bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Properties of Polymorphs of Fluorosulfate Based Cathode Materials with Exchangeable Potassium Ions
Authors: Shivaramaiah Radha , Lander Laura , Nagabhushana G. P. , Rousse Gwenaëlle , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: September 2016

FeSO4F‐based frameworks have recently emerged as attractive candidates for alkali insertion electrodes. Mainly owing to their rich crystal chemistry, they offer a variety of new host structures with different electrochemical performances and physical properties. In this paper we report the thermodynamic stability of two such K‐based “FeSO4F” host structures based on direct solution calorimetric measurements. KFeSO4F has been reported to crystallize in two different polymorphic modifications—monoclinic and orthorhombic. The obtained enthalpies of formation from binary components (KF plus FeSO4) are negative for both polymorphs, indicating that they are thermodynamically stable at room temperature, which is very promising for the future exploration of sulfate based cathode materials. Our measurements show that the low‐temperature monoclinic polymorph is enthalpically more stable than the orthorhombic phase by ≈10 kJ mol−1, which is consistent with the preferential formation of monoclinic KFeSO4F at low temperature. Furthermore, observed phase transformations and difficulties in the synthesis process can be explained based on the obtained calorimetric results. The KMnSO4F orthorhombic phase is more stable than both polymorphs of KFeSO4F.
Efficient and reliable fault analysis methodology for nanomagnetic circuits
Authors: Turvani G. , Riente F. , Cairo F. , Vacca M. , Garlando U. , Zamboni M. , Graziano M.
Published: September 2016

The increasing issues in scaled Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuit fabrication favor the flourishing of emerging technologies. Because of their limited sizes, both CMOS and emerging technologies are particularly sensitive to defects that arise during the fabrication process. Their impact is not easy to analyze in order to take the necessary countermeasures, especially in the case of circuits of realistic complexity based on emerging technologies. In this work, we propose a new methodology supported by an efficient and reliable tool for the identification of the impact of faults in complex circuits implemented using the emerging technology we are focusing on in this case: nanomagnetic logic.

The methodology is based on three main steps: (i) we performed exhaustive physical‐level simulations of basic blocks based on a detailed finite‐element tool in order to have a full characterization, to know their properties in presence of defects, and to have a solid reference point for the following steps; (ii) we developed a model (fanomag) for the basic block behavior suitable for simulations in presence of defects of complex circuits, that is, lighter than a physical level one, but accurate enough to capture the most important features to be inherited at circuit level; (iii) starting from a physical design of complex circuits that we perform using a specific design tool we developed, that is, ToPoliNano, we simulated using fanomag, now embedded in our ToPoliNano tool, the behavior of circuits in presence of multiple sets of fabrication defects using a Monte Carlo approach now included in ToPoliNano as a new feature. In this paper, a specific type of defect is considered as a case study. The framework and methodology are conceived to be easily extended to handle other types of defects and problems due to working conditions that a designer and/or a technologist might want to focus on.

The major outcome is then a powerful methodology and tool capable to analyze with a good accuracy nanomagnetic logic complex circuits and architectures both in ideal conditions and in presence of defects with remarkable performance in terms of simulation times. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doping control analysis of anabolic steroids in equine urine by gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wong April S. Y. , Leung Gary N. W. , Leung David K. K. , Wan Terence S. M.
Published: September 2016

Anabolic steroids are banned substances in equine sports. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) has been the traditional technique for doping control analysis of anabolic steroids in biological samples. Although liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has become an important technique in doping control, the detection of saturated hydroxysteroids by LC‐MS remains a problem due to their low ionization efficiency under electrospray. The recent development in fast‐scanning gas‐chromatography‐triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) has provided a better alternative with a significant reduction in chemical noise by means of selective reaction monitoring. Herein, we present a sensitive and selective method for the screening of over 50 anabolic steroids in equine urine using gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of seed traits on geographic variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism of the seed‐feeding beetle Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
Authors: Haga Eloísa B. , Rossi Marcelo N.
Published: September 2016

Explaining large‐scale patterns of variation in body size has been considered a central question in ecology and evolutionary biology because several life‐history traits are directly linked to body size. For ectothermic organisms, little is known about what processes influence geographic variation in body size. Changes in body size and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) have been associated with environmental variables, particularly for Bruchinae insects, which feed exclusively on seeds during the larval stage. However, the effect of important seed traits on body size variation has rarely been investigated, and whether SSD varies substantially among populations within bruchine species is poorly known. Using the seed‐feeding beetle Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus infesting its host plant Leucaena leucocephala, we investigated whether specific seed traits (hardness, size, water content, carbon/nitrogen ratio, and phenolic content) were determinant in generating geographic variation in body size and SSD of A. macrophthalmus. We also examined the relationships between body size and SSD with latitude and altitude. The body size of both sexes combined was not related to latitude, altitude, and any of the physical and chemical seed traits. However, the female body size tended to vary more in size than the males, generating significant variation in SSD in relation to latitude and altitude. The females were the larger sex at higher latitudes and at lower altitudes, precisely where seed water content was greater. Therefore, our results suggest that water content was the most important seed trait, most severely affecting the females, promoting geographic variation in SSD of A. macrophthalmus.
Dual ReVCatalysis in One‐Pot Consecutive Meyer–Schuster and Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Bugoni Serena , Porta Alessio , Valiullina Zuleykha , Zanoni Giuseppe , Vidari Giovanni
Published: September 2016

A readily available oxo‐ReVcatalyst has been shown to promote a one‐pot multistep process that involves the Meyer–Schuster rearrangement of alkynols followed by the Diels–Alder cycloaddition of the resulting enones. These reactions were performed under mild conditions in the presence of 5 mol‐% of the catalyst to afford the cycloadducts in good yields with almost 100 %endostereoselectivity. In‐depth computational studies of the cycloaddition mechanism provided the preferred geometry of the rhenium complex in the transition state (TS) and corroborated the experimental endo selectivity.
Massively parallel sequencing of customised forensically informative SNP panels on the MiSeq
Authors: Mehta Bhavik , Daniel Runa , Phillips Chris , Doyle Stephen , Elvidge Gareth , McNevin Dennis
Published: September 2016

Forensic DNA‐based intelligence, or forensic DNA phenotyping, utilises SNPs to infer the biogeographical ancestry and externally visible characteristics of the donor of evidential material. SNaPshot® is a commonly employed forensic SNP genotyping technique, which is limited to multiplexes of 30–40 SNPs in a single reaction and prone to PCR contamination. Massively parallel sequencing has the ability to genotype hundreds of SNPs in multiple samples simultaneously by employing an oligonucleotide sample barcoding strategy. This study of the Illumina MiSeq massively parallel sequencing platform analysed 136 unique SNPs in 48 samples from SNaPshot PCR amplicons generated by five established forensic DNA phenotyping assays comprising the SNPforID 52‐plex, SNPforID 34‐plex, Eurasiaplex, Pacifiplex and IrisPlex. Approximately 3 GB of sequence data were generated from two MiSeq flow cells and profiles were obtained from just 0.25 ng of DNA. Compared with SNaPshot, an average 98% genotyping concordance was achieved. Our customised approach was successful in attaining SNP profiles from extremely degraded, inhibited, and compromised casework samples. Heterozygote imbalance and sequence coverage in negative controls highlight the need to establish baseline sequence coverage thresholds and refine allele frequency thresholds. This study demonstrates the potential of the MiSeq for forensic SNP analysis.
Discovery of potential DNA methylation markers for forensic tissue identification using bisulphite pyrosequencing
Authors: Vidaki Athina , Giangasparo Federica , Syndercombe Court Denise
Published: September 2016

The presence of specific body fluids at crime scenes could be linked with particular types of crime, therefore attributing a DNA profile to a specific tissue could increase the evidential significance of a match with a suspect. Current methodologies such as tissue‐specific mRNA profiling are useful but drawbacks include low tissue specificity and applicability to degraded samples. In this study, the potential of 11 tissue‐specific differentially methylated regions, initially identified following large‐scale methylation analysis of whole blood, buccal cells and sperm, was explored in order to identify markers for blood, saliva and semen. Bisulphite pyrosequencing analysis supported previous findings, but tissue‐specific differentially methylated regions for blood and buccal cells did not show enough specificity to be proposed as markers for blood and saliva, respectively. For some CpGs, a large inter‐individual variation in methylation levels was also observed. Two of the semen markers (cg04382920 and cg11768416) were used for further validation on a large set of stains. These two semen‐specific assays showed high sensitivity (as low as 50 pg) and stability. Future experiments will shed light on the usefulness of these markers in forensic casework.
Simulating the Impact of Particle Size Distribution on the Performance of Graphite Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Röder Fridolin , Sonntag Sören , Schröder Daniel , Krewer Ulrike
Published: September 2016

In this work we present a fundamental model‐based analysis of the effect of active material particle size distribution (PSD) on graphite electrodes and their performance. We focused on the determination of the impact of differently shaped and scaled PSDs on the electrode performance, which is mainly influenced by the performance of the individual particles and their interaction. A mathematical electrode model with a distributed particle size is used for analysis to identify the different local current densities and the charging behavior of the particles. The heterogeneity provokes uneven surface overpotentials and reaction rates. Their identification facilitates the investigation of the degradation of such heterogeneous systems. In addition, we present an approach that accounts for the change of a PSD because of the restructuring of the electrode morphology during battery usage into the mathematical model and identify the general impact of particle cracking and agglomeration on the battery performance. Moreover, the importance of PSD in Li‐ion batteries is shown by comparing the results obtained with a single particle model used commonly. This comparison shows that in case of narrow distributions surface‐area‐ and volume‐based mean approximations are sufficient to predict overpotentials and electrode capacity if kinetic losses are dominated either by reaction at the surface or diffusion processes, respectively. This work indicates that the PSD and its change impact the performance and degradation of Li‐ion batteries considerably. We suggest that the PSD and its evolution should be of particular interest in the study of the degradation of particle‐based electrodes.
Perceptions of the first family physicians to adopt advanced access in the province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Breton Mylaine , Maillet Lara , Paré Isabelle , Abou Malham Sabina , Touati Nassera
Published: September 2016

In Quebec, several primary care physicians have made the transition to the advanced access model to address the crisis of limited access to primary care. The objectives are to describe the implementation of the advanced access model, as perceived by the first family physicians; to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of its principles; and to document the physicians' perceptions of its effects on their practice, colleagues and patients. Qualitative methods were used to explore, through semi‐structured interviews, the experiences of 21 family physicians who had made the transition to advanced access. Of the 21 physicians, 16 succeeded in adopting all five advanced access principles to varying degrees. Core implementation issues revolved around the dynamics of collaboration between physicians, nurses and other colleagues. Secretaries' functions, in particular, had to be expanded. Facilitating factors were mainly related to the physicians' leadership and the professional resources available in the organizations. Impediments related to resource availability and team functioning were also encountered. This is the first exploratory study to examine the factors influencing the adoption of the advanced access model conducted with early‐adopter family physicians. The lessons drawn will inform discussions on scaling up to other settings experiencing the same problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A copy number variation in PKD1L2 is associated with colorectal cancer predisposition in korean population
Authors: Park Changho , Kim Jong‐Il , Hong Sung Noh , Jung Hey Mi , Kim Tae Jun , Lee Seungbok , Kim Seong Jin , Kim Hee Cheol , Kim Duk‐Hwan , Cho Belong , Park Jin‐ho , Sung Joohon , Lee Dong‐Sung , Kang Mingon , Son Hee Jung , Kim Young‐Ho
Published: September 2016

Recently reported genome‐wide association studies have identified more than 20 common low‐penetrance colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility loci. Recent studies have reported that copy number variations (CNVs) are considered important human genomic variants related to cancer, while the contribution of CNVs remains unclear. We performed array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in 36 CRC patients and 47 controls. Using breakpoint PCR, we confirmed the breakpoint of the PKD1L2 deletion region. High frequency of PKD1L2 CNV was observed in CRC cases. We validated the association between PKD1L2 variation and CRC risk in 1,874 cases and 2,088 controls (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.04–1.98, p = 0.028). Additionally, PKD1L2 CNV is associated with increased CRC risk in patients younger than 50 years (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.39–3.30, p = 5.8 × 10−4). In subgroup analysis according to body mass index (BMI), we found that the CN loss of PKD1L2 with BMI above or equal to 25 exhibited a significant increase in CRC risk (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.29–4.05, p = 0.005). PKD1L2 CNV with BMI above or equal to 25 and age below 50 is associated with a remarkably increased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 5.24, 95% CI 2.36–11.64, p= 4.8 × 10−5). Moreover, we found that PKD1L2 variation in obese patients (BMI ≥ 25) was associated with poor survival rate (p = 0.026). Our results suggest that the common PKD1L2 CNV is associated with CRC, and PKD1L2 CNV with high BMI and/or age below 50 exhibited a significant increased risk of CRC. In obese patients, PKD1L2 variation was associated with poor survival.
Molecular basis of antibody‐mediated neutralization and protection against flavivirus
Authors: Dai Lianpan , Wang Qihui , Qi Jianxun , Shi Yi , Yan Jinghua , Gao George F.
Published: September 2016

Antibody‐mediated humoral immunity plays a pivotal role in flavivirus control. Neutralizing antibodies targeting viral envelope (E) protein, provide protection against flaviviruses in vivo but can also promote virus infection by antibody‐dependent enhancement when antibodies are weakly neutralizing or in subneutralizing concentrations. The molecular basis for antibody‐mediated virus neutralization can be revealed by structural studies of monoclonal antibodies complexed with the E protein or virion. In addition, the flavivirus non‐structural protein NS1 can also induce host antibody production, and some of these antibodies can provide protection against virus challenge. In this review, we summarize the known structures of flavivirus neutralizing or protective antibodies bound to their epitopes and describe the underlying molecular mechanisms. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(10):783–791, 2016
Triple Systems are Eulerian
Authors: Šajna Mateja , Wagner Andrew
Published: September 2016

An Euler tour of a hypergraph (also called a rank‐2 universal cycle or 1‐overlap cycle in the context of designs) is a closed walk that traverses every edge exactly once. In this paper, using a graph‐theoretic approach, we prove that every triple system with at least two triples is eulerian, that is, it admits an Euler tour. Horan and Hurlbert have previously shown that for every admissible order >3, there exists a Steiner triple system with an Euler tour, while Dewar and Stevens have proved that every cyclic Steiner triple system of order >3 and every cyclic twofold triple system admits an Euler tour.
Efficient One‐pot Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Docking Studies of Some Newer Tetrahydro‐4H‐benzo [1,3‐e]oxazines and Related β‐Acylamino Ketone Derivatives
Authors: El‐Bayouki Khairy A. M. , Basyouni Wahid M. , Khatab Tamer K. , Kandel Ezzat M. , Badawy Doria S. , Abdel‐Galil Ebrahim , El‐Henawy Ahmed A.
Published: September 2016

A concise one‐step procedure was developed for the synthesis of some newer tetrahydro‐4H‐benzo[1,3‐e]oxazines and β‐acylamino ketone derivatives via condensation of cyclohexanone derivative with different aromatic aldehydes and nitriles in the presence of tetrachlorosilane/zinc chloride (TCS/ZnCl2) reagent mixture under ambient conditions. Docking studies for the synthesized benzo‐oxazine derivatives were designed and a model of highly active derivatives was mapped for the antimicrobial screening.
68Ga‐Ca‐phytate particles: A potential lung perfusion agent of synthetic origin prepared in a cold kit format
Authors: Hsieh William , Ali Masood , Praehofer Renee , Tsopelas Chris
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the radiosynthesis of 68Ga‐Ca‐phytate particles and then characterize the formulation for radiochemical purity, radioactive particle size distribution, and biodistribution in normal rats. This radiotracer was prepared using a commercial phytate cold kit after reconstitution with saline, 68Ga‐chloride generator eluent, calcium chloride, and air, then heating at 100°C for 30 minutes to achieve 99% radiochemical purity of 68Ga‐particles that were 21% 3–5 μm, 8% 5–15 μm, and 71% >15 μm in diameter. This optimal formulation was stable for 2 hours at room temperature. Intravenous administration of 68Ga‐particles in rats resulted in an uptake of 93% in the lungs, 4% in the liver plus spleen, and 3% in the carcass after 20 minutes. Two‐thirds of the carcass activity was radioactive blood, likely to be 68Ga‐transferrin. The positron emission tomography image was superior than the 99mTc‐MAA image because it displayed high lung uptake against a low background. Low uptake by the liver, spleen did not interfere with the diagnostic quality, and faint activity in the submandibular (salivary) glands was due to 68Ga‐transferrin. The preclinical data so far indicate that 68Ga‐Ca‐phytate particles have good potential as a lung perfusion imaging agent.
Emerging role of metabolic signaling in synovial joint remodeling and osteoarthritis
Authors: June Ronald K. , Liu‐Bryan Ru , Long Fanxing , Griffin Timothy M.
Published: September 2016

Obesity and associated metabolic diseases collectively referred to as the metabolic syndrome increase the risk of skeletal and synovial joint diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). The relationship between obesity and musculoskeletal diseases is complex, involving biomechanical, dietary, genetic, inflammatory, and metabolic factors. Recent findings illustrate how changes in cellular metabolism and metabolic signaling pathways alter skeletal development, remodeling, and homeostasis, especially in response to biomechanical and inflammatory stressors. Consequently, a better understanding of the energy metabolism of diarthrodial joint cells and tissues, including bone, cartilage, and synovium, may lead to new strategies to treat or prevent synovial joint diseases such as OA. This rationale was the basis of a workshop presented at the 2016 Annual ORS Meeting in Orlando, FL on the emerging role of metabolic signaling in synovial joint remodeling and OA. The topics we covered included (i) the relationship between metabolic syndrome and OA in clinical and pre‐clinical studies; (ii) the effect of biomechanical loading on chondrocyte metabolism; (iii) the effect of Wnt signaling on osteoblast carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism with respect to bone anabolism; and (iv) the role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in chondrocyte energetic and biomechanical stress responses in the context of cartilage injury, aging, and OA. Although challenges exist for measuring in vivo changes in synovial joint tissue metabolism, the findings presented herein provide multiple lines of evidence to support a central role for disrupted cellular energy metabolism in the pathogenesis of OA. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2048–2058, 2016.
Investigation of atmospheric corrosion layers on historic iron nails by micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yucel Nurdan , Kalkanli Ali , Caner‐Saltik Emine N.
Published: September 2016

In this study, some Ottoman low carbon steel nails from a 16th century brick masonry dome of Kiliç Ali Pasha Bath in Istanbul and from a 19th century stone dwelling in Phocaea Izmir were studied for their long term corrosion characteristics. Their corrosion layers were examined with a Senterra Bruker micro‐Raman spectrometer and Tescan Vega model Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Inca X‐Stream 2 Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Powdered samples scraped from the corrosion layers were studied by X‐ray powder diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The corrosion layer consisted of two main sub‐layers, namely an ‘inner corrosion layer’ including a ‘reaction front’ and a ‘transformed medium’ which included the depositions from the surrounding media. Peak intensities of X‐ray powder diffraction traces were not proportional to the abundance of oxides and oxyhydroxides in the corrosion layer, most probably because of their partly amorphous and nano‐size nature. Inner corrosion layer and transformed medium layers were studied in detail by micro Raman spectroscopy at 532 nm, 0.2 mW, 200 s. The Protective Ability Index (PAI) of the corrosion layers were expressed as the ratio of isotropic goethite band thickness to the thickness of reaction front composed of other oxides and oxyhydroxides being magnetite, maghemite, hematite, lepidocrocite, distinguished by micro‐Raman which is a unique method for phase identification. PAI was then estimated to be ~6–10 for 16th century nails and ~3 for 19th century nails. Corrosion mechanisms and PAI were concluded to be affected by compositional characteristics of artefacts and their atmospheric conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
To Be or Not to Be in Thrall to the March of Smart Products
Authors: Schweitzer Fiona , Van den Hende Ellis A.
Published: September 2016

This article explores how perceived disempowerment impacts the intention to adopt smart autonomous products. Empirically, the paper builds on three studies to show this impact. Study 1 explores the relevance of the perceived disempowerment in respect of smart autonomous products. Study 2 manipulates autonomy of smart products and finds that perceived disempowerment mediates the link between smart products’ autonomy and adoption intention. Study 3 indicates that an intervention design―that is, a product design that allows consumers to intervene in the actions of an autonomous smart product―can reduce their perceived disempowerment in respect of autonomous smart products. Further, Study 3 reveals that personal innovativeness moderates the role that an intervention design plays in product adoption: an intervention design shows a positive effect on adoption intention for individuals with low personal innovativeness, but for those with high personal innovativeness no effect of an intervention design is present on adoption intention. The authors suggest that managers consider consumers’ perceived disempowerment when designing autonomous smart products, because (1) perceived disempowerment reduces adoption and (2) when targeted at consumers with low personal innovativeness, an intervention design reduces their perceived disempowerment.
Numerical approximations for a phase field dendritic crystal growth model based on the invariant energy quadratization approach
Authors: Zhao Jia , Wang Qi , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2016

We present two accurate and efficient numerical schemes for a phase field dendritic crystal growth model, which is derived from the variation of a free‐energy functional, consisting of a temperature dependent bulk potential and a conformational entropy with a gradient‐dependent anisotropic coefficient. We introduce a novel Invariant Energy Quadratization approach to transform the free‐energy functional into a quadratic form by introducing new variables to substitute the nonlinear transformations. Based on the reformulated equivalent governing system, we develop a first and a second order semi‐discretized scheme in time for the system, in which all nonlinear terms are treated semi‐explicitly. The resulting semi‐discretized equations consist of a linear elliptic equation system at each time step, where the coefficient matrix operator is positive definite and thus, the semi‐discrete system can be solved efficiently. We further prove that the proposed schemes are unconditionally energy stable. Convergence test together with 2D and 3D numerical simulations for dendritic crystal growth are presented after the semi‐discrete schemes are fully discretized in space using the finite difference method to demonstrate the stability and the accuracy of the proposed schemes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and dispersing mechanism of aminosulfonate‐phenol‐formaldehyde superplasticizer for the cement particles
Authors: Zhao Hui , Deng Ming , Tang Mingshu
Published: September 2016

In this study, a water‐soluble aminosulfonate‐phenol‐formaldehyde (ASPF) condensate was synthesized as superplasticizer (SP). The molecular structure of ASPF SP was characterized. The dispersing properties and the adsorption behavior of ASPF SP were measured and compared with sulfonated naphthalene‐formaldehyde (SNF) SP. ASPF SP has the more negative polar groups and the higher molecular weight than SNF SP. SNF SP adsorbs on the cement particle surface through “Flat train” adsorption configuration to form a single‐point adsorption. The higher adsorption amount and the thinner adsorption layer thickness. The dispersing ability of SNF SP for the cement particles is due to the electrostatic repulsion force between the cement particles. ASPF SP adsorbs on the cement particle surface through “loop and tail” adsorption configuration to form a multi‐point adsorption. The lower adsorption amount and the thicker adsorption layer thickness. Moreover, due to the more negative polar groups bonded to the molecule of ASPF SP, the cement particle surface with ASPF SP has a larger initial zeta potential, less zeta potential loss than that with SNF SP. The synergistic effect of the electrostatic repulsion force and the steric hindrance results in that ASPF SP has the better dispersing properties for the cement particles than SNF SP. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2250–2258, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, characterization, and thermomechanical properties of liquid crystalline epoxy resin containing ketone mesogen
Authors: Lin Yi‐Sheng , Hsu Steve Lien‐Chung , Ho Tsung‐Han , Cheng Shi‐Shiun , Hsiao Yu‐Hsiang
Published: September 2016

This study focuses on the synthesis of a novel liquid crystalline epoxy resin (LCER) based on ketone mesogenic group. The chemical structure, melting range, and liquid‐crystalline phase transition behavior of the LCER were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Two endothermal peaks and one exothermal peak appeared in the DSC curves. A birefringent liquid crystalline texture was observed with POM during heating. The curing reaction of the LCER was monitored by DSC using diaminodipheylmethane (DDM) and diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) as curing agents, respectively. The results showed that the curing reaction of LCER/DDM proceeded faster than that of LCER/DDS in the initial stage. Birefringence was observed with POM during the curing processes. The results of thermomechanical properties showed that the glass transition temperatures of the cured LCERs were higher than 230°C, and that the LCER crosslinked networks were thermally stable up to 360°C. The LCER crosslinked networks showed much higher glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and thermal conductivity, and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion both in the glassy region and the rubbery region compared to those of a common epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:424–431, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Shedding light on biofilm formation of Halobacterium salinarum R1 by SWATH‐LC/MS/MS analysis of planktonic and sessile cells
Authors: Losensky Gerald , Jung Klaus , Urlaub Henning , Pfeifer Felicitas , Fröls Sabrina , Lenz Christof
Published: September 2016

Early and mature biofilm formation in the extremely halophilic euryarchaeon Halobacterium salinarum strain R1 was characterized by SWATH‐LC/MS/MS. Using a simple surfactant‐assisted protein solubilization protocol and one‐dimensional ultra‐high performance nanoflow chromatography on the front end, 63.2 and 58.6% of the predicted H. salinarum R1 proteome could be detected and quantified, respectively. Analysis of biophysical protein properties, functional analysis and pathway mapping indicated comprehensive characterization of the proteome. Sixty point eight percent of the quantified proteins (or 34.5% of the predicted proteome) exhibited significant abundance changes between planktonic and sessile states, demonstrating that haloarchaeal biofilm formation represents a profound “lifestyle change” on the molecular level. Our results and analysis constitute the first comprehensive study to track molecular changes from planktonic cultures to initial and mature archaeal biofilms on the proteome level. Data are available via ProteomeXchange, identifier PXD003667. Proteins exemplifying different protein expression level profiles were selected, and their corresponding gene transcripts targeted by qRT‐PCR to test the feasibility of establishing rapid PCR‐based assays for archaeal biofilm formation.
CSF profiling of the human brain enriched proteome reveals associations of neuromodulin and neurogranin to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Remnestål Julia , Just David , Mitsios Nicholas , Fredolini Claudia , Mulder Jan , Schwenk Jochen M , Uhlén Mathias , Kultima Kim , Ingelsson Martin , Kilander Lena , Lannfelt Lars , Svenningsson Per , Nellgård Bengt , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Nilsson Peter , Häggmark‐Månberg Anna
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study is part of a larger effort aiming to expand the knowledge of brain‐enriched proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and to provide novel insight into the relation between such proteins and different neurodegenerative diseases.

Experimental design

Here 280 brain‐enriched proteins in CSF from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are profiled. In total, 441 human samples of ventricular CSF collected post mortem and lumbar CSF collected ante mortem are analyzed using 376 antibodies in a suspension bead array setup, utilizing a direct labelling approach.

Results

Among several proteins displaying differentiated profiles between sample groups, we focus here on two synaptic proteins, neuromodulin (GAP43) and neurogranin (NRGN). They are both found at elevated levels in CSF from AD patients in two independent cohorts, providing disease‐associated profiles in addition to verifying and strengthening previously observed patterns. Increased levels are also observed for patients for whom the AD diagnosis was not established at the time of sampling.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These findings indicate that analyzing the brain‐enriched proteins in CSF is of particular interest to increase the understanding of the CSF proteome and its relation to neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, this study lends support to the notion that measurements of these synaptic proteins could potentially be of great relevance in future diagnostic tests for AD.
TGF‐β Effects on Prostate Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion Require FosB
Authors: Barrett Cachétne S.X. , Millena Ana C. , Khan Shafiq A.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Activator Protein‐1 (AP‐1) family (cJun, JunB, JunD, cFos, FosB, Fra1, and Fra2) plays a central role in the transcriptional regulation of many genes that are associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, metastasis, and survival. Many oncogenic signaling pathways converge at the AP‐1 transcription complex. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) is a multifunctional regulatory cytokine that regulates many aspects of cellular function, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, adhesion, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, and survival.

METHODS

This study investigated, the role of FOS proteins in TGF‐β signaling in prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Steady state expression levels of FOS mRNA and proteins were determined using RT‐PCR and western blotting analyses. DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells were exposed to TGF‐β1 at varying time and dosage, RT‐PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to determine TGF‐β1 effect on FOS mRNA and protein expression levels as well as FosB subcellular localization. Transient silencing of FosB protein was used to determine its role in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

RESULTS

Our data show that FOS mRNA and proteins were differentially expressed in human prostate epithelial (RWPE‐1) and prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3). TGF‐β1 induced the expression of FosB at both the mRNA and protein levels in DU145 and PC3 cells, whereas cFos and Fra1 were unaffected. Immunofluorescence analysis showed an increase in the accumulation of FosB protein in the nucleus of PC3 cells after treatment with exogenous TGF‐β1. Selective knockdown of endogenous FosB by specific siRNA did not have any effect on cell proliferation in PC3 and DU145 cells. However, basal and TGF‐β1‐ and EGF‐induced cell migration was significantly reduced in DU145 and PC3 cells lacking endogenous FosB. TGF‐β1‐ and EGF‐induced cell invasion were also significantly decreased after FosB knockdown in PC3 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that FosB is required for migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells. We also conclude that TGF‐β1 effect on prostate cancer cell migration and invasion may be mediated through the induction of FosB. Prostate 77:72–81, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Split‐GFP: SERS Enhancers in Plasmonic Nanocluster Probes
Authors: Chung Taerin , Koker Tugba , Pinaud Fabien
Published: September 2016

The assembly of plasmonic metal nanoparticles into hot spot surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanocluster probes is a powerful, yet challenging approach for ultrasensitive biosensing. Scaffolding strategies based on self‐complementary peptides and proteins are of increasing interest for these assemblies, but the electronic and the photonic properties of such hybrid nanoclusters remain difficult to predict and optimize. Here, split‐green fluorescence protein (sGFP) fragments are used as molecular glue and the GFP chromophore is used as a Raman reporter to assemble a variety of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) clusters and explore their plasmonic properties by numerical modeling. It is shown that GFP seeding of plasmonic nanogaps in AuNP/GFP hybrid nanoclusters increases near‐field dipolar couplings between AuNPs and provides SERS enhancement factors above 108. Among the different nanoclusters studied, AuNP/GFP chains allow near‐infrared SERS detection of the GFP chromophore imidazolinone/exocyclic CC vibrational mode with theoretical enhancement factors of 108–109. For larger AuNP/GFP assemblies, the presence of non‐GFP seeded nanogaps between tightly packed nanoparticles reduces near‐field enhancements at Raman active hot spots, indicating that excessive clustering can decrease SERS amplifications. This study provides rationales to optimize the controlled assembly of hot spot SERS nanoprobes for remote biosensing using Raman reporters that act as molecular glue between plasmonic nanoparticles.
A framework for adaptive motion control of autonomous sociable guide robot
Authors: Zhang Bin , Nakamura Tomoaki , Kaneko Masahide
Published: September 2016

We present a framework by which the motion of an autonomous mobile guide robot is adaptively controlled. A sociable robot should adapt its speed and path to suit the users' activities, without restricting the user movement. By generating adaptive artificial potential fields for the users and the subgoal separately, and integrating them with the basic potential fields generated from obstacles, our robot can adapt to the users' activities and provide sociable tour‐guide services. The robot predicts a user's moving speed and adapts to it to maintain the social distance. Moreover, with the proposed framework, users can deviate from the guided path temporarily and return to the original task afterward. Instead of waiting for the users and taking the risk of losing them, the robot deviates from its original path to follow the users and also prepares for returning to the guiding task. The robot restarts the guiding task at that place, which ensures the least cost to reach the goal. Simulation and experimental results show that our framework can automatically generate suitable motion patterns to control the robot adaptively, making it sociable while providing tour guide services. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New minimally invasive technique for cystoscopic laser treatment of fetal ureterocele
Authors: Persico N. , Berrettini A. , Fabietti I. , Dallagiovanna C. , Minoli D. , Mosca F. , Fedele L. , Manzoni G.
Published: September 2016

Prenatal ultrasound detection of fetal ureterocele with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, obstruction of the bladder outlet and progressive amniotic fluid reduction have been associated with a significant risk of end‐stage chronic renal disease after birth. Fetal cystoscopic laser incision of the ureterocele, using standard 3.5‐mm fetoscopic access to the amniotic cavity and the fetal bladder with the aim of relieving the bladder outflow obstruction to preserve renal function, has been reported previously in a case with a favorable outcome. We report on two additional cases of fetal ureterocele treated by cystoscopic laser decompression. In the first case, a standard 3.3‐mm uterine entry was used. In the second case, a new approach was adopted using an ‘all‐seeing needle’ 1.6‐mm endoscope. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Protecting and preserving clear barrier layers for flexible packaging materials In‐line thermal evaporation of organic topcoat layer
Authors: Titzmann Antje , Wolff Alexander , Hoffmann Gerd , Trassl Roland
Published: September 2016

The end market for transparent flexible barrier films is larger than for metallized films. Presently, the market is still dominated by polymeric barrier layers but the used chemicals may be harmful for the environment. An alternative would be transparent thin layers deposited by vacuum deposition techniques using reactive processes. Ceramic materials like silicon oxide or aluminum oxide are used having a film thickness of just ∼10 nm, a coating uniformity of +/−5% across and along the film at a barrier performance below 2.0 sccm/m2d for oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and below 1.0 g/m2d for water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) on PET substrates.

In this paper, details will be provided about the deposition processes for these barrier layers using thermal evaporation, plasma‐assisted thermal evaporation as well as deposition by electron beam evaporation.

An important factor for these high barrier transparent coatings is also to withstand the downstream processes in the whole packaging stream like slitting, lamination, printing etc. One solution is to protect the barrier layers by a Topcoat. For example, off‐line deposition of lacquers is used in field but the market penetration is low due to high process and material costs. An in‐situ Topcoat deposition is a smart solution to overcome this issue saving time and costs. Such an approach will be also described in the presentation and the impact on the performance of the final package will be discussed.
Roll‐to‐Roll processing of flexible devices and components
Authors: Morrison Neil A.
Published: September 2016

Next generation consumer electronic devices, including wearables are placing an ever increasing emphasis on form factor. This has resulted in an increase in the number of polymeric films used in their construction. As most of these polymeric materials are initially manufactured in the form of a roll, there has been a drive towards the utilization of so called roll‐to‐roll processing (R2R) in order to reduce both manufacturing line setup, cleanroom and materials costs. This paper will therefore describe some of the most important advances made in this field, including improvements in stack processing for the production of ITO based touch panel devices, the development of new processing platforms for high performance, low defectivity stacks for barrier film & patterning for R2R manufacture of thin film transistors.
Roll‐to‐roll coating of flexible glass
Authors: Deus Carsten , Salomon Jaroslava , Wehner Uwe
Published: September 2016

Flexible glass is a relatively new kind of substrate with a unique combination of properties that are, in different aspects, ideal for numerous applications. The material has aroused significant interest and has prompted activities in R&D communities dedicated to topics such as flexible electronics, flexible OLED and flexible PV. As a result, device demonstrators of considerable maturity have been created, some of which were even manufactured using a roll‐to‐roll (R2R) process. So far, these activities have not resulted in marketable final products that are produced in an industrial context.

The key prerequisite for a widespread industrial adoption of R2R processing of flexible glass substrates is the availability of suitable and proven manufacturing equipment. The tools need to be able to handle and process this delicate material, taking into account its mechanical properties, which differ significantly from the typical flexible substrates such as paper, polymer film, or metal foil.

This article discusses specific equipment aspects that need to be considered in the R2R handling of flexible glass, both in general and by taking the example of a roll‐to‐roll lab coating system. This tool has been designed specifically for handling flexible glass and will be available to the interested community from October 2016.

Furthermore, it is shown how different processes such as R2R sputtering, evaporation, and flash lamp annealing can be used for potential flexible glass applications in flexible electronics, architecture, and energy conversion devices. Beyond that, related layer stacks deposited by vacuum coating will be discussed.
The Presence of Serum p53 Antibody Predicts the Pathological Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Docetaxel, Cisplatin and Fluorouracil (DCF) in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Yoshida Naoya , Watanabe Masayuki , Kurashige Junji , Baba Yoshifumi , Sakamoto Yasuo , Baba Hideo
Published: September 2016

Background

Docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil (DCF) is a candidate neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimen for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Although the efficacy and safety of DCF have been reported, the markers that predict the patient’s response are still unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the predictive markers for a response to NAC with DCF in patients with ESCC.

Methods

A total of 79 patients who received preoperative DCF followed by esophagectomy between August 2008 and December 2014 were enrolled in this study. All of the patients completed 2 preoperative courses of DCF. The clinical and pathological responses to DCF were investigated, and the associations between the pathological response, the clinicopathological factors and the prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Among the 79 patients, the pathological response to DCF (evaluated according to the Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer) was grade 3 (complete pathological response) in 7 patients (8.9 %), grade 2 in 13 patients (16.5 %), grade 1b in 8 patients (10.1 %) and grade 1a in 51 patients (64.6 %). A good pathological response (grade 2–3) was significantly associated with both favorable disease‐free survival (P = 0.0051) and favorable cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.0366). A multivariate analysis revealed that a good clinical response (HR 13.743, 95 % CI 2.455–76.917) and the presence of serum p53 antibody before treatment (HR 3.987, 95 % CI 1.103–14.416) were independent predictors of good pathological response.

Conclusions

The presence of serum p53 antibody can be used as a novel, noninvasive predictor of the pathological tumor response to NAC with DCF in ESCC patients.