bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient-cycling mechanisms other than the direct absorption from soil may control forest structure and dynamics in poor Amazonian soils
Authors: Grau Oriol , Peñuelas Josep , Ferry Bruno , Freycon Vincent , Blanc Lilian , Desprez Mathilde , Baraloto Christopher , Chave Jérôme , Descroix Laurent , Dourdain Aurélie , Guitet Stéphane , Janssens Ivan A. , Sardans Jordi , Hérault Bruno
Published: March 2017

Tropical forests store large amounts of biomass despite they generally grow in nutrient-poor soils, suggesting that the role of soil characteristics in the structure and dynamics of tropical forests is complex. We used data for >34 000 trees from several permanent plots in French Guiana to investigate if soil characteristics could predict the structure (tree diameter, density and aboveground biomass), and dynamics (growth, mortality, aboveground wood productivity) of nutrient-poor tropical forests. Most variables did not covary with site-level changes in soil nutrient content, indicating that nutrient-cycling mechanisms other than the direct absorption from soil (e.g. the nutrient uptake from litter, the resorption, or the storage of nutrients in the biomass), may strongly control forest structure and dynamics. Ecosystem-level adaptations to low soil nutrient availability and long-term low levels of disturbance may help to account for the lower productivity and higher accumulation of biomass in nutrient-poor forests compared to nutrient-richer forests.
Mechanistic platform knowledge of concomitant sugar uptake in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strains
Authors: Wurm David J. , Hausjell Johanna , Ulonska Sophia , Herwig Christoph , Spadiut Oliver
Published: March 2017

When producing recombinant proteins, the use of Escherichia coli strain BL21(DE3) in combination with the T7-based pET-expression system is often the method of choice. In a recent study we introduced a mechanistic model describing the correlation of the specific glucose uptake rate (qs,glu) and the corresponding maximum specific lactose uptake rate (qs,lac,max) for a pET-based E. coli BL21(DE3) strain producing a single chain variable fragment (scFv). We showed the effect of qs,lac,max on productivity and product location underlining its importance for recombinant protein production. In the present study we investigated the mechanistic qs,glu/qs,lac,max correlation for four pET-based E. coli BL21(DE3) strains producing different recombinant products and thereby proved the mechanistic model to be platform knowledge for E. coli BL21(DE3). However, we found that the model parameters strongly depended on the recombinant product. Driven by this observation we tested different dynamic bioprocess strategies to allow a faster investigation of this mechanistic correlation. In fact, we succeeded and propose an experimental strategy comprising only one batch cultivation, one fed-batch cultivation as well as one dynamic experiment, to reliably determine the mechanistic model for qs,glu/qs,lac,max and get trustworthy model parameters for pET-based E. coli BL21(DE3) strains which are the basis for bioprocess development.
B lymphocytes play a limited role in clearance of Campylobacter jejuni from the chicken intestinal tract
Authors: Lacharme-Lora Lizeth , Chaloner Gemma , Gilroy Rachel , Humphrey Suzanne , Gibbs Kirsty , Jopson Sue , Wright Elli , Reid William , Ketley Julian , Humphrey Tom , Williams Nicola , Rushton Steven , Wigley Paul
Published: March 2017

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis with contaminated poultry meat its main source. Control of C. jejuni is a priority for the poultry industry but no vaccines are available and their development hampered by poor understanding of the immunobiology of C. jejuni infection. Here we show the functional role of B lymphocytes in response to C. jejuni in the chicken through depletion of the B lymphocyte population (bursectomy) followed by challenge. B lymphocyte depletion has little effect on bacterial numbers in the ceca, the main site of colonisation, where C. jejuni persist to beyond commercial slaughter age, but reduces clearance from the small intestine. In longer-term experiments we show antibody leads to reduction in C. jeuni numbers in the ceca by nine weeks post infection. Whilst we did not examine any protective role to re-challenge, it illustrates the difficulty in producing a vaccine in a young, immunologically naïve host. We believe this is first study of functional immunity to C. jejuni in chicken and shows antibody is ineffective in clearing C. jejuni from the ceca within the production lifetime of chickens, although is involved in clearance from the small intestine and longer-term clearance from the ceca.
Silver metal nano-matrixes as high efficiency and versatile catalytic reactors for environmental remediation
Authors: Dumée Ludovic F. , Yi Zhifeng , Tardy Blaise , Merenda Andrea , des Ligneris Elise , Dagastine Ray R. , Kong Lingxue
Published: March 2017

Nano-porous metallic matrixes (NMMs) offer superior surface to volume ratios as well as enhanced optical, photonic, and electronic properties to bulk metallic materials. Such behaviours are correlated to the nano-scale inter-grain metal domains that favour the presence of electronic vacancies. In this work, continuous 3D NMMs were synthesized for the first time through a simple diffusion-reduction process whereby the aerogel matrix was functionalized with (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The surface energy of the silica monolith templates was tuned to improve the homogeneity of the reduction process while thiol functionalization facilitated the formation of a high density of seeding points for metal ions to reduce. The diameter of NMMs was between 2 and 1000 nm, corresponding to a silver loading between 1.23 and 41.16 at.%. A rates of catalytic degradation kinetics of these NMMS which is three orders of magnitude higher than those of the non-functionalized silver-silica structures. Furthermore, the enhancement in mechanical stability at nanoscale which was evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy force measurements, electronic density and chemical inertness was assessed and critically correlated to their catalytic potential. This strategy opens up new avenues for design of complex architectures of either single or multi-metal alloy NMMs with enhanced surface properties for various applications.
Nicotine enhances alcohol intake and dopaminergic responses through β2* and β4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Tolu Stefania , Marti Fabio , Morel Carole , Perrier Carole , Torquet Nicolas , Pons Stephanie , de Beaurepaire Renaud , Faure Philippe
Published: March 2017

Alcohol and nicotine are the most widely co-abused drugs. Both modify the activity of dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) and lead to an increase in DA release in the Nucleus Accumbens, thereby affecting the reward system. Evidences support the hypothesis that distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the molecular target of acetylcholine (ACh) and exogenous nicotine, are also in addition implicated in the response to alcohol. The precise molecular and neuronal substrates of this interaction are however not well understood. Here we used in vivo electrophysiology in the VTA to characterise acute and chronic interactions between nicotine and alcohol. Simultaneous injections of the two drugs enhanced their responses on VTA DA neuron firing and chronic exposure to nicotine increased alcohol-induced DA responses and alcohol intake. Then, we assessed the role of β4 * nAChRs, but not β2 * nAChRs, in mediating acute responses to alcohol using nAChR subtypes knockout mice (β2−/− and β4−/− mice). Finally, we showed that nicotine-induced modifications of alcohol responses were absent in β2−/− and β4−/− mice, suggesting that nicotine triggers β2* and β4 * nAChR-dependent neuroadaptations that subsequently modify the responses to alcohol and thus indicating these receptors as key mediators in the complex interactions between these two drugs.
Identification and characterization of the abscisic acid (ABA) receptor gene family and its expression in response to hormones in the rubber tree
Authors: Guo Dong , Zhou Ying , Li Hui-Liang , Zhu Jia-Hong , Wang Ying , Chen Xiong-Ting , Peng Shi-Qing
Published: March 2017

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an essential phytohormone involved in diverse physiological processes. Although genome-wide analyses of the ABA receptor PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYL) protein/gene family have been performed in certain plant species, little is known about the ABA receptor protein/gene family in the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). In this study, we identified 14 ABA receptor PYL proteins/genes (designated HbPYL1 through HbPYL14) in the most recent rubber tree genome. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, which demonstrated that HbPYLs can be divided into three subfamilies that correlate well with the corresponding Arabidopsis subfamilies. Eight HbPYLs are highly expressed in laticifers. Five of the eight genes are simultaneously regulated by ABA, jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET). The identification and characterization of HbPYLs should enable us to further understand the role of ABA signal in the rubber tree.
Cross-neutralizing anti-HIV-1 human single chain variable fragments(scFvs) against CD4 binding site and N332 glycan identified from a recombinant phage library
Authors: Khan Lubina , Kumar Rajesh , Thiruvengadam Ramachandran , Parray Hilal Ahmad , Makhdoomi Muzamil Ashraf , Kumar Sanjeev , Aggarwal Heena , Mohata Madhav , Hussain Abdul Wahid , Das Raksha , Varadarajan Raghavan , Bhattacharya Jayanta , Vajpayee Madhu , Murugavel K. G. , Solomon Suniti , Sinha Subrata , Luthra Kalpana
Published: March 2017

More than 50% of HIV-1 infection globally is caused by subtype_C viruses. Majority of the broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) targeting HIV-1 have been isolated from non-subtype_C infected donors. Mapping the epitope specificities of bnAbs provides useful information for vaccine design. Recombinant antibody technology enables generation of a large repertoire of monoclonals with diverse specificities. We constructed a phage recombinant single chain variable fragment (scFv) library with a diversity of 7.8 × 108 clones, using a novel strategy of pooling peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of six select HIV-1 chronically infected Indian donors whose plasma antibodies exhibited potent cross neutralization efficiency. The library was panned and screened by phage ELISA using trimeric recombinant proteins to identify viral envelope specific clones. Three scFv monoclonals D11, C11 and 1F6 selected from the library cross neutralized subtypes A, B and C viruses at concentrations ranging from 0.09 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL. The D11 and 1F6 scFvs competed with mAbs b12 and VRC01 demonstrating CD4bs specificity, while C11 demonstrated N332 specificity. This is the first study to identify cross neutralizing scFv monoclonals with CD4bs and N332 glycan specificities from India. Cross neutralizing anti-HIV-1 human scFv monoclonals can be potential candidates for passive immunotherapy and for guiding immunogen design.
Evolution analysis of EUV radiation from laser-produced tin plasmas based on a radiation hydrodynamics model
Authors: Su M. G. , Min Q. , Cao S. Q. , Sun D. X. , Hayden P. , O’Sullivan G. , Dong C. Z.
Published: March 2017

One of fundamental aims of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is to maximize brightness or conversion efficiency of laser energy to radiation at specific wavelengths from laser produced plasmas (LPPs) of specific elements for matching to available multilayer optical systems. Tin LPPs have been chosen for operation at a wavelength of 13.5 nm. For an investigation of EUV radiation of laser-produced tin plasmas, it is crucial to study the related atomic processes and their evolution so as to reliably predict the optimum plasma and experimental conditions. Here, we present a simplified radiation hydrodynamic model based on the fluid dynamic equations and the radiative transfer equation to rapidly investigate the evolution of radiation properties and dynamics in laser-produced tin plasmas. The self-absorption features of EUV spectra measured at an angle of 45° to the direction of plasma expansion have been successfully simulated and explained, and the evolution of some parameters, such as the plasma temperature, ion distribution and density, expansion size and velocity, have also been evaluated. Our results should be useful for further understanding of current research on extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray source development for applications such as lithography, metrology and biological imaging.
Interlayer resistance of misoriented MoS2
Authors: Zhou Kuan , Wickramaratne Darshana , Ge Supeng , Su Shanshan , De Amrit , Lake Roger K.
Published: March 2017

Interlayer misorientation in bilayer MoS2 exponentially increases the interlayer electron resistivity while leaving the hole resistivity almost unchanged. The asymmetrical effect of misorientation on the electron and hole transport may be exploited in the design and optimization of vertical transport devices such as a bipolar junction transistor.
The origin of self-sustained reaction-rate oscillations in the oxidation of methane over nickel: an operando XRD and mass spectrometry study
Authors: Saraev A. A. , Vinokurov Z. S. , Kaichev V. V. , Shmakov A. N. , Bukhtiyarov V. I.
Published: March 2017

The self-sustained kinetic oscillations in the catalytic oxidation of methane over Ni foil have been studied at atmospheric pressure using an X-ray diffraction technique and mass spectrometry.
A reversible lithium–CO2 battery with Ru nanoparticles as a cathode catalyst
Authors: Yang Sixie , Qiao Yu , He Ping , Liu Yijie , Cheng Zhu , Zhu Jun-jie , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2017

The application of Ru nanoparticles as a cathode catalyst significantly promotes the reversibility of Li–CO2 batteries.
Self-enhanced photocathodic matrix based on poly-dopamine sensitized TiO2 mesocrystals for mycotoxin detection assisted by a dual amplificatory nanotag
Authors: Liu Nannan , Chen Sihong , Li Yilin , Dai Hong , Lin Yanyu
Published: March 2017

A new photoelectrochemical sensor for zearalenone detection was established based on a self-enhanced photocathodic matrix coupled with ordered mesoporous Co3O4.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in n-type polycrystalline SnSe by PbBr2 doping
Authors: Li Debo , Tan Xiaojian , Xu Jingtao , Liu Guoqiang , Jin Min , Shao Hezhu , Huang HuaJie , Zhang Jianfeng , Jiang Jun
Published: March 2017

By increasing the carrier concentration and the DOS effective mass, a ZT of 0.54 was achieved at 793 K.
Effect of in situ stress on grain growth and texture evolution in sputtered YSZ/Si films
Authors: Banerjee Amiya , Narayanachari K. V. L. V. , Raghavan Srinivasan
Published: March 2017

Annealing leads to grain growth and associated tensile strain in YSZ film, so initial compressive stress helps to grow larger grains.
Highly efficient metal organic framework (MOF)-based copper catalysts for the base-free aerobic oxidation of various alcohols
Authors: Taher Abu , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Ik-Mo
Published: March 2017

Copper containing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are found to be highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for alcohol oxidation.
Optimization of pegylated iron oxide nanoplatforms for antibody coupling and bio-targeting
Authors: Richard S. , Boucher M. , Saric A. , Herbet A. , Lalatonne Y. , Petit P. X. , Mériaux S. , Boquet D. , Motte L.
Published: March 2017

PEGylation has been established as a valuable strategy to minimize nanoparticle clearance by the reticulo-endothelial system due to hydrophilicity and steric repulsion of PEG chains.
Nucleolin-targeted selenium nanocomposites with enhanced theranostic efficacy to antagonize glioblastoma
Authors: He Lizhen , Zeng Lilan , Mai Xiaoxuan , Shi Changzheng , Luo Liangping , Chen Tianfeng
Published: March 2017

Herein we design and synthesize a novel selenium-based composite nanosystem that could significantly enhance the cellular uptake in glioma cells through nucleolin mediated endocytosis, and anticancer activity against glioblastoma by inducing cell cycle arrest.
Sensitive validated voltammetric determination of apixaban using a multi-walled carbon nanotube-modified carbon paste electrode: application to a drug product and biological sample
Authors: Rizk Mohamed , Sultan Maha A. , Taha Elham A. , Attia Ali K. , Abdallah Youmna M.
Published: March 2017

A sensitive, accurate and precise voltammetric method was developed and validated for the determination of a selective factor Xa inhibitor apixaban in drug substances using a multi-walled carbon nanotube-modified carbon paste electrode (MWCNT/CPE).
Specific and relative detection of urinary microRNA signatures in bladder cancer for point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: Cheng Nan , Xu Yuancong , Luo Yunbo , Zhu Liye , Zhang Yitong , Huang Kunlun , Xu Wentao
Published: March 2017

The proposed assay employing BSH–EXPAR and LFNAB is expected to be of great promise for bladder cancer diagnosis and point-of-care diagnostics.
Missing metal-linker connectivities in a 3-D robust sulfonate-based metal–organic framework for enhanced proton conductivity
Authors: Zhang Guiyang , Fei Honghan
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate the first example of proton conductivity control with the missing metal–ligand connectivities within a rare 3-D porous sulfonate-based MOF.
Insights into the molecular interaction between two polyoxygenated cinnamoylcoumarin derivatives and human serum albumin
Authors: Khammari Anahita , Saboury Ali Akbar , Karimi-Jafari Mohammad Hossein , Khoobi Mehdi , Ghasemi Atiyeh , Yousefinejad Saeed , Abou-Zied Osama K.
Published: March 2017

Drug–protein interactions based on the thermodynamics approach, curve resolution analysis and computational methods at molecular levels.
Dissociative and non-dissociative adsorption of O2 on Cu(111) and CuML/Ru(0001) surfaces: adiabaticity takes over
Authors: Ramos M. , Díaz C. , Martínez A. E. , Busnengo H. F. , Martín F.
Published: March 2017

Adiabatic molecular spin-quenching during the approach of O2 to Cu(111) and CuML/Ru(0001) surfaces.
A structurally characterised redox pair involving an indigo radical: indigo based redox activity in complexes with one or two [Ru(bpy)2] fragments
Authors: Chatterjee Madhumita , Mondal Prasenjit , Beyer Katharina , Paretzki Alexa , Kaim Wolfgang , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: March 2017

Various radical intermediates of the non-innocently behaving dehydroindigo ligand were characterized by EPR, spectroelectrochemistry and structure analysis.
Discovery and isolation of the trans-isomers of two 1 : 2-type lanthanide-containing monolacunary Dawson-type tungstophosphates: [LnIII(α2-P2W17O61)2]17− (Ln = La, Ce)
Authors: Wan Rong , Ma Pengtao , Han Mengdan , Zhang Dongdi , Zhang Chao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: March 2017

Two novel trans-isomers of 1 : 2-type lanthanide-containing monolacunary Dawson-type tungstophosphates [Ln(α2-P2W17O61)2]17− (Ln = LaIII (1), CeIII (2)) were successfully isolated and characterized.
Mechanistic insight into the regioselectivity of Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization of N-methoxy cinnamamide
Authors: Fan Weixi , Sun Chuanzhi , Huang Fang , Liu Jianbiao , Zhao Xue , Sheng Xiehuang , Chen Dezhan
Published: March 2017

The regioselectivity for different C–H activation sites depends on the coordination structures of α-C or β-C to the palladium center.
Selective alkaline stripping of metal ions after solvent extraction by base-stable 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Raiguel Stijn , Depuydt Daphne , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Thomas Joice , Dehaen Wim , Binnemans Koen
Published: March 2017

New, peralkylated 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids were used in the solvent extraction of metal ions from chloride media. Selective stripping was accomplished using alkaline stripping solutions.
Recent progress in transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective indole functionalizations
Authors: Chen Jing-Biao , Jia Yi-Xia
Published: March 2017

Recent progress on the transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization reaction of indoles is reviewed, which is mainly focused on asymmetric indole alkylations, arylations, cycloaddition reactions, and other reactions.
Post-translational modifications involved in the biosynthesis of thiopeptide antibiotics
Authors: Zheng Qingfei , Fang Hui , Liu Wen
Published: March 2017

Thiopeptide antibiotics are generated from ribosomally synthesized peptides via a cascade of post-translational modifications (PTMs).
The influence of branching on the Kumada catalyst transfer condensative polymerization of 3-alkylthiophenes
Authors: Verheyen L. , Timmermans B. , Koeckelberghs G.
Published: March 2017

The influence of branching of the substituent in polythiophenes on the rate and the livingness of the polymerization is discussed.
Photoinduced ROS regulation of apoptosis and mechanism studies of iridium(iii) complex against SGC-7901 cells
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Lai Shang-Hai , Yang Hui-Hui , Xing De-Gang , Zeng Chuan-Chuan , Tang Bing , Wan Dan , Liu Yun-Jun
Published: March 2017

A new iridium(iii) complex, Ir(ppy)2(FBPIP)]PF6 (Ir-1), was synthesized and characterized. The anticancer activity of the complex was investigated by cytotoxicity in vitro, apoptosis, cell invasion, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and western blot.
Three-component 1D and 2D metal phosphonates: structural variability, topological analysis and catalytic hydrocarboxylation of alkanes
Authors: Demadis Konstantinos D. , Anagnostou Zafeiria , Panera Aggeliki , Mezei Gellert , Kirillova Marina V. , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: March 2017

New metal–organic materials were synthesized based on diphosphonates. They possess interesting structural/topological features, and exhibit substantial catalytic activity in the hydrocarboxylation of alkanes.
Graphene aerogel supported crystalline ZnO@amorphous Zn2GeO4 core–shell hierarchical structure for lithium storage
Authors: Jiang Meng , Zhou Tengfei , Liu Wei , Feng Chuanqi , Liu Jianwen , Guo Zaiping
Published: March 2017

A crystalline–amorphous core–shell ZnO/Zn2GeO4/graphene aerogel with a three-dimensional structure has been successfully fabricated and shows enhanced stability and electrochemical performances.
Site selective reading of epigenetic markers by a dual-mode synthetic receptor array
Authors: Liu Yang , Perez Lizeth , Mettry Magi , Gill Adam D. , Byers Samantha R. , Easley Connor J. , Bardeen Christopher J. , Zhong Wenwan , Hooley Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Arrayed, self-folding deep cavitands form a fluorescence displacement assay system for the site-selective sensing of post-translationally modified (PTM) histone peptides.
Mechanism of zinc oxide retardation in alkali-activated materials: an in situ X-ray pair distribution function investigation
Authors: Garg Nishant , White Claire E.
Published: March 2017

Usingin situX-ray PDF, we elucidate the crucial role of calcium in the retardation mechanism of zinc oxide.
Blending two bioengineered spider silks to develop cancer targeting spheres
Authors: Florczak Anna , Jastrzebska Katarzyna , Mackiewicz Andrzej , Dams-Kozlowska Hanna
Published: March 2017

Blending two bioengineered spider silks combines the most favorable characteristics of both silks and can lead to the formation of an optimal drug delivery vehicle.
A stepwise energy level doping structure for improving the lifetime of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Song Wook , Kim Taekyung , Lee Yoonkyoo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: March 2017

A stepwise energy level doping structure for improving the lifetime of organic light-emitting diodes was developed by doping two emitters with different energy levels in the same host material as separated emitting layers.
Molecular engineering of organic chromophores and polymers for enhanced bulk second-order optical nonlinearity
Authors: Li Ming , Li Yang , Zhang Hui , Wang Shiwei , Ao Yuhui , Cui Zhanchen
Published: March 2017

In this Review, we present the recent progress of getting the ordered alignment of chromophores for enhanced bulk second-order optical nonlinearity, which include supramolecular interaction, light fields, electric fields and so on.
SIRT1 attenuated oxidative stress induced by methyl tert-butyl ether in HT22 cells
Authors: Ma Junxiang , Chen Li , Song Dongmei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Tian , Niu Piye
Published: March 2017

Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), an unleaded gasoline additive, can lead to oxidative stress and then injury to the nervous system after long-term exposure. SIRT1, a NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, can play a neuroprotective role in brain injury induced by MTBE.
Assessment of chronic kidney disease using skin texture as a key parameter: for South Indian population
Authors: Udhayarasu Madhanlal , Ramakrishnan Kalpana , Periasamy Soundararajan
Published: March 2017

Periodical monitoring of renal function, specifically for subjects with history of diabetic or hypertension would prevent them from entering into chronic kidney disease (CKD) condition. The recent increase in numbers may be due to food habits or lack of physical exercise, necessitates a rapid kidney function monitoring system. Presently, it is determined by evaluating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that is mainly dependent on serum creatinine value and demographic parameters and ethnic value. Attempted here is to develop ethnic parameter based on skin texture for every individual. This value when used in GFR computation, the results are much agreeable with GFR obtained through standard modification of diet in renal disease and CKD epidemiology collaboration equations. Once correlation between CKD and skin texture is established, classification tool using artificial neural network is built to categorise CKD level based on demographic values and parameter obtained through skin texture (without using creatinine). This network when tested gives almost at par results with the network that is trained with demographic and creatinine values. The results of this Letter demonstrate the possibility of non‐invasively determining kidney function and hence for making a device that would readily assess the kidney function even at home.
Community‐based trials of mobile solutions for the detection and management of cognitive decline
Authors: Boyd Adele , Synnott Jonathan , Nugent Chris , Elliott David , Kelly John
Published: March 2017

This study focused on the development and usability evaluation of EnCare diagnostics (ECD) and the brain fit plan (BFP) in healthy older adults, cognitively impaired and physically impaired individuals. ECD is proposed as a novel solution to cognitive assessment based on colour selection. BFP is a novel solution to personalised cognitive stimulation. The study consisted of two trials designed to evaluate the usability of the apps. Trial 1 involved 11 healthy older adults and four older adults with physical impairments who undertook ECD and mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) once per month for 4 months with only those with physical impairments also completing the BFP daily. Trial 2 involved eight older adults diagnosed with early stage dementia who completed MMSE and ECD once per month for 6 months. In Trial 1, 10 out of 11 participants enjoyed the trial and managed the usability of the app easily. A 75% drop out was observed in response to the BFP with issues of dexterity and lack of understanding on how to use the technology being the main reasons for lack of compliance. Four out of eight participants completed Trial 2 with most of the participants having no usability issues. This usability study demonstrated that ECD is highly acceptable in both healthy older adults and those with early stage dementia when given the shorter versions to accommodate their diagnosis. The BFP was not suited to this population of participants.
Experimental results of polarimetric detection schemes for DVB‐T‐based passive radar
Authors: Filippini Francesca , Colone Fabiola , Cristallini Diego , Bournaka Georgia
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the potential advantages conveyed by the exploitation of polarimetric diversity in Passive Coherent Location (PCL) system exploiting Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB‐T) signals. To this purpose, different polarimetric detection schemes are considered that jointly exploit the signals collected at different receiving channels characterised by differently polarised antennas. A performance analysis has been carried out using experimental data collected by a passive radar system developed by Fraunhofer, namely PARASOL. This PCL system employs two orthogonal linearly polarised receiving channels (horizontal and vertical). The results obtained against cooperative targets demonstrate that a Polarimetric Generalised Likelihood Ratio Test (P‐GLRT) detection scheme provides a remarkable improvement in terms of target detection capability as compared to the single‐polarisation operation and the non‐coherent integration of the results obtained at the available polarimetric channels.
Digital signal processing of acoustic emission signals using power spectral density and counts statistic applied to single‐point dressing operation
Authors: Nascimento Lopes Wenderson , Isaac Ferreira Fabio , Aparecido Alexandre Felipe , Santos Ribeiro Danilo Marcus , Conceição Junior Pedro de Oliveira , de Aguiar Paulo Roberto , Bianchi Eduardo Carlos
Published: March 2017

Dressing is an important operation for the grinding process. Its goal is to recondition the wheel tool to re‐establish its cutting characteristics, owing to the wear produced after successive passes. Monitoring systems that use acoustic emission (AE) have been studied to correlate the signals with several tool conditions. This study brings a new approach of processing AE signals with the purpose of identifying the correct moment to stop the dressing, which is essential in an automatic control system. From the AE signals collected in dressing tests with aluminium oxide grinding wheel and single‐point dresser, spectral analysis was made through power spectral density, selecting frequencies bands that best characterise the process. The statistical parameter ‘counts’ was applied to the raw signal unfiltered and filtered in the selected bands in order to identify the tool condition and, in turn, towards a monitoring system implementation. Results showed an expressive relation between tool cutting conditions and processed signals in the selected bands. There was a great disparity of the filtered signals in the selected bands and signals unfiltered, reflecting that the filtered ones were more efficient in terms of process automation.
Robust bearing degradation assessment method based on improved CVA
Authors: Wang Baoxiang , Pan Hongxia , Yang Wei
Published: March 2017

Owing to the importance of rolling bearings in mechanical systems, many meaningful works have been presented for bearing degradation assessment. However, most of contributions fail to take into account the influence of input features on the performance of a degradation model. As a potential multivariable process control method considering serial correlations, canonical variate analysis (CVA) is introduced to detect abnormal behaviours of rolling bearings. This study combines the CVA and support vector data description (SVDD) to develop a robust approach to weaken or remove the negative impact of input data on bearing degradation estimation. First, the time‐domain features extracted from healthy vibration signals are fused by CVA to generate projection data for SVDD training. Second, the distance of new variables to the centre of the hypersphere is calculated as an indicator to describe the degradation of rolling bearings. To demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method, two different experiments on bearing run‐to‐failure tests are conducted. Experimental results validate that the proposed work is capable of detecting bearing failure under various working conditions. Besides, comparison of the proposed work with the original CVA is implemented. The robustness of the proposed work is enhanced obviously compared with the original CVA.
Comparison of weight‐loss changes with different compositions of ZrB2 nanoparticles in carbon fabric–novolac composite at high temperature
Authors: Amirsardari Zahra , Mehdinavaz Aghdam Rouhollah
Published: March 2017

To improve the thermal properties of novolac resin, zirconium diboride (ZrB2) nanoparticles (ZNP) with different weight percentages (0, 2, 4 and 7) were introduced into novolac resin. ZrB2 nanoparticles modified carbon–novolac (C–N) composites were used to determine and compare the ablation performance, thermal stresses and cracks, and mechanical properties of these modified polymer composites. Thermal protection via ablation was achieved through a self‐regulating heat and mass transfer process involving an insulator with low thermal conductivity and concomitant formation of a hard char on the insulator surface after 160 s exposure to the combustion environment. Anti‐oxidation mechanisms for the novolac resin modified with nanoparticles at different weight percentage were compared and discussed. Ablation performance shows a steady increase with the filler content until a maximum, at 4 wt% of ZNP, and then it decreases.
Development of a Method for the Synthesis of 4-Aryl-Functionalized 2-Azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes
Authors: Armstrong Ian , Bergmeier Stephen
Published: March 2017

A method for the synthesis of 4-substituted azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes from N-tosyl-2-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octa-3,6-diene, a versatile bicyclic heterocycle not commonly used in medicinal chemistry research, is presented. The method uses bromination, followed by Suzuki­ coupling, and subsequent reduction and deprotection. The desired 4-substituted azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes were obtained in moderate to high yields.
Fatal Complications after Pediatric Surgical Interventions: Lessons Learned
Authors: Klein Willemijn , Van der Putten Mayke , Kusters Benno , Verhoeven Bas
Published: March 2017

Placement of catheters, drains, shunts, and tubes in children can lead to serious or even fatal complications at the moment of placement, such as hemorrhage at insertion, or in the longterm, such as infections and migration into adjacent organs. The clinician should always be aware of these potential complications, especially if the child is unwell. For postmortem diagnostic evaluation, either with a computed tomography scan or an invasive autopsy, all tubes, drains, shunts, and/or catheters should be left in situ. We present three cases with fatal complications after the placement of a chest drain, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and gastrostomy tube.
Nasal Valve Reconstruction Using a Titanium Implant: An Outcomes Study
Authors: Goldman Neal D. , Alexander Richard , Sandoval Laura F. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: March 2017

Septoplasty alone is not always sufficient to correct nasal obstruction. Various techniques have been employed to repair nasal valve collapse and improve airflow.

This article aimed to evaluate outcomes and quality of life following nasal valve reconstruction using a titanium implant in patients with nasal valve collapse.

This is a single-center retrospective study that consisted of a telephone questionnaire of 37 quality-of-life measures and questions related to the surgical procedure and recovery process to evaluate postsurgical outcomes.

Fifteen patients completed the survey. There was a significant improvement in nasal blockage/obstruction, breathing through the nose, sleeping, breathing through nose during exercise, the need to blow nose, sneezing, facial pain/pressure, fatigue, productivity, and restlessness/irritability after surgery. Overall, 100% of patients were satisfied with the results and would recommend this procedure. The most common postoperative complaints were pain (33%) and difficulty breathing (33%). Patients noticed no increase (20%) or a slight increase (73%) in the size of their nose. Sixty percent of patients cannot see the implant and 13% report the implant is barely noticeable.

Nasal valve repair with a titanium implant was successful at improving symptoms of nasal obstruction and other quality-of-life issues. Satisfaction was high among all patients. The implants are palpable, thought to be visible by some patients, yet accepted by the majority of patients. This approach may be especially important in patients with prior nasal surgery but continue to experience refractory symptoms.
Active compensation of magnetic field distortions based on vector spherical harmonics field description
Authors: Wyszyński G. , Bodek K. , Afach S. , Bison G. , Chowdhuri Z. , Daum M. , Franke B. , Komposch S. , Lauss B. , Ries D. , Zsigmond G. , Perkowski M. , Rozpedzik D. , Zejma J. , Fertl M. , Koss P. A. , Severijns N. , Wursten E. , Kirch K. , Kozela A. , Quéméner G. , Schnabel A. ,   (nEDM at PSI Collaboration)
Published: March 2017

An analytic solution to the magnetostatic inverse problem in the framework of vector spherical harmonic basis functions is presented. This formalism is used for the design of a spherical magnetic field compensation system and its performance is compared with an already existing rectangular coil system. The proposed set of spherical coils with 15 degrees of freedom achieves a shielding factor of 1000 or better in a large part of the volume enclosed by the coils for a dipolar type external perturbation.
Engineering plant membranes using droplet interface bilayers
Authors: Barlow N. E. , Smpokou E. , Friddin M. S. , Macey R. , Gould I. R. , Turnbull C. , Flemming A. J. , Brooks N. J. , Ces O. , Barter L. M. C.
Published: March 2017

Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) have become widely recognised as a robust platform for constructing model membranes and are emerging as a key technology for the bottom-up assembly of synthetic cell-like and tissue-like structures. DIBs are formed when lipid-monolayer coated water droplets are brought together inside a well of oil, which is excluded from the interface as the DIB forms. The unique features of the system, compared to traditional approaches (e.g., supported lipid bilayers, black lipid membranes, and liposomes), is the ability to engineer multi-layered bilayer networks by connecting multiple droplets together in 3D, and the capability to impart bilayer asymmetry freely within these droplet architectures by supplying droplets with different lipids. Yet despite these achievements, one potential limitation of the technology is that DIBs formed from biologically relevant components have not been well studied. This could limit the reach of the platform to biological systems where bilayer composition and asymmetry are understood to play a key role. Herein, we address this issue by reporting the assembly of asymmetric DIBs designed to replicate the plasma membrane compositions of three different plant species; Arabidopsis thaliana, tobacco, and oats, by engineering vesicles with different amounts of plant phospholipids, sterols and cerebrosides for the first time. We show that vesicles made from our plant lipid formulations are stable and can be used to assemble asymmetric plant DIBs. We verify this using a bilayer permeation assay, from which we extract values for absolute effective bilayer permeation and bilayer stability. Our results confirm that stable DIBs can be assembled from our plant membrane mimics and could lead to new approaches for assembling model systems to study membrane translocation and to screen new agrochemicals in plants.
A theoretical investigation of the isomers of diazomethane (CH2N2). II. One-electron properties
Authors: Hart BT
Published: March 2017

Use has been made of
calculated one-electron properties to gain a better understanding of the
electronic structure of five related molecules, the isomers of diazomethane. ��� Localized exclusive orbitals have been used
to assist in the interpretation of 14N quadrupole coupling constants
and the total dipole moment associated with each molecule.
Oxidation of (E)- and (Z)-2,6-Dimethoxy-4-propenylphenol with ferric chloride - a facile route to the 2-aryl ethers of 1-Arylpropan-1,2-diols
Authors: Wallis AFA
Published: March 2017

Oxidation of both (E)- and
(Z)-2,6-dimethoxy-4-propenylphenol (3c) and (3d) with 1 equiv. of ferric
chloride gives the 2-aryl ethers of erythro and threo 1-arylpropan-1,2-diols
(1) and (2) (55%) which are formed by C-O coupling. The configurations of aryl ethers
(1) and (2) were determined from p.m.r. and i.r. spectral data. Other products
of the oxidation of phenol (3c) include the C-C-coupled 1-aryltetralin isomers
(4) and the dihydronaphthalene (5), the 1-arylindane dimer (6), and 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone.
Oxidation of phenol (3c) with excess ferric chloride yields some oligomeric C-O-coupled
material in addition to compounds (1) and (2).
Extractives of Australian timbers. XII. Minor sapogenins of Castanospermum australe (Leguminosae). A stereospecific synthesis of methyl 2β,3β-Dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oate
Authors: Bannon CD , Eade RA , James P , McKenzie GP , Simes JJH
Published: March 2017

The sapogenin mixture
prepared from the extract of the wood of Castanospermum
australe Cunn. & Fras.
has been shown to contain the known triterpenes 2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic
acid and 3β- hydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid; the latter also occurs
as the free triterpene. The identity of methyl 2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-
oic acid has been established by a high yielding
stereospecific synthesis starting from methyl crategolate; this synthesis at
the same time confirmed the revised configurations assigned from N.M.R.
evidence1 to the hydroxy groups in the two cis-2,3-diols of the
isomeric methyl 2,3-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oates. The identity of methyl
3β- hydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioate has been established by comparison
with a specimen prepared by an unambiguous synthesis from dimethyl
medicagenate.
The Chemical Constituents of Australian Zanthoxylum Species. VI. A Further Examination of the Constituents of the Bark of Zanthoxylum conspersipunctatum (Rutaceae)
Authors: Krajniak ER , Ritchie E , Taylor WC
Published: March 2017

From the bark of
Zanthoxylum conspersipunctatum Merr. & Perry the following substances were
isolated: chelerythrine and sanguinarine chlorides,
13-acetonyldi-hydrochelerythrine, β-sitosterol, lupeol, lupenone, sesamin,
hesperidin, tembamide, O-methyltembamide, cyclotriveratrylene, and psoromic
acid. O-Methyltembamide is almost certainly an artefact, as is
cyclotriveratrylene, and psoromic acid probably originated from a lichen on the
bark.
Solar-driven advanced oxidation processes for full mineralisation of azo dyes in wastewater
Authors: Nie Chunhong , Sun Pingping , Zhu Lingyue , Gao Simeng , Wu Hongjun , Wang Baohui
Published: March 2017

Environmental contextFull mineralisation of synthetic azo dyes in industrial wastewater is a tough job for traditional wastewater treatment technologies. There is an urgent need for the development of both sustainable and environmentally friendly technology capable of fully mineralising these azo compounds. We show that solar-driven advanced oxidation processes are capable of completely mineralising azo compounds with high utilisation of solar energy. AbstractMineralisation of synthetic azo dyes in industrial wastewater is an energy-intensive process in treatment technology. The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process for advanced oxidation processes (STEP-AOPs) utilises solar energy and electricity for the activation and electrooxidation of organic pollutants to harmless, small and non-toxic molecules with no other energy consumption. Based on molecular structure and chemistry, the STEP-AOPs for the treatment of azo dyes in wastewater, as exemplified with a typical azo dye, methyl orange, is reported for the first time. Thermodynamic calculations of the temperature-dependent potentials of methyl orange demonstrate that Gibbs free energy decreased by 161kJmol–1 and the potential decreased by 0.019V with an increase of temperature from 20 to 80°C, which indicates that the drop in both energy and potential specifically fits the STEP-AOPs technique. Experimental results showed that the STEP-AOPs achieved a total organic carbon (TOC) removal of 95.6% for methyl orange. The TOC removal rate improved by 39.8% and the unit TOC electricity consumption decreased by 53.8% at 80°C compared with conventional methods (20°C). The mineralisation mechanism for methyl orange was a gradual shortening of the molecular chain through cleavage of the azo bond, breakdown of the benzene ring and formation of inorganic small molecules susceptible to be oxidised to non-toxic small molecules, and carbon dioxide via STEP-AOPs. The evidence shows that the STEP-AOPs is capable of mineralising azo compounds completely.
Fatigue: Is it all neurochemistry?
Authors: Meeusen Romain , Roelands Bart
Published: March 2017

Fatigue during exercise can be approached from different angles. Peripheral fatigue is usually described as an impairment located in the muscle and characterized by a metabolic end point, while central fatigue is defined as a failure of the central nervous system to adequately drive the muscle. The aim of the present narrative review paper is to look at the mechanisms involved in the occurrence of fatigue during prolonged exercise, predominantly from a brain neurochemical point of view. From studies in rodents it is clear that exercise increases the release of several neurotransmitters in different brain regions, and that the onset of fatigue can be manipulated when dopaminergic influx in the preoptic and anterior hypothalamus is increased, interfering with thermoregulation. This is however not as straightforward in humans, in which most studies manipulating brain neurotransmission failed to change the onset of fatigue in normal ambient temperatures. When the ambient temperature was increased, dopaminergic and combined dopaminergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibition appeared to override a safety switch, allowing subjects to push harder and become much warmer, without changing their perception. In general, we can conclude that brain neurochemistry is clearly involved in the complex regulation of fatigue, but many other mediators also play a role.
Walking football as sustainable exercise for older adults – A pilot investigation
Authors: Reddy Peter , Dias Irundika , Holland Carol , Campbell Niyah , Nagar Iaysha , Connolly Luke , Krustrup Peter , Hubball Harry
Published: March 2017

The health benefits of playing football and the importance of exercise and social contact for healthy ageing are well established, but few older adults in the UK take enough exercise. Football is popular, flexible in format and draws players into engrossing, effortful and social exercise, but the physical demands of play at full speed may make it unsustainable for some older adults. Restricted to walking pace, will play still be engaging? Will health benefits be retained? Will physical demands remain manageable? This pilot study aims to investigate: (1) the experience of older adults playing walking football every week, is it sustainable and rewarding, (2) the intensity and locomotor pattern of walking football, (3) the scale and nature of walking football health benefits and (4) possible cognitive benefits of playing walking football through measures of processing speed, selective and divided attention and updating and inhibition components of executive function.  ‘Walking football’ and ‘waiting list’ groups were compared before and after 12 weeks of one‐hour per week football. Walking football was found to be engaging, sustainable for older adults and moderately intensive; however, selective health and cognitive benefits were not found from this brief intervention.

Highlights

Walking football is a lower impact but authentic form of football that enables older players to extend their active participation.

Walking football is enjoyable and moderately demanding and may be a sustainable form of exercise for older adults.

Health and cognitive benefits to playing walking football were not found.