bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentials of the elevated circulating miR-185 level as a biomarker for early diagnosis of HBV-related liver fibrosis
Authors: Li Bin-bin , Li Dong-liang , Chen Chao , Liu Bao-hai , Xia Chun-yan , Wu Han-jun , Wu Chao-qun , Ji Guo-qin , Liu Su , Ni Wu , Yao Ding-kang , Zeng Zhi-yu , Chen Da-gui , Qin Bao-dong , Xin Xuan , Yan Gang-li , Dan Tang  , Liu Hui-min , He Jin , Yan Hongli , Zhu Wei-Jian , Yu Hong-yu , Zhu Liang
Published: September 2016

Early diagnosis of liver fibrosis is critical for early intervention and prognosis of various chronic liver diseases. Conventional repeated histological assessment is impractical due to the associated invasiveness. In the current study, we evaluated circulating miR-185 as a potential biomarker to predict initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. We found that miR-185 was significantly up-regulated in blood specimens from patients with HBV-liver fibrosis and rats with liver fibrosis, the miR-185 levels were correlated with liver fibrosis progression, but not with the different viral loads in HBV-infected patients. miR-185 was observed in collagen deposition regions during advanced liver fibrosis. We found that differences in miR-185 levels facilitated the discrimination between early-staged or advanced-staged liver fibrosis and the healthy controls with high specificity, sensitivity, and likelihood ratio using receiver-operator characteristic analysis. miR-185 targeted SREBF1, and increased expression of COL1A1 and a-SMA genes that are hallmarks of liver fibrosis. Our data supported that circulating miR-185 levels could be used as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of liver fibrosis.
Genomic and functional analysis of the host response to acute simian varicella infection in the lung
Authors: Arnold Nicole , Girke Thomas , Sureshchandra Suhas , Nguyen Christina , Rais Maham , Messaoudi Ilhem
Published: September 2016

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is the causative agent of varicella and herpes zoster. Although it is well established that VZV is transmitted via the respiratory route, the host-pathogen interactions during acute VZV infection in the lungs remain poorly understood due to limited access to clinical samples. To address these gaps in our knowledge, we leveraged a nonhuman primate model of VZV infection where rhesus macaques are intrabronchially challenged with the closely related Simian Varicella Virus (SVV). Acute infection is characterized by immune infiltration of the lung airways, a significant up-regulation of genes involved in antiviral-immunity and a down-regulation of genes involved in lung development. This is followed by a decrease in viral loads and increased expression of genes associated with cell cycle and tissue repair. These data provide the first characterization of the host response required to control varicella virus replication in the lung and provide insight into mechanisms by which VZV infection can cause lung injury in an immune competent host.
Erosion and sedimentation during the September 2015 flooding of the Kinu River, central Japan
Authors: Dan Matsumoto  , Sawai Yuki , Yamada Masaki , Namegaya Yuichi , Shinozaki Tetsuya , Takeda Daisuke , Fujino Shigehiro , Tanigawa Koichiro , Nakamura Atsunori , Pilarczyk Jessica E.
Published: September 2016

Erosional and sedimentary features associated with flooding have been documented in both modern and past cases. However, only a few studies have demonstrated the relationship between these features and the corresponding hydraulic conditions that produced them, making it difficult to evaluate the magnitude of paleo-flooding. This study describes the characteristics associated with inundation depth and flow direction, as well as the erosional and sedimentary features resulting from the disastrous flooding of the Kinu River, central Japan, in September 2015. Water levels rose rapidly due to heavy rainfall that eventually overtopped, and subsequently breached, a levee in Joso City, causing destructive flooding on the surrounding floodplain. Distinctive erosional features are found next to the breached levee, while depositional features, such as a sandy crevasse-splay deposit are found further away from the breach. The deposit can be divided into three units based on sedimentary facies. The vertical and lateral changes of these sedimentary facies may be the result of temporal and spatial changes associated with flow during the single flooding event. These observations and quantitative data provide information that can be used to reveal the paleohydrology of flood deposits in the stratigraphic record, leading to improved mitigation of future flooding disasters.
Ocular Drug Delivery through pHEMA-Hydrogel Contact Lenses Co-Loaded with Lipophilic Vitamins
Authors: Lee Dasom , Cho Seungkwon , Park Hwa Sung , Kwon Inchan
Published: September 2016

Ocular drug delivery through hydrogel contact lenses has great potential for the treatment of ocular diseases. Previous studies showed that the loading of lipophilic vitamin E to silicone-hydrogel contact lenses was beneficial in ocular drug delivery. We hypothesized that vitamin E loading to another type of popular hydrogel contact lenses, pHEMA-hydrogel contact lenses, improves ocular drug delivery by increasing the drug loading or the duration of drug release. Loading of vitamin E to pHEMA-hydrogel contact lenses significantly increased the loading of a hydrophilic drug surrogate (Alexa Fluor 488 dye) and two hydrophilic glaucoma drugs (timolol and brimonidine) to the lenses by 37.5%, 19.1%, and 18.7%, respectively. However, the release duration time was not significantly altered. Next, we hypothesized that the lipophilic nature of vitamin E attributes to the enhanced drug loading. Therefore, we investigated the effects of co-loading of another lipophilic vitamin, vitamin A, on drug surrogate delivery. We found out that vitamin A loading also increased the loading of the drug surrogate to pHEMA-hydrogel contact lenses by 30.3%. Similar to vitamin E loading, vitamin A loading did not significantly alter the release duration time of the drug or drug surrogate.
Profiling of core fucosylated N-glycans using a novel bacterial lectin that specifically recognizes α1,6 fucosylated chitobiose
Authors: Vainauskas Saulius , Duke Rebecca M. , McFarland James , McClung Colleen , Ruse Cristian , Taron Christopher H.
Published: September 2016

A novel fucose-binding lectin (SL2-1) from the bacterium Streptomyces rapamycinicus was identified by analysis of metagenomic DNA sequences. SL2-1 belongs to a new group of bacterial fucose-specific lectins that have no similarity to known bacterial fucose-binding proteins, but are related to certain eukaryotic fucose-binding lectins. The 17 kDa protein was expressed recombinantly in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. Glycan microarray analysis with fluorescently labeled recombinant SL2-1 demonstrated its ability to bind to core α1-6 fucosylated N-glycans, but not to core α1-3 fucosylated N-glycans, or other α1-2, α1-3 and α1-4 fucosylated oligosaccharides. The minimal high affinity binding epitope of SL2-1 was α1-6 fucosylated di-n-acetylchitobiose. The recombinant lectin was efficient in detection of N-glycan core fucosylation using lectin blotting and lectin ELISA assays. Finally, a workflow using SL2-1 for selective and quantitative profiling of core fucosylated N-glycans using UPLC-HILIC-FLR analysis was established. The approach was validated for selective capture and analysis of core fucosylated N-glycans present in complex glycan mixtures derived from mammalian serum IgG.
Development of a novel high-entropy alloy with eminent efficiency of degrading azo dye solutions
Authors: Lv Z. Y. , Liu X. J. , Jia B. , Wang H. , Wu Y. , Lu Z. P.
Published: September 2016

In addition to its scientific importance, the degradation of azo dyes is of practical significance from the perspective of environmental protection. Although encouraging progress has been made on developing degradation approaches and materials, it is still challenging to fully resolve this long-standing problem. Herein, we report that high entropy alloys, which have been emerging as a new class of metallic materials in the last decade, have excellent performance in degradation of azo dyes. In particular, the newly developed AlCoCrTiZn high-entropy alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying exhibits a prominent efficiency in degradation of the azo dye (Direct Blue 6: DB6), as high as that of the best metallic glass reported so far. The newly developed AlCoCrTiZn HEA powder has low activation energy barrier, i.e., 30 kJ/mol, for the degrading reaction and thus make the occurrence of reaction easier as compared with other materials such as the glassy Fe-based powders. The excellent capability of our high-entropy alloys in degrading azo dye is attributed to their unique atomic structure with severe lattice distortion, chemical composition effect, residual stress and high specific surface area. Our findings have important implications in developing novel high-entropy alloys for functional applications as catalyst materials.
Taxonomic and functional diversity increase the aesthetic value of coralligenous reefs
Authors: Tribot Anne-Sophie , Mouquet Nicolas , Villéger Sébastien , Raymond Michel , Hoff Fabrice , Boissery Pierre , Holon Florian , Deter Julie
Published: September 2016

The aesthetic value of landscapes contributes to human well-being. However, studies which have investigated the link between biodiversity and ecosystem services have not taken aesthetic value into account. In this study we evaluated how the aesthetics of coralligenous reefs, a key marine ecosystem in the Mediterranean, is perceived by the general public and how aesthetic preferences are related to biodiversity facets (taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversities). We performed both biodiversity measures and online-surveys of aesthetic perception on photographic quadrats sampled along the French Mediterranean coast. Our results show that species richness and functional richness have a significant positive effect on aesthetic value. Most of the ecological literature, exploring the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and service has focused so far on ‘economical’ aspects of biodiversity (provision or regulation). Our results illustrate that cultural facets, such as ‘beauty’, should also be central in our motivations to preserve ecological diversity.
13C and 15N natural isotope abundance reflects breast cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Tea Illa , Martineau Estelle , Antheaume Ingrid , Lalande Julie , Mauve Caroline , Gilard Francoise , Barillé-Nion Sophie , Blackburn Anneke C. , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: September 2016

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Despite the information provided by anatomopathological assessment and molecular markers (such as receptor expression ER, PR, HER2), breast cancer therapies and prognostics depend on the metabolic properties of tumor cells. However, metabolomics have not provided a robust and congruent biomarker yet, likely because individual metabolite contents are insufficient to encapsulate all of the alterations in metabolic fluxes. Here, we took advantage of natural13C and15N isotope abundance to show there are isotopic differences between healthy and cancer biopsy tissues or between healthy and malignant cultured cell lines. Isotope mass balance further suggests that these differences are mostly related to lipid metabolism, anaplerosis and urea cycle, three pathways known to be impacted in malignant cells. Our results demonstrate that the isotope signature is a good descriptor of metabolism since it integrates modifications in C partitioning and N excretion altogether. Our present study is thus a starting point to possible clinical applications such as patient screening and biopsy characterization in every cancer that is associated with metabolic changes.
Mature neural responses to Infant-Directed Speech but not Adult-Directed Speech in Pre-Verbal Infants
Authors: Peter Varghese , Kalashnikova Marina , Santos Aimee , Burnham Denis
Published: September 2016

Infant directed speech (IDS), the speech register adults use when talking to infants, has been shown to have positive effects on attracting infants’ attention, language learning, and emotional communication. Here event related potentials (ERPs) are used to investigate the neural coding of IDS and ADS (adult directed speech) as well as their discrimination by both infants and adults. Two instances of the vowel /i/, one extracted from ADS and one from IDS, were presented to 9-month-old infants and adults in two oddball conditions: ADS standard/IDS deviant and IDS standard/ADS deviant. In Experiment 1 with adults, the obligatory ERPs that code acoustic information were different for ADS and IDS; and discrimination, indexed by mismatch negativity (MMN) responses, showed that IDS and ADS deviants were discriminated equally well; although, the P3a response was larger for IDS suggesting it captured adults’ attention more than did ADS. In infants the obligatory responses did not differ for IDS and ADS, but for discrimination, while IDS deviants generated both a slow-positive mismatch response (MMR) as well as an adult-like MMN, the ADS deviants generated only an MMR. The presence of a mature adult-like MMN suggests that the IDS stimulus is easier to discriminate for infants.
Coherent and dynamic beam splitting based on light storage in cold atoms
Authors: Park Kwang-Kyoon , Zhao Tian-Ming , Lee Jong-Chan , Chough Young-Tak , Kim Yoon-Ho
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate a coherent and dynamic beam splitter based on light storage in cold atoms. An input weak laser pulse is first stored in a cold atom ensemble via electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT). A set of counter-propagating control fields, applied at a later time, retrieves the stored pulse into two output spatial modes. The high visibility interference between the two output pulses clearly demonstrates that the beam splitting process is coherent. Furthermore, by manipulating the control lasers, it is possible to dynamically control the storage time, the power splitting ratio, the relative phase, and the optical frequencies of the output pulses. With further improvements, the active beam splitter demonstrated in this work might have applications in photonic photonic quantum information and in all-optical information processing.
Erianin inhibits high glucose-induced retinal angiogenesis via blocking ERK1/2-regulated HIF-1α-VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Zengyang , Zhang Tianyu , Gong Chenyuan , Sheng Yuchen , Lu Bin , Zhou Lingyu , Ji Lili , Wang Zhengtao
Published: September 2016

Erianin is a natural compound found in Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious and common microvascular complication of diabetes. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of erianin on retinal neoangiogenesis and its contribution to the amelioration of DR. Erianin blocked high glucose (HG)-induced tube formation and migration in choroid-retinal endothelial RF/6A cells. Erianin inhibited HG-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) translocation into nucleus and ERK1/2 activation in RF/6A and microglia BV-2 cells. MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 blocked HG-induced HIF-1α and ERK1/2 activation in both above two cells. In addition, erianin abrogated VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and also inhibited VEGF-induced activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and its downstream cRaf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways in RF/6A cells. Furthermore, erianin reduced the increased retinal vessels, VEGF expression and microglia activation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that erianin inhibits retinal neoangiogenesis by abrogating HG-induced VEGF expression by blocking ERK1/2-mediated HIF-1α activation in retinal endothelial and microglial cells and further suppressing VEGF-induced activation of VEGFR2 and its downstream signals in retinal endothelial cells.
Molecular basis of the interaction between gating modifier spider toxins and the voltage sensor of voltage-gated ion channels
Authors: Lau Carus H. Y. , King Glenn F. , Mobli Mehdi
Published: September 2016

Voltage-sensor domains (VSDs) are modular transmembrane domains of voltage-gated ion channels that respond to changes in membrane potential by undergoing conformational changes that are coupled to gating of the ion-conducting pore. Most spider-venom peptides function as gating modifiers by binding to the VSDs of voltage-gated channels and trapping them in a closed or open state. To understand the molecular basis underlying this mode of action, we used nuclear magnetic resonance to delineate the atomic details of the interaction between the VSD of the voltage-gated potassium channel KvAP and the spider-venom peptide VSTx1. Our data reveal that the toxin interacts with residues in an aqueous cleft formed between the extracellular S1-S2 and S3-S4 loops of the VSD whilst maintaining lipid interactions in the gaps formed between the S1-S4 and S2-S3 helices. The resulting network of interactions increases the energetic barrier to the conformational changes required for channel gating and we propose that this is the mechanism by which gating modifier toxins inhibit voltage-gated ion channels.
Mining gut microbiome oligopeptides by functional metaproteome display
Authors: Zantow Jonas , Just Sarah , Lagkouvardos Ilias , Kisling Sigrid , Dübel Stefan , Lepage Patricia , Clavel Thomas , Hust Michael
Published: October 2016

Pathogen infections, autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders are associated with systemic antibody responses from the host immune system. Disease-specific antibodies can be important serum biomarkers, but the identification of antigens associated with specific immune reactions is challenging, in particular if complex communities of microorganisms are involved in the disease progression. Despite promising new diagnostic opportunities, the discovery of these serological markers becomes more difficult with increasing complexity of microbial communities. In the present work, we used a metagenomic M13 phage display approach to select immunogenic oligopeptides from the gut microbiome of transgenic mice suffering from chronic ileitis. We constructed three individual metaproteome phage display libraries with a library size of approximately 107 clones each. Using serum antibodies, we selected and validated three oligopeptides that induced specific antibody responses in the mouse model. This proof-of-concept study provides the first successful application of functional metaproteome display for the study of protein-protein interactions and the discovery of potential disease biomarkers.
Single-cell SNP analyses and interpretations based on RNA-Seq data for colon cancer research
Authors: Chen Jiahuan , Zhou Qian , Wang Yangfan , Ning Kang
Published: September 2016

Single-cell sequencing is useful for illustrating the cellular heterogeneities inherent in many intricate biological systems, particularly in human cancer. However, owing to the difficulties in acquiring, amplifying and analyzing single-cell genetic material, obstacles remain for single-cell diversity assessments such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses, rendering biological interpretations of single-cell omics data elusive. We used RNA-Seq data from single-cell and bulk colon cancer samples to analyze the SNP profiles for both structural and functional comparisons. Colon cancer-related pathways with single-cell level SNP enrichment, including the TGF-β and p53 signaling pathways, were also investigated based on both their SNP enrichment patterns and gene expression. We also detected a certain number of fusion transcripts, which may promote tumorigenesis, at the single-cell level. Based on these results, single-cell analyses not only recapitulated the SNP analysis results from the bulk samples but also detected cell-to-cell and cell-to-bulk variations, thereby aiding in early diagnosis and in identifying the precise mechanisms underlying cancers at the single-cell level.
Characterization of aspartyl aminopeptidase from Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Zheng Jun , Cheng Ziying , Jia Honglin , Zheng Yonghui
Published: September 2016

Aminopeptidases have emerged as new promising drug targets for the development of novel anti-parasitic drugs. An aspartyl aminopeptidase-like gene has been identified in the Toxoplasma gondii genome (TgAAP), although its function remains unknown. In this study, we characterized TgAAP and performed functional analysis of the gene product. Firstly, we expressed a functional recombinant TgAAP (rTgAAP) protein in Escherichia coli, and found that it required metal ions for activity and showed a substrate preference for N-terminal acidic amino acids Glu and Asp. Then, we evaluated the function and drug target potential of TgAAP using the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout system. Western blotting demonstrated the deletion of TgAAP in the knockout strain. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis showed that TgAAP was localized in the cytoplasm of the wild-type parasite, but was not expressed in the knockout strain. Phenotype analysis revealed that TgAAP knockout inhibited the attachment/invasion, replication, and substrate-specific activity in T. gondii. Finally, the activity of drug CID 23724194, previously described as targeting Plasmodium and malarial parasite AAP, was tested against rTgAAP and the parasite. Overall, TgAAP knockout affected the growth of T. gondii but did not completely abolish parasite replication and growth. Therefore, TgAAP may comprise a useful adjunct drug target of T. gondii.
Characterization of the Pathogenesis of H10N3, H10N7, and H10N8 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses Circulating in Ducks
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Zhang Xingxing , Xu Kaidi , Teng Qiaoyang , Liu Qinfang , Li Xuesong , Yang Jianmei , Xu Jianqing , Chen Hongjun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Zejun
Published: September 2016

Three H10 subtype avian influenza viruses were isolated from domestic ducks in China, designated as SH602/H10N8, FJ1761/H10N3 and SX3180/H10N7, with an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) of 0.39, 1.60, and 1.27, respectively. These H10 viruses showed a complex pathology pattern in different species, although full genome characterizations of the viruses could not identify any molecular determinant underlying the observed phenotypes. Our findings describe the pathobiology of the three H10 subtype AIVs in chickens, ducks, and mice. FJ1761/H10N3 evolved E627K and Q591K substitutions in the gene encoding the PB2 protein in infected mice with severe lung damage, suggesting that H10 subtype avian influenza viruses are a potential threat to mammals.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac tissue on a thin collagen membrane with natural microstructures
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Xiaoqing , Xu Cong , Liu Hui , Qin Jianhua
Published: September 2016

We present a new strategy to produce a thin collagen membrane from porcine tendons and engineered cardiac tissues using hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
Resolving the origin of the multimode Jahn–Teller effect in metallophthalocyanines
Authors: Andjelković Lj. , Stepanović S. , Vlahović F. , Zlatar M. , Gruden M.
Published: September 2016

What is causing a distortion in phthalocyanines?
Dynamics of the conformational transitions during the dimerization of an intrinsically disordered peptide: a case study on the human islet amyloid polypeptide fragment
Authors: Qiao Qin , Qi Ruxi , Wei Guanghong , Huang Xuhui
Published: September 2016

Dimerization pathways of the human islet amyloid polypeptide fragment are elucidated from extensive molecular dynamics simulations.
Atomic layer deposition of diisopropylaminosilane on WO3(001) and W(110): a density functional theory study
Authors: Lee Kyungtae , Lee Woojin , Lee Hyo Sug , Shin Jaikwang , Park Jieun , Lee Seongsuk , Choi Samjong , Kim Sueryeon , Kim Jinseong , Shim Youngseon
Published: September 2016

The decomposition reaction mechanisms of the Si precursor, diisopropylaminosilane (DIPAS), on W(110) and WO3(001) surfaces are compared using the density functional theory (DFT) method.
Mode specific dynamics in the H2 + SH → H + H2S reaction
Authors: Lu Dandan , Qi Ji , Yang Minghui , Behler Jörg , Song Hongwei , Li Jun
Published: September 2016

Full-dimensional quantum dynamics and quasi-classical trajectory studies indicate strong mode selectivity in the H2 + SH reaction.
An operando emission spectroscopy study of Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/CeO2/Al2O3
Authors: Marchionni Valentina , Szlachetko Jakub , Nachtegaal Maarten , Kambolis Anastasios , Kröcher Oliver , Ferri Davide
Published: September 2016

Phase sensitive detection (PSD) enhances the sensitivity of high-energy resolution off-resonant spectroscopy (HEROS) to the structural changes of Pt/Al2O3 during reaction.
Synthesis, structure and characterization of neutral coordination polymers of 5,5′-bistetrazole with copper(ii), zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii): a new route to reconcile oxygen balance and nitrogen content of high-energy MOFs
Authors: Chen Sitong , Zhang Bo , Yang Li , Wang Lin , Zhang Tonglai
Published: September 2016

Cu(ii)/Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) coordinated with 5,5′-bistetrazole (H2BT) formed three novel energetic coordination polymers: [CuBT(H2O)]n (1), [ZnBT(H2O)2]n (2) and [CdBT(H2O)2]n (3).
Synthesis and reactivity of N,N′-1,4-diazabutadiene derived borocations
Authors: Lawson James R. , Wilkins Lewis C. , André Manon , Richards Emma C. , Ali Mohammed N. , Platts James A. , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: September 2016

A new route to generate borocations has been established. By utilising readily synthesised diimines derived from commercially available materials, a new family of borenium- and boronium-cations can be synthesised from haloboranes.
Facile preparation of C, N co-modified Nb2O5 nanoneedles with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xue Jiao , Wang Runwei , Zhang Zongtao , Qiu Shilun
Published: September 2016

C, N co-modified niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) nanoneedles have been successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method with Niobium Chloride (NbCl5) as a precursor and triethylamine as both the carbon and nitrogen source.
Trihalomethane, dihaloacetonitrile, and total N-nitrosamine precursor adsorption by carbon nanotubes: the importance of surface oxides and pore volume
Authors: Needham Erin M. , Sidney Shelby M. , Chimka Justin R. , Fairey Julian L.
Published: September 2016

Carboxyl groups on CNTs enhanced pore volume and in turn disinfection byproduct precursor adsorption.
Oral processing of emulsion systems from a colloidal perspective
Authors: Sarkar Anwesha , Ye Aiqian , Singh Harjinder
Published: September 2016

This review discusses recent understanding of the oral destabilization of food emulsions from a colloidal perspective.
Random design of microfluidics
Authors: Wang Junchao , Brisk Philip , Grover William H.
Published: September 2016

We describe a method for automated design of microfluidics.
A regular “signal attenuation” electrochemical aptasensor for highly sensitive detection of streptomycin
Authors: Yin Junling , Guo Wenjuan , Qin Xiaoli , Pei Meishan , Wang Luyan , Ding Feng
Published: September 2016

A novel aptasensor based on PCNRs and MWCNTs–CuO–AuNPs as the nanomatrix was constructed for the highly sensitive detection of streptomycin.
Synthesis, self-assembly, and immunological activity of α-galactose-functionalized dendron–lipid amphiphiles
Authors: Trant John F. , Jain Namrata , Mazzuca Delfina M. , McIntosh James T. , Fan Bo , Haeryfar S. M. Mansour , Lecommandoux Sebastien , Gillies Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2016

A library of α-galactose-functionalized dendron–lipid hybrids were synthesized and the generation dependence of the self-assembly and bioactivity were studied.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalysed intramolecular hydroacylation to form basic nitrogen-containing heterocycles
Authors: Walker James A. , Stanley Levi M.
Published: September 2016

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalysed intramolecular hydroacylation of N-allylimidazole-2-carboxaldehydes and N-allylbenzimidazole-2-carboxaldehydes is reported. These exo-selective hydroacylations of unactivated alkenes enable the synthesis of a variety of basic, polycyclic nitrogen heterocycles in good-to-excellent yields.
An anthracenecarboximide fluorescent probe for in vitro and in vivo ratiometric imaging of endogenous alpha-l-fucosidase for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Hou Xianfeng , Peng Jin , Zeng Fang , Yu Changmin , Wu Shuizhu
Published: September 2016

The AFU level in the HCC model of zebrafish can be mapped by using a novel single-fluorophore based ratiometric fluorescent probe.
Pyrene-centered cyanophenyl end-capped starbursts: design, synthesis, stabilized blue electroluminescence and lasing properties
Authors: Fang Mei , Huang Jinjin , Zhang Yan , Guo Xin , Zhang Xinwen , Liu Cheng-Fang , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: September 2016

A set of cyanophenyl-capped starbursts (T1–T3) were explored to investigate the influence of electron-withdrawing moieties on their optoelectronic properties.
Self-healing hydrogels triggered by amino acids
Authors: Zanna Nicola , Merlettini Andrea , Tomasini Claudia
Published: September 2016

Nine amino acids with different chemical properties have been chosen to promote the formation of hydrogels based on the bolamphiphilic gelator A: three basic amino acids (arginine, histidine and lysine), one acidic amino acid (aspartic acid), two neutral aliphatic amino acids (alanine and serine) and three neutral aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan).
A novel bioemulsifier from Geobacillus stearothermophilus A-2 and its potential application in microbial enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Zhou Jie-fang , Li Guo-qiang , Xie Jun-jie , Cui Xiao-yu , Dai Xiao-hui , Tian Hui-mei , Gao Pei-ke , Wu Meng-meng , Ma Ting
Published: September 2016

A novel glycoprotein emulsifier from the thermophilic, facultative anaerobic strain A-2 showing excellent, stable emulsifying properties and its potential application in MEOR.
Combination of gelatin and tranexamic acid offers improved haemostasis and safe use on internal hemorrhage control
Authors: Aydemir Sezer Umran , Kocer Zeynep , Aru Basak , Demirel Gulderen Yanıkkaya , Gulmez Mehmet , Aktekin Ali , Ozkara Selvinaz , Sezer Serdar
Published: September 2016

The hemostatic effect of gelatin microparticles were enhanced by combining tranexamic acid and the material presents safe use for internal use.
Are specific buffer effects the new frontier of Hofmeister phenomena? Insights from lysozyme adsorption on ordered mesoporous silica
Authors: Cugia Francesca , Sedda Silvia , Pitzalis Federica , Parsons Drew F. , Monduzzi Maura , Salis Andrea
Published: September 2016

Different 10 mM buffers at the same nominal pH affect specifically the adsorption of lysozyme on ordered mesoporous silica. It emerges that specific buffer effects should be considered within ‘Hofmeister phenomena’.
Highly efficient and antibacterial zinc norfloxacin thermal stabilizer for poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Shi Yanqin , Chen Si , Ma Meng , Wu Bozhen , Ying Jie , Xu Xiaopeng , Wang Xu
Published: September 2016

A novel, highly efficient, antibacterial multifunctional thermal stabilizer, zinc norfloxacin (ZnNo2) for PVC was prepared, and studied by Congo red test, discoloration, dehydrochlorination test, visible spectroscopy and inhibition zone test.
Preparation of polysulfone-based PANI–TiO2 nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes for industrial dye rejection applications
Authors: Pereira Valeen Rashmi , Isloor Arun M. , Zulhairun A. K. , Subramaniam M. N. , Lau W. J. , Ismail A. F.
Published: September 2016

Polysulfone-based nano-polyaniline–TiO2 containing hollow fiber membranes were prepared via a dry wet spinning method. The membranes were used for rejection of Reactive Black-5 and Reactive Orange-16 dyes.
Al2O3–Fe3O4–expanded graphite nano-sandwich structure for fluoride removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Xu Chunhui , Li Jianying , He Fujian , Cui Yanli , Huang Can , Jin Hongyun , Hou Shuen
Published: September 2016

In this study, a novel Al2O3–Fe3O4–expanded graphite nano-sandwich adsorbent was prepared to remove fluoride from aqueous solutions.
Investigation of the transport, structural and mechanical properties of half-metallic REMnO3(RE = Ce and Pr) ferromagnets
Authors: Khandy Shakeel Ahmad , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: September 2016

Systematic investigation of the ground state structure, elastic and transport properties, of perovskite oxides REMnO3(RE = Ce and Pr) has been carried out by first principles calculations. The half-metallicity and ferromagnetism is well explained.
Copper–Schiff base alumoxane: a new and reusable mesoporous nano catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura and Stille C–C cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Derakhshan Ali Ashraf , Hajjami Maryam , Rajabi Laleh
Published: September 2016

For the first time, Cu(ii) supported on Schiff-base alumoxane framework was used as an effective and recyclable nanocatalyst in Suzuki–Miyaura and Stille cross coupling reactions.
Influence of the amorphous phase and preceding solution processing on the eutectic behaviour in the state diagram of P3HT : PC61BM determined by rapid heat–cool calorimetry
Authors: Defour M. , Van den Brande N. , Van Lokeren L. , Van Assche G. , Maes W. , Vanderzande D. , Van Mele B.
Published: September 2016

Experimental determination of eutectic state diagrams for organic photovoltaics based on advanced calorimetry highlighting the importance of the amorphous phase.
Facile synthesis of nanostructured Li4Ti5O12/PEDOT:PSS composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yan , Tang Daoping , Zhong Haoxiang , Zhang Qianyu , Yang Jianwen , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: September 2016

Li4Ti5O12 coated with PEDOT:PSS exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity and rate performance as an anode in lithium ion batteries.
Preparation of honokiol with biodegradable nanoparticles for treatment of osteosarcoma
Authors: Cheng Yongzhong , Zheng Songping , Teng Yan , Muftuoglu Yagmur , Zhao Chanjuan , Chen Song , Gao Xiang , You Chao
Published: September 2016

Hon/MPEG-PCL nanoparticles were parpered by self-assembly method and showed therapeutic potential in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
A new class of electropolymerized conducting film from the pyrimidine family for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and dopamine
Authors: Kannan Ayyadurai , Sivanesan Arumugam , Kalaivani Govindasamy , Sevvel Ranganathan
Published: September 2016

We report the electropolymerization of 4-amino-6-hydroxy-2-mercaptopyrimidine on a glassy carbon electrode and its application for simultaneous as well as the selective determination of ascorbic acid and dopamine at pH 4.
Coherence lifetime broadened optical transitions in a 2 atom diameter HgTe nanowire: a temperature dependent resonance Raman study
Authors: Spencer Joseph H. , Smith David C. , McDonnell Liam P. , Sloan Jeremy , Kashtiban Reza J.
Published: September 2016

The paper sets out the role of electronic coherence in the strong temperature dependence of the intensity of Raman scattering from two atom diameter HgTe nanowires. It argues the behavior is likely common in extreme nanowires, and possibly due to excitonic effects.
Facile synthesis of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped NaYF4 nanoparticles: a promising multifunctional upconverting luminescent material for versatile applications
Authors: Du Peng , Luo Laihui , Yu Jae Su
Published: September 2016

The Er3+/Yb3+-codoped NaYF4 upconverting nanoparticles were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method.
Non-thermal polyimidization reaction using base–ionic liquid medium as a dual catalyst–solvent
Authors: Chen Ming , Wang Shuanglong
Published: September 2016

A one-step synthesis of PMDA–ODA polyimide at ambient temperature was reported for the first time, in which a polyimidization reaction was rapidly accomplished in 99% yield in an imidazolium-based ionic liquid containing a non-nucleophilic base.
Interfacial rheology of polymer/carbon nanotube films co-assembled at the oil/water interface
Authors: Feng Tao , Hoagland David A. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: September 2016

Rheology of nanoscale composite thin-films at liquid/liquid interfaces.
ZIF-67-derived Co-NC@CoP-NC nanopolyhedra as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst
Authors: Li Xingyue , Jiang Qianqian , Dou Shuo , Deng Libo , Huo Jia , Wang Shuangyin
Published: September 2016

Co/CoP embedded-N-doped carbon (Co-NC@CoP-NC) nanopolyhedra have been prepared through pyrolysis of ZIF-67 under an Ar atmosphere followed by subsequent phosphorization. The nanopolyhedra show excellent activity and stability for both the OER and ORR, which are attributed to the production of highly stable active CoP, and the intact protection of the Co by the N-doped carbon layers.
Rational design of uniformly embedded metal oxide nanoparticles into nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors with a high operating voltage window
Authors: Sun Guanglin , Xie Hangyu , Ran Jiabing , Ma Liya , Shen Xinyu , Hu Jiming , Tong Hua
Published: September 2016

We report the design of a novel asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on MnO/carbon aerogel (MnO/NCA) as the positive electrode and Fe2O3/carbon aerogel (Fe2O3/NCA) as the negative electrode.
Azaisoindigo conjugated polymers for high performance n-type and ambipolar thin film transistor applications
Authors: Yue Wan , Nikolka Mark , Xiao Mingfei , Sadhanala Aditya , Nielsen Christian B. , White Andrew J. P. , Chen Hung-Yang , Onwubiko Ada , Sirringhaus Henning , McCulloch Iain
Published: September 2016

Two azaisoindigo copolymers have been reported for high performance n-type and ambipolar thin film transistor application.
Short-Term Memory Performance in 7- and 8-Year-Old Children: The Relationship Between Phonological and Pitch Processing
Authors: Flagge Ashley Gaal , Estis Julie M. , Moore Robert E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The relationship between short-term memory for phonology and pitch was explored by examining accuracy scores for typically developing children for 5 experimental tasks: immediate nonword repetition (NWR), nonword repetition with an 8-s silent interference (NWRS), pitch discrimination (PD), pitch discrimination with an 8-s silent interference (PDS), and pitch matching (PM).

Method

Thirty-six 7- and 8-year-old children (21 girls, 15 boys) with normal hearing, language, and cognition were asked to listen to and repeat nonsense words (NWR, NWRS), make a same versus different decision between 2 tones (PD, PDS), and listen to and then vocally reproduce a tone (PM).

Results

Results showed no significant correlations between tasks of phonological memory and tests of pitch memory, that participants scored significantly better on nonword repetition tasks than PD and PM tasks, and that participants performed significantly better on tasks with no silent interference.

Discussion

These findings suggest that, for typically developing children, pitch may be stored and rehearsed in a separate location than phonological information. Because of fundamental task differences, further research is needed to corroborate these data and determine the presence of developmental effects and neuroanatomical locations where a potential language/music overlap is occurring in children.
Energy harvesting from electromagnetic interference induced in the human body
Authors: Hyoung C.H. , Hwang J.H. , Lee J.H. , Kang S.W. , Kim Y.T.
Published: September 2016

Energy harvesting using the human body as an antenna is presented. Low‐frequency interference, mainly in the 40–60 kHz range, was generated from electronic ballast of a fluorescent light. Radiated electromagnetic energy was induced in a human body and a rectifier circuit converted induced energy into DC power. An input matching network of the diode rectifier was designed based on an equivalent source model of interference. A wristband‐type harvesting module comprising a metal electrode designed to be in contact with the human skin was implemented. A power of −8.5 dBm was harvested from the body of a person with a height of 180 cm made to stand 60 cm below a fluorescent light with two 32 W lamps in a hemi‐anechoic chamber. The proposed system can supply energy to the sensors used in body area networks.
Enhancing the efficiency of the intermediate band solar cells by introducing: carrier losses, alloying and strain
Authors: Wang Qiao‐Yi , Xiong Wanshu , Rorison Judy
Published: September 2016

A detailed balance model is used to determine the efficiency of intermediate band solar cell including carrier losses from the intermediate band. The effect of the energy gap of the host semiconductor is examined as a function of the intermediate band position in the energy gap and the host semiconductor energy gap. Generally the optimal intermediate band level decreases within the energy gap to mitigate the carrier losses, and carrier losses are less detrimental to small energy gap materials. We therefore focus on the role of carrier losses in wide bandgap semiconductor intermediate band solar cell systems, such as the GaN semiconductor with an Mn impurity band. Experimentally Mn acceptor level in the GaN energy gap is 1.8 eV above the valence band, which is 199 meV off the ideal intermediate band and reduces the efficiency to 21.36%. We demonstrate how carrier losses can be introduced into the system to shift the optimum IB position. Introducing carrier losses shifts the optimal intermediate band position to 1.8 eV above the valence band and increases the efficiency to 23.41%. We compare this to the effect of alloying GaN and introducing biaxial strain to shift the effective position of the Mn impurity band on the efficiency.
Switching strategy for isolated dual‐active‐bridge converter
Authors: Wang Hui , Yan Kun , Ling Zhixiang , Gan Jinhao
Published: September 2016

The operating characteristics of a dual‐active‐bridge (DAB) converter are generally poor when using the single‐phase‐shift (SPS) control strategy while working with a light load or when the input voltage and the output voltage are not matched with the transformer ratio. To improve DAB operating characteristics when working under such undesirable conditions, a novel one‐side single half‐bridge pulse‐width‐modulation plus phase‐shift (HPPS) switching strategy is proposed in this study. The operational principle of the strategy is demonstrated, and a suitable power mathematical model is also established. Based on this model, a detailed contrast analysis is conducted to compare HPPS control with SPS control, and includes zero‐voltage‐switching range comparison, circulating power comparison and root‐mean‐square current value comparison. A laboratory prototype is constructed, and the validity and feasibility of the proposed HPPS control strategy is verified by the experimental results.
Real‐time control of hybrid active power filter using conservative power theory in industrial power system
Authors: Oruganti Venkata Subrahmanya Raghavendra Varaprasad , Bubshait Abdullah Saad , Dhanikonda Venkata Sesha Samba Siva Sarma , Simões Marcelo Godoy
Published: September 2016

Industrial power system consists of several linear and non‐linear loads. The proliferation of non‐linear loads in power system causes the power system harmonics. Passive filters (PFs) are one of the ancient solutions to mitigate the harmonics. Some of the industrial power systems use PFs for harmonic compensation. Owing to dynamic load variation, the PFs are not the appropriate solution for harmonic compensation. To improve the system performance with existing PFs, this study presents the conservative power theory (CPT)‐based hybrid active power filter (HAPF) with Type‐II current controller for compensation of harmonics, reactive power and also the unbalance caused by different linear and non‐linear loads of an industrial power system. In this system, the CPT is used as a harmonic reference generator and Type‐II controller is designed for current control operation. The proposed HAPF overcomes the drawbacks of PFs and performs the compensation tasks effectively. The industrial power system with the proposed HAPF is modelled in MATLAB/Simulink environment and implemented in the real‐time (RT) using OPAL‐RT‐based RT simulator. The RT results are in compliance with IEEE 519‐2014 standard.
Three‐phase single‐stage grid tied solar PV ECS using PLL‐less fast CTF control technique
Authors: Kumar Agarwal Rahul , Hussain Ikhlaq , Singh Bhim
Published: September 2016

The main intent of this study is to integrate a solar photovoltaic (SPV) generating system to three‐phase grid and to provide a clean and uninterrupted flow of power at abnormal and peak load conditions. To establish such an interface, a reliable, secure and high‐performance control algorithm is the necessity. This study presents a three‐phase single‐stage grid tied SPV energy conversion system (SPECS) using phase locked loop‐less (PLL‐less) fast character of triangle function (CTF) control technique. This system configures an SPV array, voltage‐source inverter (VSI), ripple filters and three‐phase grid with connected linear and non‐linear loads. Apart from supplying active power to the grid and connected loads, SPECS also provides functionalities of an active shunt filter such as reactive power compensation, harmonics attenuation, power factor correction, load balancing and zero voltage regulation. This system uses a single‐stage perturb & observe approach for maximum power point tracking. Moreover, the VSI control is based on PLL‐less fast CTF technique which enhances the functioning of SPECS. The presented system is modelled, designed and simulated on MATLAB/Simulink platform as well as its functioning is validated experimentally on a developed laboratory prototype.
GKV-Kliniksimulator: Ein Selbsttest
Authors: Trappe Thomas
Published: October 2016

Die GKV will mit einem Simulator zeigen, dass fast keine Klinik unentbehrlich ist. Stimmt – man muss nur die Vorort-Realität ein wenig ausblenden. Ein Test.
Percutaneous Closure of the Aorto-Ostial Origin of a Coronary Artery Saphenous Bypass Graft with a Large Pseudoaneurysm Using the AMPLATZER Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder
Authors: Chammas Majid , Robken Jon , Geiss Dale , Shammas Nicolas
Published: October 2016

We report the case of a 76-year-old male patient with a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery presented with a large pseudoaneurysm emerging from a previously occluded saphenous bypass graft (SVG). A largely contained hematoma is seen in the mediastinum on computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest. Flow was seen from the ascending aorta into the pseudoaneurysm through the aorto-ostial opening of the bypass graft. Closure of the aorto-ostial origin of the graft was performed using the AMPLATZER muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD) occluder (St Jude's Medical, St. Paul, MN) with immediate interruption of flow into the graft and the pseudoaneurysm. A repeat CTA of the ascending aorta at 6 months postprocedure continued to confirm an optimal positioning of the occluder with no flow into the pseudoaneurysm. This case offers an endovascular alternative to close the aorto-ostial opening of a saphenous bypass graft in the setting of a rare but potentially life-threatening SVG pseudoaneurysm.
Theory of optical transitions in curved chromophores
Authors: Barford William , Marcus Max
Published: September 2016

Using first order perturbation theory in the Born-Oppenheimer regime of the Frenkel-Holstein model, we develop a theory for the optical transitions in curved chromophores of π-conjugated polymers. Our key results are that for absorption, A, and emission, I, polarized parallel to the 0–0 transition, I01/I00 ≃ A01/A00 = S(N), where S(N) = S(1)/IPR is the effective Huang-Rhys parameter for a chromophore of N monomers and IPR is the inverse participation ratio. In contrast, absorption and emission polarized perpendicular to the 0–0 transition acquires vibronic intensity via the Herzberg-Teller effect. This intensity generally increases as the curvature increases and consequently I01/I00 increases (where I01 is the total 0–1 emission intensity). This effect is enhanced for long chromophores and in the anti-adiabatic regime. We show via DMRG calculations that this theory works well in the adiabatic regime relevant to π-conjugated polymers, i.e., ħ ω/|J| ≲ 0.2.