bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conserved TLR5 binding and activation hot spot on flagellin
Authors: Song Wan Seok , Jeon Ye Ji , Namgung Byeol , Hong Minsun , Yoon Sung-il
Published: January 2017

Flagellin is a bacterial protein that polymerizes into the flagellar filament and is essential for bacterial motility. When flagellated bacteria invade the host, flagellin is recognized by Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) as a pathogen invasion signal and eventually evokes the innate immune response. Here, we provide a conserved structural mechanism by which flagellins from Gram-negative γ-proteobacteria and Gram-positive Firmicutes bacteria bind and activate TLR5. The comparative structural analysis using our crystal structure of a complex between Bacillus subtilis flagellin (bsflagellin) and TLR5 at 2.1 Å resolution, combined with the alanine scanning analysis of the binding interface, reveals a common hot spot in flagellin for TLR5 activation. An arginine residue (bsflagellin R89) of the flagellin D1 domain and its adjacent residues (bsflagellin E114 and L93) constitute a hot spot that provides shape and chemical complementarity to a cavity generated by the loop of leucine-rich repeat 9 in TLR5. In addition to the flagellin D1 domain, the D0 domain also contributes to TLR5 activity through structurally dispersed regions, but not a single focal area. These results establish the groundwork for the future design of flagellin-based therapeutics.
Pharmacological characterisation of the highly NaV1.7 selective spider venom peptide Pn3a
Authors: Deuis Jennifer R. , Dekan Zoltan , Wingerd Joshua S. , Smith Jennifer J. , Munasinghe Nehan R. , Bhola Rebecca F. , Imlach Wendy L. , Herzig Volker , Armstrong David A. , Rosengren K. Johan , Bosmans Frank , Waxman Stephen G. , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D. , Escoubas Pierre , Minett Michael S. , Christie Macdonald J. , King Glenn F. , Alewood Paul F. , Lewis Richard J. , Wood John N. , Vetter Irina
Published: January 2017

Human genetic studies have implicated the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pain. A novel peptide, μ-theraphotoxin-Pn3a, isolated from venom of the tarantula Pamphobeteus nigricolor, potently inhibits NaV1.7 (IC50 0.9 nM) with at least 40–1000-fold selectivity over all other NaV subtypes. Despite on-target activity in small-diameter dorsal root ganglia, spinal slices, and in a mouse model of pain induced by NaV1.7 activation, Pn3a alone displayed no analgesic activity in formalin-, carrageenan- or FCA-induced pain in rodents when administered systemically. A broad lack of analgesic activity was also found for the selective NaV1.7 inhibitors PF-04856264 and phlotoxin 1. However, when administered with subtherapeutic doses of opioids or the enkephalinase inhibitor thiorphan, these subtype-selective NaV1.7 inhibitors produced profound analgesia. Our results suggest that in these inflammatory models, acute administration of peripherally restricted NaV1.7 inhibitors can only produce analgesia when administered in combination with an opioid.
Electronic and atomic structures of the Sr3Ir4Sn13 single crystal: A possible charge density wave material
Authors: Wang H.-T. , Srivastava M. K. , Wu C.-C. , Hsieh S.-H. , Wang Y.-F. , Shao Y.-C. , Liang Y.-H. , Du C.-H. , Chiou J.-W. , Cheng C.-M. , Chen J.-L. , Pao C.-W. , Lee J.-F. , Kuo C. N. , Lue C. S. , Wu M.-K. , Pong W.-F.
Published: January 2017

X-ray scattering (XRS), x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopic techniques were used to study the electronic and atomic structures of the high-quality Sr3Ir4Sn13 (SIS) single crystal below and above the transition temperature (T* ≈ 147 K). The evolution of a series of modulated satellite peaks below the transition temperature in the XRS experiment indicated the formation of a possible charge density wave (CDW) in the (110) plane. The EXAFS phase derivative analysis supports the CDW-like formation by revealing different bond distances [Sn1(2)-Sn2] below and above T* in the (110) plane. XANES spectra at the Ir L3-edge and Sn K-edge demonstrated an increase (decrease) in the unoccupied (occupied) density of Ir 5d-derived states and a nearly constant density of Sn 5p-derived states at temperatures T < T* in the (110) plane. These observations clearly suggest that the Ir 5d-derived states are closely related to the anomalous resistivity transition. Accordingly, a close relationship exists between local electronic and atomic structures and the CDW-like phase in the SIS single crystal.
Silicon-graphene conductive photodetector with ultra-high responsivity
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Yin Yanlong , Yu Longhai , Shi Yaocheng , Liang Di , Dai Daoxin
Published: January 2017

Graphene is attractive for realizing optoelectronic devices, including photodetectors because of the unique advantages. It can easily co-work with other semiconductors to form a Schottky junction, in which the photo-carrier generated by light absorption in the semiconductor might be transported to the graphene layer efficiently by the build-in field. It changes the graphene conduction greatly and provides the possibility of realizing a graphene-based conductive-mode photodetector. Here we design and demonstrate a silicon-graphene conductive photodetector with improved responsivity and response speed. An electrical-circuit model is established and the graphene-sheet pattern is designed optimally for maximizing the responsivity. The fabricated silicon-graphene conductive photodetector shows a responsivity of up to ~105A/W at room temperature (27 °C) and the response time is as short as ~30 μs. The temperature dependence of the silicon-graphene conductive photodetector is studied for the first time. It is shown that the silicon-graphene conductive photodetector has ultra-high responsivity when operating at low temperature, which provides the possibility to detect extremely weak optical power. For example, the device can detect an input optical power as low as 6.2 pW with the responsivity as high as 2.4 × 107 A/W when operating at −25 °C in our experiment.
Visual area V5/hMT+ contributes to perception of tactile motion direction: a TMS study
Authors: Amemiya Tomohiro , Beck Brianna , Walsh Vincent , Gomi Hiroaki , Haggard Patrick
Published: January 2017

Human imaging studies have reported activations associated with tactile motion perception in visual motion area V5/hMT+, primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC; Brodmann areas 7/40). However, such studies cannot establish whether these areas are causally involved in tactile motion perception. We delivered double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) while moving a single tactile point across the fingertip, and used signal detection theory to quantify perceptual sensitivity to motion direction. TMS over both SI and V5/hMT+, but not the PPC site, significantly reduced tactile direction discrimination. Our results show that V5/hMT+ plays a causal role in tactile direction processing, and strengthen the case for V5/hMT+ serving multimodal motion perception. Further, our findings are consistent with a serial model of cortical tactile processing, in which higher-order perceptual processing depends upon information received from SI. By contrast, our results do not provide clear evidence that the PPC site we targeted (Brodmann areas 7/40) contributes to tactile direction perception.
LanCL proteins are not Involved in Lanthionine Synthesis in Mammals
Authors: He Chang , Zeng Min , Dutta Debapriya , Koh Tong Hee , Chen Jie , van der Donk Wilfred A.
Published: January 2017

LanC-like (LanCL) proteins are mammalian homologs of bacterial LanC enzymes, which catalyze the addition of the thiol of Cys to dehydrated Ser residues during the biosynthesis of lanthipeptides, a class of natural products formed by post-translational modification of precursor peptides. The functions of LanCL proteins are currently unclear. A recent proposal suggested that LanCL1 catalyzes the addition of the Cys of glutathione to protein- or peptide-bound dehydroalanine (Dha) to form lanthionine, analogous to the reaction catalyzed by LanC in bacteria. Lanthionine has been detected in human brain as the downstream metabolite lanthionine ketimine (LK), which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we tested the proposal that LanCL1 is involved in lanthionine biosynthesis by constructing LanCL1 knock-out mice and measuring LK concentrations in their brains using a mass spectrometric detection method developed for this purpose. To investigate whether other LanCL proteins (LanCL2/3) may confer a compensatory effect, triple knock-out (TKO) mice were also generated and tested. Very similar concentrations of LK (0.5–2.5 nmol/g tissue) were found in LanCL1 knock-out, TKO and wild type (WT) mouse brains, suggesting that LanCL proteins are not involved in lanthionine biosynthesis.
Genetic risk variants for metabolic traits in Arab populations
Authors: Hebbar Prashantha , Elkum Naser , Alkayal Fadi , John Sumi Elsa , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse , Alsmadi Osama
Published: January 2017

Despite a high prevalence of metabolic trait related diseases in Arabian Peninsula, there is a lack of convincingly identified genetic determinants for metabolic traits in this population. Arab populations are underrepresented in global genome-wide association studies. We genotyped 1965 unrelated Arab individuals from Kuwait using Cardio-MetaboChip, and tested SNP associations with 13 metabolic traits. Models based on recessive mode of inheritance identified Chr15:40531386-rs12440118/ZNF106/W->R as a risk variant associated with glycated-hemoglobin at close to ‘genome-wide significant’ p-value and five other risk variants ‘nominally’ associated (p-value ≤ 5.45E-07) with fasting plasma glucose (rs7144734/[OTX2-AS1,RPL3P3]) and triglyceride (rs17501809/PLGRKT; rs11143005/LOC105376072; rs900543/[THSD4,NR2E3]; and Chr12:101494770/IGF1). Furthermore, we identified 33 associations (30 SNPs with 12 traits) with ‘suggestive’ evidence of association (p-value < 1.0E-05); 20 of these operate under recessive mode of inheritance. Two of these ‘suggestive’ associations (rs1800775-CETP/HDL; and rs9326246-BUD13/TGL) showed evidence at genome-wide significance in previous studies on Euro-centric populations. Involvement of many of the identified loci in mediating metabolic traits was supported by literature evidences. The identified loci participate in critical metabolic pathways (such as Ceramide signaling, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase signaling). Data from Genotype-Tissue Expression database affirmed that 7 of the identified variants differentially regulate the up/downstream genes that mediate metabolic traits.
Examining trends in family planning among harder-to-reach women in Senegal 1992–2014
Authors: Cavallaro Francesca L. , Benova Lenka , Macleod David , Faye Adama , Lynch Caroline A.
Published: January 2017

Recent increases in family planning (FP) use have been reported among women of reproductive age in union (WRAU) in Senegal. However, trends have not been monitored among harder-to-reach groups (including adolescents, unmarried and rural poor women), key to understanding whether FP progress is equitable. We combined data from six Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Senegal between 1992/93 and 2014. We examined FP trends over time among WRAU and subgroups, and trends in knowledge of FP and intention to use among women with unmet need for FP. Our results show that percent demand satisfied is lower among rural poor women and adolescents than WRAU, although higher among unmarried women. Marked recent increases have been observed in all subgroups, however fewer than 50% of women in need of FP use modern contraception in Senegal. Knowledge of FP has risen steadily among women with unmet need; however, intention to use FP has remained stable at around 40% since 2005 for all groups except unmarried women (75% of whom intend to use). Significant progress in meeting the need for FP has been achieved in Senegal, but more needs to be done particularly to improve acceptability of FP, and to strategically target interventions toward adolescents and rural poor women.
Comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus niger and metabolic engineering for citrate production
Authors: Yin Xian , Shin Hyun-dong , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Liu Long , Chen Jian
Published: January 2017

Despite a long and successful history of citrate production in Aspergillus niger, the molecular mechanism of citrate accumulation is only partially understood. In this study, we used comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of citrate-producing strains—namely, A. niger H915-1 (citrate titer: 157 g L−1), A1 (117 g L−1), and L2 (76 g L−1)—to gain a genome-wide view of the mechanism of citrate accumulation. Compared with A. niger A1 and L2, A. niger H915-1 contained 92 mutated genes, including a succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase in the γ-aminobutyric acid shunt pathway and an aconitase family protein involved in citrate synthesis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of A. niger H915-1 revealed that the transcription levels of 479 genes changed between the cell growth stage (6 h) and the citrate synthesis stage (12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h). In the glycolysis pathway, triosephosphate isomerase was up-regulated, whereas pyruvate kinase was down-regulated. Two cytosol ATP-citrate lyases, which take part in the cycle of citrate synthesis, were up-regulated, and may coordinate with the alternative oxidases in the alternative respiratory pathway for energy balance. Finally, deletion of the oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase gene in H915-1 eliminated oxalate formation but neither influence on pH decrease nor difference in citrate production were observed.
Prototypical topological orbital ferromagnet γ-FeMn
Authors: Hanke Jan-Philipp , Freimuth Frank , Blügel Stefan , Mokrousov Yuriy
Published: January 2017

We predict from first principles an entirely topological orbital magnetization in the noncoplanar bulk antiferromagnet γ-FeMn originating in the nontrivial topology of the underlying spin structure, without any reference to spin-orbit interaction. Studying the influence of strain, composition ratio, and spin texture on the topological orbital magnetization and the accompanying topological Hall effect, we promote the scalar spin chirality as key mechanism lifting the orbital degeneracy. The system is thus a prototypical topological orbital ferromagnet, the macroscopic orbital magnetization of which is prominent even without spin-orbit coupling. One of the remarkable features of γ-FeMn is the possibility for pronounced orbital magnetostriction mediated by the complex spin topology in real space.
Synergistically enhanced selective intracellular uptake of anticancer drug carrier comprising folic acid-conjugated hydrogels containing magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Haneul , Jo Ara , Baek Seulgi , Lim Daeun , Park Soon-Yong , Cho Soo Kyung , Chung Jin Woong , Yoon Jinhwan
Published: January 2017

Targeted drug delivery has long been extensively researched since drug delivery and release at the diseased site with minimum dosage realizes the effective therapy without adverse side effects. In this work, to achieve enhanced intracellular uptake of anticancer drug carriers for efficient chemo-therapy, we have designed targeted multifunctional anticancer drug carrier hydrogels. Temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel core containing superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) were prepared using precipitation polymerization, and further polymerized with amine-functionalized copolymer shell to facilitate the conjugation of targeting ligand. Then, folic acid, specific targeting ligand for cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), was conjugated on the hydrogel surface, yielding the ligand conjugated hybrid hydrogels. We revealed that enhanced intracellular uptake by HeLa cells in vitro was enabled by both magnetic attraction and receptor-mediated endocytosis, which were contributed by MNP and folic acid, respectively. Furthermore, site-specific uptake of the developed carrier was confirmed by incubating with several other cell lines. Based on synergistically enhanced intracellular uptake, efficient cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity of HeLa cells incubated with anticancer drug loaded hybrid hydrogels were successfully achieved. The developed dual-targeted hybrid hydrogels are expected to provide a platform for the next generation intelligent drug delivery systems.
HIF-1α induction during reperfusion avoids maladaptive repair after renal ischemia/reperfusion involving miR127-3p
Authors: Conde Elisa , Giménez-Moyano Sara , Martín-Gómez Laura , Rodríguez Macarena , Ramos M. Edurne , Aguado-Fraile Elia , Blanco-Sanchez Ignacio , Saiz Ana , García-Bermejo María Laura
Published: January 2017

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) leads to Acute Kidney Injury. HIF-1α is a key factor during organ response to I/R. We previously demonstrated that HIF-1α is induced during renal reperfusion, after ischemia. Here we investigate the role of HIF-1α and the HIF-1α dependent mechanisms in renal repair after ischemia. By interference of HIF-1α in a rat model of renal I/R, we observed loss of expression and mis-localization of e-cadherin and induction of α-SMA, MMP-13, TGFβ, and collagen I. Moreover, we demonstrate that HIF-1α inhibition promotes renal cell infiltrates by inducing IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 and VCAM-1, through NFkB activity. In addition, HIF-1α inhibition induced proximal tubule cells proliferation but it did not induce compensatory apoptosis, both in vivo. In vitro, HIF-1α knockdown in HK2 cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) promote cell entry into S phase, correlating with in vivo data. HIF-1α interference leads to downregulation of miR-127-3p and induction of its target gene Bcl6 in vivo. Moreover, modulation of miR-127-3p in HK2 cells subjected to H/R results in EMT regulation: miR127-3p inhibition promote loss of e-cadherin and induction of α-SMA and collagen I. In conclusion, HIF-1α induction during reperfusion is a protector mechanism implicated in a normal renal tissue repair after I/R.
SRRM4-dependent neuron-specific alternative splicing of protrudin transcripts regulates neurite outgrowth
Authors: Ohnishi Takafumi , Shirane Michiko , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: January 2017

Alternative splicing gives rise to diversity of the proteome, and it is especially prevalent in the mammalian nervous system. Indeed, many factors that control the splicing process govern nervous system development. Among such factors, SRRM4 is an important regulator of aspects of neural differentiation including neurite outgrowth. The mechanism by which SRRM4 regulates neurite outgrowth has remained poorly understood, however. We now show that SRRM4 regulates the splicing of protrudin gene (Zfyve27) transcripts in neuronal cells. SRRM4 was found to promote splicing of protrudin pre-mRNA so as to include a microexon (exon L) encoding seven amino acids in a neuron-specific manner. The resulting protein (protrudin-L) promotes neurite outgrowth during neurogenesis. Depletion of SRRM4 in Neuro2A cells impaired inclusion of exon L in protrudin mRNA, resulting in the generation of a shorter protein isoform (protrudin-S) that is less effective at promoting neurite extension. SRRM4 was found to recognize a UGC motif that is located immediately upstream of exon L and is necessary for inclusion of exon L in the mature transcript. Deletion of exon L in Neuro2A or embryonic stem cells inhibited neurite outgrowth. Our results suggest that SRRM4 controls neurite outgrowth through regulation of alternative splicing of protrudin transcripts.
Mycorrhizal trifoliate orange has greater root adaptation of morphology and phytohormones in response to drought stress
Authors: Zou Ying-Ning , Wang Peng , Liu Chun-Yan , Ni Qiu-Dan , Zhang De-Jian , Wu Qiang-Sheng
Published: January 2017

Plant roots are the first parts of plants to face drought stress (DS), and thus root modification is important for plants to adapt to drought. We hypothesized that the roots of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants exhibit better adaptation in terms of morphology and phytohormones under DS. Trifoliate orange seedlings inoculated with Diversispora versiformis were subjected to well-watered (WW) and DS conditions for 6 weeks. AM seedlings exhibited better growth performance and significantly greater number of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order lateral roots, root length, area, average diameter, volume, tips, forks, and crossings than non-AM seedlings under both WW and DS conditions. AM fungal inoculation considerably increased root hair density under both WW and DS and root hair length under DS, while dramatically decreased root hair length under WW but there was no change in root hair diameter. AM plants had greater concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid, methyl jasmonate, nitric oxide, and calmodulin in roots, which were significantly correlated with changes in root morphology. These results support the hypothesis that AM plants show superior adaptation in root morphology under DS that is potentially associated with indole-3-acetic acid, methyl jasmonate, nitric oxide, and calmodulin levels.
Erratum: Physico-chemical properties based differential toxicity of graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide in human lung cells mediated through oxidative stress
Authors: Mittal Sandeep , Kumar Veeresh , Dhiman Nitesh , Chauhan Lalit Kumar Singh , Pasricha Renu , Pandey Alok Kumar
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 39548; published online: 21 December 2016; updated: 20 January 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the Abstract. “Goraphene derivatives (GD) are currently being evaluated for technological and biomedical applications owing to their unique physico-chemical properties over other carbon allotrope such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
From 2-methylimidazole to 1,2,3-triazole: a topological transformation of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 by post-synthetic modification
Authors: Erkartal Mustafa , Erkilic Ufuk , Tam Benjamin , Usta Hakan , Yazaydin Ozgur , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K. , Sen Unal
Published: January 2017

We report the first examples of the simultaneous non-assisted replacement of ligands and the conversion of topology in MOFs by applying the PSM approach.
Microseconds, milliseconds and seconds: deconvoluting the dynamic behaviour of planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Pockett Adam , Eperon Giles E. , Sakai Nobuya , Snaith Henry J. , Peter Laurence M. , Cameron Petra J.
Published: January 2017

Perovskite solar cells are shown to behave as coupled ionic–electronic conductors with evidence that the ionic environment moderates the rate of electron–hole recombination.
Multi-step continuous-flow synthesis
Authors: Britton Joshua , Raston Colin L.
Published: January 2017

Multi-step organic synthesis in continuous-flow systems has been Reviewed from 2009 onwards.
Water purification: oil–water separation by nanotechnology and environmental concerns
Authors: Lee Chee Huei , Tiwari Bishnu , Zhang Dongyan , Yap Yoke Khin
Published: January 2017

Organic pollutants from synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) and oil spills have led to significant water contamination. This article review the progress of oil–water separation using nanotechnology and the concern of water contamination by nanomaterials.
Synthesis, photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of a series of ball-type phthalocyanines in solution and thin films
Authors: Nwaji Njemuwa , Mack John , Britton Jonathan , Nyokong Tebello
Published: January 2017

Ball-type phthalocyanines containing heavy central metals show enhanced nonlinear optical behaviour in solution or when embedded in polymer thin films. Time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were used to explain the spectra.
An insight into aqueous photoinitiated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) for the preparation of diblock copolymer nano-objects
Authors: Tan Jianbo , Liu Dongdong , Bai Yuhao , Huang Chundong , Li Xueliang , He Jun , Xu Qin , Zhang Xuechao , Zhang Li
Published: January 2017

Photoinitiated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) is utilized to investigate the sole effect of reaction temperature on PISA.
Total synthesis of I3,II8-biapigenin and ridiculuflavone A
Authors: Lu Kui , Yang Ke , Jia Xiaoliang , Gao Xing , Zhao Xia , Pan Guojun , Ma Yantao , Huang Qiyao , Yu Peng
Published: January 2017

The first total synthesis of I3,II8-biapigenin and ridiculuflavone A was achieved via Sonogashira and rhodium-catalyzed oxidative coupling as the key steps.
Tunable multilayer assemblies of nanofibrous composite mats as permeable protective materials against chemical warfare agents
Authors: Ryu S.-Y. , Chung J. W. , Kwak S.-Y.
Published: January 2017

The developed permeable materials consist of multilayer assemblies of inner and outer layers of composite nanofibers containing adsorbents. Controlled stacking of these inner and outer layers into assemblies allows their properties to be modulated.
Assessment of certain ionic liquids for separation of binary mixtures based on gamma infinity data measurements
Authors: Karpińska M. , Wlazło M. , Ramjugernath D. , Naidoo P. , Domańska U.
Published: January 2017

Limiting activity coefficients for 64 solutes in [BzMIM][NTf2] and [BzMIM][DCA], the gas–liquid partition coefficients, KL, thermodynamic functions and selectivity for hexane/hex-1-ene, cyclohexane/cyclohexene and ethylbenzene/styrene separation were presented.
The role of intrinsic vacancy defects in the electronic and magnetic properties of Sr3SnO: a first-principles study
Authors: Batool Javaria , Alay-e-Abbas Syed Muhammad , Ali Adnan , Mahmood Khalid , Akhtar Shaheen , Amin Nasir
Published: January 2017

The thermodynamic stability diagram and formation energies of intrinsic vacancy defects in Sr3SnO. Sr and O vacancy containing Sr3SnO is non-magnetic, while ferromagnetism is achieved in Sn deficient Sr3SnO.
Enhancement in graphitization of coal tar pitch by functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Arani H. F. , Mirhabibi A. R. , Collins S. , Daroughegi R. , Khalife Soltani A. , Naghizadeh R. , Riahi-Noori N. , Aghababazadeh R. , Westwood A.
Published: January 2017

In this study, the influence of the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB) on the graphitization temperature and microstructure of coal tar pitch (CTP) are investigated.
Low-dielectric polyimide nanofoams derived from 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine
Authors: Lv Pengxia , Dong Zhixin , Dai Xuemin , Zhao Yong , Qiu Xuepeng
Published: January 2017

A system is designed to study the properties of nanofoams as well as interactions between the matrix and decomposition products of thermal labile content. With the increase thermal labile content, the dielectric constants of PI nanofoams decrease.
Novel fungal hyphae/Fe3O4 and N-TiO2/NG composite for adsorption and photocatalysis
Authors: lian Yiren , Bai Xueyuan , Li Xueqian , Gao Zhan , Hu Zuowen , Hu Guozhen
Published: January 2017

A new strategy enables TiO2 particles to be suspended in solution by constructing a three-layer structure of FH, FH/Fe3O4, and FH/N-TiO2/NG.
High sensitivity chlorogenic acid detection based on multiple layer-by-layer self-assembly films of chitosan and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on a glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Cheng Wenxue , Huang Jianzhi , Liu Cheng , Zeng Qiang , Tong Yanli , Wang Lishi , Cheng Faliang
Published: January 2017

A chlorogenic acid sensor based on a chitosan (CS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated via a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method.
Ru–Fe alloy mediated α-Fe2O3 particles on mesoporous carbon nanofibers as electrode materials with superior capacitive performance
Authors: Yang Ying , Yang Feng , Sun Cheng-Jun , Zhao Hairui , Hao Shijie , Brown Dennis E. , Zhang Jiao , Ren Yang
Published: January 2017

Ru–Fe alloy mediated α-Fe2O3 particles on mesoporous carbon nanofibers were in situ fabricated and used as electrode materials with superior capacitive performance.
All-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors based on cobalt hexacyanoferrate-derived CoS and activated carbon
Authors: Subramani K. , Sudhan N. , Divya R. , Sathish M.
Published: January 2017

All-solid-state flexible asymmetric supercapacitors fabricated using CoS and AC showed a high cell voltage, high specific capacitance, and high energy density of 5.3 W h kg−1with excellent electrochemical stability.
Composition, antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects of the water extract of Ziziphus jujuba cv. Jinsixiaozao
Authors: Liu Na , Yang Mei , Huang Weizhen , Wang Yongjie , Yang Min , Wang Ying , Zhao Zhongxi
Published: January 2017

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the composition, antioxidant activities, and hepatoprotective effects of water extracts ofZiziphus jujubacv. Jinsixiaozao.
Mechanism of palladium(ii) biosorption by Providencia vermicola
Authors: Tan Ling , Dong Haigang , Liu Xinxing , He Jia , Xu Hang , Xie Jianping
Published: January 2017

Palladium uptake process, multi-scale visualization and functional groups ofProvidencia vermicolabiomass in palladium biosorption were analyzed for the first time.
Core–shell superparamagnetic monodisperse nanospheres based on amino-functionalized CoFe2O4@SiO2 for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ren Chunrong , Ding Xingeng , Fu Huiqin , Li Wenqi , Wu Huating , Yang Hui
Published: January 2017

Monodisperse CoFe2O4@SiO2–NH2 core–shell superparamagnetic nanospheres had high saturation magnetization and adsorption performance for Cu(ii), Cd(ii) and Pb(ii).
A new potential energy surface for the ground state of the LiH2+system and dynamic studies on LiH+(X2Σ+) + H(2S) → Li+(1S) + H2(X1Σ+g)
Authors: Dong Man , Li Wentao , He Di , Chen Maodu
Published: January 2017

An accurate potential energy surface for the ground state of the LiH2+system is constructed with the neural network method.
Development of arginine based nanocarriers for targeting and treatment of intracellularSalmonella
Authors: Mudakavi Rajeev J. , Vanamali Surya , Chakravortty Dipshikha , Raichur Ashok M.
Published: January 2017

Arginine decorated nanocarriers exhibited intravacuolar targeting capability which was utilized to deliver antibiotics and reactive NO into the intracellular niche of pathogens likeSalmonellaandMycobacterium.
Organocatalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of t-butyl nitroacetate to o-quinone methides: synthesis of optically active α-nitro-β,β-diaryl-propionates
Authors: Liu Ri-long , Tang Xiang-zheng , Zhang Xue-jing , Yan Ming , Chan Albert S. C.
Published: January 2017

α-Nitro-β,β-diaryl-propionates were prepared with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities via asymmetric conjugate addition of t-butyl nitroacetate to in situ generated o-quinone methides.
Triboelectric nanogenerator based on 317L stainless steel and ethyl cellulose for biomedical applications
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Li Wei , You Chen , Wang Qi , Zeng Xianshun , Chen Minfang
Published: January 2017

The surfaces of both 317L SS and EC were designed using lithography technology and inductively coupled plasma etching, respectively.
Photo-driven synthesis of polymer-coated platinized ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced photoelectrochemical charge transportation
Authors: Toe Cui Ying , Tan Hui Ling , Boyer Cyrille , Rawal Aditya , Thickett Stuart C. , Scott Jason , Amal Rose , Ng Yun Hau
Published: January 2017

A ZnO photocatalyst decorated with platinum nanoparticles and a thin, uniform layer of phenol-derived polymer demonstrated enhanced transportation of photogenerated charge.
Carbon- and binder-free 3D porous perovskite oxide air electrode for rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Pham Thien Viet , Guo Hai Peng , Luo Wen Bin , Chou Shu Lei , Wang Jia Zhao , Liu Hua Kun
Published: January 2017

Porous LaNi0.9Cu0.1O3 nanosheets exhibit excellent performance in Li–O2 batteries because of abundant lattice strain and the oxygen vacancy effect.
Multiple gold nanorods@hierarchically porous silica nanospheres for efficient multi-drug delivery and photothermal therapy
Authors: Li Nan , Niu Dechao , Jia Xiaobo , He Jianping , Jiang Yu , Gu Jinlou , Li Zheng , Xu Shiai , Li Yongsheng
Published: January 2017

Gold-based silica nanocomposites with hierarchically porous structure, as well as excellent photothermal effect, have shown great potentials in biomedical applications.
Fluorescent Si QD decoration onto a flexible polymeric electrospun nanofibrous mat for the colorimetric sensing of TNT
Authors: Arslan Osman , Aytac Zeynep , Uyar Tamer
Published: January 2017

UV range light was used for the facile synthesis of visible light emitting, surface-protected silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) and electrospun Nylon 6,6 nanofibrous mats were decorated with these Si QD's for selective TNT sensing application.
Thermoresponsive polymers with lower critical solution temperature: from fundamental aspects and measuring techniques to recommended turbidimetry conditions
Authors: Zhang Qilu , Weber Christine , Schubert Ulrich S. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: January 2017

This focus article addresses fundamental and practical aspects of investigating polymers with lower critical solution temperature behavior.
Ultra‐high spatial resolution Brillouin grating measurement using OLCR
Authors: Takada K. , Yasuno T.
Published: January 2017

A Brillouin grating‐based optical low coherence reflectometer (OLCR) using a broadband light source is constructed. The reflection distributions of Brillouin gratings generated at mated fibre connectors are measured. The measured reflectograms agreed with theoretical curves calculated from the coherence function of the OLCR, showing that the OLCR technique made it possible to measure Brillouin gratings with a spatial resolution of the order of 100 μm.
Micro‐Doppler detection in forward scattering radar: theoretical analysis and experiment
Authors: Raja Abdullah R.S.A. , Salah A.A. , Alnaeb A.A. , Sali A. , Abd Rashid N.E. , Ibrahim I.P.
Published: January 2017

Forward scatter radar (FSR) is actively studied in the field of radars, as it has many advantages such as robust to radar absorbing material and possibility in target recognition. In many radar systems, micro‐Doppler signature is one of the most distinguished information used for target recognition. Yet, there is lacking in established work on investigating the feasibility of using FSR to detect and analyse micro‐Doppler signature generated from micro‐motions of moving targets. Hence, a theoretical and experimental investigation of using the FSR to detect micro‐Doppler signatures is presented. The preliminary results for both theoretical and experiment investigations verified that the FSR system is capable to detect the micro‐Doppler signature for a swinging pendulum attached to the moving trolley.
Spectral efficient optimisation for multihop relay networks adopting HARQ schemes
Authors: Han Junmei , Xi Yong , Wei Jibo
Published: January 2017

A joint power and rate optimisation for multihop relay networks adopting different hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) schemes are investigated. Specifically, Type‐I HARQ, chase‐combining‐based HARQ and schemes without HARQ are considered with practical system parameters. The optimisation problem is to adjust transmission power and rate of each node to maximise spectral efficiency under the limitations of total power consumption. However, this problem is not always mathematically tractable for three HARQ schemes. Hence, low‐complexity iterative algorithms are proposed to obtain the optimisation strategies. Numerical results demonstrate that joint optimisation strategy outperforms conventional separate optimisation strategies significantly. The impact of the path loss conditions is also investigated. It is found that performance improvement increases with increase in link unbalance.
Robust adaptive gain neural observer for a class of non‐linear systems
Authors: Walid Abid , Abdelkader Krifa , Noureddine Liouane
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the design of robust adaptive gain neural observer (RA NO) for a large class of non‐linear systems with unknown constant parameters in the presence of bounded external perturbations on the state vector and on the output of the original system. The proposed adaptive observer incorporates radial basis functions (RBFs) neural networks (NN) to approximate the unknown non‐linearities existing in the system. The weight dynamics of every RBFNN are adjusted on‐line by using an adaptive projection algorithm. The proof of the asymptotic convergence of the state and parameter estimate errors is achieved by using Lyapunov arguments under a well‐defined persistent exciting condition, and without recourse to the strictly positive real condition. The effect of unknown disturbances is reduced by integrating a gain performance criterion into the proposed estimation scheme. The existence condition of the proposed observer such that all estimated signals are uniformly ultimately bounded is expressed in the form of the linear matrix inequality problem. To evaluate the performance of the proposed observer, three simulations are made.
Optimal disturbance rejection controllers design for synchronised output regulation of time‐delayed multi‐agent systems
Authors: Ye Fei , Zhang Weidong , Ou Linlin , Zhang Guoqing
Published: January 2017

An optimal disturbance rejection controller design method is put forward analytically for the synchronised output regulation of time‐delayed multi‐agent systems (MAS). All kinds of linear MAS can be described by a novel block diagram based on transfer functions in a unified framework. For each subsystem without intercommunication, the optimal output, input and balancing output–input load disturbance rejection controllers are designed independently. A filter is used to be in series with each controller to not only stabilise the whole systems but also achieve a tradeoff between nominal performance and robustness by adjusting a single tuning parameter. The proposed distributed controllers calculated by algebraic solution perform better capacity of disturbance attenuation than the conventional given‐structured protocols. Two simulation examples demonstrate the validity of the new algorithm.
High‐gain low‐cost broadband 60 GHz differential integrated patch array antennas with wire‐bonding packaging and on‐board compensation network
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Lianming , Zhao Dixian , Xia Haiyang , Chai Yuan , Guo Jian , Qian Chen , Zheng Fu‐Chun , Cui Tie Jun
Published: January 2017

Two high‐gain broadband 60GHz integrated planar patch array antennas, without and with air cavity, are designed and implemented on Rogers 5880 substrate. The differential antenna structure is used to improve the signal integrity at millimetre‐wave frequencies. The antennas are co‐designed with bonding wires of which the parasitic effect is compensated using a passive network. The proposed antennas have the advantages of symmetrical radiation pattern, wide bandwidth and low insertion loss. In the measurement, a differential transmission line based de‐embedding structure is developed on silicon, mimicking the real chip packaging environment and providing reliable terminations for antennas. The measured fractional bandwidths (|S11| < −10dB) are 13.8 and 26.2%, respectively, for the two structures without and with air cavity, including the effect of a waveguide‐to‐microstrip line transition and a branch‐line balun. Both antennas have measured gain of about 12 dBi. After de‐embedding the return loss, the measured insertion loss of the bond wire compensation network is only 0.07dB at 61GHz.
Simply designed and universal sliding mode observer for the SOC estimation of lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Chen Qiaoyan , Jiang Jiuchun , Ruan Haijun , Zhang Caiping
Published: January 2017

A new sliding mode observer to estimate the state of charge (SOC) of lithium‐ion batteries is presented. The proposed observer has been developed from a previous observer. The observer is applicable to the common battery circuit models and the design of the algorithm is simple. The observer can also be used for state estimations of both time‐varying and time‐invariant systems. The robustness of the observer is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. In this study, two typical circuit models are used as examples to design the observer and this study shows that the design of the observer is simple and the observer exhibits good performance. The observer is used to estimate the battery SOC under two conditions. The estimation results show that the observer is robust and the adaptive method can improve the estimation accuracy.
The design and microfabrication of a sub 100 mg insect‐scale flapping‐wing robot
Authors: Zou Yang , Zhang Weiping , Ke Xijun , Lou Xingliang , Zhou Sui
Published: January 2017

A piezo‐actuated self‐lifting insect inspired flapping‐wing robot is presented. A novel method is presented in the work, which has taken into account the difficulties and the precision of assembly among micro components. Each component is properly designed and reasonably arranged to reduce the assembly difficulties of such insect‐scale robot. Specifically, the design of the piezoelectric actuator has taken into account the electrical isolation and assembly issues. The transmission and the airframe are integrated into one component to avoid assembly difficulties. Fibre directions of wing veins are reasonably arranged to possess high strength and stiffness. As a result, this robot, which weighs 84 mg with a wingspan of 35 mm, can generate sufficient thrust to take off with a flapping amplitude approximately ±60° under the resonant wingbeat frequency of 100 Hz.
Constraining the ΛCDM and Galileon models with recent cosmological data
Authors: Neveu J. , Ruhlmann-Kleider V. , Astier P. , Besançon M. , Guy J. , Möller A. , Babichev E.
Published: January 2017

Aims. The Galileon theory belongs to the class of modified gravity models that can explain the late-time accelerated expansion of the Universe. In previous works, cosmological constraints on the Galileon model were derived, both in the uncoupled case and with a disformal coupling of the Galileon field to matter. There, we showed that these models agree with the most recent cosmological data. In this work, we used updated cosmological data sets to derive new constraints on Galileon models, including the case of a constant conformal Galileon coupling to matter. We also explored the tracker solution of the uncoupled Galileon model.

Methods. After updating our data sets, especially with the latest Planck data and baryonic acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements, we fitted the cosmological parameters of the ΛCDM and Galileon models. The same analysis framework as in our previous papers was used to derive cosmological constraints, using precise measurements of cosmological distances and of the cosmic structure growth rate.

Results. We show that all tested Galileon models are as compatible with cosmological data as the ΛCDM model. This means that present cosmological data are not accurate enough to distinguish clearly between the two theories. Among the different Galileon models, we find that a conformal coupling is not favoured, contrary to the disformal coupling which is preferred at the 2.3σ level over the uncoupled case. The tracker solution of the uncoupled Galileon model is also highly disfavoured owing to large tensions with supernovae and Planck+BAO data. However, outside of the tracker solution, the general uncoupled Galileon model, as well as the general disformally coupled Galileon model, remain the most promising Galileon scenarios to confront with future cosmological data. Finally, we also discuss constraints coming from the Lunar Laser Ranging experiment and gravitational wave speed of propagation.
Observational calibration of the projection factor of Cepheids
Authors: Kervella Pierre , Trahin Boris , Bond Howard E. , Gallenne Alexandre , Szabados Laszlo , Mérand Antoine , Breitfelder Joanne , Dailloux Julien , Anderson Richard I. , Fouqué Pascal , Gieren Wolfgang , Nardetto Nicolas , Pietrzyński Grzegorz
Published: January 2017

The projection factor (p-factor) is an essential component of the classical Baade-Wesselink (BW) technique, which is commonly used to determine the distances to pulsating stars. It is a multiplicative parameter used to convert radial velocities into pulsational velocities. As the BW distances are linearly proportional to the p-factor, its accurate calibration for Cepheids is of critical importance for the reliability of their distance scale. We focus on the observational determination of the p-factor of the long-period Cepheid RS Pup (P = 41.5 days). This star is particularly important as this is one of the brightest Cepheids in the Galaxy and an analog of the Cepheids used to determine extragalactic distances. An accurate distance of 1910 ± 80 pc (± 4.2%) has recently been determined for RS Pup using the light echoes propagating in its circumstellar nebula. We combine this distance with new VLTI/PIONIER interferometric angular diameters, photometry, and radial velocities to derive the p-factor of RS Pup using the code Spectro-Photo-Interferometry of Pulsating Stars (SPIPS). We obtain p = 1.250 ± 0.064 ( ± 5.1%), defined for cross-correlation radial velocities. Together with measurements from the literature, the p-factor of RS Pup confirms the good agreement of a constant \hbox{$\overline{p}=\meanp \pm \meanperr\ (\pm \meanprelerr\%)$} model with the observations. We conclude that the p-factor of Cepheids is constant or mildly variable over a broad range of periods (3.7 to 41.5 days).
Lidocaine
spray alone is similar to spray plus viscous solution for pharyngeal observation
during transoral endoscopy: a clinical randomized
trial
Authors: Hayashi Tomoyuki , Asahina Yoshiro , Waseda Yohei , Kitamura Kazuya , Kagaya Takashi , Seike Takuya , Okada Kazuhiro , Inada Yuki , Takabatake Hisashi , Orita Noriaki , Yanase Yuko , Yamashita Tatsuya , Ninomiya Itasu , Yoshimura Kenichi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: January 2017

Background and study aims It is important to examine the pharynx during
upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Pharyngeal anesthesia using topical lidocaine
is generally used as pretreatment. In Japan, lidocaine viscous solution is the
anesthetic of choice, but lidocaine spray is applied when the former is
considered insufficient. However, the relationship between the extent of
pharyngeal anesthesia and accuracy of observation is unclear. We compared the
performance of lidocaine spray alone versus lidocaine spray combined with
lidocaine viscous solution for pharyngeal observation during transoral
endoscopy.

Patients and methods In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized
clinical trial conducted between January and March 2015, 327 patients were
randomly assigned to lidocaine spray alone (spray group, n = 157) or a
combination of spray and viscous solution (combination group, n = 170). We
compared the number of pharyngeal observable sites (non-inferiority test), pain
by visual analogue scale, observation time, and the number of gag reflexes
between the two groups.

Results The mean number of images of suitable quality taken at the
observable pharyngeal sites in the spray group was 8.33 (95 % confidence
interval [CI]: 7.94 – 8.72) per patient, and 8.77 (95 % CI: 8.49 – 9.05) per
patient in the combination group. The difference in the number of observable
pharyngeal sites was – 0.44 (95 % CI: – 0.84 to – 0.03, P = 0.01). There
were no differences in pain, observation time, or number of gag reflexes between
the 2 groups. Subgroup analysis of the presence of sedation revealed no
differences between the two groups for the number of pharyngeal observation
sites and the number of gag reflexes. However, the number of gag reflexes was
higher in the spray group compared to the combination group in a subgroup
analysis that looked at the absence of sedation.

Conclusions Lidocaine spray for pharyngeal anesthesia was not inferior to
lidocaine spray and viscous solution in terms of pharyngeal observation. It was
considered that lidocaine viscous solution was unnecessary for pharyngeal
observation. UMIN000016073