bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating medication stopping fraction and real‐time prevalence of drug use in pharmaco‐epidemiologic databases. An application of the reverse waiting time distribution
Authors: Støvring Henrik , Pottegård Anton , Hallas Jesper
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To introduce the reverse waiting time distribution (WTD) and show how it can be used to estimate stopping fractions and real‐time prevalence of treatment in pharmacoepidemiological studies.

Methods

The reverse WTD is the distribution of time from the last dispensed prescription of each patient within a time window to the end of it. It is a mirrored version of the ordinary WTD, which considers the first dispensed prescription of patients within a time window. Based on renewal process theory, the reverse WTD can be analyzed as an ordinary WTD with maximum likelihood estimation. Based on Danish prescription data for NSAIDs, warfarin, bendroflumethiazide and levothyroxine in the years 2013 and 2014, we compared estimates from the reverse WTD to those of the ordinary WTD regarding prevalence, stopping fractions and the 80th percentiles of the inter‐arrival distributions.

Results

The fraction of all users in 2013 stopping treatment varied from 73.1% (NSAID) to 9.3% (levothyroxine). Comparing prevalence estimates of the reverse WTD at the end of 2013 with those of the ordinary WTD at the start of 2014, relative differences did not exceed 4.8%. For the estimated 80th percentiles of the inter‐arrival distribution, differences did not exceed 3.3%.

Conclusions

The reverse WTD allows estimation of the aggregated fraction of users stopping treatment and prevalence, especially when the WTD reliably separates current users from users who have stopped treatment. It may replace ad‐hoc decision rules for automated implementations, and it yields estimates of real‐time prevalence. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular stretching modulates mechanosensing pathways
Authors: Hu Xian , Margadant Felix Martin , Yao Mingxi , Sheetz Michael Patrick
Published: May 2017

For individual cells in tissues to create the diverse forms of biological organisms, it is necessary that they must reliably sense and generate the correct forces over the correct distances and directions. There is considerable evidence that the mechanical aspects of the cellular microenvironment provide critical physical parameters to be sensed. How proteins sense forces and cellular geometry to create the correct morphology is not understood in detail but protein unfolding appears to be a major component in force and displacement sensing. Thus, the crystallographic structure of a protein domain provides only a starting point to then analyze what will be the effects of physiological forces through domain unfolding or catch‐bond formation. In this review, we will discuss the recent studies of cytoskeletal and adhesion proteins that describe protein domain dynamics. Forces applied to proteins can activate or inhibit enzymes, increase or decrease protein‐protein interactions, activate or inhibit protein substrates, induce catch bonds and regulate interactions with membranes or nucleic acids. Further, the dynamics of stretch‐relaxation can average forces or movements to reliably regulate morphogenic movements. In the few cases where single molecule mechanics are studied under physiological conditions such as titin and talin, there are rapid cycles of stretch‐relaxation that produce mechanosensing signals. Fortunately, the development of new single molecule and super‐resolution imaging methods enable the analysis of single molecule mechanics in physiologically relevant conditions. Thus, we feel that stereotypical changes in cell and tissue shape involve mechanosensing that can be analyzed at the nanometer level to determine the molecular mechanisms involved.
On relativistic transformation of temperature
Authors: Mareš Jiří J. , Hubík Pavel , Špička Václav
Published: May 2017

The subject of this paper is the long‐lasting controversy on the relativistic transformation of temperature, generally known as the Planck‐Ott imbroglio. Various, mostly unsuccessful, attempts to solve this demanding problem using a combinations of tools of classical thermodynamics, transformation rules of special theory of relativity, theory of black‐body radiation and kinetic theory, are reviewed. Using phenomenological analysis, we demonstrate that the failure of these attempts and the existence of the imbroglio itself are most likely due to the misunderstanding of the physical meaning of temperature and to some serious flaws in foundations of classical thermodynamics. We further show that the temperature of a moving body must remain invariant for observers in all relatively moving frames.
Enhancement of the adaptive signature design for learning and confirming in a single pivotal trial
Authors: Mi Gu
Published: May 2017

Because of the complexity of cancer biology, often the target pathway is not well understood at the time that phase III trials are initiated. A 2‐stage trial design was previously proposed for identifying a subgroup of interest in a learn stage, on the basis of 1 or more baseline biomarkers, and then subsequently confirming it in a confirmation stage. In this article, we discuss some practical aspects of this type of design and describe an enhancement to this approach that can be built into the study randomization to increase the robustness of the evaluation. Furthermore, we show via simulation studies how the proportion of patients allocated to the learn stage versus the confirm stage impacts the power and provide recommendations.
Context and Implications Document for: The research on educational leadership and management in the Arab world since the 1990s: A systematic review
Authors: Oplatka Izhar , Arar Khalid
Published: May 2017

This guide accompanies the following article: Oplatka, I. & Arar, K., The research on educational leadership and management in the Arab world since the 1990s: A systematic review. Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3095
Controllability emerging from conditional path reachability in complex networks
Authors: Bai Ya‐Nan , Wang Lei , Chen Michael Z. Q. , Huang Ning
Published: May 2017

Controllability of complex networks is a fundamental requirement to orientate the networks toward a sustainable way of development. Determination of link weights and calculation of eigenvalues of large‐scale matrices are two inevitable problems in applying the exact controllability framework in complex networks. Here, we introduce a novel controllability analysis approach based on the controllability index and the reachability matrix to identify the minimum set of driver nodes, in order to achieve complete regulation of arbitrary networks with general configurations. An effective algorithm is theoretically developed via using only the 0–1 binary structure of the network. Theoretical analysis and numerical examples show that our proposed algorithm possesses structural adaptability and control robustness under the weighted perturbation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development, Characterization and Application of a Carbon‐Based Nanomaterial Composite as an Electrochemical Sensor for Monitoring Natural Antioxidant (Gallic Acid) in Beverages
Authors: Gopal Palla , Reddy Tukiakula Madhusudana , Palakollu Venkata Narayana
Published: May 2017

Gallic acid (GA) is an important organic acid, found in many natural plants and in food beverages. Here in, we have developed a chemical sensor for the monitoring of GA in wine, green tea and fruit juices. The oxidation of GA was found to be an irreversible process and the corresponding mechanism was proposed. The effect of pH on the oxidation behavior was studied and pH‐6.0 was selected as an optimum pH. Based on the scan rate results a linear relation was observed between the square root of scan rate and peak currents for GA, confirming the oxidation of GA as a diffusion controlled process. The kinetic parameters such as diffusion coefficient, heterogeneous rate constant and charge transfer coefficient values were determined. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values were calculated as 4.39 × 10‐7 M and 1.46 × 10‐6 M. The repeatability, reproducibility and stability of the developed sensor were examined and the results confirmed that the developed sensor was in superior in condition. Finally, the practical application of the developed sensor was scrutinized for the quantitative estimation of GA in wine, green tea and fruit juices.
High Performance, Low Cost Electromechanical Systems Based on Electrostatically Actuated TiS2 Belts
Authors: Hosseini‐Shokouh Seyed Hossein , Fardindoost Somayeh , Iraji zad Azam
Published: May 2017

TiS2, as a family member of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs), shows a unique property of semi‐metallic to semiconductor transition when going from bulk to few layered structure. In this paper, an electromechanical resonator based on TiS2 ribbons with semi‐metallic characteristic is presented. Electrical readout of the mechanical vibratory response of TiS2 ribbons is measured by employing electrostatic actuation. A typical resonator includes a number of overlapped ribbons with approximate width and thickness of 600 nm and 250 nm respectively along with a suspended length of 5 μm. A typical resonator shows a resonance frequency of around 153 MHz with a quality factor (Q) of about 1000 in air at ambient conditions. Also, the resonance frequency of the introduced resonator increases as the bias potential is increased due to the electrostatic spring‐stiffening effect. Moreover, finite element simulation shows that the reported frequency of resonance and extracted electrical parameters are relevant.
An Electrochemical and Computational Analysis of Electronic Communication in a “Molecular Spider”
Authors: Mohammad M. , Rauf A. , Rauf S.
Published: May 2017

A reversible “3S” ‐ sharing, spreading and storing ‐ information strategy has been proposed which explains electronic communication at molecular level. Cyclic voltammetric and computational response reveal that disaccharide sucrose molecule coupled with tetrachlorobenzoquinone dianion (TCBQ2−) forms weak donor ‐ acceptor hydrogen bonded complex. DFT studies feature this redox couple to a unique geometry – a spider like molecule. This molecular spider switches, ON/OFF via redox response by 3S strategy. Electronegative atoms (such as “oxygen”) are supposed to be more prone to electronic communication process. The extent as well as rate of molecular communication could be estimated by stability constant (Ka) and rate constant (km). The values of Ka and km were found to be 7.5×104 M−m and 1.33(±1.0)×108 M−m. s−1 (1.2(±1.0) ×106 M−m. s−1) respectively.
Propylene Carbonate Based‐Organic Electrolytes for Cellulose Dissolution Processing and Derivatization
Authors: Yuan Xia , Yuan Chaoping , Shi Wentao , Chen Peng , Chen Huaxin , Xie Haibo , Xu Qinqin , Guo Yuanlong , Zheng Qiang
Published: May 2017

The design of green and facile dissolution technologies to allow homogeneous processing and derivatization of cellulose towards a controllable facile preparation of cellulosic materials is prime important. Herein, in combination with [Emim]OAc ionic liquids, propylene carbonate (PC) is reported to dissolve up to 10wt% of cellulose at 80 oC in 20 mins when XILs in the designed “organic electrolyte solutions (OESs)” is larger than 0.3. Rheological study of the obtained cellulose solution was performed and then the polarity of the PC, [Emim]OAc and the OESs was assessed from the solvatochromic behaviour of Reichardt's dye. The results show that the addition of [Emim]OAc ionic liquids into PC can considerably increase the polarity of PC, as evidenced by the fact that ET(30) values increases from 47.501 to 50.132 when XILs is 0.4. Finally, the potential of the obtained cellulose solution in OESs for cellulose homogeneous processing into films and derivatization was primary demonstrated by the successful preparation of transparent cellulosic films and effective transesterification of cellulose with vinyl pivalate and benzoate. In a word, the study provides a new green solvent system and insights the future design of new solvents for cellulose homogeneous processing and derivatization.
Copper‐Promoted One‐Pot Trifluoromethylation of Aromatic Amines with Togni′s Reagent
Authors: Hong Jianquan , Huo Lianguang , Yang Yupeng , Wang Guifu , Zheng Changge
Published: May 2017

An efficient trifluoromethylation of aromatic amines with Togni′s reagent has been achieved in the presence of copper (I) under mild reaction conditions. This trifluoromethylation method possesses good substrate scope and functional group compatibility. It provides an alternative and attractive approach to access a variety of trifluoromethylated arenes.
Effect of Rolling Parameters on Surface Strain Variation in Hot Strip Rolling
Authors: Kim Kyung Seok , Hong Wan Kee , Barlat Frédéric
Published: May 2017

The mechanical and metallurgical advantages of lubrication in hot strip rolling are well proved. However, owing to the difficulties in process control, most lubrication technologies are not commercialized, and many steel companies conducted a number of studies on the development of alternative technologies. In this study, based on the theory of rolling, a stress and strain analysis at the roll bite during hot strip rolling with lubrication is initially conducted. The ranges of suitable rolling parameters are determined. Then, a coupled thermo‐mechanical 3D finite element (FE) model for hot strip rolling is developed and its reliability is verified. Based on the validated 3D FE model, a detailed analysis is performed to determine the exact lubrication mechanisms during hot strip rolling. Various rolling parameters expressed in terms of surface strain development are evaluated. Finally, a simple model predicting the variation of surface strain in a single rolling stand is employed to obtain the optimum process conditions that can be used as an alternative for lubrication.
Proposal of a diagnostic algorithm for intraductal ultrasonography to distinguish between benign and malignant biliary strictures
Authors: Wang Yao‐Sheng , Chuang Chiao‐Hsiung , Wu Jhong‐Han , Chen Chiung‐Yu
Published: May 2017

To reexamine the recognizability of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) findings from an imaging database and propose a novel algorithm for clinical application. IDUS images of 102 patients who had undergone IDUS examinations for indeterminate causes of common bile duct dilation were independently reviewed by two endoscopists. The strength of the inter‐rater agreement between the endoscopists was analyzed using Cohen's kappa (κ). An algorithm was implemented by arranging the IDUS characteristics according to their recognizability. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by examining the inter‐rater agreement and diagnostic accuracy before and after the use of the algorithm. The strength of the inter‐rater agreement was good for common bile duct stones with or without acoustic shadowing; intraluminal tumors; or bile duct wall thicknesses of more than or equal to 9 mm (κ > 0.8); followed by intraluminal hypoechoic nodules without common bile duct stone characteristics (κ = 0.771); and finally eccentric wall thickening, outer layer disruption, irregular mucosa, and destructed mural layers (κ: 0.595–0.419). Our algorithm improved the strength of inter‐rater agreement with a diagnostic accuracy of 81.4%. We proposed an algorithm according to the recognizability of IDUS characteristics, and it can be used by endoscopists to evaluate such characteristics and determine the cause of biliary obstruction.
Tiltrotor CFD Part I - validation
Authors: Jimenez-Garcia A. , Barakos G.N. , Gates S.
Published: May 2017

This paper presents performance analyses of the model-scale ERICA and TILTAERO tiltrotors and of the full-scale XV-15 rotor with high-fidelity computational fluids dynamics. For the ERICA tiltrotor, the overall effect of the blades on the fuselage was well captured, as demonstrated by analysing surface pressure measurements. However, there was no available experimental data for the blade aerodynamic loads. A comparison of computed rotor loads with experiments was instead possible for the XV-15 rotor, where CFD results predicted the FoM within 1.05%. The method was also able to capture the differences in performance between hover and propeller modes. Good agreement was also found for the TILTAERO loads. The overall agreement with the experimental data and theory for the considered cases demonstrates the capability of the present CFD method to accurately predict tiltrotor flows. In a second part of this work, the validated method is used for blade shape optimisation.
Droplet deformation and heat transfer in isotropic turbulence
Authors: Albernaz Daniel L. , Do-Quang M. , Hermanson J. C. , Amberg G.
Published: May 2017

The heat and mass transfer of deformable droplets in turbulent flows is crucial to a wide range of applications, such as cloud dynamics and internal combustion engines. This study investigates a single droplet undergoing phase change in isotropic turbulence using numerical simulations with a hybrid lattice Boltzmann scheme. Phase separation is controlled by a non-ideal equation of state and density contrast is taken into consideration. Droplet deformation is caused by pressure and shear stress at the droplet interface. The statistics of thermodynamic variables are quantified and averaged over both the liquid and vapour phases. The occurrence of evaporation and condensation is correlated to temperature fluctuations, surface tension variation and turbulence intensity. The temporal spectra of droplet deformations are analysed and related to the droplet surface area. Different modes of oscillation are clearly identified from the deformation power spectrum for low Taylor Reynolds number $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$, whereas nonlinearities are produced with the increase of $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$, as intermediate frequencies are seen to overlap. As an outcome, a continuous spectrum is observed, which shows a decrease in the power spectrum that scales as ${\sim}f^{-3}$. Correlations between the droplet Weber number, deformation parameter, fluctuations of the droplet volume and thermodynamic variables are also developed.
The Role of International Human Rights Law in Re-Shaping Investor-State Arbitration
Authors: Karamanian Susan L.
Published: May 2017

Over the past few decades, a new process has dominated how States treat foreign investment and the consequences to States for breaching international standards. The system's key feature, the means for settling a foreign investor's dispute with a State that hosts the investment, lacks traditional elements of State judicial systems. Instead, it is a creature of State consent as reflected in international investment agreements (IIAs). In IIAs, States promise to treat foreign investment and the investors in a certain, fundamentally fair, way. Many IIAs authorize foreign investors and States to select private arbitrators to resolve claims that host States breached their promises under the IIA. The arbitrators, in turn, are empowered to issue arbitral awards.
MOSAIC COMMANDS FOR LEGAL THEOLOGY
Authors: Enlow Eric G.
Published: May 2017

Here is a model for “legal theology,” a way of learning and teaching about God that arises in and responds to the desire to understand the significance of law: a son is moved to ask “what is the meaning” of the law followed by his father, and the father is commanded to explain by teaching about God's deliverance. There are three similar commands in Exodus (Exodus 12:26, 13:8, 13:14), linked in tradition, where sons wonder and fathers are commanded to explain how a particular law signifies God's redemption. These four commands in Exodus and Deuteronomy indicate a method for legal theology.
Making the Foreign Past Real: Teaching and Assessing Middle Eastern History in Australia
Authors: Pennell Richard
Published: May 2017

Teaching modern Middle East history at the University of Melbourne raises problems of culture. Students are not generally acquainted with the Middle East and North Africa—even those whose families originate there—news coverage is patchy, and Australia is far away. Not all students are even arts students let alone history majors: our degree structure requires interdisciplinary study. The University is liberal about how to assess students, only requiring that during a twelve-week semester subject a student must write 4000 words. Within broad bounds, how teachers do this is up to them, although the Arts Faculty has a culture of avoiding unseen examinations. History major students are very accustomed to the “traditional” researched essay format, but it does not provide much variety of intellectual training; it is unfamiliar to non-Arts students; in classes that regularly number over 100 students, it is tiring and boring to assess; and large numbers of essays are freely available online. So I have introduced an assessment task to replace the standard researched essay. The purpose here is to describe an alternative approach to assessment and learning by using a simulation: in that sense the actual topic of the simulation is secondary. It concerns refugees, which is of course, a matter of vital current concern, but it is the reasoning behind the task that I hope is instructive.
Weight gradience and stress in Portuguese
Authors: Garcia Guilherme D.
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the role of weight in stress assignment in the Portuguese lexicon, and proposes a probabilistic approach to stress. I show that weight effects are gradient, and weaken monotonically as we move away from the right edge of the word. Such effects depend on the position of a syllable in the word, as well as on the number of segments the syllable contains. The probabilistic model proposed in this paper is based on a single predictor, namely weight, and yields more accurate results than a categorical analysis, where weight is treated as binary. Finally, I discuss implications for the grammar of Portuguese.
The nonlinear eigenvalue problem
Authors: Güttel Stefan , Tisseur Françoise
Published: May 2017

Nonlinear eigenvalue problems arise in a variety of science and engineering applications, and in the past ten years there have been numerous breakthroughs in the development of numerical methods. This article surveys nonlinear eigenvalue problems associated with matrix-valued functions which depend nonlinearly on a single scalar parameter, with a particular emphasis on their mathematical properties and available numerical solution techniques. Solvers based on Newton’s method, contour integration and sampling via rational interpolation are reviewed. Problems of selecting the appropriate parameters for each of the solver classes are discussed and illustrated with numerical examples. This survey also contains numerous MATLAB code snippets that can be used for interactive exploration of the discussed methods.
The attitudes of family physicians toward a child with delayed growth and development
Authors: Aker Servet , Şahin Mustafa Kürşat , Kınalı Ömer , Şimşek Karadağ Elif , Korkmaz Tuğba
Published: May 2017

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude of family physicians toward a child with delayed growth and development.

Background

Primary healthcare professionals play a key role in monitoring growth and development, the best indicator of the child’s health status. If delayed growth and development can be detected early, then it is usually possible to restore functioning.

Methods

This descriptive study was performed in Samsun, Turkey, in May and June 2015. In total, 325 family physicians were included. The study consisted of two parts. In the first session of the research, the story of an 18-month-old child with delayed growth and development was presented using visual materials. An interview between the child’s mother and a member of primary healthcare staff was then enacted by two of the authors using role-playing. Subsequently, participants were given the opportunity to ask the mother and member of primary healthcare staff questions about the case. During the sessions, two observers observed the participants, took notes and compared these after the presentation. In the second part of the study, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of three open-ended questions.

Findings

When asking questions of the mother, family physicians generally used accusatory and judgmental language. One of the questions most commonly put to the mother was ‘Do you think you are a good mother?’ Family physicians were keen to provide instruction for the patient and relatives. Family physicians to a large extent thought that the problem of a child with delayed growth and development can be resolved through education.

Conclusions

Family physicians’ manner of establishing relations with the patient and relatives is inappropriate. We therefore think that they should receive on-going in-service training on the subject.
Field induced spontaneous quasiparticle decay and renormalization of quasiparticle dispersion in a quantum antiferromagnet
Authors: Hong Tao , Qiu Y. , Matsumoto M. , Tennant D. A. , Coester K. , Schmidt K. P. , Awwadi F. F. , Turnbull M. M. , Agrawal H. , Chernyshev A. L.
Published: May 2017

The notion of a quasiparticle, such as a phonon, a roton or a magnon, is used in modern condensed matter physics to describe an elementary collective excitation. The intrinsic zero-temperature magnon damping in quantum spin systems can be driven by the interaction of the one-magnon states and multi-magnon continuum. However, detailed experimental studies on this quantum many-body effect induced by an applied magnetic field are rare. Here we present a high-resolution neutron scattering study in high fields on an S=1/2 antiferromagnet C9H18N2CuBr4. Compared with the non-interacting linear spin–wave theory, our results demonstrate a variety of phenomena including field-induced renormalization of one-magnon dispersion, spontaneous magnon decay observed via intrinsic linewidth broadening, unusual non-Lorentzian two-peak structure in the excitation spectra and a dramatic shift of spectral weight from one-magnon state to the two-magnon continuum.
A dynamic eco-evolutionary model predicts slow response of alpine plants to climate warming
Authors: Cotto Olivier , Wessely Johannes , Georges Damien , Klonner Günther , Schmid Max , Dullinger Stefan , Thuiller Wilfried , Guillaume Frédéric
Published: May 2017

Withstanding extinction while facing rapid climate change depends on a species’ ability to track its ecological niche or to evolve a new one. Current methods that predict climate-driven species’ range shifts use ecological modelling without eco-evolutionary dynamics. Here we present an eco-evolutionary forecasting framework that combines niche modelling with individual-based demographic and genetic simulations. Applying our approach to four endemic perennial plant species of the Austrian Alps, we show that accounting for eco-evolutionary dynamics when predicting species’ responses to climate change is crucial. Perennial species persist in unsuitable habitats longer than predicted by niche modelling, causing delayed range losses; however, their evolutionary responses are constrained because long-lived adults produce increasingly maladapted offspring. Decreasing population size due to maladaptation occurs faster than the contraction of the species range, especially for the most abundant species. Monitoring of species’ local abundance rather than their range may likely better inform on species’ extinction risks under climate change.
‘Gardos Channelopathy’: a variant of hereditary Stomatocytosis with complex molecular regulation
Authors: Fermo Elisa , Bogdanova Anna , Petkova-Kirova Polina , Zaninoni Anna , Marcello Anna Paola , Makhro Asya , Hänggi Pascal , Hertz Laura , Danielczok Jens , Vercellati Cristina , Mirra Nadia , Zanella Alberto , Cortelezzi Agostino , Barcellini Wilma , Kaestner Lars , Bianchi Paola
Published: May 2017

The Gardos channel is a Ca2+ sensitive, K+ selective channel present in several tissues including RBCs, where it is involved in cell volume regulation. Recently, mutations at two different aminoacid residues in KCNN4 have been reported in patients with hereditary xerocytosis. We identified by whole exome sequencing a new family with two members affected by chronic hemolytic anemia carrying mutation R352H in the KCNN4 gene. No additional mutations in genes encoding for RBCs cytoskeletal, membrane or channel proteins were detected. We performed functional studies on patients’ RBCs to evaluate the effects of R352H mutation on the cellular properties and eventually on the clinical phenotype. Gardos channel hyperactivation was demonstrated in circulating erythrocytes and erythroblasts differentiated ex-vivo from peripheral CD34+ cells. Pathological alterations in the function of multiple ion transport systems were observed, suggesting the presence of compensatory effects ultimately preventing cellular dehydration in patient’s RBCs; moreover, flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence live-cell imaging showed Ca2+ overload in the RBCs of both patients and hypersensitivity of Ca2+ uptake by RBCs to swelling. Altogether these findings suggest that the ‘Gardos channelopathy’ is a complex pathology, to some extent different from the common hereditary xerocytosis.
Rapid, Self-driven Liquid Mixing on Open-Surface Microfluidic Platforms
Authors: Morrissette Jared M. , Mahapatra Pallab Sinha , Ghosh Aritra , Ganguly Ranjan , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: May 2017

Self-driven surface micromixers (SDSM) relying on patterned-wettability technology provide an elegant solution for low-cost, point-of-care (POC) devices and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications. We present a SDSM fabricated by strategically patterning three wettable wedge-shaped tracks onto a non-wettable, flat surface. This SDSM operates by harnessing the wettability contrast and the geometry of the patterns to promote mixing of small liquid volumes (µL droplets) through a combination of coalescence and Laplace pressure-driven flow. Liquid droplets dispensed on two juxtaposed branches are transported to a coalescence station, where they merge after the accumulated volumes exceed a threshold. Further mixing occurs during capillary-driven, advective transport of the combined liquid over the third wettable track. Planar, non-wettable “islands” of different shapes are also laid on this third track to alter the flow in such a way that mixing is augmented. Several SDSM designs, each with a unique combination of island shapes and positions, are tested, providing a greater understanding of the different mixing regimes on these surfaces. The study offers design insights for developing low-cost surface microfluidic mixing devices on open substrates.
New quaternary half-metallic ferromagnets with large Curie temperatures
Authors: Kundu Ashis , Ghosh Srikrishna , Banerjee Rudra , Ghosh Subhradip , Sanyal Biplab
Published: May 2017

New magnetic materials with high Curie temperatures for spintronic applications are perpetually sought for. In this paper, we present an ab initio study of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Quaternary Heusler compounds CoX′Y′Si where X′ is a transition metal with 4d electrons and Y′ is either Fe or Mn. We find five new half-metallic ferromagnets with spin polarisation nearly 100% with very high Curie temperatures. The variation of Curie temperatures as a function of valence electrons can be understood from the calculated inter-atomic exchange interaction parameters. We also identify a few other compounds, which could be potential half-metals with suitable application of pressure or with controlled doping. Our results reveal that the half-metallicity in these compounds is intricately related to the arrangements of the magnetic atoms in the Heusler lattice and hence, the interatomic exchange interactions between the moments. The trends in the atomic arrangements, total and local magnetic moments, interatomic magnetic exchange interactions and Curie temperatures are discussed with fundamental insights.
Selection of reference genes for microRNA analysis associated to early stress response to handling and confinement in Salmo salar
Authors: Zavala Eduardo , Reyes Daniela , Deerenberg Robert , Vidal Rodrigo
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs are key non-coding RNA molecules that play a relevant role in the regulation of gene expression through translational repression and/or transcript cleavage during normal development and physiological adaptation processes like stress. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has become the approach normally used to determine the levels of microRNAs. However, this approach needs the use of endogenous reference. An improper selection of endogenous references can result in confusing interpretation of data. The aim of this study was to identify and validate appropriate endogenous reference miRNA genes for normalizing RT-qPCR survey of miRNAs expression in four different tissues of Atlantic salmon, under handling and confinement stress conditions associated to early or primary stress response. Nine candidate reference normalizers, including microRNAs and nuclear genes, normally used in vertebrate microRNA expression studies were selected from literature, validated by RT-qPCR and analyzed by the algorithms geNorm and NormFinder. The results revealed that the ssa-miR-99-5p gene was the most stable overall and that ssa-miR-99-5p and ssa-miR-23a-5p genes were the best combination. Moreover, the suitability of ssa-miR-99-5p and ssa-miR-23a-5p as endogeneuos reference genes was demostrated by the expression analysis of ssa-miR-193-5p gene.
Systematic investigation of protein kinase A substrate proteins using on-chip protein kinase kinetic profiling
Authors: Jung Se-Hui , Kong Deok-Hoon , Jeon Hye-Yoon , Han Eun-Taek , Park Won Sun , Hong Seok-Ho , Kim Young-Myeong , Ha Kwon-Soo
Published: May 2017

An on-chip protein kinase assay for profiling kinase kinetic parameters by introducing the substrate affinity (Km) and the phosphorylation rate (Vp) under physiological conditions.
Erythrocytes-based quartz crystal microbalance cytosensor for in situ detection of cell surface sialic acid
Authors: Yang Xiaojuan , Zhou Lin , Hao Yan , Zhou Bin , Yang Peihui
Published: May 2017

Erythrocytes-based quartz crystal microbalance cytosensor forin situdetection of cell surface sialic acid using AuNPs/APBA signal amplification nanoprobe.
Microscopic evaluation of aqueous two-phase system emulsion characteristics enables rapid determination of critical polymer concentrations for solution micropatterning
Authors: Ruthven Mackenzie , Ko Kristin Robin , Agarwal Rishima , Frampton John P.
Published: May 2017

A simple technique is presented to identify phase-transitions in polymeric aqueous two-phase systems.
DNA-friendly Cu(ii)/TEMPO-catalyzed 5-hydroxymethylcytosine-specific oxidation
Authors: Matsushita Taku , Moriyama Yuya , Nagae Genta , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: May 2017

An allyl alcohol-selective oxidant Cu(ii)/TEMPO complex makes it possible to specifically detect 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the human brain genome using a DNA sequence analyzer after a very easy pretreatment.
Low energy electron attenuation lengths in core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Jacobs Michael I. , Kostko Oleg , Ahmed Musahid , Wilson Kevin R.
Published: May 2017

A velocity map imaging spectrometer is used to measure photoemission from free core–shell nanoparticles, where a salt core is coated with a liquid hydrocarbon shell (i.e. squalane).
Comparison of high pressure and nanoscale confinement effects on crystallization of the molecular glass-forming liquid, dimethyl phthalate
Authors: Adrjanowicz K. , Szklarz G. , Koperwas K. , Paluch M.
Published: May 2017

We have systematically investigated the crystallization and melting behavior of a molecular liquid under high-pressure and geometrical confinement provided by nanoporous alumina templates of different pore sizes.
Phase-controllable synthesis of cobalt hydroxide for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Lyu Fenglei , Bai Yaocai , Wang Qingfa , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen , Yin Yadong
Published: May 2017

Identification of active sites for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a key role in the design and fabrication of high-performance cobalt-based electrocatalysts.
MoO3–TiO2 synergy in oxidative dehydrogenation of lactic acid to pyruvic acid
Authors: Liu Kaituo , Huang Xiaoming , Pidko Evgeny A. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: May 2017

Oxidative dehydrogenation of lactic acid to pyruvic acid can be efficiently carried out using mixed-oxide MoOx/TiO2 heterogeneous catalysts.
Exploiting intramolecular hydrogen bonding for the highly (Z)-selective & metal free synthesis of amide substituted β-aminoenones
Authors: Subramaniam Palaniraja , Ramasubbu Chandrasekaran , Athiramu Selvaraj
Published: May 2017

An intramolecular hydrogen bonding directed highly stereospecific, transition metal free synthetic protocol for amide substituted β-aminoenones. High stereoselectivity, excellent yields and high purity were achieved by mere filtration without column chromatographic purification.
Correction: Selective particle and cell capture in a continuous flow using micro-vortex acoustic streaming
Authors: Collins David J. , Khoo Bee Luan , Ma Zhichao , Winkler Andreas , Weser Robert , Schmidt Hagen , Han Jongyoon , Ai Ye
Published: May 2017

Correction for ‘Selective particle and cell capture in a continuous flow using micro-vortex acoustic streaming’ by David J. Collins et al., Lab Chip, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00215g.
Elucidation of inhibitor-binding pockets ofd-amino acid oxidase using docking simulation and N-sulfanylethylanilide-based labeling technology
Authors: Kohiki Taiki , Kato Yusuke , Nishikawa Yusuke , Yorita Kazuko , Sagawa Ikuko , Denda Masaya , Inokuma Tsubasa , Shigenaga Akira , Fukui Kiyoshi , Otaka Akira
Published: May 2017

Binding pockets of a schizophrenia-relatedd-amino acid oxidase to its inhibitor were clarified by docking simulation and protein labeling experiments.
Enzymatic grafting of amylose on chitin nanofibers for hierarchical construction of controlled microstructures
Authors: Egashira Naomichi , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun-ichi
Published: May 2017

In this study, controlled microstructures were constructed by enzymatic grafting on amidinium chitin nanofibers, followed by lyophilisation, which were changed from network to porous morphologies depending on the molecular weights of amylose graft chains.
Hierarchical micro/nanostructured C doped Co/Co3O4 hollow spheres derived from PS@Co(OH)2 for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Hang Lifeng , Sun Yiqiang , Men Dandan , Liu Shengwen , Zhao Qian , Cai Weiping , Li Yue
Published: May 2017

C-Co/Co3O4 hollow nanoparticles with a low overpotential and Tafel slope.
Correction: Recent advances in organic ternary solar cells
Authors: Huang Hui , Yang Lei , Sharma Bigyan
Published: May 2017

Correction for ‘Recent advances in organic ternary solar cells’ by Hui Huang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ta00887b.
Oral delivery of curcumin via porous polymeric nanoparticles for effective ulcerative colitis therapy
Authors: Chen Qiubing , Si Xiaoying , Ma Lijun , Ma Panpan , Hou Meili , Bai Shuang , Wu Xiaoshuai , Wan Ying , Xiao Bo , Merlin Didier
Published: May 2017

Curcumin (CUR) has been encapsulated into porous polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), and the resultant CUR-loaded porous polymeric NPs exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy in alleviating ulcerative colitis, in comparison with CUR-loaded non-porous polymeric NPs.
Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds embedded with europium hydroxide nanorods (EHNs) with enhanced vascularization and cell proliferation for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Augustine Robin , Nethi Susheel Kumar , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu , Patra Chitta Ranjan
Published: May 2017

PCL-EHNs scaffolds enhance endothelial cell proliferation, adhesion and blood vessel formation in a VEGFR2/Akt dependent signaling cascade.
Multifunctional PS@CS@Au–Fe3O4–FA nanocomposites for CT, MR and fluorescence imaging guided targeted-photothermal therapy of cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yeying , Liu Xijian , Deng Guoying , Wang Qian , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Qiugen , Lu Jie
Published: May 2017

Multifunctional theranostic PS@CS@Au–Fe3O4–FA/ICG nanocomposites for MR, CT and fluorescence multiple-modal imaging-guided targeted photothermal therapy were fabricated, and they might be a promising theranostic nanoplatform for tumor diagnostics and treatment.
A label-free visual platform for self-correcting logic gate construction and sensitive biosensing based on enzyme-mimetic coordination polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Hou Ting , Zhao Tongxing , Li Wei , Li Feng , Gai Panpan
Published: May 2017

We proposed a label-free visual platform based on Cu–GMP CPNs for both self-correcting molecular logic gate construction and sensitive biosensing.
Superhard three-dimensional B3N4 with two-dimensional metallicity
Authors: Xie Chenlong , Ma Mengdong , Liu Chao , Pan Yilong , Xiong Mei , He Julong , Gao Guoying , Yu Dongli , Xu Bo , Tian Yongjun , Zhao Zhisheng
Published: May 2017

Using first-principles calculations, we uncovered that t-B3N4 is metastable at ambient pressure, but becomes stable under high pressure. The metallic conduction of t-B3N4 is interrupted by the insulated boron sheets stacked along the c axis, giving rise to its 2D metallicity.
Facile synthesis, morphology and photoluminescence of a novel red fluoride nanophosphor K2NaAlF6:Mn4+
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Cao Luyu , Brik Mikhail G. , Zhang Xuejie , Huang Lin , Xuan Tongtong , Wang Jing
Published: May 2017

A novel red-emitting fluoride phosphor, K2NaAlF6:Mn4+, with nanoscale particle size was synthesizedviaa cation exchange route.
Direct one-pot synthesis of L10–FePtAg nanoparticles with uniform and very small particle sizes
Authors: Chen Xu , Wang Yi , Wang Hanbin , Shu Dan , Zhang Jun , Ruterana Pierre , Wang Hao
Published: May 2017

If tetragonal FePt nanoparticles (NPs) are to be used as magnetic recording media, a means of transforming the particles into the tetragonal phase while maintaining the small particle size must be found.
Are targeted therapies for diabetic cardiomyopathy on the horizon?
Authors: Tate Mitchel , Grieve David J. , Ritchie Rebecca H.
Published: May 2017

Diabetes increases the risk of heart failure approximately 2.5-fold, independent of coronary artery disease and other comorbidities. This process, termed diabetic cardiomyopathy, is characterized by initial impairment of left ventricular (LV) relaxation followed by LV contractile dysfunction. Post-mortem examination reveals that human diastolic dysfunction is closely associated with LV damage, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and fibrosis, with impaired coronary microvascular perfusion. The pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning the characteristic features of diabetic cardiomyopathy remain poorly understood, although multiple factors including altered lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, as well as epigenetic changes, are implicated. Despite a recent rise in research interrogating these mechanisms and an increased understanding of the clinical importance of diabetic cardiomyopathy, there remains a lack of specific treatment strategies. How the chronic metabolic disturbances observed in diabetes lead to structural and functional changes remains a pertinent question, and it is hoped that recent advances, particularly in the area of epigenetics, among others, may provide some answers. This review hence explores the temporal onset of the pathological features of diabetic cardiomyopathy, and their relative contribution to the resultant disease phenotype, as well as both current and potential therapeutic options. The emergence of glucose-optimizing agents, namely glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium/glucose co-transporter (SGLT)2 inhibitors that confer benefits on cardiovascular outcomes, together with novel experimental approaches, highlight a new and exciting era in diabetes research, which is likely to result in major clinical impact.
Ubiquitination of nuclear receptors
Authors: El Hokayem Jimmy , Amadei Celeste , Obeid Jean-Pierre , Nawaz Zafar
Published: May 2017

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are cellular proteins, which upon ligand activation, act to exert regulatory control over transcription and subsequent expression. Organized via systemic classification into seven subfamilies, NRs partake in modulating a vast expanse of physiological functions essential for maintenance of life. NRs display particular characteristics towards ubiquitination, the process of addition of specific ubiquitin tags at appropriate locations. Orchestrated through groups of enzymes harboring a diverse array of specialized structural components, the ubiquitination process emphatically alters the fate or downstream effects of NRs. Such influence is especially prominent in transcriptional processes such as promoter clearing for optimization and degradation pathways eliminating or recycling targeted proteins. Ultimately, the ubiquitination of NRs carries significant implications in terms of generating pathological clinical manifestations. Increasing evidence from studies involving patients and disease models suggests a role for ubiquitinated NRs in virtually every organ system. This supports the broad repertoire of roles that NRs play in the body, including modulatory conductors, facilitators, responders to external agents, and critical constituents for pharmacological or biological interventions. This review aims to cover relevant background and mechanisms of NRs and ubiquitination, with a focus towards elucidating subsequent pathophysiology and therapeutics in clinical disorders encompassing such ubiquitinated NRs.
Criteria for robust finite‐time stabilisation of linear singular systems with interval time‐varying delay
Authors: Muoi Nguyen H. , Phat Vu N. , Niamsup Piyapong
Published: May 2017

Finite‐time stabilisation involves finding state feedback controllers which stabilise the closed‐loop system in a finite‐time interval. This paper deals with robust finite‐time stabilisation of linear singular systems with interval time‐varying delay. Based on singular value decomposition method and a generalised Jensen inequality, we provide sufficient conditions for the design of such controllers guaranteeing the finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system. The proposed conditions are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.