bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the interactions between inhibitor-1 and recombinant PP1 by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Liang Chu-Ting , Lin Yu-Shan , Huang Yi-Choang , Huang Hsien-Lu , Yang Jia-Qian , Wu Tsung-Hsien , Chang Chi-Fon , Huang Shing-Jong , Huang Hsien-Bin , Lin Ta-Hsien
Published: January 2018

Inhibitor-1 is converted into a potent inhibitor of native protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) when Thr35 is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). However, PKA-phosphorylated form of inhibitor-1 displayed a weak activity in inhibition of recombinant PP1. The mechanism for the impaired activity of PKA-phosphorylated inhibitor-1 toward inhibition of recombinant PP1 remained elusive. By using NMR spectroscopy in combination with site-directed mutagenesis and inhibitory assay, we found that the interaction between recombinant PP1 and the consensus PP1-binding motif of PKA-thiophosphorylated form of inhibitor-1 was unexpectedly weak. Unlike binding to native PP1, the subdomains 1 (residues around and including the phosphorylated Thr35) and 2 (the consensus PP1-binding motif) of PKA-thiophosphorylated form of inhibitor-1 do not exhibit a synergistic effect in inhibition of recombinant PP1. This finding implied that a slight structural discrepancy exists between native and recombinant PP1, resulting in PKA-thiophosphorylated form of inhibitor-1 displaying a different affinity to native and recombinant enzyme.
Lateralized behavior and cardiac activity of dogs in response to human emotional vocalizations
Authors: Siniscalchi Marcello , d’Ingeo Serenella , Fornelli Serena , Quaranta Angelo
Published: January 2018

Over the recent years, the study of emotional functioning has become one of the central issues in dog cognition. Previous studies showed that dogs can recognize different emotions by looking at human faces and can correctly match the human emotional state with a vocalization having a negative emotional valence. However, to this day, little is known about how dogs perceive and process human non-verbal vocalizations having different emotional valence. The current research provides new insights into emotional functioning of the canine brain by studying dogs’ lateralized auditory functions (to provide a first insight into the valence dimension) matched with both behavior and physiological measures of arousal (to study the arousal dimension) in response to playbacks related to the Ekman’s six basic human emotions. Overall, our results indicate lateralized brain patterns for the processing of human emotional vocalizations, with the prevalent use of the right hemisphere in the analysis of vocalizations with a clear negative emotional valence (i.e. “fear” and “sadness”) and the prevalent use of the left hemisphere in the analysis of positive vocalization (“happiness”). Furthermore, both cardiac activity and behavior response support the hypothesis that dogs are sensitive to emotional cues of human vocalizations.
Reliable landmarks for precise topographical analyses of pathological structural changes of the ovine tibial plateau in 2-D and 3-D subspaces
Authors: Oláh Tamás , Reinhard Jan , Gao Liang , Goebel Lars K. H. , Madry Henning
Published: January 2018

Selecting identical topographical locations to analyse pathological structural changes of the osteochondral unit in translational models remains difficult. The specific aim of the study was to provide objectively defined reference points on the ovine tibial plateau based on 2-D sections of micro-CT images useful for reproducible sample harvesting and as standardized landmarks for landmark-based 3-D image registration. We propose 5 reference points, 11 reference lines and 12 subregions that are detectable macroscopically and on 2-D micro-CT sections. Their value was confirmed applying landmark-based rigid and affine 3-D registration methods. Intra- and interobserver comparison showed high reliabilities, and constant positions (standard errors < 1%). Spatial patterns of the thicknesses of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone plate were revealed by measurements in 96 individual points of the tibial plateau. As a case study, pathological phenomena 6 months following OA induction in vivo such as osteophytes and areas of OA development were mapped to the individual subregions. These new reference points and subregions are directly identifiable on tibial plateau specimens or macroscopic images, enabling a precise topographical location of pathological structural changes of the osteochondral unit in both 2-D and 3-D subspaces in a region-appropriate fashion relevant for translational investigations.
Local delivery of hormonal therapy with silastic tubing for prevention and treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Park Jeenah , Thomas Scott , Zhong Allison Y. , Wolfe Alan R. , Krings Gregor , Terranova-Barberio Manuela , Pawlowska Nela , Benet Leslie Z. , Munster Pamela N.
Published: January 2018

Broad use of germline testing has identified an increasing number of women at risk for breast cancer with a need for effective chemoprevention. We report a novel method to selectively deliver various anti-estrogens at high drug levels to the breast tissue by implanting a device comprised of silastic tubing. Optimized tubing properties allow elution of otherwise poorly bioavailable anti-estrogens, such as fulvestrant, into mammary tissue in vitro and in vivo with levels sufficient to inhibit estrogen receptor activation and tumor cell proliferation. Implantable silastic tubing delivers fulvestrant selectively to mouse mammary fat tissue for one year with anti-tumor effects similar to those achieved with systemic fulvestrant exposure. Furthermore, local delivery of fulvestrant significantly decreases cell proliferation, as assessed by Ki67 expression, most effectively in tumor sections adjacent to tubing. This approach may thereby introduce a potential paradigm shift and offer a promising alternative to systemic therapy for prevention and early interception of breast cancer.
Frequency selectivity of echo responses in the mouse primary auditory cortex
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Ruijie , Li Jingcheng , Zhang Jianxiong , Chen Xiaowei , Zeng Shaoqun , Liao Xiang
Published: January 2018

In the primary auditory cortex (A1), neuronal ensembles are activated relative to anticipated sound events following rhythmic stimulation, but whether the echo responses of the neurons are related to their frequency selectivity remains unknown. Therefore, we used in vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging to record the neuronal activities in the mouse A1 to elucidate the relationship between their echo responses and frequency selectivity. We confirmed the presence of echo responses in a subgroup of mouse Layer 2/3 A1 neurons following a train of rhythmic pure tone stimulation. After testing with a range of frequencies, we found that these echo responses occurred preferentially close to the best frequencies of the neurons. The local organization of the echo responses of the neurons was heterogeneous in the A1. Therefore, these results indicate that the observed echo responses of neurons within A1 are highly related to their frequency selectivity.
Enhanced growth of large-scale nanostructures with metallic ion precipitation in helium plasmas
Authors: Kajita Shin , Kawaguchi Shota , Ohno Noriyasu , Yoshida Naoaki
Published: January 2018

Helium plasma irradiation on metal surfaces leads to the formation of metallic fuzzy nanostructures accompanied by the growth of helium bubbles in metals. The mechanism of the growth process, its impact for fusion devices, and potential application have been explored. Here we show enhanced growth of large-scale fuzz by precipitating additional metallic particles during helium plasma irradiation. The growth rate of the fuzzy structures became orders of magnitude greater than conventional fuzz growth; in an hour of irradiation, 1 mm-thick visible tungsten and molybdenum fuzzy fur structures covered a tungsten metal substrate. Additional precipitation of metallic ions breaks the bottleneck diffusion process; moreover, further acceleration in the growth rate could have occurred if the electric sheath shape was influenced by the grown structure and the electric field that formed around the structure started collecting ions.
Anti-glioma Natural Products Downregulating Tumor Glycolytic Enzymes from Marine Actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZZ406
Authors: Chen Mengxuan , Chai Weiyun , Song Tengfei , Ma Mingzhu , Lian Xiao-Yuan , Zhang Zhizhen
Published: January 2018

Marine natural products are important resources for discovering novel anticancer drugs. In this study, an extract prepared from the culture of a sea anemone-derived actinomyceteStreptomycessp. ZZ406 in soluble starch and casein-related liquid medium was found to have activity in inhibiting the proliferation of glioma cells and reducing the production of lactate in glioma cells. Chemical investigation of this active crude extract resulted in the isolation of four new compounds and seven known ones. Structures of the new compounds were determined by a combination of extensive NMR analyses, HRESIMS and MS-MS data, electronic circular dichroism calculation, chemical degradation, and Marfey’s method. New compound1showed potent activity against the proliferation of different glioma cells with IC50values of 4.7 to 8.1 μM, high selectivity index (>12.3 to 21.3), and good stability in human liver microsomes. Western blot analysis revealed that compound1remarkably downregulated the expressions of several important glioma glycolytic enzymes. The data from this study suggested that compound1might have potential as a novel anti-glioma agent to be further investigated.
Associations of Tumor PD-1 Ligands, Immunohistochemical Studies, and Textural Features in 18F-FDG PET in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Chen Rui-Yun , Lin Ying-Chun , Shen Wei-Chih , Hsieh Te-Chun , Yen Kuo-Yang , Chen Shang-Wen , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: January 2018

To know tumor PD-L1 expression through IHC or the FDG-PET related radiomics, we investigated the association between programmed cell death protein 1 ligand (PD-L1) expression and immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers or textural features of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxdeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) in 53 oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer patients who were ready to undergo radiotherapy-based treatment. Differences in textural features or biomarkers between tumors with and without PD-L1 expression were tested using a Mann–Whitney U test. The predicted values for PD-L1 expression were examined using logistic regression analysis. The mean percentages of tumor PD-L1 expression were 6.2 ± 13.5. Eighteen tumors had PD-L1 expression ≥5%, whereas 30 tumors ≥1%. Using a 5% cutoff, the p16 staining percentage and the textural index of correlation were two factors associated with PD-L1 expression. The odds ratios (ORs) were 17.00 (p = 0.028) and 0.009 (p = 0.015), respectively. When dichotomizing PD-L1 at 1%, the p16 and Ki-67 staining percentages were two predictors for PD-L1 expression with ORs of 11.41 (p = 0.035) and 757.77 (p = 0.045). p16 and Ki-67 staining percentages and several PET/CT-derived textural features can provide supplemental information to determine tumor PD-L1 expression in HNCs.
Increased pulse wave transit time after percutaneous coronary intervention procedure in CAD patients
Authors: Ji Lizhen , Liu Chengyu , Li Peng , Wang Xinpei , Liu Changchun , Hou Yinglong
Published: January 2018

Pulse wave transit time (PWTT) has been widely used as an index in assessing arterial stiffness. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is usually applied to the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Research on the changes in PWTT caused by PCI is helpful for understanding the impact of the PCI procedure. In addition, effects of stent sites and access sites on the changes in PWTT have not been explored. Consequently, this study aimed to provide this information. The results showed that PWTT significantly increased after PCI (p < 0.01) while the standard deviation (SD) of PWTT time series had no statistically significant changes (p = 0.60) between before and after PCI. Significantly increased PWTT was found in the radial access group (p < 0.01), while there were no significant changes in the femoral access group (p > 0.4). Additionally, PWTT in the left anterior descending (LAD) group significantly increased after PCI (p < 0.01), but the increase that was found in the right coronary artery (RCA) group was not significant (p > 0.1). Our study indicates that arterial elasticity and left ventricular functions can benefit from a successful PCI procedure, and the increase of peripheral PWTT after PCI can help to better understand the effectiveness of the procedure.
Defining Phenotypes in Diabetic Nephropathy: a novel approach using a cross-sectional analysis of a single centre cohort
Authors: Montero Rosa M. , Herath Athula , Qureshi Ashfaq , Esfandiari Ehsanollah , Pusey Charles D. , Frankel Andrew H. , Tam Frederick W. K.
Published: January 2018

The global increase in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has led to an increase in DM-Chronic Kidney Disease (DM-CKD). In this cross-sectional observational study we aimed to define phenotypes for patients with DM-CKD that in future may be used to individualise treatment We report 4 DM-CKD phenotypes in 220 patients recruited from Imperial College NHS Trust clinics from 2004–2012. A robust principal component analysis (PCA) was used to statistically determine clusters with phenotypically different patients. 163 patients with complete data sets were analysed: 77 with CKD and 86 with DM-CKD. Four different clusters were identified. Phenotypes 1 and 2 are entirely composed of patients with DM-CKD and phenotypes 3 and 4 are predominantly CKD (non-DM-CKD). Phenotype 1 depicts a cardiovascular phenotype; phenotype 2: microvascular complications with advanced DM-CKD; phenotype 3: advanced CKD with less anaemia, lower weight and HbA1c; phenotype 4: hypercholesteraemic, younger, less severe CKD. We are the first group to describe different phenotypes in DM-CKD using a PCA approach. Identification of phenotypic groups illustrates the differences and similarities that occur under the umbrella term of DM-CKD providing an opportunity to study phenotypes within these groups thereby facilitating development of precision/personalised targeted medicine.
Targeted Delivery with Ultrasound Activated Nano-encapsulated Drugs
Authors: Gourevich D. , Cochran S.
Published: January 2018

As a therapeutic modality, targeted drug delivery (TDD) allows an increase in medication dose at a treatment site while avoiding effects in the rest of the human body. TDD can be achieved with different types of delivery vehicles or carriers which encapsulate the free drug and release it only at the target location. Ultrasound-mediated therapeutic drug delivery (USmTDD) is one of various methods for local drug release and it can also influence cell permeability. Furthermore, combining it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a controllable system for drug release and impact assessment. In this chapter, one approach to USmTDD is described. This involves the synthesis and assessment of a suitable, novel drug carrier, with the ultrasonic drug release evaluated in vitro using a clinical MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) system. Human cancer cell lines were subjected to Focused Ultrasound (FUS) using the ExAblate 2000 system (InSightec, Haifa, Israel). The experiments were conducted in a specially designed research environment which was comprehensively evaluated to ensure both cell sterility and proper FUS propagation. Various sonication parameters were applied, in conjunction with a commercially available ultrasound contrast agent (USCA), to achieve maximal cellular uptake of doxorubicin (Dox) with minimal decrease in cell viability. In the work presented here, the carrier was a novel cyclodextrin (CD) based molecule that was synthesized, chemically evaluated, and investigated in vitro via two release mechanisms, heating and physical effects, that were differentiated through appropriate detailed experimental protocols.
Comparative study on La-promoted Ni/γ-Al2O3 for methane dry reforming – spray drying for enhanced nickel dispersion and strong metal–support interactions
Authors: Pegios N. , Bliznuk V. , Prünte S. , Schneider J. M. , Palkovits R. , Simeonov K.
Published: January 2018

Clear structure-performance correlation for the dry reforming of methane – spray drying for excellent sintering and cocking resistivity.
Anti-site defect effect on the electronic structure of a Bi2Te3 topological insulator
Authors: Chuang Pei-Yu , Su Shu-Hsuan , Chong Cheong-Wei , Chen Yi-Fan , Chou Yu-Heng , Huang Jung-Chun-Andrew , Chen Wei-Chuan , Cheng Cheng-Maw , Tsuei Ku-Ding , Wang Chia-Hsin , Yang Yaw-Wen , Liao Yen-Fa , Weng Shih-Chang , Lee Jyh-Fu , Lan Yi-Kang , Chang Shen-Lin , Lee Chi-Hsuan , Yang Chih-Kai , Su Hai-Lin , Wu Yu-Cheng
Published: January 2018

Tuning the Fermi level (EF) in Bi2Te3 topological-insulator (TI) films is demonstrated on controlling the temperature of growth with molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE).
Facile surface modification of nickel ferrite nanoparticles for inherent multiple fluorescence and catalytic activities
Authors: Talukdar Souvanik , Rakshit Rupali , Krämer André , Müller Frank A. , Mandal Kalyan
Published: January 2018

We have developed bio-compatible magneto-fluorescent NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) by modifying the surface of the NPs with Na-tartrate. The surface modified NiFe2O4 NPs are beneficial for cell imaging, wastewater treatment and therapeutics.
Ethanolic extract ofBrucea javanicainhibit proliferation of HCT-116 colon cancer cellsviacaspase activation
Authors: Bagheri E. , Hajiaghaalipour F. , Nyamathulla S. , Salehen N. A.
Published: January 2018

Brucea javanicaethanolic extracts induced apoptosis in colon cancer cell line (HCT-116)viamitochonderial and extrinsic pathways.
Isoastragaloside I suppresses LPS-induced tight junction disruption and monocyte adhesion on bEnd.3 cellsviaan activating Nrf2 antioxidant defense system
Authors: Li Hong-Li , Jin Jin-Mei , Yang Chun , Wang Ping , Huang Fei , Wu Hui , Zhang Bei-Bei , Shi Hai-Lian , Wu Xiao-Jun
Published: January 2018

ISOI rescued TJs disruption from ROS induced by LPS in bEnd.3 cells. ISOI ameliorated inflammatory response and decreased monocyte adhesion onto bEnd.3 cells induced with LPS. ISOI protected BBB integrity through activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
Recent advances in green reagents for molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Wu Xi , Du Jiajun , Li Mengyao , Wu Lintao , Han Chun , Su Feng
Published: January 2018

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor-made materials with special binding sites.
Enhanced ferromagnetism of ZnO@Co/Ni hybrid core@shell nanowires grown by electrochemical deposition method
Authors: Pham Huyen T. , Nguyen Tam D. , Islam Md. Earul , Tran Dat Q. , Akabori Masashi
Published: January 2018

Facile electrochemical synthesis of ZnO@Co and ZnO@Ni hybrid core@shell nanowires with enhanced ferromagnetism.
A CH3NH3PbI3 film for a room-temperature NO2 gas sensor with quick response and high selectivity
Authors: Fu Xianwei , Jiao Shilong , Dong Ning , Lian Gang , Zhao Tianyu , Lv Song , Wang Qilong , Cui Deliang
Published: January 2018

A room-temperature NO2 gas sensor with excellent performances is fabricated using an MAPbI3 (MA = CH3NH3+) thin film.
Insights into thermal reduction of the oxidized graphite from the electro-oxidation processing of nuclear graphite matrix
Authors: Zhang Gengyu , Wen Mingfen , Wang Shuwei , Chen Jing , Wang Jianchen
Published: January 2018

Temperature-dependence of structural transformation of oxidized graphite from the electro-oxidation processing of nuclear graphite matrix have been studied. Meanwhile, the mechanism of dissociation of oxygen species on the thermal reduction process has been suggested.
The study on continuous denitrification, desulfurization of pyrolusite/activated coke hybrid catalyst
Authors: Yang Lin , Yao Lu , Jiang Wenju , Jiang Xia , Li Jianjun
Published: January 2018

The SO2 removal and regeneration of ACP improved its NO removal activity, while the denitrification had almost no effect on the desulfurization. The metal sulfate of ACP-Rn showed catalytic activity for NO reduction although there is also a reverse effect.
Praeruptorin B improves diet-induced hyperlipidemia and alleviates insulin resistance via regulating SREBP signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Zu-Guo , Lu Chong , Thu Pyone Myat , Zhang Xin , Li Hui-Jun , Li Ping , Xu Xiaojun
Published: January 2018

Many metabolic diseases are caused by disruption of lipid homeostasis.
Shape-selective methylation of naphthalene with methanol over SAPO-11 molecular sieve modified with hydrochloric acid and citric acid
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Liu Zhenmin , Guo Fang , Wang Yingchun , Wei Xianxian , Li Peng , Xue Yongbing , Wang Yuanyang , Guo Shaoqing , Yu Yue
Published: January 2018

Herein, a series of SAPO-11 molecular sieves were modified by hydrochloric acid and citric acid.
Combination of icariin and oleanolic acid attenuatesin vivoandin vitroglucocorticoid resistance through protecting dexamethasone-induced glucocorticoid receptor impairment
Authors: Tang Xiu-Feng , Li Xiao-Xi , Chen Yu-Heng , Gao Ying-Ying , Yu Ping , Xu Li-Ping , Liu Ren-Hui
Published: January 2018

Glucocorticoid resistance (GCR) remains a significant problem and is the most important reason for treatment failure of glucocorticoids (GCs).
Bacteria killing in ICU associated infections: antibacterial nanosheets as disinfectant
Authors: Zhang Li , Lou Jiaming , Zhang Wei , Wu Chaoyang , Jin Zhaocheng
Published: January 2018

Here we propose Zn–CuO@GO nanosheets that induce rapid bacterial lysis via physically penetrating and wrapping into the cell wall. Such an irreversible damage make them promising as ICU disinfectants to combat ICU-associated multidrug resistant bacteria.
Valence of Ti cations and its effect on magnetic properties of spinel ferrites TixM1−xFe2O4(M = Co, Mn)
Authors: Du Y. N. , Xu J. , Li Z. Z. , Tang G. D. , Qian J. J. , Chen M. Y. , Qi W. H.
Published: January 2018

Powder samples of TixCo1−xFe2O4(0.0 ≤x≤ 0.4) and TixMn1−xFe2O4(0.0 ≤x≤ 0.3) were synthesized using a conventional method for preparing ceramics.
Three successive and regiocontroled palladium cross-coupling reactions to easily synthesize novel series of 2,4,6-tris(het)aryl pyrido[1′,2′:1,5]pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines
Authors: Belaroussi R. , Ejjoummany A. , El Hakmaoui A. , Akssira M. , Guillaumet G. , Routier S.
Published: January 2018

The first access to tris(het)arylated pyrido[1′,2′:1,5]pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives is reported.
Nanocatalysts for C–Se cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Didehban Khadijeh , Vessally Esmail , Hosseinian Akram , Edjlali Ladan , Khosroshahi Ebrahim Saedi
Published: January 2018

This mini review is an attempt to highlight the most important contributions toward the applications of nanocatalysts in carbon–selenium cross-coupling reactions with the emphasis on the mechanistic aspects of the reactions.
Synthesis of alloyed Zn1–xMnxS nanowires with completely controlled compositions and tunable bandgaps
Authors: Cai Jing , Wang Sheng , Zhu Kefu , Wu Yucheng , Zhou Lizhao , Zhang Yongliang , Wu Qiang , Wang Xizhang , Hu Zheng
Published: January 2018

This study reported the successful synthesis of Zn1–xMnxS nanowires with completely controlled compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 1); the x values could be well controlled by tuning the feeding ratio of [(C4H9)2NCS2]2Zn to [(C4H9)2NCS2]2Mn precursors.
Direct regioselective C–H borylation of [5]helicene
Authors: Kaiser R. P. , Ulč J. , Císařová I. , Nečas D.
Published: January 2018

A facile and efficient protocol for a regioselective borylation of [5]helicene was achieved via Ir-catalyzed C–H activation.
Reversible generation of large retractive tensile forces in isometric chemo-mechanical actuators composed of nanocomposite hydrogels and aqueous NaCl solutions
Authors: Haraguchi Kazutoshi , Kimura Yuji , Shimizu Shouichi
Published: January 2018

Large and reversible retractive tensile forces comparable to human muscle are generated in polymer–clay nanocomposite gel actuators in brine.
Polyelectrolyte multilayers under compression: concurrent osmotic stress and colloidal probe atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wu Bo , Liu Guangming , Zhang Guangzhao , Craig Vincent S. J.
Published: January 2018

Colloidal interactions have been characterised using both osmotic stress and surface forces.
Contact mechanics for polydimethylsiloxane: from liquid to solid
Authors: Dorogin L. , Persson B. N. J.
Published: January 2018

Adhesion between a glass ball and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sample is dependent on the PDMS cross-link density, and the transformation of the material from the uncrosslinked liquid state to the fully crosslinked solid state is investigated in this study.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking of charge-regulated surfaces
Authors: Majee Arghya , Bier Markus , Podgornik Rudolf
Published: January 2018

The interaction between two chemically identical charge-regulated surfaces is studied using the classical density functional theory.
A multifunctional supramolecular hydrogel: preparation, properties and molecular assembly
Authors: Wang Lin , Shi Xuefeng , Wu Yaqian , Zhang Jian , Zhu Yuejun , Wang Jinben
Published: January 2018

Fabrication of the supramolecular hydrogel AGC16/NTS and encapsulation of Cur and Npx into the respective micro-domains and drug release from the hydrogel.
Role of spiro-OMeTAD in performance deterioration of perovskite solar cells at high temperature and reuse of the perovskite films to avoid Pb-waste
Authors: Jena Ajay Kumar , Numata Youhei , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: January 2018

Undertaken this study to understand the performance degradation of perovskite solar cells at high temperature and under a humid environment, and then tried to reuse the perovskite films from the degraded cells to recover the cell efficiency so as to avoid Pb-waste.
Tailoring the diameter of electrospun layered perovskite nanofibers for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Bloesser André , Voepel Pascal , Loeh Marc O. , Beyer Andreas , Volz Kerstin , Marschall Roland
Published: January 2018

Electrospun layered perovskite Ba5Ta4O15 nanofibers are varied in their diameter for the first time by the identification of electrospinning setup parameters controlling the resulting nanofiber diameter. The influence of fiber diameter on photocatalytic water splitting activity is revealed.
Nano-scale hydroxyapatite compositions for the utilization of CO2 recovered using post-combustion carbon capture
Authors: Nowicki Duncan A. , Skakle Janet M. S. , Gibson Iain R.
Published: January 2018

A novel approach to carbon sequestering using hydroxyapatite to incorporate significant amounts of CO2 with potential product applications as fertiliser.
Smart functional polymer coatings for paper with anti-fouling properties
Authors: Münch Alexander S. , Wölk Michele , Malanin Mikhail , Eichhorn Klaus-Jochen , Simon Frank , Uhlmann Petra
Published: January 2018

Preparation of functionalized cellulose films on SiO2 to introduce protein repellent properties evaluated by spectroscopic in situ ellipsometry.
Facile fabrication of highly conductive polystyrene/nanocarbon composites with robust interconnected network via electrostatic attraction strategy
Authors: Cui Junshuo , Zhou Shuxue
Published: January 2018

Highly conductive composites with an interconnected nanocarbon network were prepared via an electrostatic self-assembly and hot-pressing process.
(DPEPhos)Ni(mesityl)Br: An Air-Stable Pre-Catalyst for Challenging Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Couplings Leading to Unsymmetrical Biheteroaryls
Authors: Stradiotto Mark , Sawatzky Ryan
Published: January 2018

The successful application of (DPEPhos)Ni(mesityl)Br (C1) as a pre-catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of heteroaryl chlorides or bromides and heteroaryl boronic acids is reported. The use of C1 in this context allows for such reactions to be conducted under mild conditions (2 mol% Ni, 25 °C), including cross-couplings leading to unsymmetrical biheteroaryls. Successful transformations of this type involving problematic pyridinyl boronic acid substrates (10 mol% Ni, 60 °C) are also described.
Synthesis of Potential Anticancer 1-(1H-Indol-3-yl)isoquinolines by Silver Nitrate Mediated Tandem Reactions of 2-Alkynyl­benzaldehyde Azines and Indoles
Authors: Zhao Yun-Hui , Zhou Zhihua , Ma Yong-Cheng , Luo Yueyang , Zhu Yingli , Wang Hang , Zhou Hangbin , Tan Hailong , Xie Wenlin , Tang Zilong
Published: January 2018

Novel antitumor compounds featuring isoquinoline and indole moieties were synthesized by a silver nitrate promoted domino reaction involving intramolecular cyclization, nucleophilic addition of indole, and subsequent N–N bond cleavage. The transformation from readily available starting materials into an interesting class of indole-substituted isoquinolines was completed under mild conditions and by simple operations in moderate to good yields. The antitumor activity of these compounds in vitro was significantly greater than that of a reference compound, 5-fluorouracil. The products might serve as new lead compounds for drugs for the treatment of cancer.
Impact of Obesity on the Rate of Recurrent Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Women Treated with 17-alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate
Authors: Lemon Lara , Serra Allison , Sharma Shringi , Venkataramanan Raman , Caritis Steve , Hauspurg Alisse
Published: January 2018

Objective We sought to determine if the rate of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in women treated with 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) is modified by maternal body mass index (BMI).

Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to prevent recurrent PTB randomized controlled trial. All women received 17-OHPC.

Results A total of 708 women were included. Rates of spontaneous PTB did not vary significantly by BMI category. With stratification by obesity class and gestational age at delivery, the unadjusted risk for PTB using earlier gestational cutoffs (< 35, 32, and 28 weeks) demonstrated an association between preterm delivery and increasing severity of obesity. With adjustment for potential confounders, there was no statistically significant relationship between BMI and spontaneous PTB.

Conclusion We demonstrated that the risk of PTB in women receiving 250 mg 17-OHPC is not dependent on maternal BMI after adjustment for confounding variables. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated a wide variation in plasma concentration of 17-OHPC across the population with likely considerable overlap in plasma concentrations among the obese and nonobese population. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of BMI on efficacy of 17-OHPC prior to any dose adjustment in this population.
Synergistic Effect of Free and Nano-encapsulated Chrysin-Curcumin on Inhibition of hTERT Gene Expression in SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Bagheri Raana , Sanaat Zohreh , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: January 2018

Background Telomerase is known as a global therapeutic target in cancer cells due to its main role in tumorigenesis. Nowadays, it is proposed new treatment methods based on molecular target therapy by bioactive substances such as curcumin and chrysin with fewer side effects than other chemical drugs. But due to their low aqueous solubility and high clearance in the bloodstream it can be used of nanoparticles to increase their half-life and biocompatibility of them. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of Chrysin-Curcumin on the expression of telomerase gene in SW480 colorectal cancer cell line.

Material and method PLGA-PEG nanoparticles synthesized and were confirmed using by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FTIR Spectroscopy. After treatment of SW480 cells by curcumin and chrysin loaded nanoparticles, their toxicity to cancer cells, was evaluated by MTT. Then, the inhibition of hTERT gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR method.

Result The results of MTT test showed nanocapsulated curcumin and chrysin compared with free forms of these compounds have high synergistic effect on sw480 cells. Also, real time-PCR showed significant decrease in hTERT gene expression in SW480 cells that treated with nano-curcumin and nano-chrysin compare to untreated cells.

Conclusion Nano-encapsulation of curcumin and chrysin enhanced delivery of these compounds to SW480 colorectal cancer cells and therefore it can be conclude that PLGA-PEG nanoparticles promote anticancer effects of curcumin-chrysin by increasing bioavailability and the solubility of these drugs.
Reflector automatic acquisition and pointing based on auto-collimation theodolite
Authors: Luo Jun , Wang Zhiqian , Wen Zhuoman , Li Mingzhu , Liu Shaojin , Shen Chengwu
Published: January 2018

An auto-collimation theodolite (ACT) for reflector automatic acquisition and pointing is designed based on the principle of autocollimators and theodolites. First, the principle of auto-collimation and theodolites is reviewed, and then the coaxial ACT structure is developed. Subsequently, the acquisition and pointing strategies for reflector measurements are presented, which first quickly acquires the target over a wide range and then points the laser spot to the charge coupled device zero position. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the acquisition and pointing performance, including the calibration of the ACT, the comparison of the acquisition mode and pointing mode, and the accuracy measurement in horizontal and vertical directions. In both directions, a measurement accuracy of ±3″ is achieved. The presented ACT is suitable for automatic pointing and monitoring the reflector over a small scanning area and can be used in a wide range of applications such as bridge structure monitoring and cooperative target aiming.
Scattering theory for multistate Schrödinger operators
Authors: Ashida Sohei
Published: January 2018

We study multistate Schrödinger operators related to molecular dynamics. We consider potentials which do not necessarily decay and prove the absence of the singular continuous spectrum and propagation estimates which mean the scattering at speed larger than a positive constant and decay of the state with potentials higher than the considered energy at infinity. We also consider the multistate Schrödinger operators with many-body structures. We obtain the Mourre estimate and the minimal velocity estimate for the many-body operators. The lower bound of the velocity is determined by the distance between the energy and thresholds below the energy.
Simultaneous high-pressure high-temperature elastic velocity measurement system up to 27 GPa and 1873 K using ultrasonic and synchrotron X-ray techniques
Authors: Higo Yuji , Irifune Tetsuo , Funakoshi Ken-ichi
Published: January 2018

A new pulse-echo interferometry system has been developed for measurements of sound velocity at simultaneous high pressure and temperature corresponding to those of the Earth’s lower mantle, using synchrotron X-ray techniques at SPring-8. A combination of a low-noise high-frequency amplifier and a high-speed solid-state relay system allowed us to clearly detect the ultrasonic echoes of a small sample (<1.0 mm in diameter and length) in multi-anvil apparatus. A new high-pressure cell has also been introduced for precise measurement of the length of the tiny sample by X-ray radiography imaging under very high pressure and temperature. The new system was tested by measuring elastic velocities of α-Al2O3 over wide pressure and temperature ranges of up to 27 GPa and 1873 K, respectively. The resultant adiabatic bulk modulus, shear modulus, and pressure and temperature derivatives of α-Al2O3 are K0S = 251.2 (18) GPa, ∂KS/∂P = 4.21 (10), ∂KS/∂T = −0.025 (1), G = 164.1 (7), ∂G/∂P = 1.59 (3), ∂G/∂T = −0.021 (1). These values are consistent with those previously reported based on experiments at high temperatures at ambient pressure and high pressures at room temperature. The present system allows precise measurements of the elastic velocities of minerals under the pressures and temperatures corresponding to the lower mantle for the first time, which should greatly contribute to our understanding of mineralogy of the whole mantle.
Turbulent heating due to magnetic reconnection
Authors: Shay M. A. , Haggerty C. C. , Matthaeus W. H. , Parashar T. N. , Wan M. , Wu P.
Published: January 2018

Dissipation of plasma turbulent energy is a phenomenon having significant implications for the heating of the solar corona and solar wind. While processes involving linear wave damping, stochastic heating, and reconnection have been postulated as contributors to heating mechanisms, the relative role that they play is not currently understood. In this manuscript, we establish a theoretical framework for applying reconnection heating predictions to turbulent systems. Kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are used to study heating due to reconnection, and these results are then adapted to a turbulent medium. First, the factors controlling the heating of plasmas in reconnection exhausts are examined using laminar reconnection simulations; predictions for heating are determined which require only the plasma conditions just upstream of the reconnection diffusion region as input. The laminar predictions are then applied to PIC simulations of turbulence. Key assumptions are: (1) the plasma conditions just upstream of the diffusion region are consistent with Kolmogorov scaling of turbulent fluctuations at the ion inertial scale and (2) the statistics of the numbers of reconnecting x-lines do not vary significantly between the various turbulent simulations. We find that the reconnection theory predicts quite well the scaling of the ratio of ion to electron heating, in which the statistics of the turbulent reconnection sites are expected to roughly cancel. Separate ion and electron heating rates scale differently from the theory, however. This suggests that the statistics of the turbulent reconnection (e.g., number of x-lines, percentage of x-lines reconnecting) is playing an important role in determining the ion and electron heating.
Development of sub-100 femtosecond timing and synchronization system
Authors: Lin Zhenyang , Du Yingchao , Yang Jin , Xu Yilun , Yan Lixin , Huang Wenhui , Tang Chuanxiang , Huang Gang , Du Qiang , Doolittle Lawrence , Wilcox Russell , Byrd John
Published: January 2018

The precise timing and synchronization system is an essential part for the ultra-fast electron and X-ray sources based on the photocathode injector where strict synchronization among RF, laser, and beams are required. In this paper, we present an integrated sub-100 femtosecond timing and synchronization system developed and demonstrated recently in Tsinghua University based on the collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The timing and synchronization system includes the fiber-based CW carrier phase reference distribution system for delivering stabilized RF phase reference to multiple receiver clients, the Low Level RF (LLRF) control system to monitor and generate the phase and amplitude controllable pulse RF signal, and the laser-RF synchronization system for high precision synchronization between optical and RF signals. Each subsystem is characterized by its blocking structure and is also expansible. A novel asymmetric calibration sideband signal method was proposed for eliminating the non-linear distortion in the optical synchronization process. According to offline and online tests, the system can deliver a stable signal to each client and suppress the drift and jitter of the RF signal for the accelerator and the laser oscillator to less than 100 fs RMS (∼0.1° in 2856 MHz frequency). Moreover, a demo system with a LLRF client and a laser-RF synchronization client is deployed and operated successfully at the Tsinghua Thomson scattering X-ray source. The beam-based jitter measurement experiments have been conducted to evaluate the overall performance of the system, and the jitter sources are discussed.
Cold sintering and electrical characterization of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Wang Dixiong , Guo Hanzheng , Morandi Carl S. , Randall Clive A. , Trolier-McKinstry Susan
Published: January 2018

This paper describes a cold sintering process for Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics and the associated processing-property relations. Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 has a very small, incongruent solubility that is a challenge during cold sintering. To circumvent this, a Pb(NO3)2 solution was used as the transient liquid phase. A bimodal lead zirconate titanate powder was densified to a relative density of 89% by cold sintering at 300 °C and 500 MPa. After the cold sintering step, the permittivity was 200, and the dielectric loss was 2.0%. A second heat-treatment involving a 3 h anneal at 900 °C increased the relative density to 99%; the resulting relative dielectric permittivity was 1300 at room temperature and 100 kHz. The samples showed well-defined ferroelectric hysteresis loops, having a remanent polarization of 28 μC/cm2. On poling, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 was ∼200 pC/N. With a 700 °C 3 h post-annealing, samples show a lower room temperature relative permittivity (950 at 100 kHz), but a 24 h hold time at 700 °C produces ceramics where there is an improved relative dielectric constant (1050 at 100 kHz).
Simultaneous measurement of triboelectrification and triboluminescence of crystalline materials
Authors: Collins Adam L. , Camara Carlos G. , Van Cleve Eli , Putterman Seth J.
Published: January 2018

Triboelectrification has been studied for over 2500 years, yet there is still a lack of fundamental understanding as to its origin. Given its utility in areas such as xerography, powder spray painting, and energy harvesting, many devices have been made to investigate triboelectrification at many length-scales, though few seek to additionally make use of triboluminescence: the emission of electromagnetic radiation immediately following a charge separation event. As devices for measuring triboelectrification became smaller and smaller, now measuring down to the atomic scale with atomic force microscope based designs, an appreciation for the collective and multi-scale nature of triboelectrification has perhaps abated. Consider that the energy required to move a unit charge is very large compared to a van der Waals interaction, yet peeling Scotch tape (whose adhesion is derived from van der Waals forces) can provide strong enough energy-focusing to generate X-ray emission. This paper presents a device to press approximately cm-sized materials together in a vacuum, with in situ alignment. Residual surface charge, force, and position and X-ray, visible light, and RF emission are measured for single crystal samples. Charge is therefore tracked throughout the charging and discharging processes, resulting in a more complete picture of triboelectrification, with controllable and measurable environmental influence. Macroscale charging is directly measured, whilst triboluminescence, originating in atomic-scale processes, probes the microscale. The apparatus was built with the goal of obtaining an ab initio-level explanation of triboelectrification for well-defined materials, at the micro- and macro-scale, which has eluded scientists for millennia.
Merging magnetic droplets by a magnetic field pulse
Authors: Wang Chengjie , Xiao Dun , Liu Yaowen
Published: January 2018

Reliable manipulation of magnetic droplets is of immense importance for their applications in spin torque oscillators. Using micromagnetic simulations, we find that the antiphase precession state, which originates in the dynamic dipolar interaction effect, is a favorable stable state for two magnetic droplets nucleated at two identical nano-contacts. A magnetic field pulse can be used to destroy their stability and merge them into a big droplet. The merging process strongly depends on the pulse width as well as the pulse strength.
The furan microsolvation blind challenge for quantum chemical methods: First steps
Authors: Gottschalk Hannes C. , Poblotzki Anja , Suhm Martin A. , Al-Mogren Muneerah M. , Antony Jens , Auer Alexander A. , Baptista Leonardo , Benoit David M. , Bistoni Giovanni , Bohle Fabian , Dahmani Rahma , Firaha Dzmitry , Grimme Stefan , Hansen Andreas , Harding Michael E. , Hochlaf Majdi , Holzer Christof , Jansen Georg , Klopper Wim , Kopp Wassja A. , Kröger Leif C. , Leonhard Kai , Mouhib Halima , Neese Frank , Pereira Max N. , Ulusoy Inga S. , Wuttke Axel , Mata Ricardo A.
Published: January 2018

Herein we present the results of a blind challenge to quantum chemical methods in the calculation of dimerization preferences in the low temperature gas phase. The target of study was the first step of the microsolvation of furan, 2-methylfuran and 2,5-dimethylfuran with methanol. The dimers were investigated through IR spectroscopy of a supersonic jet expansion. From the measured bands, it was possible to identify a persistent hydrogen bonding OH–O motif in the predominant species. From the presence of another band, which can be attributed to an OH-π interaction, we were able to assert that the energy gap between the two types of dimers should be less than or close to 1 kJ/mol across the series. These values served as a first evaluation ruler for the 12 entries featured in the challenge. A tentative stricter evaluation of the challenge results is also carried out, combining theoretical and experimental results in order to define a smaller error bar. The process was carried out in a double-blind fashion, with both theory and experimental groups unaware of the results on the other side, with the exception of the 2,5-dimethylfuran system which was featured in an earlier publication.
Preparation of (11n) oriented Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x thin films without c-axis twin structure by the metal-organic decomposition method using vicinal SrTiO3 (110) substrates
Authors: Yamada Yasuyuki , Kato Takahiro , Ishibashi Takayuki , Okamoto Tomoichiro , Mori Natsuki
Published: January 2018

We have prepared (11n) oriented Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x (Bi2212) thin films by metal-organic decomposition method. The vicinal (110) substrate of SrTiO3 (STO) inclined toward the [1¯10] direction was used for suppressing “c-twinning”. In the sample prepared in the O2 atmosphere, only the (11n) peak appeared in the θ-2θ X-ray diffraction pattern. When the miscut angle of the substrate was φ = 10°, it was shown by the scanning electron microscope images and the (008) pole figures that the c-axis was inclined by about 38° and the c-twinning was substantially suppressed. ρab and ρc of this sample were calculated by the corrected van der Pauw method and component calculation of the two-dimensional resistivity tensor. The superconducting transition temperatures were Tc = 81 K. The temperature dependence of ρab was a typical metallic behavior reflecting the characteristics of the ab-plane of Bi2212. On the other hand, that of ρc did not become a typical semiconductor behavior in the c-axis direction of Bi2212, but it showed a metallic behavior. The anisotropic parameter γ was about 10.
Evolution of real contact area under shear and the value of static friction of soft materials
Authors: Sahli R. , Pallares G. , Ducottet C. , Ben Ali I. E. , Al Akhrass S. , Guibert M. , Scheibert J.
Published: January 2018

Significance

We investigate the origin of static friction, the threshold force at which a frictional interface starts to slide. For rough contacts involving rubber or human skin, we show that the real contact area, to which static friction is proportional, significantly decreases under increasing shear, well before the onset of sliding. For those soft materials, our results will impact how we use and interpret current contact mechanics and friction models.