bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Taxol on Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Transection Model
Authors: Hsu Shih-Tien , Yao Chun-Hsu , Hsu Yuan-Man , Lin Jia-Horng , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Chen Yueh-Sheng
Published: February 2017

Recent studies describe taxol as a candidate treatment for promoting central nerve regeneration. However, taxol has serious side effects including peripheral neurotoxicity, and little information is known about the effect of taxol on peripheral nerve regeneration. We investigated the effects of taxol on regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): normal saline (i.p.) as the control, Cremophor EL vehicle, and 2 or 6 mg/kg of taxol in the Cremophor EL solution (four times in day-2, 4, 6, and 8), respectively. We evaluated neuronal electrophysiology, animal behaviour, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, location and expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and expression levels of both nerve growth factors and immunoregulatory factors. In the high-dose taxol group (6 mg/kg), neuronal electrophysiological function was significantly impaired. Licking latencies were significantly changed while motor coordination was unaffected. Neuronal connectivity, macrophage density, and expression levels of CGRP was dramatically reduced. Expression levels of nerve growth factors and immunoregulatory factors was also reduced, while it was increased in the low-dose taxol group (2 mg/kg). These results indicate that taxol can modulate local inflammatory conditions, impair nerve regeneration, and impede recovery of a severe peripheral nerve injury.
Predictive Modeling of Physician-Patient Dynamics That Influence Sleep Medication Prescriptions and Clinical Decision-Making
Authors: Beam Andrew L. , Kartoun Uri , Pai Jennifer K. , Chatterjee Arnaub K. , Fitzgerald Timothy P. , Shaw Stanley Y. , Kohane Isaac S.
Published: February 2017

Insomnia remains under-diagnosed and poorly treated despite its high economic and social costs. Though previous work has examined how patient characteristics affect sleep medication prescriptions, the role of physician characteristics that influence this clinical decision remains unclear. We sought to understand patient and physician factors that influence sleep medication prescribing patterns by analyzing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) including the narrative clinical notes as well as codified data. Zolpidem and trazodone were the most widely prescribed initial sleep medication in a cohort of 1,105 patients. Some providers showed a historical preference for one medication, which was highly predictive of their future prescribing behavior. Using a predictive model (AUC = 0.77), physician preference largely determined which medication a patient received (OR = 3.13; p = 3 × 10−37). In addition to the dominant effect of empirically determined physician preference, discussion of depression in a patient’s note was found to have a statistically significant association with receiving a prescription for trazodone (OR = 1.38, p = 0.04). EMR data can yield insights into physician prescribing behavior based on real-world physician-patient interactions.
Ultra-wideband, Wide Angle and Polarization-insensitive Specular Reflection Reduction by Metasurface based on Parameter-adjustable Meta-Atoms
Authors: Su Jianxun , Lu Yao , Zhang Hui , Li Zengrui , Yang Yaoqing , Che Yongxing , Qi Kainan
Published: February 2017

In this paper, an ultra-wideband, wide angle and polarization-insensitive metasurface is designed, fabricated, and characterized for suppressing the specular electromagnetic wave reflection or backward radar cross section (RCS). Square ring structure is chosen as the basic meta-atoms. A new physical mechanism based on size adjustment of the basic meta-atoms is proposed for ultra-wideband manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Based on hybrid array pattern synthesis (APS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the selection and distribution of the basic meta-atoms are optimized simultaneously to obtain the ultra-wideband diffusion scattering patterns. The metasurface can achieve an excellent RCS reduction in an ultra-wide frequency range under x- and y-polarized normal incidences. The new proposed mechanism greatly extends the bandwidth of RCS reduction. The simulation and experiment results show the metasurface can achieve ultra-wideband and polarization-insensitive specular reflection reduction for both normal and wide-angle incidences. The proposed methodology opens up a new route for realizing ultra-wideband diffusion scattering of EM wave, which is important for stealth and other microwave applications in the future.
Developmental stage-dependent effects of cardiac fibroblasts on function of stem cell-derived engineered cardiac tissues
Authors: Liau Brian , Jackman Christopher P. , Li Yanzhen , Bursac Nenad
Published: February 2017

We investigated whether the developmental stage of mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) influences the formation and function of engineered cardiac tissues made of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs). Engineered cardiac tissue patches were fabricated by encapsulating pure mESC-CMs, mESC-CMs + adult CFs, or mESC-CMs + fetal CFs in fibrin-based hydrogel. Tissue patches containing fetal CFs exhibited higher velocity of action potential propagation and contractile force amplitude compared to patches containing adult CFs, while pure mESC-CM patches did not form functional syncytium. The functional improvements in mESC-CM + fetal CF patches were associated with differences in structural remodeling and increased expression of proteins involved in cardiac function. To determine role of paracrine signaling, we cultured pure mESC-CMs within miniature tissue “micro-patches” supplemented with media conditioned by adult or fetal CFs. Fetal CF-conditioned media distinctly enhanced CM spreading and contractile activity, which was shown by pathway inhibitor experiments and Western blot analysis to be mediated via MEK-ERK signaling. In mESC-CM monolayers, CF-conditioned media did not alter CM spreading or MEK-ERK activation. Collectively, our studies show that 3D co-culture of mESC-CMs with embryonic CFs is superior to co-culture with adult CFs for in vitro generation of functional myocardium. Ensuring consistent developmental stages of cardiomyocytes and supporting non-myocytes may be a critical factor for promoting functional maturation of engineered cardiac tissues.
An air-liquid interphase approach for modeling the early embryo-maternal contact zone
Authors: Chen S. , Palma-Vera S. E. , Langhammer M. , Galuska S. P. , Braun B. C. , Krause E. , Lucas-Hahn A. , Schoen J.
Published: February 2017

We developed an air-liquid interphase culture procedure for mammalian oviduct epithelial cells leading to the formation of functional epithelial tissues, which generate oviduct fluid surrogates. These in vitro oviduct epithelia can be co-cultured with living zygotes and enable embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage without addition of embryo culture medium. The described strategy is broadly applicable to analyze early embryo-maternal interactions under standardized in vitro conditions.
Structural variability of E. coli thioredoxin captured in the crystal structures of single-point mutants
Authors: Noguera Martín E. , Vazquez Diego S. , Ferrer-Sueta Gerardo , Agudelo William A. , Howard Eduardo , Rasia Rodolfo M. , Manta Bruno , Cousido-Siah Alexandra , Mitschler André , Podjarny Alberto , Santos Javier
Published: February 2017

Thioredoxin is a ubiquitous small protein that catalyzes redox reactions of protein thiols. Additionally, thioredoxin from E. coli (EcTRX) is a widely-used model for structure-function studies. In a previous paper, we characterized several single-point mutants of the C-terminal helix (CTH) that alter global stability of EcTRX. However, spectroscopic signatures and enzymatic activity for some of these mutants were found essentially unaffected. A comprehensive structural characterization at the atomic level of these near-invariant mutants can provide detailed information about structural variability of EcTRX. We address this point through the determination of the crystal structures of four point-mutants, whose mutations occurs within or near the CTH, namely L94A, E101G, N106A and L107A. These structures are mostly unaffected compared with the wild-type variant. Notably, the E101G mutant presents a large region with two alternative traces for the backbone of the same chain. It represents a significant shift in backbone positions. Enzymatic activity measurements and conformational dynamics studies monitored by NMR and molecular dynamic simulations show that E101G mutation results in a small effect in the structural features of the protein. We hypothesize that these alternative conformations represent samples of the native-state ensemble of EcTRX, specifically the magnitude and location of conformational heterogeneity.
The Multiple Roles of Small-Angle Tilt Grain Boundaries in Annihilating Radiation Damage in SiC
Authors: Jiang Hao , Wang Xing , Szlufarska Izabela
Published: February 2017

Lattice defects generated by radiation damage can diffuse to grain boundaries (GBs) and be annihilated at GBs. However, the precise role of GBs in annihilating the segregated defects remains unclear. Here, we employed multi-scale models to determine how interstitials are annihilated at small-angle tilt GBs (STGBs) in SiC. First of all, we found the pipe diffusion of interstitials in STGBs is slower than bulk diffusion. This is because the increased interatomic distance at dislocation cores raises the migration barrier of interstitial dumbbells. Furthermore, we found both the annihilation of interstitials at jogs and jog nucleation from clusters are diffusion-controlled and can occur under off-stoichiometric interstitial fluxes. Finally, a dislocation line model is developed to predict the role of STGBs in annihilating radiation damage. This model includes defect flux to GBs, pipe diffusion in STGBs, and the interaction of defects with jogs. The model predicts the role of STGBs in annihilating defects depends on the rate of defects segregation to and diffusion along STGBs. STGBs mainly serve as diffusion channel for defects to reach other sinks when defect diffusivity is high at boundaries. When defect diffusivity is low, most of the defects segregated to STGBs are annihilated by dislocation climb.
High-power dual-wavelength Ho-doped fiber laser at >2 μm tandem pumped by a 1.15 μm fiber laser
Authors: Jin Xiaoxi , Lou Zhaokai , Chen Yizhu , Zhou Pu , Zhang Hanwei , Xiao Hu , Liu Zejin
Published: February 2017

We demonstrated a high-power continuous-wave (CW) dual-wavelength Ho-doped fiber laser (HDFL) at 2049 nm and 2153 nm with a simple coupled-cavity configuration. A ~100 W laser diode-pumped fiber laser at 1150 nm served as the pump source. The maximum output power reached ~22.3 W and the slope efficiency was 23%. By altering the incident pump power, the power ratio of two signal wavelengths could be tuned in a large range due to gain competition. As far as we know, this is the first CW dual-wavelength HDFL with the power exceeding ten-watt-level, and the first dual-wavelength HDFL with the central wavelengths exceeding 2.0 μm and 2.15 μm respectively.
Optimal asymmetry and other motion parameters that characterise high-quality female dance
Authors: McCarty Kristofor , Darwin Hannah , Cornelissen Piers L. , Saxton Tamsin K. , Tovée Martin J. , Caplan Nick , Neave Nick
Published: February 2017

Dance is a universal human behaviour that is observed particularly in courtship contexts, and that provides information that could be useful to potential partners. Here, we use a data-driven approach to pinpoint the movements that discriminate female dance quality. Using 3D motion-capture we recorded women whilst they danced to a basic rhythm. Video clips of 39 resultant avatars were rated for dance quality, and those ratings were compared to quantitative measurements of the movement patterns using multi-level models. Three types of movement contributed independently to high-quality female dance: greater hip swing, more asymmetric movements of the thighs, and intermediate levels of asymmetric movements of the arms. Hip swing is a trait that identifies female movement, and the ability to move limbs asymmetrically (i.e. independently of the other) may attest to well-developed motor control, so long as this limb independence does not verge into uncontrolled pathological movement. We also found that the same level of dance quality could be predicted by different combinations of dance features. Our work opens avenues to exploring the functional significance, informational content, and temporal sequencing of the different types of movement in dance.
Comprehensive Proteomic Characterization of the Human Colorectal Carcinoma Reveals Signature Proteins and Perturbed Pathways
Authors: Hao Jian-Jiang , Zhi Xiaofei , Wang Yeming , Zhang Zheng , Hao Zeyu , Ye Rong , Tang Zhijie , Qian Fei , Wang Quhui , Zhu Jianwei
Published: February 2017

The global change in protein abundance in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its contribution to tumorigenesis have not been comprehensively analyzed. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive proteomic analysis of paired tumors and adjacent tissues (AT) using high-resolution Fourier-transform mass spectrometry and a novel algorithm of quantitative pathway analysis. 12380 proteins were identified and 740 proteins that presented a 4-fold change were considered a CRC proteomic signature. A significant pattern of changes in protein abundance was uncovered which consisted of an imbalance in protein abundance of inhibitory and activating regulators in key signal pathways, a significant elevation of proteins in chromatin modification, gene expression and DNA replication and damage repair, and a decreased expression of proteins responsible for core extracellular matrix architectures. Specifically, based on the relative abundance, we identified a panel of 11 proteins to distinguish CRC from AT. The protein that showed the greatest degree of overexpression in CRC compared to AT was Dipeptidase 1 (DPEP1). Knockdown of DPEP1 in SW480 and HCT116 cells significantly increased cell apoptosis and attenuated cell proliferation and invasion. Together, our results show one of largest dataset in CRC proteomic research and provide a molecular link from genomic abnormalities to the tumor phenotype.
Patterns of pollen and nectar foraging specialization by bumblebees over multiple timescales using RFID
Authors: Russell Avery L. , Morrison Sarah J. , Moschonas Eleni H. , Papaj Daniel R.
Published: February 2017

The ecological success of social insects is frequently ascribed to improvements in task performance due to division of labour amongst workers. While much research has focused on improvements associated with lifetime task specialization, members of colonies can specialize on a given task over shorter time periods. Eusocial bees in particular must collect pollen and nectar rewards to survive, but most workers appear to mix collection of both rewards over their lifetimes. We asked whether bumblebees specialize over timescales shorter than their lifetime. We also explored factors that govern such patterns, and asked whether reward specialists made more foraging bouts than generalists. In particular, we described antennal morphology and size of all foragers in a single colony and related these factors to each forager’s complete foraging history, obtained using radio frequency identification (RFID). Only a small proportion of foragers were lifetime specialists; nevertheless, >50% of foragers specialized daily on a given reward. Contrary to expectations, daily and lifetime reward specialists were not better foragers (being neither larger nor making more bouts); larger bees with more antennal olfactory sensilla made more bouts, but were not more specialized. We discuss causes and functions of short and long-term patterns of specialization for bumblebee colonies.
Phosphatase-triggered cell-selective release of a Pt(iv)-backboned prodrug-like polymer for an improved therapeutic index
Authors: Li Shao-Lu , Hou Yingqin , Hu Yali , Yu Jin , Wei Wei , Lu Hua
Published: February 2017

A Pt(iv)-backboned prodrug-like polymer was synthesized and formulated to a phosphatase-responsive polyion complex for cell-selective delivery.
Structural motifs of water on metal oxide surfaces
Authors: Mu Rentao , Zhao Zhi-jian , Dohnálek Zdenek , Gong Jinlong
Published: February 2017

This review describes the state-of-the-art of the molecular-level understanding of water adsorption, dissociation and clustering on model surfaces of metal oxides.
A systematic study on mixtures of Pt/zeolite as hydroisomerization catalysts
Authors: Mendes Pedro S. F. , Mota Filipe Marques , Silva João M. , Ribeiro M. Filipa , Daudin Antoine , Bouchy Christophe
Published: February 2017

Mixtures of bifunctional catalysts exhibited cooperative effects in the hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane. The performance of a hybrid can be simulated based on those of individuals, as illustrated.
Spontaneous ligand nitrosation and self-assembly into a pentacopper metallacrown complex
Authors: Otsuki Joe , Sekine Tatsuki , Kida Yuki , Shinozaki Yoshinao , Kobayashi Sayaka , Tamura Takahiro , Sugawa Kosuke , Yoshikawa Isao , Houjou Hirohiko , Yoshikawa Hiroki , Tsukamoto Arata
Published: February 2017

Acetylacetonedioxime is spontaneously nitrosated in the presence of Cu(ii) nitrate; four of the nitrosated ligands and five Cu ions self-assemble into a metallacrown complex.
Graphite oxide: a metal free highly efficient carbocatalyst for the synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepines under room temperature and solvent free heating conditions
Authors: Jamatia Ramen , Gupta Ajay , Dam Binoyargha , Saha Mithu , Pal Amarta Kumar
Published: February 2017

We report a sustainable and metal free carbocatalyst, graphite oxide, for the synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepines under room temperature and solvent free heating conditions.
Coplanar electrode microfluidic chip enabling accurate sheathless impedance cytometry
Authors: De Ninno Adele , Errico Vito , Bertani Francesca Romana , Businaro Luca , Bisegna Paolo , Caselli Federica
Published: February 2017

We present an original five-electrode coplanar chip enabling accurate particle sizing without the need for focusing.
Molecular dynamics investigations of membrane-bound CYP2C19 polymorphisms reveal distinct mechanisms for peripheral variants by long-range effects on the enzymatic activity
Authors: Cui Ying-Lu , Wu Rong-Ling
Published: February 2017

The results reveal distinct mechanisms for enzymatic activity deficiencies upon two peripheral variants in CYP2C19.
Multivalent ligands for the serotonin 5-HT4 receptor
Authors: Castriconi Federica , Paolino Marco , Donati Alessandro , Giuliani Germano , Anzini Maurizio , Mennuni Laura , Sabatini Chiara , Lanza Marco , Caselli Gianfranco , Makovec Francesco , Sbraccia Maria , Molinari Paola , Costa Tommaso , Cappelli Andrea
Published: February 2017

Multivalency does not improve the binding and functional activities of ML10302 at 5-HT4 receptors.
Rediscovering the octapeptins
Authors: Velkov Tony , Roberts Kade D. , Li Jian
Published: February 2017

Rediscovering octapeptins: novel lipopeptide antibiotics targeting ‘superbugs’.
Chemical routes to discharging graphenides
Authors: Hodge Stephen A. , Buckley David J. , Yau Hin Chun , Skipper Neal T. , Howard Christopher A. , Shaffer Milo S. P.
Published: February 2017

Discharging graphenides by exposure to ambient conditions has been demonstrated to lead to a degree of oxidation. Here, effective solution phase discharging of graphenide species has been demonstrated using three different chemical agents.
Aromatic-rich hydrocarbon porous networks through alkyne metathesis
Authors: Yang Haishen , Zhu Youlong , Du Ya , Tan Dazhi , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2017

Porous poly(aryleneethynylene) networks have been prepared through alkyne metathesis and their porosities and adsorption properties towards common aromatic solvents have been investigated.
Efficient synthesis of multisubstituted 2-alkenylpyridines via 2,3-rearrangement of O-homoallenylic oximes
Authors: Nakamura Itaru , Oyama Yoshiharu , Zhang Dong , Terada Masahiro
Published: February 2017

O-Homoallenylic α,β-unsaturated oximes were efficiently converted to the corresponding 2-alkenylpyridine derivatives by microwave irradiation.
Stretchable electromagnetic-interference shielding materials made of a long single-walled carbon-nanotube–elastomer composite
Authors: Kato Yuto , Horibe Masahiro , Ata Seisuke , Yamada Takeo , Hata Kenji
Published: February 2017

Flexible and stretchable electromagnetic-interference shielding sheets with high performance of shielding and stretchability are realized using long SWCNTs as fillers.
Cu(ii)/DM-Segphos catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of benzoisothiazole-2,2-dioxide-3-ylidenes and azomethine ylides
Authors: Li Feifei , Cao Guorui , Gao Yanfeng , Teng Dawei
Published: February 2017

Cu(OTf)2/DM-Segphos catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of benzoisothiazole-2,2-dioxide-3-ylidenes and azomethine ylides was studied. The spiropyrrolidinyl-benzoisothiazolines were obtained in high yields with up to >99 : 1 dr and 99% ee.
Fabrication and behaviors of CdS on Bi2MoO6 thin film photoanodes
Authors: Yang Hao , Jin Zhiliang , Hu Hongyan , Lu Gongxuan , Bi Yingpu
Published: February 2017

Most Bi-based photoelectrodes have suitable band gaps and can effectively promote hydrogen evolution from water splitting, but there are few studies up to now for simple preparation methods for Bi-based binary metal oxides as photoanodes.
Near-infrared probes based on fluorinated Si-rhodamine for live cell imaging
Authors: Shen Suxia , Yu Jingru , Lu Yaomin , Zhang Shuchen , Yi Xuegang , Gao Baoxiang
Published: February 2017

Si-rhodamine probe with a trifluoromethyl group on the 2-position of the pendant phenyl ring retains high brightness and excellent stability in a harsh physiological environment.
Photophysics of chlorin e6: from one- and two-photon absorption to fluorescence and phosphorescence
Authors: Gattuso Hugo , Monari Antonio , Marazzi Marco
Published: February 2017

Linear and non-linear optical properties of a known photosensitizer producing singlet oxygen, chlorin e6, have been studied, including dynamics effects.
Correlation between magnetic and electric properties based on the critical behavior of resistivity and percolation model of La0.8Ba0.1Ca0.1MnO3 polycrystalline
Authors: Amara Gdaiem Mohamed , Dhahri Ah. , Dhahri J. , Hlil E. K.
Published: February 2017

We investigated the magneto-electrical properties of a La0.8Ba0.1Ca0.1MnO3 polycrystalline sample, prepared by the polymerization-complex sol–gel method.
Selective uni- and bidirectional homologation of diborylmethane
Authors: Blair Daniel J. , Tanini Damiano , Bateman Joseph M. , Scott Helen K. , Myers Eddie L. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: February 2017

Diborylmethane can be homologated uni- and bidirectionally by using enantiomerically pure lithium-stabilized carbenoids to give 1,2- and 1,3-bis(boronic esters).
Downregulation of catalase by CuO nanoparticles via hypermethylation of CpG island II on the catalase promoter
Authors: Chibber Sandesh , Sangeet Amee , Ansari Shakeel Ahmed
Published: February 2017

CuO NPs at 1000 μM for 24 h in the WRL-68 cell induced methylation of CpG island IIviaROS on the catalase promoter and downregulate catalase expression at the transcriptional level.
Facile synthesis of 3D porous Co3V2O8 nanoroses and 2D NiCo2V2O8 nanoplates for high performance supercapacitors and their electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction properties
Authors: Zhang Jingchao , Yuan Baiqing , Cui Shufang , Zhang Nana , Wei Jingjing , Wang Xiao , Zhang Daojun , Zhang Renchun , Huo Qisheng
Published: February 2017

Porous Co3V2O8 nanoroses and NiCo2V2O8 nanoplates served as effective electrocatalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction and as electrodes of supercapacitors.
Clustering approaches to improve the performance of low cost air pollution sensors
Authors: Smith Katie R. , Edwards Peter M. , Evans Mathew J. , Lee James D. , Shaw Marvin D. , Squires Freya , Wilde Shona , Lewis Alastair C.
Published: February 2017

Low cost air pollution sensors have substantial potential for atmospheric research and for the applied control of pollution in the urban environment, including more localized warnings to the public. The current generation of single-chemical gas sensors experience degrees of interference from other co-pollutants and have sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature, wind speed and supply voltage. There are uncertainties introduced also because of sensor-to-sensor response variability, although this is less well reported. The sensitivity of Metal Oxide Sensors (MOS) to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) changed with relative humidity (RH) by up to a factor of five over the range of 19–90% RH and with an uncertainty in the correction of a factor of two at any given RH. The short-term (second to minute) stabilities of MOS and electrochemical CO sensor responses were reasonable. During more extended use, inter-sensor quantitative comparability was degraded due to unpredictable variability in individual sensor responses (to either measurand or interference or both) drifting over timescales of several hours to days. For timescales longer than a week identical sensors showed slow, often downwards, drifts in their responses which diverged across six CO sensors by up to 30% after two weeks. The measurement derived from the median sensor within clusters of 6, 8 and up to 21 sensors was evaluated against individual sensor performance and external reference values. The clustered approach maintained the cost competitiveness of a sensor device, but the median concentration from the ensemble of sensor signals largely eliminated the randomised hour-to-day response drift seen in individual sensors and excluded the effects of small numbers of poorly performing sensors that drifted significantly over longer time periods. The results demonstrate that for individual sensors to be optimally comparable to one another, and to reference instruments, they would likely require frequent calibration. The use of a cluster median value eliminates unpredictable medium term response changes, and other longer term outlier behaviours, extending the likely period needed between calibration and making a linear interpolation between calibrations more appropriate. Through the use of sensor clusters rather than individual sensors, existing low cost technologies could deliver significantly improved quality of observations.
Cyclic gas-phase heterogeneous process in a metal–organic framework involving a nickel nitrosyl complex
Authors: Denysenko D. , Volkmer D.
Published: February 2017

The cubic metal–organic framework MFU-4l ([Zn5Cl4(BTDD)3], H2-BTDD = bis(1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b],[4′,5′-i])dibenzo[1,4]dioxin) featuring large pore apertures can be modified post-synthetically via partial or complete substitution of peripheral metal sites and chloride side-ligands, thus opening a route towards a large variety of functionalized MOFs. In this way, Ni-MFU-4l-nitrite (or Ni-MFU-4l-NO2) with an analytically determined chemical composition [Zn2.6Ni2.4(NO2)2.9Cl1.1(BTDD)3], containing accessible Ni–NO2 units, was prepared. Ni-MFU-4l-NO2 undergoes selective heterogeneous gas-phase reduction by carbon monoxide at 350 °C, leading to formation of Ni–NO units at the peripheral sites of the MFU-4l framework (Ni-MFU-4l-NO). The crystallinity and porosity of the MFU-4l framework are completely retained upon this transformation. The so-formed nickel nitrosyl complex, showing high thermal stability, readily reacts with nitrogen monoxide at room temperature, producing Ni–NO2 units and dinitrogen monoxide (N2O). Hence, the reaction of Ni-MFU-4l-NO2 with CO followed by NO represents a cyclic process with an overall stoichiometry 2NO + CO → N2O + CO2, in which the Ni-MFU-4l framework serves as a catalyst. It can be considered as a model process for the removal of highly toxic NO and CO gases, which are converted to non-toxic CO2 and N2O. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopic studies show that at least 10 cycles can be repeated. The framework's reactivity drops down by ca. 50% after 10 cycles, which is most likely due to the accumulation of highly reactive NO2 and N2O4 contaminants. Therefore, further investigations on characterizing reaction intermediates should be done in order to improve the catalyst's performance. Our results confirm the potential of MFU-4l frameworks as selective single-site catalysts for heterogeneous gas-phase transformations and provide a motivation for further studies.
Nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) and its inhibitors
Authors: Lee Sang-Yong , Müller Christa E.
Published: February 2017

This review article summarizes the recent knowledge about the enzyme NPP1 and its inhibitors.
Dyotropic rearrangements in natural product total synthesis and biosynthesis
Authors: Hugelshofer Cedric L. , Magauer Thomas
Published: February 2017

Some recent examples of dyotropic rearrangements involved in complex natural product total synthesis and biosynthesis are highlighted.
Prenylated phenylpropanoids with unprecedented skeletons from Illicium burmanicum
Authors: Tian Xinhui , Guo Xin , Zhuo Zhiguo , Zeng Rentao , Fang Xin , Xu Xike , Li Huiliang , Shen Yunheng , Zhang Weidong
Published: February 2017

Two hetero adducts (1 and 2) which showed cytotoxic on A549 and HCT116 cells at 6.40–7.76 μM were isolated from Illicium burmanicum.
Facile method for fabricating low dielectric constant polyimide fibers with hyperbranched polysiloxane
Authors: Dong Jie , Yang Cairan , Cheng Yang , Wu Tingting , Zhao Xin , Zhang Qinghua
Published: February 2017

High-performance fibers with a low dielectric constant and good mechanical properties as well as excellent thermal stability are in demand for the next generation of advanced radar-wave-transparent composites.
2,5-Bis(azulenyl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles – the key influence of the linkage position on the linear and nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Poronik Yevgen M. , Mazur Leszek M. , Samoć Marek , Jacquemin Denis , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: February 2017

Linking pyrrole[3,2-b]pyrrole core with azulene moieties leads to dyes possessing strong visible light absorption, no emission, and a two-photon absorption spectrum.
New push–pull polyene chromophores containing a Michler's base donor and a tricyanofuran acceptor: multicomponent condensation, allopolar isomerism and large optical nonlinearity
Authors: Luo Jingdong , Lin Francis , Li Zhong'an , Li Ming , Kim Tae-Dong , Jang Sei-Hum , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: February 2017

The high chemo-selectivity of bis-aldehydes for condensation with both basic and acidic active methylene compounds facilitates a one-pot, three-component reaction to produce dipolar polyenes as major products for electro-optics.
3D printed bandpass filters using compact high‐Q hemispherical resonators with improved out‐of‐band rejection
Authors: Li Jin , Guo Cheng , Mao Lijian , Xu Jun
Published: February 2017

RF design and implementation of ceramic‐filled resin‐based 3D printed millimetre‐wave bandpass filters (BPFs) using a new class of compact high‐quality‐factor hemispherical cavity resonators are addressed. Design concept of the hemispherical resonator is discussed for BPF applications in both X and Ka bands. For validation purpose, the Ka‐band fourth‐order BPF is fabricated with a high‐temperature‐resistant ceramic‐filled resin using a fast and low‐cost stereolithography‐based 3D printing technique, and its surface metallisation is realised by employing electroless copper/silver plating. The proposed BPF's geometrical configuration contributes to a significantly improved out‐of‐band rejection. The RF‐measured results demonstrate the Ka‐band BPF an insertion loss of 0.43−0.9 dB from 31.52 to 32.42 GHz, a passband return loss mostly better than 15 dB, and a small frequency shift of about 0.06%.
Wideband transmit beamforming using integer‐time‐delayed and phase‐shifted waveforms
Authors: Gao Yang , Jiang Defu , Liu Ming
Published: February 2017

A method for wideband transmit beamforming using integer‐time‐delayed and phase‐shifted waveforms is proposed. Unlike traditional true‐time‐delayed digital methods, which employ variable fractional delay filters or discrete Fourier transforms to create fractional time delays, the proposed method uses only integer‐time‐delayed waveforms with phase shifts corresponding to fractional time delays. Furthermore, the shifted phase can be directly generated; this generation can be simply achieved by controlling the parameters of a direct digital synthesiser. A beam pattern simulation confirms that the integer‐time‐delayed and phase‐shifted waveforms are capable of synthesising wideband transmitting beam patterns. Finally, a power synthesis efficiency analysis demonstrates that the synthesis loss caused by phase shifting is negligible.
Robustness improvement of DC motor speed control using communication disturbance observer under uncertain time delay
Authors: Yook J.H. , Kim I.H. , Han M.S. , Son Y.I.
Published: February 2017

The speed control problem of a time‐delay DC motor system is proposed because the control performance can severely deteriorate under uncertain delay time information. Since most of existing delay compensators require exact system parameters and delay time information, the performance improvement has been limited under delay time uncertainty. The proposed method incorporates a disturbance observer on the slave side of the system with a communication disturbance observer that does not require the delay time information for generating a predicted output signal. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is tested through comparative simulations and experiments using a testbed system under large delay time uncertainty.
Engineering of inductance for beam‐steering antenna applications
Authors: Niang A. , Ratni B. , de Lustrac A. , Burokur S.N.
Published: February 2017

To create an active phase‐gradient metasurface relying on variable inductance, an impedance converter is used to realise positive inductance values. By varying the inversion coefficient, a variation of the inductance can be achieved electronically. A prototype of the circuit is fabricated and tested. Different inductance values are obtained with respect to the inversion coefficient used. Such circuit can be readily applied to an LC resonant cell to control the phase responses. A potential application for beam steering is further numerically verified.
Multi‐constrained QoS routing based on PSO for named data networking
Authors: Hou Rui , Chang Yuzhou , Yang Liuqing
Published: February 2017

Named data networking (NDN) is a representation and implementation of an information centric network, which is considered as one of the next generation of network architectures. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few studies have considered multiple constrained quality‐of‐service (QoS) routing in NDN. In this study, a particle swarm optimisation‐forwarding information base (PSO‐FIB) algorithm that uses the forwarding experiences of particles to maintain the forwarding probability of each entry in the FIB is proposed. Illustrating the interaction of PSO‐FIB with the routing layer, the simulation results show that PSO‐FIB can support multi‐constrained QoS routing and achieve better performance in terms of successful delivery rate and average cost compared with random and ant colony optimisation strategies.
Modified tree‐based identification protocols for solving hidden‐tag problem in RFID systems over fading channels
Authors: Nguyen Chuyen T. , Bui Anh Tuan H. , Nguyen Van‐Dinh , Pham Anh T.
Published: February 2017

Hidden‐tag problem is one of the most important issues in the implementation of radio‐frequency identification (RFID) systems. Due to effects of imperfect wireless channels, RFID tags can be hidden during the identification process by either another tag or an unsuccessful detection. The former is known as the capture effect (CE) while the latter is the detection error (DE). This study newly proposes two modified tree‐based identification protocols, namely tweaked binary tree (TBT) and tweaked query tree (TQT), which are able to tackle the hidden‐tag problem caused by both the CE and DE. The performance of the proposed TBT and TQT protocols, in terms of the average number of slots required to detect a tag, and the tag‐loss rate, is evaluated in comparison with that of previously proposed ones. Computer simulations and numerical results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.
Optimal model distributions in supervisory adaptive control
Authors: Ghosh Debarghya , Simone Baldi
Published: February 2017

Several classes of multi‐model adaptive control schemes have been proposed in literature: instead of one single parameter‐varying controller, in this adaptive methodology multiple fixed‐parameter controllers for different operating regimes (i.e. different models) are utilised. Despite advances in multi‐model adaptive control theory, the question of how the synthesis of the pairs model/controller will affect transient and steady‐state performance is not completely addressed. In particular, it is not clear to which extent placing the pairs model/controller in a structurally optimal way will result in a relevant improvement of the properties of the switching algorithm. In this study the authors focus on a multi‐model unfalsified adaptive supervisory switching control scheme, and they show how the minimisation of a suitable structural criterion can lead to improved performance of the adaptive scheme. The peculiarity of the resulting structural optimality criterion is that the optimisation is carried out so as to optimise the entire behaviour of the adaptive algorithm, i.e. both the learning transient and the steady‐state response. This is in contrast to alternative multi‐model adaptive control schemes, where special structural optimisation considers only the steady‐state ideal response and neglects learning transients. A comparison with respect to model distributions achieved via two structural optimisation criteria is made via a benchmark example.
Fault‐tolerant control of non‐linear systems based on adaptive virtual actuator
Authors: Yadegar Meysam , Afshar Ahamad , Meskin Nader
Published: February 2017

A new adaptive fault‐tolerant control architecture for Lipschitz non‐linear systems is developed. Specifically, the proposed approach involves a novel adaptive virtual actuator which is inserted between the faulty plant and the nominal controller to hide faults and disturbances from the nominal controller. The envisaged adaptive virtual actuator does not require any information about the nominal controller nor does it require a separate fault detection, isolation and identification unit. Moreover, it can tackle loss of effectiveness and time‐varying additive actuator faults as well as an external disturbance, and in addition to the stability of the closed‐loop system, it also guarantees that the difference between the states of the nominal and the faulty systems tend to zero. Simulation results corresponding to the lateral directional dynamics of an aircraft demonstrate and illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive virtual actuator.
Event‐triggered control for linear systems with actuator saturation and disturbances
Authors: Liu Dan , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: February 2017

This study considers the event‐triggered control problem for linear systems with actuator saturation and external disturbances. First, owing to the impact of the switching event‐triggered mechanism, a new method is derived to design the controller and the event‐triggered parameters such that the estimation of the domain of attractions is maximised. Compared with the existing results, a larger minimum inter‐event interval is presented by combining with a convex analysis approach in stability analysis. Then, this method is extended to the system with disturbances to both guarantee the stability and reject disturbances. Finally, simulation examples are given to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
Fast pedestrian detection and dynamic tracking for intelligent vehicles within V2V cooperative environment
Authors: Li Fuliang , Zhang Ronghui , You Feng
Published: February 2017

Pedestrian detection has become one of the hottest topics in intelligent traffic system because of its potential applications in driver assistance and automatic driving. In this study, a fast pedestrian detection and dynamic tracking method within vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) cooperative environment is proposed. A dynamic tracking‐by‐detection framework for real‐time pedestrian detection is developed. First, a cascade classifiers, based on selected Haar‐like features, is trained to detect pedestrian. Then, CamShift algorithm combined with extended Kalman filtering is used to pedestrian dynamic tracking. Finally, with the crowdsourcing detected information, a smartphone‐based V2V cooperative warning system is developed to share useful detection results within blind spots. The experiment results show that the proposed method has a real‐time and accurate performance, which can provide a reference for road traffic safety monitoring technology.
Capacitive probe‐fed compact dual‐band dual‐mode dual‐polarisation microstrip antenna with broadened bandwidth
Authors: Cao Wen‐quan , Wang Qian‐qian , Zhang Bang‐ning , Hong Wei
Published: February 2017

One novel dual‐band dual‐mode dual‐polarisation microstrip antenna with broad bandwidth is designed and analysed in this study. In the lower frequency band, the antenna operates in the dipole mode with linearly polarised omnidirectional radiation pattern, whereas in the upper frequency band, the antenna works in the patch mode with circularly polarised directional radiation patterns. The bandwidth of the patch mode is broadened by adding curved parasitical patches around the centre radiating patch which is fed by the capacitive probe. Parameter analysis is made to further explore the working principle and one prototype is realised for verification. Moreover, the measured results show that the −10 dB impedance bandwidths for the dipole mode and patch mode are 227.5 MHz (4.8% at the centre frequency of 4.72 GHz) and 1330 MHz (23% at the centre frequency of 5.78 GHz), respectively, among which the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the patch mode is 510 MHz (8.8% at the centre frequency of 5.815 GHz). Moreover, the maximum gains of the two modes are 1.1 and 8.4 dB, respectively. This single‐feed patch antenna is valuable in future applications for its compact structure, considerable bandwidth, radiation pattern and polarisation diversity.
Enhancements in mm‐wave antenna measurements: automatic alignment and achievable accuracy
Authors: Boehm Linus , Boegelsack Frank , Hitzler Martin , Waldschmidt Christian
Published: February 2017

Due to various error sources, accurate integrated antenna measurements can be difficult to achieve. This study analyses the accuracy of a measurement set‐up for radiation pattern (RP), directivity and gain measurements. The main sources of uncertainty are pointed out and the overall achievable accuracy is determined. The expanded uncertainty budgets for RP, directivity and gain measurements are 0.2, 0.2 and 1.7 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the phase centre of the antenna under test (AUT) is calculated for a more accurate and faster antenna alignment. The standard deviation of the calculated phase centre position is 50 μm on each axis.
Distributed power amplifier with novel integration technique of broadband impedance transformer using pseudomorphic HEMT and gallium nitride HEMT
Authors: Narendra Kumar , Yan Huan Hui , Yarman Binboga Siddik , Latef Tarik Abdul
Published: February 2017

An advance approach of distributed power amplifier (DPA) design has been introduced in this study, based on broadband impedance transformer integration. By identifying the DPA's optimum impedance over the frequency range with load pull measurement technique, the impedance transformer with mixed‐lumped elements using real‐frequency technique is designed. The prototype of the transformer network is integrated with the three‐stage DPA with pseudomorphic High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistor (HEMT) and gallium nitride HEMT technologies. Experimental output power performance achieves 40 dBm over bandwidth operation from 0.1 to 2.4 GHz, and the power added efficiency reaches 30% in average with gain of 30 dB. This proposed technique is essential to maximise DC–radio frequency conversion to the load termination and the transformer is having advantages over size area, implementation in small form factor and low‐cost approach particularly compatible for radio communications applications.
Rapid Deterioration of Latent HBV Hepatitis during Cushing Disease and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Earthquake
Authors: Tashiro Ryosuke , Tominaga Teiji , Ogawa Yoshikazu
Published: February 2017

Reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a risk in the 350 million HBV carriers worldwide. HBV reactivation may cause hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, and fulminant hepatitis, and HBV reactivation accompanied with malignant tumor and/or chemotherapy is a critical problem for patients with chronic HBV infection. Multiple risk factors causing an immunosuppressive state can also induce HBV reactivation.

We present a case of HBV reactivation during an immunosuppressive state caused by Cushing disease and physical and psychological stress after a disaster. A 47-year-old Japanese woman was an inactive HBV carrier until the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred and follow-up was discontinued. One year after the earthquake she had intractable hypertension, and her visual acuity gradually worsened. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed a sellar tumor compressing the optic chiasm, and hepatic dysfunction with HBV reactivation was identified. Endocrinologic examination established the diagnosis as Cushing disease. After normalization of hepatic dysfunction with antiviral therapy, transsphenoidal tumor removal was performed that resulted in subtotal removal except the right cavernous portion. Steroid hormone supplementation was discontinued after 3 days of administration, and gamma knife therapy was performed for the residual tumor. Eighteen months after the operation, adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol values returned to normal. The patient has been free from tumor regrowth and HBV reactivation throughout the postoperative course.

Accomplishment of normalization with intrinsic steroid value with minimization of steroid supplementation should be established. Precise operative procedures and careful treatment planning are essential to avoid HBV reactivation in patients with this threatening condition.
Integration der Suchtmedizin ins Medizinstudium – interaktive Umgestaltung eines Seminars im Bereich Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung
Authors: Bleckwenn Markus , Just Johannes , Rüdisser Valeria , Engel Bettina , Weckbecker Klaus
Published: February 2017

Durch eine interaktive Lehre konnte in Modellprojekten das suchtmedizinische Grundwissen bei Medizinstudenten in kurzer Zeit verbessert werden. Daher war das Ziel unseres Projektes, ein Seminar mit einem suchtmedizinischen Thema interaktiv zu gestalten und die Akzeptanz einer solchen Umgestaltung zu überprüfen.

In ein Seminar über Medikamentenabhängigkeit wurden schrittweise aktivierende Lehrmethoden integriert. Dabei wurde pro Semester eine aktivierende Lehrmethode eingeführt. Anhand der Semesterevaluation wurde eine Lehrmethode im Seminarablauf belassen oder auch ausgetauscht. Nach der vollständigen interaktiven Umgestaltung wurde die Zufriedenheit von Studenten und deren Dozenten überprüft.

Die 4 beteiligten Dozenten gaben eine hohe Zufriedenheit mit der Lehre im Seminar an [9,4 (0–10)]. Auch die Studenten (n=69) bewerteten das Seminar positiv (8,4) und bestätigten den hohen Grad an Interaktivität (8,1) und didaktischer Qualität (8,1).

Eine interaktive Umgestaltung von Seminaren ist möglich. Aufgrund der positiven Ergebnisse ist aktive Lehre in Seminaren zu empfehlen.