bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungus-larva relation in the formation of Cordyceps sinensis as revealed by stable carbon isotope analysis
Authors: Guo Lian-Xian , Hong Yue-Hui , Zhou Qian-Zhi , Zhu Qing , Xu Xiao-Ming , Wang Jiang-Hai
Published: August 2017

For more than one thousand years,Cordyceps sinensishas been revered as a unique halidom in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau for its mysterious life history and predominant medicinal values. This mysterious fungus-larva symbiote also attracted the over-exploitation, while several problems on the initial colonization ofOphiocordyceps sinensisin the host larva have constrained artificial cultivation. In this work, stable carbon isotope analysis was employed to analyse the subsamples ofC.sinensisfrom 5 representative habitats. The results demonstrated that these samples possessed similar δ13C profiles, i.e., a steady ascending trend from the top to the bottom of stroma, occurrence of the δ13C maximum at the head, a slight decrease from the head to the end of thorax, a sharply descent trend from the end of thorax to the forepart of abdomen, and maintenance of lower δ13C values in the rest parts of abdomen. Based on the data, we consider that the site near the head of the host larva may be the initial target attacked byO.sinensis, and the fungus growth is closely related to the digestive tract of its host larva. The growth stages ofO.sinensisare accordingly speculated as the symptom-free, symptom-appearing, and stroma-germinating stages.
Investigation of neuronal pathfinding and construction of artificial neuronal networks on 3D-arranged porous fibrillar scaffolds with controlled geometry
Authors: Kim Dongyoon , Kim Seong-Min , Lee Seyeong , Yoon Myung-Han
Published: August 2017

Herein, we investigated the neurite pathfinding on electrospun microfibers with various fiber densities, diameters, and microbead islands, and demonstrated the development of 3D connected artificial neuronal network within a nanofiber-microbead-based porous scaffold. The primary culture of rat hippocampal embryonic neurons was deposited on geometry-controlled polystyrene (PS) fiber scaffolds while growth cone morphology, neurite outgrowth patterns, and focal adhesion protein expression were cautiously examined by microscopic imaging of immunostained and live neuronal cells derived from actin-GFP transgenic mice. It was demonstrated that the neurite outgrowth was guided by the overall microfiber orientation, but the increase in fiber density induced the neurite path alteration, thus, the reduction in neurite linearity. Indeed, we experimentally confirmed that growth cone could migrate to a neighboring, but, spatially disconnected microfiber by spontaneous filopodium extrusion, which is possibly responsible for the observed neurite steering. Furthermore, thinner microfiber scaffolds showed more pronounced expression of focal adhesion proteins than thicker ones, suggesting that the neuron-microfiber interaction can be delicately modulated by the underlying microfiber geometry. Finally, 3D connected functional neuronal networks were successfully constructed using PS nanofiber-microbead scaffolds where enhanced porosity and vertical fiber orientation permitted cell body inclusion within the scaffold and substantial neurite outgrowth in a vertical direction, respectively.
Inflammatory role of dendritic cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis revealed by an analysis of patients’ peripheral blood
Authors: Rusconi Michela , Gerardi Francesca , Santus William , Lizio Andrea , Sansone Valeria Ada , Lunetta Christian , Zanoni Ivan , Granucci Francesca
Published: August 2017

Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we examined whether circulating dendritic cells (DCs) can contribute to disease progression. We found ALS patients show a significant reduction in the number of circulating DCs. Also, patients’ DCs present an increased expression of CD62L and a tendency to overexpress CCR2 compared with healthy donors. Moreover, DCs derived from a subpopulation of ALS patients produced higher levels of IL-8 and CCL-2 upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation. Finally, we found a significant inverse correlation between the time from onset of the pathology to its diagnosis and the levels of IL-6 secretion induced by LPS. Our data support the hypothesis, in a subpopulation of patients, DCs recruited at the diseased tissue produce high levels of CCL-2 and IL-8 and contribute to the inflammatory process promoting the recruitment of other inflammatory cells. An increased efficiency of IL-6 production may accelerate only the initial phases of disease progression. Blood DC analysis can be used to identify ALS patients with an altered course of inflammatory cell recruitment at the diseased central nervous system (CNS). The high levels of CD62L expression suggests this molecule could be a target for treatment of CNS inflammation.
Group Augmentation in Realistic Visual-Search Decisions via a Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Valeriani Davide , Cinel Caterina , Poli Riccardo
Published: August 2017

Groups have increased sensing and cognition capabilities that typically allow them to make better decisions. However, factors such as communication biases and time constraints can lead to less-than-optimal group decisions. In this study, we use a hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (hBCI) to improve the performance of groups undertaking a realistic visual-search task. Our hBCI extracts neural information from EEG signals and combines it with response times to build an estimate of the decision confidence. This is used to weigh individual responses, resulting in improved group decisions. We compare the performance of hBCI-assisted groups with the performance of non-BCI groups using standard majority voting, and non-BCI groups using weighted voting based on reported decision confidence. We also investigate the impact on group performance of a computer-mediated form of communication between members. Results across three experiments suggest that the hBCI provides significant advantages over non-BCI decision methods in all cases. We also found that our form of communication increases individual error rates by almost 50% compared to non-communicating observers, which also results in worse group performance. Communication also makes reported confidence uncorrelated with the decision correctness, thereby nullifying its value in weighing votes. In summary, best decisions are achieved by hBCI-assisted, non-communicating groups.
Transcriptional hallmarks of cancer cell lines reveal an emerging role of branched chain amino acid catabolism
Authors: Antanavičiūtė Ieva , Mikalayeva Valeryia , Ceslevičienė Ieva , Milašiūtė Gintarė , Skeberdis Vytenis Arvydas , Bordel Sergio
Published: August 2017

A comparative analysis between cancer cell lines and healthy dividing cells was performed using data (289 microarrays and 50 RNA-seq samples) from 100 different cancer cell lines and 6 types of healthy stem cells. The analysis revealed two large-scale transcriptional events that characterize cancer cell lines. The first event was a large-scale up-regulation pattern associated to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, putatively driven by the interplay of the SP1 transcription factor and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway; the second event was the failure to overexpress a diverse set of genes coding membrane and extracellular proteins. This failure is putatively caused by a lack of activity of the AP-1 complex. It was also shown that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition was associated with the up-regulation of 5 enzymes involved in the degradation of branched chain amino acids. The suitability of silencing one of this enzymes (branched chain amino acid transaminase 2; BCAT2) with therapeutic effects was tested experimentally on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and primary cell culture of breast tumor (BCC), leading to lower cell proliferation. The silencing of BCAT2 did not have any significant effect on ASM and MCF10A cells, which were used as models of healthy dividing cells.
Angiotensin II induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human hepatic stellate cells by a transforming growth factor β-independent mechanism
Authors: Li Ao , Zhang Jingyao , Zhang Xiaoxun , Wang Jun , Wang Songsong , Xiao Xiao , Wang Rui , Li Peng , Wang Yitao
Published: August 2017

Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes hepatic fibrosis by increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and emerges as downstream of the profibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β). We aimed to investigate the molecular events that lead from the Ang II receptor to CTGF upregulation in human hepatic stellate cells, a principal fibrogenic cell type. Ang II produced an early, AT1receptor-dependent stimulation of CTGF expression and induced a rapid activation of PKC and its downstream p38 MAPK, thereby activating a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Smad2/3 cross-talk pathway. Chemical blockade of NF-κB and Smad2/3 signaling synergistically diminished Ang II-mediated CTGF induction and exhibited an additive effect in abrogating the ECM accumulation caused by Ang II. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CTGF expression was essential for Ang II-mediated ECM synthesis. Interestingly, the ability of dephosphorylated, but not phosphorylated JNK to activate Smad2/3 signaling revealed a novel role of JNK in Ang II-mediated CTGF overexpression. These results suggest that Ang II induces CTGF expression and ECM accumulation through a special TGF-β-independent interaction between the NF-κB and Smad2/3 signals elicited by the AT1/PKCα/p38 MAPK pathway.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Deletion of Foxn1 in NOD/SCID/IL2rg−/− Mice Results in Severe Immunodeficiency
Authors: Wei Xinru , Lai Yunxin , Li Baiheng , Qin Le , Xu Youdi , Lin Simiao , Wang Suna , Wu Qiting , Liang Qiubin , Huang Guohua , Deng Qiuhua , Liu Pentao , Wu Donghai , Lai Liangxue , Yao Yao , Li Peng
Published: August 2017

Immunodeficient mice engrafted with either normal or cancerous human cells are widely used in basic and translational research. In particular, NOD/SCID/IL2rg−/− mice can support the growth of various types of human cancer cells. However, the hairs of these mice interfere with the observation and imaging of engrafted tissues. Therefore, novel hairless strains exhibiting comparable immunodeficiency would be beneficial. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used for efficient multiplexed genome editing. In the present study, we generated a novel strain of nude NOD/SCID/IL2rg−/− (NSIN) mice by knocking out Foxn1 from NOD/SCID/IL2rg−/− (NSI) mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The NSIN mice were deficient in B, T, and NK cells and not only showed impaired T cell reconstitution and thymus regeneration after allogeneic bone marrow nucleated cell transplantation but also exhibited improved capacity to graft both leukemic and solid tumor cells compared with NSI, NOG, and NDG mice. Moreover, the NSIN mice facilitated the monitoring and in vivo imaging of both leukemia and solid tumors. Therefore, our NSIN mice provide a new platform for xenograft mouse models in basic and translational research.
Genomic regions and genes related to inter-population differences in body size in the ground beetle Carabus japonicus
Authors: Komurai Ryohei , Fujisawa Tomochika , Okuzaki Yutaka , Sota Teiji
Published: August 2017

Body size is a key trait in diversification among animal species, and revealing the gene regions responsible for body size diversification among populations or related species is important in evolutionary biology. We explored the genomic regions associated with body size differences in Carabus japonicus ground beetle populations by quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of F2 hybrids from differently sized parents from two populations using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing and de novo assembly of the beetle whole genome. The assembled genome had a total length of 191 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 0.73 Mb; 14,929 protein-coding genes were predicted. Three QTLs on different linkage groups had major effects on the overall size, which is composed chiefly of elytral length. In addition, we found QTLs on autosomal and X chromosomal linkage groups that affected head length and width, thoracic width, and elytral width. We determined the gene loci potentially related to control of body size in scaffolds of the genome sequence, which contained the QTL regions. The genetic basis of body size variation based on a small number of major loci would promote differentiation in body size in response to selection pressures related to variations in environmental conditions and inter-specific interactions.
The Edge Stresses and Phase Transitions for Magnetic BN Zigzag Nanoribbons
Authors: Deng Junkai , Yin Yuefeng , Niu Huanhuan , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Medhekar Nikhil V.
Published: August 2017

The edge states are of particular importance to understand fundamental properties of finite two-dimensional (2D) crystals. Based on first-principles calculations, we investigated on the bare zigzag boron nitride nanoribbons (zzBNNRs) with different spin-polarized states well localized at and extended along their edges. Our calculations examined the edge stress, which is sensitively dependent on the magnetic edge states, for either B-terminated edge or N-terminated edge. Moreover, we revealed that different magnetic configurations lead to a rich spectrum of electronic behaviors at edges. Using an uniaxial tensile strain, we proposed the magnetic phase transitions and thereby obtained the metallic to half-metallic (or reverse) phase transitions at edges. It suggests zzBNNR as a promising candidate for potential applications of non-metal spintronic devices.
The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptides, HumaninS14G and Small Humanin-like Peptide 2, Exhibit Chaperone-like Activity
Authors: Okada Alan K. , Teranishi Kazuki , Lobo Fleur , Isas J. Mario , Xiao Jialin , Yen Kelvin , Cohen Pinchas , Langen Ralf
Published: August 2017

Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) and their analogs have emerged as wide-spectrum, stress response factors protective in amyloid disease models. MDP cytoprotective functions are generally attributed to anti-apoptotic activity, however, little is known about their capacity to facilitate the cell’s unfolded protein response via direct interactions with amyloidogenic proteins. Here, we explored the effects of the MDP-analog, humaninS14G (HNG), and the MDP, small humanin-like peptide 2 (SHLP2), on the misfolding of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a critical pathogenic step in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our thioflavin T fluorescence studies show that HNG inhibits IAPP misfolding at highly substoichiometric concentrations. Seeded fluorescence and co-sedimentation studies demonstrate MDPs block amyloid seeding and directly bind misfolded, seeding-capable IAPP species. Furthermore, our electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and circular dichroism data indicate MDPs do not act by binding IAPP monomers. Taken together our results reveal a novel chaperone-like activity wherein these MDPs specifically target misfolded amyloid seeds to inhibit IAPP misfolding which, along with direct anti-apoptotic activity and beneficial metabolic effects, make HNG and SHLP2 exciting prospects as T2DM therapeutics. These data also suggest that other mitochondrial stress response factors within the MDP family may be amenable to development into therapeutics for protein-misfolding diseases.
Consciously over Unconsciously Perceived Rewards Facilitate Self-face Processing: An ERP Study
Authors: Zhan Youlong , Xiao Xiao , Chen Jie , Li Jin , Fan Wei , Zhong Yiping
Published: August 2017

Consciously and unconsciously perceived rewards are thought to modulate essential cognitive processes in different ways. However, little is known about whether and how they modulate higher-order social cognitive processes. The present ERP study aimed to investigate the effect of consciously and unconsciously perceived rewards on the temporal course of self-face processing. After a monetary reward (high or low) was presented either supraliminally or subliminally, participants gain this reward by rapidly and correctly judging whether the mouth shape of a probe face and a target face (self, friend, and stranger) were same. Results showed a significant three-way interaction between reward value, reward presentation type, and face type observed at the P3 component. For the supraliminal presentations, self-faces elicited larger P3 after high compared to low reward cues; however, friend-faces elicited smaller P3 and stranger-faces elicited equivalent P3 under this condition. For the subliminal presentations, self-faces still elicited larger P3 for high reward cues, whereas there were no significant P3 differences for friend-faces or stranger-faces. Together, these results suggest that consciously processed rewards have distinct advantages over unconsciously processed rewards in facilitating self-face processing by flexibly and effectively integrating reward value with self-relevance.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Fuel Denitrification over TiO2/α-Fe2O3 Nanocomposites under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Huang Renkun , Liang Ruowen , Fan Haimei , Ying Shaoming , Wu Ling , Wang Xuxu , Yan Guiyang
Published: August 2017

With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the removal of nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs) from gasoline fuel has become a more and more important research subject. In this work, we have successfully synthesized TiO2/α-Fe2O3 heterogeneous photocatalysts with different mass ratios of TiO2vs. α-Fe2O3. Taking photocatalytic denitrification of typical alkali NCCs, pyridine, in gasoline fuel under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm) as the model reaction, the TiO2/α-Fe2O3 hybrids have exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with pure TiO2 and α-Fe2O3, giving a pyridine removal ratio of ∼100% after irradiation for 240 min. The improved photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the integrative effect of the enhanced light absorption intensity and more efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Importantly, this type of heterogeneous photocatalysts can be easily separate in the reaction medium by an external magnetic field that is very important for industrial purpose. In addition, major reaction intermediates have been identified by the liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS) and a tentative photocatalytic denitrification mechanism has been proposed.
Phytochromobilin deficiency impairs sugar metabolism through the regulation of cytokinin and auxin signaling in tomato fruits
Authors: Bianchetti Ricardo Ernesto , Cruz Aline Bertinatto , Oliveira Bruna Soares , Demarco Diego , Purgatto Eduardo , Peres Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira , Rossi Magdalena , Freschi Luciano
Published: August 2017

Phytochomes and plant hormones have been emerging as important regulators of fleshy fruit biology and quality traits; however, the relevance of phytochrome-hormonal signaling crosstalk in controlling fruit development and metabolism remains elusive. Here, we show that the deficiency in phytochrome chromophore phytochromobilin (PΦB) biosynthesis inhibits sugar accumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits by transcriptionally downregulating sink- and starch biosynthesis-related enzymes, such as cell-wall invertases, sucrose transporters and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylases. PΦB deficiency was also shown to repress fruit chloroplast biogenesis, which implicates more limited production of photoassimilates via fruit photosynthesis. Genetic and physiological data revealed the involvement of auxins and cytokinins in mediating the negative impact of PΦB deficiency on fruit sink strength and chloroplast formation. PΦB deficiency was shown to transcriptionally repress type-A TOMATO RESPONSE REGULATORs and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs both in pericarp and columella, suggesting active phytochrome-hormonal signaling crosstalk in these tissues. Data also revealed that PΦB deficiency influences fruit ripening by delaying the climacteric rise in ethylene production and signaling. Altogether, the data uncover the impact of phytochromobilin deficiency in fine-tuning sugar metabolism, chloroplast formation and the timing of fruit ripening and also reveal a link between auxins, cytokinins and phytochromes in regulating sugar import and accumulation in fruits.
Subjective utility moderates bidirectional effects of conflicting motivations on pain perception
Authors: Becker Susanne , Gandhi Wiebke , Chen Yan Jun , Schweinhardt Petra
Published: August 2017

Minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure are conflicting motivations when pain and reward co-occur. Decisions to prioritize reward consumption or pain avoidance are assumed to lead to pain inhibition or facilitation, respectively. Such decisions are a function of the subjective utility of the stimuli involved, i.e. the relative value assigned to the stimuli to compare the potential outcomes of a decision. To test perceptual pain modulation by varying degrees of motivational conflicts and the role of subjective utility, we implemented a task in which healthy volunteers had to decide between accepting a reward at the cost of receiving a nociceptive electrocutaneous stimulus or rejecting both. Subjective utility of the stimuli was assessed by a matching task between the stimuli. Accepting reward coupled to a nociceptive stimulus resulted in decreased perceived intensity, while rejecting the reward to avoid pain resulted in increased perceived intensity, but in both cases only if a high motivational conflict was present. Subjective utility of the stimuli involved moderated these bidirectional perceptual effects: the more a person valued money over pain, the more perceived intensity increased or decreased. These findings demonstrate pain modulation when pain and reward are simultaneously present and highlight the importance of subjective utility for such modulation.
Correction: Corrigendum: Testis-specific transcriptional regulators selectively occupy BORIS-bound CTCF target regions in mouse male germ cells
Authors: Rivero-Hinojosa Samuel , Kang Sungyun , Lobanenkov Victor V. , Zentner Gabriel E.
Published: August 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41279; published online: 01 February 2017; updated: 04 August 2017. In the original version of this Article, Supplementary Dataset 1 was omitted. This has been corrected in the HTML version of the Article; the PDF version was correct at the time of publication.
A non-enzymatic ethanol sensor based on a nanostructured catalytic disposable electrode
Authors: Pereira Silva Neves Marta M. , González-García M. Begoña , Bobes-Limenes Pablo , Pérez-Junquera Alejandro , Hernández-Santos David , Vidal-Iglesias Francisco José , Solla-Gullón José , Fanjul-Bolado Pablo
Published: August 2017

Disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with platinum nanoparticles were employed in the electrocatalytic detection of ethanol. The developed non-enzymatic ethanol sensor was applied to real samples.
Insights into the mechanism of the capture of CO2 by K2CO3 sorbent: a DFT study
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Qin Qiaoyun , Zhang Riguang , Ling Lixia , Wang Baojun
Published: August 2017

The adsorption and reactions of CO2 and H2O on both monoclinic and hexagonal crystal K2CO3 were investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) approach.
From blue to full color – theoretical design and characterization of a series of Ir(iii) complexes containing azoline ligand with potential application in OLEDs
Authors: Duan Ying-Chen , Wu Yong , Ren Xin-Yao , Zhao Liang , Geng Yun , Zhang Min , Sun Guang-Yan , Su Zhong-Min
Published: August 2017

A series of full-color Ir(iii) phosphorescence materials with high quantum efficiency was designed with both the radiative rate and the nonradiative ability taken into consideration.
Formation of crystalline nanoparticles by iron binding to pentapeptide (Asp-His-Thr-Lys-Glu) from egg white hydrolysates
Authors: Sun Na , Cui Pengbo , Li Dongmei , Jin Ziqi , Zhang Shuyu , Lin Songyi
Published: August 2017

A novel peptide (DHTKE) from egg white hydrolysates could bind iron ions in a 1 : 2 ratioviaits amide and carboxyl groups, forming the DHTKE-iron complex which belongs to crystalline nanoparticles.
Comprehensive analysis of long noncoding RNA–mRNA co-expression patterns in thyroid cancer
Authors: Du Yaying , Xia Wenfei , Zhang Jinjun , Wan Dongyi , Yang Zhifang , Li Xingrui
Published: August 2017

Novel molecular-targeted treatments show great prospects for radioiodine-refractory and surgically inoperable thyroid carcinomas.
Oxidation-stable plasmonic copper nanoparticles in photocatalytic TiO2 nanoarchitectures
Authors: DeSario Paul A. , Pietron Jeremy J. , Brintlinger Todd H. , McEntee Monica , Parker Joseph F. , Baturina Olga , Stroud Rhonda M. , Rolison Debra R.
Published: August 2017

The extended interface between Cu nanoparticles and TiO2 aerogel supports stabilizes Cu against oxidation enough to preserve its plasmonic behavior, even after exposure to air.
van der Waals epitaxial two-dimensional CdSxSe(1−x)semiconductor alloys with tunable-composition and application to flexible optoelectronics
Authors: Xia Jing , Zhao Yun-Xuan , Wang Lei , Li Xuan-Ze , Gu Yi-Yi , Cheng Hua-Qiu , Meng Xiang-Min
Published: August 2017

2D non-layered CdSxSe(1−x)alloys with a tunable composition have been synthesized by incommensurate VDWs epitaxy and possess huge application potential in next-generation optoelectronics.
Total syntheses of gerberinol I and the pterophyllins 2 and 4 using the Casnati–Skattebøl reaction under different conditions
Authors: Pergomet Jorgelina L. , Bracca Andrea B. J. , Kaufman Teodoro S.
Published: August 2017

The total syntheses of the title compounds were achieved from a single coumarin precursor, taking advantage of the temperature-dependent divergent outcomes of the Casnati–Skattebøl reaction.
Highly efficient one-pot assembly of peptides by double chemoselective coupling
Authors: Sampaio-Dias Ivo E. , Sousa Carlos A. D. , Silva-Reis Sara C. , Ribeiro Sara , García-Mera Xerardo , Rodríguez-Borges José E.
Published: August 2017

An efficient and faster methodology for the assembly of oligopeptides by a three-step one-pot protocol with high yields and virtually no epimerization.
Synthesis of a phenylboronic ester-linked PEG-lipid conjugate for ROS-responsive drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Tianhui , Chen Xin , Xiao Chunsheng , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: August 2017

A kind of phenylboronic ester-linked PEG-lipid conjugate was designed and synthesized for ROS-responsive drug delivery.
Polymerization of 1-chloro-2-benzaldehyde-acetylene using an NHC-Pd/AgOTf catalyst and post-polymerization modification
Authors: Wang Yanmei , Wang Wenjie , Wang Xiao , Cheng Xiao , Qin Anjun , Sun Jing Zhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2017

Using NHC-Pd/AgOTf complex as catalyst, we realized the polymerization of 1-chloro-2-phenylacetylene derivative, which bears an electron-withdrawing aldehyde group for the subsequent post-polymerization modification.
Computational design of polymers: poly(ester amide) and polyurethane
Authors: Fukuda Yuichiro , Miyamae Kohei , Sasanuma Yuji
Published: August 2017

A methodology for conformational analysis of polymers including both ester and amide groups has been developed to elucidate the structure–property relationships of a poly(ester amide) and a polyurethane.
A microscopic and spectroscopic study of rapid antimonite sequestration by a poorly crystalline phyllomanganate: differences from passivated arsenite oxidation
Authors: Wang Huawei , Wang Ya-nan , Sun Yingjie , Tsang Yiu Fai , Zhang Daoyong , Pan Xiangliang
Published: August 2017

Surface passivation during the adsorption of Mn(ii) and the formation of Mn(iii) was the predominant cause for the decrease in the As(iii) oxidation rate, whereas it may not have been the limiting factor during Sb(iii) oxidation.
Synthesis and ecotoxicological impact of ferrocene-derived amino-phosphonates using a battery of bioassays
Authors: Lewkowski J. , Karpowicz R. , Morawska M. , Rychter P. , Rogacz D. , Lewicka K. , Dobrzyński P.
Published: August 2017

Ferrocene-derived aminophosphonates showed their various ecotoxicological impact on terrestrial higher plants, freshwater ostracods and marine bacteria.
Structural properties and strain engineering of a BeB2 monolayer from first-principles
Authors: Jia Fanhao , Qi Yuting , Hu Shunbo , Hu Tao , Li Musen , Zhao Guodong , Zhang Jihua , Stroppa Alessandro , Ren Wei
Published: August 2017

Using crystal structure prediction and first-principles calculations, we investigated new phases of BeB2 monolayers and discussed their structural, electronic and strain effect properties of such boron-based 2D materials.
A benzimidazole functionalized NDI derivative for recyclable fluorescent detection of cyanide in water
Authors: Lin Qi , Liu Lu , Zheng Feng , Mao Peng-Peng , Liu Juan , Zhang You-Ming , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: August 2017

An NDI-based chemosensor (L2) was synthesized via a one step reaction; L2 showed recyclable CN− detection properties in water.
One-pot synthesis of hetero[6]rotaxane bearing three different kinds of macrocycle through a self-sorting process
Authors: Rao Si-Jia , Zhang Qi , Mei Ju , Ye Xu-Hao , Gao Chuan , Wang Qiao-Chun , Qu Da-Hui , Tian He
Published: August 2017

A hetero[6]rotaxane bearing three different kinds of macrocycle is designed and successfully synthesized through a one-pot “click” reaction by employing a facile and efficient integrative self-sorting principle.
Crack opening: from colloidal systems to paintings
Authors: Léang Marguerite , Giorgiutti-Dauphiné Frédérique , Lee Lay-Theng , Pauchard Ludovic
Published: August 2017

A simple model to link crack morphologies to the mechanical properties of art paintings.
Solvent hydrophobicity induced complex coacervation of dsDNA and in situ formed zein nanoparticles
Authors: Pandey Pankaj Kumar , Kaushik Priyanka , Rawat Kamla , Aswal V. K. , Bohidar H. B.
Published: August 2017

DNA binding to zein, a predominantly hydrophobic protein, was sustained as a stable dispersion in ethanol–water (80 : 20, % v/v) binary solvent at room temperature (25 °C) replacement of hydration sheath with ethanol–water interface.
Bromination-induced stability enhancement with a multivalley optical response signature in guanidinium [C(NH2)3]+-based hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Chakraborty Sudip , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: August 2017

Guanidinium lead iodide (GAPbI3) has been synthesized experimentally, but stability remains an issue, which can be modulated by the insertion of bromine (Br) into the system.
Design of hyperporous graphene networks and their application in solid-amine based carbon capture systems
Authors: Gadipelli Srinivas , Lu Yue , Skipper Neal T. , Yildirim Taner , Guo Zhengxiao
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate a simple and fully scalable method for obtaining hierarchical hyperporous graphene networks, of ultrahigh pore volumes (>6 cm3 g−1) by thermal exfoliation, and achieve an efficient solid-amine system for CO2 capture under true flue-gas conditions.
Fluorescent carbon dots from antineoplastic drug etoposide for bioimaging in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wu Bin , Zhu Rongrong , Wang Mei , Liang Peng , Qian Yechang , Wang Shilong
Published: August 2017

Carbon dots for bioimaging in vitro and in vivo were synthesized from the antineoplastic drug etoposide by a one-step method.
Nano-sized NaF inspired intrinsic solvothermal growth mechanism of rare-earth nanocrystals for facile control synthesis of high-quality and small-sized hexagonal NaYbF4:Er
Authors: Shen Ji-Wei , Wang Zhiqing , Liu Jiawei , Li Hua
Published: August 2017

Facile solvothermal control synthesis of hexagonal NaYbF4:Er was achieved by simultaneous regulation of nano-sized NaF and HF levels based on the findings of NaOH to nano-sized NaF conversion via reacting with NH4F and decomposition of NH4F to HF.
Controlling crystallization to imprint nanophotonic structures into halide perovskites using soft lithography
Authors: Brittman Sarah , Oener Sebastian Z. , Guo Ke , Āboliņš Haralds , Koenderink A. Femius , Garnett Erik C.
Published: August 2017

Nanophotonic patterns are imprinted into halide perovskite films using polymer stamps and a solvent mixture to control the perovskite's crystallization.
Non-fullerene polymer solar cells with VOC > 1 V based on fluorinated quinoxaline unit conjugated polymers
Authors: He Baitian , Yin Qingwu , Yang Xiye , Liu Liqian , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Zhang Jie , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: August 2017

NF-PSCs based on PDCB-DFQ812/ITIC reached high PCE values of 8.37% with VOC > 1 V under the synergistic effects of fluorine atoms and alkyl chains.
The role of Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Yb) in persistent red luminescence in MgGeO3:Mn2+
Authors: Katayama Y. , Kayumi T. , Ueda J. , Dorenbos P. , Viana B. , Tanabe S.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, Mn2+ and Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Yb) co-doped MgGeO3 phosphors were prepared using a solid state reaction technique, and their optical properties were investigated.
A Mindfulness Practice for Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate and Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students: Effects on Stress, Self-Compassion, and Perfectionism
Authors: Beck Ann R. , Verticchio Heidi , Seeman Scott , Milliken Emma , Schaab Heidi
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of a mindfulness practice on participants' levels of self-compassion, perfectionism, attention, and perceived and biological stress.

Method

This was a between-groups design. Experimental participants engaged in a short mindfulness practice weekly for one academic semester; control participants did not. All participants completed three self-report scales measuring perceived stress, self-compassion, and perfectionism before and after mindfulness sessions. In addition, electrophysiological measures were taken before and after to determine changes in biological markers of stress and attention. Experimental participants also kept reflective journals that were analyzed qualitatively.

Results

Compared with control participants, by the end of the semester, experimental participants' perceived stress levels and potentially negative aspects of perfectionism decreased and biological markers of stress and self-compassion improved. Experimental participants' reflective writings indicated they perceived the sessions to be beneficial. Although the results are promising, no significant effect was found for attention.

Conclusions

Engaging in a 20-min mindfulness practice using simple yoga posture and breath work across an academic semester appears to be effective in reducing students' perceived and biological stress levels and maladaptive aspects of perfectionism and in increasing their self-compassion. These are all factors that can improve students' overall well-being.
Real‐time geometry‐aware augmented reality in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Chen Long , Tang Wen , John Nigel W.
Published: August 2017

The potential of augmented reality (AR) technology to assist minimally invasive surgery (MIS) lies in its computational performance and accuracy in dealing with challenging MIS scenes. Even with the latest hardware and software technologies, achieving both real‐time and accurate augmented information overlay in MIS is still a formidable task. In this Letter, the authors present a novel real‐time AR framework for MIS that achieves interactive geometric aware AR in endoscopic surgery with stereo views. The authors’ framework tracks the movement of the endoscopic camera and simultaneously reconstructs a dense geometric mesh of the MIS scene. The movement of the camera is predicted by minimising the re‐projection error to achieve a fast tracking performance, while the three‐dimensional mesh is incrementally built by a dense zero mean normalised cross‐correlation stereo‐matching method to improve the accuracy of the surface reconstruction. The proposed system does not require any prior template or pre‐operative scan and can infer the geometric information intra‐operatively in real time. With the geometric information available, the proposed AR framework is able to interactively add annotations, localisation of tumours and vessels, and measurement labelling with greater precision and accuracy compared with the state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Non‐iterative SOS‐based approach for guaranteed cost control design of polynomial systems with input saturation
Authors: Vafamand Navid , Mardani Mohammad‐Mehdi , Khayatian Alireza , Shasadeghi Mokhtar
Published: August 2017

This study proposes a novel sum of squares (SOS) decomposition‐based constrained guaranteed cost function controller for polynomial systems. The sufficient non‐linear controller design conditions are derived such that an upper bound of a quadratic cost function subjected to the input amplitude constraint is minimised and asymptotic stability of the polynomial system is guaranteed. First, the constrained optimisation problem is formulated by an alternative unconstrained optimisation problem with the vanishing disturbance input. Then, by considering the S‐procedure, the sufficient conditions are derived in terms of SOS decomposition. The main novelty of this study is that the stability issue of input saturated polynomial systems together with the non‐linear control law is considered. In addition, the other advantage of this approach over the recently guaranteed cost controller design methods is that the proposed conditions can be solved without any iterative techniques. Finally, to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, it is applied to a piezoelectrically actuated clamped–clamped micro‐beam system and the results are compared with those of existing ones.
Flexible design procedure for realisation of dual‐mode substrate integrated hexagonal‐cavity‐based diplexer
Authors: Chongder Prasun , Biswas Animesh
Published: August 2017

Novel symmetric and asymmetric diplexers are realised using dual‐mode substrate integrated hexagonal cavity (SIHC) with the help of perturbation. Four different diplexers are designed and fabricated. The first three designs consist of single dual‐mode SIHC in both Rx (lower frequency band) and Tx (higher frequency band) channels using same coupling topology and the last design consists of two dual‐mode SIHC in Rx and Tx channels. Change in perturbation and feeding position provides different passband responses in terms of switching transmission zeros on both sides of the channel's passband of the diplexer's channel without changing coupling topology. As a result, the proposed diplexers provide design flexibility. Perturbation also helps in improving channel's passband selectivity and isolation between Tx and Rx channels. The input port of this proposed diplexer is a single‐mode SIHC which helps in reducing diplexer size and provides greater degree of design freedom to realise symmetric and asymmetric diplexers.
Optimal distributed resource planning for microgrids under uncertain environment
Authors: Kanwar Neeraj , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi K.R. , Swarnkar Anil
Published: August 2017

Technologies such as the integration of distributed generations (DGs) and shunt capacitors (SCs) are key for realising smart distribution systems. These technologies may be coordinated together to get better solutions so that distribution systems can achieve optimum performance. This study proposes a long‐term distribution system planning methodology to determine the optimal sizing and siting of SCs and mix of dispatchable and intermittent DGs. More practical formulations are suggested while considering realities of modern distribution systems with reference to the stochastic nature of load demand and power generation among distribution buses on account of diversity, variability and uncertainty. The long‐term costs in the proposed planning model include several techno‐economic and social objectives pertaining to investment, operation and maintenance of these distributed resources and the revenue generated by sale of electricity to customers and the utility grid. The proposed planning model is more practical as it fully considers the system uncertainties and variability in load and power generation which are efficiently handled by introducing deterministic self‐adaptive uncertainty model. The case study on a standard test distribution system being modified by wind turbines, photovoltaic generators and microturbines demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The results of study are investigated and presented.
Chiral Phosphinyl Enamines and Their Asymmetric Reduction through Group-Assisted Purification Chemistry Leading to Enantiopure β-Amino Esters/Amides
Authors: Jiang Bo , Li Guigen , Qiao Shuo , Wu Jianbin , Mo Junming , Spigener Preston , Zhao Brian
Published: August 2017

A series of new chiral N-phosphinyl β-enamino esters and amides were successfully prepared with excellent Z-stereoselectivity (Z/E > 99:1 in nearly all cases). Group-assisted purification chemistry proved to be an efficient method for the asymmetric reduction of the resulting β-enamino esters/amides to give enantiopure β-amino esters/amides. The asymmetric reduction can be controlled efficiently by using a combination of sodium cyanoborohydride and acetic acid.
Prevalence and Thrombotic Risk Assessment of Anti-β2 Glycoprotein I Domain I Antibodies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Radin Massimo , Cecchi Irene , Roccatello Dario , Meroni Pier , Sciascia Savino
Published: August 2017

Background To date, the exact prevalence of anti-β2 glycoprotein I domain I (anti-β2GPI-DI) antibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and their role when assessing thrombosis risk is uncertain.

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of anti-β2GPI-DI in patients with APS and to determine whether anti-β2GPI-DI-positive individuals are at greater risk of thrombosis, as compared with individuals without anti-β2GPI-DI, by systematically reviewing the literature.

Methods A detailed literature search was applied a priori to Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citation 1986 to present and to abstracts from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Association for Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP ) Annual Meetings (2011–2015).

Results A total of 11 studies, including 1,585 patients, were analyzed. Patients were distributed as follow: 1,218 patients APS (45.4% anti-β2GPI-DI-positive; in more detail: 504 primary APS [55.4% anti-β2GPI-DI-positive], 192 secondary APS [43.2% anti-β2GPI-DI-positive], and 522 not specified), 318 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; 26.7% anti-β2GPI-DI-positive), 49 asymptomatic carriers of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (30.6% anti-β2GPI-DI-positive), and 1,859 healthy controls. When considering the five studies eligible for thrombotic risk assessment, four studies found a significant association of anti-β2GPI-DI-positivity with thrombotic events, whereas one study found no predictive correlation with thrombosis (overall odds ratio [OR] for pooled data: 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–2.6; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion We report an overall estimated median prevalence of anti-β2GPI-DI antibodies of 44.3% in patients with APS and/or SLE and a significantly higher prevalence among patients with APS compared with SLE alone. Anti-β2GPI-DI antibodies might represent a promising tool when assessing thrombotic risk in patients with APS.
The Effects of Passive Cigarette Smoke Exposure on the Survival of the Reverse Sural Fasciocutaneous Flap
Authors: Halim Ahmad , Bathusha Mohd , Ramachandran Anantha , Sadagatullah Abdul
Published: August 2017

Background The possibility of a person who had undergone surgery to be exposed to the ill effects of cigarette smoke is high, more so if the person lives with a smoker. With increasing popularity of reverse sural fasciocutaneous flaps, a surgeon may have to manage a person who lives with a smoker or is exposed to cigarette smoke. A clear understanding of the effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on reverse sural fasciocutaneous flaps is necessary. This study was performed to establish a clearer understanding of the effects of smoking on reverse sural fasciocutaneous flaps and evidence for preoperative patient counseling about smoking and smoke exposure.

Objective The study investigated effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on the survival of the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap.

Methods This was an experimental observational study conducted at the Laboratory for Animal Research Unit in the Health Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia. Twelve adult White New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into two groups of six. All 12 rabbits had a 2.5- × 2.5-cm reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap raised on both its hind limbs. The group exposed to cigarette smoke underwent 4 weeks of smoke exposure for 2 hours daily prior to surgery. This was then continued until analysis of the results.

The control group had no intervention. All flaps were analyzed on the seventh postoperative day, after tracing on transparent plastic sheets with the necrotic area marked followed by 2D planimetry done on a grid paper. The flaps were assessed on the total flap area and survival area percentage. It was recorded as mean ± SD. The presence or absence of infection and hematoma was also noted.

Results Twelve flaps were analyzed in each group. Total mean flap area and survival area percentage of the control group were 120.33 ± 31.03 mm2 and 80.12 ± 15.75%, respectively, whereas in the cigarette smoke–exposed group, it was 121.83 ± 17.93 mm2 and 62.04 ± 34.01%, respectively. The control group had two infections and one hematoma, and the smoking-exposed group had six infections and nine hematomas. The comparison between the groups was made in terms of total flap area, survival percentage, presence of infection, and hematoma for which the p values were 0.886, 0.115, 0.083, and 0.003, respectively. The differences between right and left hind limbs were also analyzed (p = 0.414).

Conclusion There was no statistical difference in the results from the right and left hind limbs. There was no statistical difference in the survival of reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap between the control and smoking-exposed groups.
Reference Ranges for Ultrasonographic Measurements of the Uterine Cervix in Low-Risk Pregnant Women
Authors: Andrade Kleber Cursino , Bortoletto Thaísa Guedes , Almeida Cristiane Martins , Daniel Renan Antonio , Avo Heloísa , Pacagnella Rodolfo Carvalho , Cecatti José Guilherme
Published: August 2017

Objective To define transvaginal ultrasound reference ranges for uterine cervix measurements according to gestational age (GA) in low-risk pregnancies.

Methods Cohort of low-risk pregnant women undergoing transvaginal ultrasound exams every 4 weeks, comprising measurements of the cervical length and volume, the transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the cervix, and distance from the entrance of the uterine artery into the cervix until the internal os. The inter- and intraobserver variabilities were assessed with the linear correlation coefficient and the Student t-test. Within each period of GA, 2.5, 10, 50, 90 and 97.5 percentiles were estimated, and the variation by GA was assessed with analysis of variance for dependent samples. Mean values and Student t-test were used to compare the values stratified by control variables.

Results After confirming the high reproducibility of the method, 172 women followed in this cohort presented a reduction in cervical length, with an increase in volume and in the anteroposterior and transverse diameters during pregnancy. Smaller cervical lengths were associated with younger age, lower parity, and absence of previous cesarean section (C-section).

Conclusion In the studied population, we observed cervical length shortening throughout pregnancy, suggesting a physiological reduction mainly in the vaginal portion of the cervix. In order to better predict preterm birth, cervical insufficiency and premature rupture of membranes, reference curves and specific cut-off values need to be validated.