bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox-sensing regulator Rex regulates aerobic metabolism, morphological differentiation, and avermectin production in Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Liu Xingchao , Cheng Yaqing , Lyu Mengya , Wen Ying , Song Yuan , Chen Zhi , Li Jilun
Published: March 2017

The regulatory role of redox-sensing regulator Rex was investigated in Streptomyces avermitilis. Eleven genes/operons were demonstrated to be directly regulated by Rex; these genes/operons are involved in aerobic metabolism, morphological differentiation, and secondary metabolism. Rex represses transcription of target genes/operons by binding to Rex operator (ROP) sequences in the promoter regions. NADH reduces DNA-binding activity of Rex to target promoters, while NAD+ competitively binds to Rex and modulates its DNA-binding activity. Rex plays an essential regulatory role in aerobic metabolism by controlling expression of the respiratory genes atpIBEFHAGDC, cydA1B1CD, nuoA1-N1, rex-hemAC1DB, hppA, and ndh2. Rex also regulates morphological differentiation by repressing expression of wblE, which encodes a putative WhiB-family transcriptional regulator. A rex-deletion mutant (Drex) showed higher avermectin production than the wild-type strain ATCC31267, and was more tolerant of oxygen limitation conditions in regard to avermectin production.
Relationships between strength and endurance parameters and air depletion rates in professional firefighters
Authors: Windisch Stephanie , Seiberl Wolfgang , Schwirtz Ansgar , Hahn Daniel
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to quantify the physical demands of a simulated firefighting circuit and to establish the relationship between job performance and endurance and strength fitness measurements. On four separate days 41 professional firefighters (39 ± 9 yr, 179.6 ± 2.3 cm, 84.4 ± 9.2 kg, BMI 26.1 ± 2.8 kg/m2) performed treadmill testing, fitness testing (strength, balance and flexibility) and a simulated firefighting exercise. The firefighting exercise included ladder climbing (20 m), treadmill walking (200 m), pulling a wire rope hoist (15 times) and crawling an orientation section (50 m). Firefighting performance during the simulated exercise was evaluated by a simple time-strain-air depletion model (TSA) taking the sum of z-transformed parameters of time to finish the exercise, strain in terms of mean heart rate, and air depletion from the breathing apparatus. Multiple regression analysis based on the TSA-model served for the identification of the physiological determinants most relevant for professional firefighting. Three main factors with great influence on firefighting performance were identified (70.1% of total explained variance): VO2peak, the time firefighter exercised below their individual ventilatory threshold and mean breathing frequency. Based on the identified main factors influencing firefighting performance we recommend a periodic preventive health screening for incumbents to monitor peak VO2 and individual ventilatory threshold.
Characterization of the polyphenol oxidase gene family reveals a novel microRNA involved in posttranscriptional regulation of PPOs in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Li Caili , Li Dongqiao , Li Jiang , Shao Fenjuan , Lu Shanfa
Published: March 2017

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a well-known material of traditional Chinese medicine. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of phenolic acid biosynthesis and metabolism are important for S. miltiorrhiza quality improvement. We report here that S. miltiorrhiza contains 19 polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), forming the largest PPO gene family in plant species to our knowledge. Analysis of gene structures and sequence features revealed the conservation and divergence of SmPPOs. SmPPOs were differentially expressed in plant tissues and eight of them were predominantly expressed in phloem and xylem, indicating that some SmPPOs are functionally redundant, whereas the others are associated with different physiological processes. Expression patterns of eighteen SmPPOs were significantly altered under MeJA treatment, and twelve were yeast extract and Ag+-responsive, suggesting the majority of SmPPOs are stress-responsive. Analysis of high-throughput small RNA sequences and degradome data showed that miR1444-mediated regulation of PPOs existing in P. trichocarpa is absent from S. miltiorrhiza. Instead, a subset of SmPPOs was posttranscriptionally regulated by a novel miRNA, termed Smi-miR12112. It indicates the specificity and significance of miRNA-mediated regulation of PPOs. The results shed light on the regulation of SmPPO expression and suggest the complexity of SmPPO-associated phenolic acid biosynthesis and metabolism.
Continuous transport of Pacific-derived anthropogenic radionuclides towards the Indian Ocean
Authors: Pittauer Daniela , Tims Stephen G. , Froehlich Michaela B. , Fifield L. Keith , Wallner Anton , McNeil Steven D. , Fischer Helmut W.
Published: March 2017

Unusually high concentrations of americium and plutonium have been observed in a sediment core collected from the eastern Lombok Basin between Sumba and Sumbawa Islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. Gamma spectrometry and accelerator mass spectrometry data together with radiometric dating of the core provide a high-resolution record of ongoing deposition of anthropogenic radionuclides. A plutonium signature characteristic of the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG) dominates in the first two decades after the start of the high yield atmospheric tests in 1950’s. Approximately 40–70% of plutonium at this site in the post 1970 period originates from the PPG. This sediment record of transuranic isotopes deposition over the last 55 years provides evidence for the continuous long-distance transport of particle-reactive radionuclides from the Pacific Ocean towards the Indian Ocean.
Experimental investigation on the coupled effect of effective stress and gas slippage on the permeability of shale
Authors: Yang Diansen , Wang Wei , Chen Weizhong , Wang Shugang , Wang Xiaoqiong
Published: March 2017

Permeability is one of the most important parameters to evaluate gas production in shale reservoirs. Because shale permeability is extremely low, gas is often used in the laboratory to measure permeability. However, the measured apparent gas permeability is higher than the intrinsic permeability due to the gas slippage effect, which could be even more dominant for materials with nanopores. Increasing gas pressure during tests reduces gas slippage effect, but it also decreases the effective stress which in turn influences the permeability. The coupled effect of gas slippage and effective stress on shale permeability remains unclear. Here we perform laboratory experiments on Longmaxi shale specimens to explore the coupled effect. We use the pressure transient method to measure permeability under different stress and pressure conditions. Our results reveal that the apparent measured permeability is controlled by these two competing effects. With increasing gas pressure, there exists a pressure threshold at which the dominant effect on permeability switches from gas slippage to effective stress. Based on the Klinkenberg model, we propose a new conceptual model that incorporates both competing effects. Combining microstructure analysis, we further discuss the roles of stress, gas pressure and water contents on gas permeability of shale.
Establishment of a novel cellular model for myxofibrosarcoma heterogeneity
Authors: Lohberger Birgit , Stuendl Nicole , Leithner Andreas , Rinner Beate , Sauer Stefan , Kashofer Karl , Liegl-Atzwanger Bernadette
Published: March 2017

Human cancers frequently display substantial intra-tumoural heterogeneity in virtually all distinguishable phenotypic features, such as cellular morphology, gene expression, and metastatic potential. In order to investigate tumour heterogeneity in myxofibrosarcoma, we established a novel myxofibrosarcoma cell line with two well defined sub-clones named MUG-Myx2a and MUG-Myx2b. The parental tumour tissue and both MUG-Myx2 cell lines showed the same STR profile. The fact that MUG-Myx2a showed higher proliferation activity, faster migration and enhanced tumourigenicity was of particular interest. NGS mutation analysis revealed corresponding mutations in the FGFR3, KIT, KDR and TP53 genes. In contrast, the MUG-Myx2a cell lines showed an additional PTEN mutation. Analysis of CNV uncovered a highly aberrant karyotype with frequent losses and gains in the tumour sample. The two MUG-Myx2 cell lines share several CNV features of the tumour tissue, while some CNVs are present only in the two cell lines. Furthermore, certain CNV gains and losses that are exclusive to either MUG-Myx2a or MUG-Myx2b, distinguish the two cell lines. As it is currently not possible to purchase two different sarcoma cell lines derived from the same patient, the novel myxofibrosarcoma cell lines MUG-Myx2a and MUG-Myx2b will be useful tools to study pathogenesis, tumour heterogeneity and treatment options.
Effects of collision cascade density on radiation defect dynamics in 3C-SiC
Authors: Bayu Aji L. B. , Wallace J. B. , Kucheyev S. O.
Published: March 2017

Effects of the collision cascade density on radiation damage in SiC remain poorly understood. Here, we study damage buildup and defect interaction dynamics in 3C-SiC bombarded at 100 °C with either continuous or pulsed beams of 500 keV Ne, Ar, Kr, or Xe ions. We find that bombardment with heavier ions, which create denser collision cascades, results in a decrease in the dynamic annealing efficiency and an increase in both the amorphization cross-section constant and the time constant of dynamic annealing. The cascade density behavior of these parameters is non-linear and appears to be uncorrelated. These results demonstrate clearly (and quantitatively) an important role of the collision cascade density in dynamic radiation defect processes in 3C-SiC.
Multiscale microenvironmental perturbation of pluripotent stem cell fate and self-organization
Authors: Tabata Yoji , Lutolf Matthias P.
Published: March 2017

The combination of microfluidics with engineered three-dimensional (3D) matrices can bring new insights into the fate regulation of stem cells and their self-organization into organoids. Although there has been progress in 3D stem cell culturing, most existing in vitro methodologies do not allow for mimicking of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of stimuli that drive morphogenetic processes in vivo. To address this, we present a perfusion-free microchip concept for the in vitro 3D perturbation of stem cell fate. Stem cells are encapsulated in a hydrogel compartment that is flanked by open reservoirs for the diffusion-driven generation of biomolecule gradients. Juxtaposing additional compartments bearing supportive cells enables investigating the influence of long range cell-cell communication. We explore the utility of the microchips in manipulating early fate choices and self-organizing characteristics of 3D-cultured mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) under neural differentiation conditions and exposure to gradients of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). mESCs respond to LIF gradients in a spatially dependent manner. At higher LIF concentrations, multicellular colonies maintain pluripotency in contrast, at lower concentrations, mESCs develop into apicobasally polarized epithelial cysts. This versatile system can help to systematically explore the role of multifactorial microenvironments in promoting self-patterning of various stem cell types.
Organic Power Electronics: Transistor Operation in the kA/cm2 Regime
Authors: Klinger Markus P. , Fischer Axel , Kaschura Felix , Widmer Johannes , Kheradmand-Boroujeni Bahman , Ellinger Frank , Leo Karl
Published: March 2017

In spite of interesting features as flexibility, organic thin-film transistors have commercially lagged behind due to the low mobilities of organic semiconductors associated with hopping transport. Furthermore, organic transistors usually have much larger channel lengths than their inorganic counterparts since high-resolution structuring is not available in low-cost production schemes. Here, we present an organic permeable-base transistor (OPBT) which, despite extremely simple processing without any high-resolution structuring, achieve a performance beyond what has so far been possible using organic semiconductors. With current densities above 1 kA cm−2 and switching speeds towards 100 MHz, they open the field of organic power electronics. Finding the physical limits and an effective mobility of only 0.06 cm2 V−1 s−1, this OPBT device architecture has much more potential if new materials optimized for its geometry will be developed.
Vector Integration Sites Identification for Gene-Trap Screening in Mammalian Haploid Cells
Authors: Yu Jian , Ciaudo Constance
Published: March 2017

Forward genetic screens using retroviral (or transposon) gene-trap vectors in a haploid genome revolutionized the investigation of molecular networks in mammals. However, the sequencing data generated by Phenotypic interrogation followed by Tag sequencing (PhiT-seq) were not well characterized. The analysis of human and mouse haploid screens allowed us to describe PhiT-seq data and to define quality control steps. Moreover, we identified several blind spots in both haploid genomes where gene-trap vectors can hardly integrate. Integration of transcriptomic data improved the performance of candidate gene identification. Furthermore, we experimented with various statistical tests to account for biological replicates in PhiT-seq and investigated the effect of normalization methods and other parameters on the performance. Finally, we developed: VISITs, a dedicated pipeline for analyzing PhiT-seq data (https://sourceforge.net/projects/visits/).
The processing of body expressions during emotional scenes: the modulation role of attachment styles
Authors: Ma Yuanxiao , Chen Xu , Ran Guangming , Ma Haijing , Zhang Xing , Liu Guangzeng
Published: March 2017

There is broad evidence indicating that contextual information influence the processing of emotional stimuli. However, attachment theory suggests that attachment styles contribute to the ways in which people perceive emotional events. To shed light on whether the processing of body expressions during different emotional scenes is modulated by attachment styles, attachment-related electrophysiological differences were measured using event-related potentials. For avoidantly attached group, our results suggested that larger N170 amplitudes were educed by neutral bodies than angry bodies, which was found only in neutral scene. Moreover, significant differences were found in P300 amplitudes in response to angry bodies compared with neutral ones only during angry scene. However, securely and anxiously attached individuals were associated with larger P300 amplitudes in response to angry bodies versus neutral ones in both emotional scenes. The current study highlights the characteristics of cognitive processing of attachment styles on body expressions during different emotional scenes, with the variation of N170 and P300 amplitude in different emotional scenes as the best example.
E6/E7-P53-POU2F1-CTHRC1 axis promotes cervical cancer metastasis and activates Wnt/PCP pathway
Authors: Zhang Rong , Lu Huan , Lyu Yuan-yuan , Yang Xiao-mei , Zhu Lin-yan , Yang Guang-dong , Jiang Peng-cheng , Re Yuan , Song Wei-wei , Wang Jin-hao , Zhang Can-can , Gu Fei , Luo Tian-jiao , Wu Zhi-yong , Xu Cong-jian
Published: March 2017

Cervical cancer is an infectious cancer and the most common gynecologic cancer worldwide. E6/E7, the early genes of the high-risk mucosal human papillomavirus type, play key roles in the carcinogenic process of cervical cancer. However, little was known about its roles in modulating tumor microenvironment, particular extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we found that E6/E7 could regulate multiple ECM proteins, especially collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1). CTHRC1 is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissue and serum and closely correlated with clinicopathological parameters. CTHRC1 promotes cervical cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. E6/E7 regulates the expression of CTHRC1 in cervical cancer by E6/E7-p53-POU2F1 (POU class 2 homeobox 1) axis. Futhermore, CTHRC1 activates Wnt/PCP signaling pathway. Take together, E6/E7-p53-POU2F1-CTHRC1 axis promotes cervical cancer cell invasion and metastasis and may act as a potential therapeutic target for interventions against cervical cancer invasion and metastasis.
Exposure to selenomethionine causes selenocysteine misincorporation and protein aggregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Plateau Pierre , Saveanu Cosmin , Lestini Roxane , Dauplais Marc , Decourty Laurence , Jacquier Alain , Blanquet Sylvain , Lazard Myriam
Published: March 2017

Selenomethionine, a dietary supplement with beneficial health effects, becomes toxic if taken in excess. To gain insight into the mechanisms of action of selenomethionine, we screened a collection of ≈5900 Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants for sensitivity or resistance to growth-limiting amounts of the compound. Genes involved in protein degradation and synthesis were enriched in the obtained datasets, suggesting that selenomethionine causes a proteotoxic stress. We demonstrate that selenomethionine induces an accumulation of protein aggregates by a mechanism that requires de novo protein synthesis. Reduction of translation rates was accompanied by a decrease of protein aggregation and of selenomethionine toxicity. Protein aggregation was supressed in a ∆cys3 mutant unable to synthetize selenocysteine, suggesting that aggregation results from the metabolization of selenomethionine to selenocysteine followed by translational incorporation in the place of cysteine. In support of this mechanism, we were able to detect random substitutions of cysteinyl residues by selenocysteine in a reporter protein. Our results reveal a novel mechanism of toxicity that may have implications in higher eukaryotes.
Altered microstructure rather than morphology in the corpus callosum after lower limb amputation
Authors: Li Zhichao , Li Chuanming , Fan Lingzhong , Jiang Guangyao , Wu Jixiang , Jiang Tianzi , Yin Xuntao , Wang Jian
Published: March 2017

The corpus callosum (CC) has been implicated in the reorganization of the brain following amputation. However, it is unclear which regions of the CC are involved in this process. In this study, we explored the morphometric and microstructural changes in CC subregions in patients with unilateral lower limb amputation. Thirty-eight patients and 38 age- and gender-matched normal controls were included. The CC was divided into five regions, and the area, thickness and diffusion parameters of each region were investigated. While morphometric analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups, amputees showed significant higher values in axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity and mean diffusivity in region II of the CC, which connects the bilateral premotor and supplementary motor areas. In contrast, the mean fractional anisotropy value of the fibers generated by these cortical areas, as measured by tractography, was significantly smaller in amputees. These results demonstrate that the interhemispheric pathways contributing to motor coordination and imagery are reorganized in lower limb amputees.
Synthesis and synergistic antifungal effects of monoketone derivatives of curcumin against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp.
Authors: Zhao Fei , Dong Huai-Huai , Wang Yuan-Hua , Wang Tian-Yi , Yan Ze-Hao , Yan Fang , Zhang Da-Zhi , Cao Ying-Ying , Jin Yong-Sheng
Published: March 2017

Twenty-three monoketone derivatives of curcumin were synthesized to restore the effectiveness of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp.
First-principles study of structural stability, dynamical and mechanical properties of Li2FeSiO4 polymorphs
Authors: Vajeeston P. , Fjellvåg H.
Published: March 2017

Li2FeSiO4 is an important alternative cathode for next generation Li-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity (330 mA h g−1).
The effect of micelles with random pH-sensitive/hydrophobic structure on the workability, hydration process and microstructure of cement paste
Authors: Zhu Y. Y. , Hu J. , Ma Y. W. , Xie H. B. , Guo W. H. , Wei J. X. , Yu Q. J.
Published: March 2017

In this study, micelles with pH sensitive/hydrophobic structure efficiently affected the workability, hydration and microstructure of cement paste. The mechanisms are related to the nucleation effect, molecular structure and adsorption of micelles.
The role of interactions between abrasive particles and the substrate surface in chemical-mechanical planarization of Si-face 6H-SiC
Authors: Chen Guomei , Ni Zifeng , Bai Yawen , Li Qingzhong , Zhao Yongwu
Published: March 2017

The interactions between abrasive particles and the wafer surface play a significant role in the chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) process.
Synthesis, structures and catalytic activity of cyclometalated rhenium complexes
Authors: Sun Ruichen , Wang Tian , Zhang Shaowei , Chu Xiaodan , Zhu Bolin
Published: March 2017

Several five-membered cyclometalated rhenium complexes (1–5) were synthesized, and their photocatalytic activity on direct arylation of arenes with aryl halides was examined.
Treatment with low-dose sorafenib in combination with a novel benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrolidine side chain provides synergistic anti-proliferative effects against human liver cancer
Authors: Hsu Ming-Hua , Hsu Shih-Ming , Kuo Yu-Cheng , Liu Chih-Yu , Hsieh Cheng-Ying , Twu Yuh-Ching , Wang Chung-Kwe , Wang Yuan-Hsi , Liao Yi-Jen
Published: March 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies and deadliest cancers in the world.
Fabrication and characterization of nanocomposite film made from a jackfruit filum polysaccharide incorporating TiO2nanoparticles by photocatalysis
Authors: Jin Bei , Li Xiangzhong , Zhou Xiaosong , Xu Xuan , Jian Hailin , Li Mulan , Guo Keqi , Guan Jinmin , Yan Shanglong
Published: March 2017

Jackfruit filum polysaccharide (JFPS) was extracted and confirmed to contain neutral and acidic polysaccharides, largely composed of acidic polysaccharides.
Reversible hydrogen storage in yttrium aluminum hydride
Authors: Cao Zhijie , Ouyang Liuzhang , Wang Hui , Liu Jiangwen , Felderhoff Michael , Zhu Min
Published: March 2017

Reversible hydrogen storage has been found in transition metal alanates, Y(AlH4)3, for the first time. 3.4 wt% H2 can be released at 140 °C from the first dehydrogenation step, and 75% is reversible at 145 °C and 100 bar H2, which is promising for low-temperature applications.
A mitochondria-targeting time-gated luminescence probe for hypochlorous acid based on a europium complex
Authors: Liu Xiangli , Tang Zhixin , Song Bo , Ma Hua , Yuan Jingli
Published: March 2017

A europium complex-based mitochondria-targeting probe has been developed for the time-gated luminescence imaging of hypochlorous acid in living samples.
Control of gelation, degradation and physical properties of polyethylene glycol hydrogels through the chemical and physical identity of the crosslinker
Authors: Jain Era , Hill Lindsay , Canning Erin , Sell Scott A. , Zustiak Silviya P.
Published: March 2017

Tuning hydrogel properties through minor modifications of the crosslinker structure is a beneficial approach for hydrogel design that could result in hydrogels with wide range of properties to match a desired application.
Nonylphenol induces pancreatic damage in rats through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress
Authors: Li Xueji , Zhou Liting , Ni Yiping , Wang Aiqing , Hu Mingjiang , Lin Yao , Hong Chengjiao , Wan Jianmei , Chen Bin , Fang Lijun , Tong Jian , Tong Xing , Tao Shasha , Tian Hailin
Published: March 2017

The organic alkylphenol 4-nonylphenol (NP) is regarded to be an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), one of the widely diffused and stable environmental contaminants.
Development of an enantioselective amine–silver co-catalyzed Conia-ene reaction
Authors: Blümel M. , Hack D. , Ronkartz L. , Vermeeren C. , Enders D.
Published: March 2017

The development of a novel cooperative catalytic system for an amine–silver co-catalyzed Conia-ene reaction of alkyne-tethered C–H-acidic compounds is reported.
Correction: Ultrafast photochemistry of the bc1 complex
Authors: Vos Marten H. , Reeder Brandon J. , Daldal Fevzi , Liebl Ursula
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Ultrafast photochemistry of the bc1 complex’ by Marten H. Vos et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 6807–6813.
Magnetically recoverable Fe3O4@Au-coated nanoscale catalysts for the A3-coupling reaction
Authors: Munshi Alaa M. , Shi Mingwen , Thomas Sajesh P. , Saunders Martin , Spackman Mark A. , Iyer K. Swaminathan , Smith Nicole M.
Published: March 2017

Magnetically recoverable and recyclable Fe3O4@Au nanocatalysts for A3-coupling reactions.
Modeling the electronic states and magnetic properties derived from the f1configuration in lanthanocene and actinocene compounds
Authors: Solis-Céspedes Eduardo , Páez-Hernández Dayán
Published: March 2017

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of a series of Kramers ions with f1configuration in axial symmetry have been analyzed with a combination of theoretical methods:ab initiorelativistic wavefunction methods as well as a crystal-field (CF) model with parameters extracted from theab initiocalculations.
Atomic layer deposition of nickel–cobalt spinel thin films
Authors: Hagen D. J. , Tripathi T. S. , Karppinen M.
Published: March 2017

Combining ALD cycles for NiO and Co3O4, (Co1−xNix)3O4films with a wide range of electrical and magnetic properties are obtained.
Evaluation of two- and three-dimensional electrode platforms for the electrochemical characterization of organometallic catalysts incorporated in non-conducting metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Mijangos Edgar , Roy Souvik , Pullen Sonja , Lomoth Reiner , Ott Sascha
Published: March 2017

The development of a reliable platform to electrochemically probe a molecular diiron complex, [FeFe], grafted in a non-conductive metal–organic framework, UiO-66, is reported.
3D printable light-responsive polymers
Authors: Roppolo I. , Chiappone A. , Angelini A. , Stassi S. , Frascella F. , Pirri C. F. , Ricciardi C. , Descrovi E.
Published: March 2017

New photo-curable polymers suitable for 3D printing are here provided, exhibiting a mechanical light-responsivity upon laser irradiation. Azobenzene moieties are employed both as a dye component in the 3DP and as active groups, providing photo-mechanical responsivity. The incorporation of azobenzene units into polymeric matrices allows a reversible and controllable change of the Young's modulus of 3D printed micrometric structures.
Cyclometalated ruthenium complexes from naturally occurring quinones: studies on their photophysical features, computational details and trypanocidal activity
Authors: de Souza Clayton M. , Silva Rafaela C. , Fernandes Philipe O. , de Souza Filho José D. , Duarte Hélio A. , Araujo Maria H. , de Simone Carlos A. , de Castro Solange L. , Menna-Barreto Rubem F. S. , Demicheli Cynthia P. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: March 2017

Ligands and Ru(ii)-based complexes were synthesized from natural products and evaluated againstT. cruzi. These compounds could provide promising trypanocidal drugs.
Non-volatile iron carbonyls as versatile precursors for the synthesis of iron-containing nanoparticles
Authors: Watt John , Bleier Grant C. , Austin Mariah J. , Ivanov Sergei A. , Huber Dale L.
Published: March 2017

Though a largely insoluble solid, when gently heated with alkyl amines, triiron dodecacarbonyl readily converts to a highly soluble, non-volatile, low-toxicity precursor for the synthesis of iron-containing nanoparticles. We show that this precursor is a convenient replacement for the volatile and highly toxic iron pentacarbonyl.
Free-standing thermo-responsive nanoporous membranes from high molecular weight PS-PNIPAM block copolymers synthesizedviaRAFT polymerization
Authors: Mocan Merve , de Grooth Joris , Hofman Anton H. , van der Kooij Hanne M. , Loos Katja , de Vos Wiebe M. , Kamperman Marleen
Published: March 2017

Free-standing, fully reversible thermo-responsive nanoporous membranes were fabricated from PS-PNIPAM block copolymers.
The hydrolytic behavior of N,N′-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate-functionalized polymeric stars
Authors: Rolph Marianne S. , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: March 2017

Well-definedN,N′-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate (DMAEA) functionalized polymeric stars have been synthesizedviaan arm-first approach.
Synthesis of polyglycocarbonates through polycondensation of glucopyranosides with CO2
Authors: Pati Debasis , Chen Zuliang , Feng Xiaoshuang , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Gnanou Yves
Published: March 2017

Starting from α-methyl d-glucopyranoside (MDG), three strategies of synthesis of polyglycocarbonates through direct polycondensation with CO2 were tried.
Donor–acceptor polymers with tunable infrared photoresponse
Authors: London Alexander E. , Huang Lifeng , Zhang Benjamin A. , Oviedo M. Belén , Tropp Joshua , Yao Weichuan , Wu Zhenghui , Wong Bryan M. , Ng Tse Nga , Azoulay Jason D.
Published: March 2017

NIR-SWIR photoresponsive donor–acceptor polymers enable the detection of infrared light when incorporated into bulk heterojunction photodiodes.
Comparative effect of cationic gemini surfactant and its monomeric counterpart on the conformational stability and activity of lysozyme
Authors: Sharma Taruna , Dohare Neeraj , Kumari Meena , Singh Upendra Kumar , Khan Abbul Bashar , Borse Mahendra S. , Patel Rajan
Published: March 2017

Protein interactions with surfactants are dependent on their physiochemical properties.
Phosphorylation of lignin: characterization and investigation of the thermal decomposition
Authors: Prieur B. , Meub M. , Wittemann M. , Klein R. , Bellayer S. , Fontaine G. , Bourbigot S.
Published: March 2017

Lignin is an abundant polyphenol biopolymeric material chemically functionalisable to act as flame retardant in polymers.
Stereoselective metabolism of the UV-filter 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate and its metabolites in rabbits in vivo and vitro
Authors: Liang Yiran , Zhan Jing , Liu Xueke , Zhou Zhiqaing , Zhu Wentao , Liu Donghui , Wang Peng
Published: March 2017

.The stereoselective metabolism of the enantiomers of the UV-filter 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDP) and its two major metabolites were studied in rabbits in vivo and in vitro. Cytotoxicity of EDP and its two metabolites was also investigated in hepatocytes.
Hollow Au loaded with kanamycin for pharmacological and laser-triggered photothermal sterilization
Authors: Zhang Xing , Li Yuxia , Qiu Juhui , Zhou Dandan , Zhang Minghao , Tang Lan , Xie Guoming , Xiang Hua
Published: March 2017

Anti-E. coli-conjugated and kanamycin-loaded hAuNPs (hAuNPs-anti-E. coli-kana) were prepared for sterilization.
Benzimidazole derivative fluorescent probe for cascade recognition of phosphate and iron ions in aqueous medium and its logic gate behavior
Authors: Wang Liyan , Tian Ying , Ding Limin , Zhao Bing , He Xianyou , Song Bo , Liu Shifu
Published: March 2017

A fluorescent probe based on benzimidazole was synthesized, and its cascade recognition of PO43− and Fe3+ ions was investigated using spectroscopic techniques.
Experimental observation and quantum chemical investigation of thallium(i) (Z)-methanediazotate: synthesis of a long sought and highly reactive species
Authors: Singh Neeraj , Fiedler Benjamin , Friedrich Joachim , Banert Klaus
Published: March 2017

Thallium(i) (Z)-methanediazotate has been synthesised through TlOPr induced cleavage of 15N-labelled N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, and confirmed by NMR analysis. CCSD(T)/CBS calculations reveal a kinetic product control.
In vitro apoptosis-inducing effect and gene expression profiles of mixed ligand Cu(ii) complexes derived from 4-acyl pyrazolones on human lung cancer cells
Authors: Jadeja R. N. , Vyas K. M. , Upadhyay K. K. , Devkar R. V.
Published: March 2017

Mixed-ligand Cu(ii) complexes of 4-acylpyrazolone ligands and poly pyridyls were synthesized, characterized and their anticancer activity was evaluated against A549 lung carcinoma cell lines.
Purification of antibiotics from the millet extract using hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers based on deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Row Kyung Ho
Published: March 2017

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are potential ecofriendly surfactants for the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs).
ZnO nanosheet-assisted immobilization of Ag nanoparticles on graphene/Ni foam for highly efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Liu Y. Y. , Guo X. L. , Zhu L. , Wang X. J. , Ge C. , Zhao L. , Chen J. , Zhang Y. , Wang Z. M. , Sun L. T.
Published: March 2017

ZnO nanosheet-assisted immobilization of Ag nanoparticles on graphene/Ni foam forming a novel hybrid structure for catalysis.
Synthesis and investigation on liquid crystal and optical properties of dyads based on triphenylene and perylene
Authors: Kong Xiangfei , Xia Liting , Zhang Haifeng , Dai Shengping , Yu Caili , Liu Zheng , Mu Linping , Wang Guixia , He Zhiqun
Published: March 2017

Mesogenic dyads consisting of a triphenylene (donor) and a perylene (acceptor) showed photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer process and fluorescent quenching.
Orientation-dependent piezoresponse and high-performance energy harvesting of lead-free (K,Na)NbO3 nanorod arrays
Authors: He Yahua , Wang Zhao , Hu Xiaokang , Cai Yaxuan , Li Luying , Gao Yihua , Zhang Xianghui , Huang Zhongbing , Hu Yongming , Gu Haoshuang
Published: March 2017

High-quality (K,Na)NbO3 nanorod arrays with [110]-oriented spontaneous polarization and piezoelectric response were utilized for building high-output piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Nanostructured materials for photodynamic therapy: synthesis, characterization and in vitro activity
Authors: Alea-Reyes María E. , Rodrigues Mafalda , Serrà Albert , Mora Margarita , Sagristá Maria L. , González Asensio , Durán Sara , Duch Marta , Plaza José Antonio , Vallés Elisa , Russell David A. , Pérez-García Lluïsa
Published: March 2017

The influence of size and shape on the photodynamic properties of three gold-based porphyrin-loaded vehicles: spherical nanoparticles, hexahedral microparticles and cylindrical nanorods.
Synthesis and properties of a trapezoid shaped macrocycle with different [n]yne units
Authors: Desroches Maude , Morin Jean-François
Published: March 2017

A new alkyne-based macrocycle that combines monoyne, diyne and tetrayne is reported.
Fabrication of injectable hydrogels based on poly(l-glutamic acid) and chitosan
Authors: Yan Shifeng , Wang Taotao , Li Xing , Jian Yuhang , Zhang Kunxi , Li Guifei , Yin Jingbo
Published: March 2017

The in situ forming hydrogels based on oppositely charged poly(l-glutamic acid) (PLGA) and chitosan (CS) were prepared via a Schiff base crosslinking reaction.
Anion–π catalysis: bicyclic products with four contiguous stereogenic centers from otherwise elusive diastereospecific domino reactions on π-acidic surfaces
Authors: Liu Le , Cotelle Yoann , Klehr Juliane , Sakai Naomi , Ward Thomas R. , Matile Stefan
Published: March 2017

Delocalized over aromatic planes, anion–π interactions emerge as best to stabilize long-distance charge displacements in domino reactions of highest sophistication.
Tuning CH3NH3Pb(I1−xBrx)3 perovskite oxygen stability in thin films and solar cells
Authors: Pont Sebastian , Bryant Daniel , Lin Chieh-Ting , Aristidou Nicholas , Wheeler Scot , Ma Xuerui , Godin Robert , Haque Saif A. , Durrant James R.
Published: March 2017

Degradation analysis of CH3NH3Pb(I1−xBrx)3 mixed halide perovskites, showing promising environmental stability of CH3NH3PbBr3.
Effects of adhesives on the electrochemical performance of monodisperse LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C microspheres as cathode materials for high power lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Jianlong , Xiang Mingwu , Wang Yan , Wu Jinhua , Zhao Hang , Liu Heng
Published: March 2017

A facile co-precipitation approach combined with spray-drying and high-temperature calcinations was developed to synthesize LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C microspheres on a large scale.
Three dimensionally ordered mesoporous hydroxylated NixCo3−xO4 spinels for the oxygen evolution reaction: on the hydroxyl-induced surface restructuring effect
Authors: Abidat I. , Morais C. , Comminges C. , Canaff C. , Rousseau J. , Guignard N. , Napporn T. W. , Habrioux A. , Kokoh K. B.
Published: March 2017

Mesoporous nickel cobaltites synthesized using a nanocasting technique show high OER activity after surface modifications induced by potential cycling.
Full-cell quinone/hydroquinone supercapacitors based on partially reduced graphite oxide and lignin/PEDOT electrodes
Authors: Navarro-Suárez Adriana M. , Casado Nerea , Carretero-González Javier , Mecerreyes David , Rojo Teófilo
Published: March 2017

Go quinone! Lignin/PEDOT and prGrO, two electrode materials based on quinone/hydroquinone moieties, are synthesized and assembled to develop full-cell supercapacitors.
Nanocrystalline FeF3 and MF2 (M = Fe, Co, and Mn) from metal trifluoroacetates and their Li(Na)-ion storage properties
Authors: Guntlin Christoph P. , Zünd Tanja , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Wörle Michael , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: March 2017

With demands placed on batteries constantly increasing, new positive electrode materials with higher energy density, satisfactory power density, and long-term cycling capabilities, are desired.
Enabling the sunlight driven response of thermally induced shape memory polymers by rewritable CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite coating
Authors: Yang Yang , Ma Fusheng , Li Zhen , Qiao Juan , Wei Yen , Ji Yan
Published: March 2017

(CH3NH3)PbI3 perovskite coating not only makes normal widely used thermal responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) responsive to direct sunlight due to the strong photo-thermal effect of the coating, but also allows the material to be able to flexibly switch between photo-sensitive and photo-inert states by erasing and re-applying the coating.
Dual delivery of siRNA and plasmid DNA using mesoporous silica nanoparticles to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells into dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Chang Jen-Hsuan , Tsai Ping-Hsing , Chen Wei , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Mou Chung-Yuan
Published: March 2017

Nurr1 plasmid and Rex1 siRNA were complexed with positively charged FITC-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The pNurr1–siRex1–FMSN(+) was delivered to induced pluripotent stem cells to enhance their differentiation into dopaminergic neurons.
The tunable magnetic and microwave absorption properties of the Nb5+–Ni2+ co-doped M-type barium ferrite
Authors: Liu Chuyang , Zhang Yujing , Tang Yu , Wang Zongrong , Ma Ning , Du Piyi
Published: March 2017

BaFe12−2xNbxNixO19 transforms into a potential soft magnetic material and its excellent absorption properties with a broad bandwidth cover a wide range of <18 to >40 GHz with x varying from 0 to 0.8.
HIF1α in aortic aneurysms and beyond
Authors: Hashimoto Tomoki , Rizzo Victor
Published: March 2017

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent expansion of the vessel wall with a high prevalence in those 65 years of age and older. Aneurysms are prone to dissection and rupture that carry a mortality rate of over 85%. Currently, surgical repair is the only option to treat this disease. The need to intervene prior to these events has set off a flurry of basic studies in an effort to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern AAA formation, progression and rupture. In the present study, the role of myeloid cells in contributing to AAA development has been confirmed. More specifically, the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α), was demonstrated to be a necessary component for regulating the expression of extracellular matrix modifying enzymes and their endogenous inhibitors in these cells. This new discovery may lead to therapeutic targets to prohibit the degradation and weakening of the vessel wall with the hope of limiting AAA formation and/or growth.
Practice Patterns of Speech-Language Pathologists in Pediatric Vocal Health
Authors: Hartley Naomi A. , Braden Maia , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate current practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the management of pediatric vocal health, with specific analysis of the influence of clinical specialty and workplace setting on management approaches.

Method

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–certified clinicians providing services within the United States (1%–100% voice caseload) completed an anonymous online survey detailing clinician demographics; employment location and service delivery models; approaches to continuing professional development; and specifics of case management, including assessment, treatment, and discharge procedures.

Results

Current practice patterns were analyzed for 100 SLPs (0–42 years of experience; 77 self-identifying as voice specialists) providing services in 34 U.S. states across a range of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan workplace settings. In general, SLPs favored a multidisciplinary approach to management; included perceptual, instrumental, and quality of life measures during evaluation; and tailored intervention to the individual using a combination of therapy approaches. In contrast with current practice guidelines, only half reported requiring an otolaryngology evaluation prior to initiating treatment. Both clinical specialty and workplace setting were found to affect practice patterns. SLPs in school settings were significantly less likely to consider themselves voice specialists compared with all other work environments. Those SLPs who considered themselves voice specialists were significantly more likely to utilize voice-specific assessment and treatment approaches.

Conclusion

SLP practice largely mirrors current professional practice guidelines; however, potential exists to further enhance client care. To ensure that SLPs are best able to support children in successful communication, further research, education, and advocacy are required.
The Relationship Between Executive Functions and Language Abilities in Children: A Latent Variables Approach
Authors: Kaushanskaya Margarita , Park Ji Sook , Gangopadhyay Ishanti , Davidson Meghan M. , Weismer Susan Ellis
Published: March 2017

Purpose

We aimed to outline the latent variables approach for measuring nonverbal executive function (EF) skills in school-age children, and to examine the relationship between nonverbal EF skills and language performance in this age group.

Method

Seventy-one typically developing children, ages 8 through 11, participated in the study. Three EF components, inhibition, updating, and task-shifting, were each indexed using 2 nonverbal tasks. A latent variables approach was used to extract latent scores that represented each EF construct. Children were also administered common standardized language measures. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between EF and language skills.

Results

Nonverbal updating was associated with the Receptive Language Index on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition (CELF-4). When composites denoting lexical–semantic and syntactic abilities were derived, nonverbal inhibition (but not shifting or updating) was found to predict children's syntactic abilities. These relationships held when the effects of age, IQ, and socioeconomic status were controlled.

Conclusions

The study makes a methodological contribution by explicating a method by which researchers can use the latent variables approach when measuring EF performance in school-age children. The study makes a theoretical and a clinical contribution by suggesting that language performance may be related to domain-general EFs.
CPW‐to‐SL transition in LTCC technology
Authors: Bhutani A. , Goettel B. , Thelemann T. , Zwick T.
Published: March 2017

A coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐to‐stripline (SL) via‐based signal transition operating from DC to 150 GHz is presented. The signal transition is manufactured using low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) technology and it is the largest‐bandwidth LTCC vertical signal transition published to date, according to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Probe‐based S‐parameter measurements of the transition show that the single‐ended CPW‐to‐SL signal transition has below 1 dB insertion loss for frequencies up to 150 GHz, thereby demonstrating it as a suitable component for realisation of a low‐cost, fully integrated, surface‐mountable millimetre‐wave system‐in‐package.
Robust detection and reconstruction of state and sensor attacks for cyber‐physical systems using sliding modes
Authors: Corradini Maria Letizia , Cristofaro Andrea
Published: March 2017

The problem of detection and reconstruction of cyber‐attacks corrupting states and/or outputs of a linear cyber‐physical system is addressed. Robust state/sensor attack observers are designed able both to work as detection monitors with guaranteed performances, and to reconstruct the attacks within a finite‐time. Detection and reconstruction are performed robustly with respect to bounded modelling errors possibly affecting the state equation. Compensation of attacks is also addressed for square plants. An extensive simulation study using test‐cases taken from the literature is shown to support the theoretical findings.
Supervisory output prediction for bilinear systems by reinforcement learning
Authors: Chasparis Georgios C. , Natschläger Thomas
Published: March 2017

Online output prediction is an indispensable part of any model predictive control implementation. For several application scenarios, operating conditions may change quite often, while designing the data collection process may not be an option. To this end, this study introduces a supervisory output prediction scheme, tailored specifically for input–output stable bilinear systems, that intends on automating the process of selecting the most appropriate prediction model during runtime. The selection process is based upon a reinforcement‐learning scheme, where prediction models are selected according to their prior prediction performance. An additional selection process is concerned with appropriately partitioning the control‐inputs' domain also to allow for switched‐system approximations of the original bilinear dynamics. The authors show analytically that the proposed scheme converges (in probability) to the best model and partition. They also demonstrate these properties through simulations of temperature prediction in residential buildings.
Distributed estimation and control of mobile sensor networks based only on position measurements
Authors: Jin Dingshou , Zeng Wei , Su Housheng , Zhou Hongtao , Delie Ming
Published: March 2017

Most existing distributed estimation and control algorithms for mobile sensor networks rely on the information of both position and velocity of neighbour sensors. The authors' investigate the distributed estimation and control of mobile sensor network with only position measurements. Based on the Kalman‐consensus filter and the flocking algorithm, all mobile sensors move to a target, and achieve consensus on the estimations of the target. Under the assumption that the initial interactive network is connected, the stability of the cascading system is proved via Lyapunov stability theory and matrix principle. Moreover, a sufficient stability condition in the form of the boundary conditions of the feedback gain is proposed for the mobile sensor network. Some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.