bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diversity in Bangladesh utilizing genomic epidemiology
Authors: Sahl Jason W. , Sistrunk Jeticia R. , Baby Nabilah Ibnat , Begum Yasmin , Luo Qingwei , Sheikh Alaullah , Qadri Firdausi , Fleckenstein James M. , Rasko David A.
Published: June 2017

EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) cause more than 500,000 deaths each year in the developing world and are characterized on a molecular level by the presence of genes that encode the heat-stable (ST) and/or heat-labile (LT) enterotoxins, as well as surface structures, known as colonization factors (CFs). Genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of 94 previously uncharacterized ETEC isolates demonstrated remarkable genomic diversity, with 28 distinct sequence types identified in three phylogenomic groups. Interestingly, there is a correlation between the genomic sequence type and virulence factor profiles based on prevalence of the isolate, suggesting that there is an optimal combination of genetic factors required for survival, virulence and transmission in the most successful clones. A large-scale BLAST score ratio (LS-BSR) analysis was further applied to identify ETEC-specific genomic regions when compared to non-ETEC genomes, as well as genes that are more associated with clinical presentations or other genotypic markers. Of the strains examined, 21 of 94 ETEC isolates lacked any previously identified CF. Homology searches with the structural subunits of known CFs identified 6 new putative CF variants. These studies provide a roadmap to exploit genomic analyses by directing investigations of pathogenesis, virulence regulation and vaccine development.
Integrin α2β1 in nonactivated conformation can induce focal adhesion kinase signaling
Authors: Salmela Maria , Jokinen Johanna , Tiitta Silja , Rappu Pekka , Cheng R. Holland , Heino Jyrki
Published: June 2017

Conformational activation of integrins is generally required for ligand binding and cellular signalling. However, we have previously reported that the nonactivated conformation of α2β1 integrin can also bind to large ligands, such as human echovirus 1. In this study, we show that the interaction between the nonactivated integrin and a ligand resulted in the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in a protein kinase C dependent manner. A loss-of-function mutation, α2E336A, in the α2-integrin did not prevent the activation of FAK, nor did EDTA-mediated inactivation of the integrin. Full FAK activation was observed, since phosphorylation was not only confirmed in residue Y397, but also in residues Y576/7. Furthermore, initiation of downstream signaling by paxillin phosphorylation in residue Y118 was evident, even though this activation was transient by nature, probably due to the lack of talin involvement in FAK activation and the absence of vinculin in the adhesion complexes formed by the nonactivated integrins. Altogether these results indicate that the nonactivated integrins can induce cellular signaling, but the outcome of the signaling differs from conventional integrin signaling.
Electron-band theory inspired design of magnesium–precious metal bulk metallic glasses with high thermal stability and extended ductility
Authors: Laws Kevin J. , Shamlaye Karl F. , Granata Davide , Koloadin Leah S. , Löffler Jörg F.
Published: June 2017

Magnesium-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) exhibit high specific strengths and excellent glass-forming ability compared to other metallic systems, making them suitable candidates for next-generation materials. However, current Mg-based BMGs tend to exhibit low thermal stability and are prone to structural relaxation and brittle failure. This study presents a range of new magnesium–precious metal-based BMGs from the ternary Mg–Ag–Ca, Mg–Ag–Yb, Mg–Pd–Ca and Mg–Pd–Yb alloy systems with Mg content greater than 67 at.%. These alloys were designed for high ductility by utilising atomic bond-band theory and a topological efficient atomic packing model. BMGs from the Mg–Pd–Ca alloy system exhibit high glass-forming ability with critical casting sizes of up to 3 mm in diameter, the highest glass transition temperatures (>200 °C) of any reported Mg-based BMG to date, and sustained compressive ductility. Alloys from the Mg–Pd–Yb family exhibit critical casting sizes of up to 4 mm in diameter, and the highest compressive plastic (1.59%) and total (3.78%) strain to failure of any so far reported Mg-based glass. The methods and theoretical approaches presented here demonstrate a significant step forward in the ongoing development of this extraordinary class of materials.
In-depth method assessments of differentially expressed protein detection for shotgun proteomics data with missing values
Authors: Wang Jinxia , Li Liwei , Chen Tao , Ma Jie , Zhu Yunping , Zhuang Jujuan , Chang Cheng
Published: June 2017

Considering as one of the major goals in quantitative proteomics, detection of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) plays an important role in biomarker selection and clinical diagnostics. There have been plenty of algorithms and tools focusing on DEP detection in proteomics research. However, due to the different application scopes of these methods, and various kinds of experiment designs, it is not very apparent about the best choice for large-scale proteomics data analyses. Moreover, given the fact that proteomics data usually contain high percentage of missing values (MVs), but few replicates, a systematic evaluation of the DEP detection methods combined with the MV imputation methods is essential and urgent. Here, we analyzed a total of four representative imputation methods and five DEP methods on different experimental and simulated datasets. The results showed that (i) MV imputation could not always improve the performances of DEP detection methods and the imputation effects differed in the missing value percentages; (ii) the DEP detection methods had different statistical powers affected by the percentage of MVs. Two statistical methods (i.e. the empirical Bayesian random censoring threshold model, and the significance analysis of microarray) performed better than the other evaluated methods in terms of accuracy and sensitivity.
Streptococcus sp. in neonatal endotracheal tube biofilms is associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia and enhanced biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Pan Yun , Song Sijie , Tang Xiaoli , Ai Qing , Zhu Danping , Liu Zhenqiu , Yu Jialin
Published: June 2017

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication of mechanical ventilation leading to high morbidity and mortality among intubated neonates in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Endotracheal tube (ETT) biofilm flora were considered to be responsible for the occurrence of VAP as a reservoir of pathogens. However, regarding neonates with VAP, little is known about the complex microbial signatures in ETT biofilms. In the present study, a culture-independent approach based on next generation sequencing was performed as an initial survey to investigate the microbial communities in ETT biofilms of 49 intubated neonates with and without VAP. Our results revealed a far more complex microflora in ETT biofilms from intubated neonates compared to a previous culture-based study. The abundance of Streptococci in ETT biofilms was significantly related to the onset of VAP. By isolating Streptococci in ETT biofilms, we found that Streptococci enhanced biofilm formation of the common nosocomial pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 and decreased IL-8 expression of airway epithelia cells exposed to the biofilm conditioned medium of PAO1. This study provides new insight into the pathogenesis of VAP among intubated neonates. More studies focusing on intubated neonates are warranted to develop strategies to address this important nosocomial disease in NICUs.
Determination of arsenic and lead in single hair strands by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Luo Ruxin , Su Xiaohong , Xu Weicong , Zhang Sujing , Zhuo Xianyi , Ma Dong
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop matrix-matched hair standards and a LA-ICP-MS technique for determination of the As and Pb in a single human hair using single spot scan mode. These results could subsequently be used to infer when the element entered the body. This study was conducted in two parts. First, a method was developed and validated for the elemental analysis of hair by LA-ICP-MS. A calibration strategy in LA-ICP-MS was developed using prepared matrix-matched laboratory hair standards doped with analytes of interest at a defined concentration. The use of hair strand standards enables calibration curves to be obtained by plotting the analyte ion (M+) intensity normalized to34S+(the ratio M+/34S+) as a function of the concentration determined by ICP-MS of the acidic digests. The linear correlation coefficients (R2) of the calibration curves for the analytes As and Pb were typically between 0.9970 and 0.9998, respectively. Second, an actual hair was measured using the developed method. The spatial distribution of As along the hair was observed in a hair sample from a leukaemia patient treated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3). The actual and estimated times over which the drug entered the body were compared and discussed.
Protective and therapeutic effect of felodipine against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Niino Tomomi , Ishihara Tomoaki , Takafuji Ayaka , Takayama Takahiro , Kanda Yuki , Sugizaki Toshifumi , Tamura Fumiya , Kurotsu Shota , Kawahara Masahiro , Mizushima Tohru
Published: June 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) involves alveolar epithelial injury and abnormal collagen production caused by activated fibroblasts; transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is implicated in this activation. In this study, we screened for chemicals capable of inhibiting TGF-β1-induced collagen production in cultured fibroblasts from medicines already in clinical use. We selected felodipine based on its extent of collagen production inhibition, clinical safety profile, and other pharmacological activity. Felodipine is a dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker that has been used clinically to treat patients with high blood pressure. Felodipine suppressed collagen production within LL29 cells in the presence of TGF-β1, but not in its absence. Intratracheal administration of felodipine prevented bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, alteration of lung mechanics and respiratory dysfunction. Felodipine also improved pulmonary fibrosis, as well as lung and respiratory function when administered after fibrosis development. Furthermore, administration of felodipine suppressed a bleomycin-induced increase in activated fibroblasts in the lung. We also found other dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blockers (nifedipine and benidipine) inhibited collagen production in vitro and partially prevented bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, alteration of lung mechanics and respiratory dysfunction in vivo. We propose that these Ca2+ channel blockers may be therapeutically beneficial for IPF patients.
Competing Factors Link to Bone Health in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation Takes a Toll
Authors: Kalyan Shirin , Patel Millan S. , Kingwell Elaine , Côté Hélène C. F. , Liu Danmei , Prior Jerilynn C.
Published: June 2017

Chronic inflammation predisposes to poor bone health. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience androgen excess, ovulatory disturbances, insulin resistance, abdominal adiposity and chronic inflammation. Our objective was to investigate the relationships among bone health parameters, chronic subclinical inflammation and anthropometric measures in premenopausal women with and without PCOS. In 61 premenopausal women, 22 women with PCOS and 39 controls, we assessed bone parameters (total hip bone mineral density [BMD] by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and radius strength-strain index [SSI] by peripheral quantitative computed tomography), inflammation (C-reactive protein/albumin), oxidative stress (leukocyte telomere length, urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine); hemoglobin A1c; anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, cross-sectional muscle area). A diagnosis of PCOS negatively predicted (beta = −0.251, p = 0.022) hip BMD in a regression model including weight. In women with PCOS, inflammation, which was predicted by increased waist-to-height ratio and current use of oral contraceptives, attenuated the positive influences of increased weight and muscle mass on bone strength and was inversely associated with radial SSI (R2 = 0.25, p = 0.018). In conclusion, chronic subclinical inflammation may negatively impact bone physiology in women with PCOS. Strategies focused on reducing abdominal adiposity and avoiding medications that increase inflammation may counter this effect.
Performance of four modern whole genome amplification methods for copy number variant detection in single cells
Authors: Deleye Lieselot , Tilleman Laurentijn , Vander Plaetsen Ann-Sophie , Cornelis Senne , Deforce Dieter , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip
Published: June 2017

Whole genome amplification (WGA) has become an invaluable tool to perform copy number variation (CNV) detection in single, or a limited number of cells. Unfortunately, current WGA methods introduce representation bias that limits the detection of small CNVs. New WGA methods have been introduced that might have the potential to reduce this bias. We compared the performance of PicoPLEX DNA-Seq (Picoseq), DOPlify, REPLI-g and Ampli-1 WGA for aneuploidy screening and copy number analysis using shallow whole genome massively parallel sequencing (MPS), starting from single or a limited number of cells. Although the four WGA methods perform differently, they are all suited for this application.
Local immunization impacts the response of dairy cows to Escherichia coli mastitis
Authors: Herry Vincent , Gitton Christophe , Tabouret Guillaume , Répérant Maryline , Forge Laurine , Tasca Christian , Gilbert Florence B. , Guitton Edouard , Barc Céline , Staub Christophe , Smith David G. E. , Germon Pierre , Foucras Gilles , Rainard Pascal
Published: June 2017

Current vaccines to Escherichia coli mastitis have shown some albeit limited efficacy. Their mode of action has not been documented, and immune responses protecting the mammary gland against E. coli are not completely understood. To improve our knowledge of mammary gland immune protection, cows immunized either intramuscularly or intramammarily with the E. coli P4 were submitted to a homologous mastitis challenge. A third group of mock-immunized cows serve as challenge controls. Local immunization modified favorably the course of infection, by improving bacterial clearance while limiting inflammation. Systemic clinical signs and reduction in milk secretion were also contained. This occurred with a modification of the cytokine profile, such as an increase in IFN-γ and a reduction in TNF-α concentrations in milk. Concentrations of IL-17A and IL-22 increased in milk at the onset of the inflammatory response and remained high up to the elimination of bacteria, but concentrations did not differ between groups. Accelerated bacteriological cure was not linked to an increase in the initial efficiency of phagocytosis in milk. Results support the idea that antibodies did not play a major role in the improvement, and that cell-mediated immunity is the key to understanding E. coli vaccine-induced protection of the mammary gland.
Transfer behavior of odorous pollutants in wastewater sludge system under typical chemical conditioning processes for dewaterability enhancement
Authors: Gao Hongyu , Zhang Weijun , Song Zhenzhen , Yang Xiaofang , Yang Lian , Cao Mengdi , Wang Dongsheng , Liao Guiying
Published: June 2017

Chemical conditioning has been used for enhancing wastewater sludge dewaterability for many years, but the characteristics of odorous pollutants emission in sludge conditioning were still unclear. In this work, the transfer behavior of different odorous pollutants between air, liquid and solid phases under typical chemical conditioning processes for high-pressure dewatering was systematically investigated. The results indicated that that besides hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3), 21 kinds of volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while the concentrations and composition of odorous pollutants varied greatly for different conditioning processes. VOCs were composed by three main constituents including benzenes, halogeno benzene and hydrocarbons. According to mass balance analysis, about 50% of VOCs adsorbed within sludge extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) fraction. Since EPS was damaged and/or flocculation in different chemical conditioning processes, VOCs distributed in solid phase transformed into liquid phase and then released into air. The discrepancies in mass of odorous pollutants before and after chemical conditioning were likely to be related to chemical conversion under acidification, oxidation and precipitation in the presence of ferric ions.
Two tetraphenylethene-containing coordination polymers for reversible mechanochromism
Authors: Zhao Si-Si , Chen Li , Wang Lei , Xie Zhigang
Published: June 2017

Two coordination polymers with reversible mechanochromic luminescence properties, which can be further applied as fluorescent sensors, have been assembled with 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)ethane (tppe) and CdCl2.
cis-Decalin oxidation as a stereochemical probe of in-MOF versus on-MOF catalysis
Authors: Cardenal Ashley D. , Jeong Park Hye , Chalker Cody J. , Ortiz Kacey G. , Powers David C.
Published: June 2017

Development of catalyst-controlled C–H hydroxylation could provide direct access to valuable synthetic targets, such as primary metabolites.
Palladium and visible-light mediated carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of unactivated alkyl halides and aryl boronic acids
Authors: Roslin Sara , Odell Luke R.
Published: June 2017

An efficient carbonylative coupling of aryl boronic acids and unactivated alkyl halides under visible-light irradiation and low CO-pressure is presented.
Improved photocathodic performance in Pt catalyzed ferroelectric BiFeO3 films sandwiched by a porous carbon layer
Authors: Gu Shoulin , Zhou Xiaoxue , Zheng Fengang , Fang Liang , Dong Wen , Shen Mingrong
Published: June 2017

A porous carbon buffer layer loaded with Pt is very effective for enhancing the solar-driven H2 production by the ferroelectric BiFeO3 film.
Development of an RNA aptamer that acquires binding capacity against HIV-1 Tat protein via G-quadruplex formation in response to potassium ions
Authors: Yamaoki Yudai , Nagata Takashi , Mashima Tsukasa , Katahira Masato
Published: June 2017

The development of the first K+-responsive RNA aptamer demonstrating ON/OFF switching of its target-binding activity by sensing the addition/removal of K+ is reported.
Experimental evaluation of room temperature crystallization and phase evolution of hybrid perovskite materials
Authors: Prathapani Sateesh , Choudhary Divya , Mallick Sudhanshu , Bhargava Parag , Yella Aswani
Published: June 2017

Conversion of PbI2 into FAPbI3.
Switching of the products by changing the size and shape of catalytic nanoparticles during CVD growth of MoS2nanotubes
Authors: Mengting Weng , Yanase Takashi , Uehara Fumiya , Watanabe Sho , Miura Takuya , Nagahama Taro , Shimada Toshihiro
Published: June 2017

MoS2nanotubes are grown by CVD with FeO catalyst nanoparticles, which competes with the formation of SiO2nanowires.
Hydrothermal synthesis of strontium titanate: thermodynamic considerations, morphology control and crystallisation mechanisms
Authors: Canu Giovanna , Buscaglia Vincenzo
Published: June 2017

The hydrothermal/solvothermal method is one of the most versatile synthetic routes for producing a large number of compounds. The thermodynamic aspects, the control of morphology and the crystallisation mechanisms are reviewed and discussed in this highlight, with special emphasis on the synthesis of SrTiO3, as a model system.
Towards the analysis of attosecond dynamics in complex systems
Authors: Gao C.-Z. , Dinh P. M. , Reinhard P.-G. , Suraud E.
Published: June 2017

We study from a theoretical perspective the ionization of molecules and clusters induced by irradiation of a combined two-color laser field consisting of a train of attosecond XUV pulses in the presence of an IR field.
Quasi-classical trajectory studies on the full-dimensional accurate potential energy surface for the OH + H2O = H2O + OH reaction
Authors: Bai Mengna , Lu Dandan , Li Jun
Published: June 2017

The first accurate PES for the OH + H2O reaction is developed by using the permutation invariant polynomial-neural network method to fit ∼48 000 CCSD(T)-F12a/AVTZ calculated points.
4,5-Substituted C^C* cyclometalated thiazol-2-ylidene platinum(ii) complexes – synthesis and photophysical properties
Authors: Leopold Hendrik , Strassner Thomas
Published: June 2017

Backbone-functionalized C^C* cyclometalated 1,3-thiazole-2-ylidene platinum(ii) emitters with different electron-donating and -withdrawing groups are investigated for their emission properties.
Lanthanide metal organic frameworks based on dicarboxyl-functionalized arylhydrazone of barbituric acid: syntheses, structures, luminescence and catalytic cyanosilylation of aldehydes
Authors: Karmakar Anirban , Rúbio Guilherme M. D. M. , Paul Anup , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Mahmudov Kamran T. , Guseinov Firudin I. , Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: June 2017

Ln(iii) MOFs act as recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for the cyanosilylation of aldehydes.
Neutral mixed-metal coordination polymers based on a ditopic acetylacetonate, Mg(ii) and Ag(i): syntheses, characterization and solvent-dependent topologies
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Englert Ulli
Published: June 2017

In binary Mg/Ag framework compounds, the co-crystallized solvents decide topology.
On the optimal design of forward osmosis desalination systems with NH3–CO2–H2O solutions
Authors: Gazzani Matteo , Hartmann Thomas , Pérez-Calvo José-Francisco , Sutter Daniel , Mazzotti Marco
Published: June 2017

The optimal working pressure and composition of the draw solution is identified. The forward osmosis process is compared with reverse osmosis and thermal desalination in terms of specific work, membrane area, and second law efficiency.
Instant polysaccharide-based emulsions: impact of microstructure on lipolysis
Authors: Torcello-Gómez Amelia , Foster Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

The microstructure of instant emulsions is modulated upon mild shearing through specific rheological manipulation of the continuous phase. Finer emulsions display faster lipolysis kinetics underin vitroconditions.
Retraction: Bigger data open innovation: potential applications of value-added products from milk and sustainable valorization of by-products from the dairy industry
Authors: Ortega-Requena S. , Rebouillat S.
Published: June 2017

Retraction of ‘Bigger data open innovation: potential applications of value-added products from milk and sustainable valorization of by-products from the dairy industry’ by S. Ortega-Requena et al., Green Chem., 2015, 17, 5100–5113.
Organs-on-Chips with combined multi-electrode array and transepithelial electrical resistance measurement capabilities
Authors: Maoz Ben M. , Herland Anna , Henry Olivier Y. F. , Leineweber William D. , Yadid Moran , Doyle John , Mannix Robert , Kujala Ville J. , FitzGerald Edward A. , Parker Kevin Kit , Ingber Donald E.
Published: June 2017

Combined integration of TEER and MEA sensors in a single endothelialized Organ-on-Chip platform.
Heme-containing enzymes and inhibitors for tryptophan metabolism
Authors: Yan Daojing , Lin Ying-Wu , Tan Xiangshi
Published: June 2017

Iron-containing enzymes such as heme enzymes play crucial roles in biological systems.
Highly dispersible silver nanowires via a diblock copolymer approach for potential application in transparent conductive composites
Authors: Yu Zhiwei , Lin Shudong , Liu Guojun , Hu Jiwen , Zhang Pei , Tu Yuanyuan , Zou Hailiang , Wei Yanlong , Gao Zhenzhong
Published: June 2017

A facile and reproducible strategy for fabricating highly dispersible silver nanowires (AgNWs) in nonalcoholic organic solvents using diblock copolymer micelles.
Preparation of 2D α-Fe2O3 platelets via a hydrothermal heterogeneous growth approach and study of their magnetic properties
Authors: Cao Liangliang , Zeng Yanwei , Ye Zhupeng , Wang Zhentao , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Longfei , Li Chuanming , Zhang Chengzhe
Published: June 2017

(001)-exposed α-Fe2O3 platelets can be synthesized via a hydrothermal process by producing BaFe12O19 nuclei as cores for heterogeneous growth.
Fabrication of PVA coated PES/PVDF nanocomposite membranes embedded with in situ formed magnetite nanoparticles for removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Abdali N. , Marjani A. , Heidary F. , Adimi M.
Published: June 2017

An in situ procedure for the preparation of a coated nanocomposite membrane containing a complexing agent.
Effects of isosteric substitutions on the conformational preference and cis–trans isomerization of proline-containing peptides
Authors: Park Hae Sook , Kang Young Kee
Published: June 2017

Isosteric substitutions of the peptide CO group by CS and CSe groups increased thetranspopulation and rotational barrier to the prolylcis–transisomerization of proline-containing peptides.
Electrochemical deposition of Pt on carbon fiber cloth utilizing Pt mesh counter electrode during hydrogen evolution reaction for electrocatalytic hydrogenation reduction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Wu Tianxing , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Kang Shenghong , Zhang Haimin
Published: June 2017

Electrochemically fabricated Pt/CFC by successive CV scanning in acidic media using Pt mesh counter electrode exhibits more favourable hydrogenation reaction activity of PNP to PAP using a CFC counter electrode.
Room-temperature discrete-charge-fluctuation dynamics of a single molecule adsorbed on a carbon nanotube
Authors: Setiadi Agung , Fujii Hayato , Kasai Seiya , Yamashita Ken-ichi , Ogawa Takuji , Ikuta Takashi , Kanai Yasushi , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Kuwahara Yuji , Akai-Kasaya Megumi
Published: June 2017

Random telegraph signal in CNT device originated from charging–discharging events of a single molecule.
Direct versus ligand-exchange synthesis of [PtAg28(BDT)12(TPP)4]4−nanoclusters: effect of a single-atom dopant on the optoelectronic and chemical properties
Authors: Bootharaju Megalamane S. , Kozlov Sergey M. , Cao Zhen , Harb Moussab , Parida Manas R. , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Mohammed Omar F. , Bakr Osman M. , Cavallo Luigi , Basset Jean-Marie
Published: June 2017

A single-sized, Pt-doped, dithiolated PtAg28nanocluster was synthesized through a ligand-exchange strategy.
Visible-light-mediated C3-azolylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with 2-bromoazoles
Authors: Chang Qing , Wu Zhongjie , Yu Lu , Liu Ping , Sun Peipei
Published: June 2017

3-Heterocycle-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were produced by a visible-light-mediated coupling reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with 2-bromoazoles.
Metallopolymers from direct polymerization of functionalized cobalt chalcogenide clusters and thiophene comonomers
Authors: Corbin D. A. , Shircliff D. M. , Reeves B. J. , Boardman B. M.
Published: June 2017

Direct polymerization from inorganic comonomers yields hybrid copolymers with improved charge transfer properties.
Herb–herb pharmacokinetic interaction between Glehniae radix and Ophiopogonis radix in rats using superimposed multiple product ion (SMPI) LC-HR-MS/MS
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Wang Shuang , Qian Qi , Zhou Na , Qi Pengcheng , Mu Xiyan , Wang Qiao
Published: June 2017

The herb–herb pharmacokinetic interaction between Glehniae radix and Ophiopogonis radix in rats was studied using superimposed multiple product ion (SMPI) LC-HR-MS/MS.
A facile synthetic route to novel thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers and characterization of their mesophases
Authors: Oh Kyoung Hwan , Kim Hoyun , Seo Yongsok
Published: June 2017

We have succeeded in preparing novel liquid crystalline polymers of low melting temperature by a melt reaction between diepoxy molecules and a primary monoamine (aniline).
Recyclable 3D graphene aerogel with bimodal pore structure for ultrafast and selective oil sorption from water
Authors: Riaz Muhammad Adil , Hadi Pejman , Abidi Irfan H. , Tyagi Abhishek , Ou Xuewu , Luo Zhengtang
Published: June 2017

Development of graphene based porous sorbent to overcome the challenges, such as low uptake capacity, slow sorption rate, and non-recyclability, associated with conventional sorbents.
CO2/N2 triggered switchable Pickering emulsions stabilized by alumina nanoparticles in combination with a conventional anionic surfactant
Authors: Xu Maodong , Zhang Wanqing , Pei Xiaomei , Jiang Jianzhong , Cui Zhenggang , Binks Bernard P.
Published: June 2017

Switchable n-decane-in-water Pickering emulsions were prepared using positively charged alumina nanoparticles in combination with a trace amount of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and equal moles of a CO2/N2 switchable surfactant.
Preparation and characterization of click-driven N-vinylcarbazole-based anion exchange membranes with improved water uptake for fuel cells
Authors: Mondal Abhishek N. , He Yubin , Ge Liang , Wu Liang , Emmanuel Kamana , Hossain Md. Masem , Xu Tongwen
Published: June 2017

Novel click mediated AEM with improved water uptake.
Conformation dynamics of the intrinsically disordered protein c-Myb with the ff99IDPs force field
Authors: Guo Xiang , Han Jincheng , Luo Ray , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: June 2017

Theff99IDPsforce field was used to reveal the conformation dynamics of c-Myb. Representative conformers of native molten globule, native pre-molten globule and native coil conformers were sampled.
Self-assembled nanoparticles based on poly(ethylene glycol)–oleanolic acid conjugates for co-delivery of anticancer drugs
Authors: Wang Yingsa , Tian Yajie , Zhu Pengbo , Ma Yunyun , He Jing , Lei Jiandu
Published: June 2017

Oleanolic acid (OA) has shown promising antitumor activity.
A turn-on fluorescent chemosensor based on acylhydrazone for sensing of Mg2+ with a low detection limit
Authors: Hu Jing-Han , Li Jian-Bin , Sun You , Pei Peng-Xiang , Qi Jing
Published: June 2017

A novel highly selective chemosensor for Mg2+ ions based on the naphthalene group as the fluorophore has been designed and synthesized, which shows a fluorescence turn-on response from colorless to green for Mg2+ ions in DMSO–H2O solutions.
Synthesis, structure and reactivity of guanidinate rare earth metal bis(o-aminobenzyl) complexes
Authors: Kong Feng , Li Meng , Zhou Xigeng , Zhang Lixin
Published: June 2017

A series of guanidinate rare-earth dialkyl complexes were synthesized. Their reactivity towards small molecules has been disclosed.
Fabrication and interfacial characteristics of surface modified Ag nanoparticle based conductive composites
Authors: Wu Yingsi , Liao Lun-De , Pan Han-Chi , He Leng , Lin Chin-Teng , Tan Mei Chee
Published: June 2017

Surface modification of Ag nanoparticles with PAA–PVP complex was conducted and successfully improved the dispersion of Ag nanoparticles in PDMS.
A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for Fe3+ based on a new diarylethene with a rhodamine 6G unit
Authors: Xu Huitao , Ding Haichang , Li Gang , Fan Congbin , Liu Gang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: June 2017

A new multi-functional diarylethene-rhodamine 6G derivative was synthesized; its colorimetric and fluorometric sensing ability for Fe3+/EDTA, TFA/TEA and switching behaviors induced by light were investigated.
Atomic structure, electronic properties and generalized stacking fault energy of diamond/c-BN multilayer
Authors: Lin Zijun , Peng Xianghe , Huang Cheng , Fu Tao , Wang Zhongchang
Published: June 2017

The atomic structures, electronic properties and generalized stacking fault energies of the diamond/c-BN multilayer are investigated systematically with first-principles calculations.
Amphotericin B-loaded mannose modified poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: in vitro and in vivo approaches
Authors: Ghosh Santanu , Das Suman , De Asit Kumar , Kar Nabanita , Bera Tanmoy
Published: June 2017

Amphotericin B-loaded mannose modified PLGA nanoparticles are more efficacious in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in bothin vitroandin vivomodels than unmodified nanoformulations.
Controlled transportation of droplets and higher fog collection efficiency on a multi-scale and multi-gradient copper wire
Authors: Xing Yan , Wang Sijie , Feng Shile , Shang Weifeng , Deng Siyan , Wang Lei , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei
Published: June 2017

Via a one-step gradient anodic oxidation, copper wire with a multi-scale structure and a multi-gradient was fabricated and controlled self-propelling of droplet was achieved.
Prediction of mechanical properties of 2D solids with related bonding configuration
Authors: Hess Peter
Published: June 2017

A chemical reference model is introduced to estimate unknown mechanical properties of 2D solids for groups with related binding configuration using a minimal data base.
A novel application of the Staudinger ligation to access neutral cyclic di-nucleotide analog precursors via a divergent method
Authors: Fletcher M. H. , Burns-Lynch C. E. , Knouse K. W. , Abraham L. T. , DeBrosse C. W. , Wuest W. M.
Published: June 2017

Herein we present a scalable and divergent synthesis of cyclic di-nucleotide analog precursors facilitated by differentiated di-amino sugars and a Staudinger ligation to provide medium-sized macrocycles featuring carbamate or urea linkages.
A cross-cultural study of CKCM efficacy in an undergraduate chemistry classroom
Authors: Çalik Muammer , Cobern William W.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to cross-culturally investigate the instructional efficacy of the Common Knowledge Construction Model (CKCM) with college students learning about ‘factors affecting solubility’ focusing on students’ conceptual understanding, attitudes and scientific habits of mind. Even though the CKCM is a decade old, there has been little study of its effectiveness in different cultural contexts, which is unfortunate because having effective studies from different cultural contexts can increase the strength of generalization. In order to add to the cultural context variation in which the CKCM has been studied, the study reported in this paper investigated the effectiveness of a CKCM undergraduate chemistry unit taught in Turkey and the USA for pre-service teachers. The study was quasi-experimental with the CKCM and country as the independent variables; and conceptual understanding, scientific habits of mind and attitudes towards chemistry as the dependent variables. Data were collected using a pre/post-test administration of the Factors Affecting Solubility Test (FAST), the Scientific Habits of Mind (SHOM) survey, and the Chemistry Attitudes and Experiences Scale (CAES). The data were analyzed using an independent samplest-test, paired samplest-test, and ANCOVA. Statistically significant differences were found between contexts, generally favoring the Turkish pre-service teachers. This is an interesting result in that the findings of the study suggest that the CKCM may be more effective in its adapted setting than in its original (American) setting.
Colloidal diffusion over a quenched two-dimensional random potential
Authors: Su Yun , Ma Xiao-guang , Lai Pik-Yin , Tong Penger
Published: June 2017

A two-layer colloidal system is developed for the study of diffusion over a quenched two-dimensional random potential.
A bifunctional hierarchical porous carbon network integrated with an in situ formed ultrathin graphene shell for stable lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Deng Wei , Zhou Xufeng , Fang Qile , Liu Zhaoping
Published: June 2017

A bifunctional sulfur host integrating graphene shell and hierarchical porous carbon network is fabricated to enhance conductivity of sulfur and block shuttle of sulfides simultaneously. The resultant cathode possesses high areal sulfur loading, excellent cyclic stability, and improved anti-self-discharge capability.
Enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of bulk SnTe alloys via the synergistic effect of band structure modification and chemical bond softening
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Hwang Junphil , Zhang Chao , Wang Teng , Su Wenbin , Kim Hoon , Kim Jungwon , Zhai Jinze , Wang Xue , Park Hwanjoo , Kim Woochul , Wang Chunlei
Published: June 2017

Seebeck coefficient of SnTe is largely enhanced by large band effective mass or decrease of energy separation through synergistic effect including resonance level and band convergence.
Detection of nitroaromatic explosives by a 3D hyperbranched σ–π conjugated polymer based on a POSS scaffold
Authors: Ma Xiaoshuang , Tao Furong , Zhang Yang , Li Tianduo , Raymo Françisco M. , Cui Yuezhi
Published: June 2017

A three-dimensional hyperbranched polymer (3D-HP) with σ–π conjugated PDMPS (poly(dichloromethylphenylsilane)s) units covalently bonded to a polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) scaffold was prepared by a one-step “thiol–ene click chemistry” reaction.
Advances in biotechnological synthetic applications of carbon nanostructured systems
Authors: Botta Lorenzo , Bizzarri Bruno Mattia , Crucianelli Marcello , Saladino Raffaele
Published: June 2017

Immobilization of carbonic anhydrase on SWCNTs by application of the CNT binding peptide (CBP) strategy.
A glucose-activatable trimodal glucometer self-assembled from glucose oxidase and MnO2nanosheets for diabetes monitoring
Authors: Chen Jin-Long , Li Li , Wang Shuo , Sun Xiao-Yan , Xiao Lu , Ren Jia-Shu , Di Bin , Gu Ning
Published: June 2017

For the first time a glucose-activatable trimodal glucometer with an exceptional enhanced enzymatic activity, self-assembled from glucose oxidase and MnO2nanosheets for diabetes monitoringin vitro, has been presented.
Dual fluorescent zwitterionic organogels of a quinoxalinone derivative using cation–anion detection keys
Authors: Nakane Yuta , Takeda Takashi , Hoshino Norihisa , Sakai Ken-ichi , Akutagawa Tomoyuki
Published: June 2017

Both K+and AcOions became the key ions to lock the fluorescent organogel state of a crown-ether-fused quinoxalinone derivative.
Manipulation of exciton distribution for high-performance fluorescent/phosphorescent hybrid white organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Baiquan , Li Xiang-Long , Tao Hong , Zou Jianhua , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: June 2017

This review reports on the recent development of fluorescent/phosphorescent hybrid white organic light-emitting diodes.
CsxWO3 nanoparticle-based organic polymer transparent foils: low haze, high near infrared-shielding ability and excellent photochromic stability
Authors: Zhou Yijie , Li Ning , Xin Yunchuan , Cao Xun , Ji Shidong , Jin Ping
Published: June 2017

Detrimental photochromic effects can be relieved by embedding CWO nanoparticles into an inert polymer instead of simply mixing them with a polymer with active hydrogen radicals.
Heme A synthesis and CcO activity are essential for Trypanosoma cruzi infectivity and replication
Authors: Merli Marcelo L. , Cirulli Brenda A. , Menéndez-Bravo Simón M. , Cricco Julia A.
Published: June 2017

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, presents a complex life cycle and adapts its metabolism to nutrients’ availability. Although T. cruzi is an aerobic organism, it does not produce heme. This cofactor is acquired from the host and is distributed and inserted into different heme-proteins such as respiratory complexes in the parasite's mitochondrion. It has been proposed that T. cruzi's energy metabolism relies on a branched respiratory chain with a cytochrome c oxidase-type aa3 (CcO) as the main terminal oxidase. Heme A, the cofactor for all eukaryotic CcO, is synthesized via two sequential enzymatic reactions catalyzed by heme O synthase (HOS) and heme A synthase (HAS). Previously, TcCox10 and TcCox15 (Trypanosoma cruzi Cox10 and Cox15 proteins) were identified in T. cruzi. They presented HOS and HAS activity, respectively, when they were expressed in yeast. Here, we present the first characterization of TcCox15 in T. cruzi, confirming its role as HAS. It was differentially detected in the different T. cruzi stages, being more abundant in the replicative forms. This regulation could reflect the necessity of more heme A synthesis, and therefore more CcO activity at the replicative stages. Overexpression of a non-functional mutant caused a reduction in heme A content. Moreover, our results clearly showed that this hindrance in the heme A synthesis provoked a reduction on CcO activity and, in consequence, an impairment on T. cruzi survival, proliferation and infectivity. This evidence supports that T. cruzi depends on the respiratory chain activity along its life cycle, being CcO an essential terminal oxidase.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisRv3615c is a highly immunodominant antigen and specifically induces potent Th1-type immune responses in tuberculosis pleurisy
Authors: Li Jiangping , Shen Juan , Lao Suihua , Li Xiaomin , Liu Jie , Wu Changyou
Published: June 2017

T-cell responses have been demonstrated to be essential for preventing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The Th1-cytokines produced by T cells, such as INF-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α, not only limit the invasion of M. tuberculosis but also eliminate the pathogen at the site of infection. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is known to induce Th1-type responses but the protection is inadequate. Identification of immunogenic components, in addition to those expressed in BCG, and induction of a broad spectrum of Th1-type responses provide options for generating sufficient adaptive immunity. Here, we studied human pulmonary T-cell responses induced by the M. tuberculosis-specific antigen Rv3615c, a protein with a similar size and sequence homology to ESAT-6 and CFP-10, which induced dominant CD4+ T-cell responses in human tuberculosis (TB) models. We characterized T-cell responses including cytokine profiling, kinetics of activation, expansion, differentiation, TCR usage, and signaling of activation induced by Rv3615c compared with other M. tuberculosis-specific antigens. The expanded CD4+ T cells induced by Rv3615c predominately produced Th1, but less Th2 and Th17, cytokines and displayed effector/memory phenotypes (CD45RO+CD27−CD127−CCR7−). The magnitude of expansion and cytokine production was comparable to those induced by well-characterized the 6 kDa early secreted antigenic target (ESAT-6), the 10 kDa culture filtrate protein (CFP-10) and BCG. Rv3615c contained multiple epitopes Rv3615c1–15, Rv3615c6–20, Rv3615c66–80, Rv3615c71–85 and Rv3615c76–90 that activated CD4+ T cells. The Rv3615c-specific CD4+ T cells shared biased of T-cell receptor variable region of β chain (TCR Vβ) 1, 2, 4, 5.1, 7.1, 7.2 and/or 22 chains to promote their differentiation and proliferation respectively, by triggering a signaling cascade. Our data suggest that Rv3615c is a major target of Th1-type responses and can be a highly immunodominant antigen specific for M. tuberculosis infection.
Enhanced decision fusion of semantically segmented images via local majority saliency map
Authors: Hossny M. , Nahavandi S. , Creighton D. , Lim C. , Bhatti A.
Published: June 2017

Decision fusion is the most important step in ensemble machine learning schemes. One of the greatest challenges of decision fusion is the discrete nature of decisions. This challenge causes decision fusion solutions to become variations of the voting algorithm from statistical perspective. However, increasing the redundancy of decisions imposes a serious computational challenge for real‐time systems. Resorting to fewer decisions imposes uncertainty challenges. In this Letter, the authors present a methodology to generate saliency maps for decision fusion. Specifically, they propose a local saliency map for decision fusion using a local majority filter. They choose semantic segmentation via pixel labelling produced from a random decision forest model as a case study. The local saliency map is used to derive three intermediate labelled images that are added to the voting pool and hence rectifying the final decision. The results of the proposed solution reduced the error by 26% and increased robustness by 16% with only two decisions.
Substrate integrated waveguide dual‐band filter with wide‐stopband performance
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhou Chunxia , Wu Wen
Published: June 2017

The first substrate integrated waveguide dual‐band bandpass filter with wide‐stopband performance is presented. This filter is synthesised and designed with fourth‐order Chebyshev responses and identical fractional bandwidths for the two passbands centred at 12 and 16 GHz. Multiple spurious resonances have been intrinsically suppressed by introducing the harmonics‐staggered technique and the centred coupling windows. Good agreements can be observed between the measured and simulated results, and better than 25‐dB rejection level up to 2.05f1 has been successfully achieved.
AR bandwidth and gain enhancements of patch antenna using single dielectric superstrate
Authors: Ta S.X. , Nguyen T.K.
Published: June 2017

A single‐feed circularly polarised (CP) patch antenna loaded with a single dielectric superstrate for a wideband high‐gain CP radiation is presented. Along with the gain enhancement, the emphasis is on extra CP radiation of the antenna caused by the superstrate, which broadens the axial‐ratio (AR) bandwidth significantly. A prototype antenna was fabricated and measured at a frequency of 11 GHz. The antenna with overall size of 40 × 40 × 17.45 mm has a voltage standing wave ratio <2 bandwidth of 24.35% (10.1–12.9 GHz), a 3 dB AR bandwidth of 13.6% (10.3–11.8 GHz), a peak gain of 13.17 dBic, a 3 dB gain bandwidth of >26% (10.0–13.0 GHz), and a radiation efficiency of >90%. The presence of superstrate produces a ∼350% increase in 3 dB AR bandwidth and a ∼7 dB increase in the broadside gain relative to the conventional CP patch antenna.
Frequency evaluation of the Nordic power system using PMU measurements
Authors: Persson Mattias , Chen Peiyuan
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the frequency behaviour in the Nordic power system (NPS) utilising phasor measurement units (PMUs) from different locations in the system. Different metrics are selected or proposed to quantify the system frequency response in case of major disturbances and of daily normal operations. Based on the collected PMU data, there are on average 17.5 major, generator disconnection related, disturbances per year. The maximum absolute rate of change of frequency exceeds 0.1 Hz/s for 20% of these disturbances. The average frequency nadir falls to 49.7 Hz, and the average time to nadir is about 8.7 s. If wind turbines were to be requested to provide inertia support to the system, these four metrics indicate how often, how fast, for how much and for how long the wind turbines should act. Moreover, during daily normal operations, the system has in general longer duration of over‐frequency (f  > 50.1 Hz) than under‐frequency (f  < 49.9 Hz). These frequency deviations are observed to occur around the hourly clearing of the Nord Pool Spot market and, especially during the hours between 05:00 and 08:00. In order to improve the frequency quality, the Nordic system operators tested and implemented an automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) in addition to the existing manual one. Based on a frequency evaluation, this aFRR is needed most during 4:45–08:15 and 22:00–23:30 o'clock in 2012 in the NPS.