bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of NUCKS Facilitates Corneal Recovery Following Alkali Burn
Authors: Poon Ming-Wai , Jiang Dan , Qin Peng , Zhang Yuelin , Qiu Beiying , Chanda Sumit , Tergaonkar Vinay , Li Qing , Wong Ian Y. , Yu Zhendong , Tse Hung-Fat , Wong David S. H. , Lian Qizhou
Published: January 2017

Corneal wound healing involves a complex cascade of cytokine-controlled cellular events, including inflammatory and angiogenesis responses that are regulated by transcriptional chromatin remodeling. Nuclear Ubiquitous Casein and cyclin-dependent Kinase Substrate (NUCKS) is a key chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator of metabolic signaling. In this study, we investigated the role of NUCKS in corneal wound healing by comparing its effects on corneal alkali burn in NUCKS knockout (NKO) and NUCKS wild-type (NWT) mice. Our data showed that following alkali-injury, inhibition of NUCKS (NKO) accelerated ocular resurfacing and suppressed neovascularization; the cytokine profile of alkali burned corneas in NKO mice showed suppressed expression of inflammation cytokines (IL1A & IL1B); upregulated expression of antiangiogenic factor (Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor; PEDF); and downregulated expression of angiogenic factor (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF); in vitro, following LPS-induced NFκB activation, NKO corneal cells showed reduced expression of IL6, IP10 and TNFα. In vitro, corneal epithelial cells showed reduced NF-κb activation on silencing of NUCKS and corresponding NFκB-mediated cytokine expression was reduced. Here, we illustrate that inhibition of NUCKS played a role in cytokine modulation and facilitated corneal recovery. This reveals a potential new effective strategy for ocular burn treatment.
An automated approach for microplastics analysis using focal plane array (FPA) FTIR microscopy and image analysis
Authors: Primpke S. , Lorenz C. , Rascher-Friesenhausen R. , Gerdts G.
Published: January 2017

We present an automated approach to reduce the time demand currently needed for data analyses. We have developed a novel analysis pipeline, followed by image analysis with Python and Simple ITK image processing modules.
Recent applications of the combination of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with nucleic acids: development of bioresponsive devices, carriers and sensors
Authors: Castillo Rafael R. , Baeza Alejandro , Vallet-Regí María
Published: January 2017

The control of many biological roles exerted by nucleic acids turned them into a powerful tool for the development of advanced biotechnological materials when in combination with mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
Metal ‘turn-off’, anion ‘turn-on’ gelation cascade in pyridinylmethyl ureas
Authors: Offiler Caroline A. , Jones Christopher D. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: January 2017

Pyridinylmethyl urea gels are weakened or destroyed by addition of transition metal ions but gelation is recovered by adding bromide giving rise to a gel–sol–gel chemically triggered cascade.
N–N bond formation in Ugi processes: from nitric acid to libraries of nitramines
Authors: Mercalli Valentina , Nyadanu Aude , Cordier Marie , Tron Gian Cesare , Grimaud Laurence , El Kaim Laurent
Published: January 2017

N–N bond formation in Ugi processes: from nitric acid to libraries of nitramines.
Drug–DNA complexation as the key factor in photosensitized thymine dimerization
Authors: Cuquerella M. Consuelo , Lhiaubet-Vallet Virginie , Miranda Miguel A. , Bosca Francisco
Published: January 2017

The crucial role of photosensitizer@DNA complexation in the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) has been demonstrated using femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption and emission measurements in combination with in vitro DNA damage assays.
Mechanistic insights for the photoredox organocatalytic fluorination of aliphatic carbons by anthraquinone using time-resolved and DFT studies
Authors: Kee J. W. , Shao H. , Kee C. W. , Lu Y. , Soo H. S. , Tan C.-H.
Published: January 2017

Nanosecond TAS and DFT calculations reveal mechanistic insights for photoredox fluorination of aliphatic C–H bonds and evidence of an anthraquinone–Selectfluor® exciplex.
Identification of novel inhibitors of the translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP): insights from molecular dynamics
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Maurya Ranjana , Saran Shweta
Published: January 2017

The translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a highly conserved multifunctional protein, preferentially expressed in mitotically active tissues and is a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target for lung cancers.
Designing safer oral drugs
Authors: Wenlock M. C.
Published: January 2017

Designing an oral drug such that its estimated dose to humans is both efficacious and safe is challenging. A new safety criterion for guiding drug-design activities which considers the amount of a compound in the human body at steady state is proposed.
Combined chain- and step-growth dispersion polymerization toward PSt particles with soft, clickable patches
Authors: Jiang Kun , Liu Yanan , Yan Yaping , Wang Shengliu , Liu Lianying , Yang Wantai
Published: January 2017

Particles with a hard body and soft, clickable dimple- or bulge-patches are prepared by simple combined chain- and step-growth dispersion polymerization.
Iridium-catalyzed polymerization of benzoic acids and internal diynes: a new route for constructing high molecular weight polynaphthalenes without the constraint of monomer stoichiometry
Authors: Han Ting , Zhao Zheng , Deng Haiqin , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2017

A green and powerful polymerization tool for constructing functional multisubstituted polynaphthalenes without strict control on monomer stoichiometry.
Fast construction of dianthraceno[a,e]pentalenes for OPV applications
Authors: Zhang Zhongbo , Fan Haijun , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: January 2017

A new method based on a palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction for the fast construction of a dianthraceno[a,e]pentalene (DAP) framework is developed, which gave a series of dianthraceno[a,e]pentalenes with good functional group tolerance, and it should be highlighted that five C–C bonds were formed in one reaction.
In silico prediction of serious eye irritation or corrosion potential of chemicals
Authors: Wang Qin , Li Xiao , Yang Hongbin , Cai Yingchun , Wang Yinyin , Wang Zhuang , Li Weihua , Tang Yun , Liu Guixia
Published: January 2017

Chemical fingerprints combined with machine learning methods were used to build binary classification models for predicting the potential EC/EI of compounds.
Enhanced capacity and lower mean charge voltage of Li-rich cathodes for lithium ion batteries resulting from low-temperature electrochemical activation
Authors: Erickson Evan M. , Schipper Florian , Tian Ruiyuan , Shin Ji-Yong , Erk Christoph , Chesneau Frederick Francois , Lampert Jordan K. , Markovsky Boris , Aurbach Doron
Published: January 2017

Activation of Li-rich cathode materials at low-temperatures (0 or 15 °C) results in ∼10% higher discharge capacities than activation at 30 °C.
Nanophasic morphologies as a function of the composition and molecular weight of the macromolecular cross-linker in poly(N-vinylimidazole)-l-poly(tetrahydrofuran) amphiphilic conetworks: bicontinuous domain structure in broad composition ranges
Authors: Fodor Csaba , Kali Gergely , Thomann Ralf , Thomann Yi , Iván Béla , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: January 2017

Compositionally asymmetrical morphologies and cocontinous nanophase-separated structures are formed over a broad composition range, affected by composition and the molecular weights of macromonomers.
Recyclable Cu(i)/ZrSBA-15 prepared via a mild vapor-reduction method for efficient thiophene removal from modeled oil
Authors: Gao Ce , An Qingda , Xiao Zuoyi , Zhai Shangru
Published: January 2017

Recyclable Cu(i)/ZrSBA-15 composites prepared via a controllable and effective methanol vapor-reduction method exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for the removal of thiophene (29.9 mg g−1).
Efficient access to triarylmethanes through decarboxylation
Authors: Saha Tiash , Kumar M. Srinivas Lavanya , Bera Saurav , Karkara Bidhu Bhusan , Panda Gautam
Published: January 2017

A new approach has been developed for diverse triarylmethanes by palladium catalyzed decarboxylative sp2–sp3 cross coupling where benzoic acids reacted with diaryl methyl iodides having both electron donating and withdrawing functionalities.
Synthesis and adsorption study of hyper-crosslinked styrene-based nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Castaldo R. , Avolio R. , Cocca M. , Gentile G. , Errico M. E. , Avella M. , Carfagna C. , Ambrogi V.
Published: January 2017

New nanocomposite microporous materials obtained by adding functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes to styrene/vinylbenzyl chloride/divinylbenzene hyper-crosslinked resins were prepared and characterized.
Formation and conversion of six temperature-dependent fluorescent ZnII-complexes containing two in situ formed N-rich heterocyclic ligands
Authors: Wei Qin , Wei Mei-Juan , Ou Yan-Jun , Zhang Ji-Yuan , Huang Xia , Cai Yue-Peng , Si Li-Ping
Published: January 2017

Formation and conversion of six temperature-dependent fluorescent ZnII-complexes containing two solvothermal in situ formed N-rich heterocyclic ligands from simply N3 set Schiff base were systematically studied for the first time.
Betainium-based ionic liquids catalyzed multicomponent Hantzsch reactions for the efficient synthesis of acridinediones
Authors: Zhu Anlian , Liu Ruixia , Du Chunyan , Li Lingjun
Published: January 2017

Betainium lactate was found to be an efficient catalyst for the Hantzsch reactions under mild conditions.
Effect of the surface properties of resorcinol–formaldehyde resin/carbon nanocomposites and their carbonization products on the solid-phase extraction of explosives
Authors: Bogatyrov Viktor M. , Galaburda Mariia V. , Tomaszewski Waldemar , Skubiszewska-Zięba Jadwiga
Published: January 2017

This is the first application of composites containing carbon nanofillers as effective adsorbents for SPE of explosives from aqueous samples.
Hydrophilic nanofibrous composite membrane prepared by melt-blending extrusion for effective separation of oil/water emulsion
Authors: Xu Dandan , Zheng Xiaoting , Xiao Ru
Published: January 2017

EVOH nanofiber membrane was prepared by melt blending extrusion and high-speed airflow deposition. Then NCC/EVOH nanofiber composite membranes were obtainedviacoating and deposition the barrier layer on the surface of the nanofiber membrane for oil/water separation.
Highly sensitive and reliable SERS probes based on nanogap control of a Au–Ag alloy on silica nanoparticles
Authors: Pham Xuan-Hung , Lee Minwoo , Shim Seongbo , Jeong Sinyoung , Kim Hyung-Mo , Hahm Eunil , Lee Sang Hun , Lee Yoon-Sik , Jeong Dae Hong , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: January 2017

We developed highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes based on SiO2@Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) using the Ag growth onto Au NP seeds method.
Polystyrene core–silica shell composite particles: effect of mesoporous shell structures on oxide CMP and mechanical stability
Authors: Chen Yang , Chen Ailian , Qin Jiawei
Published: January 2017

Organic/inorganic composite particles with a core–shell structure exhibit potential applications in chemical mechanical polishing/planarization (CMP) for mechanically challenging materials (copper and low-k dielectrics etc.).
Prevention of active-site destruction during the synthesis of high performance non-Pt cathode catalyst for fuel cells
Authors: Li Rui , Ge Yu Jun , He Fan , Dou Li Ting , Liu Bin Hong , Li Zhou Peng
Published: January 2017

Active-site destruction caused by CO2 attack and thermal decomposition leads to catalyst deterioration toward oxygen reduction reaction.
Synthesis of human hair fiber-impregnated chitosan beads functionalized with citric acid for the adsorption of lysozyme
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Bai Bo , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: January 2017

Herein, a novel CA-CS/HHF composite was firstly constructed by impregnating human hair fiber into a CS matrix and then functionalized with citric acid.
Study on the efficient PV/TE characteristics of the self-assembled thin films based on bismuth telluride/cadmium telluride
Authors: Raman Vivekanandan , Punnoose Dinah , Baraneedharan Pari , Rao Sunkara Srinivasa , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , S Venkatesh , Brahadeeswaran S , Kim Hee-Je
Published: January 2017

To effectively use the entire solar spectrum for energy conversion, a new type of solar cell based on a Bi2Te3/CdTe composite in a core shell structure was designed and prepared using a wet chemical method.
Single-component Eu3+–Tb3+–Gd3+-grafted polymer with ultra-high color rendering index white-light emission
Authors: Liu Lin , Fu Guorui , Li Baoning , Lü Xingqiang , Wong Wai-Kwok , Jones Richard A.
Published: January 2017

Color-tuning to white-light (CIE coordinates of x = 0.322, y = 0.331; CCT of 5979 K; ultra-high CRI of 94) with a highly luminous efficiency (17.8%) was achieved for single-component Eu3+−Tb3+−Gd3+-grafted polymer Poly(MMA-co-2-co-3-co-4).
Photonic sintering of a ZnO nanosheet photoanode using flash white light combined with deep UV irradiation for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Patil Supriya A. , Hwang Hyun-Jun , Yu Myeong-Hyeon , Shrestha Nabeen K. , Kim Hak-Sung
Published: January 2017

The present report details research work on the photonic sintering of ZnO nanosheets (ZnO NSs), which were synthesized via a solid-state synthesis method.
One-step solvothermal synthesis of interlaced nanoflake-assembled flower-like hierarchical Ag/Cu2O composite microspheres with enhanced visible light photocatalytic properties
Authors: Zhang Yongxing , Zhou Xiangbo , Zhao Yuanyuan , Liu Zhongliang , Ma Dong , Chen San , Zhu Guangping , Li Xuanhua
Published: January 2017

The interlaced nanoflake-assembled flower-like hierarchical Ag/Cu2O composite microspheres with enhanced visible light photocatalytic properties have been prepared via a one-step, environmentally friendly solvothermal method.
Measurement of Wenzel roughness factor by laser scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Hongru Ai , Xiangqin Li , Shuyan Shi , Ying Zhang , Tianqing Liu
Published: January 2017

The Wenzel roughness factorris one of the most important parameters to characterize a super-hydrophobic surface.
Rational molecular engineering ofl-amino acid deaminase for production of α-ketoisovaleric acid froml-valine by Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Ruoxi , Sakir Hossain Gazi , Li Jianghua , Shin Hyun-dong , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian , Liu Long
Published: January 2017

The targeted modification of enzymatic efficiency can drive an increased production of desired metabolites.
Hybrid luminescent porous silicon for efficient drug loading and release
Authors: Ghafarinazari A. , Scarpa M. , Zoccatelli G. , Comes Franchini M. , Locatelli E. , Daldosso N.
Published: January 2017

In recent decades, biocompatible and light emitting porous silicon (pSi) showed the possibility for use in biomedical applications.
Pb electrodeposition from PbO in the urea/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride at room temperature
Authors: He Wencai , Liu Aimin , Guan Jinzhao , Shi Zhongning , Gao Bingliang , Hu Xianwei , Wang Zhaowen
Published: January 2017

In this study, we dissolved PbO in a new electrolyte urea/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIC) and electrochemically extracted Pb.
A three dimensional N-doped graphene/CNTs/AC hybrid material for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Zi-Ang , Tao Yuxi , Song Xue-Zhi , Bao Ming , Tan Zhenquan
Published: January 2017

Single walled carbon nanotubes and activated carbon intercalated N-doped graphene hybrid material was successfully fabricated and exhibited high performance as a supercapacitor.
Influence of removing PMMA residues on surface of CVD graphene using a contact-mode atomic force microscope
Authors: Choi Woosuk , Shehzad Muhammad Arslan , Park Sanghoon , Seo Yongho
Published: January 2017

AFM cleaning technique can be a potential tool to clean the surface defects of 2D materials like TMDs, as well as graphene.
Exploration of metabolite signatures using high-throughput mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate data analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Liu Peng , Li Yuanfeng , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: January 2017

Disease impacts important metabolic pathways and the alteration of metabolites may serve as a potential biomarker for early-stage diagnosis.
Stimuli-responsive magneto-/electro-chromatic color-tunable hydrophobic surface modified Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles for reflective display approaches
Authors: Lee S. , Kim J. Y. , Cheon S. , Kim S. , Kim D. , Ryu H.
Published: January 2017

Magneto-/electro-chromatic reflective color tunability is confirmed using hydrophobic surface modified magnetite nanoparticles. The optical reflective color spectra and color gamut demonstrate the promising applications in reflective displays.
Adhesive-free adhesion between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR) via heat-assisted plasma treatment
Authors: Ohkubo Y. , Ishihara K. , Sato H. , Shibahara M. , Nagatani A. , Honda K. , Endo K. , Yamamura Y.
Published: January 2017

A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface was modified using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment under heating (heat-assisted plasma treatment) to promote its direct adhesion to isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR) without any adhesives.
Superhydrophobic polysilsesquioxane/polystyrene microspheres with controllable morphology: from raspberry-like to flower-like structure
Authors: Dong Fuping , Xie Haibo , Zheng Qiang , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: January 2017

Superhydrophobic polysilsesquioxane/polystyrene micro-spheres with raspberry- to flower-like structure were fabricated via a CTAB-assisted sol–gel approach.
Self-assembled Co9S8/RGO-CNT interconnected architecture as composite electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Wen , Li Ye , Han Xiao , Zhao Xiaoran , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2017

Co9S8nanoparticles are dispersed homogeneously on the backbone of self-assembled RGO-CNT by using hydrothermal and vacuum filtration method.
Synthesis of Y2O3:Bi3+,Yb3+ nanosheets from layered yttrium hydroxide precursor and their photoluminescence properties
Authors: Higashi Keita , Watanabe Yutaka , Iso Yoshiki , Isobe Tetsuhiko
Published: January 2017

Morphologies, photoluminescence properties, and photostability were characterized for Y2O3:Bi3+,Yb3+ fluorescent nanosheets prepared through calcining solvothermally synthesized layered yttrium hydroxide precursors.
In-plane oriented highly ordered lamellar structure formation of poly(N-dodecylacrylamide) induced by humid annealing
Authors: Hashimoto Yuki , Sato Takuma , Goto Ryosuke , Nagao Yuki , Mitsuishi Masaya , Nagano Shusaku , Matsui Jun
Published: January 2017

Highly oriented and ordered lamellar polymer film was prepared by simply annealing the poly(N-dodecylacrylamide) film under humid conditions.
A facile, simple, and inexpensive ionic liquid, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazole chloride, as ligand for the iron(iii)-mediated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zhu Qian , Zhang Qiuyan , Zhang Yanguang , Ding Chen
Published: January 2017

The facile, simple, and inexpensive ILs, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazole chloride ([Rmim][Cl]), are explored for the first time as ligands for the reverse ATRP of methacrylates.
Engineering π–π interactions for enhanced photoluminescent properties: unique discrete dimeric packing of perylene diimides
Authors: Shao Yu , Yin Guang-Zhong , Ren Xiangkui , Zhang Xinlin , Wang Jing , Guo Kai , Li Xiaopeng , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Zhang Wen-Bin , Yang Shuguang , Zhu Meifang , Sun Bin
Published: January 2017

This article reports the unique dimeric packing of POSS-PDI-POSS shape amphiphile which has great enhanced photoluminescent properties in the crystals compared with the more amorphous solid state.
Template-directed synthesis of linear porphyrin oligomers: classical, Vernier and mutual Vernier
Authors: Kamonsutthipaijit Nuntaporn , Anderson Harry L.
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate a variety of template-directed strategies for preparing linear monodisperse butadiyne-linked porphyrin oligomers by Glaser–Hay coupling, based on the coordination of pyridine-substituted nickel(ii) porphyrins to zinc(ii) porphyrins.
Toward high energy density cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries: investigating the beneficial effect of aluminum doping on the P2-type structure
Authors: Hasa Ivana , Passerini Stefano , Hassoun Jusef
Published: January 2017

Aluminum doping of the P2-type layered structure results in a Na-ion cathode material (Na0.6Ni0.22Al0.11Mn0.66O2) with excellent performance.
Redox-active poly(ionic liquid)s as active materials for energy storage applications
Authors: Hernández G. , Işik M. , Mantione D. , Pendashteh A. , Navalpotro P. , Shanmukaraj D. , Marcilla R. , Mecerreyes D.
Published: January 2017

The incorporation of redox-active counter anions (anthraquinone and nitroxide groups) into poly(ionic liquid)s broadens the scope of applications to different energy storage technologies such as lithium, metal-air or redox-flow batteries.
Large-scale production of silicon nanoparticles@graphene embedded in nanotubes as ultra-robust battery anodes
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhu Jian , Chen Yao , Yang Hongguan , Qin Yong , Li Fang , Cheng Qifa , Yu Xinzhi , Xu Zhi , Lu Bingan
Published: January 2017

The scalable synthesis of Si nanoparticles@graphene encapsulated in nanotubes as anodes for LIBs shows ultrahigh coulombic efficiency and excellent cycling stability.
Functional TiO2 nanocoral architecture for light-activated cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Yadav Hemraj M. , Thorat Nanasaheb D. , Yallapu Murali M. , Tofail Syed A. M. , Kim Jung-Sik
Published: January 2017

To achieve light-triggered drug release in cancer chemotherapy, we developed multimodal titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocorals modified with methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG).
A novel angularly fused bistetracene: facile synthesis, crystal packing and single-crystal field effect transistors
Authors: Wang Zunzhi , Li Rongjin , Chen Yulan , Tan Yuan-Zhi , Tu Zeyi , Gao Xuejiao J. , Dong Huanli , Yi Yuanping , Zhang Yu , Hu Wenping , Müllen Klaus , Chen Long
Published: January 2017

Simply “migrating” the aromatic sextet of cata-condensed 2D PAH with the same number of fused benzene rings affords novel organic semiconductors with different properties.
Covalent surface modification with electron-donating/accepting π-conjugated chains to effectively tune the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag SiC nanoribbons
Authors: Shen Xiaopeng , Yu Guangtao , Zhang Zengsong , Liu Jingwei , Li Hui , Huang Xuri , Chen Wei
Published: January 2017

Covalent surface modification with electron-donating/withdrawing π-conjugated chains as an effective strategy to engineer the band structure of zSiCNR.
A chiral interpenetrating polymer network constructed by helical substituted polyacetylenes and used for glucose adsorption
Authors: Liang Junya , Deng Jianping
Published: January 2017

A chiral porous interpenetrating polymer network was successfully prepared and applied in glucose isomer selective adsorption.
Tuning the local solvent composition at a drug carrier surface: the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide/water mixture on the photofunctional properties of hypericin–β-lactoglobulin complexes
Authors: Delcanale P. , Rodríguez-Amigo B. , Juárez-Jiménez J. , Luque F. J. , Abbruzzetti S. , Agut M. , Nonell S. , Viappiani C.
Published: January 2017

The introduction of a small amount of the organic cosolvent dimethyl sulfoxide leads to a remarkable improvement of the photophysical properties of the complex between hypericin and lactoglobulin.
Astrocytic transporters in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ugbode Chris , Hu Yuhan , Whalley Benjamin , Peers Chris , Rattray Marcus , Dallas Mark L.
Published: January 2017

Astrocytes play a fundamental role in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that astrocytes undergo both cellular and molecular changes at an early stage in neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These changes may reflect a change from a neuroprotective to a neurotoxic phenotype. Given the lack of current disease-modifying therapies for AD, astrocytes have become an interesting and viable target for therapeutic intervention. The astrocyte transport system covers a diverse array of proteins involved in metabolic support, neurotransmission and synaptic architecture. Therefore, specific targeting of individual transporter families has the potential to suppress neurodegeneration, a characteristic hallmark of AD. A small number of the 400 transporter superfamilies are expressed in astrocytes, with evidence highlighting a fraction of these are implicated in AD. Here, we review the current evidence for six astrocytic transporter subfamilies involved in AD, as reported in both animal and human studies. This review confirms that astrocytes are indeed a viable target, highlights the complexities of studying astrocytes and provides future directives to exploit the potential of astrocytes in tackling AD.
Exact SNR and SIR analysis in Poisson wireless networks
Authors: Efthymoglou G.P. , Bithas P.S. , Kanatas A.G.
Published: January 2017

The probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and the received signal‐to‐interference ratio (SIR), for interference‐limited systems is derived, at the nth nearest neighbour node in a Poisson point process wireless random network. The analytical expressions are given in terms of the Meijer G‐function and reveal the impact of node spatial density, transmit power, interference power, and path‐loss exponent on the connectivity probability of a broadcast wireless transmission. The analytical results are validated with computer simulation.
Finding Hankel singular values for singularly perturbed linear continuous‐time systems
Authors: Kodra Kliti , Skataric Maja , Gajic Zoran
Published: January 2017

This study presents an efficient algorithm for computing precisely the Hankel singular values of linear singularly perturbed systems. The algorithm is obtained in terms of reduced‐order problems and avoids numerical ill‐conditioning associated with singularly perturbed systems when the singular perturbation parameter is very small. The study compares the presented algorithm with the algorithm that exists in the control engineering literature and demonstrates its superiority. In addition, an analysis of system order reduction via balancing and singular perturbations is performed and it is concluded that the system order reduction via balancing is more general than the system order reduction obtained via the method of singular perturbations.
Fast coding algorithm for HEVC based on video contents
Authors: Yang Zhiyao , Shao Qinglong , Guo Shuxu
Published: January 2017

High efficiency video coding (HEVC) achieves higher coding efficiency than previous standards but introduces a large computational complexity. Because HEVC adopted some new advanced tools and the most prominent one is the flexible hierarchical coding structures which include coding unit (CU), prediction unit (PU), transform unit (TU). All of those units must be test through rate‐distortion optimisation. Since the CU is highly content dependent it is not efficient to test all the modes. In this study, the authors propose a fast coding algorithm for HEVC based on video contents. The authors statistically analysis the features of video contents from three aspects, the pixel gradient, the block mean value, and the block variance of CU. Then, jointly use these features with the CU depth levels and the prediction modes of spatiotemporal adjacent CUs to realise fast CU depth level decision and fast prediction mode decision. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can save 58.9 and 57.6% computational complexity on average with only average 1.8 and 1.9% bitrate losses under ‘random access, main’ and ‘low‐delay, main’ conditions, respectively.
Quality index evaluation of videos based on fuzzy interface system
Authors: Al‐Naji Ali , Lee Sang‐Heon , Chahl Javaan
Published: January 2017

Objective image quality assessment (IQA) is a challenge facing digital image and video processing systems because image quality is distorted during various applications, including restoration, compression, storage and transmission. Therefore, this study proposes a new methodology based on a fuzzy interface system called quality evaluation system (QES) to measure the total quality index (TQI) of input videos with many distorted situations. Nine quality metrics [peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, visual signal‐to‐noise ratio, weighted signal‐to‐noise ratio, structural similarity (SSIM), multi‐scale SSIM, universal image quality index, visual information fidelity, information fidelity criterion and noise quality measure] were used as inputs for three fuzzy logic controller systems, and their outputs were set as inputs to another fuzzy logic controller system to obtain the TQI of the input video. This process contributes to obtain clear performance of the quality index of the input video despite the failure of some IQA methods in providing quality performance of the input video in some situations. The proposed QES is tested on four videos captured with different digital cameras under different noise levels. Furthermore, the authors evaluated the proposed QES on three databases (TID2008, TID2013 and LIVE) to improve the experimental results. In addition, the authors used wavelet decomposition and image de‐noising to enhance the standard Eulerian video magnification technique. The proposed QES was also used to prove that the authors' magnification system has better magnification quality index than other magnification techniques.
Preparation of highly dispersed Mn–Ce mixed metal oxides supported on the nitric vapour functionalised CNTs for low‐temperature NO reduction with NH3
Authors: Lv Xin , Zheng Yi
Published: January 2017

Highly dispersed Mn–Ce mixed metal oxide catalysts supported on the nitric vapour functionalised carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesised by a polyol process for the low‐temperature NO reduction with NH3. The obtained samples possessed high Mn4+/Mn and Oα/Oα + Oβ ratios and exhibited 90–100% NO conversion at 180–240°C.
Technical feasibility of line-assisted complete closure technique for large mucosal defects after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kato Minoru , Takeuchi Yoji , Yamasaki Yasushi , Arao Masamichi , Suzuki Sho , Iwatsubo Taro , Hamada Kenta , Tonai Yusuke , Shichijo Satoki , Matsuura Noriko , Nakahira Hiroko , Kanesaka Takashi , Akasaka Tomofumi , Hanaoka Noboru , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Ishihara Ryu , Iishi Hiroyasu
Published: January 2017

Background and study aims Complete closure of large mucosal defects after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD) is considered impossible in most cases because of the limited width of the open clip. We therefore invented a simple closure technique using clip-and-line, named “line-assisted complete closure (LACC)”, and assessed its technical feasibility.

Patients and methods Between January and February 2016, we performed LACC in 11 patients after C-ESD and included them in this retrospective feasibility study. Outcome measures were procedural success rate, procedure time, and post-procedural complications.

Results The median size of the resected specimen was 36 mm (range 30 – 72 mm). Procedural success was achieved in 10 of 11 cases (91 %). Those 10 cases required a median of 9 endoclips (range 6 – 12) for complete closure. Median procedure time for LACC was 14 minutes (range 6 – 22). No complications were observed in any of the cases after the procedure.

Conclusion LACC is a simple and feasible technique for complete closure of large mucosal defects after C-ESD.
Efficacy
of single-incision needle-knife biopsy for sampling subepithelial
lesions
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Hwang Jason , Cirocco Maria , May Gary , Mosko Jeffrey , Teshima Christopher
Published: January 2017

Background and study aims Single-incision needle-knife (SINK) biopsy is a
diagnostic method for acquiring tissue samples for subepithelial lesions (SELs).
A single linear incision is made in the overlying mucosa and tissue samples are
obtained by passing conventional biopsy forceps through the opening and deep
into the lesion. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety
of this technique.

Patients and methods Consecutive patients who underwent SINK biopsy for an
upper gastrointestinal SEL between October 2013 and September 2015 were
retrospectively reviewed.

Results Forty-nine patients underwent 50 SINK biopsies. Sufficient
sampling for a definite pathologic diagnosis was obtained in 42 (86 %) cases,
with 91 % (40/44) having sufficient sample to perform immunohistochemistry when
deemed clinically relevant. Of the 26 patients with prior non-diagnostic
biopsies or FNA, a specific diagnosis was obtained in 85 % (22/26). There were
no significant adverse events.

Conclusions SINK biopsy is a safe and feasible strategy for obtaining a
definitive tissue diagnosis with immunohistochemistry for
SELs.
On the emergence of macroscopic transport barriers from staircase structures
Authors: Ashourvan Arash , Diamond P. H.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a theory for the formation and evolution of coupled density staircases and zonal shear profiles in a simple model of drift-wave turbulence. Density, vorticity, and fluctuation potential enstrophy are the fields evolved in this system. Formation of staircase structures is due to inhomogeneous mixing of generalized potential vorticity (PV), resulting in the sharpening of density and vorticity gradients in some regions, and weakening them in others. When the PV gradients steepen, the density staircase structure develops into a lattice of mesoscale “jumps,” and “steps,” which are, respectively, the regions of local gradient steepening and flattening. The jumps merge and migrate in radius, leading to the development of macroscale profile structures from mesoscale elements. The positive feedback process, which drives the staircase formation occurs via a Rhines scale dependent mixing length. We present extensive studies of bifurcation physics of the global state, including results on the global flux-gradient relations (flux landscapes) predicted by the model. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, depending on the sources and boundary conditions, either a region of enhanced confinement, or a region with strong turbulence can form at the edge. This suggests that the profile self-organization is a global process, though one which can be described by a local, but nonlinear model. This model is the first to demonstrate how the mesoscale condensation of staircases leads to global states of enhanced confinement.
A first-principles comparative study of lithium, sodium, and magnesium storage in pure and gallium-doped germanium: Competition between interstitial and substitutional sites
Authors: Legrain Fleur , Manzhos Sergei
Published: January 2017

Thermodynamics and kinetics of Li, Na, and Mg storage in Ge are studied ab initio. The most stable configurations can consist of tetrahedral, substitutional, or a combination of the two types of sites. In the dilute limit, Li and Na prefer interstitial, while Mg prefers substitutional sites. At higher concentrations of Li, Na, and Mg, there is a combination of interstitial and substitutional sites. This is an important finding, as most previous ab initio studies of alloying type electrode materials ignored substitutional sites. Insertion energies computed at dilute concentration (x = 1/64) show that Na and Mg insertion are not thermodynamically favored in Ge vs. the formation of bulk Na and Mg, as opposed to Li insertion which is favored. We investigate the effect of p-doping of Ge (with Ga) on the thermodynamics and find that it considerably lowers the defect formation energies associated with the insertion of Li/Na/Mg at tetrahedral sites. On the other hand, the energetics associated with Li/Na/Mg insertion at substitutional sites are not significantly affected. In addition, we compute the migration energy barriers for Li/Na/Mg diffusion between two tetrahedral sites (0.38/0.79/0.66 eV), between two substitutional sites (0.77/0.93/1.83 eV), and between two sites of different types (2.15/1.75/0.85 eV).
Nonscaling calculation of the effective diffusion coefficient in periodic channels
Authors: Kalinay Pavol
Published: January 2017

An algorithm calculating the effective diffusion coefficient D(x) in 2D and 3D channels with periodically varying cross section along the longitudinal coordinate x is presented. Unlike other methods, it is not based on scaling of the transverse coordinates, or the smallness of the width of the channel. The result is expressed as an integral of specific contributions to D(x) coming from the positions neighboring to x. The method avoids the hierarchy of derivatives of the channel shaping function h(x), so it is also suitable for the channels with cusps or jumps of their width. The method describes correctly D(x) in wide channels, giving the expected behavior in the limit of infinite width (no confinement).
Self modulation of slow magnetosonic waves and turbulence generation in solar coronal loops
Authors: Sharma R. P. , Sharma Prachi , Yadav Nitin
Published: January 2017

A mechanism based on turbulence for solar coronal heating has been introduced in the present work. Turbulence is considered as an important tool for heating. In the present work, turbulence generation takes place due to the nonlinear interaction of the magnetohydrodynamic waves. Slow magnetosonic waves get localized due to the density perturbations, which are assumed to be present in the background. These perturbations are associated with the low frequency slow magnetosonic waves that are supposed to be propagating in the coronal environment. The dynamics of high (0.01 Hz) and low frequency (0.001 Hz) slow magnetosonic waves have been studied by the two-fluid model and simulate numerically with the pseudo-spectral method. The power law index having a value of nearly −5/3 is obtained, which represents Kolmogorov scaling before the first break point. Based on the fact that the energy flux calculated from the Kolmogorov scaling is sufficient to heat the coronal loops as mentioned in the literature, the proposed interaction can be considered a source for turbulence generation having Kolmogorov scaling.
GaAs microcrystals selectively grown on silicon: Intrinsic carbon doping during chemical beam epitaxy with trimethylgallium
Authors: Molière T. , Jaffré A. , Alvarez J. , Mencaraglia D. , Connolly J. P. , Vincent L. , Hallais G. , Mangelinck D. , Descoins M. , Bouchier D. , Renard C.
Published: January 2017

The monolithic integration of III-V semiconductors on silicon and particularly of GaAs has aroused great interest since the 1980s. Potential applications are legion, ranging from photovoltaics to high mobility channel transistors. By using a novel integration method, we have shown that it is possible to achieve heteroepitaxial integration of GaAs crystals (typical size 1 μm) on silicon without any structural defect such as antiphase domains, dislocations, or stress, usually reported for direct GaAs heteroepitaxy on silicon. However, concerning their electronic properties, conventional free carrier characterization methods are impractical due to the micrometric size of GaAs crystals. In order to evaluate the GaAs material quality for optoelectronic applications, a series of indirect analyses such as atom probe tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and micro-photoluminescence as a function of temperature were performed. These revealed a high content of partially electrically active carbon originating from the trimethylgallium used as the Ga precursor. Nevertheless, the very good homogeneity observed by this doping mechanism and the attractive properties of carbon as a dopant once controlled to a sufficient degree are a promising route to device doping.
Magnetic domain-wall creep driven by field and current in Ta/CoFeB/MgO
Authors: DuttaGupta S. , Fukami S. , Kuerbanjiang B. , Sato H. , Matsukura F. , Lazarov V. K. , Ohno H.
Published: January 2017

Creep motion of magnetic domain wall (DW), thermally activated DW dynamics under subthreshold driving forces, is a paradigm to understand the interaction between driven interfaces and applied external forces. Previous investigation has shown that DW in a metallic system interacts differently with current and magnetic field, manifesting itself as different universality classes for the creep motion. In this article, we first review the experimental determination of the universality classes for current- and field-driven DW creeps in a Ta/CoFeB/MgO wire, and then elucidate the underlying factors governing the obtained results. We show that the nature of torque arising from current in association with DW configuration determines universality class for the current-induced creep in this system. We also discuss the correlation between the field-induced DW creep characteristics and structure observed by a transmission electron microscope. The observed results are expected to provide a deeper understanding for physics of DW motion in various magnetic materials.
Experimental and first-principles determination of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy in MnxGa
Authors: Liu Xubo , Ryan D. H. , Wang Manli , Lu Qingmei , Zhang Hongguo , Yue Ming , Altounian Z.
Published: January 2017

Singular point detection (SPD) for the determination of the anisotropy field (BA) using a conventional magnetometer is demonstrated. We then follow the composition dependence of BA in MnxGa using a combination of SPD measurements complemented by first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We find excellent quantitative agreement for 1.2≤x≤ 1.8, but observe a marked departure for x≤1.2. We suggest that the deviation from ideal behaviour might be associated with site disorder at low excess Mn.
Rapid appraisal links feral buffalo with kunkod (Melaleuca spp.) decline in freshwater billabongs of tropical northern Australia
Authors: Ens E. J. , Bentley-Toon S. , Campion F. , Campion S. , Kelly J. , Towler G.
Published: January 2017

Freshwater wetlands have great ecological, social, cultural and economic importance and are considered some of the most threatened ecosystems globally, especially in the tropics. In the tropics of northern Australia, much land is owned by Aboriginal people, thus requiring community-based approaches to monitoring and decision making. Herein we present a collaborative community-based rapid appraisal of an observed decline in a culturally and ecologically important tree genus of the freshwater wetlands in northern Australia, locally known as kunkod (Melaleuca spp., Myrtaceae) by Bininj (local Aboriginal people). We conducted collaborative research with the local Aboriginal Djelk Rangers incorporating local and scientific knowledge and preferred research methods. The decline in kunkod was more common in the water zone than in the mud and dry zones of freshwater billabongs in the Djelk Indigenous Protected Area. Kunkod decline and poor regeneration were significantly correlated with high water electrical conductivity, turbidity and ammonium. Feral buffalo activity was also positively correlated with these parameters, suggesting an indirect effect of buffalo on kunkod population health (large and small trees) through reduced water quality rather than direct rubbing on the trees, as was initially expected. Ongoing monitoring will allow assessment of potential recovery of kunkod following planned feral buffalo control.
Identification of the ADPR binding pocket in the NUDT9 homology domain of TRPM2
Authors: Yu Peilin , Xue Xiwen , Zhang Jianmin , Hu Xupang , Wu Yan , Jiang Lin-Hua , Jin Hongwei , Luo Jianhong , Zhang Liangren , Liu Zhenming , Yang Wei
Published: January 2017

Activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel occurs during the response to oxidative stress under physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes such as ischemia and diabetes. Accumulating evidence indicates that adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPR) is the most important endogenous ligand of TRPM2. However, although it is known that ADPR binds to the NUDT9 homology (NUDT9-H) domain in the intracellular C-terminal region, the molecular mechanism underlying ADPR binding and activation of TRPM2 remains unknown. In this study, we generate a structural model of the NUDT9-H domain and identify the binding pocket for ADPR using induced docking and molecular dynamics simulation. We find a subset of 11 residues—H1346, T1347, T1349, L1379, G1389, S1391, E1409, D1431, R1433, L1484, and H1488—that are most likely to directly interact with ADPR. Results from mutagenesis and electrophysiology approaches support the predicted binding mechanism, indicating that ADPR binds tightly to the NUDT9-H domain, and suggest that the most significant interactions are the van der Waals forces with S1391 and L1484, polar solvation interaction with E1409, and electronic interactions (including π–π interactions) with H1346, T1347, Y1349, D1431, and H1488. These findings not only clarify the roles of a range of newly identified residues involved in ADPR binding in the TRPM2 channel, but also reveal the binding pocket for ADPR in the NUDT9-H domain, which should facilitate structure-based drug design for the TRPM2 channel.
Talking for fun and talking in earnest
Authors: Montgomery Martin
Published: January 2017

Broadcasting, in its concept of ‘dead air,’ apparently proscribes against silence and in favor of talk which, in its broadcast forms, aspires to conditions of liveliness. Indeed, one measure of liveliness might be the avoidance of silence, so much so that an informal communicative entitlement for speaking on-air might well be the capacity to talk without hesitation, pause, or other forms of apparent dysfluency. However, even within broadcasting the tolerance of silence or pausing varies, with some genres (such as the experiential interview) showing more tolerance than others (such as the accountability interview). This chapter examines some of the variable properties of silence or pausing in broadcast talk and offers some observations about the relation between silence/pausing, style, and genre. Indeed, dead air in broadcasting may not prove to be the total antithesis of liveliness.
MobiDB-lite: fast and highly specific consensus prediction of intrinsic disorder in proteins
Authors: Necci Marco , Piovesan Damiano , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna , Tosatto Silvio C.E
Published: January 2017

Motivation

Intrinsic disorder (ID) is established as an important feature of protein sequences. Its use in proteome annotation is however hampered by the availability of many methods with similar performance at the single residue level, which have mostly not been optimized to predict long ID regions of size comparable to domains.

Results

Here, we have focused on providing a single consensus-based prediction, MobiDB-lite, optimized for highly specific (i.e. few false positive) predictions of long disorder. The method uses eight different predictors to derive a consensus which is then filtered for spurious short predictions. Consensus prediction is shown to outperform the single methods when annotating long ID regions. MobiDB-lite can be useful in large-scale annotation scenarios and has indeed already been integrated in the MobiDB, DisProt and InterPro databases.

Availability and Implementation

MobiDB-lite is available as part of the MobiDB database from URL: http://mobidb.bio.unipd.it/. An executable can be downloaded from URL: http://protein.bio.unipd.it/mobidblite/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.