bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erratum: Neuroprotective pentapeptide CN-105 improves functional and histological outcomes in a murine model of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Lei Beilei , James Michael L. , Liu Ji , Zhou Guanen , Venkatraman Talaignair N. , Lascola Christopher D. , Acheson Shawn K. , Dubois Laura G. , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Wang Haichen
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34834; published online: 07 October 2016; updated: 05 January 2017. The Competing Financial Interests statement in this Article should read: “D.T.L. is an officer of Aegis CN, LLC, which supplied the CN-105”.
Natriuretic peptide type C induces sperm attraction for fertilization in mouse
Authors: Kong Nana , Xu Xiaoting , Zhang Yu , Wang Yakun , Hao Xiaoqiong , Zhao Yu , Qiao Jie , Xia Guoliang , Zhang Meijia
Published: January 2017

Mammalian spermatozoa undergo selective movement along the isthmus of the oviduct to the ampulla during ovulation, which is a prerequisite for fertilization. The factor(s) that involves in selective spermatozoa movement is still unknown. In this study, we found that the oviductal epithelium in mouse ampulla expressed high levels of natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC) in the presence of ovulated oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs). Spermatozoa expressed NPPC receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2, a guanylyl cyclase) on the midpiece of flagellum. NPPC increased intracellular levels of cGMP and Ca2+of spermatozoa, and induced sperm accumulation in the capillary by attraction. Importantly, spermatozoa fromNpr2mutant mice were not attracted by NPPC, preventing fertilizationin vivo. Oocyte-derived paracrine factors promoted the expression ofNppcmRNA in the ampulla. Therefore, NPPC secreted by oviductal ampulla attracts spermatozoa towards oocytes, which is essential for fertilization.
Kilohertz frequency nerve block enhances anti-inflammatory effects of vagus nerve stimulation
Authors: Patel Yogi A. , Saxena Tarun , Bellamkonda Ravi V. , Butera Robert J.
Published: January 2017

Efferent activation of the cervical vagus nerve (cVN) dampens systemic inflammatory processes, potentially modulating a wide-range of inflammatory pathological conditions. In contrast, afferent cVN activation amplifies systemic inflammatory processes, leading to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the sympathetic nervous system through the greater splanchnic nerve (GSN), and elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ideally, to clinically implement anti-inflammatory therapy via cervical vagus nerve stimulation (cVNS) one should selectively activate the efferent pathway. Unfortunately, current implementations, in animal and clinical investigations, activate both afferent and efferent pathways. We paired cVNS with kilohertz electrical stimulation (KES) nerve block to preferentially activate efferent pathways while blocking afferent pathways. Selective efferent cVNS enhanced the anti-inflammatory effects of cVNS. Our results demonstrate that: (i) afferent, but not efferent, cVNS synchronously activates the GSN in a dose-dependent manner; (ii) efferent cVNS enabled by complete afferent KES nerve block enhances the anti-inflammatory benefits of cVNS; and (iii) incomplete afferent KES nerve block exacerbates systemic inflammation. Overall, these data demonstrate the utility of paired efferent cVNS and afferent KES nerve block for achieving selective efferent cVNS, specifically as it relates to neuromodulation of systemic inflammation.
Joint QTL mapping and gene expression analysis identify positional candidate genes influencing pork quality traits
Authors: González-Prendes Rayner , Quintanilla Raquel , Cánovas Angela , Manunza Arianna , Figueiredo Cardoso Tainã , Jordana Jordi , Noguera José Luis , Pena Ramona N. , Amills Marcel
Published: January 2017

Meat quality traits have an increasing importance in the pig industry because of their strong impact on consumer acceptance. Herewith, we have combined phenotypic and microarray expression data to map loci with potential effects on five meat quality traits recorded in thelongissimus dorsi(LD) andgluteus medius(GM) muscles of 350 Duroc pigs,i.e.pH at 24 hours post-mortem (pH24), electric conductivity (CE) and muscle redness (a*), lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*). We have found significant genome-wide associations for CE of LD on SSC4 (~104 Mb), SSC5 (~15 Mb) and SSC13 (~137 Mb), while several additional regions were significantly associated with meat quality traits at the chromosome-wide level. There was a low positional concordance between the associations found for LD and GM traits, a feature that reflects the existence of differences in the genetic determinism of meat quality phenotypes in these two muscles. The performance of an eQTL search for SNPs mapping to the regions associated with meat quality traits demonstrated that the GM a* SSC3 and pH24SSC17 QTL display positional concordance with cis-eQTL regulating the expression of several genes with a potential role on muscle metabolism.
Pliocene oceanic seaways and global climate
Authors: Karas Cyrus , Nürnberg Dirk , Bahr André , Groeneveld Jeroen , Herrle Jens O. , Tiedemann Ralf , deMenocal Peter B.
Published: January 2017

Tectonically induced changes in oceanic seaways had profound effects on global and regional climate during the Late Neogene. The constriction of the Central American Seaway reached a critical threshold during the early Pliocene ~4.8–4 million years (Ma) ago. Model simulations indicate the strengthening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) with a signature warming response in the Northern Hemisphere and cooling in the Southern Hemisphere. Subsequently, between ~4–3 Ma, the constriction of the Indonesian Seaway impacted regional climate and might have accelerated the Northern Hemisphere Glaciation. We here present Pliocene Atlantic interhemispheric sea surface temperature and salinity gradients (deduced from foraminiferal Mg/Ca and stable oxygen isotopes, δ18O) in combination with a recently published benthic stable carbon isotope (δ13C) record from the southernmost extent of North Atlantic Deep Water to reconstruct gateway-related changes in the AMOC mode. After an early reduction of the AMOC at ~5.3 Ma, we show in agreement with model simulations of the impacts of Central American Seaway closure a strengthened AMOC with a global climate signature. During ~3.8–3 Ma, we suggest a weakening of the AMOC in line with the global cooling trend, with possible contributions from the constriction of the Indonesian Seaway.
Development of the Improving Process for the 3D Printed Structure
Authors: Takagishi Kensuke , Umezu Shinjiro
Published: January 2017

The authors focus on the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer because the FDM 3D printer can print the utility resin material. It can print with low cost and therefore it is the most suitable for home 3D printer. The FDM 3D printer has the problem that it produces layer grooves on the surface of the 3D printed structure. Therefore the authors developed the 3D-Chemical Melting Finishing (3D-CMF) for removing layer grooves. In this method, a pen-style device is filled with a chemical able to dissolve the materials used for building 3D printed structures. By controlling the behavior of this pen-style device, the convex parts of layer grooves on the surface of the 3D printed structure are dissolved, which, in turn, fills the concave parts. In this study it proves the superiority of the 3D-CMF than conventional processing for the 3D printed structure. It proves utilizing the evaluation of the safety, selectively and stability. It confirms the improving of the 3D-CMF and it is confirmed utilizing the data of the surface roughness precision and the observation of the internal state and the evaluation of the mechanical characteristics.
Improving rice production sustainability by reducing water demand and greenhouse gas emissions with biodegradable films
Authors: Yao Zhisheng , Zheng Xunhua , Liu Chunyan , Lin Shan , Zuo Qiang , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus
Published: January 2017

In China, rice production is facing unprecedented challenges, including the increasing demand, looming water crisis and on-going climate change. Thus, producing more rice at lower environmental cost is required for future development, i.e., the use of less water and the production of fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) per unit of rice. Ground cover rice production systems (GCRPSs) could potentially address these concerns, although no studies have systematically and simultaneously evaluated the benefits of GCRPS regarding yields and considering water use and GHG emissions. This study reports the results of a 2-year study comparing conventional paddy and various GCRPS practices. Relative to conventional paddy, GCRPSs had greater rice yields and nitrogen use efficiencies (8.5% and 70%, respectively), required less irrigation (−64%) and resulted in less total CH4 and N2O emissions (−54%). On average, annual emission factors of N2O were 1.67% and 2.00% for conventional paddy and GCRPS, respectively. A cost-benefit analysis considering yields, GHG emissions, water demand and labor and mulching costs indicated GCRPSs are an environmentally and economically profitable technology. Furthermore, substituting the polyethylene film with a biodegradable film resulted in comparable benefits of yield and climate. Overall, GCRPSs, particularly with biodegradable films, provide a promising solution for farmers to secure or even increase yields while reducing the environmental footprint.
Within brain area tractography suggests local modularity using high resolution connectomics
Authors: Taylor Peter N. , Wang Yujiang , Kaiser Marcus
Published: January 2017

Previous structural brain connectivity studies have mainly focussed on the macroscopic scale of around 1,000 or fewer brain areas (network nodes). However, it has recently been demonstrated that high resolution structural connectomes of around 50,000 nodes can be generated reproducibly. In this study, we infer high resolution brain connectivity matrices using diffusion imaging data from the Human Connectome Project. With such high resolution we are able to analyse networks within brain areas in a single subject. We show that the global network has a scale invariant topological organisation, which means there is a hierarchical organisation of the modular architecture. Specifically, modules within brain areas are spatially localised. We find that long range connections terminate between specific modules, whilst short range connections via highly curved association fibers terminate within modules. We suggest that spatial locations of white matter modules overlap with cytoarchitecturally distinct grey matter areas and may serve as the structural basis for function specialisation within brain areas. Future studies might elucidate how brain diseases change this modular architecture within brain areas.
Early functional rehabilitation versus traditional immobilization for surgical Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture: a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses
Authors: Zhao Jia-Guo , Meng Xiao-Hui , Liu Lin , Zeng Xian-Tie , Kan Shi-Lian
Published: January 2017

Several meta-analyses comparing early functional rehabilitation and traditional immobilization following surgical Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture have been published. However, they have led to conflicting conclusions. The aims of this systematic review were to select high-quality meta-analyses from multiple discordant meta-analyses and to provide a postoperative rehabilitation strategy following surgical repair using currently available evidence. We performed a comprehensive search using the PubMed and Embase databases and the Cochrane Library. Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) instrument was used to assess the methodological quality. Three investigators independently applied the Jadad decision algorithm. Their results were then compared to ensure selection of a meta-analysis that provided the highest quality of evidence. Six meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria. AMSTAR scores ranged from 6 to 10. According to the Jadad decision algorithm, a high-quality meta-analysis with a greater number of RCTs was selected. This meta-analysis showed that early functional rehabilitation was superior to cast immobilization in terms of patient satisfaction and the time to return to pre-morbid sporting levels. There were no differences regarding major complications or the time before return to prior employment and sporting activity. Thus, we recommend early functional rehabilitation as the postoperative strategy for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
Method for Removing Spectral Contaminants to Improve Analysis of Raman Imaging Data
Authors: Zhang Xun , Chen Sheng , Ling Zhe , Zhou Xia , Ding Da-Yong , Kim Yoon Soo , Xu Feng
Published: January 2017

The spectral contaminants are inevitable during micro-Raman measurements. A key challenge is how to remove them from the original imaging data, since they can distort further results of data analysis. Here, we propose a method named “automatic pre-processing method for Raman imaging data set (APRI)”, which includes the adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least-squares (airPLS) algorithm and the principal component analysis (PCA). It eliminates the baseline drifts and cosmic spikes by using the spectral features themselves. The utility of APRI is illustrated by removing the spectral contaminants from a Raman imaging data set of a wood sample. In addition, APRI is computationally efficient, conceptually simple and potential to be extended to other methods of spectroscopy, such as infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). With the help of our approach, a typical spectral analysis can be performed by a non-specialist user to obtain useful information from a spectroscopic imaging data set.
A Low Voltage Liquid Crystal Phase Grating with Switchable Diffraction Angles
Authors: Chen Haiwei , Tan Guanjun , Huang Yuge , Weng Yishi , Choi Tae-Hoon , Yoon Tae-Hoon , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate a simple yet high performance phase grating with switchable diffraction angles using a fringe field switching (FFS) liquid crystal (LC) cell. The LC rubbing angle is parallel to the FFS electrodes (i.e. α = 0°), leading to symmetric LC director distribution in a voltage-on state. Such a grating exhibits three unique features: 1) Two grating periods can be formed by controlling the applied voltage, resulting in switchable diffraction angles. In our design, the 1st diffraction order occurs at 4.3°, while the 2nd order appears at 8.6°. 2) The required voltage to achieve peak diffraction efficiency (η~32%) for the 1st order is only 4.4 V at λ = 633 nm as compared to 70 V for a conventional FFS-based phase grating in which α ≈ 7°, while the 2nd order (η~27%) is 15 V. 3). The measured rise and decay time for the 1st order is 7.62 ms and 6.75 ms, and for the 2nd order is 0.75 ms and 3.87 ms, respectively. To understand the physical mechanisms, we also perform device simulations. Good agreement between experiment and simulation is obtained.
Atomic scale chemical tomography of human bone
Authors: Langelier Brian , Wang Xiaoyue , Grandfield Kathryn
Published: January 2017

Human bone is a complex hierarchical material. Understanding bone structure and its corresponding composition at the nanometer scale is critical for elucidating mechanisms of biomineralization under healthy and pathological states. However, the three-dimensional structure and chemical nature of bone remains largely unexplored at the nanometer scale due to the challenges associated with characterizing both the structural and chemical integrity of bone simultaneously. Here, we use correlative transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography for the first time, to our knowledge, to reveal structures in human bone at the atomic level. This approach provides an overlaying chemical map of the organic and inorganic constituents of bone on its structure. This first use of atom probe tomography on human bone reveals local gradients, trace element detection of Mg, and the co-localization of Na with the inorganic-organic interface of bone mineral and collagen fibrils, suggesting the important role of Na-rich organics in the structural connection between mineral and collagen. Our findings provide the first insights into the hierarchical organization and chemical heterogeneity in human bone in three-dimensions at its smallest length scale – the atomic level. We demonstrate that atom probe tomography shows potential for new insights in biomineralization research on bone.
Identification of Guanosine 5′-diphosphate as Potential Iron Mobilizer: Preventing the Hepcidin-Ferroportin Interaction and Modulating the Interleukin-6/Stat-3 Pathway
Authors: Angmo Stanzin , Tripathi Neha , Abbat Sheenu , Sharma Shailesh , Singh Shelley Sardul , Halder Avishek , Yadav Kamalendra , Shukla Geeta , Sandhir Rajat , Rishi Vikas , Bharatam Prasad V. , Yadav Hariom , Singhal Nitin Kumar
Published: January 2017

Hepcidin, a peptide hormone, is a key regulator in mammalian iron homeostasis. Increased level of hepcidin due to inflammatory conditions stimulates the ferroportin (FPN) transporter internalization, impairing the iron absorption; clinically manifested as anemia of inflammation (AI). Inhibiting hepcidin-mediated FPN degradation is proposed as an important strategy to combat AI. A systematic approach involving in silico, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies is employed to identify hepcidin-binding agents. The virtual screening of 68,752 natural compounds via molecular docking resulted into identification of guanosine 5′-diphosphate (GDP) as a promising hepcidin-binding agent. The molecular dynamics simulations helped to identify the important hepcidin residues involved in stabilization of hepcidin-GDP complex. The results gave a preliminary indication that GDP may possibly inhibit the hepcidin-FPN interactions. The in vitro studies revealed that GDP caused FPN stabilization (FPN-GFP cell lines) and increased the FPN-mediated cellular iron efflux (HepG2 and Caco-2 cells). Interestingly, the co-administration of GDP and ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) ameliorated the turpentine-induced AI in mice (indicated by increased haemoglobin level, serum iron, FPN expression and decreased ferritin level). These results suggest that GDP a promising natural small-molecule inhibitor that targets Hepcidin-FPN complex may be incorporated with iron supplement regimens to ameliorate AI.
The effectiveness of pressure therapy (15–25 mmHg) for hypertrophic burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ai Jin-Wei , Liu Jiang-tao , Pei Sheng-Duo , Liu Yu , Li De-Sheng , Lin Hong-ming , Pei Bin
Published: January 2017

Although pressure therapy (PT) represents the standard care for prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar (HS) from burns, its practice is largely based on empirical evidence and its effectiveness remains controversial. To clarify the effect of PT (15–25 mmHg) for HS, we performed the systematic review and meta-analysis. Several electronic databases were screened to identify related randomized controlled trials (RCTs). 12 RCTs involving 710 patients with 761 HS resulting from burn injuries were included. Compared with non/low-PT, cases treated with PT (15–25 mmHg) showed significant differences in Vancouver Scar Scale score (MD = −0.58, 95% CI = −0.78–−0.37), thickness (SMD = −0.25, 95% CI = −0.40–−0.11), brightness (MD = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.59–3.42), redness (MD = −0.79, 95% CI = −1.52–−0.07), pigmentation (MD = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.32–−0.00) and hardness (SMD = −0.65, 95% CI = −1.07–−0.23). However, there was no difference in vascularity (MD = 0.03, 95% CI = −0.43–0.48). Our analysis indicated that patients with HS who were managed with PT (15–25 mmHg) showed significant improvements. Due to limitations, more large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm our findings and the side-effects of the PT may also need to be evaluated.
Using the “target constituent removal combined with bioactivity assay” strategy to investigate the optimum arecoline content in charred areca nut
Authors: Peng Wei , Liu Yu-Jie , Hu Mei-Bian , Yan Dan , Gao Yong-Xiang , Wu Chun-Jie
Published: January 2017

Charred areca nut (CAN) is used to treat dyspepsia and abdominal distension in children. However, reports revealed that arecoline, the most important active constituent of CAN, possesses potential toxicities. This study was designed to investigate the optimum arecoline content in CAN, using the “target constituent removal combined with bioactivity assay” strategy. Based on PTLC method, we prepared CAN lacking all arecoline (WAC-100R) and a series of different ratios of arecoline-removed CAN samples (WAC-Rx). MTT and acute toxicity assays indicated that decreasing content by 50% decreased CAN toxicity significantly. Animal results revealed arecoline contents over 50% could guarantee the beneficial effects of CAN on gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, decreasing arecoline content in CAN by 50% decreased its pro-apoptotic effects significantly. Furthermore, decreasing 50% arecoline content in CAN down-regulated the expressions of Cleaved-Caspase-3, c-jun, c-fos, COX-2, PGE2, and IL-1α. Thus, our results revealed that CAN with 50% arecoline content (WAC-50R) has similar beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract to CAN, whereas its toxicity was decreased significantly. Collectively, our study suggested that the strategy of “target constituent removal combined with bioactivity assay” is a promising method to identify the optimum arecoline content in CAN, which is approximately 0.12%.
Rapamycin Prolongs the Survival of Corneal Epithelial Cells in Culture
Authors: Gidfar Sanaz , Milani Farnoud Y. , Milani Behrad Y. , Shen Xiang , Eslani Medi , Putra Ilham , Huvard Michael J. , Sagha Hossein , Djalilian Ali R.
Published: January 2017

Rapamycin has previously been shown to have anti-aging effects in cells and organisms. These studies were undertaken to investigate the effects of rapamycin on primary human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. Cell growth and viability were evaluated by bright field microscopy. Cell proliferation and cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of differentiation markers was evaluated by quantitative PCR and Western blot. Senescence was evaluated by senescence-associated β-Galactosidase staining and by Western blot analysis of p16. Apoptosis was evaluated by a TUNEL assay. The results demonstrated that primary HCEC treated with rapamycin had lower proliferation but considerably longer survival in vitro. Rapamycin-treated cells maintained a higher capacity to proliferate after removal of rapamycin and expressed more keratin 14, N-Cadherin, DeltaNp63 and ABCG2, and less keratin 12, consistent with their less differentiated state. Rapamycin treated cells demonstrated less senescence by X-β-Gal SA staining and by lower expression of p16. Apoptosis was also lower in the rapamycin treated cells. These results indicate that rapamycin treatment of HCEC prevents the loss of corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells to replicative senescence and apoptosis. Rapamycin may be a useful additive for ex vivo expansion of corneal epithelial cells.
UiO-66@SiO2 core–shell microparticles as stationary phases for the separation of small organic molecules
Authors: Arrua R. D. , Peristyy A. , Nesterenko P. N. , Das A. , D'Alessandro D. M. , Hilder E. F.
Published: January 2017

Microparticles decorated with metal–organic frameworks exhibited a unique flow-dependent separation selectivity (FDSS) effect for the isocratic separation of small molecules.
Optomagnetic detection of DNA triplex nanoswitches
Authors: Minero Gabriel Antonio S. , Fock Jeppe , McCaskill John S. , Hansen Mikkel F.
Published: January 2017

Triplex DNA formation is studied using rapid low-cost and dose-dependent optomagnetic method with an assay time of max 10 min and limit of detection of 100 pM.
Fabrication of paper devices via laser-heating-wax-printing for high-tech enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with low-tech pen-type pH meter readout
Authors: Le Shangwang , Zhou Hui , Nie Jinfang , Cao Chaohong , Yang Jiani , Pan Hongcheng , Li Jianping , Zhang Yun
Published: January 2017

This work reports a laser-heating-wax-printing method to fabricate paper devices for developing paper-based ELISAs that use pen-type pH meters for quantitative readout.
Surfactant-free synthesis of three-dimensional nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbon and its application as an electrode modification material for simultaneous sensing of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid
Authors: Nsabimana Anaclet , Lai Jianping , Li Suping , Hui Pan , Liu Zhongyuan , Xu Guobao
Published: January 2017

A 3D N-doped hierarchically porous carbon modified electrode enables simultaneous sensitive detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid.
Efficient electrocatalytic O2 reduction at copper complexes grafted onto polyvinylimidazole coated carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Fei-Fei , Zhao Ye-Min , Wei Ping-Jie , Zhang Qian-Ling , Liu Jin-Gang
Published: January 2017

Copper complexes of 5-nitrophenanthroline were sandwiched between polyvinylimidazole layers wrapped on carbon nanotubes, which showed ORR activity comparable to a Pt/C catalyst in alkaline media.
Bioconjugation strategies to couple supramolecular exo-functionalized palladium cages to peptides for biomedical applications
Authors: Han J. , Schmidt A. , Zhang T. , Permentier H. , Groothuis G. M. M. , Bischoff R. , Kühn F. E. , Horvatovich P. , Casini A.
Published: January 2017

Supramolecular metallacages hold promise for targeted drug delivery.
Kinetic analysis of copper transfer from a chaperone to its target protein mediated by complex formation
Authors: Kay Kristine L. , Zhou Liang , Tenori Leonardo , Bradley Justin M. , Singleton Chloe , Kihlken Margaret A. , Ciofi-Baffoni Simone , Le Brun Nick E.
Published: January 2017

Rate of Cu(i) transfer between chaperone and target protein is enhanced dramatically by complex formation.
Solution processing of two-dimensional black phosphorus
Authors: Lewis Edward A. , Brent Jack R. , Derby Brian , Haigh Sarah J. , Lewis David J.
Published: January 2017

This feature article discusses solution-phase routes to semiconducting two-dimensional black phosphorus (‘phosphorene’) and highlights challenges in processing the material as well as illuminating new avenues and opportunities in the area.
Photo-electrochemical properties of quantum rods studied by scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Lhenry Sébastien , Boichard Benoît , Leroux Yann R. , Even-Hernandez Pascale , Marchi Valérie , Hapiot Philippe
Published: January 2017

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is used for studying the intrinsic photo-electrochemical properties of CdSe/CdS quantum rods.
Enhancement of surface nonwettability by grafting loops
Authors: Pei Han-Wen , Liu Xiao-Li , Liu Hong , Zhu You-Liang , Lu Zhong-Yuan
Published: January 2017

We present a computer simulation study on the nonwettability of a flat surface tethered with deformable looped polymer chains.
Spectroscopic investigation of bio-mimetic solvolysis of 6-(N,N-dimethylamino)-2,3-naphthalic anhydride in confined nanocavities
Authors: Chandra Falguni , Mallick Suman , Koner Apurba L.
Published: January 2017

Enzymes are biological catalysts that can vastly accelerate the reaction rate of a substrate by accommodating it within the active site.
Kinetic analysis of overlapping multistep thermal decomposition comprising exothermic and endothermic processes: thermolysis of ammonium dinitramide
Authors: Muravyev Nikita V. , Koga Nobuyoshi , Meerov Dmitry B. , Pivkina Alla N.
Published: January 2017

Multistep heterogeneous reactions with exothermic and endothermic steps are separated by an advanced kinetic analysis using simultaneous TG–DSC curves.
Combined in- and ex situ studies of pyrazine adsorption into the aliphatic MOF Al-CAU-13: structures, dynamics and correlations
Authors: Reinsch Helge , Benecke Jannik , Etter Martin , Heidenreich Niclas , Stock Norbert
Published: January 2017

The intercalation of different pyrazine derivatives into the trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (CDC2−) based Al-MOF [Al(OH)(CDC)], denoted as CAU-13, was investigated ex- and in-situ.
Recent advances in high-temperature carbon–air fuel cells
Authors: Cao Tianyu , Huang Kevin , Shi Yixiang , Cai Ningsheng
Published: January 2017

High-temperature carbon–air fuel cells offer the most efficient and cleanest power generation from coal and other carbon-based materials.
The structural origin of enhanced piezoelectric performance and stability in lead free ceramics
Authors: Zheng Ting , Wu Haijun , Yuan Yuan , Lv Xiang , Li Qi , Men Tianlu , Zhao Chunlin , Xiao Dingquan , Wu Jiagang , Wang Ke , Li Jing-Feng , Gu Yueliang , Zhu Jianguo , Pennycook Stephen J.
Published: January 2017

The structural origin of enhanced piezoelectric performance and stability in KNN-based ceramics can be attributed to the hierarchical nanodomain architecture with phase coexistence.
Metal organic framework-derived Co3O4 microcubes and their catalytic applications in CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zhang Li , Xu Guan-Cheng , Ma Xin , Li Ying-Hai , Zhang Chu-Yang , Jia Dian-Zeng
Published: January 2017

Porous Co3O4 catalysts were successfully synthesized via a one-step pyrolysis of Co-based metal-formate frameworks, which exhibit excellent catalytic activity for CO oxidation.
Porous organic–inorganic hybrid xerogels for stearic acid shape-stabilized phase change materials
Authors: Andriamitantsoa Radoelizo S. , Dong Wenjun , Gao Hongyi , Wang Ge
Published: January 2017

The high surface area, porosity and gel properties of MOG-100 (Cr) ensure the excellent thermal properties of SA@MOG-100 (Cr) composites.
Ultrafast igniting, imidazolium based hypergolic ionic liquids with enhanced hydrophobicity
Authors: Bhosale Vikas K. , Kulkarni Prashant S.
Published: January 2017

Exploring ultrafast igniting and hydrolytically stable ionic liquids (ILs) has a wide scope in hypergolic rocket fuels.
Fabrication of hollow silica–nickel particles for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane using rape pollen templates
Authors: Umegaki Tetsuo , Hui Sze Man , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2017

Hollow silica–nickel particles were fabricated by coating silica–nickel shell on rape pollen templates following calcination.
Shedding light on the photophysical properties of iridium(iii) complexes with a dicyclometalated phosphate ligand via N-substitution from a theoretical viewpoint
Authors: Shang Xiaohong , Han Deming , Zhou Defeng , Zhang Gang
Published: January 2017

The geometrical structures and phosphorescence efficiency of two series of iridium(iii) complexes with wide-range color tuning have been focused on in this work.
Recent progress in mild Csp3–H bond dehydrogenative or (mono-) oxidative functionalization
Authors: Gini Andrea , Brandhofer Tobias , Mancheño Olga García
Published: January 2017

This review summarizes recent advances in mild and green dehydrogenative and mono-oxidative Csp3–H bond functionalization reactions, considering both new approaches and the re-elaboration of known methodologies.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of unmodified heparin oligosaccharides: cleavage of p-nitrophenyl glucuronide by alkaline and Smith degradation
Authors: Zhang Xing , Xu Yongmei , Hsieh Po-Hung , Liu Jian , Lin Lei , Schmidt Eric P. , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: January 2017

A heparin oligosaccharide having a completely natural structure was successfully synthesized through a chemoenzymatic approach using an unnatural glycosyl acceptor, p-nitrophenyl glucuronide (GlcA-pNP).
Nanocomposite latexes containing layered double hydroxides via RAFT-assisted encapsulating emulsion polymerization
Authors: Perreira Ana Cenacchi , Pearson Samuel , Kostadinova Dessislava , Leroux Fabrice , D'Agosto Franck , Lansalot Muriel , Bourgeat-Lami Elodie , Prévot Vanessa
Published: January 2017

Successful encapsulation of LDH nanoplatelets into latex particles.
High-efficiency electrochemical hydrogen evolution based on the intermetallic Pt2Si compound prepared by magnetron-sputtering
Authors: Zhu Yuchan , Yuan Min , Deng Li , Ming Ruoxi , Zhang Ailian , Yang Ming , Chai Bo , Ren Zhandong
Published: January 2017

An intermetallic Pt2Si compound was prepared by magnetron sputtering, which exhibited higher HER activity than that of Pt in acidic solution.
Fluorescence sensor for detecting protamines based on competitive interactions of polyacrylic acid modified with sodium 4-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonate with protamines and aminated graphene oxide
Authors: Liu Jinshui , Xu Meijiao , Wang Bin , Zhou Zihan , Wang Lizhen
Published: January 2017

An easy-to-use fluorescent probe for detecting protamines was developed.
High coercivity stellated cobalt metal multipods through solvothermal reduction of cobalt hydroxide nanosheets
Authors: Nethravathi C. , Rajamathi Catherine R. , Singh Sanjay , Rajamathi Michael , Felser Claudia
Published: January 2017

Solvated 2D nanosheets of dodecylsulphate intercalated α-cobalt hydroxide in 1-butanol are solvothermally reduced to hexagonal close packed (hcp) Co metal multipods in the presence of oleylamine.
Synthesis, characterization and programmable toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated withd-amino acid oxidase
Authors: Balzaretti Riccardo , Meder Fabian , Monopoli Marco P. , Boselli Luca , Armenia Ilaria , Pollegioni Loredano , Bernardini Giovanni , Gornati Rosalba
Published: January 2017

RgDAAO conjugated to γ-Fe2O3NPs generates a low toxic NP-DAAO system, which kills cancer cells through ROS production.
Characterization of self-sealing MAO ceramic coatings with green or black color on an Al alloy
Authors: Yang Wei , Xu Dapeng , Chen Jian , Liu Jiangnan , Jiang Bailing
Published: January 2017

Micro arc oxidation (MAO) coatings with green or black color were obtained on a 6061 Al alloy in a new Cr-containing electrolyte system.
Structural, electronic and optical properties of 2,5-dichloro-p-xylene: experimental and theoretical calculations using DFT method
Authors: Venkatesh G. , Govindaraju M. , Kamal C. , Vennila P. , Kaya S.
Published: January 2017

The vibrational spectra including FT-IR and FT-Raman for 2,5-dichloro-p-xylene (DCPX) have been recorded.
Tuning the optical and electrochemical properties of conjugated all-thiophene dendrimers via core functionalization with a benzothiadiazole unit
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Junkai , Luo Qun , Lin Yi , Ma Yuchao , Dou Junyan , Tan Hongwei , Ma Chang-Qi , Cui Zheng
Published: January 2017

The optoelectronic properties of conjugated thiophene dendrimers can be tuned by core functionalization with a benzothiadiazole unit.
Removal of trace arsenic to below drinking water standards using a Mn–Fe binary oxide
Authors: Li Jiefei , Gyoten Hiroki , Sonoda Akinari , Feng Qi , Xue Mei
Published: January 2017

The adsorption isotherms for As(iii) and As(v) followed the Langmuir equation, the saturation adsorption capacities (qm) by MF4/6-12 were evaluated as 50 mg g−1for both As(iii) and As(v).
Dual shelled Fe3O4/polydopamine hollow microspheres as an effective Eu(iii) adsorbent
Authors: Fang Qunling , Duan Shengxia , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Jiaxing , Leung Ken Cham-Fai
Published: January 2017

A facile method was developed to synthesize Fe3O4/polydopamine (PDA) dual shelled microspheres with a hollow interior.
Enhanced light harvesting through Förster resonance energy transfer in polymer–small molecule ternary system
Authors: Hussain Amreen A. , Pal Arup R.
Published: January 2017

A conceptually new approach to fabricate a robust ternary structure is introduced for light harvesting devices. An interesting photophysical mechanism of the ternary blend in a real device is highlighted where FRET strongly contributes to the performance enhancement of the device.
miR-378 reduces mesangial hypertrophy and kidney tubular fibrosis via MAPK signalling
Authors: Wang Bo , Yao Kevin , Wise Andrea F. , Lau Ricky , Shen Hsin-Hui , Tesch Greg H. , Ricardo Sharon D.
Published: January 2017

The regulatory role of a novel miRNA, miR-378, was determined in the development of fibrosis through repression of the MAPK1 pathway, miR-378 and fibrotic gene expression was examined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice at 18 weeks or in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice at 7 days. miR-378 transfection of proximal tubular epithelial cells, NRK52E and mesangial cells was assessed with/without endogenous miR-378 knockdown using the locked nucleic acid (LNA) inhibitor. NRK52E cells were co-transfected with the mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) CAGA reporter and miR-378 in the presence of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1) was assessed. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed a significant reduction in miR-378 (P<0.05) corresponding with up-regulated type I collagen, type IV collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in kidneys of STZ or UUO mice, compared with controls. TGF-β1 significantly increased mRNA expression of type I collagen (P<0.05), type IV collagen (P<0.05) and α-SMA (P<0.05) in NRK52E cells, which was significantly reduced (P<0.05) following miR-378 transfection and reversed following addition of the LNA inhibitor of endogenous miR-378. Overexpression of miR-378 inhibited mesangial cell expansion and proliferation in response to TGF-β1, with LNA–miR-378 transfection reversing this protective effect, associated with cell morphological alterations. The protective function of MAPK1 on miR-378 was shown in kidney cells treated with the MAPK1 inhibitor, selumetinib, which inhibited mesangial cell hypertrophy in response to TGF-β1. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-378 acts via regulation of the MAPK1 pathway. These studies demonstrate the protective function of MAPK1, regulated by miR-378, in the induction of kidney cell fibrosis and mesangial hypertrophy.
Hearing Impairment and Undiagnosed Disease: The Potential Role of Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Marlow Nicole M. , Malaty John , Jo Ara , Tanner Rebecca J. , Beau de Rochars Valery M. , Carek Peter J. , Mainous Arch G.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The objective of this study was to use cross-sectional, nationally representative data to examine the relationship between self-reported hearing impairment and undetected diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic kidney disease.

Method

We analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2007–2012 for individuals 40 years of age and older without previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease. Analyses were conducted examining hearing impairment and undiagnosed disease.

Results

The unweighted sample size was 9,786, representing 123,444,066 Americans. Hearing impairment was reported in 10.2% of the individuals. In unadjusted analyses, there was no significant difference between adults with hearing impairment and adults with typical hearing for undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia. A higher proportion of adults with hearing impairment than adults with typical hearing had undiagnosed chronic kidney disease (20.1% vs. 10.7%;
p
= .0001). In models adjusting for demographics and health care utilization, hearing impairment was associated with a higher likelihood of having undiagnosed chronic kidney disease (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI [1.23, 1.91]).

Conclusions

Individuals with hearing impairment are more likely to have undiagnosed chronic kidney disease. Hearing impairment may affect disclosure of important signs and symptoms as well as the comprehension of medical conversations for chronic disease management. General practitioners can play a critical role in improving medical communication by responding with sensitivity to the signs of hearing impairment in their patients.
A General Audiovisual Temporal Processing Deficit in Adult Readers With Dyslexia
Authors: Francisco Ana A. , Jesse Alexandra , Groen Margriet A. , McQueen James M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Because reading is an audiovisual process, reading impairment may reflect an audiovisual processing deficit. The aim of the present study was to test the existence and scope of such a deficit in adult readers with dyslexia.

Method

We tested 39 typical readers and 51 adult readers with dyslexia on their sensitivity to the simultaneity of audiovisual speech and nonspeech stimuli, their time window of audiovisual integration for speech (using incongruent /aCa/ syllables), and their audiovisual perception of phonetic categories.

Results

Adult readers with dyslexia showed less sensitivity to audiovisual simultaneity than typical readers for both speech and nonspeech events. We found no differences between readers with dyslexia and typical readers in the temporal window of integration for audiovisual speech or in the audiovisual perception of phonetic categories.

Conclusions

The results suggest an audiovisual temporal deficit in dyslexia that is not specific to speech-related events. But the differences found for audiovisual temporal sensitivity did not translate into a deficit in audiovisual speech perception. Hence, there seems to be a hiatus between simultaneity judgment and perception, suggesting a multisensory system that uses different mechanisms across tasks. Alternatively, it is possible that the audiovisual deficit in dyslexia is only observable when explicit judgments about audiovisual simultaneity are required.
Children's Use of Semantic Context in Perception of Foreign-Accented Speech
Authors: Holt Rachael Frush , Bent Tessa
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate children's use of semantic context to facilitate foreign-accented word recognition in noise.

Method

Monolingual American English speaking 5- to 7-year-olds (n= 168) repeated either Mandarin- or American English–accented sentences in babble, half of which contained final words that were highly predictable from context. The same final words were presented in the low- and high-predictability sentences.

Results

Word recognition scores were better in the high- than low-predictability contexts. Scores improved with age and were higher for the native than the Mandarin accent. The oldest children saw the greatest benefit from context; however, context benefit was similar regardless of speaker accent.

Conclusion

Despite significant acoustic-phonetic deviations from native norms, young children capitalize on contextual cues when presented with foreign-accented speech. Implications for spoken word recognition in children with speech, language, and hearing differences are discussed.
Efficacy of a Supplemental Phonemic Awareness Curriculum to Instruct Preschoolers With Delays in Early Literacy Development
Authors: Goldstein Howard , Olszewski Arnold , Haring Christa , Greenwood Charles R. , McCune Luke , Carta Judith , Atwater Jane , Guerrero Gabriela , Schneider Naomi , McCarthy Tanya , Kelley Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Children who do not develop early literacy skills, especially phonological awareness (PA) and alphabet knowledge, prior to kindergarten are at risk for reading difficulties. We investigated a supplemental curriculum with children demonstrating delays in these skills.

Method

A cluster randomized design with 104 preschool-age children in 39 classrooms was used to determine the efficacy of a supplemental PA curriculum,
PAth to Literacy
. The curriculum consists of 36 daily scripted 10-min lessons with interactive games designed to teach PA and alphabet skills. A vocabulary intervention (
Story Friends
), which also uses a small-group format, served as the comparison condition.

Results

Multilevel modeling indicated that children in the experimental condition demonstrated significantly greater gains on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) First Sound Fluency (Dynamic Measurement Group, 2006) and Word Parts Fluency (Kaminski & Powell-Smith, 2011) measures. Educational relevance was evident: 82% of the children in the experimental condition met the kindergarten benchmark for First Sound Fluency compared with 34% of the children in the comparison condition. Teachers reported overall satisfaction with the lessons.

Conclusions

Results indicated that the vast majority of children demonstrating early literacy delays in preschool may benefit from a supplemental PA curriculum that has the potential to prevent reading difficulties as children transition to kindergarten.
Efficient algorithm for piecewise‐smooth model with approximately explicit solutions
Authors: Song Huihui , Zheng Yuhui , Zhang Kaihua
Published: January 2017

An efficient approach to image segmentation that approximates the piecewise smooth (PS) functional in Vese and Chan (2002) with explicit solutions is presented. By rendering some rational constraints on the initial conditions and the final solutions of the PS functional, the authors propose two novel formulations which can be approximated to be the explicit solutions of the evolution partial differential equations (PDEs) of the PS model, in which only one PDE needs to be solved efficiently. Furthermore, an energy term that regularises the level set function to be a signed distance function is incorporated into our evolution formulation, and the time‐consuming re‐initialisation is avoided. Experiments on synthetic and real images show that the method is more efficient than both the PS model and the local binary fitting (LBF) model, while having similar segmentation accuracy as the LBF model.
Measurement of quartz crystal unit parameters based on the precise derivation of zero phase frequency
Authors: Liu Dong , Huang Xianhe , Hu Jianguo , Tang Yuanlin , Wang Yan
Published: January 2017

It is usually considered that the resonance frequency of quartz crystal resonator is only related to dynamic inductance L1 and dynamic capacitance C1, and load resonance frequency has connection with L1, C1 and static capacitance C0. Hence, the dynamic resistance cannot be measured by frequency. The deduction show that all the frequencies relates to L1, C1, C0 and dynamic resistance R1. Then, a method for measuring the total equivalent parameters of quartz crystal resonator based on zero phase frequency is proposed in this Letter. The simulation results of advanced design system (ADS) verify the validity of this proposal in theory. After that, the phase‐frequency‐curves of a quartz crystal resonator with 10 and 5 MHz are measured, which can obtain equivalent parameters of through data processing. The results show that this method has calculated parameters essentially in agreement with nominal parameters. This method does not have reciprocating debugging process, and the test process is simple as well. In addition, the approximate calculation is not used in this method, and it could be widely extent to the field of sensors, such as quartz crystal microbalance sensors, temperature sensors and so on.
Robust fuzzy local information and ‐norm distance‐based image segmentation method
Authors: Li Fang , Qin Jing
Published: January 2017

A variant of fuzzy c‐means (FCM) clustering algorithm for image segmentation is provided. Unlike the ‐norm distance in FCM, with norm is used to measure the distance of the pixel intensity to its cluster centre in the energy functional. Moreover, local spatial information and colour information are incorporated into the model to enhance the robustness to noise and outliers. The proposed algorithm is called fuzzy local information (FLILp) clustering. To overcome the difficulty of finding cluster centres, ‐norm distance is approximated by weighted distance. The advantages of FLILp are: (i) it is strongly robust to noise and outliers, (ii) it is applied to the original image and (iii) it preserves image edges. Numerical examples and comparisons of image segmentation on both synthetic and real images illustrate the outstanding performance and robustness of the proposed method.