bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD300c is uniquely expressed on CD56bright Natural Killer Cells and differs from CD300a upon ligand recognition
Authors: Dimitrova Milena , Zenarruzabeitia Olatz , Borrego Francisco , Simhadri Venkateswara R.
Published: April 2016

Paired receptors on NK cells recognize similar ligands with varied strength of binding ability and perform different functions. The CD300 molecules are emerging as novel immune regulators in health and disease due to their interaction with their lipid-nature ligands. Particularly, the paired receptors CD300c and CD300a have been shown to elicit activating and inhibitory capabilities, respectively. In the current study, we seek to investigate the expression and function of CD300c on human NK cells. We demonstrate that IL-2 and IL-15 treatment significantly induce CD300c expression exclusively on CD56bright NK cells. CD300c up-regulation requires STAT5 and its expression is inhibited by IL-4. Consistently, IL-2 secreted from activated CD4+ T cells specifically induces the expression of CD300c on CD56bright NK cells. Crosslinking CD300c with a specific antibody enhances the proficiency of CD56bright NK cells to degranulate and induce chemokine and cytokine secretion. We also show the differential binding of CD300a and CD300c to their ligands phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) and their differential ability to affect CD56bright NK cell functions. Our results provide an insight into the novel set of paired receptors CD300a and CD300c that are distinctively expressed on CD56bright NK cells with varied effector functions.
A novel non-canonical Notch signaling regulates expression of synaptic vesicle proteins in excitatory neurons
Authors: Hayashi Yukari , Nishimune Hiroshi , Hozumi Katsuto , Saga Yumiko , Harada Akihiro , Yuzaki Michisuke , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Kopan Raphael , Tomita Taisuke
Published: April 2016

Notch signaling plays crucial roles for cellular differentiation during development through γ-secretase-dependent intramembrane proteolysis followed by transcription of target genes. Although recent studies implicate that Notch regulates synaptic plasticity or cognitive performance, the molecular mechanism how Notch works in mature neurons remains uncertain. Here we demonstrate that a novel Notch signaling is involved in expression of synaptic proteins in postmitotic neurons. Levels of several synaptic vesicle proteins including synaptophysin 1 and VGLUT1 were increased when neurons were cocultured with Notch ligands-expressing NIH3T3 cells. Neuron-specific deletion of Notch genes decreased these proteins, suggesting that Notch signaling maintains the expression of synaptic vesicle proteins in a cell-autonomous manner. Unexpectedly, cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor, but not γ-secretase inhibitor, abolished the elevation of synaptic vesicle proteins, suggesting that generation of Notch intracellular domain is dispensable for this function. These data uncover a ligand-dependent, but γ-secretase-independent, non-canonical Notch signaling involved in presynaptic protein expression in postmitotic neurons.
Kurtosis fractional anisotropy, its contrast and estimation by proxy
Authors: Hansen Brian , Jespersen Sune Nørhøj
Published: April 2016

The diffusion kurtosis observed with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) may vary with direction. This directional variation is summarized in the scalar kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA). Recent studies suggest that kurtosis anisotropy offers microstructural contrast not contained in other commonly used dMRI markers. We compare KFA to other dMRI contrasts in fixed rat brain and in human brain. We then investigate the observed contrast differences using data obtained in a physical phantom and simulations based on data from the phantom, rat spinal cord, and human brain. Lastly, we assess a strategy for rapid estimation of a computationally modest KFA proxy by evaluating its correlation to true KFA for varying number of sampling directions and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels. We also map this proxy’s b-value dependency. We find that KFA supplements the contrast of other dMRI metrics – particularly fractional anisotropy (FA) which vanishes in near orthogonal fiber arrangements where KFA does not. Simulations and phantom data support this interpretation. KFA therefore supplements FA and could be useful for evaluation of complex tissue arrangements. The KFA proxy is strongly correlated to true KFA when sampling is performed along at least nine directions and SNR is high.
Diastereomeric resolution directed towards chirality determination focussing on gas-phase energetics of coordinated sodium dissociation
Authors: Kanie Osamu , Shioiri Yuki , Ogata Koji , Uchida Waka , Daikoku Shusaku , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Nakamura Shinichiro , Ito Yukishige
Published: April 2016

Defining chiral centres is addressed by introducing a pair of chiral auxiliary groups. Ions of diastereomeric pairs of molecules could be distinguished utilising energy-resolved mass spectrometry, and the applicability of the method to a series of compounds carrying amine, carboxylic acid, alcohol, and all the amino acids was verified. The method was further strengthened by distinguishing diastereomeric ions that did not undergo fragmentation. Mass spectrometric evaluation of the dissociation process of adducted sodium cations from the diastereomeric precursors agreed with the theoretical calculations, indicating the potential usefulness of the method for the determination of absolute configurations.
The atmospheric electrical index for ENSO modoki: Is ENSO modoki one of the factors responsible for the warming trend slowdown?
Authors: Kulkarni Madhuri N. , Siingh Devendraa
Published: April 2016

Like the southern oscillation index (SOI) based on the pressure difference between Tahiti (17.5°S, 150°W) and Darwin (12.5°S, 130°E), we propose the new atmospheric electrical index (AEI) taking the difference in the model calculated atmospheric electrical columnar resistance (Rc) which involves planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) and aerosol concentration derived from the satellite measurements. This is the first non-oceanic index capable of differentiating between the conventional and modoki La Niña and El Niño both and may be useful in the future air-sea coupling studies and as a complementary to the oceanic indices. As the PBLH variation over Darwin is within 10% of its long term mean, a strong rise in the Rc over Darwin during the modoki period supports modoki’s connection with aerosol loading. Our correlation results show that the intensity of El Niño (La Niña) event is almost independent (not independent) of its duration and the possibility of ENSO modoki being one of the factors responsible for the warming trend slowdown (WTS).
Phylogenetic analysis of β-xylanase SRXL1 of Sporisorium reilianum and its relationship with families (GH10 and GH11) of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes
Authors: Álvarez-Cervantes Jorge , Díaz-Godínez Gerardo , Mercado-Flores Yuridia , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Anducho-Reyes Miguel Angel
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the amino acid sequence of the β-xylanase SRXL1 of Sporisorium reilianum, which is a pathogenic fungus of maize was used as a model protein to find its phylogenetic relationship with other xylanases of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes and the information obtained allowed to establish a hypothesis of monophyly and of biological role. 84 amino acid sequences of β-xylanase obtained from the GenBank database was used. Groupings analysis of higher-level in the Pfam database allowed to determine that the proteins under study were classified into the GH10 and GH11 families, based on the regions of highly conserved amino acids, 233–318 and 180–193 respectively, where glutamate residues are responsible for the catalysis.
Intestinal Insulin Signaling Encodes Two Different Molecular Mechanisms for the Shortened Longevity Induced by Graphene Oxide in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhao Yunli , Yang Ruilong , Rui Qi , Wang Dayong
Published: April 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to cause multiple toxicities in various organisms. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for GO-induced shortened longevity are still unclear. We employed Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the possible involvement of insulin signaling pathway in the control of GO toxicity and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Mutation of daf-2, age-1, akt-1, or akt-2 gene induced a resistant property of nematodes to GO toxicity, while mutation of daf-16 gene led to a susceptible property of nematodes to GO toxicity, suggesting that GO may dysregulate the functions of DAF-2/IGF-1 receptor, AGE-1, AKT-1 and AKT-2-mediated kinase cascade and DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor. Genetic interaction analysis suggested the involvement of signaling cascade of DAF-2-AGE-1-AKT-1/2-DAF-16 in the control of GO toxicity on longevity. Moreover, intestinal RNA interference (RNAi) analysis demonstrated that GO reduced longevity by affecting the functions of signaling cascade of DAF-2-AGE-1-AKT-1/2-DAF-16 in the intestine. DAF-16 could also regulate GO toxicity on longevity by functioning upstream of SOD-3, which encodes an antioxidation system that prevents the accumulation of oxidative stress. Therefore, intestinal insulin signaling may encode two different molecular mechanisms responsible for the GO toxicity in inducing the shortened longevity. Our results highlight the key role of insulin signaling pathway in the control of GO toxicity in organisms.
Glucocorticoids impair oocyte developmental potential by triggering apoptosis of ovarian cells via activating the Fas system
Authors: Yuan Hong-Jie , Han Xiao , He Nan , Wang Guo-Liang , Gong Shuai , Lin Juan , Gao Min , Tan Jing-He
Published: April 2016

Previous studies indicate that stress damages oocytes with increased secretion of glucorticoids. However, although injection of female mice with cortisol decreased oocyte competence, exposure of mouse oocytes directly to physiological or stress-induced concentrations of glucorticoids did not affect oocyte maturation and embryo development. This study has explored the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids impair oocyte competence. Female mice were injected with cortisol and the effects of cortisol-injection on oocyte competence, ovarian cell apoptosis and Fas/FasL activation were observed. The results showed that cortisol-injection decreased (a) oocyte developmental potential, (b) the E2/P4 ratio in serum and ovaries, and (c) expression of insulin-like growth factor 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid receptor in mural granulosa cells (MGCs), while increasing levels of (a) cortisol in serum and ovaries, (b) apoptosis in MGCs and cumulus cells (CCs), (c) FasL secretion in ovaries and during oocyte maturation in vitro, and (d) Fas in MGCs, CCs and oocytes. The detrimental effects of cortisol-injection on oocyte competence and apoptosis of MGCs and CCs were significantly relieved when the gld (generalized lymphoproliferative disorder) mice harboring FasL mutations were observed. Together, the results suggested that glucocorticoids impair oocyte competence by triggering apoptosis of ovarian cells via activating the Fas system.
Clg2p interacts with Clf and ClUrase to regulate appressorium formation, pathogenicity and conidial morphology in Curvularia lunata
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Yuying , Ma Bingchen , Hou Jumei , Jin Yazhong , Zhang Youli , Ke Xiwang , Tai Lianmei , Zuo Yuhu , Dey Kishore
Published: April 2016

Ras is a small GTPase that regulates numerous processes in the cellular development and morphogenesis of many organisms. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the Clg2p gene of Curvularia lunata, which is homologous with the Ras protein. The Clg2p deletion mutant (ΔClg2p) had altered appressorium formation and conidial morphology and produced fewer, smaller lesions compared with the wild-type strain. When a dominant Clg2p allele was introduced into the mutant, all of these defective phenotypes were completely restored. To further understand the regulation of Clg2p in appressorium formation and conidial morphology, and its role in pathogenicity, seven Clg2p-interacting proteins were screened using a yeast two-hybrid assay. Two of these proteins, Clf, a homologue of Mst11, which corresponds to MAP kinase kinase kinase in Magnaporthe oryzae, and urate oxidase (designated ClUrase) were functionally characterized. Clg2p specifically interacted with Clf through its RA domain to regulate appressorium formation and pathogenicity, whereas the Clg2p-ClUrase interaction regulated conidial morphology without affecting fungal pathogenicity. This report is the first to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of the key Ras protein Clg2p in C. lunata.
Graphene-based artificial nacre nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Gong Shanshan , Zhang Qi , Ming Peng , Wan Sijie , Peng Jingsong , Jiang Lei , Cheng Qunfeng
Published: April 2016

This tutorial review summarizes recent research on how to construct high performance multifunctional nacre-inspired graphene-based nanocomposites through interface interactions and synergistic effects.
Quantum confined colloidal nanorod heterostructures for solar-to-fuel conversion
Authors: Wu Kaifeng , Lian Tianquan
Published: April 2016

Colloidal one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor nanorods (NRs) offer the opportunity to simultaneously maintain quantum confinement in radial dimensions for tunable light absorptions and bulk like carrier transport in the axial direction for long-distance charge separations.
The optical signature of 2,6-bis((E)-2-(benzoxazol-2-yl)vinyl)naphthalene (BBVN) laser dye: a TDDFT study
Authors: Hammam Essam , Ismail Iqbal , Basahi Jalal , Almeelbi Talal , Hassan Ibrahim
Published: April 2016

The NTO hole-particle representation of excitation demonstrates that terminal benzoxazole nuclei in BBVN promote charge displacement in absorption/emission.
Heavy phosphorous tube-diffusion and non-acidic deep chemical etch-back assisted efficiency enhancement of industrial multicrystalline silicon wafer solar cells
Authors: Basu Prabir Kanti , Li Joel , Shanmugam Vinodh , Khanna Ankit
Published: April 2016

An industrial process for tube-diffused multicrystalline silicon (multi-Si) solar cells using phosphorus gettering. A cell efficiency gain of 0.5% (absolute) is achieved with heavy chemical etch-back when compared to the as-diffused cells with same final emitter.
Core–spacer–shell structured NaGdF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaGdF4@Ag nanoparticles for plasmon-enhanced upconversion luminescence
Authors: Zhang Xindan , Li Bin , Jiang Mingming , Zhang Liming , Ma Heping
Published: April 2016

UCNPs of NaGdF4:20%Yb3+/2%Er3+@NaGdF4@Ag with plasmon-enhanced up-converting emission were designed and obtained.
RNA G-quadruplex formation in defined sequence in living cells detected by bimolecular fluorescence complementation
Authors: Liu Hong-he , Zheng Ke-wei , He Yi-de , Chen Quan , Hao Yu-hua , Tan Zheng
Published: April 2016

RNA G-quadruplex formation in a defined sequence in living bacterial cells is detected by bimolecular fluorescence complementation with sequence and structure specificity.
Synergistic effects of three-dimensional orchid-like TiO2 nanowire networks and plasmonic nanoparticles for highly efficient mesoscopic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yu Haejun , Roh Jongmin , Yun Juyoung , Jang Jyongsik
Published: April 2016

A perovskite solar cell based on a collaborative scaffold structure consisting of orchid-like TiO2 nanowires (OC-TiO2 NWs) and silica-coated Ag@OC-TiO2 NWs exhibited the best power conversion efficiency of 15.09%.
Biomineralization of PbS and PbS–CdS core–shell nanocrystals and their application in quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Spangler Leah C. , Lu Li , Kiely Christopher J. , Berger Bryan W. , McIntosh Steven
Published: April 2016

Biomineralization is demonstrated as a facile aqueous route to the synthesis of PbS and PbS–CdS core–shell quantum dot nanocrystals.
An optical detection method for analyzing the cellular response to paclitaxel at the single cell level
Authors: Wang Yijia , Zhang Yuquan , Zhang Shiwu , Zhao Zhenying , Min Changjun , Liu Jun , Yuan X.-C.
Published: April 2016

The detection of cellular responses to drugs is important for biomedical research, but there is a lack of convenient label-free methods to analyze responses at the single cell level.
A novel, label-free fluorescent aptasensor for cocaine detection based on a G-quadruplex and ruthenium polypyridyl complex molecular light switch
Authors: Zhang Songbai , Wang Linping , Liu Meiling , Qiu Yanqing , Wang Mengna , Liu Xuewen , Shen Guoli , Yu Ruqin
Published: April 2016

A [Ru(bpy)2(bqdppz)]2+ ligand with high selectivity towards G-quadruplex was synthesized and introduced to serve as a prominent molecular light switch via specifically recognizing the cocaine aptamer-involved G-quadruplex.
Characteristic fingerprint analysis of Dendrobium huoshanense by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Chengfeng , Gui Shuhua , Huang Yuechun , Dai Yafeng , Shun Qingsheng , Huang Kaiwei , Tao Shengchang , Wei Gang
Published: April 2016

A new method for the quality control of genuine Dendrobium huoshanense, which is rare and costly.
Two-carbon ring expansion of isatin: a convenient construction of a dibenzo[b,d]azepinone scaffold
Authors: Shi Rong-Guo , Wang Xiao-Hua , Liu Ruzhang , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: April 2016

A unique two-carbon ring expansion of isatin has been achieved to conveniently construct the functionalized dibenzo[b,d]azepin-6-one scaffold in moderate to high yields, and the two carbon sources are different: one carbon is from theN-substituent of pyridinium bromide and the other is from indene-1,3-dione.
Photoactive WS2 nanosheets bearing plasmonic nanoparticles for visible light-driven reduction of nitrophenol
Authors: Lee Hye-Rim , Park Jung Hyun , Raza Faizan , Yim DaBin , Jeon Su-Ji , Kim Hye-In , Bong Ki Wan , Kim Jong-Ho
Published: April 2016

Photoactive WS2 nanosheets bearing silver nanoparticles as novel photocatalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Can computed crystal energy landscapes help understand pharmaceutical solids?
Authors: Price Sarah L. , Braun Doris E. , Reutzel-Edens Susan M.
Published: April 2016

Case studies illustrate how crystal structure prediction calculations can complement industrial solid form screening.
Polyaromatic N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and π-stacking. Catalytic consequences
Authors: Peris Eduardo
Published: April 2016

This article highlights how π-stacking interactions have an important influence on the catalytic properties of transition metal complexes decorated with rigid polyaromatic ligands.
A fishing rod-like conjugated polymer bearing pillar[5]arenes
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Chen Long , Li Chen , Müllen Klaus
Published: April 2016

A novel diethynyl functionalized pillar[5]arene, that is a pentabenzenacyclodecaphane derivative, has been synthesized and polymerized with p-dihalobenzene to form a fishing rod-like conjugated polymer, where one of the benzenes in the pillar[5]arene rings is incorporated into a poly(arylene ethynylene) backbone.
Ab initio molecular dynamics determination of competitive O2vs. N2 adsorption at open metal sites of M2(dobdc)
Authors: Parkes Marie V. , Greathouse Jeffery A. , Hart David B. , Sava Gallis Dorina F. , Nenoff Tina M.
Published: April 2016

AIMD simulations were used to examine competitive gas adsorption of O2 and N2 in the M2(dobdc) MOF series.
Enhanced electron extraction capability of polymer solar cells via modifying the cathode buffer layer with inorganic quantum dots
Authors: Li Zhiqi , Li Shujun , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Xinyuan , Li Jingfeng , Liu Chunyu , Shen Liang , Guo Wenbin , Ruan Shengping
Published: April 2016

Inorganic quantum dots were employed to modify the electron transporting layer of PSCs, and a great enhancement of PCE was achieved.
Robust half-metallic ferromagnetism and curvature dependent magnetic coupling in fluorinated boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Guo Chunsheng , Zhou Yu , Shi Xin-Qiang , Gan Li-Yong , Jiang Hong , Zhao Yong
Published: April 2016

Robust ferromagnetism in fluorinated boron nitride nanosystems.
Bifunctional noble metal/zeolite catalysts for upgrading low-quality diesel fractions via selective opening of naphthenic rings
Authors: Martínez Agustín , Arribas María A. , Pergher Sibele B. C.
Published: April 2016

Hydrogenation of polyaromatics coupled with selective ring opening (SRO) of naphthenes over bifunctional noble metal/zeolite catalysts can be applied to bring low-quality diesel cuts like LCO into cetane specifications.
Structures and magnetic properties of several phenoxo-O bridged dinuclear lanthanide complexes: Dy derivatives displaying substituent dependent magnetic relaxation behavior
Authors: Wang Wen-Min , Qiao Wan-Zhen , Zhang Hong-Xia , Wang Shi-Yu , Nie Yao-Yao , Chen Hong-Man , Liu Zhen , Gao Hong-Ling , Cui Jian-Zhong , Zhao Bin
Published: April 2016

The two Dy2 complexes have similar structures, while they display substituent dependent magnetic relaxation behaviors.
W(CO)3(Ph2PC2H4PPh2)(η2-Sc3N@Ih-C80/Sc3N@D5h-C80): regioselective synthesis and crystallographic characterization of air-stable mononuclear complexes of endohedral fullerenes
Authors: Bao Lipiao , Liu Bin , Li Xiaofang , Pan Changwang , Xie Yunpeng , Lu Xing
Published: April 2016

Air-stable mononuclear coordination complexes of endohedral metallofullerenes have been regioselectively synthesized and crystallographically characterized for the first time.
Incorporation of graphene oxide into a chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) porous polymer nanocomposite for enhanced lead adsorption
Authors: Medina Ruji P. , Nadres Enrico T. , Ballesteros Florencio C. , Rodrigues Debora F.
Published: April 2016

This study describes the successful incorporation of graphene oxide into a chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) polymer blend to obtain porous hydrogel nanocomposite beads with higher lead removal and regeneration capability than any other chitosan hydrogel material or activated carbon.
On the potential for BECCS efficiency improvement through heat recovery from both post-combustion and oxy-combustion facilities
Authors: Dowell N. Mac , Fajardy M.
Published: April 2016

In order to mitigate climate change to no more than 2 °C, it is well understood that it will be necessary to directly remove significant quantities of CO2, with bioenergy CCS (BECCS) regarded as a promising technology. However, BECCS will likely be more costly and less efficient at power generation than conventional CCS. Thus, approaches to improve BECCS performance and reduce costs are of importance to facilitate the deployment of this key technology. In this study, the impact of biomass co-firing rate and biomass moisture content on BECCS efficiency with both post- and oxy-combustion CO2capture technologies was evaluated. It was found that post-combustion capture BECCS (PCC-BECCS) facilities will be appreciably less efficient than oxy-combustion capture BECCS (OCC-BECCS) facilities. Consequently, PCC-BECCS have the potential to be more carbon negative than OCC-BECCS per unit electricity generated. It was further observed that the biomass moisture content plays an important role in determining the BECCS facilities’ efficiency. This will in turn affect the enthalpic content of the BECCS plant exhaust and implies that exhaust gas heat recovery may be an attractive option at higher rates of co-firing. It was found that there is the potential for the recovery of approximately 2.5 GJheatper tCO2at a temperature of 100 °C from both PCC-BECCS and OCC-BECCS. On- and off-site applications for this recovered heat are discussed, considering boiler feedwater pre-heating, solvent regeneration and district heating cases.
Arrayed water-in-oil droplet bilayers for membrane transport analysis
Authors: Watanabe R. , Soga N. , Hara M. , Noji H.
Published: April 2016

We developed an arrayed water-in-oil droplet bilayer system for highly sensitive and quantitative membrane transport analysis.
Delivering aminopyridine ligands into cancer cells through conjugation to the cell-penetrating peptide BP16
Authors: Soler M. , González-Bártulos M. , Figueras E. , Massaguer A. , Feliu L. , Planas M. , Ribas X. , Costas M.
Published: April 2016

Peptide conjugates incorporating a red-ox active aminopyridine ligand bound to the cell-penetrating peptide BP16 display high cytotoxicity.
Nitroxide amide-BODIPY probe behavior in fibroblasts analyzed by advanced fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Liras M. , Simoncelli S. , Rivas-Aravena A. , García O. , Scaiano J. C. , Alarcon E. I. , Aspée A.
Published: April 2016

A novel nitroxide amide-BODIPY prefluorescent probe has been synthesized allowing us to study the delicate cellular redox balance by using TIRF and FLIM microscopies.
The chemistry, morphology, crystal structure and hydrophilicity properties of wood fibers treated by a magnetic immobilized laccase–mediator system
Authors: Hu Jianpeng , Du Wenxin , Ji Xiaodi , Yuan Bingnan , Liu Yi , Guo Minghui
Published: April 2016

The chemistry, morphology, crystal structure and hydrophilicity properties of wood fibers treated by magnetic immobilized laccase–mediator system (ILMS) which had never previously been examined were investigated.
An “off–on” fluorescent probe for the detection of cysteine /homocysteine and its imaging in living cells
Authors: Tang Mengfang , Wu Luling , Wu Dan , Huang Chusen , Zhu Weiping , Xu Yufang , Qian Xuhong
Published: April 2016

Based on the NCL reaction, we prepared an off/on fluorescent probeBQfor the selective sensing of Cys/Hcy. The discrimination of Cys and Hcy is achieved through the different rates of the transthioesterification reaction of Cys/Hcy withBQ.
Porous gold nanoparticle/graphene oxide composite as efficient catalysts for reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Lu Xuan , Wang Hao-Yi , Liu Xiaoli , Qin Yujun , Zhang Pu , Guo Zhi-Xin
Published: April 2016

Porous gold nanoparticle/graphene oxide composites obtained through freeze-drying method show superior continuous catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Radical coupling polymerization (RCP) for synthesis of various polymers
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wang Qi
Published: April 2016

Radical coupling polymerization of benzyl-type biradicals generated from dibromide in the presence of Cu/ligand is reported.
Palladium nanoparticles generated in situ used as catalysts in carbonylative cross-coupling in aqueous medium
Authors: Wójcik P. , Mart M. , Ulukanli S. , Trzeciak A. M.
Published: April 2016

Pd NPs, obtained in situ from imidazole complexes Pd(im)2Cl2 (im = methylimidazole, butylimidazole), efficiently catalyze the carbonylative Suzuki coupling in water at 80 °C and 1 atm of CO.
Cobalt-doped graphitic carbon nitride with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for wastewater treatment
Authors: Mu Jianshuai , Li Jie , Zhao Xin , Yang En-Cui , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2016

The peroxidase-like activity of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is dramatically increased by a small cobalt doping. The cobalt-doped g-C3N4 was used for wastewater treatment, exhibiting much higher degradation rate than that of pure g-C3N4.
Effect of the aromatic precursor flow rate on the morphology and properties of carbon nanostructures in plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Lehmann K. , Yurchenko O. , Urban G.
Published: April 2016

Understanding the effects of the synthesis parameters on the morphology and electrochemical properties of nanocarbon layers is a key step in the development of application-tailored nanostructures.
Naphthothiazole-based highly selective and sensitive fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for detection of pollutant metal ions
Authors: Jonaghani Mohammad Zareh , Zali-Boeini Hassan , Taheri Reza , Rudbari Hadi Amiri , Askari Banafshe
Published: April 2016

The presented small molecule sensor can be used successfully for selective detection of Zn2+and Sn2+ions in aqueous media.
Chromatographic analysis of multicomponent mixture of vitamins B1, B6, B12, benfotiamine and diclofenac; part II: LC-tandem MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of five components mixture in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma
Authors: Fayed Ahmed Salah , Abdel-Monem Hegazy Maha
Published: April 2016

A novel high performance LC-MS/MS method was established for the simultaneous determination of multivitamins B1, B6, B12 and benfotiamine and their co-formulated drug, diclofenac sodium, using torsemide as the internal standard.
Organic–inorganic shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane based on polycaprolactone and polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Chan Benjamin Qi Yu , Liow Sing Shy , Loh Xian Jun
Published: April 2016

We report an organic–inorganic SMP comprising PCL and PDMS that exhibits extremely fast-response time at body temperature and thermoplasticity that allows for solvent processing. The SMP recovered to the programmed shape in less than 0.5 seconds.
Synthesis of hupehenols A, B, and E from protopanaxadiol
Authors: Shao Li-Dong , Xu Jun , Li Xiao-Nian , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Shi Xin , Ren Jian , He Juan , Zhao Yu , Leng Ying , Xia Chengfeng , Zhao Qin-Shi
Published: April 2016

A unified semisynthesis approach from protopanaxadiol to hupehenols A, B, and E was described. The synthesis provided the primary SAR and the possibility of further medicinal development of hupehenols.
An efficient Co–N–C oxygen reduction catalyst with highly dispersed Co sites derived from a ZnCo bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Fan Xinxin , Lin Honghong , Fu He , Wang Teng , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: April 2016

Highly dispersed Co sites loaded on porous N-doped carbon are obtained by pyrolysis of ZnCo bimetallic ZIF with low Co percentage, which exhibits excellent catalytic performance for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Silicon direct bonding via low-temperature wet chemical surface activation
Authors: Mai Chengle , Sun Jiayuan , Chen Hongtao , Mai Cheng-Kang , Li Mingyu
Published: April 2016

A p–n junction with excellent I–V characteristics was prepared through low-temperature chemical surface activation direct bonding without rigorous conditions.
A sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor for galactosyltransferase activity analysis based on a graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet interface and polystyrene microsphere-enhanced responses
Authors: Xie Saidan , Wang Feng , Wu Zhaoyang , Joshi Lokesh , Liu Yang
Published: April 2016

An electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor for galactosyltransferases activity analysis was developed based on g-C3N4 nanosheet interface and polystyrene microsphere enhanced responses.
Efficient visible light photocatalysis and tunable photoluminescence from orientation controlled mesoporous Si nanowires
Authors: Ghosh Ramesh , Giri P. K.
Published: April 2016

Efficient visible light photocatalysis and visible photoluminescence from orientation controlled mesoporous Si nanowires grown by Ag assisted chemical etching of Si have been discussed.
Synthesis, structure and conformational mobility of tetra-substituted cyanomethoxy p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes
Authors: D'Alessio Daniel , Krause-Heuer Anwen M. , Skelton Brian W. , Fraser Benjamin H. , Massi Massimiliano , Ogden Mark I.
Published: April 2016

A range of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes are functionalized at the lower rim with nitrile and amide functional groups, and the conformational mobility of macrocycles is investigated.
O-Difluoromethylation of 1,3-diones with S-difluoromethyl sulfonium salt
Authors: Yue Chun-Bo , Lin Jin-Hong , Cai Ji , Zhang Cheng-Pan , Zhao Gang , Xiao Ji-Chang , Li HengFeng
Published: April 2016

S-Difluoromethyl sulfonium salt was found to be a difluorocarbene precursor and direct difluoromethylation reagent in the O-difluoromethylation of 1,3-diones.
Correction: Adsorption of safranin-O dye on CO2 neutralized activated red mud waste: process modelling, analysis and optimization using statistical design
Authors: Sahu Manoj Kumar , Sahu Uttam Kumar , Patel Raj Kishore
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Adsorption of safranin-O dye on CO2 neutralized activated red mud waste: process modelling, analysis and optimization using statistical design’ by Manoj Kumar Sahu et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 42294–42304.
Fast and selective labeling of N-terminal cysteines at neutral pH via thiazolidino boronate formation
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Anupam , Cambray Samantha , Gao Jianmin
Published: April 2016

Facile labeling of proteins of interest is highly desirable in proteomic research as well as in the development of protein therapeutics.
Solution-processed sulfur depleted Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells synthesized from a monoamine–dithiol solvent mixture
Authors: Zhao Xin , Lu Mingxuan , Koeper Mark J. , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: April 2016

A monoamine–dithiol mixture is used to prepare homogeneous Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) molecular precursor solution, which yields a highly sulfur depleted CIGSe thin-film solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 12.2%.
Ionic liquid-derived Fe–N/C catalysts for highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction without any supports, templates, or multi-step pyrolysis
Authors: He Fei , Chen Xinghua , Shen Yanfei , Li Ying , Liu Anran , Liu Songqin , Mori Toshiyuki , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: April 2016

An imidazolium-based ionic liquid platform is proposed for developing highly efficient Fe–N/C catalysts without any supports, templates or multi-step pyrolysis, which greatly facilitates the study of the relationships between processing, structure and activity with a minimized number of factors.
Regulating the oxidation degree of nickel foam: a smart strategy to controllably synthesize active Ni3S2 nanorod/nanowire arrays for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Li Tingting , Zuo Yunpeng , Lei Xiaomin , Li Na , Liu Jiawei , Han Heyou
Published: April 2016

Grass-like Ni3S2 nanorod/nanowire arrays in situ grown on NF network are synthesized through simply regulating the pre-oxidation degree of NF precursor which demonstrate excellent electrochemical properties.
Sodium chloride-assisted green synthesis of a 3D Fe–N–C hybrid as a highly active electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Yun , Huang Lin-Bo , Jiang Wen-Jie , Zhang Xing , Chen Yu-Yun , Wei Zidong , Wan Li-Jun , Hu Jin-Song
Published: April 2016

A three-dimensional hybrid of carbon nanosheets and nanotubes preparedviaa recyclable NaCl-assisted pyrolysis of small molecules exhibits high activity for the ORR.
Microbe-engaged synthesis of carbon dot-decorated reduced graphene oxide as high-performance oxygen reduction catalysts
Authors: Zhou Lihua , Fu Peng , Wang Yueqiang , Sun Lihua , Yuan Yong
Published: April 2016

A carbon dot-decorated reduced graphene oxide catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction is developed via a combination of microbial reduction and hydrothermal treatment.
N-, P- and Fe-tridoped nanoporous carbon derived from plant biomass: an excellent oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries
Authors: Wan Wei , Wang Qiang , Zhang Li , Liang Hai-Wei , Chen Ping , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: April 2016

An excellent electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in zinc–air batteries: N-, P- and Fe-tridoped nanoporous carbon catalyst, derived from highly available and recyclable corn silk, was prepared. The catalyst exhibited superior electrochemical activity to state-of-the-art 20% Pt/C catalyst for the zinc–air battery application.
General formulation of winding factor for fractional‐slot concentrated winding design
Authors: Yokoi Yuichi , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Miyamoto Yasuhiro
Published: April 2016

Fractional‐slot winding configurations have attracted much attention due to the availability of concentrated windings and low cogging torque in permanent magnet brushless motors. For the design of the winding configurations, many design parameters must be determined. The winding factor provides a useful index for the optimal design. However, no general expressions of the winding factor have been derived for all the winding configurations. This study performs the general formulation of the winding factor for the fractional‐slot concentrated windings. The winding factor is redefined for stator windings without any information of the numbers of poles. For given stator windings, the optimal numbers of poles are determined from the obtained winding factors. The design strategy for the winding configurations is validated through a finite element method analysis.
Experimental verification of winding switching technique to enhance maximum speed operation of surface mounted permanent magnet machines
Authors: Atiq Shahid , Lipo Thomas A. , Kwon Byung‐il
Published: April 2016

Flux weakening is an inevitable requirement in the operation of variable speed permanent magnet (PM) machines for high‐speed applications due to inverter voltage limits. A new winding switching technique is experimentally validated in this study that can extend the speed range of such PM machines. A drive topology is proposed that utilises two current regulated voltage source inverters to control the machine in a dual inverter fed configuration before transitioning into an open winding configuration after winding switching. The proposed drive topology extends the constant torque region of the machine and boosts its maximum output power capability. Complete experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed machine drive system for continuous operation over the entire speed range.
Efficient method for vehicle license plate identification based on learning a morphological feature
Authors: Wafy Maged , Madbouly Ahmed M.M.
Published: April 2016

The detection and identification of license plates from captured images have been widely studied over the past two decades. The demand for this technology in security and commercial applications ranges from traffic control organisation to parking management and vehicle tracking. License plate recognition can be divided into two steps: detection and identification. Recent algorithms have focused on the detection step, with few researchers studying identification. In this study, an algorithm is developed to detect and identify license plates. The algorithm is based on the fact that license plates have a semi‐symmetric distribution of corner points; it utilises morphological feature learning. The algorithm runs in real time, is highly robust, and can identify whether the candidate region contains a license plate.
Monopulse sum and difference signals with compensation for a failed feed element
Authors: Sheret Tamara Louise , Allen Ben , Parini Clive G.
Published: April 2016

Monopulse antenna systems are commonly used in airborne radar as they give angular information in a single measurement. For amplitude based monopulse antenna systems, multiple overlapping beams are sent out from the antenna feed elements. These signals may then be re‐combined using a comparator network to form the sum and difference signals, which provide angular information relating to the target position. This study investigates a proposed method by which the individual feed element signals from the monopulse antenna are captured and combined in software, thus removing the need for a hardware comparator behind the feed elements. Results of a sum and difference signal created by a comparator and by this proposed method are compared. This study then verifies a method by which the individual feed element signals from the monopulse antenna are captured, combined in software and presents a novel method to compensate for a failed feed element signal, verified in both simulation and anechoic chamber measurements. It is shown that this new compensation for a single failed feed element works well for a signal in the centre of the monopulse antenna, where gain and sum patterns are shown to be conserved.
Pulmonary Complications following Thoracic Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gabel Brandon C. , Schnell Eric C. , Dettori Joseph R. , Jeyamohan Shiveindra , Oskouian Rod
Published: April 2016

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objective

To determine the frequency of pulmonary effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax in adult patients undergoing thoracic corpectomy or osteotomy for any condition and to determine if these frequencies vary by surgical approach (i.e., anterior, posterior, or lateral).

Methods

Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched through September 21, 2015, to identify studies specifically evaluating the frequency of pulmonary effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax in patients undergoing thoracic spine surgery.

Results

Fourteen studies, 13 retrospective and 1 prospective, met inclusion criteria. The frequency across studies of pulmonary effusion ranged from 0 to 77%; for hemothorax, 0 to 77%; and for pneumothorax, 0 to 50%. There was no clear pattern of pulmonary complications with respect to surgical approach.

Conclusions

There is insufficient data to determine the risk of pulmonary complications following anterior, posterior, or lateral approaches to the thoracic spine. Methods for assessing pulmonary complications were not well reported, and data is sparse.
Structural and Functional Repair of the Annulus Fibrosus
Authors: Iatridis James C.
Published: April 2016

Degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) are commonly implicated in low back pain and herniation is a direct cause of pain and disability. There are few minimally invasive treatments to treat and repair painful IVD degeneration including annulus fibrosus (AF) defects. Painful IVD injuries and degeneration are associated with structural disruption, chronic inflammation, and neurovascular ingrowth deep into the IVD and all of these conditions must be addressed to enhance function and inhibit painful conditions. Design goals for functional AF repair involve the restoration IVD height and motion segment biomechanics to intact conditions, sealing of defects in the AF, no (or minimal) risk of herniation under high physiological load conditions, and the ability to promote healing. Evaluation methods for AF repair strategies should progress from rapid screening studies to more advanced and rigorous evaluations in situ and eventually in vivo. Multiple hydrogel repair strategies are described including sealants and cell carriers. Fibrin crosslinked with geniplin (FibGen) shows promise for AF repair with good performance biomechanically and in organ culture.

Disclosures: None
Biologic Targets for Mitigating Age-Associated Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Vo Nam
Published: April 2016

Growing old is the greatest risk factor for the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), an underlying condition of many debilitating spine-related disorders including chronic back pain. Understanding the biology of intervertebral disc aging to develop effective interventions to minimize the adverse effects of aging on disc health is imperative, given the rapid global growth of the aging population. Recent research studies have begun to shed light on the basic biological process of disc aging. Accumulation of DNA damage was recently demonstrated as a key molecular driver of aging of the intervertebral discs. This talk summarizes the major findings that shed lights on the molecular mechanisms of how disc DNA damage is induced and the consequences of accumulated DNA damage on disc cell phenotype and extracellular matrix homeostasis. In particular, cellular senescence emerges as a central mediator of age-related disc degenerative changes which originated from DNA damage. The molecular processes of how DNA damage induces disc cellular senescence leading to perturbation of disc matrix homeostasis and matrix proteglycan loss through the NF-kB signaling are discussed in details. Key molecular steps involved in generation of DNA damage, formation of senescence, and activation of NF-kB signaling in disc cells will be highlighted as novel therapeutic targets along with the emerging candidate therapeutics that may mitigate age-associated IDD.

Disclosures: None
The Experience of Eggshell Technique during Kyphoplasty to Prevent Cement Leakage in Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
Authors: Lo Haoju
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Osteoporosis is the big problem in the aging human. Among these osteoporotic related fractures, vertebral compression commonly is the main one. Pain and disability pose major problems in these patients. To restore the vertebral height for driving physical stiffness, and loading bearing toward normal limited and control the pain, kyphoplasty with variable filling materials (PMMA, CPC etc.) have been used for the treatment. For decreasing the rate of PMMA leakage in various wall injuries in vertebral compression fracture, we performed kyphoplasty with modified eggshell technique in different characteristics of vertebral wall.

Material and Methods

Twenty-four symptomatic vertebral fractures were enrolled. Visual Analogue Scale, the Oswestry Disability Index and Vertebral Wall Injury Score were assessed. The vertebral height loss and changes of kyphotic angle were also recorded by plain X-ray. Three-dimensional CT will be arranged for evaluating the condition of deficiency vertebral wall and central body collapse if need. After creating cavity by percutaneous bipedicular balloon device, PMMA was injected into weak wall site according the pre-operative evaluation or intra-operative finding. The balloon was once again introduced into the created cavity and inflated to achieve the PMMA shield (regional egg-shell method). Then the PMMA or other materials as CPC materials will be continuously to be fill into the left space. Outcome, fill materials leakage condition, X-ray and CT were reviewed postoperatively.

Results

Symptomatic cement extravasation related complications or leakage on X-ray were not observed in follow up. Only one adjacent compression fracture was happened in one month. Improvement in vertebral height and the mean kyphotic angle was also noted. The mean VAS and ODI decreased significantly from pre-operation to post-operation ( p < 0.05). The Vertebral Wall Injury Score reviews also told us the eggshell technique is fit for multiple conditions of wall injury

Conclusion

It's always concerned for the leakage of PMMA during spine surgery. There are many options of new implant for decreasing the rate of leakage. Greene introduces the eggshell technique in 2007, they used the eggshell idea to cover the possible leakage site. They had only 7 patients and those possible cortical defects were noted over superior endplate or lateral wall in their paper. According to our experiences in kyphoplasty with this regional eggshell technique in our 24 patients with various wall injuries. The technique is a safe and significantly functional works for decreasing the leakage of PMMA in various wall injury conditions with experienced surgery operator.