bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of breastmilk and saliva combinations on the in vitro growth of oral pathogenic and commensal microorganisms
Authors: Sweeney E. L. , Al-Shehri S. S. , Cowley D. M. , Liley H. G. , Bansal N. , Charles B. G. , Shaw P. N. , Duley J. A. , Knox C. L.
Published: October 2018

Neonates are exposed to microbes in utero and at birth, thereby establishing their microbiota (healthy microbial colonisers). Previously, we reported significant differences in the neonatal oral microbiota of breast-fed and formula-fed babies after first discovering a primal metabolic mechanism that occurs when breastmilk (containing the enzyme xanthine oxidase) and neonatal saliva (containing highly elevated concentrations of the substrates for xanthine oxidase: xanthine and hypoxanthine). The interaction of neonatal saliva and breast milk releases antibacterial compounds including hydrogen peroxide, and regulates the growth of bacteria. Using a novel in vitro experimental approach, the current study compared the effects of this unique metabolic pathway on a range of bacterial species and determined the period of time that microbial growth was affected. We demonstrated that microbial growth was inhibited predominately, immediately and for up to 24 hr following breastmilk and saliva mixing; however, some microorganisms were able to recover and continue to grow following exposure to these micromolar amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, growth inhibition was independent of whether the organisms possessed a catalase enzyme. This study further confirms that this is one mechanism that contributes to the significant differences in the neonatal oral microbiota of breast-fed and formula-fed babies.
Quinoxaline protects zebrafish lateral line hair cells from cisplatin and aminoglycosides damage
Authors: Rocha-Sanchez Sonia M. , Fuson Olivia , Tarang Shikha , Goodman Linda , Pyakurel Umesh , Liu Huizhan , He David Z. , Zallocchi Marisa
Published: October 2018

Hair cell (HC) death is the leading cause of hearing and balance disorders in humans. It can be triggered by multiple insults, including noise, aging, and treatment with certain therapeutic drugs. As society becomes more technologically advanced, the source of noise pollution and the use of drugs with ototoxic side effects are rapidly increasing, posing a threat to our hearing health. Although the underlying mechanism by which ototoxins affect auditory function varies, they share common intracellular byproducts, particularly generation of reactive oxygen species. Here, we described the therapeutic effect of the heterocyclic compound quinoxaline (Qx) against ototoxic insults in zebrafish HCs. Animals incubated with Qx were protected against the deleterious effects of cisplatin and gentamicin, and partially against neomycin. In the presence of Qx, there was a reduction in the number of TUNEL-positive HCs. Since Qx did not block the mechanotransduction channels, based on FM1-43 uptake and microphonic potentials, this implies that Qx’s otoprotective effect is at the intracellular level. Together, these results unravel a novel therapeutic role for Qx as an otoprotective drug against the deleterious side effects of cisplatin and aminoglycosides, offering an alternative option for patients treated with these compounds.
An extracellular [NiFe] hydrogenase mediating iron corrosion is encoded in a genetically unstable genomic island in Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Tsurumaru Hirohito , Ito Naofumi , Mori Koji , Wakai Satoshi , Uchiyama Taku , Iino Takao , Hosoyama Akira , Ataku Hanako , Nishijima Keiko , Mise Miyako , Shimizu Ai , Harada Takeshi , Horikawa Hiroshi , Ichikawa Natsuko , Sekigawa Tomohiro , Jinno Koji , Tanikawa Satoshi , Yamazaki Jun , Sasaki Kazumi , Yamazaki Syuji , Fujita Nobuyuki , Harayama Shigeaki
Published: October 2018

Certain methanogens deteriorate steel surfaces through a process called microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). However, the mechanisms of MIC, whereby methanogens oxidize zerovalent iron (Fe0), are largely unknown. In this study, Fe0-corroding Methanococcus maripaludis strain OS7 and its derivative (strain OS7mut1) defective in Fe0-corroding activity were isolated. Genomic analysis of these strains demonstrated that the strain OS7mut1 contained a 12-kb chromosomal deletion. The deleted region, termed “MIC island”, encoded the genes for the large and small subunits of a [NiFe] hydrogenase, the TatA/TatC genes necessary for the secretion of the [NiFe] hydrogenase, and a gene for the hydrogenase maturation protease. Thus, the [NiFe] hydrogenase may be secreted outside the cytoplasmic membrane, where the [NiFe] hydrogenase can make direct contact with Fe0, and oxidize it, generating hydrogen gas: Fe0 + 2 H+ → Fe2+ + H2. Comparative analysis of extracellular and intracellular proteomes of strain OS7 supported this hypothesis. The identification of the MIC genes enables the development of molecular tools to monitor epidemiology, and to perform surveillance and risk assessment of MIC-inducing M. maripaludis.
Food predictability and social status drive individual resource specializations in a territorial vulture
Authors: van Overveld Thijs , García-Alfonso Marina , Dingemanse Niels J. , Bouten Willem , Gangoso Laura , de la Riva Manuel , Serrano David , Donázar José A.
Published: October 2018

Despite increasing work detailing the presence of foraging specializations across a range of taxa, limited attention so far has been given to the role of spatiotemporal variation in food predictability in shaping individual resource selection. Here, we studied the exploitation of human-provided carrion resources differing in predictability by Canarian Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis). We focussed specifically on the role of individual characteristics and spatial constraints in shaping patterns of resource use. Using high-resolution GPS data obtained from 45 vultures tracked for 1 year, we show that individual vultures were repeatable in both their monthly use of predictable and semi-predicable resources (feeding station vs. farms) and monthly levels of mobility (home range size and flight activity). However, individual foraging activities were simultaneously characterized by a high degree of (temporal) plasticity in the use of the feeding station in specific months. Individual rank within dominance hierarchy revealed sex-dependent effects of social status on resource preference in breeding adults, illustrating the potential complex social mechanisms underpinning status-dependent resource use patterns. Our results show that predictable food at feeding stations may lead to broad-scale patterns of resource partitioning and affect both the foraging and social dynamics within local vulture populations.
Root-zone fertilization improves crop yields and minimizes nitrogen loss in summer maize in China
Authors: Jiang Chaoqiang , Lu Dianjun , Zu Chaolong , Zhou Jianmin , Wang Huoyan
Published: October 2018

It is urgently to minimize nitrogen (N) loss while simultaneously ensuring high yield for maize in China. A two-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of root-zone fertilization (RZF) and split-surface broadcasting (SSB) on grain yield, N use efficiency (NUE), and urea-15N fate under different N rates (135, 180 and 225 kg ha−1). Results showed that RZF increased grain yield by 11.5%, and the N derived from fertilizer (Ndff%) by 13.1–19.6%, compared with SSB. The percentage of residual 15N in the 0–80 cm soil was 37.2–47.4% after harvest; most 15N (64.4–67.4%) was retained in the top 20 cm. RZF significantly increased the N apparent recovery efficiency (NARE) and 15N recovery in maize by 14.3–37.8% and 21.9–30.0%, respectively; while decreased N losses by 11.2–24.2%, compared with SSB. The RZF of urea can be considered a slow-release fertilizer, which better matches maize N demand and effectively reduces N losses. Overall, RZF achieved yields as high as the SSB, but with a 20–25% reduction in N application. These results help improve our understanding of N fate in the maize cropping system, and may help guide recommendations for N management in southeastern China.
Short-term effect of Eucalyptus plantations on soil microbial communities and soil-atmosphere methane and nitrous oxide exchange
Authors: Cuer Caroline A. , Rodrigues Renato de A. R. , Balieiro Fabiano C. , Jesus Jacqueline , Silva Elderson P. , Alves Bruno José R. , Rachid Caio T. C. C.
Published: October 2018

Soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a significant environmental problem resulting from microbially-mediated nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Eucalyptus plantations on the structure and function of a soil microbial community, and how resulting alterations may be linked to GHG fluxes. We sampled and monitored two adjacent Eucalyptus plantations—a recently logged site that harbored new seedlings and an adult plantation—and compared them to a site hosting native vegetation. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR amplifications of key nitrogen and methane cycle genes to characterize microbial structure and functional gene abundance and compared our data with soil parameters and GHG fluxes. Both microbial community attributes were significantly affected by land use and logging of Eucalyptus plantations. The genes nosZ and archaeal amoA were significantly more abundant in native forest than in either young or old Eucalyptus plantations. Statistical analyses suggest that land use type has a greater impact on microbial community structure and functional gene abundance than Eucalyptus rotation. There was no correlation between GHG fluxes and shifts in microbial community, suggesting that microbial community structure and functional gene abundance are not the main drivers of GHG fluxes in this system.
Targeted cleavage of nad6 mRNA induced by a modified pentatricopeptide repeat protein in plant mitochondria
Authors: Colas des Francs-Small Catherine , Vincis Pereira Sanglard Lilian , Small Ian
Published: October 2018

Mitochondrial genes encode key components of the cellular energy machinery, but their genetic analysis is difficult or impossible in most organisms (including plants) because of the lack of viable transformation approaches. We report here a method to block the expression of the mitochondrial nad6 gene encoding a subunit of respiratory complex I in Arabidopsis thaliana, via the modification of the specificity of the RNA-binding protein RNA PROCESSING FACTOR 2 (RPF2). We show that the modified RPF2 binds and specifically induces cleavage of nad6 RNA, almost eliminating expression of the Nad6 protein and consequently complex I accumulation and activity. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a targeted block in expression of a specific mitochondrial transcript by a custom-designed RNA-binding protein. This opens the path to reverse genetics studies on mitochondrial gene functions and leads to potential applications in agriculture.
A novel approach of an infrared transparent Er:Y2O3–MgO nanocomposite for eye-safe laser ceramics
Authors: Ma Ho Jin , Jung Wook Ki , Park Youngtae , Kim Do Kyung
Published: October 2018

Photoluminescence spectrum and energy levels of an Er:Y2O3–MgO nanocomposite.
Carbon nanodot aqueous binding phase-based diffusive gradients in thin films device for measurement of dissolved copper and lead species in the aquatic environment
Authors: You Nan , Feng Zhong-Ming , Wang Yun , Fan Hong-Tao , Sun Ting
Published: October 2018

A reliable method for the determination of dissolved Cu2+and Pb2+species in waterviaa diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) device using water-soluble carbon nanodots (CD) as the binding agent was developed (CD-DGT).
Development of ultrasound-assisted extraction of commonly used azole antifungals in soils
Authors: Huang Qiuxin , Zhang Jinlan , Xiong Songsong , Peng Xianzhi , Wei Gaoling , Liu Liangying , Sun Xiumin , Li Lu
Published: October 2018

Azole antifungals in soil are of increasing concern.
Differentiating breast cancer molecular subtypes using a DNA aptamer selected against MCF-7 cells
Authors: Liu Mei , Yang Tong , Chen Zhongsi , Wang Zhifei , He Nongyue
Published: October 2018

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides selected by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), which show great potential in the diagnosis and personalized therapy of cancers, due to their specific advantages over antibodies.
Non-triggered sequential-release liposomes enhance anti-breast cancer efficacy of STS and celastrol-based microemulsion
Authors: Qu Ding , Wang Lixiang , Qin Yue , Guo Mengfei , Guo Jian , Huang Mengmeng , Liu Yuping , Liu Congyan , Li Hui , Chen Yan
Published: October 2018

A codelivery system that sequentially releases its contents is an effective strategy to enhance anticancer efficacy.
Treatment of dry eye by intracanalicular injection of a thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogel: evaluation of biosafety and availability
Authors: Lin Tong , Lu Yang , Zhang Xiaozhao , Gong Lan , Wei Changzheng
Published: October 2018

Intracanalicular injection with thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) provides a new “liquid plug” strategy for the treatment of dry eye.
Transformation of cellulosic saccharides into alkyl glucosides catalyzed by bifunctional ionic liquids
Authors: Zhou Han-cheng , Wang Bin , Guo Xin-feng , Zhang Xin-yi , Wei Xiao-hong , Peng Cheng , MacFarlane Douglas. R. , Yuan You-zhu
Published: October 2018

Three kinds of hydrophobic/acidic bifunctional ionic liquids were synthesized and utilized as catalysts for the conversion of cellulosic saccharides into alkyl glucosides, which exhibit a high catalytic conversion for cellobiose and cellulose with a low degree of crystallinity; the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused.
Variation in the Yaa position of collagen peptides containing azaGlycine
Authors: Melton Samuel D. , Chenoweth David M.
Published: October 2018

The effect of Yaa-position amino acid variation in collagen peptides paired with adjacent azaGlycine residues is investigated.
Spin–orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing in perylenemonoimide–phenothiazine compact electron donor–acceptor dyads
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Duan Ruomeng , Zhao Jianzhang , Li Chen
Published: October 2018

Efficient triplet excited state production (57%) was observed for perylenemonoimide–phenothiazine compact electron donor–acceptor dyads based on spin–orbit charge transfer ISC.
Unusual synergetic effect of nickel single atoms on the electrocatalytic activity of palladium for alcohol oxidation reactions in alkaline media
Authors: Nitaya Thantakorn , Cheng Yi , Lu Shanfu , Poochinda Kunakorn , Pruksathorn Kejvalee , Jiang San Ping
Published: October 2018

Ni single atoms encapsulated in carbon nanotubes substantially enhance the activity of Pd nanoparticles for oxidation of alcohols in alkaline media.
Regiocontrol in the cobalt-catalyzed hydrosilylation of alkynes
Authors: Wu Guojiao , Chakraborty Uttam , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel
Published: October 2018

A highly versatile cobalt-catalyzed hydrosilylations of alkynes is reported. Near-perfect regiocontrol/stereocontrol was induced by the choice of the ligand: bidentate phosphines afforded (E)-β-vinylsilanes; α-vinylsilanes formed with bipyridine ligands.
A catalytic one-step synthesis of peptide thioacids: the synthesis of leuprorelin via iterative peptide–fragment coupling reactions
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Sasamoto Koki , Hirano Ryo , Oisaki Kounosuke , Kanai Motomu
Published: October 2018

A catalytic one-step synthesis of peptide thioacids with suppressed epimerization was developed and applied to an iterative fragment coupling protocol.
Subsurface nucleation of supercooled acetaminophen
Authors: Shi Limin , Sun Changquan Calvin
Published: October 2018

Nucleation of acetaminophen glass at room temperature originates from ∼50 μm below the surface.
Controllable green synthesis of supported hollow NiO crystals with shape evolution from octahedral to novel truncated octahedral
Authors: Alnarabiji Mohamad Sahban , Mohd Zabidi Noor Asmawati , Ramli Anita , Ghanem Ouahid Ben , Abdullah Bawadi
Published: October 2018

A synthesis method for supported hollow NiO crystals from an octahedral morphology to their different truncated shapes was obtained by utilizing a wet-impregnation method via controlling the calcination temperature.
Chlorine-functionalized keto-enamine-based covalent organic frameworks for CO2 separation and capture
Authors: Shinde Digambar B. , Ostwal Mayur , Wang Xinbo , Hengne Amol M. , Liu Yang , Sheng Guan , Huang Kuo-Wei , Lai Zhiping
Published: October 2018

Enhancing the CO2 uptake and selectivity of the keto-enamine-based COFs by chlorination.
The mechanochemical synthesis of PbTe nanostructures: following the Ostwald ripening effect during milling
Authors: Rojas-Chávez H. , Cruz-Martínez H. , Flores-Rojas E. , Juárez-García J. M. , González-Domínguez J. L. , Daneu N. , Santoyo-Salazar J.
Published: October 2018

A fundamental understanding of the Ostwald ripening effect (ORE) during the mechanochemical synthesis of PbTe nanostructures is presented.
Spectroelectrochemical investigations of nickel cyclam indicate different reaction mechanisms for electrocatalytic CO2 and H+ reduction
Authors: Behnke Shelby L. , Manesis Anastasia C. , Shafaat Hannah S.
Published: October 2018

Characterization of a NiIII species during reductive catalysis by [Ni(cyclam)]2+ implicates an ECCE mechanism for hydrogen production in aqueous solution.
Enhanced peroxidase-like activity of porphyrin functionalized ZnFe2O4 hollow nanospheres for rapid detection of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Bian Bing , Liu Qingyun , Yu Shitao
Published: October 2018

Using a simple one-pot solvothermal method, binary metal oxide, magnetic and hollow ZnFe2O4 nanospheres functionalized with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxylpheyl)-porphyrin (Por–ZnFe2O4 HSs) were prepared and subsequently applied as a substitute for natural peroxidase.
A green and facile method to prepare graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with outstanding photocatalytic H2O2 production ability via NaClO hydrothermal treatment
Authors: Wang Hui , Fang Lei , Hu Shaozheng , Pei Yanbo , Ma Wentao
Published: October 2018

Transportation and transformation of photogenerated carriers during the photocatalytic process of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) are restricted by the low surface area and insufficient charge separation efficiency.
An aqueous medium-controlled stereospecific oxidative iodination of alkynes: efficient access to (E)-diiodoalkene derivatives
Authors: Banothu Rammurthy , Peraka Swamy , Kodumuri Srujana , Chevella Durgaiah , Gajula Krishna Sai , Amrutham Vasu , Yennamaneni Divya Rohini , Nama Narender
Published: October 2018

A new and versatile approach for the stereospecific iodination of alkynes has been developed in aqueous media. Scale-up reactions (up to 5 g) established the proficiency of this protocol and highlight the feasibility of large scale reactions.
A novel supramolecular AIE gel acts as a multi-analyte sensor array
Authors: Yao Hong , Wang Jiao , Song Shan-Shan , Fan Yan-Qing , Guan Xiao-Wen , Zhou Qi , Wei Tai-Bao , Lin Qi , Zhang You-Ming
Published: October 2018

Supramolecular gelator WJ could form a stable supramolecular organogel (WJG) with strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Utilizing the AIE gel, we successfully developed a multi-analyte sensor array which could accurately identify CN−, Al3+, and Fe3+ and l-Cys.
Hollow fiber nanofiltration membranes with integrated aquaporin Z
Authors: Sengur-Tasdemir Reyhan , Sayinli Burcu , Urper Gulsum Melike , Tutuncu Havva Esra , Gul-Karaguler Nevin , Ates-Genceli Esra , Tarabara Volodymyr V. , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: October 2018

AqpZ reconstituted proteoliposomes integrated into polyamide matrix using different ultrafiltration support membranes successfully with a performance increase of 12 times.
Enantioselective biocatalytic formal α-amination of hexanoic acid tol-norleucine
Authors: Dennig Alexander , Gandomkar Somayyeh , Cigan Emmanuel , Reiter Tamara C. , Haas Thomas , Hall Mélanie , Faber Kurt
Published: October 2018

A three-step one-pot biocatalytic cascade enabled the enantioselective formal α-amination of hexanoic acid tol-norleucine in >97% ee.
Vanillin derived a carbonate dialdehyde and a carbonate diol: novel platform monomers for sustainable polymers synthesis
Authors: Bai De , Chen Qin , Chai Yang , Ren Tianhua , Huang Caijuan , Ingram Ian D. V. , North Michael , Zheng Qiang , Xie Haibo
Published: October 2018

Novel classes of lignin-derived poly(carbonate ester)s, poly(carbonate ester)s pending amide moiety oligomers, and poly(carbonate urethane)s have been designed and synthesized.
Bubble–bubble pinch-off in symmetric and asymmetric microfluidic expansion channels for ordered foam generation
Authors: Vecchiolla Daniel , Giri Vidya , Biswal Sibani Lisa
Published: October 2018

Monodisperse bubble–bubble pinch-off in a symmetric expansion perfectly alternates to generate ordered, bidisperse foam with passive segregation of fragmented bubbles.
Porous Si@C ball-in-ball hollow spheres for lithium-ion capacitors with improved energy and power densities
Authors: Li Bo , Li Shixiong , Jin Ying , Zai Jiantao , Chen Ming , Nazakat Ali , Zhan Peng , Huang Yong , Qian Xuefeng
Published: October 2018

The rate capability of battery-type anode materials has become a great limitation to the energy and power densities of lithium-ion capacitors.
A resilient and flexible chitosan/silk cryogel incorporated Ag/Sr co-doped nanoscale hydroxyapatite for osteoinductivity and antibacterial properties
Authors: Li Pengfei , Jia Zhanrong , Wang Qun , Tang Pengfei , Wang Menghao , Wang Kefeng , Fang Ju , Zhao Cancan , Ren Fuzeng , Ge Xiang , Lu Xiong
Published: October 2018

A resilient and flexible chitosan/silk cryogel incorporated Ag and Sr co-doped hydroxyapatite exhibits good mechanical, antibacterial and osteoinductive properties.
An injectable double-network hydrogel for the co-culture of vascular endothelial cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for simultaneously enhancing vascularization and osteogenesis
Authors: Yang Congchong , Han Bing , Cao Chunling , Yang Di , Qu Xiaozhong , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: October 2018

Utilization of a GC/Alg DN hydrogel for the co-culture of BM-MSCs with VECs to promote vascularization and osteogenesis simultaneously.
Highly efficient non-doped OLEDs using aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence materials based on 10-phenyl-10H-phenothiazine 5,5-dioxide derivatives
Authors: Xiang Songpo , Huang Zhi , Sun Shuaiqiang , Lv Xialei , Fan Lianwei , Ye Shaofeng , Chen Hongting , Guo Runda , Wang Lei
Published: October 2018

A highly twisted electron acceptor 10-phenyl-10H-phenothiazine 5,5-dioxide was designed for construction of AIDF material PXZ2PTO. The non-doped devices realized EQEmax of 16.4%, exhibiting similar efficiency to doped devices.
Competing thermal expansion mismatch and lattice strain engineered growth of crack free WS2 in-plane heterostructures
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Singh Birender , Kumar Pradeep , Balakrishnan Viswanath
Published: October 2018

Formation of heterophase WS2 cancels the competing thermal mismatch and lattice strains and stabilizes crack free monolayer heterostructures while homophase monolayer suffers from severe cracking.
The structure and evolution of eukaryotic chaperonin-containing TCP-1 and its mechanism that folds actin into a protein spring
Authors: Willison Keith Robert
Published: October 2018

Actin is folded to its native state in eukaryotic cytosol by the sequential allosteric mechanism of the chaperonin-containing TCP-1 (CCT). The CCT machine is a double-ring ATPase built from eight related subunits, CCT1–CCT8. Non-native actin interacts with specific subunits and is annealed slowly through sequential binding and hydrolysis of ATP around and across the ring system. CCT releases a folded but soft ATP-G-actin monomer which is trapped 80 kJ/mol uphill on the folding energy surface by its ATP-Mg2+/Ca2+ clasp. The energy landscape can be re-explored in the actin filament, F-actin, because ATP hydrolysis produces dehydrated and more compact ADP-actin monomers which, upon application of force and strain, are opened and closed like the elements of a spring. Actin-based myosin motor systems underpin a multitude of force generation processes in cells and muscles. We propose that the water surface of F-actin acts as a low-binding energy, directional waveguide which is recognized specifically by the myosin lever-arm domain before the system engages to form the tight-binding actomyosin complex. Such a water-mediated recognition process between actin and myosin would enable symmetry breaking through fast, low energy initial binding events. The origin of chaperonins and the subsequent emergence of the CCT–actin system in LECA (last eukaryotic common ancestor) point to the critical role of CCT in facilitating phagocytosis during early eukaryotic evolution and the transition from the bacterial world. The coupling of CCT-folding fluxes to the cell cycle, cell size control networks and cancer are discussed together with directions for further research.
New tools for evaluating protein tyrosine sulfation and carbohydrate sulfation
Authors: Yeoh Sharon , Bayliss Richard
Published: October 2018

Sulfation is a common modification of extracelluar glycans and tyrosine residues on proteins, which is important in many signalling pathways and interactions. Existing methods for studying sulfotransferases, the enzymes that catalyse sulfation, are cumbersome and low-throughput. Recent studies published in the Biochemical Journal have repurposed established biochemical assays from the kinase field and applied them to the characterisation of sulfotransferases. Biochemical screening of a library of kinase inhibitors revealed that compounds that target RAF kinases may also be repurposed to inhibit sulfotransferases. Together with the available structures of sulfotransferases, these studies open the door to the development of chemical tools to probe the biological functions of these important enzymes.
MiR-140-5p suppresses retinoblastoma cell growth via inhibiting c-Met/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Liao Yujun , Yin Xiaolong , Deng Yan , Peng Xiaowei
Published: October 2018

MiR-140-5p is low expression and acts as a tumor suppressor in various types of human cancers. However, the potential role of miR-140-5p in retinoblastoma (RB) remains unknown. In the present study, we performed the miRNA microarray analysis to investigate whether miRNAs expression are associated with RB tumorigenesis in RB tissues. We found that a large set of miRNAs were ectopic expressions and miR-140-5p is most significantly down-regulated in human RB tissues compared with normal retinas. In addition, low miR-140-5p expression is associated with clinicopathological features (differentiation, invasion, T classification, N classification, cTNM stage, and largest tumor base) and poor survival in RB patients. Furthermore, our results showed that overexpression of miR-140-5p suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in RB cell. Meanwhile, we confirmed that c-Met is the functional target of miR-140-5p in RB cell, and miR-140-5p expression is negatively correlated with c-Met in RB tissues. We also found that inhibition of c-Met also suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in RB cell. Interestingly, c-Met can rescue the suppressive effects of miR-140-5p on RB cell growth and cell cycle arrest. More importantly, our findings indicated that miR-140-5p may inhibit cell growth via blocking c-Met/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Collectively, these results suggested that miR-140-5p might be a potential biomarker and target in the diagnosis and treatment of RB.
Biomarkers as predictive tools to test the in vivo anti-sarcoptic mange activity of propolis in naturally infested rabbits
Authors: Metwally Dina M. , Al-Olayan Ebtesam M. , Alshalhoop Reem A. , Eisa Shatha A.
Published: October 2018

The present study was designed to investigate the use of specific biomarkers, such as albumin, serum total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), globulin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum cortisol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as predictive tools for sarcoptic mange in rabbits. A total of 40 naturally infested rabbits were equally divided into four groups.Thirty infested rabbits were administered with three different treatments (propolis,ivermectin, and propolis with ivermectin) and were compared to10 infested un-treated rabbits. The impact of treatment was assessed via microscopic examination of skin scrapings, clinical signs, and blood measurements relating to the liver. The present study demonstrated that topical application of 10% propolis ointment resulted in complete recovery from clinical signs and complete absence of mites based on microscopic examination after 10–15 days of treatment. Moreover, AST, ALP, ALT, and cortisol were determined to be acceptable biomarkers to track the response of diseased rabbits to the therapeutic use of propolis.
Sense of Effort and Fatigue Associated With Talking After Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Searl Jeff , Knollhoff Stephanie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Sense of effort and fatigue associated with talking was compared in individuals with and without a total laryngectomy.

Method

An online survey of individuals using tracheoesophageal speech (TES;
n
= 222), electrolaryngeal speech (ELS;
n
= 132), esophageal speech (
n
= 41), and laryngeal speech (LS;
n
= 112) asked about 3 domains of effort when talking: frequency of occurrence, withdrawal from talking, and location in the body. Three aspects of fatigue were explored: frequency of occurrence, fatigue type, and duration of talking before fatigue.

Results

Alaryngeal groups reported significantly more talking-related effort and fatigue than the LS group. Sixty-three percent of all respondents indicated that effort caused them to talk less, with no group differences on this item. Significantly more effort was localized to the lips and tongue by ELS compared with TES and LS groups. Both the ELS and TES groups had higher shoulder/arm effort when talking compared with the esophageal speech and LS groups. ELS respondents reported less fatigue than the TES group. When fatigue was present, the TES group had more physical and less mental fatigue than the ELS group. The duration of talking before experiencing fatigue was significantly shorter for the alaryngeal groups compared with the LS group.

Conclusions

Effort and fatigue associated with talking are a common report for individuals using alaryngeal speech. The location of effort within the body and the type of fatigue experienced vary to some extent across alaryngeal speaking methods.
Pilot Study of Audiometric Patterns in Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Reed Nicholas S. , Deal Jennifer A. , Huddle Matthew G. , Betz Joshua F. , Bailey Bethany E. , McGlumphy Elyse J. , Eghrari Allen O. , Riazuddin S. Amer , Lin Frank R. , Gottsch John D.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Although Fuchs corneal dystrophy (FCD) is considered an eye disease, a small number of studies have identified genes related to both FCD and hearing loss. Whether FCD is related to hearing loss is unknown.

Method

This is a case–control study comparing pure-tone audiometry hearing thresholds in 180 patients with FCD from a hospital-based ophthalmology clinic with 2,575 population-based controls from a nationally representative survey, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (from cycles 2005-06 and 2009-10). Generalized estimating equations were used to compare mean better-hearing ear thresholds in the 2 groups adjusted for age, sex, race, and noise exposure.

Results

Patients with FCD had higher hearing thresholds (worse hearing) in lower frequencies (mean difference at 0.5 kHz = 3.49 dB HL) and lower hearing thresholds (better hearing) in higher frequencies (difference at 4 kHz = −4.25 dB HL) compared with population-based controls.

Conclusion

In the first study to use objectively measured hearing, FCD was associated with poorer low-frequency and better high-frequency audiometric thresholds than population controls. Further studies are needed to characterize this relationship.
Changes in English Past Tense Use by Bilingual School-Age Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Jacobson Peggy F. , Yu Yan H.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine changes in English past tense accuracy and errors among Spanish–English bilingual children with typical development (TD) and developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method

Thirty-three children were tested before and after 1 year to examine changes in clinically relevant English past tense errors using an elicited production task. A mixed-model linear regression using age as a continuous variable revealed a robust effect for age. A 4-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted with age (young, old) and language ability group (TD, DLD) as between-subjects variables, time (Time 1, Time 2) and verb type (regular, irregular, and novel verbs) as within-subject variables, and percent accuracy as the dependent variable. Subsequently, a 4-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to measure the overall distribution of verb errors across 2 time points.

Results

Overall, children produced regular and novel verb past tense forms with higher accuracy than irregular past tense verbs in an elicitation task. Children with TD were more accurate than children with DLD. Younger children made more improvement than older children from Time 1 to Time 2, especially in the regular and novel verb conditions. Bare stem and overregularization were the most common errors across all groups. Errors consisting of stem + ing were more common in children with DLD than those with TD in the novel verb condition.

Discussion

Contrary to an earlier report (Jacobson & Schwartz, 2005), the relative greater difficulty with regular and novel verbs was replaced by greater difficulty for irregular past tense, a pattern consistent with monolingual impairment. Age was a contributing factor, particularly for younger children with DLD who produced more stem + ing errors in the novel verb condition. For all children, and particularly for those with DLD, an extended period for irregular past tense learning was evident. The results support a usage-based theory of language acquisition and impairment.
Industrial multi‐energy and production management scheme in cyber‐physical environments: a case study in a battery manufacturing plant
Authors: Pei Wei , Ma Xin , Deng Wei , Chen Xinhe , Sun Hongjian , Li Dan
Published: October 2018

Among the various electricity consumer sectors, the consumption level of the industrial sector is often considered as the largest portion of electricity consumption, highlighting the urgent need to implement demand response (DR) energy management. However, implementation of DR for the industrial sector requires a more sophisticated and different scheme compared to the residential and commercial sector. This study explores all the elastic segments of plant multi‐energy production, conversion, and consumption. We then construct a real‐time industrial facilities management problem as an optimal dispatch model to enclose these elastic segments and production constraints in cyber‐physical environments. Moreover, a model predictive‐based centralised dispatch scheme is proposed to address the uncertainties of real‐time price and renewable energy forecasting while considering the sequence of the production process. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can enhance energy efficiency and economics of lithium battery manufacturing plant through responding to the real‐time price whilst ensuring the completion of production tasks.
Market‐based generator cost functions for power system test cases
Authors: Durvasulu Venkat , Hansen Timothy M.
Published: October 2018

Post‐restructuring, generators are dispatched using cleared offers in the day‐ahead market in the cyber‐physical power system. This study proposes a novel method to design generator cost functions to emulate existing market costs for power system test cases. Cost functions on existing test cases are based on fuel costs, which do not represent organised markets. In such markets, the marginal cost of energy is determined by generator offers, not fuel costs. In this work, the authors classify real market generator offers from an independent system operator organised electricity market into generator types. Generator offers are used to develop market‐based generator cost functions for use in power system test cases to emulate electricity market behaviour. The proposed method is illustrated using PJM data on eight standard power system test cases from a six bus 240 MW generation case to 2000 buses with 95,000 MW of generation. The marginal price of the proposed market‐based generator costs shows on average 280% improvement in accuracy of simulating the day‐ahead PJM marginal energy price over existing fuel‐cost‐based test cases from 2014 to 2016. By using the new market‐based generator cost functions, power system simulation studies will better represent actual economic impacts.
Linearly uncorrelated principal component and deep convolutional image deblurring for natural images
Authors: Jeyaprakash Amudha , Radhakrishnan Sudhakar
Published: October 2018

Blind image deblurring of natural images still remains a demanding task. The traditional methods, pre‐processes the uniform and non‐uniform images with a deblurring algorithm and employs a low‐rank prior algorithm. The rich textures do not possess enough similar patches in the deblurring process and this loss results in noisy images. Also, computational efficiency gets compromised during the performance of the succeeding process. In this study, the authors propose a novel method called, linearly uncorrelated principal component and deep convolution (LUPC‐DC) for deblurring natural images. The natural images are first de‐correlated with which good similar patches are extracted to generate a low‐rank matrix by linearly uncorrelated principal component (PC) extraction. Then, the deep convolutional neural network model jointly extracts good similar patches and deblurs the first PCs. Eventually, good similar patches in the last PCs are suppressed using Hard Thresholding for computational efficiency. Analysis of concurrence performance of the algorithm confirms the viability of this method theoretically. In addition, simulation results and performance evaluations of image quality metrics are provided to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, the proposed method provides improvement in the peak‐signal‐to‐noise ratio rate, success rate and reduction in the computation time for image deblurring.
QGO enhanced PET fibre for multi‐applications
Authors: Zhang Bin , Jiang Yujie
Published: October 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) is grafted to chloropropyl trimethoxysilane, then it is grafted from N, N ‐dimethyldodecylamine to prepare a quaternised GO (QGO). The QGO is introduced to polyester (PET) fibre surface by immersion method. The results show that the QGO possesses good dispersibility, antibacterial activity and durability, the antibacterial rate of QGO‐modified PET fibre against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli and Bacillus subtilis are 99.5, 99.5 and 99.8%, respectively. In addition, the QGO‐modified PET fibre shows a good chemical stability and corrosive resistance. It is convenient for preparing wearable textiles.
Dynamic analysis of light‐driven DNA strand displacement
Authors: Kou Bo , Shen Wufeng , Zhou Haonan , Xia Weikang
Published: October 2018

The photosensitive azobenzene‐tethered DNA material provides an ideal force for DNA nanomachines. This work demonstrates the process of light‐driven DNA strand displacement by physical and mathematical models. By data fitting, the strand displacement reaction rate constants under different sequence designs are discussed in detail. The results showed that the Gibbs free energy induced by azobenzene is around 2.52 kJ mol−1, which would hinder the light‐driven strand displacement reaction. Increasing the length of the sticky ends can increase the displacement rate exponentially, but the displacement rate will not increase when it exceeds 12 bases.
Controlled synthesis of octahedral jarosite
Authors: Li Zhongchun , Xu Xia , Wang Zhixian , Lv Hongying , He Xianghong , Wang Liangbiao
Published: October 2018

Octahedral jarosite was successfully prepared without extra template using a novel hydrothermal route based on the redox reaction between KMnO4 and (NH4)2 Fe(SO4)2 ·6H2 O. The mass ratio of (NH4)2 Fe(SO4)2 ·6H2 O/KMnO4, reaction time, and reaction temperature play key roles in forming octahedral crystals. The chemical composition and microstructure of as‐prepared octahedral jarosite were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrum, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selective area electron diffraction. The formation mechanism of octahedral jarosite was discussed preliminarily.
A comparative investigation of low work‐function metal implantation in the oxide region for improving electrostatic characteristics of charge plasma TFET
Authors: Aslam Mohd. , Sharma Dheeraj , Yadav Shivendra , Soni Deepak , Sharma Neeraj , Gedam Anju
Published: October 2018

Abruptness at tunnelling junction is a vital issue with doped tunnel field‐effect transistor (TFET) to achieve improved electrostatic characteristics. This task is more problematic for charge plasma TFET (CP‐TFET) because of large tunnelling barrier at the channel/source interface. In this regard, an effective approach has already been employed through implantation of a horizontal metallic splint (HMS) inside the dielectric region near channel/source joint for improved electrical behaviour of CP‐TFET. However, placement of a vertical metal splint (VMS) provides contact for HMS and gate electrode, which gives magnificent analogue/DC characteristics for newer structure. Combination of HMS and VMS (i.e. double metal splint (DMS)) increases electron density at channel/source junction for improved electron tunnelling rate compared with only HMS structure. In this regard, a complete comparative analysis of DMS CP TFET (DMS‐CP‐TFET) is performed between CP‐TFET and HMS‐CP‐TFET. Furthermore, consequence of length and work‐function variation of DMS and HMS on DC/RF parameters is investigated in device optimisation part of this work.
Kalman filter model, as a tool for short-term forecasting of solar potential: case of the Dakar site
Authors: Mbaye A. , Ndong J. , NDiaye M.L. , Sylla M. , Aidara M.C. , Diaw M. , NDiaye M.F. , Ndiaye Papa Alioune , Ndiaye A.
Published: October 2018

The prediction of solar potential is an important step toward the evaluation of PV plant production for the best energy planning. In this study, the discrete Kalman filter model was implemented for short-term solar resource forecasting one the Dakar site in Senegal. The model input parameters are constituted at a time t of the air temperature, the relative humidity and the global solar radiation. The expected output at time t+T is the global solar radiation. The model performance is evaluated with the square root of the normalized mean squared error (NRMSE), the absolute mean of the normalized error (NMAE), the average bias error (NMBE). The model Validation is carried out by means of the data measured within the Polytechnic Higher School of Dakar for one year. The simulation results following the 20 minute horizon show a good correlation between the prediction and the measurement with an NRMSE of 4.8%, an NMAE of 0.27% and an NMBE of 0.04%. This model could contribute to help photovoltaic based energy providers to better plan the production of solar photovoltaic plants in Sahelian environments.
SOC Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Kalman Filter Algorithm for Energy Storage System in Microgrids
Authors: Chung Dae-Won , Yang Seung-Hak
Published: October 2018

State-of-charge (SOC) is one of the vital factors for the energy storage system (ESS) in the microgrid power systems to guarantee that a battery system is operating in a safe and reliable manner for the system. Many uncertainties and noises, such as nonlinearities in the internal states of a battery, sensor measurement accuracy and bias, temperature effects, calibration errors, and sensor failures, pose a challenge to the accurate estimation of SOC in most applications. This study makes two contributions to the existing literatures. First, a more accurate extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm is proposed to estimate the battery nonlinear dynamics. Due to its discrete form and ease of implementation, this straightforward approach could be more suitable for real applications on the ESS. Second, its order selection principle and parameter identification method are illustrated in detail. It can accurately demonstrate the characteristics of the lithium-ion battery to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm for the ESS.
Research and Discuss on Market model based on Blockchain
Authors: Cui-hui Yan , Fang Liu , Chaofan Hu , Hui Cui , Bin Wang
Published: October 2018

Electric power industry is the foundation of national economy and plays a key role in the development of human society. Traditional power industry is monopolized by industry and lacked of market efficiency. In recent years, it is seeking breakthroughs in the market-oriented reform. Although China’s electricity market reform has achieved some achievement, it is still lacked of market players, regional transactions, excessive data management, concentration and other defects. This paper puts forward higher requirements for the system design of power market transactions. The electrical power market is facing with the security and performance challenges, it is to improve the electrical power market transaction mode and to enhance transaction security, blockchain is a new decentralized framework and with a distributed computing paradigm, which integrates and innovates a variety of computer technologies, then it constructed a perfect competitive electricity market system. Using of different levels of multi auction trading model to integrate the province’s trading and inter provincial trading parts in one system. In the part of inter-province trading, it adopted the contract trading and bidding coexist pattern, the trade is carried out in each province Surplus-deficit electricity which based on the meet of the province’s demand basis. By using blockchain, it can conducted the intelligent contract and record the whole transaction information discretely, and provided the inquiry transaction channel to the users, so it can achieve the resource scheduling fairness and transaction information in security.
The Efficiency Assessment of Transmission Grid with Massive Clean Energy Based on Production Simulation
Authors: Lang Zhao , Jian Li , Pengfei Zhang , Dong Peng , Lixia Liu , Shuyong Liu , Wangcheng Long , Xiangyu Kong
Published: October 2018

As the clean energy developing rapidly in recent years, the operational mode of power system was adjusted persistently because it was impacted by the randomness of clean energy output. Meanwhile, the efficiency of transmission grid was decreasing in certain level for the same reason. The production simulation model of power system was presented, and the power source which considering the output characteristics of different clean energy was described respectively. In additionally, the analytical method of efficiency assessment was proposed to assess the impact degree of clean energy. Moreover, the efficiency index of power transmission system programming was adopted to choose planning scheme. At last, three planning schemes of a power grid with massive clean energy are analyzed to confirm the production simulation model and assessing method.