bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadherin 23-C Regulates Microtubule Networks by Modifying CAMSAP3’s Function
Authors: Takahashi Satoe , Mui Vincent J. , Rosenberg Samuel K. , Homma Kazuaki , Cheatham Mary Ann , Zheng Jing
Published: June 2016

Cadherin-related 23 (CDH23) is an adhesive protein important for hearing and vision, while CAMSAP3/Marshalin is a microtubule (MT) minus-end binding protein that regulates MT networks. Although both CDH23 and CAMSAP3/Marshalin are expressed in the organ of Corti and carry several protein-protein interaction domains, no functional connection between these two proteins has been proposed. In this report, we demonstrate that the C isoform of CDH23 (CDH23-C) directly binds to CAMSAP3/Marshalin and modifies its function by inhibiting CAMSAP3/Marshalin-induced bundle formation, a process that requires a tubulin-binding domain called CKK. We further identified a conserved N-terminal region of CDH23-C that binds to the CKK domain. This CKK binding motif (CBM) is adjacent to the domain that interacts with harmonin, a binding partner of CDH23 implicated in deafness. Because the human Usher Syndrome 1D-associated mutation, CDH23 R3175H, maps to the CBM, we created a matched mutation in mouse CDH23-C at R55H. Both in vivo and in vitro assays decreased the ability of CDH23-C to interact with CAMSAP3/Marshalin, indicating that the interaction between CDH23 and CAMSAP3/Marshalin plays a vital role in hearing and vision. Together, our data suggest that CDH23-C is a CAMSAP3/Marshalin-binding protein that can modify MT networks indirectly through its interaction with CAMSAP3/Marshalin.
Bacterial evolution in PCD and CF patients follows the same mutational steps
Authors: Sommer Lea M. , Alanin Mikkel Christian , Marvig Rasmus L. , Nielsen Kim Gjerum , Høiby Niels , von Buchwald Christian , Molin Søren , Johansen Helle Krogh
Published: June 2016

Infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa increase morbidity in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Both diseases are associated with a defect of the mucociliary clearance; in PCD caused by non-functional cilia, in CF by changed mucus. Whole genome sequencing of P. aeruginosa isolates from CF patients has shown that persistence of clonal lineages in the airways is facilitated by genetic adaptation. It is unknown whether this also applies to P. aeruginosa airway infections in PCD. We compared within-host evolution of P. aeruginosa in PCD and CF patients. P. aeruginosa isolates from 12 PCD patients were whole genome sequenced and phenotypically characterised. Ten out of 12 PCD patients were infected with persisting clone types. We identified convergent evolution in eight genes, which are also important for persistent infections in CF airways: genes related to antibiotic resistance, quorum sensing, motility, type III secretion and mucoidity. We document phenotypic and genotypic parallelism in the evolution of P. aeruginosa across infected patients with different genetic disorders. The parallel changes and convergent adaptation and evolution may be caused by similar selective forces such as the intensive antibiotic treatment and the inflammatory response, which drive the evolutionary processes.
Stereotactic Comparison Study of 18F-Alfatide and 18F-FDG PET Imaging in an LLC Tumor-Bearing C57BL/6 Mouse Model
Authors: Wei Yu-Chun , Gao Yongsheng , Zhang Jianbo , Fu Zheng , Zheng Jinsong , Liu Ning , Hu Xudong , Hou Wenhong , Yu Jinming , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to stereotactically compare the PET imaging performance of 18F-Alfatide (18F-ALF-NOTA-PRGD2, denoted as 18F-Alfatide) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mouse model. 18F-FDG standard uptake values (SUVs) were higher than 18F-Alfatide SUVs in tumors, most of the normal tissues and organs except for the bladder. Tumor-to-brain, tumor-to-lung and tumor-to-heart ratios of 18F-Alfatide PET were significantly higher than those of 18F-FDG PET (P < 0.001). The spatial heterogeneity of the tumors was detected and the tracer accumulation enhanced from the outer layer to the inner layer consistently using the two tracers. The parameters of the tumors were significantly correlated with each other between 18F-FDG SUV and GLUT-1 (R = 0.895, P < 0.001), 18F-Alfatide SUV and αvβ3 (R = 0.595, P = 0.019), 18F-FDG SUV and 18F-Alfatide SUV (R = 0.917, P < 0.001) and GLUT-1 and αvβ3 (R = 0.637, P = 0.011). Therefore, 18F-Alfatide PET may be an effective tracer for tumor detection, spatial heterogeneity imaging and an alternative supplement to 18F-FDG PET, particularly for patients with enhanced characteristics in the brain, chest tumors or diabetes, meriting further study.
Potassium Channel Interacting Protein 2 (KChIP2) is not a transcriptional regulator of cardiac electrical remodeling
Authors: Winther Sine V. , Tuomainen Tomi , Borup Rehannah , Tavi Pasi , Antoons Gudrun , Thomsen Morten B.
Published: June 2016

The heart-failure relevant Potassium Channel Interacting Protein 2 (KChIP2) augments CaV1.2 and KV4.3. KChIP3 represses CaV1.2 transcription in cardiomyocytes via interaction with regulatory DNA elements. Hence, we tested nuclear presence of KChIP2 and if KChIP2 translocates into the nucleus in a Ca2+ dependent manner. Cardiac biopsies from human heart-failure patients and healthy donor controls showed that nuclear KChIP2 abundance was significantly increased in heart failure; however, this was secondary to a large variation of total KChIP2 content. Administration of ouabain did not increase KChIP2 content in nuclear protein fractions in anesthetized mice. KChIP2 was expressed in cell lines and Ca2+ ionophores were applied in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The cell lines had KChIP2-immunoreactive protein in the nucleus in the absence of treatments to modulate intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Neither increasing nor decreasing intracellular Ca2+ concentrations caused translocation of KChIP2. Microarray analysis did not identify relief of transcriptional repression in murine KChIP2−/− heart samples. We conclude that although there is a baseline presence of KChIP2 in the nucleus both in vivo and in vitro, KChIP2 does not directly regulate transcriptional activity. Moreover, the nuclear transport of KChIP2 is not dependent on Ca2+. Thus, KChIP2 does not function as a conventional transcription factor in the heart.
Guanine-rich sequences inhibit proofreading DNA polymerases
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Jing , Sun Shuhui , Xie Binghua , Hu Xuemei , Zhang Zunyi , Qiu Mengsheng , Dai Zhong-Min
Published: June 2016

DNA polymerases with proofreading activity are important for accurate amplification of target DNA. Despite numerous efforts have been made to improve the proofreading DNA polymerases, they are more susceptible to be failed in PCR than non-proofreading DNA polymerases. Here we showed that proofreading DNA polymerases can be inhibited by certain primers. Further analysis showed that G-rich sequences such as GGGGG and GGGGHGG can cause PCR failure using proofreading DNA polymerases but not Taq DNA polymerase. The inhibitory effect of these G-rich sequences is caused by G-quadruplex and is dose dependent. G-rich inhibitory sequence-containing primers can be used in PCR at a lower concentration to amplify its target DNA fragment.
Analyzing the performance of fluorescence parameters in the monitoring of leaf nitrogen content of paddy rice
Authors: Yang Jian , Gong Wei , Shi Shuo , Du Lin , Sun Jia , Song Shalei , Chen Biwu , Zhang Zhenbing
Published: June 2016

Leaf nitrogen content (LNC) is a significant factor which can be utilized to monitor the status of paddy rice and it requires a reliable approach for fast and precise quantification. This investigation aims to quantitatively analyze the correlation between fluorescence parameters and LNC based on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technology. The fluorescence parameters exhibited a consistent positive linear correlation with LNC in different growing years (2014 and 2015) and different rice cultivars. TheR2of the models varied from 0.6978 to 0.9045. Support vector machine (SVM) was then utilized to verify the feasibility of the fluorescence parameters for monitoring LNC. Comparison of the fluorescence parameters indicated that F740 is the most sensitive (theR2of linear regression analysis of the between predicted and measured values changed from 0.8475 to 0.9226, and REs ranged from 3.52% to 4.83%) to the changes in LNC among all fluorescence parameters. Experimental results demonstrated that fluorescence parameters based on LIF technology combined with SVM is a potential method for realizing real-time, non-destructive monitoring of paddy rice LNC, which can provide guidance for the decision-making of farmers in their N fertilization strategies.
Novel Therapeutic Effects of Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma for Muscle Regeneration and Differentiation
Authors: Choi Jae Won , Kang Sung Un , Kim Yang Eun , Park Ju Kyeong , Yang Sang Sik , Kim Yeon Soo , Lee Yun Sang , Lee Yuijina , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: June 2016

Skeletal muscle can repair muscle tissue damage, but significant loss of muscle tissue or its long-lasting chronic degeneration makes injured skeletal muscle tissue difficult to restore. It has been demonstrated that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) can be used in many biological areas including regenerative medicine. Therefore, we determined whether NTP, as a non-contact biological external stimulator that generates biological catalyzers, can induce regeneration of injured muscle without biomaterials. Treatment with NTP in the defected muscle of a Sprague Dawley (SD) rat increased the number of proliferating muscle cells 7 days after plasma treatment (dapt) and rapidly induced formation of muscle tissue and muscle cell differentiation at 14 dapt. In addition, in vitro experiments also showed that NTP could induce muscle cell proliferation and differentiation of human muscle cells. Taken together, our results demonstrated that NTP promotes restoration of muscle defects through control of cell proliferation and differentiation without biological or structural supporters, suggesting that NTP has the potential for use in muscle tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.
RIG-I inhibits pancreatic β cell proliferation through competitive binding of activated Src
Authors: Pan Yi , Li GuangMing , Zhong HengGao , Chen MeiJuan , Chen TingTing , Gao LiLi , Wu HuiWen , Guo Jun
Published: June 2016

Nutrition is a necessary condition for cell proliferation, including pancreatic β cells; however, over-nutrition, and the resulting obesity and glucolipotoxicity, is a risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and causes inhibition of pancreatic β-cells proliferation and their loss of compensation for insulin resistance. Here, we showed that Retinoic acid (RA)-inducible gene I (RIG-I) responds to nutrient signals and induces loss of β cell mass through G1 cell cycle arrest. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes (e.g., glucolipotoxicity, TNF-α and LPS) activate Src in pancreatic β cells. Elevated RIG-I modulated the interaction of activated Src and STAT3 by competitive binding to STAT3. Elevated RIG-I downregulated the transcription of SKP2, and increased the stability and abundance of P27 protein in a STAT3-dependent manner, which was associated with inhibition of β cell growth elicited by Src. These results supported a role for RIG-I in β cell mass loss under conditions of metabolic surplus and suggested that RIG-I-induced blocking of Src/STAT3 signalling might be involved in G1 phase cycle arrest through the Skp2/P27 pathway in pancreatic β cells.
Environmental and Pharmacological Manipulations Blunt the Stress Response of Zebrafish in a Similar Manner
Authors: Giacomini Ana Cristina V. V. , Abreu Murilo S. , Zanandrea Rodrigo , Saibt Natália , Friedrich Maria Tereza , Koakoski Gessi , Gusso Darlan , Piato Angelo L. , Barcellos Leonardo J. G.
Published: June 2016

Here we provide evidence that both pharmacological and environmental manipulations similarly blunt the cortisol release in response to an acute stressor in adult zebrafish. Different groups of fish were maintained isolated or group-housed in barren or enriched tanks, and then exposed or not to diazepam or fluoxetine. Acute stress increased cortisol levels in group-housed zebrafish maintained in barren environment. Single-housed zebrafish displayed a blunted cortisol response to stress. Environmental enrichment also blunted the stress response and this was observed in both isolated and group-housed fish. The same blunting effect was observed in zebrafish exposed to diazepam or fluoxetine. We highlighted environmental enrichment as an alternative and/or complimentary therapeutic for reducing stress and as a promoter of animal welfare.
A trans-diagnostic review of anxiety disorder comorbidity and the impact of multiple exclusion criteria on studying clinical outcomes in anxiety disorders
Authors: Goldstein-Piekarski A N , Williams L M , Humphreys K
Published: June 2016

Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with each other and with other serious mental disorders. As our field progresses, we have the opportunity to pursue treatment study designs that consider these comorbidities. In this perspective review, we first characterized the prevalence of multiple anxiety disorder comorbidity by reanalyzing national survey data, then conducted an English-language PubMed search of studies analyzing the impact of exclusion criteria on treatment outcome data. In the prevalence data, 60% of people with an anxiety disorder had one or more additional anxiety or depression diagnosis. Because our commonly applied exclusion criteria focus on a single diagnosis and do not consider a multiple comorbidity profile, the impact of the criteria may be to exclude up to 92% of anxiety disorder treatment seekers. Moreover, the findings do not suggest a consistent relationship between the number of exclusion criteria and the effect size of treatment outcomes. Thus, future studies might consider a more trans-diagnostic rationale for determining exclusion criteria, one that is generalizable to real-world settings in which multiple diagnoses commonly co-occur. The findings also encourage a more systematic reporting of rationales for the choice of—and the implications of—each exclusion criterion.
Introduction to Predictive Toxicogenomics for Carcinogenicity
Authors: Waters Michael D.
Published: June 2016

Gene expression analysis typically involves estimating transcript abundance typically using microarrays. Recently whole-transcriptome next-generation sequencing (RNA-Seq) has offered an alternative method. The use of these and other omics technologies in toxicogenomics is based on the assumption that drugs or chemicals that exhibit similar types and degrees of toxicity will induce similar profiles of molecular expression. When used in conjunction with conventional toxicity testing methods and/or histopathology, to provide context, these genomic snapshots or images of molecular expression can be assembled sequentially into a series of high-resolution profiles of adaptive and adverse effects. Predictive toxicogenomics for carcinogenicity uses molecular expression data based on transcripts, proteins, metabolites, and, more recently, epigenetic modifications to determine the potential carcinogenicity of drugs and chemicals. Health risk assessment involves determining causal events, processes and pathways that occur as a function of dose and time, and reflect particular drug or chemical modes of action. With this information, understanding and assessing health risks associated with environmentally relevant exposures is possible. The fundamental question to be addressed in this introductory chapter is how best to leverage the available methodologies in an integrated fashion to develop strategies to better evaluate chemicals for potential human health risks in the future.
Genomic Biomarkers in Cell-based Drug Screening
Authors: Li Heng-Hong
Published: June 2016

The development of in vitro molecular biomarkers to accurately predict toxicological effects has become a priority to advance testing strategies for human health risk assessment. The application of in vitro transcriptomic biomarkers promises increased throughput as well as a reduction in animal use. However, the fact that toxic agents may have pleiotropic effects and the lack of established guidelines for identifying the genomic biomarker make it difficult to compare transcriptome profiles across agents and studies. In this chapter we use genotoxicity as an example to elucidate how the genomic biomarker facilitates toxicity screening. Characteristic genotoxic stress response is discussed and an innovative cell-based biomarker application pipeline incorporating a dose optimization protocol is introduced. Based on this new experimental protocol and using the nearest shrunken centroids method a biomarker comprised of a panel of 65 genes has been identified, which could accurately classify toxicants as genotoxic or non-genotoxic. To validate the 65-gene panel as a genomic biomarker of genotoxicity, gene expression profiles of additional well-characterized model agents were analyzed and the case study demonstrated the practical application of this genomic biomarker-based approach in genotoxicity risk assessment.
In vivo Signatures of Genotoxic and Non-genotoxic Chemicals
Authors: Auerbach Scott S.
Published: June 2016

This chapter reviews the findings from a broad array of in vivo genomic studies with the goal of identifying a general signature of genotoxicity (GSG) that is indicative of exposure to genotoxic agents (i.e. agents that are active in either the bacterial mutagenesis and/or the in vivo micronucleus test). While the GSG has largely emerged from systematic studies of rat and mouse liver, its response is evident across a broad collection of genotoxic treatments that cover a variety of tissues and species. Pathway-based characterization of the GSG indicates that it is enriched with genes that are regulated by p53. In addition to the GSG, another pan-tissue signature related to bone marrow suppression (a common effect of genotoxic agent exposure) is reviewed. Overall, these signatures are quite effective in identifying genotoxic agents; however, there are situations where false positive findings can occur, for example when necrotizing doses of non-genotoxic soft electrophiles (e.g. thioacetamide) are used. For this reason specific suggestions for best practices for generating for use in the creation and application of in vivo genomic signatures are reviewed.
Novel Data Streams in the Assessment of Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity: Implications for Cancer Hazard Assessment
Authors: Guyton Kathryn Z. , Waters Michael D.
Published: June 2016

Carcinogenic hazard identification refers to an assessment of whether an agent causes cancer. In identifying causes of human cancer, hazard assessment does not predict the magnitude of cancer risks, but does consider all relevant information in evaluating the likelihood of cancer causation. This chapter will discuss the data streams and processes used to assess mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and other relevant toxicity. It will focus specifically on implications for cancer hazard assessment. When human evidence is less than sufficient, integrating across multiple data streams can help to reach hazard conclusions. Mechanistic data can be critical in the process. Challenges and opportunities in evaluating selected compounds in the context of the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs programme are presented. A discussion follows on how predictive modeling can aid in agent prioritization and in filling data gaps in carcinogenicity evaluations. This includes chemo-informatics approaches to prioritizing and grouping agents, as well as systematic approaches to identifying and presenting mechanistic evidence in human health assessments. Progress in addressing human variability is discussed and future directions in the evaluation of mechanistic data are explored. These discussions should be of interest to individuals engaged in the assessment of carcinogenic risk to humans.
The Parallelogram Approach to Assess Human Relevance of Toxicogenomics-derived Toxicity Pathways in Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Kienhuis Anne S. , Mennes Wim C. , Driessen Marja , van der Ven Leo T. M. , van Benthem Jan , Luijten Mirjam
Published: June 2016

Human health risk assessment is traditionally performed using rodent in vivo studies. Novel approaches to traditional risk assessment include in vitro testing and toxicogenomics. We summarize studies that show the applicability of the parallelogram approach and the concordance model to evaluate human relevance of toxicogenomics data. The principle is that increasing overlap in toxicogenomics derived toxicity pathways between species and in vivo–in vitro (including human-based in vitro assays) increases the confidence in the human relevance of these pathways. These approaches can currently be applied for hazard identification in risk assessment. Additionally, our studies have demonstrated the usefulness of these approaches for evaluating in vitro assays for toxicity assessment. Recent studies have also shown the promise of quantitative toxicogenomics for dose–response modeling in human health risk assessment. Challenges for implementation of quantitative toxicogenomics in regulatory frameworks include interpretation of toxicogenomics data in terms of toxicity pathways and discrimination between adverse and adaptive responses. Despite these challenges, it is worth starting implementing toxicogenomics for regulatory purposes. In this respect, both the parallelogram approach and the concordance model may aid in selecting the most sensitive human relevant pathways linked to the underlying mode(s) of action in order to derive benchmark doses.
Electrostatic gating in carbon nanotube aptasensors
Authors: Zheng Han Yue , Alsager Omar A. , Zhu Bicheng , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka , Hodgkiss Justin M. , Plank Natalie O. V.
Published: June 2016

Synthetic DNA aptamer receptors could boost the prospects of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based electronic biosensors if signal transduction can be understood and engineered.
A novel p-type and metallic dual-functional Cu–Al2O3 ultra-thin layer as the back electrode enabling high performance of thin film solar cells
Authors: Lin Qinxian , Su Yantao , Zhang Ming-Jian , Yang Xiaoyang , Yuan Sheng , Hu Jiangtao , Lin Yuan , Liang Jun , Pan Feng
Published: June 2016

Increasing the open-circuit voltage (Voc) along with the fill factor (FF) is pivotal for the performance improvement of solar cells.
The surface sulfur doping induced enhanced performance of cobalt catalysts in oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Al-Mamun Mohammad , Zhu Zhengju , Yin Huajie , Su Xintai , Zhang Haimin , Liu Porun , Yang Huagui , Wang Dan , Tang Zhiyong , Wang Yun , Zhao Huijun
Published: June 2016

Surface sulfur-doping can change the electronic properties of Co catalysts, leading to significantly improved performance in oxygen evolution reactions.
The effect of terminal substituents on the electronic properties of rod-shaped [HGaNH]n oligomers
Authors: Pomogaeva A. V. , Timoshkin A. Y.
Published: June 2016

The effect of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing terminal groups on the electronic structure of the rod-shaped X3[HGaNH]nY3 or needle-shaped XGa[HGaNH]nNY oligomers (X, Y = H, CH3, F, CF3; n = 9, 30 and 114) was computationally studied at the B3LYP/SVP level of density functional theory.
Scandium carbides/cyanides in the boron cage: computational prediction of X@B80(X = Sc2C2, Sc3C2, Sc3CN and Sc3C2CN)
Authors: Jin Peng , Liu Chang , Hou Qinghua , Li Lanlan , Tang Chengchun , Chen Zhongfang
Published: June 2016

As the first study on metal carbide/cyanide boron clusterfullerenes, four novel scandium cluster-containing B80buckyball derivatives, namely Sc2C2@B80, Sc3C2@B80, Sc3CN@B80and Sc3C2CN@B80, were investigated by means of density functional theory computations.
Space charge limited release of charged inverse micelles in non-polar liquids
Authors: Prasad Manoj , Strubbe Filip , Beunis Filip , Neyts Kristiaan
Published: June 2016

Charged inverse micelles (CIMs) generated during a continuous polarizing voltage between electrodes in the model system of polyisobutylene succinimide in dodecane do not populate a diffuse double layer like CIMs present in equilibrium (regular CIMs), but instead end up in interface layers.
Relativistic DFT and experimental studies of mono- and bis-actinyl complexes of an expanded Schiff-base polypyrrole macrocycle
Authors: Zheng Xiu-Jun , Bell Nicola L. , Stevens Charlotte J. , Zhong Yu-Xi , Schreckenbach Georg , Arnold Polly L. , Love Jason B. , Pan Qing-Jiang
Published: June 2016

Relativistic DFT calculations present accurate geometries of complexes and redox properties, confirmed by the newly-developed experimental syntheses.
Enhancement of the coercivity in Co–Ni layered double hydroxides by increasing basal spacing
Authors: Zhang Cuijuan , Tsuboi Tomoya , Namba Hiroaki , Einaga Yasuaki , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: June 2016

Modification of the magnetic ordering in Co–Ni layered double hydroxides was observed by intercalating n-alkylsulfonate ions.
Preparation of α-Fe2O3/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber mat as an effective lead adsorbent
Authors: Chang Jiao , Wang Jianqiang , Qu Jin , Vivian Li Yan , Ma Lijing , Wang Lifang , Wang Xiuxing , Pan Kai
Published: June 2016

α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been widely used in water purification because of their effective adsorption performance.
Comparison of capacitive and radio frequency resonator sensors for monitoring parallelized droplet microfluidic production
Authors: Conchouso David , McKerricher Garret , Arevalo Arpys , Castro David , Shamim Atif , Foulds Ian G.
Published: June 2016

Measuring the dielectric properties of emulsions using capacitive or RF resonator sensors can provide a quality control method for industrial-scale droplet production.
Paper-based sensors and assays: a success of the engineering design and the convergence of knowledge areas
Authors: López-Marzo Adaris M. , Merkoçi Arben
Published: June 2016

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) as a result of the synergism of multiple knowledge areas and engineering designs.
Selective MS screening reveals a sex pheromone in Caenorhabditis briggsae and species-specificity in indole ascaroside signalling
Authors: Dong Chuanfu , Dolke Franziska , von Reuss Stephan H.
Published: June 2016

Highly potent nematode-derived signalling components have been characterized using a combination of comparative metabolomics, isolation, total synthesis, and bioassays.
In vitro and in vivo assessment of novel pH-sensitive interpenetrating polymer networks of a graft copolymer for gastro-protective delivery of ketoprofen
Authors: Boppana Rashmi , Kulkarni Raghavendra V. , Mohan G. Krishna , Mutalik Srinivas , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: June 2016

Novel pH-sensitive IPN microbeads exhibited drug release in response to changing pH and reduced side effects of ketoprofenin vivo.
Band gap and morphology engineering of TiO2 by silica and fluorine co-doping for efficient ultraviolet and visible photocatalysis
Authors: Tang Hua , Chang Shufang , Wu Kongqiang , Tang Guogang , Fu Yanhui , Liu Qinqin , Yang Xiaofei
Published: June 2016

Silicon and fluorine co-doped anatase TiO2 (Si–F–TiO2) photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity were successfully prepared via a facile two-step synthetic method by using SiO2 powders and (NH4)2TiF6 as the precursors.
Amino-functionalized metal–organic framework for adsorption and separation of dichloromethane and trichloromethane
Authors: Tian Fengming , Zhang Xinghua , Chen Yunlin
Published: June 2016

MOF functionalized with –NH2 exhibits improved adsorption capacity and selectivity for the adsorption and separation of dichloromethane and trichloromethane.
Products, mechanism, and kinetics of OH radical-initiated oxidation degradation of 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl in the atmosphere
Authors: Sun Yanhui , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: June 2016

To better understand the behavior, fate and oxidation products of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere, probing the atmospheric oxidation mechanism and kinetic properties of PCBs is of crucial importance.
Metal-free C-3 alkylation of imidazopyridines with xanthates and convenient access to alpidem and zolpidem
Authors: Wang Shucheng , Huang Xuhu , Ge Zemei , Wang Xin , Li Runtao
Published: June 2016

A metal-free process for the C-3 alkylation of imidazopyridines have been developed. Various alkylation products including alkyl ester-, cyano-, ketone- and amide-substituted imidazopyridines were prepared in good yields.
Low temperature synthesis of LiSi2N3 nanobelts via molten salt nitridation and their photoluminescence properties
Authors: Liang Feng , Tian Liang , Zhang Haijun , Liang Feng , Liu Simin , Cheng Rongsheng , Zhang Shaowei
Published: June 2016

LiSi2N3 nanobelts are synthesized using a novel low temperature MSN technique for the first time. The LiSi2N3 nanobelts show an optical band gap of 5.25 eV and exhibit an intense violet-blue PL emission with a peak at 459 nm at ambient temperature.
Crystalline pyrazine-2-amidoxime isolated by diffusion method and its structural and behavioral analysis in the context of crystal engineering and microbiological activity
Authors: Chylewska Agnieszka , Ogryzek Małgorzata , Głębocka Angelika , Sikorski Artur , Turecka Katarzyna , Raczyńska Ewa. D. , Makowski Mariusz
Published: June 2016

The physicochemical characterizations ofPAOXwere obtained both in solid-state and solution, and its two anti-conformers were observed in the X-ray. Its antimicrobial properties were tested against reference strains of bacteria and yeast.
Nitrogen-doped carbon-coated Ti–Fe–O nanocomposites with enhanced reversible capacity and rate capability for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Tao , Bai Xue , Lun Ning , Qi Yong-Xin , Tian Yun , Bai Yu-Jun
Published: June 2016

An N-doped carbon-coated Ti–Fe–O multicomponent nanocomposite with a moderate Ti/Fe molar ratio of 1 : 2 exhibits good cycling performance as well as outstanding rate capability.
Stable micelles formed through a stereocomplex of amphiphilic copolymers zwitterionic-(PLLA)2and MPEG-(PDLA)2for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Zhao Shasha , Fan Xiaoshan , Li Xiaoyan , Lv Xianglin , Zhang Weiwei , Hu Zhiguo
Published: June 2016

Y-Shaped amphiphilic copolymers (zwitterionic-(PLLA2.5K)2and MPEG-(PDLA2.5K)2) were synthesized through click reaction. The aggregation behavior of the polymers and their stereocomplexes and the DOX release profile from the aggregates were studied.
Highly efficient orange phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes based on an iridium(iii) complex with diethyldithiocarbamate (S^S) as the ancillary ligand
Authors: Mei Qunbo , Chen Chen , Tian Ruqiang , Yang Min , Tong Bihai , Hua Qingfang , Shi Yujie , Fan Quli , Ye Shanghui
Published: June 2016

A novel iridium(iii) complex Ir(dpp)2(dta) with diethyldithiocarbamate (S^S) as the ancillary ligand was synthesized and characterized. The polymer organic light-emitting device based on Ir(dpp)2(dta) has been fabricated.
Metal-free oxidative functionalization of C(sp3)–H of ketones and alcohols for the synthesis of isoquinolinonediones
Authors: Zhu Su-Li , Zhou Ping-Xin , Xia Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2016

A metal-free alkyl radical induced addition/cyclization reaction of acrylamide has been developed.
Collective formal synthesis of (±)-rhynchophylline and homologues
Authors: Xu Jun , Shao Li-Dong , Shi Xin , Ren Jian , Xia Chengfeng , Zhao Qin-Shi
Published: June 2016

A collective formal synthesis approach to six bioactive oxindole alkaloids, including (±)-rhynchophylline and its five homologues, is completed in a highly efficient way.
Direct access to stabilized CuI using cuttlebone as a natural-reducing support for efficient CuAAC click reactions in water
Authors: Ghodsinia Sara S. E. , Akhlaghinia Batool , Jahanshahi Roya
Published: June 2016

Cuttlebone@CuCl2 as a highly active, versatile, and green heterogeneous catalyst was investigated for the efficient preparation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles through the one-pot Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction in water.
Encapsulation of curcumin over carbon dot coated TiO2 nanoparticles for pH sensitive enhancement of anticancer and anti-psoriatic potential
Authors: Sawant V. J. , Bamane S. R. , Kanase D. G. , Patil S. B. , Ghosh Jai
Published: June 2016

The surface engineering of rutile phase TiO2 nanoparticles was performed by carbogenic carbon dots for biological applications.
A choline hydroxide catalyzed synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones in an aqueous medium
Authors: Borase Pravin N. , Thale Pranila B. , Shankarling G. S.
Published: June 2016

A simple, metal and ligand-free protocol for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives using choline hydroxide (ChOH) as an effective catalyst in an aqueous medium has been developed.
Thermally controlling the singlet–triplet energy gap of a diradical in the solid state
Authors: Su Yuanting , Wang Xingyong , Wang Lei , Zhang Zaichao , Wang Xinping , Song You , Power Philip P.
Published: June 2016

Diradicals, molecules with two unpaired electrons, are reactive intermediates that play an important role in many fields.
Fabrication of high performance oxygen sensors using multilayer oxides with high interfacial conductivity
Authors: Yao Lei , Ou Gang , Liu Wei , Zhao Xiaohui , Nishijima Hiroki , Pan Wei
Published: June 2016

Fabrication of oxygen sensors using Ce0.8Sm0.1Nd0.1O2−δ/Al2O3multilayered electrolytes with high interfacial ionic conductivity which endows the sensors with low operating temperature and excellent performances.
A new strategy to construct thermoelectric composites of SWCNTs and poly-Schiff bases with 1,4-diazabuta-1,3-diene structures acting as bidentate-chelating units
Authors: Gao Caiyan , Chen Guangming
Published: June 2016

A new strategy has been developed to achieve thermoelectric composites of SWCNTs and poly-Schiff bases, which are obtained via a convenient one-pot synthesis and can chelate transition metal ions to adjust their thermoelectric properties.
From fibrous elastin proteins to one-dimensional transition metal phosphides and their applications
Authors: Guo Guilue , Guo Yuanyuan , Tan Huiteng , Yu Hong , Chen Weihan , Fong Eileen , Yan Qingyu
Published: June 2016

Synthesis and energy storage applications of 1D nanostructured TMPs using fibrous proteins as starting materials through an oil-phase method are demonstrated.
Reversible thermo-stimulus solid-state fluorescence-colour/on–off switching and uses as sensitive fluorescent thermometers in different temperature ranges
Authors: Zhu Qiuhua , Yang Weijie , Zheng Sichao , Sung Herman H. Y. , Williams Ian D. , Liu Shuwen , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2016

Polymorphs 1b/1c show unusual sensitive and reversible thermo-stimulus solid-state fluorescence-colour/on–off switching in different temperature ranges.
High efficiency organosilicon-containing polymer sensors for the detection of trinitrotoluene and dinitrotoluene
Authors: Wang E , Sun Dianming , Li Huihui , Sun Xiaoli , Liu Junteng , Ren Zhongjie , Yan Shouke
Published: June 2016

PCzSiPh shows a better performance, and the quenching efficiency of the PCzSiPh films in TNT and DNT vapor can reach 91.0 ± 0.3% and 94.4 ± 0.3%.
On the performance of the Poisson‐point‐process‐based networks with no channel state information feedback
Authors: Fang Chao , Makki Behrooz , Svensson Tommy
Published: June 2016

Recently, substantial attention has been paid to analyse the performance of wireless networks in the cases where the positions of the base stations are modelled by stochastic geometry. In this study, the authors analyse the performance of Rayleigh‐fading Poisson‐point‐process (PPP)‐based networks. They derive the optimal transmission rate that maximises the per‐user throughput. Also, they determine sufficient conditions for positive diversity gain in PPP‐based networks, develop tight approximations for the effective density of the network and give a simplified expression to calculate the outage probability for the interference‐limited case. The analytical and the numerical results demonstrate considerable potential for efficient data transmission in PPP‐based networks.
Bounds on achievable degrees of freedom in blind cellular networks
Authors: Ghiamatyoun Alireza , Olfat Ali
Published: June 2016

Cellular networks are of particular interest when communication takes place. The main barrier of employing cellular networks to reach broad access everywhere is interference. Although interference alignment has by theory raised hopes to leap this last hurdle, however, no operator will show interest for practical implementation of the complicated algorithms proposed so far, especially considering the need for global channel knowledge. Besides, there is no measure to appraise the performance of existing algorithms. In this study, the authors study blind cellular networks to characterise their achievable degrees of freedom. As it is very hard – if not impossible – to obtain its exact value, they provide related upper and lower bounds for this special scenario when power control mechanism is applied in the network. They also propose constructive proof for the lower bound and offer their seminal blind resource allocation algorithm in which they utilise concepts of both frequency alignment and fractional frequency reuse. Analytical upper bounds are also proposed and proved to be tight with respect to simulated results.
Secure transmission in the random cognitive radio networks with secrecy guard zone and artificial noise
Authors: Cai Yueming , Xu Xiaoming , Yang Weiwei
Published: June 2016

The authors study the secure transmission design in random cognitive radio networks where the primary users, the secondary users and the eavesdroppers are randomly distributed according to Poisson point processes. Centring on this scenario, the authors propose a simple and decentralised secure transmission scheme by jointly incorporating the secrecy guard zone and artificial noise. In particular, this transmission scheme helps to enhance secrecy performance via differentiating between secondary transmitters in accordance with the eavesdropping environment. They then analyse the connection outage and secrecy outage performance of the secondary network, based on which they obtain the closed‐form expression of the secrecy throughput. They further determine the optimal transmission power of the secondary transmitters and the optimal power allocation between the information‐bearing signal and artificial noise to maximise the secrecy throughput of the secondary network under primary and secondary outage constraints. The authors’ analysis highlights that introducing secrecy guard zone provides better security performance, and artificial noise performs as additional interference to insert a control between the reliability and security. Numerical results show how the system parameters affect the achievable maximum secrecy throughput, the optimal transmission power and the optimal power allocation between the information‐bearing signal and the artificial noise.
Adaptive algorithm for estimating power frequency phasors using dynamic window length
Authors: Yang Liming , Jiao Zaibin , Kang Xiaoning , Song Guobing , Suonan Jiale
Published: June 2016

Estimating phasors as quickly as possible while guaranteeing accuracy is important to ensure reliable fault detection and isolation in power systems. Window length is an important factor for phasor estimation. The conventional fixed window length cannot handle well the many and diverse fault voltage and current signals. By analysing the relationship between accuracy and window length of a phasor estimation using the matrix pencil method, a criterion is established to determine whether or not the estimated phasor is credible. Then, an adaptive algorithm to estimate the phasors using dynamic window length is proposed. Analytical and experimental investigations show that the proposed algorithm can accurately and timely estimate phasors and can enable reliable and quick relay operation.
Design of reactive power regulator of synchronous generators by considering grid impedance angle for characteristic index objectives
Authors: Raboni Pietro , Chaudhary Sanjay , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2016

Effects of low reactance to resistance ratio in distribution networks are widely studied but little work dealing with the tuning of voltage and reactive power regulators of small synchronous generators has been reported. This study endeavours the design of a proportional integral controller for the reactive power regulator to fulfil the characteristic index (CI) objectives, which are based on the step‐response characteristics. Two small‐signal models of the reactive power regulator have been developed from the well‐known k‐parameter model and they are validated. Apart from offline tuning of the regulator, these models can be used to assess system robustness and stability. In addition to the analytical approach, the same regulator is tuned optimally by means of multiple simulations. Proposed objective functions rely on the CIs tracked during the sequence of runs, whereas the traditional cost functions are formulated on the basis of the integral of an error. This difference makes them suitable for the cases where the entire step‐response data series are unavailable. The performances of differently tuned regulators are compared considering a test system including a 100 kW Diesel Generator Set equipped with a brushless exciter.
Aspect invariant features for radar target recognition
Authors: Doo Seung Ho , Smith Graeme E. , Baker Chris J.
Published: June 2016

In this study, the authors introduce a novel method of target feature extraction that in one form attempts to reduce variability inherent in target signatures and in a second form attempts to exploit the variability. It is well known that radar target signatures can be subject to significant fluctuations as a function of viewing geometry and that this behaviour severely degrades the performance of automatic target recognition algorithms. Here, they propose one variability reduction technique which groups strong scatterers in target signatures. A second method exploits variability by using the difference between two reduced resolution images to extract target angular stability information. In both cases, a grid cell structure enables extraction of these relatively stable features from synthetic aperture radar images with low computational complexity. Results, using measured target data taken from the MSTAR dataset, demonstrate that the proposed method of selecting feature vectors significantly improve the overall classification performance. A correct classification rate of 96% is reached in testing.
Embolic Protection using the WIRION Embolic Protection System with JetStream Atherectomy in a Patient with Superficial Femoral Artery Chronic total Occlusion
Authors: Shammas Nicolas
Published: June 2016

Distal embolization is a common occurrence with peripheral arterial interventions and is more frequent with the use of atherectomy devices. We report the first case of JetStream atherectomy (Boston Scientific, Maple Grove, MN) with the use of the novel WIRION embolic protection system filter. The procedure was performed successfully with no distal embolizations beyond the filter and with no complications in the delivery or retrieval of the filter. The pros and cons of the off label use of this filter with JetStream atherectomy are discussed.
Application of prognostic breeding in maize
Authors: Greveniotis Vasileios , Fasoula Vasilia A.
Published: June 2016

Innovative approaches and new efficiencies in plant breeding are required to accelerate the progress of genetic improvement through selection. One such approach is the application of prognostic breeding, which is an integrated crop-improvement methodology that enables selection of plants for high crop yield potential by evaluating its two components: plant yield potential and stability of performance. Plant yield and stability are assessed concurrently in each generation by utilising the plant prognostic equation. The genetic material used for this study was 2350 F2 plants (C0) of the commercial maize hybrid Costanza. The study presents the results of the application of prognostic breeding for 6 years in two contrasting environments (A and B), starting from C0 and ending in C5. It utilises ultra-high selection pressures (1.5% to 0.5%) to isolate superior lines with crop yield comparable to Costanza, and estimates the annual genetic gain accomplished through application of this selection strategy. Application of prognostic breeding led to the isolation of superior lines whose productivity was comparable to Costanza. The productivity gap between Costanza and the best selection was reduced from 87% (C0) to 0.5% (C5) in trial 1 (environment A), from 87% (C0) to 2% (C5) in trial 2 (environment B) and from 70% (C0) to 1% (C3) in trial 3 (environment B). Genetic gain was much higher (up to 50%) in the early cycles C0–C2 of prognostic breeding and smaller in cycles C3–C5. The best lines selected were evaluated in randomised complete block trials across both environments and 2 years. Across years, the top two lines in environments A and B averaged 87% and 91% of the Costanza yield, respectively, and they had higher prolificacy (greater number of ears per plant) than Costanza. Across all cycles, the average annual genetic gain ranged from 23% to 36% in the different trials, providing evidence that selection efficiency can be significantly maximised by using this breeding strategy.
Competition and growth of a grass–legume mixture fertilised with nitrogen and phosphorus: effect on nutrient acquisition, root morphology and symbiosis with soil microorganisms
Authors: Mendoza Rodolfo , García Ileana , Deplama Daniela , López Carolina Fernández
Published: June 2016

Achieving a fast initial growth is crucial for legumes because grasses grow more rapidly and compete much better with forbs. In a pot experiment with a nutrient-deficient soil, we added nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and N + P to pure and mixed stands of Lotus tenuis and Festuca arundinacea and investigated the effects of on plant growth, nutrient uptake and symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizae and rhizobia. Plant yield, N and P acquisition, mycorrhizal colonisation, rhizobial nodulation and root length were measured and root diameter and root surface area were calculated after two harvests. Species responded differently to specific nutrients when grown pure or mixed. Comparing pure with mixed stands in soils fertilised with P and N + P, L. tenuis showed decreased shoot and particularly root biomass, whereas F. arundinacea showed increases in both biomasses. This suggests that the competitiveness of the grass with the legume increased upon P and N + P addition. In mixed stands, F. arundinacea produced 51–64% of the total shoot biomass and 69–74% of the total root biomass with P and N + P, respectively. Root length and root surface area were greater and the roots thinner in F. arundinacea than in L. tenuis. Addition of P and N + P increased rhizobial nodulation in legume roots but decreased mycorrhizal colonisation in both plants. Supply of N does not necessarily favour grasses, whereas P supply favours legumes. Optimisation of P nutrition might help to maximise N inputs into grasslands by symbiotic N-fixation and decrease inputs of inorganic N by fertilisation.