bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐pot synthesis of soluble and fluorescent aliphatic hyperbranched poly(amide‐imide) with solvent‐dependent emission
Authors: Wang Rong‐Rong , Yan Jun‐Jie , Yang Run‐Lin , Pan Dong‐Hui , Li Wen , Xu Yu‐Ping , Wang Li‐Zhen , Wang Xin‐Yu , Yang Min
Published: March 2017

Aliphatic hyperbranched poly(amide‐imide) was facilely prepared by employing a functional thiolactone‐maleimide monomer. Highly efficient, selective and quantitative properties of amine‐maleimide Michael addition and aminolysis of a thiolactone guaranteed the generation of an ABB' thiol‐yne intermediate without side products, followed by consecutive thiol‐yne click reaction in one‐pot. The hyperbranched structure of the poly(amide‐imide) was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and triple‐detector GPC/SEC analysis. Additionally, due to the presence of aminosuccinimide fluorophores and intrinsic physical property of hyperbranched polymers, this aliphatic hyperbranched poly(amide‐imide) possessed solvent‐dependent emission and presented good solubility in various organic solvents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2053–2060
Enhanced dielectric properties of polymer composite films induced by encapsulated MWCNTs with a one core‐two shell structure
Authors: Yu Shuangmin , Wang Gengchao
Published: March 2017

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can endow high dielectric constant to polymer‐based composites. However, the accompanying poor dispersion of MWCNTs and high dielectric loss for composites severely limit their application in dielectric field. Herein, a modified acid‐treated MWCNTs encapsulated by the polyaniline/poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) layers (aMWCNTs@PANI‐PSS) with a one core‐two shell structure was fabricated by in situ polymerization followed by electrostatic self‐assembly technique. Furthermore, the composite films based on aMWCNTs@PANI‐PSS/poly(vinylidenefluoride‐hexaflouropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) were fabricated by a solution‐casting method. An ultrathin insulating PSS shell is wrapped onto aMWCNTs@PANI, resulting in the improvement of dispersibility for aMWCNTs@PANI and the decrease of dielectric loss for composite films. When the content of aMWCNTs@PANI‐PSS is 5.0 wt %, the dielectric constant of aMWCNTs@PANI‐PSS/PVDF‐HFP reaches 430 (100 Hz), which is about 55 times of pure PVDF‐HFP and 1.7 times of aMWCNTs@PANI/PVDF‐HFP (247). Besides, the responding dielectric loss of aMWCNTs@PANI‐PSS/PVDF‐HFP composite film is only 0.67, much lower than that of aMWCNTs@PANI/PVDF‐HFP (25) and aMWCNTs/PVDF‐HFP (3185). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 948–956
Marital adjustment in the context of female breast cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Brandão Tânia , Pedro Juliana , Nunes Nuno , Martins Mariana V. , Costa Maria Emília , Matos Paula Mena
Published: March 2017

Objective

Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and subsequent treatments present significant challenges and distress for both patients and their partners. This can lead to difficulties in marital relationships and, consequently, decreases in marital adjustment and psychosocial adaptation to BC for both partners. Our objective was to systematically review studies assessing marital adjustment in the context of female BC to understand which factors are associated with marital adjustment in both patients and partners and characterize the measures used to assess marital adjustment within these studies.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. English, peer‐reviewed articles exploring factors associated with marital adjustment in the context of female BC were considered for inclusion.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. Results evidenced that psychosocial variables play an important role on marital adjustment. Specifically, open and constructive communication, more social support, and supportive dyadic coping were found to be associated with higher levels of marital adjustment. Other variables such as self‐efficacy, sexual functioning, and psychological adjustment were also positively associated with marital adjustment.

Conclusions

Most studies evidenced an association between psychosocial variables and marital adjustment for both women and their partners. Some important dimensions such as communication patterns, coping strategies, and social support dynamics were identified as potential targets for psychological interventions. Some variables, however, were explored only in a few studies, which limit our conclusions. Future studies should explore the role these variables and other relational and emotional variables play in promoting marital adjustment after BC.
Metal ions‐binding T4 lysozyme as an intramolecular protein purification tag compatible with X‐ray crystallography
Authors: Boura Evzen , Baumlova Adriana , Chalupska Dominika , Dubankova Anna , Klima Martin
Published: March 2017

Phage T4 lysozyme is a well folded and highly soluble protein that is widely used as an insertion tag to improve solubility and crystallization properties of poorly behaved recombinant proteins. It has been used in the fusion protein strategy to facilitate crystallization of various proteins including multiple G protein‐coupled receptors, lipid kinases, or sterol binding proteins. Here, we present a structural and biochemical characterization of its novel, metal ions‐binding mutant (mbT4L). We demonstrate that mbT4L can be used as a purification tag in the immobilized‐metal affinity chromatography and that, in many respects, it is superior to the conventional hexahistidine tag. In addition, structural characterization of mbT4L suggests that mbT4L can be used as a purification tag compatible with X‐ray crystallography.
Activation mechanisms of αVβ3 integrin by binding to fibronectin: A computational study
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Pan Di , Yan Qi , Song Yuhua
Published: March 2017

Integrin αVβ3 plays an important role in regulating cellular activities and in human diseases. Although the structure of αVβ3 has been studied by crystallography and electron microscopy, the detailed activation mechanism of integrin αVβ3 induced by fibronectin remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the conformational and dynamical motion changes of Mn2+‐bound integrin αVβ3 by binding to fibronectin with molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that fibronectin binding to integrin αVβ3 caused the changes of the conformational flexibility of αVβ3 domains, the essential mode of motion for the domains of αV subunit and β3 subunit and the degrees of correlated motion of residues between the domains of αV subunit and β3 subunit of integrin αVβ3. The angle of Propeller domain with respect to the Calf‐2 domain of αV subunit and the angle of Hybrid domain with respect to βA domain of β3 subunit significantly increased when integrin αVβ3 was bound to fibronectin. These changes could result in the conformational change tendency of αVβ3 from a bend conformation to an extended conformation and lead to the open swing of Hybrid domain relative to βA domain of β3 subunit, which have demonstrated their importance for αVβ3 activation. Fibronectin binding to integrin αVβ3 significantly decreased the relative position of α1 helix to βA domain and that to metal ion‐dependent adhesion site, stabilized Mn2+ ions binding in integrin αVβ3 and changed fibronectin conformation, which are important for αVβ3 activation. Results from this study provide important molecular insight into the “outside‐in” activation mechanism of integrin αVβ3 by binding to fibronectin.
Understanding the contribution of disulfide bridges to the folding and misfolding of an anti‐Aβ scFv
Authors: Montoliu‐Gaya Laia , Martínez Jose C. , Villegas Sandra
Published: March 2017

ScFv‐h3D6 is a single chain variable fragment that precludes Aβ peptide‐induced cytotoxicity by withdrawing Aβ oligomers from the amyloid pathway to the worm‐like pathway. Production of scFv molecules is not a straightforward procedure because of the occurrence of disulfide scrambled conformations generated in the refolding process. Here, we separately removed the disulfide bond of each domain and solved the scrambling problem; and then, we intended to compensate the loss of thermodynamic stability by adding three C‐terminal elongation mutations, previously described to stabilize the native fold of scFv‐h3D6. Such stabilization occurred through stabilization of the intermediate state in the folding pathway and destabilization of a different, β‐rich, intermediate state driving to worm‐like fibrils. Elimination of the disulfide bridge of the less stable domain,VL, deeply compromised the yield and increased the aggregation tendency, but elimination of the disulfide bridge of the more stable domain,VH, solved the scrambling problem and doubled the production yield. Notably, it also changed the aggregation pathway from the protective worm‐like morphology to an amyloid one. This was so because a partially unfolded intermediate driving to amyloid aggregation was present, instead of the β‐rich intermediate driving to worm‐like fibrils. When combining with the elongation mutants, stabilization of the partially unfolded intermediate driving to amyloid fibrils was the only effect observed. Therefore, the same mutations drove to completely different scenarios depending on the presence of disulfide bridges and this illustrates the relevance of such linkages in the stability of different intermediate states for folding and misfolding.
A systematic analysis of scoring functions in rigid‐body protein docking: The delicate balance between the predictive rate improvement and the risk of overtraining
Authors: Barradas‐Bautista Didier , Moal Iain H. , Fernández‐Recio Juan
Published: March 2017

Protein‐protein interactions play fundamental roles in biological processes including signaling, metabolism, and trafficking. While the structure of a protein complex reveals crucial details about the interaction, it is often difficult to acquire this information experimentally. As the number of interactions discovered increases faster than they can be characterized, protein‐protein docking calculations may be able to reduce this disparity by providing models of the interacting proteins. Rigid‐body docking is a widely used docking approach, and is often capable of generating a pool of models within which a near‐native structure can be found. These models need to be scored in order to select the acceptable ones from the set of poses. Recently, more than 100 scoring functions from the CCharPPI server were evaluated for this task using decoy structures generated with SwarmDock. Here, we extend this analysis to identify the predictive success rates of the scoring functions on decoys from three rigid‐body docking programs, ZDOCK, FTDock, and SDOCK, allowing us to assess the transferability of the functions. We also apply set‐theoretic measure to test whether the scoring functions are capable of identifying near‐native poses within different subsets of the benchmark. This information can provide guides for the use of the most efficient scoring function for each docking method, as well as instruct future scoring functions development efforts. Proteins 2017; 85:1287–1297. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The molecular behavior of a single β‐amyloid inside a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer at three different temperatures: An atomistic simulation study: Aβ interaction with DPPC: Atomistic simulation
Authors: Kargar Faezeh , Emadi Saeed , Fazli Hossein
Published: March 2017

The behavior of a single Aβ40 molecule within a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer was studied by all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of membrane structure was investigated on Aβ40 behavior, secondary structure, and insertion depth. Simulations were performed at three temperatures (323, 310, and 300 K) to probe three different bilayer fluidities. Results show that at all above temperatures, the peptide contains two short helices, coil, bend, and turn structures. At 300 K, the peptide contains a region with β structure in C‐terminal region. Our results also show that Aβ decreases the bilayer thickness and the order of lipids in its vicinity which leads to water insertion into the bilayer and concomitant increase in the local fluidity. The peptide remains embedded in the bilayer at all temperatures, and become inserted into the bilayer up to several residues at 323 and 310 K. At 310 and 300 K, the dominant interaction energy between Aβ and bilayer changes from electrostatic to van der Waals. It can be proposed that at higher temperatures (e.g., 323 K), Lys28 and the C‐terminal region of the peptide play the role of two anchors that keep Aβ inside the top leaflet. This study demonstrates that Aβ molecule can perturb the integrity of cellular membranes. Proteins 2017; 85:1298–1310. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The H3 loop of antibodies shows unique structural characteristics
Authors: Regep Cristian , Georges Guy , Shi Jiye , Popovic Bojana , Deane Charlotte M.
Published: March 2017

The H3 loop in the Complementarity Determining Region of antibodies plays a key role in their ability to bind the diverse space of potential antigens. It is also exceptionally difficult to model computationally causing a significant hurdle forin silicodevelopment of antibody biotherapeutics. In this article, we show that most H3s have unique structural characteristics which may explain why they are so challenging to model. We found that over 75% of H3 loops do not have a sub‐Angstrom structural neighbor in the non‐antibody world. Also, in a comparison with a nonredundant set of all protein fragments over 30% of H3 loops have a unique structure, with the average for all of other loops being less than 3%. We further observed that this structural difference can be seen at the level of four residue fragments where H3 loops present numerous novel conformations, and also at the level of individual residues with Tyrosine and Glycine often found in energetically unfavorable conformations. Proteins 2017; 85:1311–1318. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coevolutionary constraints in the sequence‐space of macromolecular complexes reflect their self‐assembly pathways
Authors: Mallik Saurav , Kundu Sudip
Published: March 2017

Is the order in which biomolecular subunits self‐assemble into functional macromolecular complexes imprinted in their sequence‐space? Here, we demonstrate that the temporal order of macromolecular complex self‐assembly can be efficiently captured using the landscape of residue‐level coevolutionary constraints. This predictive power of coevolutionary constraints is irrespective of the structural, functional, and phylogenetic classification of the complex and of the stoichiometry and quaternary arrangement of the constituent monomers. Combining this result with a number of structural attributes estimated from the crystal structure data, we find indications that stronger coevolutionary constraints at interfaces formed early in the assembly hierarchy probably promotes coordinated fixation of mutations that leads to high‐affinity binding with higher surface area, increased surface complementarity and elevated number of molecular contacts, compared to those that form late in the assembly. Proteins 2017; 85:1183–1189. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resolving protein structure‐function‐binding site relationships from a binding site similarity network perspective
Authors: Mudgal Richa , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy , Chandra Nagasuma
Published: March 2017

Functional annotation is seldom straightforward with complexities arising due to functional divergence in protein families or functional convergence between non‐homologous protein families, leading to mis‐annotations. An enzyme may contain multiple domains and not all domains may be involved in a given function, adding to the complexity in function annotation. To address this, we use binding site information from bound cognate ligands and catalytic residues, since it can help in resolving fold‐function relationships at a finer level and with higher confidence. A comprehensive database of 2,020 fold‐function‐binding site relationships has been systematically generated. A network‐based approach is employed to capture the complexity in these relationships, from which different types of associations are deciphered, that identify versatile protein folds performing diverse functions, same function associated with multiple folds and one‐to‐one relationships. Binding site similarity networks integrated with fold, function, and ligand similarity information are generated to understand the depth of these relationships. Apart from the observed continuity in the functional site space, network properties of these revealed versatile families with topologically different or dissimilar binding sites and structural families that perform very similar functions. As a case study, subtle changes in the active site of a set of evolutionarily related superfamilies are studied using these networks. Tracing of such similarities in evolutionarily related proteins provide clues into the transition and evolution of protein functions. Insights from this study will be helpful in accurate and reliable functional annotations of uncharacterized proteins, poly‐pharmacology, and designing enzymes with new functional capabilities. Proteins 2017; 85:1319–1335. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A case of lung abscess successfully treated by transbronchial drainage using a guide sheath
Authors: Izumi Hiroki , Kodani Masahiro , Matsumoto Shingo , Kawasaki Yuji , Igishi Tadashi , Shimizu Eiji
Published: March 2017

A 51‐year‐old man was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2011, and a solitary pulmonary nodule was detected by computed tomography (CT) scan. We performed a transbronchial biopsy with endobronchial ultrasonography using a guide sheath (GS) and diagnosed lung metastasis of colon cancer. The patient experienced remittent fever after the biopsy in spite of intravenous antibiotic therapies. Moreover, his CT scan showed a large lung abscess at the biopsy site. We performed transbronchial drainage using a GS as salvage therapy. The bloody pus was successfully aspirated, and chest X‐ray following the procedure showed dramatic shrinkage of the abscess.
The Conceptual Complexity of Vocabulary in Elementary‐Grades Core Science Program Textbooks
Authors: Fitzgerald W. Jill , Elmore Jeff , Kung Melody , Stenner A. Jackson
Published: March 2017

The researchers explored the conceptual complexity of vocabulary in contemporary elementary‐grades core science program textbooks to address two research questions: (1) Can a progression of concepts’ complexity level be described across grades? (2) Was there gradual developmental growth of the most complex concepts’ networks of associated concepts from the beginning of a program to the end? That is, for the most complex concepts, did associated concepts begin to appear in the early grades, with gradual cumulative addition of associated concepts throughout the elementary grades? Gradual accumulation of associated concepts could enable students to progressively construct a mental network of concepts within which a more complex concept could be situated, a network that could facilitate learning of most complex concepts. Two best‐selling, contemporary elementary‐grades core science programs constituted the data source. The researchers employed two measures: a conceptual complexity measure and the number of associated concepts (called nodes in concept networks) for each of the most complex concepts. The researchers conducted multilevel modeling and found that, on the whole, the programs exposed students to increasingly complex concepts with the rise of grades. Few highly complex concepts appeared in the earliest grades. Similarly, few associated concepts for the most complex concepts appeared in the earliest grades. Instead, associated concepts tended to be introduced simultaneously with the most complex concepts in the later grades. That is, on the whole, the programs did not expose students to the opportunity to construct strong affiliated concept networks (clusters of associated constructs) prior to introduction of the most complex concepts.
Weather radar data correlate to hail‐induced mortality in grassland birds
Authors: Carver Amber R. , Ross Jeremy D. , Augustine David J. , Skagen Susan K. , Dwyer Angela M. , Tomback Diana F. , Wunder Michael B.
Published: March 2017

Small‐bodied terrestrial animals such as songbirds (Order Passeriformes) are especially vulnerable to hail‐induced mortality; yet, hail events are challenging to predict, and they often occur in locations where populations are not being studied. Focusing on nesting grassland songbirds, we demonstrate a novel approach to estimate hail‐induced mortality. We quantify the relationship between the probability of nests destroyed by hail and measured Level‐III Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) data, including atmospheric base reflectivity, maximum estimated size of hail and maximum estimated azimuthal wind shear. On 22 June 2014, a hailstorm in northern Colorado destroyed 102 out of 203 known nests within our research site. Lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) nests comprised most of the sample (n = 186). Destroyed nests were more likely to be found in areas of higher storm intensity, and distributions of NEXRAD variables differed between failed and surviving nests. For 133 ground nests where nest‐site vegetation was measured, we examined the ameliorative influence of woody vegetation, nest cover and vegetation density by comparing results for 13 different logistic regression models incorporating the independent and additive effects of weather and vegetation variables. The most parsimonious model used only the interactive effect of hail size and wind shear to predict the probability of nest survival, and the data provided no support for any of the models without this predictor. We conclude that vegetation structure may not mitigate mortality from severe hailstorms and that weather radar products can be used remotely to estimate potential for hail mortality of nesting grassland birds. These insights will improve the efficacy of grassland bird population models under predicted climate change scenarios.
Experimental investigation of mega‐sub isolation structure
Authors: Tan Ping , Zhang Ying , Li Xiangxiu , Li Xiaojun , Liu Aiwen , Zhou Fulin
Published: March 2017

As urban high‐rise buildings increase, a mega‐sub configuration is proposed by engineers, which consists of two major structural components, a megastucture as the load‐bearing main structural frame and several functional substructures for residential or other usage. This paper presents a new mega‐sub isolation structure, in which substructures are designed to isolate from megastructure using special isolation devices. The equations of motion of the mega‐sub isolation structure are established, and its vibration mitigation mechanism is investigated systematically using a simplified lumped mass structural model. With the increase in substructure mass, working mechanism of mega‐sub isolation structure is changed from tuned vibration absorber, mid‐story isolation to base isolation. In the light of theoretical studies, three steel frame specimens of four mega frame stories were tested. The experimental results show that the isolated structure and lower substructure‐consolidated structure perform better than aseismic structure, and transfer functions derived from the test data support the conclusion of theoretical analysis that the control mechanism of this novel mega‐sub isolation structure is similar to mid‐story isolated structure in the case of the mass ratio between the substructure and the megastructure closed to 1, which is the most general situation in engineering.
Hydrolytic Activity of Castor Bean Powder: Effect of Gum Arabic, Lipase and Oil Concentrations
Authors: Salaberría Florencia , Palla Camila , Carrín María Elena
Published: March 2017

Lipase activity from castor bean seed powders was evaluated in hydrolysis reactions at 37 °C. The effects of different concentrations of lipase powder (LP), substrate (high oleic sunflower oil, O) and surfactant (gum arabic, A) on lipase activity (R) were assessed using experimental designs. Considered variable bounds were: 0.05–0.15 gLP, 0.07–0.20 oil:aqueous phase (w/w) and 0–0.025 g gum arabic/mL. All variables had significant effects on the transformed response, R1/2. The most important result was the negative effect of gum arabic in lipase activity, even when high oil concentrations were used. Experimental lipase activities involved in this work were within 0.32–16.90 mmolFFA/goil·gLP·h. Using 0.05 gLP and 0.20 oil:aqueous phase (w/w) without gum arabic, the activity of 20.47 ± 7.19 mmolFFA/goil·gLP·h was reached.
The Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS): Reliability, validity, and gender invariance in an Indian adolescent sample
Authors: Hashim Jayana , Areepattamannil Shaljan
Published: March 2017

This study examined the internal consistency reliability, factorial, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity, as well as gender invariance of the Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS; Seligson, Huebner, & Valois, 2003) in a sample of 445 adolescents (Mage = 16.04 years) hailing from the southernmost state of India, Kerala. The study also examined the test‐retest reliability (n = 392) of the BMSLSS. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient suggested that the BMSLSS was reliable. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated the factorial validity of the BMSLSS. Bivariate correlational analyses provided support for the convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the BMSLSS. The test‐retest reliability coefficient indicated the temporal stability of the BMSLSS. Finally, multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the gender invariance of the BMSLSS.
Satellite Data Reveal Effects of Aerosols in Earth's Atmosphere
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: March 2017

Combining data from multiple sources could aid in predicting the tiny atmospheric particles' effects on global warming.
Lunar Lava Tubes Could Offer Future Moon Explorers a Safe Haven
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2017

Scientists find evidence that a 50-meter-deep pit on the Moon's surface could be a skylight opening to an intact lava tube tens of kilometers long.
Direct catechol conjugation of mussel-inspired biomacromolecule coatings to polymeric membranes with antifouling properties, anticoagulant activity and cytocompatibility
Authors: Wang Rui , Xie Yi , Xiang Tao , Sun Shudong , Zhao Changsheng
Published: March 2017

TheO-sulfated chitosan andN,O-sulfated chitosan coatings were prepared by direct catechol conjugation to enrich the biological applications of polymeric membranes.
Light-induced generation of free radicals by fullerene derivatives: an important degradation pathway in organic photovoltaics?
Authors: Inasaridze L. N. , Shames A. I. , Martynov I. V. , Li B. , Mumyatov A. V. , Susarova D. K. , Katz E. A. , Troshin P. A.
Published: March 2017

Photochemical degradation of fullerene derivatives producing persistent radical species represents one of the key failure mechanisms of organic solar cells.
Microwave-synthesized tin oxide nanocrystals for low-temperature solution-processed planar junction organo-halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Abulikemu Mutalifu , Neophytou Marios , Barbé Jérémy M. , Tietze Max L. , El Labban Abdulrahman , Anjum Dalaver H. , Amassian Aram , McCulloch Iain , Del Gobbo Silvano
Published: March 2017

Tin oxide nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted non-aqueous sol–gel were used to cast an electron transporting layer for organohalide perovskite solar cells showing, in average, high efficiencies thanks to the good optoelectronic properties of the material.
Amidoxime-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose–mesoporous silica composites for carbon dioxide sorption at ambient and elevated temperatures
Authors: Dassanayake Rohan S. , Gunathilake Chamila , Dassanayake Arosha C. , Abidi Noureddine , Jaroniec Mietek
Published: March 2017

Nanocrystalline cellulose–mesoporous silica composites with attached double amidoxime groups show high CO2sorption at elevated temperatures.
In pursuit of catalytic cathodes for lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Eftekhari Ali , Ramanujam Balaji
Published: March 2017

Li–O2 batteries are among the most promising electrochemical energy storage systems, which have attracted significant attention over the past five years due to their potential to satisfy new demands such as powering electric vehicles.
Improved carriers injection capacity in perovskite solar cells by introducing A-site interstitial defects
Authors: Zhao Pengjun , Yin Wenping , Kim Minwoo , Han Manhyung , Song Young Jae , Ahn Tae Kyu , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: March 2017

A new strategy to enhance perovskite solar cell performance by introducing potassium cation (K+) as interstitial site defects.
Acridine-based novel hole transporting material for high efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cho An-Na , Chakravarthi Nallan , Kranthiraja Kakaraparthi , Reddy Saripally Sudhaker , Kim Hui-Seon , Jin Sung-Ho , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: March 2017

The cost-effective hole transporting material ACR-TPA based on a 9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine core is synthesized and found to be a promising alternative to spiro-MeOTAD because of its comparable photovoltaic performance.
The emergence of solar thermal utilization: solar-driven steam generation
Authors: Deng Ziyang , Zhou Jianhua , Miao Lei , Liu Chengyan , Peng Ying , Sun Lixian , Tanemura Sakae
Published: March 2017

This work mainly reviewed the classification, development, influencing factors and future prospects of solar-driven steam generation systems.
Gas-templating of hierarchically structured Ni–Co–P for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Peili , Chen Hong , Wang Mei , Yang Yong , Jiang Jian , Zhang Biaobiao , Duan Lele , Daniel Quentin , Li Fusheng , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2017

A hierarchically structured Ni–Co–P film exhibits remarkable activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction with a current density of −10 mA cm−2at −30 mVvs.the RHE.
Pushing up the efficiency of planar perovskite solar cells to 18.2% with organic small molecules as the electron transport layer
Authors: Gu Pei-Yang , Wang Ning , Wang Chengyuan , Zhou Yecheng , Long Guankui , Tian Miaomiao , Chen Wangqiao , Sun Xiao Wei , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate metal-oxide-free solution-processed inverted PSCs using sulfur-containing azaaceneTDTPas the ETL with a PCE of ∼18.2%.
Dynamic intracellular tracking nanoparticles via pH-evoked “off–on” fluorescence
Authors: Su T. , Cheng F. R. , Cao J. , Yan J. Q. , Peng X. Y. , He B.
Published: March 2017

Strong fluorescence induced by spiropyran isomerized into merocyanine in low pH was utilized as a probe for efficient dynamic intracellular tracking.
Novel sintering and band gap engineering of ZnTiO3 ceramics with excellent microwave dielectric properties
Authors: Lei Shenhui , Fan Huiqing , Ren Xiaohu , Fang Jiawen , Ma Longtao , Liu Zhiyong
Published: March 2017

Pure phase ZnTiO3 ceramics were successfully synthesized for the first time by a solid state reaction method.
Vitamin D deficiency and diabetes
Authors: Berridge Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the onset of diabetes. This review summarizes the role of Vitamin D in maintaining the normal release of insulin by the pancreatic beta cells (β-cells). Diabetes is initiated by the onset of insulin resistance. The β-cells can overcome this resistance by releasing more insulin, thus preventing hyperglycaemia. However, as this hyperactivity increases, the β-cells experience excessive Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling that results in cell death and the onset of diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency contributes to both the initial insulin resistance and the subsequent onset of diabetes caused by β-cell death. Vitamin D acts to reduce inflammation, which is a major process in inducing insulin resistance. Vitamin D maintains the normal resting levels of both Ca2+ and ROS that are elevated in the β-cells during diabetes. Vitamin D also has a very significant role in maintaining the epigenome. Epigenetic alterations are a feature of diabetes by which many diabetes-related genes are inactivated by hypermethylation. Vitamin D acts to prevent such hypermethylation by increasing the expression of the DNA demethylases that prevent hypermethylation of multiple gene promoter regions of many diabetes-related genes. What is remarkable is just how many cellular processes are maintained by Vitamin D. When Vitamin D is deficient, many of these processes begin to decline and this sets the stage for the onset of diseases such as diabetes.
The human cancer cell active toxin Cry41Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis acts like its insecticidal counterparts
Authors: Krishnan Vidisha , Domanska Barbara , Elhigazi Alicia , Afolabi Fatai , West Michelle J. , Crickmore Neil
Published: March 2017

Understanding how certain protein toxins from the normally insecticidal bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) target human cell lines has implications for both the risk assessment of products containing these toxins and potentially for cancer therapy. This understanding requires knowledge of whether the human cell active toxins work by the same mechanism as their insecticidal counterparts or by alternative ones. The Bt Cry41Aa (also known as Parasporin3) toxin is structurally related to the toxins synthesised by commercially produced transgenic insect-resistant plants, with the notable exception of an additional C-terminal β-trefoil ricin domain. To better understand its mechanism of action, we developed an efficient expression system for the toxin and created mutations in regions potentially involved in the toxic mechanism. Deletion of the ricin domain did not significantly affect the activity of the toxin against the human HepG2 cell line, suggesting that this region was not responsible for the mammalian specificity of Cry41Aa. Various biochemical assays suggested that unlike some other human cell active toxins from Bt Cry41Aa did not induce apoptosis, but that its mechanism of action was consistent with that of a pore-forming toxin. The toxin induced a rapid and significant decrease in metabolic activity. Adenosine triphosphate depletion, cell swelling and membrane damage were also observed. An exposed loop region believed to be involved in receptor binding of insecticidal Cry toxins was shown to be important for the activity of Cry41Aa against HepG2 cells.
Protein CoAlation: a redox-regulated protein modification by coenzyme A in mammalian cells
Authors: Tsuchiya Yugo , Peak-Chew Sew Yeu , Newell Clare , Miller-Aidoo Sheritta , Mangal Sriyash , Zhyvoloup Alexander , Bakovic´ Jovana , Malanchuk Oksana , Pereira Gonçalo C. , Kotiadis Vassilios , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Duchen Michael R. , Campbell Mark , Cuenca Sergio Rodriguez , Vidal-Puig Antonio , James Andrew M. , Murphy Michael P. , Filonenko Valeriy , Skehel Mark , Gout Ivan
Published: March 2017

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an obligatory cofactor in all branches of life. CoA and its derivatives are involved in major metabolic pathways, allosteric interactions and the regulation of gene expression. Abnormal biosynthesis and homeostasis of CoA and its derivatives have been associated with various human pathologies, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration. Using an anti-CoA monoclonal antibody and mass spectrometry, we identified a wide range of cellular proteins which are modified by covalent attachment of CoA to cysteine thiols (CoAlation). We show that protein CoAlation is a reversible post-translational modification that is induced in mammalian cells and tissues by oxidising agents and metabolic stress. Many key cellular enzymes were found to be CoAlated in vitro and in vivo in ways that modified their activities. Our study reveals that protein CoAlation is a widespread post-translational modification which may play an important role in redox regulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
The noncoding RNA linc-ADAMTS5 cooperates with RREB1 to protect from intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting ADAMTS5 expression
Authors: Wang Kun , Song Yu , Liu Wei , Wu Xinghuo , Zhang Yukun , Li Shuai , Kang Liang , Tu Ji , Zhao Kangcheng , Hua Wenbin , Yang Cao
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have indicated the important roles of ADAMTS5 in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the mechanisms that regulate ADAMTS5 expression in nuclear pulposus (NP) cells remain largely unknown. Evidence suggests that intergenic transcription may be associated with genes that encode transcriptional regulators. Here, we identified a long intergenic noncoding RNA, linc-ADAMTS5, which was transcribed in the opposite direction to ADAMTS5. In the present study, through mining computational algorithm programs, and publicly available data sets, we identified Ras-responsive element-binding protein 1 (RREB1) as a crucial transcription factor regulating the expression of ADAMTS5 in NP cells. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), in vitro binding assays, and gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that a physical interaction between linc-ADAMTS5 and splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) facilitated the recruitment of RREB1 to binding sites within the ADAMTS5 promoter to induce chromatin remodeling. This resulted in subdued ADAMTS5 levels in cultured NP cells involving histone deacetylases (HDACs). In clinical NP tissues, linc-ADAMTS5 and RREB1 were correlated negatively with ADAMTS5 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that RREB1 cooperates with noncoding RNA linc-ADAMTS5 to inhibit ADAMTS5 expression, thereby affecting degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the intervertebral disc (IVD).
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A165b ameliorates outer-retinal barrier and vascular dysfunction in the diabetic retina
Authors: Ved Nikita , Hulse Richard P. , Bestall Samuel M. , Donaldson Lucy F. , Bainbridge James W. , Bates David O.
Published: March 2017

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. Characteristic features of DR are retinal neurodegeneration, pathological angiogenesis and breakdown of both the inner and outer retinal barriers of the retinal vasculature and retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE)–choroid respectively. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), a key regulator of angiogenesis and permeability, is the target of most pharmacological interventions of DR. VEGF-A can be alternatively spliced at exon 8 to form two families of isoforms, pro- and anti-angiogenic. VEGF-A165a is the most abundant pro-angiogenic isoform, is pro-inflammatory and a potent inducer of permeability. VEGF-A165b is anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and neuroprotective. In the diabetic eye, pro-angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms are up-regulated such that they overpower VEGF-A165b. We hypothesized that this imbalance may contribute to increased breakdown of the retinal barriers and by redressing this imbalance, the pathological angiogenesis, fluid extravasation and retinal neurodegeneration could be ameliorated. VEGF-A165b prevented VEGF-A165a and hyperglycaemia-induced tight junction (TJ) breakdown and subsequent increase in solute flux in RPE cells. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, there was an increase in Evans Blue extravasation after both 1 and 8 weeks of diabetes, which was reduced upon intravitreal and systemic delivery of recombinant human (rh)VEGF-A165b. Eight-week diabetic rats also showed an increase in retinal vessel density, which was prevented by VEGF-A165b. These results show rhVEGF-A165b reduces DR-associated blood–retina barrier (BRB) dysfunction, angiogenesis and neurodegeneration and may be a suitable therapeutic in treating DR.
Compact dual‐band dual‐mode microstrip‐fed dipole‐loop antennas for pattern diversity arrays
Authors: Sarkar D. , Srivastava K.V.
Published: March 2017

In this Letter, a compact dual‐band dual‐mode microstrip‐fed dipole‐loop (MDL) element is proposed, which consists of a rectangular loop‐structure embedded in the feed‐line of a printed dipole. This MDL element exhibits an additional one‐wavelength loop resonance at a lower frequency (1.55 GHz) with omnidirectional pattern, along with the conventional reflector‐backed half‐wavelength dipole mode (2.55 GHz) having end‐fire radiation. Thus, electrical size reduction and dual‐band frequency‐dependent pattern diversity characteristics are obtained simultaneously in the MDL element. Furthermore, the proposed MDL element is used to construct a 1 × 2 array which operates at 1.45 and 2.59 GHz with impedance bandwidths of 14.33 and 12.92%, respectively. Bi‐directional broadside radiation (peak gain of 4.42 dBi) is achieved at the lower band, whereas the higher band exhibits high‐gain end‐fire radiation with peak gain of 7.46 dBi. The proposed design concepts are validated by Ansys HFSS simulations as well as measurements carried out on fabricated array prototypes.
Sparse PDE for SAR image speckle suppression
Authors: Wang Zelong , Tan Xintong , Yu Qi , Zhu Jubo
Published: March 2017

Speckle suppression is extremely important for understanding and utilising synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, while the emphasis of the traditional methods for speckle suppression is usually focused on removing the noise instead of keeping the scattering character of imaging objects, which has caused serious interference to the subsequent applications of SAR images. The authors aim to develop sparse partial differential equation (PDE) for speckle suppression of SAR image, where the PDE model is associated with the sparse prior of objects and the statistical property of speckle. The PDE model has been proved to have the ability of denoising and edge‐preserving by proper design, and the sparse prior of the point‐ and line‐like objects on SAR images has been also illustrated, both of which help for keeping the scattering characters. To solve the proposed sparse PDE model, a numerical algorithm is designed and the sparse constraint is realised in each step of the diffusion process. In experiments, several real SAR images are utilised to validate the performance of the proposed method.
Digital image watermarking method based on DCT and fractal encoding
Authors: Liu Shuai , Pan Zheng , Song Houbing
Published: March 2017

With the rapid development of computer science, problems with digital products piracy and copyright dispute become more serious; therefore, it is an urgent task to find solutions for these problems. In this study, the authors’ develop a digital watermarking algorithm based on a fractal encoding method and the discrete cosine transform (DCT). The proposed method combines fractal encoding method and DCT method for double encryptions to improve traditional DCT method. The image is encoded by fractal encoding as the first encryption, and then encoded parameters are used in DCT method as the second encryption. First, the fractal encoding method is adopted to encode a private image with private scales. Encoding parameters are applied as digital watermarking. Then, digital watermarking is added to the original image to reversibly using DCT, which means the authors can extract the private image from the carrier image with private encoding scales. Finally, attacking experiments are carried out on the carrier image by using several attacking methods. Experimental results show that the presented method has higher performance characteristics such as robustness and peak signal to noise ratio than classical methods.
Wideband aperture‐coupled antenna array based on Fabry–Perot resonator for C‐band applications
Authors: Khajeh Mohammad Lou Reza , Naser‐Moghadasi Mohammad
Published: March 2017

A novel Fabry–Perot resonator (FPR) antenna array in a C‐band, which produces broader gain bandwidth, flatter radiation efficiency and wider circular polarisation in comparison with conventional antenna arrays, is introduced. These improved characteristics are obtained using a superstrate constituting two complementary frequency selective surfaces placed above a 2 × 2 antenna array and fed by a 4 × 4 modified Butler matrix. The performance of the FPR antenna was verified by simulated and experimental outcomes. The experimental results indicated that the FPR antenna array possesses an impedance bandwidth between 3.7 and 8.55GHz for S11 ≤ −10dB, which covers the C‐band fully (4–8GHz). Moreover, the impedance bandwidth is approximately covered by the 3dB gain bandwidth between 4.4 and 7.5GHz with a peak value of 18.1 dBi. Finally, the FPR antenna array has a 3dB axial‐ratio bandwidth of 3.5GHz between 4.35 and 7.85GHz that includes major wireless standards.
Multi‐layer EBG slab waveguide based on open square rings
Authors: Ouassal Hassna , Shaker Jafar , Roy Langis , Chaharmir Reza , Hettak Khelifa
Published: March 2017

A novel guiding channel that is electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) based is presented. The structure is formed in a two‐dimensional slab of a square lattice of multi‐layer metallic open square rings. Dispersion diagrams and eigenfield distributions of the in‐gap‐guided mode are shown. The channel guide offers many advantages such as easy and flexible design for band‐select applications while retaining its electromagnetic properties, simple fabrication (no drilling through the substrate) and compatibility with integrated circuit technology. Two EBG waveguide configurations with a feeding structure on a circuit board (PCB) were designed, fabricated and tested. It is shown experimentally that the length of the EBG guide does not impact the insertion loss significantly, which establishes low insertion loss of the guide.
Segmented power distribution control system based on hybrid cascaded multilevel converter with parts of energy storage
Authors: Zha Xiaoming , Wang Pan , Liu Fei , Gong Jinwu , Zhu Feiyang
Published: March 2017

A segmented power‐distribution control system based on a hybrid cascaded multilevel converter with parts of energy storage is proposed in this study. The energy storage cells and ordinary cells are connected in series to form a hybrid cascaded topology, which reduces the number of isolated supplies. So, the front‐ends and secondary windings of phase‐shifting transformer are simplified. According to the different operation modes of the motor, a novel three‐segmented control strategy based on active and reactive power control is proposed to realise the energy flow among the ordinary cells, storage cells, and the motor. Thus, the regenerated energy can be stored and reutilised automatically, and then the DC‐link voltages of two types of cells will be kept within the appropriate scope. A hybrid cascaded multilevel converter with two ordinary cells and two energy storage cells in each phase is taken as an example conducted on a 380 V scale‐down laboratory prototype. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter system.
Robust evaluation of diffusion coefficient against displacement threshold parameter of single particle tracking algorithm
Authors: Motohashi Reiji , Hanasaki Itsuo , Ooi Yuto , Matsuda Yu
Published: March 2017

Single particle/molecule tracking is widely used for the evaluation of diffusion coefficients using diverse tracking algorithms. Many of them require the subtle decision of displacement threshold parameter to enable the appropriate tracking, though it depends on both of the diffusion coefficient itself and the measurement system. A simple and highly transferable technique is proposed to overcome this difficulty based on the evaluation of diffusion coefficient from the peak position of the distribution of squared displacements in the logarithmic scale. In combination with its linear dependence on time, this protocol is remarkably robust against the too large value of the displacement threshold including that covers the whole image. Furthermore, the proposed technique is compatible with many of the existing algorithms by construction.