bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous hydrolysis of carbaryl and chlorpyrifos by Stenotrophomonas sp. strain YC-1 with surface-displayed carbaryl hydrolase
Authors: Yang Chao , Xu Xiaoqing , Liu Yanping , Jiang Hong , Wu Yunbo , Xu Ping , Liu Ruihua
Published: October 2017

Many sites are often co-contaminated with multiple pesticides. To date, there are no reports on simultaneous degradation of different classes of pesticides by a natural microorganism. In this work, we aim at constructing a live biocatalyst able to simultaneously hydrolyze carbaryl and chlorpyrifos. For this purpose, carbaryl hydrolase (CH) was displayed on the cell surface of a chlorpyrifos-degrading bacterium Stenotrophomonas sp. strain YC-1 using N- and C-terminal domain of ice nucleation protein (INPNC) from Pseudomonas syringae INA5 as an anchoring motif. The localization of INPNC-CH fusion protein in the outer membrane fraction was demonstrated by cell fractionation followed by Western blot analysis. Surface display of INPNC-CH was further confirmed by proteinase accessibility experiment and immunofluorescence microscope. CH was present in an active form on cell surface without causing any growth inhibition, suggesting that the INP-based display system is a useful tool for surface expression of macromolecular heterologous proteins on the bacterial cell surface. Because surface-displayed CH has free access to pesticides, this bacterium can be used as a whole-cell biocatalyst for efficient hydrolysis of pesticides.
Proteomic analysis of human lacrimal and tear fluid in dry eye disease
Authors: Jung Jae Hun , Ji Yong Woo , Hwang Ho Sik , Oh Jae Won , Kim Hyun Chang , Lee Hyung Keun , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: October 2017

To understand the pathophysiology of dry eye disease (DED), it is necessary to characterize proteins in the ocular surface fluids, including tear fluid (TF) and lacrimal fluid (LF). There have been several reports of TF proteomes, but few proteomic studies have examined LF secreted from the lacrimal gland (LG). Therefore, we characterized the proteins constituting TF and LF by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. TF and LF were collected from patients with non-Sjögren syndrome DED and from healthy subjects. Through protein profiling and label-free quantification, 1165 proteins from TF and 1448 from LF were identified. In total, 849 proteins were present in both TF and LF. Next, candidate biomarkers were verified using the multiple reaction monitoring assay in both TF and LF of 17 DED patients and 17 healthy controls. As a result, 16 marker proteins were identified (fold-change > 1.5, p-value < 0.05), of which 3 were upregulated in TF and 8 up- and 5 down-regulated in LF. In conclusion, this study revealed novel DED markers originating from the LG and tears by in-depth proteomic analysis and comparison of TF and LF proteins.
TIPE2 negatively regulates mycoplasma pneumonia-triggered immune response via MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Mei Shufen , Zhou Yunlian , Yang Dehua , Pan Ting , Chen Zhimin , Wang Qingqing
Published: October 2017

Excessive immune responses played an important role in pathophysiology ofmycoplasma pneumonia(MP) infection. Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) is a negative regulator of immune response. This study investigated the expression change of TIPE2 and its role in immune defense against MP infection, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Expressions of TIPE2 both in patients and in macrophagesin vitroafter MP infection were measured. We further studied cytokine production and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling function in macrophages with interfered expression of TIPE2 upon MP infection. A significant decrease of TIPE2 mRNA expression was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MP patients, which was correlated with the severity of infection. Accordingly we found down-regulation of TIPE2 expression in macrophages after MP infection.In vitrostudy further suggested that TIPE2 jeopardized inflammatory cytokine production trigged by MP infection via inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway. These findings provided evidences of the novel function of TIPE2 in anti-MP immunity and its possible clinical utility related clinical significance.
3D- Printed Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffold Integrated with Cell-laden Chitosan Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Dong Liang , Wang Shao-Jie , Zhao Xin-Rong , Zhu Yu-Fang , Yu Jia-Kuo
Published: October 2017

Synthetic polymeric scaffolds are commonly used in bone tissue engineering (BTE) due to their biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties. However, their hydrophobicity and the lack of specific cell recognition sites confined their practical application. In this study, to improve the cell seeding efficiency and osteoinductivity, an injectable thermo-sensitive chitosan hydrogel (CSG) was incorporated into a 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold to form a hybrid scaffold. To demonstrate the feasibility of this hybrid system for BTE application, rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were encapsulated in CSG. Pure PCL scaffolds were used as controls. Cell proliferation and viability were investigated. Osteogenic gene expressions of BMMSCs in various scaffolds were determined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Growth factor releasing profile and mechanical tests were performed. CCK-8 assay confirmed greater cell retention and proliferation in chitosan and hybrid groups. Confocal microscopy showed even distribution of cells in the hybrid system. After 2-week osteogenic culture in vitro, BMMSCs in hybrid and chitosan scaffolds showed stronger osteogenesis and bone-matrix formation. To conclude, chitosan/PCL hybrid scaffolds are a favorable platform for BTE due to its capacity to carry cells and drugs, and excellent mechanical strength.
Semiochemical mediated enhancement of males to complement sterile insect technique in management of the tephritid pest Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt)
Authors: Khan Mohammed Abul Monjur , Manoukis Nicholas C. , Osborne Terry , Barchia Idris M. , Gurr Geoff M. , Reynolds Olivia L.
Published: October 2017

Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), is the most significant pest of Australia’s $9 billion horticulture industry. The sterile insect technique (SIT) and cue-lure (a synthetic analogue of raspberry ketone (RK))-based male annihilation technique (MAT) are two of the most effective management tools against this pest. However, combining these two approaches is considered incompatible as MAT kills sterile and ‘wild’ males indiscriminately. In the present study we tested the effect of pre-release feeding of B. tryoni on RK on their post-release survival and response to MAT in field cages and in a commercial orchard. In both settings, survival was higher for RK supplemented adults compared to control (i.e. RK denied) adults. A lower number of RK supplemented sterile males were recaptured in MAT baited traps in both the field cages and orchard trials compared to RK denied sterile males. The advantage of this novel “male replacement” approach (relatively selective mortality of wild males at lure-baited traps while simultaneously releasing sterile males) is increasing the ratio of sterile to wild males in the field population, with potential for reducing the number of sterile males to be released.
Prognostic significance of preoperative gamma-glutamyltransferase to lymphocyte ratio index in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after curative resection
Authors: Zhou Bo , Zhan Canyang , Wu Jingjing , Liu Jianhua , Zhou Jie , Zheng Shusen
Published: October 2017

Various inflammation-based prognostic scores have been associated with reduced survival in patients with nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NF-PNET). However, few studies have illuminated the relationship between the preoperative gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) to lymphocyte ratio index (GLRI) and the prognosis of NF-PNET. A retrospective review of 125 NF-PNET patients following curative resection was conducted. The cut-off values for the inflammation-based prognostic scores, including GLRI, were selected using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Univariate, multivariate and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to calculate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The optimal cut-off value for GLRI was 10.3. Multivariate analysis showed that GLRI was an independent predictor of OS (P = 0.001) and DFS (P = 0.007) for NF-PNET. Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed that preoperative GLRI had significant prognostic value in various subgroups of patients with NF-PNET. The discriminatory capability of GLRI was superior to that of other inflammation-based scores in OS prediction. Furthermore, the predictive range was expanded by incorporating GLRI into the conventional stratification systems, including AJCC staging and WHO classification. These results indicated that preoperative GLRI was an independent predictor for NF-PNET patients undergoing curative resection. The incorporation of GLRI into the existing conventional stratification systems resulted in improved predictive accuracy.
Bio-based coatings for reducing water sorption in natural fibre reinforced composites
Authors: Mokhothu T. H. , John M. J.
Published: October 2017

In this study, bio-based coatings were used for reducing water sorption of composites containing flame retardant treated natural fibres and phenolic resin. Two types of coatings; polyfurfuryl alcohol resin (PFA) and polyurethane (PU) were used on the composites and compared with a water resistant market product. Uncoated and coated samples were conditioned at 90 °C and relative humidity of 90% for three days and the relative moisture content and mechanical properties after conditioning were analysed. In addition, the changes in the weight loss of the conditioned samples were also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The moisture diffusion characteristics of coated laminates were also studied at room temperature under water immersion conditions. PFA coated samples showed better moisture resistance and mechanical performance than other bio-based coatings when subjected to long term environmental aging.
Catsper1 promoter is bidirectional and regulates the expression of a novel lncRNA
Authors: Jiménez-Badillo Salma E. , Oviedo Norma , Hernández-Guzmán Christian , González-Mariscal Lorenza , Hernández-Sánchez Javier
Published: October 2017

The Catsper1 gene, whose expression is restricted to male germ cells, has great importance in reproductive biology because of its function in sperm motility and fertilization. We previously reported that the promoter of this gene has transcriptional activity in either direction in a heterologous system. In the present study, we found that the Catsper1 promoter has in vitro transcriptional activity in either orientation in GC-1 spg mouse spermatogonial cells. The results also showed that this promoter regulates the expression of a new divergent Catsper1 gene named Catsper1au (Catsper1 antisense upstream transcript). Catsper1au is expressed in adult male mouse testis and liver tissues but not in female mouse liver or ovary tissues. In the testis, Catsper1au is expressed in embryos at 11.5 days post-coitum and from newborns to adults. This gene is also expressed in 1- to 3-week postnatal hearts and in 1-week to adult stage livers. The analysis of the 1402 bp whole genome sequence revealed that Catsper1au is an intronless and polyadenylated lncRNA, located in the nuclei of Sertoli and spermatogenic cells from adult testis. These data indicate that Catsper1au is divergently expressed from the Catsper1 promoter and could regulate gene expression during spermatogenesis.
GDC-0449 improves the antitumor activity of nano-doxorubicin in pancreatic cancer in a fibroblast-enriched microenvironment
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhou Yongcun , Liu Xiangrui , Shen Youqing
Published: October 2017

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers that currently does not have effective therapies. Novel treatments including nanomedicines and combination therapies are thus urgently needed for these types of deadly diseases. A key feature of pancreatic cancer is its tumor protective dense stroma, which is generated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The interaction between CAFs and pancreatic cancer cells abnormally activates sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling and facilitates tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Here, we report that the commercial SHH inhibitor GDC-0449 reverses fibroblast-induced resistance to doxorubicin in Smoothened (SMO)-positive pancreatic cancer cells by downregulating SHH signaling proteins. Importantly, the synergistic combination of GDC-0449 with PEG-PCL-Dox exhibited potent antitumor efficacy in a BxPC-3 tumor xenograft model, whereas single treatments did not significantly inhibit tumor growth. Our findings reveal a potential treatment strategy for fibroblast-enriched pancreatic cancer.
Development of a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and quantitative detection of Ustilago maydis
Authors: Cao Yanyong , Wang Lifeng , Duan Liping , Li Jingjing , Ma Juan , Xie Shuna , Shi Lei , Li Huiyong
Published: October 2017

The common smut of corn, caused by Ustilago maydis is a troublesome disease of maize. Early and accurate detection of U. maydis is essential for the disease management. In this study, primer set Pep-2 was selected for LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) from 12 sets of primers targeting three U. maydis effector genes See1, Pit2 and Pep1 according to primer screening. The optimal concentrations of Bst DNA polymerase and Mg2+ as well as inner/outer primer ratio of the LAMP reaction system were screened by combining a single factor experiment and an orthogonal design arrangement. The specificity of this real-time LAMP (RealAmp) assay was confirmed by negative testing for other pathogens. The detection sensitivity of the RealAmp assay was 200 times higher than that of detection through conventional PCR. Results of the RealAmp assay for quantifying the genomic DNA of U. maydis were confirmed by testing with both artificially and naturally infected samples. In addition, the RealAmp reaction could be conducted via an improved tube scanner to implement a “electricity free” assay from template preparation to quantitative detection. The resulting assay could be more convenient for use in the field as a simple, rapid, and effective technique for monitoring U. maydis.
Credit assignment between body and object probed by an object transportation task
Authors: Kong Gaiqing , Zhou Zhihao , Wang Qining , Kording Konrad , Wei Kunlin
Published: October 2017

It has been proposed that learning from movement errors involves a credit assignment problem: did I misestimate properties of the object or those of my body? For example, an overestimate of arm strength and an underestimate of the weight of a coffee cup can both lead to coffee spills. Though previous studies have found signs of simultaneous learning of the object and of the body during object manipulation, there is little behavioral evidence about their quantitative relation. Here we employed a novel weight-transportation task, in which participants lift the first cup filled with liquid while assessing their learning from errors. Specifically, we examined their transfer of learning when switching to a contralateral hand, the second identical cup, or switching both hands and cups. By comparing these transfer behaviors, we found that 25% of the learning was attributed to the object (simply because of the use of the same cup) and 58% of the learning was attributed to the body (simply because of the use of the same hand). The nervous system thus seems to partition the learning of object manipulation between the object and the body.
A single point mutation in class III ribonucleotide reductase promoter renders Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 inefficient for anaerobic growth and infection
Authors: Crespo Anna , Gavaldà Joan , Julián Esther , Torrents Eduard
Published: October 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 has become the reference strain in many laboratories. One enzyme that is essential for its cell division is the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) enzyme that supplies the deoxynucleotides required for DNA synthesis and repair. P. aeruginosa is one of the few microorganisms that encodes three different RNR classes (Ia, II and III) in its genome, enabling it to grow and adapt to diverse environmental conditions, including during infection. In this work, we demonstrate that a lack of RNR activity induces cell elongation in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Moreover, RNR gene expression during anaerobiosis differs among P. aeruginosa strains, with class III highly expressed in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates relative to the laboratory P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain. A single point mutation was identified in the P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain class III RNR promoter region that disrupts its anaerobic transcription by the Dnr regulator. An engineered strain that induces the class III RNR expression allows P. aeruginosa PAO1 anaerobic growth and increases its virulence to resemble that of clinical strains. Our results demonstrate that P. aeruginosa PAO1 is adapted to laboratory conditions and is not the best reference strain for anaerobic or infection studies.
Microprofiling real time nitric oxide flux for field studies using a stratified nanohybrid carbon–metal electrode
Authors: Chaturvedi P. , Vanegas D. C. , Hauser B. A. , Foster J. S. , Sepúlveda M. S. , McLamore E. S.
Published: October 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule that is involved in stress response, homeostasis, host defense, and cell development.
Mussel-mimetic hydrogels with defined cross-linkers achieved via controlled catechol dimerization exhibiting tough adhesion for wet biological tissues
Authors: Zhao Pengchao , Wei Kongchang , Feng Qian , Chen Heng , Wong Dexter Siu Hong , Chen Xiaoyu , Wu Chia-Ching , Bian Liming
Published: October 2017

Mussel-mimetic hydrogels possessing ultrahigh adhesion energy on wet biological tissues via enhancing both the interfacial adhesion and bulk cohesion are fabricated.
Unprecedented rearrangement of diketopyrrolopyrroles leads to structurally unique chromophores
Authors: Vakuliuk Olena , Ooi Shota , Deperasińska Irena , Staszewska-Krajewska Olga , Banasiewicz Marzena , Kozankiewicz Bolesław , Danylyuk Oksana , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: October 2017

Red-emitting thieno[2,3-f]isoindole-5,8-diones were preparedviaunprecedented skeletal rearrangement of diketopyrrolopyrroles in the presence of trimethylsilyl bromide.
Alkylideneborate zwitterions and C–C coupling by atypical diboration of electron-rich alkynes
Authors: Böhnke Julian , Braunschweig Holger , Deißenberger Andrea , Dellermann Theresa , Dewhurst Rian D. , Jiménez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Kachel Stephanie , Kelch Hauke , Prieschl Dominic
Published: October 2017

The combination of electron-rich diaminoalkynes and ditopic Lewis acids diboranes(4) leads to unusual diboration reactions involving internal Lewis adduct and zwitterion formation and C–C bond formation.
Incorporation of molybdenum(vi) in akaganéite (β-FeOOH) and the microbial reduction of Mo–akaganéite by Shewanella loihica PV-4
Authors: Bolanz Ralph M. , Grauer Christoph , Cooper Rebecca E. , Göttlicher Jörg , Steininger Ralph , Perry Stephen , Küsel Kirsten
Published: October 2017

Among all highly-crystalline iron oxides present in the environment, akaganéite (β-FeO(OH, Cl)) possesses one of the most unconventional structural setups and is a known scavenger for large quantitates of molybdenum (Mo6+).
Large irradiation doses can improve the fast neutron/gamma discriminating capability of plastic scintillators
Authors: Montbarbon Eva , Amiot Marie-Noëlle , Tromson Dominique , Gaillard Sylvain , Frangville Camille , Woo Romuald , Bertrand Guillaume H. V. , Pansu Robert B. , Renaud Jean-Luc , Hamel Matthieu
Published: October 2017

When new materials appear as potential alternatives for radiation detection, several criteria have to be fulfilled.
Dynamics theory for molecular liquids based on an interaction site model
Authors: Kasahara Kento , Sato Hirofumi
Published: October 2017

Dynamics theories for molecular liquids based on an interaction site model have been developed over the past few decades and proved to be powerful tools to investigate various dynamical phenomena.
Activation of CO2by supported Cu clusters
Authors: Iyemperumal Satish Kumar , Deskins N. Aaron
Published: October 2017

CO2forms a bent, negative anion upon adsorption near a Cu3cluster supported on TiO2.
Protein dynamics promote hydride tunnelling in substrate oxidation by aryl-alcohol oxidase
Authors: Carro Juan , Martínez-Júlvez Marta , Medina Milagros , Martínez Angel T. , Ferreira Patricia
Published: October 2017

Kinetic and crystallograhic data define the involvement of protein motions in hydride tunnelling for substrate oxidation by aryl-alchohol oxidase.
Investigating the influence of acid sites in continuous methane oxidation with N2O over Fe/MFI zeolites
Authors: Chow Ying Kit , Dummer Nicholas F. , Carter James H. , Williams Christopher , Shaw Greg , Willock David J. , Taylor Stuart H. , Yacob Sara , Meyer Randall J. , Bhasin Madan M. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: October 2017

Methane oxidation using N2O was carried out with Fe–MFI zeolite catalysts at 300 °C.
A search for selectivity to enable CO2 capture with porous adsorbents
Authors: Oschatz M. , Antonietti M.
Published: October 2017

Current attempts in materials science to increase the selectivity of CO2 physisorption from diluted sources are critically reviewed.
Time for global action: an optimised cooperative approach towards effective climate change mitigation
Authors: Galán-Martín A. , Pozo C. , Azapagic A. , Grossmann I. E. , Mac Dowell N. , Guillén-Gosálbez G.
Published: October 2017

An optimised cooperative approach for climate change mitigation where savings are fairly shared to bring significant economic and environmental benefits.
Highly active, stable oxidized platinum clusters as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cheng Xing , Li Yonghe , Zheng Lirong , Yan Yong , Zhang Yuefei , Chen Ge , Sun Shaorui , Zhang Jiujun
Published: October 2017

Oxidized Pt clusters on a TiO2support as a robust electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Chemodynamics and bioavailability of metal ion complexes with nanoparticles in aqueous media
Authors: van Leeuwen Herman P. , Duval Jérôme F. L. , Pinheiro José Paulo , Blust Ronny , Town Raewyn M.
Published: October 2017

The physicochemical binding of metal ions by nanoparticles in aquatic environments significantly impacts their speciation dynamics and bioavailabilities.
In silico modeling of protein hydrolysis by endoproteases: a case study on pepsin digestion of bovine lactoferrin
Authors: Tonda Alberto , Grosvenor Anita , Clerens Stefan , Le Feunteun Steven
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a novel model of protein hydrolysis and release of peptides by endoproteases.
A microfluidic design to provide a stable and uniform in vitro microenvironment for cell culture inspired by the redundancy characteristic of leaf areoles
Authors: Li Jingmin , Wei Juan , Liu Yuanchang , Liu Bo , Liu Tao , Jiang Yang , Ding Laiqian , Liu Chong
Published: October 2017

We present a novel microfluidic design inspired by the redundancy transportation characteristic of leaf areoles to provide a dynamic, uniform and stable fluidic microenvironment forin vitrocell culture.
Synthesis, characterisation and self-assembly behaviour of emissive surfactant–ruthenium(ii) complexes
Authors: Nehru Selvan , Veeralakshmi Selvakumar , Arunachalam Sankaralingam
Published: October 2017

Bipyridine/phenanthroline based dodecylamine/hexadecylamine containing surfactant–ruthenium(ii) complexes form green fluorescent vesicles with an excellent stability in the aqueous medium.
Silver coated magnetic microflowers as efficient and recyclable catalysts for catalytic reduction
Authors: Zhang Kehan , Wang Chongwen , Rong Zhen , Xiao Rui , Zhou Zhe , Wang Shengqi
Published: October 2017

Synthesis of highly-branched Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers and their use as efficient and recyclable catalysts for catalytic reduction.
Nanoparticle-based optical sensor arrays
Authors: Bigdeli Arafeh , Ghasemi Forough , Golmohammadi Hamed , Abbasi-Moayed Samira , Nejad M. Amin Farahmand , Fahimi-Kashani Nafiseh , Jafarinejad Somayeh , Shahrajabian Maryam , Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza
Published: October 2017

Recent progress in nanoparticle-based optical sensor arrays toward the detection and discrimination of a wide range of analytes.
Optical polarization of excitons and trions under continuous and pulsed excitation in single layers of WSe2
Authors: Hanbicki A. T. , Currie M. , Kioseoglou G. , Hellberg C. Stephen , Friedman A. L. , Jonker B. T.
Published: October 2017

The optical response of single layer, transition metal dichalcogenides is extremely dependent on the choice of optical excitation.
Probing the chaotic boundary of a membrane resonator with nanowire arrays
Authors: Yildirim Tanju , Cho Kiho , Wu Xiaoyu , Lu Yuerui
Published: October 2017

Mechanically induced nonlinearities in nano-electromechanical systems (NEMSs) are typically avoided in design due to their unpredictable nature; however, by incorporating these normally unwanted nonlinear and chaotic phenomena, the performance of NEMS devices displays substantially different characteristics opening a broad new range of potential applications for their use.
Probing the role of O-containing groups in CO2 adsorption of N-doped porous activated carbon
Authors: Wang Min , Fan Xiangqian , Zhang Lingxia , Liu Jianjun , Wang Beizhou , Cheng Ruolin , Li Mengli , Tian Jianjian , Shi Jianlin
Published: October 2017

The coexistence of N and O species makes an important contribution to the ultra-high CO2 adsorption performance of porous activated carbons.
Probing optical excitations in chevron-like armchair graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Denk Richard , Lodi-Rizzini Alberto , Wang Shudong , Hohage Michael , Zeppenfeld Peter , Cai Jinming , Fasel Roman , Ruffieux Pascal , Berger Reinhard Franz Josef , Chen Zongping , Narita Akimitsu , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus , Biagi Roberto , De Renzi Valentina , Prezzi Deborah , Ruini Alice , Ferretti Andrea
Published: October 2017

RDS, HREELS and theory to probe optical excitations and catch GNRs in the act of their formation.
Nanocarriers with multi-locked DNA valves targeting intracellular tumor-related mRNAs for controlled drug release
Authors: Li Yanhua , Chen Yuanyuan , Pan Wei , Yu Zhengze , Yang Limin , Wang Hongyu , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: October 2017

The fabrication of well-behaved drug delivery systems that can transport drugs to specifically treat cancer cells rather than normal cells is still a tremendous challenge.
Stimuli responsive self-healing polymers: gels, elastomers and membranes
Authors: Amaral Adérito J. R. , Pasparakis George
Published: October 2017

The development of responsive polymers with self-healing properties has expanded significantly which allow for the fabrication of complex materials in a highly controllable manner, for diverse uses in biomaterials science, electronics, sensors and actuators and coating technologies.
Ce2PtGe3: a new ordered orthorhombic superstructure in the AlB2family with spin glass behavior
Authors: Sarkar Sumanta , Roy Soumyabrata , Kalsi Deepti , Peter Sebastian C.
Published: October 2017

A new compound Ce2PtGe3crystallizing in a new ordered superstructure of the AlB2type with an orthorhombicCmcespace group was found to be a spin glass material at low temperature.
Eco-friendly fabricated nonporous carbon nanofibers with high volumetric capacitance: improving rate performance by tri-dopants of nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon
Authors: Yang Yuwei , Hou Xueyuan , Ding Chenfeng , Lan Jin-Le , Yu Yunhua , Yang Xiaoping
Published: October 2017

High rate performance of nonporous carbon nanofibers achieved via tri-dopants of nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.
A new approach for the synthesis of mono- and A1/A2-dihydroxy-substituted pillar[5]arenes and their complexation with alkyl alcohols in solution and in the solid state
Authors: Al-Azemi Talal F. , Mohamod Abdirahman A. , Vinodh Mickey , Alipour Fatemeh H.
Published: October 2017

A new method for synthesizing hydroxy-functionalized pillar[5]arenes by catalytic hydrogenation to remove the benzyl protecting groups of a pillararene precursor has been employed.
Anion-induced isomerization of fluorescent semi(thio)carbazones
Authors: Amendola Valeria , Boiocchi Massimo , Fabbrizzi Luigi , La Cognata Sonia , Legnani Laura , Lo Presti Eliana , Mangano Carlo , Miljkovic Ana
Published: October 2017

An anion-controlled flapping motion has been observed in a series of novel semi(thio)carbazone molecules.
Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of cornolactones A and B, and formal synthesis of brasoside and littoralisone
Authors: Hou Hui , Gu Qi , Wang Xuan , Sun De-Qun , Sun Bing-Feng
Published: October 2017

The asymmetric total or formal syntheses of cornolactone A, cornolactone B, brasoside and littoralisone were accomplished in short steps.
A copper-catalyzed sulfonylative C–H bond functionalization from sulfur dioxide and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates
Authors: Xia Hongguang , An Yuanyuan , Zeng Xincheng , Wu Jie
Published: October 2017

Sulfonylative C–H bond functionalization through a copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of 8-aminoquinoline amides, DABCO·(SO2)2 and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates is developed. Excellent selectivity in the para-position is observed.
Hydrogen inhibition in a wet aluminum dust collection system using dichromate solution
Authors: Wang Yantong , Xu Kaili , Wang Ben , Zhang Jinjia
Published: October 2017

By using dichromate solution, hydrogen production reaction between aluminum dust and water is inhibited.
A highly sensitive morin sensor based on PEDT–Au/rGO nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Cheng Wenxue , Liu Peng , Zhang Min , Huang Jianzhi , Cheng Faliang , Wang Lishi
Published: October 2017

A facilely prepared PEDT–Au/rGO/GC sensor shows high sensitivity for electrochemical determination of morin.
Multi-functional thermo-crosslinkable collagen-metal nanoparticle composites for tissue regeneration: nanosilver vs. nanogold
Authors: Hosoyama K. , Ahumada M. , McTiernan C. D. , Bejjani J. , Variola F. , Ruel M. , Xu B. , Liang W. , Suuronen E. J. , Alarcon E. I.
Published: October 2017

Collagen–silver/gold biomimetic matrices were developed for cardiac tissue engineering.
Higher-order glass-transition singularities in nano-confined states
Authors: Chen Changjiu , Wong Kaikin , Krishnan Rithin P. , Embs Jan P. , Chathoth Suresh M.
Published: October 2017

The self-intermediate scattering functions of confined BPM at 360 K.
(4-Methoxy)-phenoxy pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene as a novel flame retardant and overcharge protection additive for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Huang T. , Zheng X. Z. , Fang G. F. , Pan Y. , Wang W. G. , Wu M. X.
Published: October 2017

We evaluate (4-methoxy)-phenoxy pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (4-MPPFPP) as a novel flame retardant and overcharge protection additive for lithium-ion batteries.
The nature of the interplay among components of pedagogical content knowledge in reaction rate and chemical equilibrium topics of novice and experienced chemistry teachers
Authors: Akın Fatma Nur , Uzuntiryaki-Kondakci Esen
Published: October 2017

We examined the interactions among pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) components of novice and experienced chemistry teachers in teaching reaction rate and chemical equilibrium topics in this qualitative multiple-case design study. For this aim, three chemistry teachers who had different levels of teaching experience in chemistry teaching were selected through a process of purposeful sampling. Multiple types of data were gathered through more than two months. In order to collect and triangulate data, a card-sorting activity, a Content Representation (CoRe) tool, semi-structured interviews, observation of instruction, and field notes were utilized. Data were analyzed through three approaches: in-depth analysis of explicit PCK, the enumerative approach, and constant comparative methods. The results revealed eight characteristics of the interactions of the PCK components: (a) the novice teacher's orientations towards science, in contrast to the experienced teachers’, were more broad and non-specific, which impeded the interactions among the components, (b) the interplay of the PCK components was idiosyncratic and topic specific, (c) the novice teacher's PCK maps were fragmented while the experienced teachers’ PCK maps were integrated, (d) the experienced teachers, in contrast to the novice teacher, interacted more than two PCK components in most of their teaching fragments, (e) knowledge of learner, knowledge of curriculum and knowledge of instructional strategies were central in the interplays of all teacher maps, (f) the experienced teachers were more successful than the novice teacher in translating their knowledge into practice in terms of the integration among PCK components, (g) teacher self-efficacy appeared to play a role in their use of PCK components and constructing interactions among them, and (h) all teachers taught the same topics with similar lesson plans and the same instructional materials; however, they differed in terms of how they connect the PCK components. Implications and suggestions for teacher education and science education research are presented.
Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition reactions of aryl boronic acids with nitroalkenes: reaction mechanism and development of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Miyamura Hiroyuki , Nishino Kohei , Yasukawa Tomohiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: October 2017

Asymmetric 1,4-additions of arylboronic acids with nitroalkenes catalyzed by rhodium complexes or heterogeneous Rh–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with a chiral diene ligand bearing a tertiary butyl amide moiety are developed.
Design and preparation of 90Y-labeled imidodiphosphate- and inositol hexaphosphate-coated magnetic nanoparticles for possible medical applications
Authors: Radović Magdalena , Mirković Marija , Perić Marko , Janković Drina , Vukadinović Aleksandar , Stanković Dragana , Petrović Đorđe , Bošković Marko , Antić Bratislav , Marković Mirjana , Vranješ-Đurić Sanja
Published: October 2017

Radiolabeled MNPs for radiotherapy–hyperthermia cancer treatment were designed.
SAR imaging from incomplete data using elastic net regularisation
Authors: Prünte L.
Published: October 2017

Synthetic aperture radar imaging suffers significantly from incomplete datasets, where whole pulses are missing. In this Letter, the author introduces an elastic net regularisation to imaging, reducing those artefacts and improving the signal to noise ratio of the image at the same time.
Speckle suppression in medical ultrasound images through Schur decomposition
Authors: Khan Adil H. , Al‐Asad Jawad F. , Latif Ghazanfar
Published: October 2017

A technique based on Schur decomposition to supress the multiplicative (speckle) noise from medical ultrasound images is presented in this study. An image which carries the speckle noise is divided into small overlapping segments, size of these segments depends on the nature of speckle carried by the image and a global covariance matrix is calculated for the whole image by averaging the covariances of all segments. The global covariance matrix is decomposed through Schur decomposition to obtain the orthogonal vectors. A subset of these orthogonal vectors that correspond to largest magnitudes of eigenvalues are selected to filter out the speckle noise from the image. The proposed approach is compared with four benchmark filtering techniques, homomorphic wavelet despeckling, Wiener, Frost and Gamma. Two types of simulated ultrasound images and five types of real ultrasound images of foetal neck, left kidney, right kidney, musculo skeletal nerve and lymph node are tested. The proposed approach performed maximum suppression of speckle noise in all types of the images with optimal resolution and edge detection. The despeckling performance of the proposed approach is even better compared with the benchmark schemes once the speckle noise is rough, which is usually the case for soft tissue.
Accounting for travel time reliability, trip purpose and departure time choice in an agent‐based dynamic toll pricing approach
Authors: Li Wan , Cheng Danhong , Bian Ruijie , Ishak Sherif , Osman Osama A
Published: October 2017

This study introduces an agent‐based dynamic feedback‐control toll pricing strategy that accounts for the trip purpose, travel time reliability, departure time choice and level of income such that the toll revenue is maximised while maintaining a minimum desired level of service on the managed lanes. An agent‐based modelling was applied to simulate drivers’ learning process based on their previous commuting experience. The study also analysed how drivers’ heterogeneity in value of time, and value of reliability for each trip purpose will influence route decisions and thus affect the optimal toll rates. Comparative evaluation between the newly developed strategy, the strategy currently deployed on Interstate 95 express lanes, and another strategy previously developed by the authors shows that the agent‐based strategy produced a steadier increase in toll rate during the peak hours and a significantly higher toll revenue at speeds higher than 45 mph.
X‐band two‐stage Doherty power amplifier based on pre‐matched GaN‐HEMTs
Authors: Lee Wooseok , Lee Hwiseob , Kang Hyunuk , Lim Wonseob , Han Jaekyung , Hwang Keum Cheol , Lee Kang‐Yoon , Yang Youngoo
Published: October 2017

This study presents an X‐band two‐stage Doherty power amplifier (DPA) using pre‐matched gallium‐nitride high electron mobility transistors (GaN‐HEMTs). The pre‐matched GaN‐HEMT includes partial matching circuits in the package using bond‐wires and capacitors. To obtain broad bandwidth and low loss, the pre‐matching circuits were carefully designed to have a low matching quality factor. The optimum second harmonic impedance, which was extracted from the harmonic source/load pull simulations, was applied to the pre‐matching circuits for high efficiency. Using the pre‐matched GaN‐HEMTs, an X‐band two‐stage power amplifier (PA) was designed and implemented. By combining two two‐stage PAs in parallel, a DPA was built. The implemented DPA exhibited a max gain of 25.5 dB and an output power from 42.5 to 45.8 dBm at the frequency band from 7.9 to 8.4 GHz. It also showed a high efficiency of 37.8% at the 6 dB back‐off output power level of 39.6 dBm.
Simplex simplified swarm optimisation for the efficient optimisation of parameter identification for solar cell models
Authors: Yeh Wei‐Chang , Huang Chia‐Ling , Lin Peijie , Chen Zhicong , Jiang Yunzhi , Sun Bin
Published: October 2017

The development and application of photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly more important as the global need for energy resources expands and environmental protection becomes more highly valued. Parameters of PV models can be identified by measuring their current–voltage (I–V) characteristic curves. Identifying these parameters quickly, accurately and reliably is critical in determining the operating status of in situ PV arrays and, in turn, optimising solar energy conversions. To achieve both fast and accurate parameter identification with high reliability, a new algorithm called algorithm based on SSO and Nelder–Mead simplex (NMS) (SSSO) based on the simplified swarm optimisation (SSO) and the NMS is proposed in this study. To demonstrate the performance of SSSO in identifying solar cell system parameters, its performance on the single diode model and the double diode model was compared with existing algorithms in terms of both fitness value and run time. The experiment results indicate that SSSO outperformed the compared algorithms in both run time and standard deviation of fitness value.
Transition to Routine Premedication for Nonemergent Intubations in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Mossabeb Roschanak , Menkiti Ogechukwu , Young Megan , Bains Vidhy , Cooperberg David , Fleishman Rachel
Published: October 2017

Objective This study aims to test whether implementing a guideline for nonemergent intubation improves the rate of premedication for nonemergent intubations in an academic level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We further sought to test the hypothesis that neonates who receive premedication for a nonemergent intubation have decreased pain scores at the time of intubation, fewer intubation attempts, and no associated adverse events.

Study Design This was a prospective observational study with ongoing audit and feedback as well as statistical process control analysis. Data collection began on October 1, 2014. Clinical guideline implementation began in October 2015. A percent “P”-chart spanning seven-quarters was constructed with statistical process control analysis plotting premedication rates over time. Student's t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for secondary outcomes.

Results The mean number of nonemergent intubations given premedications increased from 34 to 82%. The mean pain score was lower when premedications were given: 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.58) versus 2.8 (95% CI: 1.9–3.6) (p < 0.001). The number of intubation attempts did not differ with premedications.

Conclusion Adopting a guideline with supporting educational initiatives to standardize premedication before nonemergent intubations increased this practice. This regimen lowered clinical pain scores with no difference in the number of intubation attempts.
Lehre von Public Health in gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen in Deutschland: die Sicht von Studiengangsverantwortlichen
Authors: Lindert Jutta , Wehrwein Annette , Klemperer David , Walter Ulla
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund Inhalte von Public Health werden in Deutschland in gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen an Hochschulen und Universitäten gelehrt. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Daten zur Lehre und zur Kooperation von Lehrenden von Public Health in gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen in Deutschland zur Verfügung zu stellen.

Methode Eine Querschnittsuntersuchung wurde online-basiert vom 01.06. bis 15.09.2015 an 93 Hochschulen/Universitäten in Deutschland mit 351 Studiengangsverantwortlichen aus gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen durchgeführt. Einbezogen wurden Public Health Studiengänge und gesundheitsbezogene Studiengänge, deren Hochschulen bzw. Universitäten entweder Mitglied in der „Deutschen Gesellschaft für Sozialmedizin und Prävention“ (DGSMP) oder in der Gesellschaft „Hochschulen für Gesundheit“ (HOGE) sind. Teilgenommen an dieser Studie haben N=104 Studiengangsverantwortliche (43% Männer, 57% Frauen). In Public Health Studiengängen wurden „Global Health“ und „Umwelt und Gesundheit“ als Studieninhalte häufiger als in gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen benannt; in gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen wurden häufiger „Ethik“ und „Gesundheitspsychologie“ als Lehrinhalte benannt. Finanzielle Unterstützungen durch die Hochschulen/ Universitäten sowie strukturierte Partnerschaften zwischen Hochschulen und/ oder Universitäten werden von Lehrenden an Hochschulen (36%) und an Universitäten (40%) gewünscht. Lehrende an Hochschulen wünschen darüber hinaus Promotionspartnerschaften.

Schlussfolgerung Bisher gibt es in Deutschland keine einheitlichen fachlichen Qualitätskriterien für Absolvierende von Public Health bzw. gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengängen. Zudem gibt es nach Aussage der Studiengangsverantwortlichen dieser Studiengänge wenig Kooperation zwischen Lehrenden der Public Health bzw. der gesundheitsbezogenen Studiengänge.
The first homemade colonoscopy trainer
Authors: Walczak Dominik , Grajek Maciej , Walczak Paulina , Tuliszka-Gołowkin Magdalena , Massopust Roman , Pawełczak Dariusz , Pasieka Zbigniew , Krakowczyk Łukasz , Maciejewski Adam
Published: October 2017

Introduction Colonoscopy trainers have gained recognition for improving endoscopy skills and preparing for real procedures on humans. Unfortunately, due to their high price, commercial simulators are hard to obtain, especially for small medical centers. However, a solution might be to construct a device for themselves.

Aim Our goal was to build a relatively cheap and easy-to-construct simulator for residents who want to start learning colonoscopy.

Materials and methods The box model colonoscopy trainer was designed and constructed. The artificial colon was made from 2 layers of fabric and rubber rings between them. Velcro attached to the artificial colon and to the box, and the tarp straps that simulate peritoneal adhesions allow the bowel to be arranged in many different configurations. Moreover, some aspects of polypectomy training have been incorporated in the colonoscopy simulator.

Results The self-constructed simulator was found to be an effective training device, with the total cost of parts not exceeding $30.

Conclusions In this paper, we present the first homemade simulator for colonoscopy training. It offers the opportunity for skills acquisition in a preclinical setting.
Experimental demonstration of a single-spike hard-X-ray free-electron laser starting from noise
Authors: Marinelli A. , MacArthur J. , Emma P. , Guetg M. , Field C. , Kharakh D. , Lutman A. A. , Ding Y. , Huang Z.
Published: October 2017

In this letter, we report the experimental demonstration of single-spike hard-X-ray free-electron laser pulses starting from noise with multi-eV bandwidth. This is accomplished by shaping a low-charge electron beam with a slotted emittance spoiler and by adjusting the transport optics to optimize the beam-shaping accuracy. Based on elementary free-electron laser scaling laws, we estimate the pulse duration to be less than 1 fs full-width at half-maximum.
Effect of defects on quantum yield in blue emitting photoluminescent nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots
Authors: Kharangarh Poonam R. , Umapathy Siva , Singh Gurmeet
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the impact of defects on quantum yield in Nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs). The facile and high yielding hydrothermal method was used to process the N-GQDs by selecting two different nitrogen containing powders, that is, NH4Cl (sample-I) and (NH4)2SO4(sample-II). Initially, the synthesized samples were characterized by using High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Powdered X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, and UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence (PL) for sample integrity. HRTEM images suggest that the majority of the both sample types were in the narrow range of 5–20 nm in diameter. The samples show blue photoluminescence and excitation dependent PL emission characteristics. As expected, by using the different excitation energy in PL, appearance of peak introduces additional energy levels between π and π* that provide alternative electron transition pathways. The most remarkable finding is that the fluorescence quantum yield is up to 28% for sample-I and is 49.8% for sample-II, which is higher than that of reported GQDs (less than 25%). This clearly suggests that the defect states related to Nitrogen, Chlorine, and Sulfur that alter the band gap of the GQDs determine the PL characteristics and the quantum yield.