bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of hyposalivation and xerostomia in Mexican elderly with socioeconomic, sociodemographic and dental factors
Authors: Islas-Granillo Horacio , Borges-Yáñez Aida , Fernández-Barrera Miguel Ángel , Ávila-Burgos Leticia , Patiño-Marín Nuria , Márquez-Corona María de Lourdes , Mendoza-Rodríguez Martha , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo
Published: January 2017

We determined the prevalence of hyposalivation and xerostomia in older Mexicans (≥60 years), and its relationship with diverse factors. A cross-sectional study was realized in elderly subjects from Pachuca, Mexico. Chewing-stimulated saliva was collected under standardized conditions and salivary flow was measured; subjects were considered to have hyposalivation if their stimulated salivary flow was less than 0.7 mL per minute. Xerostomia was evaluated by asking subjects ‘Does your mouth feel dry?’. Hyposalivation was present in 59.7%, and xerostomia in 25.2% of subjects. 16.5% of subjects had both conditions. Xerostomia was present in 27.7% of subjects with hyposalivation and 21.4% of subjects without hyposalivation, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Thus, 68.3% of older Mexicans had xerostomia and/or hyposalivation. Factors associated with hyposalivation were: using fewer devices in oral hygiene, lacking social benefits for retirement/pension, living in a public retirement home, brushing teeth less than twice a day and lacking teeth without dentures. None of the factors included in this study were associated with xerostomia. We concluded that several variables studied were associated with hyposalivation, but none for xerostomia. Additional research should examine the amount of hyposalivation and factors associated with hyposalivation especially in elderly with increased risk for hyposalivation.
Genome-wide identification, evolution and expression analysis of RING finger protein genes in Brassica rapa
Authors: Alam Intikhab , Yang Yan-Qing , Wang Yong , Zhu Mei-Lan , Wang Heng-Bo , Chalhoub Boulos , Lu Yun-Hai
Published: January 2017

More and more RING finger genes were found to be implicated in various important biological processes. In the present study, a total of 731 RING domains in 715 predicted proteins were identified in Brassica rapa genome (AA, 2n = 20), which were further divided into eight types: RING-H2 (371), RING-HCa (215), RING-HCb (47), RING-v (44), RING-C2 (38), RING-D (10), RING-S/T (5) and RING-G (1). The 715 RING finger proteins were further classified into 51 groups according to the presence of additional domains. 700 RING finger protein genes were mapped to the 10 chromosomes of B. rapa with a range of 47 to 111 genes for each chromosome. 667 RING finger protein genes were expressed in at least one of the six tissues examined, indicating their involvement in various physiological and developmental processes in B. rapa. Hierarchical clustering analysis of RNA-seq data divided them into seven major groups, one of which includes 231 members preferentially expressed in leaf, and constitutes then a panel of gene candidates for studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of leafy head traits in Brassica crops. Our results lay the foundation for further studies on the classification, evolution and putative functions of RING finger protein genes in Brassica species.
Antimicrobial Probiotics Reduce Salmonella enterica in Turkey Gastrointestinal Tracts
Authors: Forkus Brittany , Ritter Seth , Vlysidis Michail , Geldart Kathryn , Kaznessis Yiannis N.
Published: January 2017

Despite the arsenal of technologies employed to control foodborne nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS), infections have not declined in decades. Poultry is the primary source of NTS outbreaks, as well as the fastest growing meat sector worldwide. With recent FDA rules for phasing-out antibiotics in animal production, pressure is mounting to develop new pathogen reduction strategies. We report on a technology to reduce Salmonella enteritidis in poultry. We engineered probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917, to express and secrete the antimicrobial peptide, Microcin J25. Using in vitro experiments and an animal model of 300 turkeys, we establish the efficacy of this technology. Salmonella more rapidly clear the ceca of birds administered the modified probiotic than other treatment groups. Approximately 97% lower Salmonella carriage is measured in a treated group, 14 days post-Salmonella challenge. Probiotic bacteria are generally regarded as safe to consume, are bile-resistant and can plausibly be modified to produce a panoply of antimicrobial peptides now known. The reported systems may provide a foundation for platforms to launch antimicrobials against gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including ones that are multi-drug resistant.
Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling via GSK3 inhibitors direct differentiation of human adipose stem cells into functional hepatocytes
Authors: Huang Jieqiong , Guo Xinyue , Li Weihong , Zhang Haiyan
Published: January 2017

The generation of hepatocytes that are derived from human adipose stem cells (hASCs) represents an alternative to human hepatocytes for individualized therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications. However, the mechanisms facilitating hepatocyte differentiation from hASCs are not well understood. Here, we show that upon exposure to glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitors alone, the expression of definitive endoderm specific genes GATA4, FOXA2, and SOX17 in hASCs significantly increased in a manner with activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Down regulation of the β-catenin expression attenuates the effect of GSK3 inhibitors on the induction of these specific genes. The cells induced using GSK3 inhibitors were directed to differentiate synchronously into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) after further combinations of soluble factors by a reproducible three-stage method. Moreover, hASC-HLCs induced using GSK3 inhibitors possess low-density lipoprotein uptake, albumin secretion, and glycogen synthesis ability, express important drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, and demonstrate CYP450 activity. Therefore, our findings suggest that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling via GSK3 inhibitors in definitive endoderm specification may represent an important mechanism mediating hASCs differentiated to functional hepatocyte. Furthermore, development of similar compounds may be useful for robust, potentially scalable and cost-effective generation of functional hepatocytes for drug screening and predictive toxicology platforms.
Data mining of molecular dynamics data reveals Li diffusion characteristics in garnet Li7La3Zr2O12
Authors: Chen Chi , Lu Ziheng , Ciucci Francesco
Published: January 2017

Understanding Li diffusion in solid conductors is essential for the next generation Li batteries. Here we show that density-based clustering of the trajectories computed using molecular dynamics simulations helps elucidate the Li diffusion mechanism within the Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) crystal lattice. This unsupervised learning method recognizes lattice sites, is able to give the site type, and can identify Li hopping events. Results show that, while the cubic LLZO has a much higher hopping rate compared to its tetragonal counterpart, most of the Li hops in the cubic LLZO do not contribute to the diffusivity due to the dominance of back-and-forth type jumps. The hopping analysis and local Li configuration statistics give evidence that Li diffusivity in cubic LLZO is limited by the low vacancy concentration. The hopping statistics also shows uncorrelated Poisson-like diffusion for Li in the cubic LLZO, and correlated diffusion for Li in the tetragonal LLZO in the temporal scale. Further analysis of the spatio-temporal correlation using site-to-site mutual information confirms the weak site dependence of Li diffusion in the cubic LLZO as the origin for the uncorrelated diffusion. This work puts forward a perspective on combining machine learning and information theory to interpret results of molecular dynamics simulations.
The occurrence rate of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in Chinese small- and medium-scale departments of ophthalmology
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Chen Xinyi , Chen Peiqing , Wu Jianjun , Hua Huixia , Yao Ke
Published: January 2017

Endophthalmitis can be a devastating complication after cataract surgery. Therefore, this study sought to better understand the occurrence rate of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in Chinese small and medium-scale departments of ophthalmology, as well as identify its risk factors and assess the treatment options. This investigation revealed 52 postoperative endophthalmitis cases in 46,185 operations at 30 hospitals from 2011 to 2013, at an occurrence rate of 0.11%. A small cataract surgery volume of less than 500 cases per year (OR 2.21; p = 0.006), the absence of 0.5% povidone iodine (PVP-I) irrigation (OR 1.73; p = 0.046), and intraoperative posterior capsular rupture (PCR) with vitreous loss (OR 4.40; p = 0.034) showed statistically significant associations with endophthalmitis in the multivariate analysis. The rate of culture positivity was 44.2%, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common organism isolated in China. More than 40% of the endophthalmitis cases were treated with a nonstandard antibiotics regimen, and only 32.7% of these had a visual acuity of better than 20/40. We concluded that the occurrence rate of acute-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in Chinese small and medium-scale departments of ophthalmology lags behind the level of developed countries, as well as Chinese top eye centers. Overall, the use of 0.5% PVP-I irrigation seemed to be an effective measure to reduce the risk of the development of postoperative endophthalmitis.
A new type of two-dimensional carbon crystal prepared from 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene
Authors: Du Qi-Shi , Tang Pei-Duo , Huang Hua-Lin , Du Fang-Li , Huang Kai , Xie Neng-Zhong , Long Si-Yu , Li Yan-Ming , Qiu Jie-Shan , Huang Ri-Bo
Published: January 2017

A new two-dimensional (2D) carbon crystal, different from graphene, has been prepared from 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, consisting of 4-carbon and 6-carbon rings in 1:1 ratio, named 4–6 carbophene by authors, in which all carbon atoms possess sp2hybrid orbitals with some distortion, forming an extensive conjugated π-bonding planar structure. The angles between the three σ-bonds of the carbon sp2orbitals are roughly 120°, 90°, and 150°. Each of the three non-adjacent sides of a 6C-ring is shared with a 4C-ring; and each of the two opposite sides of a 4C-ring is shared with a 6C-ring. Dodecagonal holes with a diameter of approximate 5.8 Å are regularly located throughout the 2D carbon crystal. Even though the bond energies in 4–6 carbophene are weaker than those in the graphene, the new planar crystal is quite stable in ambient conditions. The 4–6 carbophene can be synthetized from 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene or other benzene derivatives through dehydration and polymerization reactions, and may possess several possible patterns that form a family of 2D carbon crystals. A possible side reaction involving 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene is also discussed, which may produce a carbon-oxygen two dimensional crystal.
Optimizing isothiocyanate formation during enzymatic glucosinolate breakdown by adjusting pH value, temperature and dilution in Brassica vegetables and Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hanschen Franziska S. , Klopsch Rebecca , Oliviero Teresa , Schreiner Monika , Verkerk Ruud , Dekker Matthijs
Published: January 2017

Consumption of glucosinolate-rich Brassicales vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of cancer with enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates playing a key role. However, formation of health-promoting isothiocyanates is inhibited by the epithiospecifier protein in favour of nitriles and epithionitriles. Domestic processing conditions, such as changes in pH value, temperature or dilution, might also affect isothiocyanate formation. Therefore, the influences of these three factors were evaluated in accessions of Brassica rapa, Brassica oleracea, and Arabidopsis thaliana. Mathematical modelling was performed to determine optimal isothiocyanate formation conditions and to obtain knowledge on the kinetics of the reactions. At 22 °C and endogenous plant pH, nearly all investigated plants formed nitriles and epithionitriles instead of health-promoting isothiocyanates. Response surface models, however, clearly demonstrated that upon change in pH to domestic acidic (pH 4) or basic pH values (pH 8), isothiocyanate formation considerably increases. While temperature also affects this process, the pH value has the greatest impact. Further, a kinetic model showed that isothiocyanate formation strongly increases due to dilution. Finally, the results show that isothiocyanate intake can be strongly increased by optimizing the conditions of preparation of Brassicales vegetables.
Helminth-induced Ly6Chi monocyte-derived alternatively activated macrophages suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Terrazas Cesar , de Dios Ruiz-Rosado Juan , Amici Stephanie A. , Jablonski Kyle A. , Martinez-Saucedo Diana , Webb Lindsay M. , Cortado Hanna , Robledo-Avila Frank , Oghumu Steve , Satoskar Abhay R. , Rodriguez-Sosa Miriam , Terrazas Luis I. , Guerau-de-Arellano Mireia , Partida-Sánchez Santiago
Published: January 2017

Helminths cause chronic infections and affect the immune response to unrelated inflammatory diseases. Although helminths have been used therapeutically to ameliorate inflammatory conditions, their anti-inflammatory properties are poorly understood. Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMϕs) have been suggested as the anti-inflammatory effector cells during helminth infections. Here, we define the origin of AAMϕs during infection with Taenia crassiceps, and their disease-modulating activity on the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our data show two distinct populations of AAMϕs, based on the expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 molecules, resulting upon T. crassiceps infection. Adoptive transfer of Ly6C+ monocytes gave rise to PD-L1+/PD-L2+, but not PD-L1+/PD-L2− cells in T. crassiceps-infected mice, demonstrating that the PD-L1+/PD-L2+ subpopulation of AAMϕs originates from blood monocytes. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of PD-L1+/PD-L2+ AAMϕs into EAE induced mice reduced disease incidence, delayed disease onset, and diminished the clinical disability, indicating the critical role of these cells in the regulation of autoimmune disorders.
Association of the Intestinal Microbiome with the Development of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Zinkernagel Martin S. , Zysset-Burri Denise C. , Keller Irene , Berger Lieselotte E. , Leichtle Alexander B. , Largiadèr Carlo R. , Fiedler Georg M. , Wolf Sebastian
Published: January 2017

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the elderly. There is evidence that nutrition, inflammation and genetic risk factors play an important role in the development of AMD. Recent studies suggest that the composition of the intestinal microbiome is associated with metabolic diseases through modulation of inflammation and host metabolism. To investigate whether compositional and functional alterations of the intestinal microbiome are associated with AMD, we sequenced the gut metagenomes of patients with AMD and controls. The genera Anaerotruncus and Oscillibacter as well as Ruminococcus torques and Eubacterium ventriosum were relatively enriched in patients with AMD, whereas Bacteroides eggerthii was enriched in controls. Patient’s intestinal microbiomes were enriched in genes of the L-alanine fermentation, glutamate degradation and arginine biosynthesis pathways and decreased in genes of the fatty acid elongation pathway. These findings suggest that modifications in the intestinal microbiome are associated with AMD, inferring that this common sight threatening disease may be targeted by microbiome-altering interventions.
Aberrant development of intrinsic brain activity in a rat model of caregiver maltreatment of offspring
Authors: Yan C-G , Rincón-Cortés M , Raineki C , Sarro E , Colcombe S , Guilfoyle D N , Yang Z , Gerum S , Biswal B B , Milham M P , Sullivan R M , Castellanos F X
Published: January 2017

Caregiver maltreatment induces vulnerability to later-life psychopathology. Clinical and preclinical evidence suggest changes in prefrontal and limbic circuitry underlie this susceptibility. We examined this question using a rat model of maternal maltreatment and methods translated from humans, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI). Rat pups were reared by mothers provided with insufficient or abundant bedding for nest building from postnatal (PN) days 8 to 12 and underwent behavioral assessments of affect-related behaviors (forced swim, sucrose preference and social interaction) in adolescence (PN45) and early adulthood (PN60). R-fMRI sessions were conducted under light anesthesia at both ages. Offspring reared with insufficient bedding (that is, maltreated) displayed enduring negative affective behaviors. Amygdala-prefrontal cortex (PFC) functional connectivity increased significantly from adolescence to adulthood in controls, but not in maltreated animals. We computed the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), an index of intrinsic brain activity, and found that fALFF in medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (MPFC/ACC) increased significantly with age in controls but remained unchanged in maltreated animals during adolescence and adulthood. We used a seed-based analysis to explore changes in functional connectivity between this region and the whole brain. Compared with controls, maltreated animals demonstrated reduced functional connectivity between MPFC/ACC and left caudate/putamen across both ages. Functional connectivity between MPFC/ACC and right caudate/putamen showed a group by age interaction: decreased in controls but increased in maltreated animals. These data suggest that maltreatment induces vulnerability to psychopathology and is associated with differential developmental trajectories of prefrontal and subcortical circuits underlying affect regulation.
Palladium modified porous silicon as multi-functional MALDI chip for serum peptide detection
Authors: Li Xiao , Chen Xiaoming , Tan Jie , Liang Xiao , Wu Jianmin
Published: January 2017

Interest in using mesoporous materials for peptidomic research has increased recently.
Oxygen surface groups of activated carbon steer the chemoselective hydrogenation of substituted nitroarenes over nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Ren Yujing , Wei Haisheng , Yin Guangzhao , Zhang Leilei , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2017

An activated carbon with OSGs (Oxygen Surface Groups) supported nickel catalyst shows high activity and chemoselectivity for hydrogenation of a variety of substituted nitroarenes under mild reaction conditions.
An atom- and pot-economical consecutive multi-step reaction approach to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Raji Reddy Chada , Dilipkumar Uredi , Shravya Ravula
Published: January 2017

A novel [4+2]-benzannulation approach to substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons has been developed under atom-economical, mild and metal-free reaction conditions.
Efficient activation of a visible light-activatable CA4 prodrug through intermolecular photo-unclick chemistry in mitochondria
Authors: Bio Moses , Rajaputra Pallavi , Lim Irene , Thapa Pritam , Tienabeso Bomaonye , Hurst Robert E. , You Youngjae
Published: January 2017

Mitochondria-targeted and visible light-activatable CA4 prodrug was efficiently activated through intermolecular photo-unclick chemistry in mitochondria for the combination therapy.
Exciton-vibrational resonance and dynamics of charge separation in the photosystem II reaction center
Authors: Novoderezhkin Vladimir I. , Romero Elisabet , Prior Javier , van Grondelle Rienk
Published: January 2017

A mixing of the exciton and charge transfer states promoted by a resonant vibrational quantum allows faster penetration of excitation energy into the primary photoproduct in the photosystem II reaction center both in laser experiment and under natural conditions.
The effect of defect types on the electronic and optical properties of graphene nanoflakes physisorbed by ionic liquids
Authors: Shakourian-Fard Mehdi , Kamath Ganesh
Published: January 2017

The presence of defects on the GNF surface increases the binding energy of ionic liquids: DGNF⋯IL > pristine GNF⋯IL >h-BNNF⋯IL.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-graft-poly(vinyl acetate) single-chain nanoparticles for the encapsulation of small molecules
Authors: Bartolini Arianna , Tempesti Paolo , Resta Claudio , Berti Debora , Smets Johan , Aouad Yousef G. , Baglioni Piero
Published: January 2017

Amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-graft-poly(vinyl acetate) copolymers with a low degree of grafting undergo self-folding in water driven by hydrophobic interactions, resulting in single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) possessing a hydrodynamic radius of about 10 nm.
Temperature dependent structural, vibrational and magnetic properties of K3Gd5(PO4)6
Authors: Bevara Samatha , Achary S. Nagabhusan , Mishra Karuna Kara , Ravindran T. R. , Sinha Anil K. , Sastry P. U. , Tyagi Avesh Kumar
Published: January 2017

Anisotropic thermal expansion (αc > αa ≫ αb) and vibrational properties of K3Gd5(PO4)6.
Electron tunnelling and hopping effects on the temperature coefficient of resistance of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Gong S. , Zhu Z. H. , Li Z.
Published: January 2017

The desired TCR property of CNT/polymer nanocomposites can be achieved by tailoring the contributions of thermally assisted tunnelling and thermally activated hopping.
Effect of substituents and anions on the phase behavior of Ru(ii) sandwich complexes: exploring the boundaries between ionic liquids and ionic plastic crystals
Authors: Tominaga Takumi , Ueda Takahiro , Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: January 2017

Salts of cationic ruthenium sandwich complexes bearing ethyl or longer substituents are ionic liquids, whereas salts with shorter substituents showed ionic plastic crystal phases.
Systematic investigation of the SERS efficiency and SERS hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies
Authors: He L. B. , Wang Y. L. , Xie X. , Han M. , Song F. Q. , Wang B. J. , Chen W. L. , Xu H. X. , Sun L. T.
Published: January 2017

Revealing the SERS hotspots and SERS efficiencies of Ag nanoparticle assemblies based on the design of multifarious rainbow-like nanoparticle bands.
Determination of ZFS parameters from the EPR spectra of mono-, di- and trinuclear MnIIcomplexes: impact of magnetic coupling
Authors: Escriche-Tur Luis , Font-Bardia Mercè , Albela Belén , Corbella Montserrat
Published: January 2017

Versatility in the synthesis of MnIIcompounds. EPR spectroscopy, zero-field splitting determination, and importance of excited states. Distinction of the sign ofDMnwith the use of X-band EPR spectra.
Ruthenium-containing P450 inhibitors for dual enzyme inhibition and DNA damage
Authors: Zamora Ana , Denning Catherine A. , Heidary David K. , Wachter Erin , Nease Leona A. , Ruiz José , Glazer Edith C.
Published: January 2017

A light-activated prodrug delivers both a DNA damaging metal center and a cytochrome P450 inhibitor to prevent drug resistance.
Mononuclear gold(iii) complexes withl-histidine-containing dipeptides: tuning the structural and biological properties by variation of the N-terminal amino acid and counter anion
Authors: Warżajtis Beata , Glišić Biljana Đ. , Savić Nada D. , Pavic Aleksandar , Vojnovic Sandra , Veselinović Aleksandar , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Rychlewska Urszula , Djuran Miloš I.
Published: January 2017

Gold(iii) complexes withl-Ala-l-His andl-Leu-l-His dipeptides inhibit angiogenesis.
Quantitative multiphase model for hydrothermal liquefaction of algal biomass
Authors: Li Yalin , Leow Shijie , Fedders Anna C. , Sharma Brajendra K. , Guest Jeremy S. , Strathmann Timothy J.
Published: January 2017

A multiphase component additivity (MCA) model to quantitatively predict both yields and characteristics of products from hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae.
Cobalt oxide and N-doped carbon nanosheets derived from a single two-dimensional metal–organic framework precursor and their application in flexible asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Guan Cao , Zhao Wei , Hu Yating , Lai Zhuangchai , Li Xin , Sun Shijing , Zhang Hua , Cheetham Anthony K. , Wang John
Published: January 2017

A single metal–organic framework precursor is transformed into both electrodes (Co3O4 and N-doped carbon) for a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor.
Fluorinated trimethyllysine as a19F NMR probe for trimethyllysine hydroxylase catalysis
Authors: Vijayendar Reddy Y. , Al Temimi Abbas H. K. , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: January 2017

Human trimethyllysine hydroxylase (TMLH)-catalysed C-3 hydroxylation ofNε-(fluoromethyl)dimethyllysine can be monitored by19F NMR spectroscopy.
Correction: Copper(ii) catalyzed synthesis of novel helical luminescent benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,10]phenanthrolines via an intramolecular C–H amination reaction
Authors: da Silva Ramon Borges , Teixeira Rodolfo Inêz , Wardell James L. , Wardell Solange M. S. V. , Garden Simon J.
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Copper(ii) catalyzed synthesis of novel helical luminescent benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,10]phenanthrolines via an intramolecular C–H amination reaction’ by Ramon Borges da Silva, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6ob02508k.
Thiolate–palladium(iv) or sulfonium–palladate(0)? A theoretical study on the mechanism of palladium-catalyzed C–S bond formation reactions
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Qi Xiaotian , Duan Meng , Yu Zhaoyuan , Zhu Lei , Shan Chunhui , Yue Xiaoyu , Bai Ruopeng , Lan Yu
Published: January 2017

Thiolate–palladium(iv) intermediates are generated through oxidative addition in our suggested mechanisms, and are the key intermediates in these catalytic cycles.
Exploratory catalyst screening studies on the liquefaction of model humins from C6 sugars
Authors: Wang Y. , Agarwal S. , Tang Z. , Heeres H. J.
Published: January 2017

A catalyst screening study is reported on the liquefaction of humins, the solid byproducts from C6 sugar biorefineries for levulinic acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production.
Sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoid coumarins from Parasenecio rubescens
Authors: Jin An , Wu Wenming , Ruan Hanli
Published: January 2017

Ten new sesquiterpenoids (1–2, 5–9, 12–14) and four new monoterpenoid coumarins (15–18) were isolated from the whole plant of Parasenecio rubescens.
The effects of additives on the combustion characteristics of aluminum powder in steam
Authors: Zhu Baozhong , Li Fan , Sun Yunlan , Wang Qichang , Wu Yuxin , Zhu Zicheng
Published: January 2017

To develop the combustion characteristics of aluminum powder in steam, the ignition and combustion process of aluminum powder with different additives (KBH4, ammonium perchlorate (AP) and NaCl) addition at different levels were studied using a transparent pipe furnace.
Highly sticky surfaces made by electrospun polymer nanofibers
Authors: Varagnolo S. , Raccanello F. , Pierno M. , Mistura G. , Moffa M. , Persano L. , Pisignano D.
Published: January 2017

We report on a comprehensive study of the unique adhesive properties of mats of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanofibers produced by electrospinning.
La1−xAgxMnO3 electrocatalyst with high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction in aluminium air batteries
Authors: Xue Yejian , Miao He , Sun Shanshan , Wang Qin , Li Shihua , Liu Zhaoping
Published: January 2017

Ag doping is one of the best methods for improving the catalytic activity of LaMnO3 perovskites, and the mass specific activity of LAM-30 (La0.7Ag0.3MnO3) can reach 48.0 mA mg−1 which is about 32 times that of LAM-0 (LaMnO3).
Third- and high-order nonlinear optical properties of an intramolecular charge-transfer compound
Authors: Wang C. , Fan C. , Yuan C. , Yang G. , Li X. , Ju C. , Feng Y. , Xu J.
Published: January 2017

An oligo(phenylenevinylene) bridged intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) compound, (TCNQ)2OPV3, has been synthesized and its third- and fifth-order nonlinear optical properties have been determined by measurement with the 4f system with a phase-object.
Magnetic nanoparticles with fluorescence and affinity for DNA sensing and nucleus staining
Authors: Liu Chi-Hsien , Tsao Min-Han , Sahoo Soubhagya Laxmi , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: January 2017

The fluorescence magnetic nanoparticles offer versatile platforms for nucleus imaging and DNA adsorption.
Methane production enhancement from products of alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreated sweet sorghum bagasse
Authors: Cao Weixing , Sun Chen , Li Xudong , Qiu Jiangping , Liu Ronghou
Published: January 2017

Alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) pretreatment was applied to improve methane production from sweet sorghum bagasse under mesophilic conditions.
Lignin-assisted double acoustic irradiation for concentrated aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Goodman Sheila M. , Ferguson Noah , Dichiara Anthony B.
Published: January 2017

Carbon nanotube (CNTs) dispersion is one of the most challenging tasks for many applications. Lignin-assisted double sonication represents a low-cost and renewable alternative to prepare stable and concentrated suspensions of individualized CNTs.
Magnetic damping and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Pd-buffered [Co/Ni]5 and [Ni/Co]5 multilayers
Authors: Tang Minghong , Li Wei , Ren Yang , Zhang Zongzhi , Lou Shitao , Jin Q. Y.
Published: January 2017

The magnetic damping α0 increases continuously with underlayer thickness, showing no correlation with PMA strength but a similar variation behavior to 1/Ms. Such α0 increase is ascribed to the formation of more disordered spins at NM/FM interface.
Polymerizable ionic liquids and polymeric ionic liquids: facile synthesis of ionic liquids containing ethylene oxide repeating unit via methanesulfonate and their electrochemical properties
Authors: Wu Borong , Zhang Zhen-Wei , Huang Mu-Hua , Peng Yiyuan
Published: January 2017

Polymeric ionic liquids have shown great potential in numerous application fields, and an easy access to polymerizable monomer is the key to the polymerized ionic liquids.
MIL-100(Fe)-catalyzed efficient conversion of hexoses to lactic acid
Authors: Huang Shan , Yang Kai-Li , Liu Xiao-Fang , Pan Hu , Zhang Heng , Yang Song
Published: January 2017

Lewis acidic metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-100(Fe), was for the first time demonstrated to be efficient for the catalytic transformation of hexose sugars into lactic acid.
Phenolic content, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of six varieties of white sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Zhou Lin , Li Tong , Brennan Charles , Fu Xiong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: January 2017

This article investigates the total phenolics, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of six varieties of white sesame seed.
An anti-fouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) hybrid membrane blended with functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles for efficient oil/water separation
Authors: Shen Xiang , Xie Tiande , Wang Jiangang , Liu Peng , Wang Fan
Published: January 2017

Functionalized nanoparticle of ZrO2 grafted with poly(N-acryloylmorpholine) was synthesized via radical grafting polymerization. The nanoparticle was directly blended with PVDF to prepare hybrid membrane. The efficient separation of oil/water mixture is established.
Unique catanionic vesicles as a potential “Nano-Taxi” for drug delivery systems. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluation
Authors: Stagnoli Soledad , Luna M. Alejandra , Villa Cristian C. , Alustiza Fabrisio , Niebylski Ana , Moyano Fernando , Correa N. Mariano , Falcone R. Darío
Published: January 2017

We evaluatein vitroandin vivotoxicity and stability in an acidic environment of new vesicles formed by the catanionic surfactant AOT-BHD in order to investigate their potential application as an oral drug delivery system.
Hyperbranched polyglycerol conjugated fluorescent carbon dots with improved in vitro toxicity and red blood cell compatibility for bioimaging
Authors: Li Sha , Guo Zhong , Feng Ru , Zhang Yi , Xue Wei , Liu Zonghua
Published: January 2017

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have a variety of biomedical applications such as bio-imaging.
Three-dimensional inkjet-printed redox cycling sensor
Authors: Adly N. Y. , Bachmann B. , Krause K. J. , Offenhäusser A. , Wolfrum B. , Yakushenko A.
Published: January 2017

Electrochemical amplification through redox cycling in an all-inkjet-printed device utilizing four different functional inks.
Isocyano compounds newly recognized in photochemical reaction of thiazole: matrix-isolation FT-IR and theoretical studies
Authors: Miyazaki Jun , Takiyama Hiroshi , Nakata Munetaka
Published: January 2017

UV-induced photoreactions of thiazole isolated in low-temperature argon matrices have been investigated, leading to the conclusion that photoproducts identified newly, including three kind isocyano compounds, are produced by ring-opening reaction.
Syntheses, structures, luminescent and photocatalytic properties of various polymers based on a “V”-shaped dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Meng Xiang-min , Zhang Xia , Qi Peng-fei , Zong Zi-ao , Jin Fan , Fan Yu-hua
Published: January 2017

Four novel luminescent coordination polymers were synthesized under solvothermal conditions, and compounds2–4can serve as a Fe3+/Cu2+fluorescent sensor through quenching the luminescence, respectively.
Asymmetric synthesis of C–F quaternary α-fluoro-β-amino-indolin-2-ones via Mannich addition reactions; facets of reactivity, structural generality and stereochemical outcome
Authors: Xie Chen , Sha Wanxing , Zhu Yi , Han Jianlin , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Pan Yi
Published: January 2017

An asymmetric detrifluoroacetylative Mannich reaction between in situ generated tertiary enolates and sulfinyl-imines has been explored. The reaction provides a new access to α-fluoro-β-amino-indolin-2-ones with tetrasubstituted fluorinated stereogenic center.
High-yield and rapid synthesis of ultrathin silver nanowires for low-haze transparent conductors
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Yingying , Shi Rui , Cao Lijun , Wang Zhan , Sun Tao , Lin Jianjian , Liu Juqing , Huang Wei
Published: January 2017

Ultrathin nanowires for low haze transparent conductors have been rapidly synthesized in high yield by using the conucleants.
A comparative investigation of different chemical treatments on SiO anode materials for lithium-ion batteries: towards long-term stability
Authors: Woo Jihoon , Baek Seong-Ho
Published: January 2017

In this work, we conduct a comparative study of boron-doped SiO (HB-SiO) and carbon-coated SiO (HC-SiO) to find an effective means of improving the electrochemical performances of SiO anode materials during long-cycle tests.
Three-dimensional porous MoNi4 networks constructed by nanosheets as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Jin Yanshuo , Yue Xin , Shu Chang , Huang Shangli , Shen Pei Kang
Published: January 2017

3D porous MoNi4 networks annealed at 450 °C need only ∼1.58 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting and exhibit excellent stability. A two-electrode device to split water with porous MoNi4 networks as bifunctional electrocatalysts can be driven by a single AA battery (1.5 V).
Lysosomes activating chain reactions against cancer cells with a pH-switched prodrug/procatalyst co-delivery nanosystem
Authors: Fu Jingke , Zhu Yingchun
Published: January 2017

A selective intracellular free radical generation strategy against cancer cells is developed by lysosomal bioactivation of a prodrug/procatalyst co-delivery nanosystem.
Sub-10 nm gold nanoparticles promote adipogenesis and inhibit osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Jingchao , Chen Ying , Yang Yingjun , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: January 2017

Sub-10 nm Au NPs with an average size of 4 nm (Au4-mPEG NPs) had a promotive effect on the adipogenic differentiation and an inhibitive effect on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) due to the highly induced ROS level.
Electroluminescent room temperature columnar liquid crystals based on bay-annulated perylene tetraesters
Authors: Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Das Dipjyoti , Gupta Monika , Pal Santanu Kumar , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan , Achalkumar Ammathnadu S.
Published: January 2017

Room temperature columnar liquid crystals and their application in OLEDs.
Insight into thin-film stacking modes of π-expanded quinoidal molecules on charge transport property via side-chain engineering
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yuan Dafei , Wu Hao , Gann Eliot , Thomsen Lars , McNeill Christopher R. , Di Chong-an , Zhu Xiaozhang , Zhu Daoben
Published: January 2017

Control of molecular ordering and packing of π-conjugated molecules in the solid state is crucial for enhancing the charge transport properties in organic electronics.
Zn(ii)-based metal–organic framework: an exceptionally thermally stable, guest-free low dielectric material
Authors: Mendiratta Shruti , Usman Muhammad , Chang Chun-Chi , Lee Yung-Chi , Chen Jenq-Wei , Wu Maw-Kuen , Lin Ying-Chih , Hsu Chao-Ping , Lu Kuang-Lieh
Published: January 2017

An exceptional thermally stable, chemically stable and guest-free Zn-based metal–organic framework exhibits low dielectric behaviour.
Effect of lipid-bound apolipoprotein A-I cysteine mutant on ATF3 in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Wang Yanhui , Jia Shaoyou , Dong Qingzhe , Chen Yuanbin , Lu Shulai , Hou Lin
Published: January 2017

Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a TLR-induced repressor that plays an important role in the inhibition of specific inflammatory signals. We previously constructed recombinant high density lipoproteins (rHDL) (including rHDLWT, rHDLM, rHDL228 and rHDL74) and found that rHDL74 had a strong anti-inflammatory ability. In the present study, we investigate the roles of recombinant apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) (rHDLWT) and its cysteine mutant HDLs (rHDLM, rHDL228 and rHDL74) on ATF3 function in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Our results showed that compared with the LPS group, rHDL74 can decrease the level of TNF-α and IL-6, whereas rHDL228 increases their expression levels. RT-PCR and Western blotting results showed that compared with the LPS group, rHDL74, rHDLWT and rHDLM can markedly increase the expression level of ATF3, whereas the level of ATF3 decreases in the rHDL228 group. In summary, the different anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the ApoA-I cysteine mutants might be associated with the regulation of ATF3 level.
Complementary peak reducing signals for TDCS PAPR reduction
Authors: Chang Cheng , Huan Hao , Guo Jianmin , Tao Ran
Published: January 2017

Transform domain communication systems (TDCSs) are cognitive anti‐interference multi‐carrier communication systems with dynamic spectrum access. The inherent high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of TDCS reduces the efficiency of the power amplifier. Adaptive waveform generation of the TDCS also causes the PAPR to vary according to the spectral conditions on hand. In this study, a complementary peak reducing signal (CPRS) method is proposed and analysed. It uses all unoccupied frequency bins to transmit data and uses all interfered frequency bins to generate CPRSs. Every data signal and its corresponding CPRS are orthogonal and complementary, so as to fully occupy all frequency bins. Therefore, the PAPR reduction of the composite signal with all frequency bins is considered. Once the optimal pseudo‐random phase sequence is determined, the sequence can adapt to all spectral conditions without side information, and the computational complexity for diverse spectral conditions is greatly reduced. Moreover, the orthogonality between the data signal and its CPRS in the frequency domain eliminates distortions and spectral spreading. As a component of the transmitting signal, CPRS may cause bit error rate (BER) loss. This study also proposes a signal power adjustment mechanism to achieve a compromise between PAPR reduction and BER loss.
Women and power: a theoretical approach using the example of copreneurial businesses
Authors: Hirigoyen Gérard , Villeger Amélie
Published: January 2017

Despite the gradual recognition of strategic issues related to the integration of women into the economy, female entrepreneurship continues to receive little attention. Family business research attributes this situation to a lack of recognition given to the (decisive) role of women in these organizations. However, there is one type of family governance that formally acknowledges the man/woman combination: the copreneurial company. Copreneurs are couples who run a business together. This theoretical article highlights the role of women in the copreneurial context by distinguishing between formal and informal power- the latter being primarily held by women, but which is no less influential. The distribution of power reduces opposition costs between partners and the social costs of non-compliance, and improves the clarity of the entrepreneurial structure. Moreover, it increases satisfaction and a feeling of equality between the partners. These results can be generalized and shed light on the role of women in other entrepreneurial and social contexts. This article is published as part as part of a collection on the role of women in management and business.
Pattern reverberation in networks of excitable systems with connection delays
Authors: Lücken Leonhard , Rosin David P. , Worlitzer Vasco M. , Yanchuk Serhiy
Published: January 2017

We consider the recurrent pulse-coupled networks of excitable elements with delayed connections, which are inspired by the biological neural networks. If the delays are tuned appropriately, the network can either stay in the steady resting state, or alternatively, exhibit a desired spiking pattern. It is shown that such a network can be used as a pattern-recognition system. More specifically, the application of the correct pattern as an external input to the network leads to a self-sustained reverberation of the encoded pattern. In terms of the coupling structure, the tolerance and the refractory time of the individual systems, we determine the conditions for the uniqueness of the sustained activity, i.e., for the functionality of the network as an unambiguous pattern detector. We point out the relation of the considered systems with cyclic polychronous groups and show how the assumed delay configurations may arise in a self-organized manner when a spike-time dependent plasticity of the connection delays is assumed. As excitable elements, we employ the simplistic coincidence detector models as well as the Hodgkin-Huxley neuron models. Moreover, the system is implemented experimentally on a Field-Programmable Gate Array.
Calculation of the radial electric field from a modified Ohm's law
Authors: Wilks T. M. , Stacey W. M. , Evans T. E.
Published: January 2017

A modified Ohm's Law, derived from the conservation of deuterium and carbon ions and electron momentum and the requirement for charge neutrality, yields an expression for the radial electric field, Er, in the edge pedestal region in terms of the motional electric field due to the carbon and deuterium ion rotation velocities as well as pressure gradients and the radial plasma current. This analytical Ohm's Law model for Er is first shown to be consistent with the conventional “experimental” electric field calculated from the carbon radial momentum balance using experimental carbon rotation and pressure gradient measurements when experimental profiles are used to evaluate the Ohm's Law in three DIII-D [Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] representative discharges (for L-mode, H-mode, and Resonant Magnetic Perturbation operating regimes). In order to test the practical predictive ability of the modified Ohm's Law, the calculations were repeated using rotation velocities calculated with neoclassical rotation models instead of measured rotation velocities. The Ohm's Law predicted Er using theoretical rotation velocities did not agree with the “experimental” Er as well as the Ohm's Law prediction using experimental rotation velocities, indicating that more accurate models for predicting edge rotation velocity are needed in order to have a validated predictive model of Er in the plasma edge.
Asymptotic behavior of partial and false theta functions arising from Jacobi forms and regularized characters
Authors: Bringmann Kathrin , Folsom Amanda , Milas Antun
Published: January 2017

Motivated by recent developments in the representation theory of vertex algebras and conformal field theory, we prove several asymptotic results for partial and false theta functions arising from Jacobi forms, as the modular variable τ tends to 0 along the imaginary axis, and the elliptic variable z is unrestricted in the complex plane. We observe that these functions exhibit Stokes’ phenomenon—the asymptotic behavior of these functions sharply differs depending on where the elliptic variable z is located within the complex plane. We apply our results to study the asymptotic expansions of regularized characters and quantum dimensions of the (1, p)-singlet W-algebra modules important in logarithmic conformal field theory. This, in particular, recovers and extends several results from the work of T. Creutzig et al. [Int. Math. Res. Not. (2016); e-print arXiv:1411.3282] pertaining to regularized quantum dimensions.
Thin-film flow in helically wound shallow channels of arbitrary cross-sectional shape
Authors: Arnold D. J. , Stokes Y. M. , Green J. E. F.
Published: January 2017

We consider the steady, gravity-driven flow of a thin film of viscous fluid down a helically wound shallow channel of arbitrary cross-sectional shape with arbitrary torsion and curvature. This extends our previous work [D. J. Arnold et al., “Thin-film flow in helically-wound rectangular channels of arbitrary torsion and curvature,” J. Fluid Mech. 764, 76–94 (2015)] on channels of rectangular cross section. The Navier-Stokes equations are expressed in a novel, non-orthogonal coordinate system fitted to the channel bottom. By assuming that the channel depth is small compared to its width and that the fluid depth in the vertical direction is also small compared to its typical horizontal extent, we are able to solve for the velocity components and pressure analytically. Using these results, a differential equation for the free surface shape is obtained, which must in general be solved numerically. Motivated by the aim of understanding flows in static spiral particle separators used in mineral processing, we investigate the effect of cross-sectional shape on the secondary flow in the channel cross section. We show that the competition between gravity and inertia in non-rectangular channels is qualitatively similar to that in rectangular channels, but that the cross-sectional shape has a strong influence on the breakup of the secondary flow into multiple clockwise-rotating cells. This may be triggered by small changes to the channel geometry, such as one or more bumps in the channel bottom that are small relative to the fluid depth. In contrast to the secondary flow which is quite sensitive to small bumps in the channel bottom, the free-surface profile is relatively insensitive to these. The sensitivity of the flow to the channel geometry may have important implications for the design of efficient spiral particle separators.
Distance magnetic nanoparticle detection using a magnetoelectric sensor for clinical interventions
Authors: Huong Giang D. T. , Dang D. X. , Toan N. X. , Tuan N. V. , Phung A. T. , Duc N. H.
Published: January 2017

Distance magnetic nanoparticle detections were investigated by using a magnetoelectric based magnetic sensor with a long type bilayer Metglas/PZT laminate composite. In homogeneous magnetic fields, the sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 307.4 mV/Oe, which is possible for a detection limit of 2.7 × 10−7 emu. This sensor can detect an amount of 0.31 μg of the superparamagnetic Fe3O4-chitosan fluid at 2 mm height above the sensor surface. To detect a spot with magnetic nanoparticles at a distance of about 7.6 mm, it should contain at least 50 μg of iron oxide. This approach can develop the local detection of magnetic nanoparticles at a depth of centimeters in the body during clinical interventions.