamomile Flower, Myrrh, and Coffee Charcoal, Components of a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product, Diminish Proinflammatory Activation in Human Macrophages
Authors: Vissiennon Cica , Hammoud Dima , Rodewald Steffen , Fester Karin , Goos Karl-Heinz , Nieber Karen , Arnhold Jürgen
Published: March 2017

A traditional herbal medicinal product, containing myrrh, chamomile flower, and coffee charcoal, has been used in Germany for the relief of gastrointestinal complaints for decades. Clinical studies suggest its use in the maintenance therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the clinical effects are not yet fully understood.

The present study aims to elucidate immunopharmacological activities of myrrh, chamomile flower, and coffee charcoal by studying the influence of each plant extract on gene expression and protein release of activated human macrophages.

The plant extracts effect on gene and protein expression of activated human monocyte-derived macrophages was investigated by microarray gene expression analysis and assessment of the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (TNFα, chemokine CXCL13, and interleukin-10) using an ELISA test system.

The extracts of myrrh, chamomile flower, and coffee charcoal influenced gene expression of activated human macrophages within the cytokine/chemokine signaling pathway. Particularly, chemokine gene expression was suppressed. Subsequently, the production of CXCL13 and, to a minor extent, cytokine TNFα was inhibited by all herbal extracts. Chamomile flower and coffee charcoal extracts enhanced interleukin-10 release from activated macrophages. The observed effects on protein release were comparable to the effect of budesonide, which decreased TNFα and CXCL13 and enhanced interleukin-10 release.

The components of the herbal medicinal product influence the activity of activated human macrophages on both gene and protein level. The induced alterations within chemokine/cytokine signaling could contribute to a positive effect on the immunological homeostasis, which is disturbed in patients with chronic intestinal inflammation.
Relative effect of edge versus basal plane functionalization on graphene/polymer interfacial thermal conductance - Role of in-plane phonons
Authors: Garg Jivtesh
Published: March 2017

We compare the effectiveness of functionalization on the edge with that on the basal plane of graphene in enhancing interfacial thermal transport between polyethylene and graphene using an atomistic Green's function method. Harmonic interatomic force constants needed for the method are derived from the density-functional theory to provide a first-principles estimate of thermal conductance comparison. Computations reveal the thermal conductance for the edge functionalization to be 75% higher relative to the basal plane case at 300 K. Polarization specific transmission calculations are used to provide understanding of these differences.
A versatile approach to vacuum injection casting for materials research and development
Authors: Xu Donghua , Xu Yifan
Published: March 2017

Vacuum injection casting (VIC) is important for research and development (R&D) of materials that are prone to oxidation at high temperatures, particularly metals and metallic alloys (e.g., metallic glasses and high entropy alloys). VIC in R&D laboratories often involves initial melting/alloying in a prior step, transporting the sample to a dedicated vacuum chamber, re-melting the sample in a quartz tube, and finally injecting the melt with an inert gas to a dedicated mold. Here we present a new approach to laboratory VIC that requires no sample transfer (for a variety of materials), no dedicated vacuum chamber/space nor dedicated mold, and hence provides more versatility and higher efficiency and yet lowers the capital equipment cost. Our approach takes advantage of the exceptional portability, thermal and chemical stability, and thermoplastic processability of quartz glass and uses quartz tubes for all the melting, re-melting, injection casting, and molding. In addition, our approach includes oxygen gettering to remove residual oxygen for all the steps and allows for slow or fast cooling (e.g., water quenching) upon injection. This paper focuses on the design, the procedures, and the versatile features of this new approach while also demonstrating the practical implementation of this approach and computational modeling of the heat transfer and the cooling rates for two exemplary cases. The new approach is expected to bring notable expedition to sample fabrication and materials discovery, as well as wider adoption of vacuum injection casting in materials science and condensed matter physics research laboratories.
Smoothing effect for spatially distributed renewable resources and its impact on power grid robustness
Authors: Nagata Motoki , Hirata Yoshito , Fujiwara Naoya , Tanaka Gouhei , Suzuki Hideyuki , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we show that spatial correlation of renewable energy outputs greatly influences the robustness of the power grids against large fluctuations of the effective power. First, we evaluate the spatial correlation among renewable energy outputs. We find that the spatial correlation of renewable energy outputs depends on the locations, while the influence of the spatial correlation of renewable energy outputs on power grids is not well known. Thus, second, by employing the topology of the power grid in eastern Japan, we analyze the robustness of the power grid with spatial correlation of renewable energy outputs. The analysis is performed by using a realistic differential-algebraic equations model. The results show that the spatial correlation of the energy resources strongly degrades the robustness of the power grid. Our results suggest that we should consider the spatial correlation of the renewable energy outputs when estimating the stability of power grids.
A current-based fuzzy controller for MPPT of grid-connected PV systems
Authors: Rahmani Bijan , Li Weixing
Published: March 2017

The output voltage oscillations of a photovoltaic (PV) system in parallel with other challenging voltage sources such as batteries result in drastic power oscillations. So, it is much more attractive to employ a PV system as a current source rather than as a source of voltage alongside a battery. To this aim, the inductance current of the PV's DC–DC converter is controlled and forced to track the maximum power point (MPP) reference, acting as a source of current. Then, the load voltage, and the DC–DC converter output voltage would be the same as the battery voltage. For this purpose, the paper proposes a two-level current-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The proposed high-level algorithm contains two loops, namely, a set-point calculation loop and a fine-tuning loop. Based on an offline calculation using the PV's short circuit current, the set-point loop first estimates the PV's maximum power point. Second, the fine-tuning loop tracks the exact value of the PV's maximum power point, using the perturbation and observation (P&O) method. Further, a low-level fuzzy-based controller is proposed to force the continuous current (i.e., inductance current) of PV's DC–DC converter to track the generated reference of the high-level controller with no oscillation. The low-level fuzzy-based controller is proposed instead of the conventional proportional integral (PI) controller that does not work with minimal errors, since inserting one unstable pole into the PV system's transfer function. Matlab/Simulink simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT algorithm.
A THz spectrometer combining the free electron laser FLARE with 33 T magnetic fields
Authors: Ozerov M. , Bernáth B. , Kamenskyi D. , Redlich B. , van der Meer A. F. G. , Christianen P. C. M. , Engelkamp H. , Maan J. C.
Published: March 2017

The free electron laser Free electron Laser for Advanced spectroscopy and high Resolution Experiments (FLARE) at the FELIX Laboratory generates powerful radiation in the frequency range of 0.3–3 THz. This light, in combination with 33 T Bitter magnets at the High Field Magnet Laboratory, provides the unique opportunity to perform THz magneto spectroscopy with light intensities many orders of magnitude higher than provided by conventional sources. The performance of the THz spectrometer is measured via high-field electron spin resonance (ESR) in the paramagnetic benchmark system 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The narrow ESR linewidth of DPPH allows us to resolve a fine structure with 3 GHz spacing, demonstrating a considerable coherence of the individual THz micropulses of FLARE. The spectral resolution Δν/ν is better than 0.1%, which is an order of magnitude higher than typical values for a rf-linac based free electron laser. The observed coherence of the high power THz micropulses is a prerequisite for resonant control of matter, such as THz electron spin echo spectroscopy.
Unusual nature of the martensite and ferromagnetic transitions in Ni2Mn0.4-XFeXCr0.6Ga Heusler alloys
Authors: Brock Jeffrey A. , Khan Mahmud
Published: March 2017

An experimental study has been performed on a series of Ni2Mn0.4-xFexCr0.6Ga Heusler alloys. At room temperature, the alloys crystallize in either the tetragonal martensite (x < 0.1) or cubic L21 structure (x ≥ 0.1). Additionally, a Cr-Fe based face-centered cubic γ-Fe type secondary phase was found to co-exist in the samples. Magnetization and transport measurements revealed that the Curie and martensitic transition temperatures decrease as Mn is replaced with Fe. Atypical to other Ni2MnGa-derivative Heusler alloys, the transition temperatures decrease at the same rate with respect to x for x ≥ 0.1. Thus, the two transitions do not couple in to a single magnetostructural transition at any composition. Transport measurements revealed that all samples exhibit a sharp drop in resistivity during the martensitic phase transition (13 - 17 %), with the magnitude of this drop remaining relatively constant over the entire series. The possible origins of the observed experimental behavior are discussed.
Probing ultra-fast processes with high dynamic range at 4th-generation light sources: Arrival time and intensity binning at unprecedented repetition rates
Authors: Kovalev S. , Green B. , Golz T. , Maehrlein S. , Stojanovic N. , Fisher A. S. , Kampfrath T. , Gensch M.
Published: March 2017

Understanding dynamics on ultrafast timescales enables unique and new insights into important processes in the materials and life sciences. In this respect, the fundamental pump-probe approach based on ultra-short photon pulses aims at the creation of stroboscopic movies. Performing such experiments at one of the many recently established accelerator-based 4th-generation light sources such as free-electron lasers or superradiant THz sources allows an enormous widening of the accessible parameter space for the excitation and/or probing light pulses. Compared to table-top devices, critical issues of this type of experiment are fluctuations of the timing between the accelerator and external laser systems and intensity instabilities of the accelerator-based photon sources. Existing solutions have so far been only demonstrated at low repetition rates and/or achieved a limited dynamic range in comparison to table-top experiments, while the 4th generation of accelerator-based light sources is based on superconducting radio-frequency technology, which enables operation at MHz or even GHz repetition rates. In this article, we present the successful demonstration of ultra-fast accelerator-laser pump-probe experiments performed at an unprecedentedly high repetition rate in the few-hundred-kHz regime and with a currently achievable optimal time resolution of 13 fs (rms). Our scheme, based on the pulse-resolved detection of multiple beam parameters relevant for the experiment, allows us to achieve an excellent sensitivity in real-world ultra-fast experiments, as demonstrated for the example of THz-field-driven coherent spin precession.
Structure and dynamics of Penetratin’s association and translocation to a lipid bilayer
Authors: General Ignacio J. , Asciutto Eliana K.
Published: March 2017

Penetratin belongs to the important class of small and positively charged peptides, capable of entering cells. The determination of the optimal peptidic structure for translocation is challenging; results obtained so far are varied and dependent on several factors. In this work, we review the dynamics of association of Penetratin with a modeled dioleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) lipid membrane using molecular dynamics simulations with last generation force fields. Penetratin’s structural preferences are determined using a Markov state model. It is observed that the peptide retains a helical form in the membrane associated state, just as in water, with the exception of both termini which lose helicity, facilitating the interaction of terminal residues with the phosphate groups on the membrane’s outer layer. The optimal orientation for insertion is found to be with the peptide’s axis forming a small angle with the interface, and with R1 stretching toward the bilayer. The interaction between arginine side-chains and phosphate groups is found to be greater than the corresponding to lysine, mainly due to a higher number of hydrogen bonds between them. The free energy profile of translocation is qualitatively studied using Umbrella Sampling. It is found that there are different paths of penetration, that greatly differ in size of free energy barrier. The lowest path is compatible with residues R10 to K13 leading the way through the membrane and pulling the rest of the peptide. When the other side is reached, the C-terminus overtakes those residues, and finally breaks out of the membrane. The peptide’s secondary structure during this traversal suffers some changes with respect to the association structure but, overall, conserves its helicity, with both termini in a more disordered state.
Contribution of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services to improving Aboriginal health: an evidence review
Authors: Campbell Megan Ann , Hunt Jennifer , Scrimgeour David J. , Davey Maureen , Jones Victoria
Published: March 2017

Objective Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) deliver comprehensive, culturally appropriate primary health care to Aboriginal people and communities. The published literature acknowledging and supporting the roles of ACCHSs in improving Aboriginal health is limited. This paper seeks to collate and analyse the published evidence supporting the contribution of ACCHSs to improving the health of Aboriginal people. Methods A conceptual framework for exploring the contribution of ACCHSs was developed, drawing on the literature on the core functions of ACCHSs and the components of quality primary health care. This framework was used to structure the search strategy, inclusion criteria and analysis of the review. Results ACCHSs contribute to improving the health and well being of Aboriginal peoples through several pathways, including community controlled governance, providing employment and training, strengthening the broader health system and providing accessible, comprehensive primary health care. Conclusions ACCHSs make a range of important contributions to improving the health of Aboriginal peoples that are under-acknowledged. Consideration of the different ways ACCHSs contribute to improving Aboriginal health is of value in the design and evaluation of programs and policies that aim to improve the health of Aboriginal peoples. What is known about the topic? Aboriginal communities have long argued the vital role of ACCHSs in improving Aboriginal health. What does this paper add? This paper provides a comprehensive collation and analysis of the evidence supporting the contributions ACCHSs are making to improving Aboriginal health. What are the implications for practitioners? The conceptual framework and findings outlined in this paper illustrate that ACCHSs are making important contributions to improving Aboriginal health through several pathways. This information can be used to ensure actions to improve Aboriginal health are appropriate and effective. There are important gaps in the literature that researchers need to address.
Imperatives and evidentiality in Innu
Authors: Baraby Anne-Marie
Published: March 2017

Languages with a rich morphology such as Innu, an aboriginal language of Canada, which clearly mark phenomena that are less obvious in analytic languages, have contributed significantly to our understanding of language in several domains. Innu is of particular interest for the typology of imperatives because the imperative in this language is more than just a grammatical mood: it has three different paradigms of specialized imperative verbal forms with specific semantic overtones. The so-called indirect imperative paradigm is the focus of the present chapter. It is a type of absential imperative, where the action is expected to be performed in the absence of the speaker. We argue that it actually expresses evidentiality. It is a type of imperative which is not very well-known: it seems to be rare cross-linguistically and difficult to demonstrate. The analysis of the Innu imperative here sheds new light on the issue.
Rhetorical imperatives
Authors: Bravo Ana
Published: March 2017

Rhetorical imperatives are formal imperatives that convey an assertion of the opposite polarity. As assertions, they can be judged to be true or false. As morphological imperatives, they reject embedding and have verb-subject word order. Rhetorical imperatives involve a widening of the domain operator, responsible both for the generic interpretation of the subject pronoun tú ‘you (singular)’ and for the licensing of negative polarity items. A speaker uses a rhetorical imperative to make the addressee aware of the impossibility of putting into action the content of p. This supports the theories that analyze imperatives as inherently conveying directive force. Finally, it is argued that rhetorical imperatives may result from the grammaticalization of a non-directive imperative-like conditional.
“You’re just workin’ for yourself”
Authors: Brody Mary Jill
Published: March 2017

In this paper, I examine directives uttered by yoga teachers to their students during classes, with special attention to their frequency of use and their degree of modification. Yoga instructional discourse is shown to be characterized by a wide range of directives, from bald imperatives to modified forms, including indirect directives. I demonstrate that these different types of directive have a characteristic pattern of distribution within the yoga instructional practice context. Indirect directives include present and future descriptions of actions rather than instructions to perform them and various kinds of modifications, including phrases that echo yoga ideology.
China and Namibia, 1990 to 2015: how a new actor changes the dynamics of political economy
Authors: Dobler Gregor
Published: March 2017

The article identifies changes in Namibia’s society linked to China’s new role. To understand such changes, it is important to avoid isolating ‘Chinese actors’ from their host society. The author analyses links between Chinese and Namibian actors in three domains: ‘soft power’, Chinese traders and the construction industry. In all three, the presence of Chinese actors does not simply change Namibia’s relations with the world. It has important repercussions on Namibian society, it influences the distribution of capital within Namibia and it engenders shifts in the internal balance of power. Since Chinese influence does not remain external, the line between ‘Chinese’ and ‘Namibian’ actors has long become blurred – turning Namibian political elites into constituent parts of the ‘external’ dynamics they are charged with regulating.
HOT or not: examining the basis of high-occupancy target regions
Authors: Wreczycka Katarzyna , Franke Vedran , Uyar Bora , Wurmus Ricardo , Akalin Altuna
Published: March 2017

High-occupancy target (HOT) regions are the segments of the genome with unusually high number of transcription factor binding sites. These regions are observed in multiple species and thought to have biological importance due to high transcription factor occupancy. Furthermore, they coincide with house-keeping gene promoters and the associated genes are stably expressed across multiple cell types. Despite these features, HOT regions are solemnly defined using ChIP-seq experiments and shown to lack canonical motifs for transcription factors that are thought to be bound there. Although, ChIP-seq experiments are the golden standard for finding genome-wide binding sites of a protein, they are not noise free. Here, we show that HOT regions are likely to be ChIP-seq artifacts and they are similar to previously proposed “hyper-ChIPable” regions. Using ChIP-seq data sets for knocked-out transcription factors, we demonstrate presence of false positive signals on HOT regions. We observe sequence characteristics and genomic features that are discriminatory of HOT regions, such as GC/CpG-rich k-mers and enrichment of RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) and DNA tertiary structures (G-quadruplex DNA). The artificial ChIP-seq enrichment on HOT regions could be associated to these discriminatory features. Furthermore, we propose strategies to deal with such artifacts for the future ChIP-seq studies.
Genetic polymorphism of Cytochrome-P450-2C9 (CYP2C9) in Indian populations
Authors: Nizamuddin Sheikh , Dubey Shivendra , Singh Sakshi , Sharma Saurav , Mishra Anshuman , Harish K , Joshi Harsh , Thangaraj K.
Published: March 2017

Cytochrome-P450-2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolizes wide range of drugs and highly express in human liver. Various mutations ofCYP2C9(R144C, I359L etc.), associated with drug-response, are highly diverse. We aimed to investigate the genetic diversity ofCYP2C9in Indian-subcontinent, using 1278 subjects from 36 populations. High frequency ofCYP2C9*3(0-0.179) was observed, comparative to other populations, including Europeans. Subjects havingCYP2C9*3/*3requires lower dose of warfarin, comparative toCYP2C9*1/*3orCYP2C9*1/*1. Since, Indians are practicing marriage among their caste system, we predicted and observed high frequency (0-0.05) ofCYP2C9*3/*3. Out of 21 populations, living outside of Indian subcontinent, only Toscani and Southern Han-Chinese have 0.009 and 0.01CYP2C9*3/*3, respectively, lower than Indians,. We found a non-synonymous mutation (L362V), observed only in Indian-subcontinent, and have 0-0.056 allelic, 0-0.037L/Vand 00.037V/Vgenotype frequency. We observed unfavorable interatomic interactions between hydroxylation sites of warfarin and reactive oxyferryl heme in mutant, comparative to wild-typeCYP2C9, in molecular dynamic simulations; and predict lower kinetic activity.
The language oscillogenome
Authors: Murphy Elliot , Benítez-Burraco Antonio
Published: March 2017

Language has been argued to arise, both ontogenetically and phylogenetically, from specific patterns of brain wiring. We argue that it can further be shown that core features of language processing emerge from particular phasal and cross-frequency coupling properties of neural oscillations; what has been referred to as the language ‘oscillome’. It is expected that basic aspects of the language oscillome result from genetic guidance, what we will here call the language ‘oscillogenome’, for which we will put forward a list of candidate genes. We have considered genes for altered brain rhythmicity in conditions involving language deficits (autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, specific language impairment and dyslexia) for which we have confident genome-oscillome-phenome connections. These selected genes map on to aspects of brain function, particularly on to neurotransmitter function. Our aim is to propose a set of biologically robust genome-to-language linking hypotheses that, given testing, would grant causal and explanatory power to brain rhythms with respect to language processing.