bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA studies are necessary for accurate patient diagnosis in compound heterozygosity for Hb Adana (HBA2:c.179>A) with deletional or nondeletional α-thalassaemia
Authors: Tan Jin Ai Mary Anne , Kho Siew Leng , Ngim Chin Fang , Chua Kek Heng , Goh Ai Sim , Yeoh Seoh Leng , George Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Haemoglobin (Hb) Adana (HBA2:c.179>A) interacts with deletional and nondeletional α-thalassaemia mutations to produce HbH disorders with varying clinical manifestations from asymptomatic to severe anaemia with significant hepatosplenomegaly. Hb Adana carriers are generally asymptomatic and haemoglobin subtyping is unable to detect this highly unstable α-haemoglobin variant. This study identified 13 patients with compound heterozygosity for Hb Adana with either the 3.7 kb gene deletion (-α3.7), Hb Constant Spring (HbCS) (HBA2:c.427T>C) or Hb Paksé (HBA2:429A>T). Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System was used for the detection of five deletional and six nondeletional α-thalassaemia mutations. Duplex-PCR was used to confirm Hb Paksé and HbCS. Results showed 84.6% of the Hb Adana patients were Malays. Using DNA studies, compound heterozygosity for Hb Adana and HbCS (αcodon 59α/αCSα) was confirmed in 11 patients. A novel point in this investigation was that DNA studies confirmed Hb Paksé for the first time in a Malaysian patient (αcodon 59α/αPakséα) after nine years of being misdiagnosis with Hb Adana and HbCS (αcodon 59α/αCSα). Thus, the reliance on haematology studies and Hb subtyping to detect Hb variants is inadequate in countries where thalassaemia is prevalent and caused by a wide spectrum of mutations.
Common UCP2 variants contribute to serum urate concentrations and the risk of hyperuricemia
Authors: Yang Luyu , Dong Zheng , zhou Jingru , Ma Yanyun , Pu Weilin , Zhao Dongbao , He Hongjun , Ji Hengdong , Yang Yajun , Wang Xiaofeng , Xu Xia , Pang Yafei , Zou Hejian , Jin Li , Yang Chengde , Wang Jiucun
Published: June 2016

Elevated serum urate, which is regulated at multiple levels including genetic variants, is a risk factor for gout and other metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between UCP2 variants and serum urate as well as hyperuricemia in a Chinese population. In total, 4332 individuals were genotyped for two common UCP2 variants, −866G/A and Ala55Val. These loci were not associated either serum urate level or with a risk of hyperuricemia in the total group of subjects. However, in females, −866G/A and Ala55Val were associated with a lower serum urate (P = 0.006 and 0.014, seperately) and played a protective role against hyperuricemia (OR = 0.80, P = 0.018; OR = 0.79, P = 0.016). These associations were not observed in the males. After further stratification, the two loci were associated with serum urate in overweight, but not underweight females. The haplotype A-T (−866G/A-Ala55Val) was a protective factor for hyperuricemia in the female subgroup (OR = 0.80, P = 0.017). This present study identified a novel gene, UCP2, that influences the serum urate concentration and the risk of hyperuricemia and the degree of association varies with gender and BMI levels.
The use of the terrestrial snails of the genera Megalobulimus and Thaumastus as representatives of the atmospheric carbon reservoir
Authors: Macario Kita D. , Alves Eduardo Q. , Carvalho Carla , Oliveira Fabiana M. , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Chivall David , Souza Rosa , Simone Luiz Ricardo L. , Cavallari Daniel C.
Published: June 2016

In Brazilian archaeological shellmounds, many species of land snails are found abundantly distributed throughout the occupational layers, forming a contextualized set of samples within the sites and offering a potential alternative to the use of charcoal for radiocarbon dating analyses. In order to confirm the effectiveness of this alternative, one needs to prove that the mollusk shells reflect the atmospheric carbon isotopic concentration in the same way charcoal does. In this study, 18 terrestrial mollusk shells with known collection dates from 1948 to 2004 AD, around the nuclear bombs period, were radiocarbon dated. The obtained dates fit the SH1-2 bomb curve within less than 15 years range, showing that certain species from theThaumastusandMegalobulimusgenera are reliable representatives of the atmospheric carbon isotopic ratio and can, therefore, be used to date archaeological sites in South America.
Significance of duon mutations in cancer genomes
Authors: Yadav Vinod Kumar , Smith Kyle S. , Flinders Colin , Mumenthaler Shannon M. , De Subhajyoti
Published: June 2016

Functional mutations in coding regions not only affect the structure and function of the protein products, but may also modulate their expression in some cases. This class of mutations, recently dubbed “duon mutations” due to their dual roles, can potentially have major impacts on downstream pathways. However their significance in diseases such as cancer remain unclear. In a survey covering 4606 samples from 19 cancer types and integrating allelic expression, overall mRNA expression, regulatory motif perturbation and chromatin signatures in one composite index called REDACT score, we identified potential duon mutations. Several such mutations are detected in known cancer genes in multiple cancer types. For instance a potential duon mutation in TP53 is associated with increased expression of the mutant allelic gene copy, thereby possibly amplifying the functional effects on the downstream pathways. Another potential duon mutation in SF3B1 is associated with abnormal splicing and changes in angiogenesis and matrix degradation related pathways. Our findings emphasize the need to interrogate the mutations in coding regions beyond their obvious effects on protein structures.
Chemical chaperones reduce ER stress and adipose tissue inflammation in high fat diet-induced mouse model of obesity
Authors: Chen Yaqin , Wu Zhihong , Zhao Shuiping , Xiang Rong
Published: June 2016

Obesity, which is characteristic by chronic inflammation, is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissues. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is increased in adipose tissue of obese state and is known to be strongly associated with chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ER stress on adipokine secretion in obese mice and explore the potential mechanisms. In this study, we found high-fat diet induced-obesity contributed to strengthened ER stress and triggered chronic inflammation in adipose tissue. Chemical chaperones, 4-PBA and TUDCA, modified metabolic disorders and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. The alleviation of ER stress is in accordance with the decrease of free cholesterol in adipose tissue. Furthermore chemical chaperones suppress NF-κB activity in adipose tissue of obese mice in vivo. In vitro studies showed IKK/NF-κB may be involved in the signal transduction of adipokine secretion dysfunction induced by ER stress. The present study revealed the possibility that inhibition of ER stress may be a novel drug target for metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity. Further studies are now needed to characterize the initial incentive of sustained ER stress in obese.
Structural and biochemical characterization of the cell fate determining nucleotidyltransferase fold protein MAB21L1
Authors: de Oliveira Mann Carina C. , Kiefersauer Reiner , Witte Gregor , Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: June 2016

The exceptionally conserved metazoan MAB21 proteins are implicated in cell fate decisions and share considerable sequence homology with the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase. cGAS is the major innate immune sensor for cytosolic DNA and produces the second messenger 2′-5′, 3′-5′ cyclic GMP-AMP. Little is known about the structure and biochemical function of other proteins of the cGAS-MAB21 subfamily, such as MAB21L1, MAB21L2 and MAB21L3. We have determined the crystal structure of human full-length MAB21L1. Our analysis reveals high structural conservation between MAB21L1 and cGAS but also uncovers important differences. Although monomeric in solution, MAB21L1 forms a highly symmetric double-pentameric oligomer in the crystal, raising the possibility that oligomerization could be a feature of MAB21L1. In the crystal, MAB21L1 is in an inactive conformation requiring a conformational change - similar to cGAS - to develop any nucleotidyltransferase activity. Co-crystallization with NTP identified a putative ligand binding site of MAB21 proteins that corresponds to the DNA binding site of cGAS. Finally, we offer a structure-based explanation for the effects of MAB21L2 mutations in patients with eye malformations. The underlying residues participate in fold-stabilizing interaction networks and mutations destabilize the protein. In summary, we provide a first structural framework for MAB21 proteins.
Antithrombin controls tumor migration, invasion and angiogenesis by inhibition of enteropeptidase
Authors: Luengo-Gil Ginés , Calvo María Inmaculada , Martín-Villar Ester , Águila Sonia , Bohdan Nataliya , Antón Ana I. , Espín Salvador , Ayala de la Peña Francisco , Vicente Vicente , Corral Javier , Quintanilla Miguel , Martínez-Martínez Irene
Published: June 2016

Antithrombin is a key inhibitor of the coagulation cascade, but it may also function as an anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-viral and anti-apoptotic protein. Here, we report a novel function of antithrombin as a modulator of tumor cell migration and invasion. Antithrombin inhibited enteropeptidase on the membrane surface of HT-29, A549 and U-87 MG cells. The inhibitory process required the activation of antithrombin by heparin, and the reactive center loop and the heparin binding domain were essential. Surprisingly, antithrombin non-covalently inhibited enteropeptidase, revealing a novel mechanism of inhibition for this serpin. Moreover, as a consequence of this inhibition, antithrombin was cleaved, resulting in a molecule with anti-angiogenic properties that reduced vessel-like formation of endothelial cells. The addition of antithrombin and heparin to U-87 MG and A549 cells reduced motility in wound healing assays, inhibited the invasion in transwell assays and the degradation of a gelatin matrix mediated by invadopodia. These processes were controlled by enteropeptidase, as demonstrated by RNA interference experiments. Carcinoma cell xenografts in nude mice showed in vivo co-localization of enteropeptidase and antithrombin. Finally, treatment with heparin reduced experimental metastasis induced by HT29 cells in vivo. In conclusion, the inhibition of enteropeptidase by antithrombin may have a double anti-tumor effect through inhibiting a protease involved in metastasis and generating an anti-angiogenic molecule.
Hot carrier multiplication on graphene/TiO2 Schottky nanodiodes
Authors: Lee Young Keun , Choi Hongkyw , Lee Hyunsoo , Lee Changhwan , Choi Jin Sik , Choi Choon-Gi , Hwang Euyheon , Park Jeong Young
Published: June 2016

Carrier multiplication (i.e. generation of multiple electron–hole pairs from a single high-energy electron, CM) in graphene has been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally, but direct application of hot carrier multiplication in graphene has not been reported. Here, taking advantage of efficient CM in graphene, we fabricated graphene/TiO2 Schottky nanodiodes and found CM-driven enhancement of quantum efficiency. The unusual photocurrent behavior was observed and directly compared with Fowler’s law for photoemission on metals. The Fowler’s law exponent for the graphene-based nanodiode is almost twice that of a thin gold film based diode; the graphene-based nanodiode also has a weak dependence on light intensity—both are significant evidence for CM in graphene. Furthermore, doping in graphene significantly modifies the quantum efficiency by changing the Schottky barrier. The CM phenomenon observed on the graphene/TiO2 nanodiodes can lead to intriguing applications of viable graphene-based light harvesting.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Vaginal Delivery at Primiparous Women
Authors: Milosavljevic Maja , Lecic Tosevski Dusica , Soldatovic Ivan , Vukovic Olivera , Miljevic Cedo , Peljto Amir , Kostic Milutin , Olff Miranda
Published: June 2016

Although severe gynaecological pathology during delivery and negative outcome have been shown to be related with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) little is known about traumatic experiences following regular delivery, at the expected time and with a healthy child. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of PTSD during postpartum period after vaginal delivery and its risk factors. The sample included 126 primiparous women. Monthly, for the next three months, the women were assessed for PTSD using the gold standard interview for PTSD, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Risk factors were assessed including sociodemographic variables, personal medical history and clinical variables. After the first month, 2.4% women had acute full PTSD and another 9.5% had clinically significant level of PTSD symptoms. Following the second and the third month, partial PTSD was found in 5.9% and 1.3% of the women, respectively, and none of participants had full PTSD. Obstetrical interventions were the only significant risk factor for the development of PTSD. Symptoms of postpartum PTSD are not rare after a traumatic delivery, and associated with specific obstetrical risk factors. Awareness of these risk factors may stimulate interventions to prevent this important and neglected postpartum disorder.
Generative rules of Drosophila locomotor behavior as a candidate homology across phyla
Authors: Gomez-Marin Alex , Oron Efrat , Gakamsky Anna , Dan Valente  , Benjamini Yoav , Golani Ilan
Published: June 2016

The discovery of shared behavioral processes across phyla is a significant step in the establishment of a comparative study of behavior. We use immobility as an origin and reference for the measurement of fly locomotor behavior; speed, walking direction and trunk orientation as the degrees of freedom shaping this behavior; and cocaine as the parameter inducing progressive transitions in and out of immobility. We characterize and quantify the generative rules that shape Drosophila locomotor behavior, bringing about a gradual buildup of kinematic degrees of freedom during the transition from immobility to normal behavior, and the opposite narrowing down into immobility. Transitions into immobility unfold via sequential enhancement and then elimination of translation, curvature and finally rotation. Transitions out of immobility unfold by progressive addition of these degrees of freedom in the opposite order. The same generative rules have been found in vertebrate locomotor behavior in several contexts (pharmacological manipulations, ontogeny, social interactions) involving transitions in-and-out of immobility. Recent claims for deep homology between arthropod central complex and vertebrate basal ganglia provide an opportunity to examine whether the rules we report also share common descent. Our approach prompts the discovery of behavioral homologies, contributing to the elusive problem of behavioral evolution.
Transient autonomic responses during sustained attention in high and low fit young adults
Authors: Luque-Casado Antonio , Perakakis Pandelis , Ciria Luis F. , Sanabria Daniel
Published: June 2016

Maintaining vigilance over long periods of time is especially critical in performing fundamental everyday activities and highly responsible professional tasks (e.g., driving, performing surgery or piloting). Here, we investigated the role of aerobic fitness as a crucial factor related to the vigilance capacity. To this end, two groups of young adult participants (high-fit and low-fit) were compared in terms of reaction time (RT) performance and event-related heart rate responses in a 60′ version of the psychomotor vigilance task. The results showed shorter RTs in high-fit participants, but only during the first 24′ of the task. Crucially, this period of improved performance was accompanied by a decelerative cardiac response pattern present only in the high-fit group that also disappeared after the first 24′. In conclusion, high aerobic fitness was related to a pattern of transient autonomic responses suggestive of an attentive preparatory state that coincided with improved behavioural performance and that was sustained for 24′. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the role of the autonomic nervous system reactivity in the relationship between fitness and cognition in general and sustained attention in particular.
Disruption of Slc52a3 gene causes neonatal lethality with riboflavin deficiency in mice
Authors: Yoshimatsu Hiroki , Yonezawa Atsushi , Yamanishi Kaori , Yao Yoshiaki , Sugano Kumiko , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Imai Satoshi , Omura Tomohiro , Nakagawa Takayuki , Yano Ikuko , Masuda Satohiro , Inui Ken-ichi , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: June 2016

Homeostasis of riboflavin should be maintained by transporters. Previous in vitro studies have elucidated basic information about riboflavin transporter RFVT3 encoded by SLC52A3 gene. However, the contribution of RFVT3 to the maintenance of riboflavin homeostasis and the significance in vivo remain unclear. Here, we investigated the physiological role of RFVT3 using Slc52a3 knockout (Slc52a3−/−) mice. Most Slc52a3−/− mice died with hyperlipidemia and hypoglycemia within 48 hr after birth. The plasma and tissue riboflavin concentrations in Slc52a3−/− mice at postnatal day 0 were dramatically lower than those in wild-type (WT) littermates. Slc52a3−/− fetuses showed a lower capacity of placental riboflavin transport compared with WT fetuses. Riboflavin supplement during pregnancy and after birth reduced neonatal death and metabolic disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first report to indicate that Rfvt3 contributes to placental riboflavin transport, and that disruption of Slc52a3 gene caused neonatal mortality with hyperlipidemia and hypoglycemia owing to riboflavin deficiency.
Physico-Chemical Condition Optimization during Biosynthesis lead to development of Improved and Catalytically Efficient Gold Nano Particles
Authors: Kumari Madhuree , Mishra Aradhana , Pandey Shipra , Singh Satyendra Pratap , Chaudhry Vasvi , Mudiam Mohana Krishna Reddy , Shukla Shatrunajay , Kakkar Poonam , Nautiyal Chandra Shekhar
Published: June 2016

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles has gained great attention in making the process cost-effective and eco-friendly, but there are limited reports which describe the interdependency of physical parameters for tailoring the dimension and geometry of nanoparticles during biological synthesis. In the present study, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of various shapes and sizes were obtained by modulating different physical parameters using Trichoderma viride filtrate. The particles were characterized on the basis of visual observation, dynamic light scattering, UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X ray diffraction. While the size varied from 2–500 nm, the shapes obtained were nanospheres, nanotriangles, nanopentagons, nanohexagons, and nanosheets. Changing the parameters such as pH, temperature, time, substrate, and culture filtrate concentration influenced the size and geometry of nanoparticles. Catalytic activity of the biosynthesized GNP was evaluated by UV-visible spectroscopy and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis for the conversion of 4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophenol which was strongly influenced by their structure and dimension. Common practices for biodegradation are traditional, expensive, require large amount of raw material, and time taking. Controlling shapes and sizes of nanoparticles could revolutionize the process of biodegradation that can remove all the hurdles in current scenario.
MC1R is dispensable for the proteinuria reducing and glomerular protective effect of melanocortin therapy
Authors: Qiao Yingjin , Berg Anna-Lena , Wang Pei , Ge Yan , Quan Songxia , Zhou Sijie , Wang Hai , Liu Zhangsuo , Gong Rujun
Published: June 2016

Melanocortin therapy by using adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or non-steroidogenic melanocortin peptides attenuates proteinuria and glomerular injury in experimental glomerular diseases and induces remission of nephrotic syndrome in patients with diverse glomerulopathies, even those resistant to steroids. The underlying mechanism remains elusive, but the role of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) has been implicated and was examined here. Four patients with congenital red hair color and nephrotic syndrome caused by idiopathic membranous nephropathy or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis were confirmed by gene sequencing to bear dominant-negative MC1R mutations. Despite prior corticosteroid resistance, all patients responded to ACTH monotherapy and ultimately achieved clinical remission, inferring a steroidogenic-independent and MC1R-dispensable anti-proteinuric effect of melanocortin signaling. In confirmatory animal studies, the protective effect of [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH), a potent non-steroidogenic pan-melanocortin receptor agonist, on the lipopolysaccharide elicited podocytopathy was completely preserved in MC1R-null mice, marked by reduced albuminuria and diminished histologic signs of podocyte injury. Moreover, in complementary in vitro studies, NDP-MSH attenuated the lipopolysaccharide elicited apoptosis, hypermotility and impairment of filtration barrier function equally in primary podocytes derived from MC1R-null and wild-type mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that melanocortin therapy confers a proteinuria reducing and podoprotective effect in proteinuric glomerulopathies via MC1R-independent mechanisms.
The ORF3 Protein of Genotype 1 Hepatitis E Virus Suppresses TLR3-induced NF-κB Signaling via TRADD and RIP1
Authors: He Man , Wang Min , Huang Ying , Peng Wenju , Zheng Zizheng , Xia Ningshao , Xu Jian , Tian Deying
Published: June 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 1 infection is common and can emerge as outbreaks in developing areas, thus posing a threat to public health. However, due to the absence of feasible animal models, the mechanism of HE pathogenesis remains obscure. The HEV pathogenic mechanism has been suggested to be mediated by the immune system and not by direct viral duplication. We firstly discovered that the open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein of genotype 1 HEV downregulates TLR3-mediated NF-κB signaling in Human A549 Lung Epithelial Cells (A549 cells) which were exposed to different TLR agonists associated with viral nucleic acids. Additionally, we identified the P2 domain of ORF3 as being responsible for this inhibition. Intriguingly, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1-associated death domain protein (TRADD) expression and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) K63-ubiquitination were reduced in the presence of both ORF3 and Poly(I:C). Furthermore, we found that Lys377 of RIP1 acts as the functional ubiquitination site for ORF3-associated inhibition. Overall, we found that ORF3 protein downregulates TLR3-mediated NF-κB signaling via TRADD and RIP1. Our findings provide a new perspective on the cellular response in HEV infection and expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HEV pathogenesis in innate immunity.
Enhancement of toughness and wear resistance in boron nitride nanoplatelet (BNNP) reinforced Si3N4 nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Bin , Lee Dongju , Lee Jun Ho , Ryu Ho Jin , Hong Soon Hyung
Published: June 2016

Ceramics have superior hardness, strength and corrosion resistance, but are also associated with poor toughness. Here, we propose the boron nitride nanoplatelet (BNNP) as a novel toughening reinforcement component to ceramics with outstanding mechanical properties and high-temperature stability. We used a planetary ball-milling process to exfoliate BNNPs in a scalable manner and functionalizes them with polystyrene sulfonate. Non-covalently functionalized BNNPs were homogeneously dispersed with Si3N4 powders using a surfactant and then consolidated by hot pressing. The fracture toughness of the BNNP/Si3N4 nanocomposite increased by as much as 24.7% with 2 vol.% of BNNPs. Furthermore, BNNPs enhanced strength (9.4%) and the tribological properties (26.7%) of the ceramic matrix. Microstructural analyzes have shown that the toughening mechanisms are combinations of the pull-out, crack bridging, branching and blunting mechanisms.
Abnormal regional homogeneity as potential imaging biomarker for psychosis risk syndrome: a resting-state fMRI study and support vector machine analysis
Authors: Wang Shuai , Wang Guodong , Lv Hailong , Wu Renrong , Zhao Jingping , Guo Wenbin
Published: June 2016

Subjects with psychosis risk syndrome (PRS) have structural and functional abnormalities in several brain regions. However, regional functional synchronization of PRS has not been clarified. We recruited 34 PRS subjects and 37 healthy controls. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance scans was employed to analyze regional functional synchronization in these participants. Receiver operating characteristic curves and support vector machines were used to detect whether abnormal regional functional synchronization could be utilized to separate PRS subjects from healthy controls. We observed that PRS subjects showed significant ReHo decreases in the left inferior temporal gyrus and increases in the right inferior frontal gyrus and right putamen compared with the controls. No correlations between abnormal regional functional synchronization in these brain regions and clinical characteristics existed. A combination of the ReHo values in the three brain regions showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 88.24%, 91.89% and 90.14%, respectively, for discriminating PRS subjects from healthy controls. We inferred that abnormal regional functional synchronization exists in the cerebrum of PRS subjects and a combination of ReHo values in these abnormal regions could be applied as potential image biomarker to identify PRS subjects from healthy controls.
Increased airway glucose increases airway bacterial load in hyperglycaemia
Authors: Gill Simren K. , Hui Kailyn , Farne Hugo , Garnett James P. , Baines Deborah L. , Moore Luke S.P. , Holmes Alison H. , Filloux Alain , Tregoning John S.
Published: June 2016

Diabetes is associated with increased frequency of hospitalization due to bacterial lung infection. We hypothesize that increased airway glucose caused by hyperglycaemia leads to increased bacterial loads. In critical care patients, we observed that respiratory tract bacterial colonisation is significantly more likely when blood glucose is high. We engineered mutants in genes affecting glucose uptake and metabolism (oprB, gltK, gtrS and glk) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, strain PAO1. These mutants displayed attenuated growth in minimal medium supplemented with glucose as the sole carbon source. The effect of glucose on growth in vivo was tested using streptozocin-induced, hyperglycaemic mice, which have significantly greater airway glucose. Bacterial burden in hyperglycaemic animals was greater than control animals when infected with wild type but not mutant PAO1. Metformin pre-treatment of hyperglycaemic animals reduced both airway glucose and bacterial load. These data support airway glucose as a critical determinant of increased bacterial load during diabetes.
An effective host material with thermally activated delayed fluorescence formed by confined conjugation for red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Xiang-Yang , Liang Feng , Yuan Yi , Cui Lin-Song , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: June 2016

A thermally activated delayed fluorescence material 2,6-bis(9,9-diphenylacridin-10(9H)-yl)pyrazine was designed and synthesized.
Efficient water oxidation with electromodified Langmuir–Blodgett films of procatalytic [CoIII(N2O3)] metallosurfactants on electrodes
Authors: Gonawala Sunalee , Baydoun Habib , Wickramasinghe Lanka , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: June 2016

Electromodified Langmuir–Blodgett films of a cobalt-based metallosurfactant support water oxidation at turnover numbers of up to 54 000 h−1.
Encapsulation of LnIII ions/Ag nanoparticles within Cd(ii) boron imidazolate frameworks for tuning luminescence emission
Authors: Liu Min , Chen Shumei , Wen Tian , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2016

The neutral and anionic Cd(ii) boron imidazolate frameworks (BIF-80/81) with different networks can tune the luminescence and realize white-light emission, respectively.
Novel layered Li3V2(PO4)3/rGO&C sheets as high-rate and long-life lithium ion battery cathodes
Authors: Wei Qiulong , Xu Yanan , Li Qidong , Tan Shuangshuang , Ren Wenhao , An Qinyou , Mai Liqiang
Published: June 2016

Novel layered Li3V2(PO4)3/rGO&C sheets with high lithium storage performance are synthesized by novel interfacial modified assembly, freeze-drying and confined annealing processes.
Stable hydrogen generation from Ni- and Co-based co-catalysts in supported CdS PEC cell
Authors: Pareek Alka , Paik Pradip , Borse Pramod H.
Published: June 2016

Schematic summarizing CdS photoanode modification by nano Ni(OH)2, NiO, Co(OH)2, and Co3O4 water-oxidation co-catalysts resulting in enhancement of stability of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell electrodes for >8 h. The NiO modified photoanode yields large PEC H2-evolution of 2.5 mmol h−1.
Jump Markov models and transition state theory: the quasi-stationary distribution approach
Authors: Di Gesù Giacomo , Lelièvre Tony , Le Peutrec Dorian , Nectoux Boris
Published: June 2016

We are interested in the connection between a metastable continuous state space Markov process (satisfyinge.g.the Langevin or overdamped Langevin equation) and a jump Markov process in a discrete state space. More precisely, we use the notion of quasi-stationary distribution within a metastable state for the continuous state space Markov process to parametrize the exit event from the state. This approach is useful to analyze and justify methods which use the jump Markov process underlying a metastable dynamics as a support to efficiently sample the state-to-state dynamics (accelerated dynamics techniques). Moreover, it is possible by this approach to quantify the error on the exit event when the parametrization of the jump Markov model is based on the Eyring–Kramers formula. This therefore provides a mathematical framework to justify the use of transition state theory and the Eyring–Kramers formula to build kinetic Monte Carlo or Markov state models.
Seed mediated growth of gold nanorods: towards nanorod matryoshkas
Authors: Hinman Joshua G. , Stork Andrew J. , Varnell Jason A. , Gewirth Andrew A. , Murphy Catherine J.
Published: June 2016

After a brief review of anisotropy on the nanoscale, experiments in which nanorod core–shell–shell particles are grown are presented. These “nanomatryoshkas” consist of a gold nanorod core, a silica shell, and a final gold shell. Calculation of the near-field properties of these structures using the discrete dipole approximation uncovers the change in location of local electric fields upon gold outer shell growth. Electrochemical experiments of the weak reducing agents used to grow the gold nanorod cores suggest a correlation between the strength of the reducing agent and its ability to promote longer nanorod growth. The final nanostructures do not exhibit a smooth outer shell, unlike their spherical counterparts.
Engineering a perfusable 3D human liver platform from iPS cells
Authors: Schepers Arnout , Li Cheri , Chhabra Arnav , Seney Benjamin Tschudy , Bhatia Sangeeta
Published: June 2016

The authors present a human liver model that supports both primary hepatocytes and human iHeps with flexibility for systems integration.
Enabling method to design versatile biomaterial systems from colloidal building blocks
Authors: Saxena S. , Lyon L. A.
Published: June 2016

Soft microgels, hard spheres, and live cells can be centrifuged with polyelectrolytes to develop complex biomaterial systems.
A novel 4-fluorobenzenetelluronic trimethyltin ester: synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity assessment
Authors: Ma Chunlin , Liu Xinglong , Cheng Shuang , Li Qianli , Zhang Rufen
Published: June 2016

A novel 4-fluorobenzenetelluronic trimethyltin ester (Me3Sn)4[p-F-PhTe(μ-O)(OH)O2]2 (1) has been prepared and structurally characterized, and apoptotic cytotoxicity assessments for A549 cells are made.
The evolution of genome mining in microbes – a review
Authors: Ziemert Nadine , Alanjary Mohammad , Weber Tilmann
Published: June 2016

This article reviews the development of genome mining strategies in bacteria during the last decade.
Antibody conjugated metal nanoparticle decorated graphene sheets for a mycotoxin sensor
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Kumar Vinod , Arora Kamal , Singh Chandan , Ali Md. Azahar , Puri Nitin K. , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: June 2016

The proposed rGO–Ni NPs based immunosensor utilized for aflatoxin B1 detection indicates high sensitivity.
Ameliorative effect of quercetin nanorods on diabetic mice: mechanistic and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Alam Md. Maroof , Abdullah K. M. , Singh Braj Raj , Naqvi Alim Hussain , Naseem Imrana
Published: June 2016

Quercetin is a natural polyphenolic compound that acts as a strong antioxidant for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by any physical or chemical action.
Enhancement of Ce1−xSnxO2 support in LaMnO3 for the catalytic oxidation and adsorption of elemental mercury
Authors: Xu Haomiao , Ma Yongpeng , Zhao Songjian , Huang Wenjun , Qu Zan , Yan Naiqiang
Published: June 2016

Mn-based perovskite oxide was used as the active site for elemental mercury (Hg0) removal from coal-fired flue gas.
Solvent-free synthesis of crystalline mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Di , Ye Jing , Chen Lie , Wang Yongzheng , Fang Kai , Xie Mingjiang , Peng Luming , Guo Xuefeng , Ding Weiping
Published: June 2016

As an advanced anode material for lithium ions batteries, crystalline mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 with a high surface area was prepared by a novel solvent-free route.
The effect of surfactants and their concentration on the liquid exfoliation of graphene
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yi Min , Shen Zhigang
Published: June 2016

We investigated the effect of surfactants and their concentration on the final graphene concentration via the liquid-phase exfoliation method. Ionic surfactant and non-ionic surfactant have different mechanisms in the exfoliation process.
Organic sodium terephthalate@graphene hybrid anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ying , Kretschmer Katja , Zhang Jinqiang , Mondal Anjon Kumar , Guo Xin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: June 2016

An sodium terephthalate@graphene (Na2TP@GE) hybrid with an interconnected, multi-channelled monolith structure was synthesized via freeze-drying technique. This material exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries.
Rational design of a supramolecular gel based on a Zn(ii)–salophen bis-dipeptide derivative
Authors: Piccinno Martina , Angulo-Pachón César A. , Ballester Pablo , Escuder Beatriu , Cort Antonella Dalla
Published: June 2016

We report the rational design and synthesis of a supramolecular gelator based on a Zn(ii)–salophen derivative functionalized with l-valine residues.
Progress and development of Fe3O4 electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Nithya V. D. , Sabari Arul N.
Published: June 2016

The recent progress in the development of Fe3O4 based electrodes for supercapacitors is summarized and discussed.
A simple small molecule as an acceptor for fullerene-free organic solar cells with efficiency near 8%
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Liu Yongtao , Ni Wang , Liu Feng , Feng Huanran , Zhang Yamin , Liu Tingting , Zhang Hongtao , Wan Xiangjian , Kan Bin , Zhang Qian , Russell Thomas P. , Chen Yongsheng
Published: June 2016

A small molecule named DICTF was synthesized and an organic solar cell based on PTB7-Th:DICTF exhibited a high PCE of 7.93%.
High-efficiency deep-red quantum-dot light-emitting diodes with type-II CdSe/CdTe core/shell quantum dots as emissive layers
Authors: Lin Qingli , Song Bin , Wang Hongzhe , Zhang Fengjuan , Chen Fei , Wang Lei , Li Lin Song , Guo Fang , Shen Huaibin
Published: June 2016

Highly efficient deep-red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated by using type-II CdTe/CdSe quantum dots.
Performance analysis of low‐complexity channel prediction for uplink massive MIMO
Authors: Fan Lixing , Wang Qi , Huang Yongming , Yang Luxi
Published: June 2016

Delayed channel state information (CSI) degrades the system performance and predictor can mitigate the effects of outdate CSI. In massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems with large dimensional channel vectors, low‐complexity prediction can reduce operation time and process latency. This study adopts a low‐complexity channel predictor based on polynomial fitting for the massive MIMO system. Compared with the conventional Wiener predictor, it does not need statistical channel estimation and avoids matrix inversion. The authors derive the approximate signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) with predicted channel information and the approximate gaps of the average rate per user between using perfect CSI, the predicted CSI provided by Wiener predictor and polynomial fitting, respectively, in the uplink massive MIMO system. The authors also analyse the normalised mean square error of prediction. The performance is investigated in a more practical and general angle of departure spectrum model with a concentration direction and a spreading factor. Simulations validate that the SINR approximations are tight, and show that the polynomial fitting with a proper prediction order can achieve a satisfying performance, when the concentration direction and the spreading factor are small.
Ultra‐wideband grid array antenna for automotive radar sensors
Authors: Gulam Nabi Alsath Mohammed , Kanagasabai Malathi
Published: June 2016

This study presents the design of an ultra‐wideband (UWB) grid array antenna (GAA) for automotive radar sensors. The GAA is constructed using long transmission lines and short radiating lines loaded with reactive circular disc elements to improve the bandwidth performance. The reactance loading provides more number of zeros in the antenna's reactance and hence provides a wider impedance bandwidth. A simplified equivalent circuit model is provided to understand the fundamental operation of the proposed GAA. The GAA is composed of 33 elements arranged in two rows to obtain narrow beam along one plane and relatively wider beam along the other plane. The proposed GAA is characterised by low profile, large bandwidth, high gain and fan beam radiation pattern. The prototype antenna is fabricated and experimental results are presented. From the experimental results, it is evident that the proposed GAA is suitable for UWB short range automotive radar systems to efficiently detect and prevent collision.
Frequency support using multi‐terminal HVDC systems based on DC voltage manipulation
Authors: Rafferty John , Xu Lie , Wang Yi , Xu Guoyi , Alsokhiry Fahad
Published: June 2016

This study investigates the use of multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current(HVDC) systems to provide primary frequency support to connected AC networks via coordinated DC voltage manipulation. Control schemes for multi‐terminal HVDC systems to allow redistribution of active power, based on the idea of ‘power priority’ are proposed. Inertia response from DC connected large offshore wind farms can also be incorporated based on the detection of DC voltage derivation at the offshore converter terminal without the need for telecommunication between the DC terminals. Simulation studies based on a three‐terminal HVDC system connecting one large wind farm and two separate AC networks validate the operation of the system during frequency events.
Material transport via the emission of shear loops during void growth: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Cui Yi , Chen Zengtao
Published: June 2016

The growth of a nanovoid in single-crystal copper has been studied via molecular dynamics (MD) method. The objective is to build the correlation between material transport pattern and dislocation structures. MD results are examined by characterizing the material transport via the “relative displacement” of atoms, where the homogenous elastic deformation has been excluded. Through this novel approach, we are able to illustrate the feasibility of void growth induced by shear loops/curves. At a smaller scale, the formation and emission of shear loops/curves contribute to the local mass transport. At a larger scale, a new mechanism of void growth via frustum-like dislocation structure is revealed. A phenomenological description of void growth via frustum-like dislocation structure is also proposed.
Tunable, broadband and high-efficiency Si/Ge hot luminescence with plasmonic nanocavity array
Authors: Qi Gongmin , Zhang Miao , Wang Lin , Mu Zhiqiang , Ren Wei , Li Wei , Di Zengfeng , Wang Xi
Published: June 2016

In addition to the massive application in the electronics industry for decades, silicon has been considered as one of the best candidates for the photonics industry. However, a high-efficiency, broadband light source is still a challenge. In this paper, we theoretically propose a Si/Ge based platform consisting of plasmonic nanocavity array to realize the tunable, broadband, and high-efficiency Si/Ge hot luminescence from infrared to visible region with large luminescence enhancement (about 103). It is demonstrated that the large luminescence enhancement is due to the resonance between the intrinsic hot luminescence and the plasmonic nanocavity modes with ultra-small effective mode volumes. And, the size and Ge composition of Si1−xGex nanowire can be tuned to realize the tunable and broadband luminescence. This study gives rise to many applications in silicon photonics, like ultrafast optical communications, sensors, and on-chip spectral measurements.
Kelvin-probe force microscopy of the pH-dependent charge of functional groups
Authors: Stone Alexander D. D. , Mesquida Patrick
Published: June 2016

Kelvin-probe Force Microscopy (KFM) is an established method to map surface potentials or surface charges at high, spatial resolution. However, KFM does not work in water, which restricts its applicability considerably, especially when considering common, functional chemical groups in biophysics such as amine or carboxy groups, whose charge depends on pH. Here, we demonstrate that the KFM signal of such groups taken in air after exposure to water correlates qualitatively with their expected charge in water for a wide range of pH values. The correlation was tested with microcontact-printed thiols exposing amine and carboxy groups. Furthermore, it was shown that collagen fibrils, as an example of a biological material, exhibit a particular, pH-sensitive surface charge pattern, which could be caused by the particular arrangement of ionizable residues on the collagen fibril surface.
Pool boiling with high heat flux enabled by a porous artery structure
Authors: Bai Lizhan , Zhang Lianpei , Lin Guiping , Peterson G. P.
Published: June 2016

A porous artery structure utilizing the concept of “phase separation and modulation” is proposed to enhance the critical heat flux of pool boiling. A series of experiments were conducted on a range of test articles in which multiple rectangular arteries were machined directly into the top surface of a 10.0 mm diameter copper rod. The arteries were then covered by a 2.0 mm thickness microporous copper plate through silver brazing. The pool wall was fabricated from transparent Pyrex glass to allow a visualization study, and water was used as the working fluid. Experimental results confirmed that the porous artery structure provided individual flow paths for the liquid supply and vapor venting, and avoided the detrimental effects of the liquid/vapor counter flow. As a result, a maximum heat flux of 610 W/cm2 over a heating area of 0.78 cm2 was achieved with no indication of dryout, prior to reaching the heater design temperature limit. Following the experimental tests, the mechanisms responsible for the boiling critical heat flux and performance enhancement of the porous artery structure were analyzed.
Lead-free Mn-doped (K0.5,Na0.5)NbO3 piezoelectric thin films for MEMS-based vibrational energy harvester applications
Authors: Won Sung Sik , Lee Joonhee , Venugopal Vineeth , Kim Dong-Joo , Lee Jinkee , Kim Ill Won , Kingon Angus I. , Kim Seung-Hyun
Published: June 2016

Lead-free Mn-doped (K0.5, Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) thin films were fabricated by the chemical solution deposition method. The addition of small concentration of Mn dopant effectively reduced the leakage current density and enhanced the piezoelectric properties of the films. The leakage current density of 0.5 mol. % Mn-doped KNN film showed the lowest value of ∼10-7 A/cm2 at 10 V compared to the films with other doping concentrations and the piezoelectric d33 and e31 coefficients of this film were ∼90 pm/V and −8.5 C/m2, respectively. The maximum power and power density of the lead-free thin film-based vibrational energy harvesting device were 3.62 μW and 1800 μW/cm3 at the resonance frequency of 132 Hz and the acceleration of 1.0 G. The results prove that the 0.5 mol. % Mn-doped KNN film is an attractive candidate transducer layer for the piezoelectric MEMS energy harvesting device applications with a small volume and a long-lasting power source.
Strong enhancement of piezoelectric constants in ScxAl1−xN: First-principles calculations
Authors: Momida Hiroyoshi , Teshigahara Akihiko , Oguchi Tamio
Published: June 2016

We theoretically investigate the piezoelectricity of ScxAl1−xN in the entire range of x by first-principles calculations. We find that the piezoelectric constants of wurtzite-type ScxAl1−xN significantly enhance as x increases from 0 to 0.75. However, the energy stability analyses between structure phases show that the cubic-type phases become more stable than the wurtzite-type phases at x of approximately 0.5 and higher, interfering with the ability of wurtzite-type ScxAl1−xN to realize the maximum piezoelectricity. Moreover, our study on element combination dependences on piezoelectricity in A0.5B0.5N (A = Sc, Y, La and B = Al, Ga, In) indicates that Sc, Y, and La have the strongest effect on the enhancement of piezoelectric constants in AlN, GaN, and InN, respectively.