bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Transcriptomic Profiling of M1 Macrophages Lacking Trpc3
Authors: Kumarasamy Sivarajan , Solanki Sumeet , Atolagbe Oluwatomisin T. , Joe Bina , Birnbaumer Lutz , Vazquez Guillermo
Published: January 2017

In previous studies using mice with macrophage-specific loss of TRPC3 we found a significant, selective effect of TRPC3 on the biology of M1, or inflammatory macrophages. Whereas activation of some components of the unfolded protein response and the pro-apoptotic mediators CamkII and Stat1 was impaired in Trpc3-deficient M1 cells, gathering insight about other molecular signatures within macrophages that might be affected by Trpc3 expression requires an alternative approach. In the present study we conducted RNA-seq analysis to interrogate the transcriptome of M1 macrophages derived from mice with macrophage-specific loss of TRPC3 and their littermate controls. We identified 160 significantly differentially expressed genes between the two groups, of which 62 were upregulated and 98 downregulated in control vs. Trpc3-deficient M1 macrophages. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment in processes associated to cellular movement and lipid signaling, whereas the enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways included networks for calcium signaling and cell adhesion molecules, among others. This is the first deep transcriptomic analysis of macrophages in the context of Trpc3 deficiency and the data presented constitutes a unique resource to further explore functions of TRPC3 in macrophage biology.
Temporal variation of cesium isotope concentrations and atom ratios in zooplankton in the Pacific off the east coast of Japan
Authors: Ikenoue Takahito , Takata Hyoe , Kusakabe Masashi , Kudo Natsumi , Hasegawa Kazuyuki , Ishimaru Takashi
Published: January 2017

After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011, concentrations of cesium isotopes (133Cs,134Cs, and137Cs) were measured in zooplankton collected in the Pacific off the east coast of Japan from May 2012 to February 2015. The time series of the data exhibited sporadic137Cs concentration peaks in zooplankton. In addition, the atom ratio of137Cs/133Cs in zooplankton was consistently high compared to that in ambient seawater throughout the sampling period. These phenomena cannot be explained fully by the bioaccumulation of137Cs in zooplankton via ambient seawater intake, the inclusion of resuspended sediment in the plankton sample, or the taxonomic composition of the plankton. Autoradiography revealed highly radioactive particles within zooplankton samples, which could be the main factor underlying the sporadic appearance of high137Cs concentrations in zooplankton as well as the higher ratio of137Cs/133Cs in zooplankton than in seawater.
Characterization of globulin storage proteins of a low prolamin cereal species in relation to celiac disease
Authors: Gell Gyöngyvér , Kovács Krisztina , Veres Gábor , Korponay-Szabó Ilma R. , Juhász Angéla
Published: January 2017

Brachypodium distachyon, a small annual grass with seed storage globulins as primary protein reserves was used in our study to analyse the toxic nature of non-prolamin seed storage proteins related to celiac disease. The main storage proteins of B. distachyon are the 7S globulin type proteins and the 11S, 12S seed storage globulins similar to oat and rice. Immunoblot analyses using serum samples from celiac disease patients were carried out followed by the identification of immune-responsive proteins using mass spectrometry. Serum samples from celiac patients on a gluten-free diet, from patients with Crohn’s disease and healthy subjects, were used as controls. The identified proteins with intense serum-IgA reactivity belong to the 7S and 11–12S seed globulin family. Structure prediction and epitope predictions analyses confirmed the presence of celiac disease-related linear B cell epitope homologs and the presence of peptide regions with strong HLA-DQ8 and DQ2 binding capabilities. These results highlight that both MHC-II presentation and B cell response may be developed not only to prolamins but also to seed storage globulins. This is the first study of the non-prolamin type seed storage proteins of Brachypodium from the aspect of the celiac disease.
Impacts of canine distemper virus infection on the giant panda population from the perspective of gut microbiota
Authors: Zhao Na , Li Meng , Luo Jing , Wang Supen , Liu Shelan , Wang Shan , Lyu Wenting , Chen Lin , Su Wen , Ding Hua , He Hongxuan
Published: January 2017

The recent increase in infectious disease outbreaks has been directly linked to the global loss of biodiversity and the decline of some endangered species populations. Between December 2014 and March 2015, five captive giant pandas died due to canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in China. CDV has taken a heavy toll on tigers and lions in recent years. Here, we describe the first gut microbiome diversity study of CDV-infected pandas. By investigating the influence of CDV infection on gut bacterial communities in infected and uninfected individuals and throughout the course of infection, we found that CDV infection distorted the gut microbiota composition by reducing the prevalence of the dominant genera, Escherichia and Clostridium, and increasing microbial diversity. Our results highlight that increases in intestinal inflammation and changes in the relative abundances of pathogen-containing gut communities occur when individuals become infected with CDV. These results may provide new insights into therapeutics that target the microbiota to attenuate the progression of CDV disease and to reduce the risk of gut-linked disease in individuals with CDV. In addition, our findings underscore the need for better information concerning the dynamics of infection and the damage caused by pathogens in panda populations.
Universal and reusable virus deactivation system for respiratory protection
Authors: Quan Fu-Shi , Rubino Ilaria , Lee Su-Hwa , Koch Brendan , Choi Hyo-Jick
Published: January 2017

Aerosolized pathogens are a leading cause of respiratory infection and transmission. Currently used protective measures pose potential risk of primary/secondary infection and transmission. Here, we report the development of a universal, reusable virus deactivation system by functionalization of the main fibrous filtration unit of surgical mask with sodium chloride salt. The salt coating on the fiber surface dissolves upon exposure to virus aerosols and recrystallizes during drying, destroying the pathogens. When tested with tightly sealed sides, salt-coated filters showed remarkably higher filtration efficiency than conventional mask filtration layer, and 100% survival rate was observed in mice infected with virus penetrated through salt-coated filters. Viruses captured on salt-coated filters exhibited rapid infectivity loss compared to gradual decrease on bare filters. Salt-coated filters proved highly effective in deactivating influenza viruses regardless of subtypes and following storage in harsh environmental conditions. Our results can be applied in obtaining a broad-spectrum, airborne pathogen prevention device in preparation for epidemic and pandemic of respiratory diseases.
Adaptable bioinspired special wetting surface for multifunctional oil/water separation
Authors: Kavalenka Maryna N. , Vüllers Felix , Kumberg Jana , Zeiger Claudia , Trouillet Vanessa , Stein Sebastian , Ava Tanzila T. , Li Chunyan , Worgull Matthias , Hölscher Hendrik
Published: January 2017

Inspired by the multifunctionality of biological surfaces necessary for the survival of an organism in its specific environment, we developed an artificial special wetting nanofur surface which can be adapted to perform different functionalities necessary to efficiently separate oil and water for cleaning accidental oil spills or separating industrial oily wastewater. Initial superhydrophobic nanofur surface is fabricated using a hot pulling method, in which nano- and microhairs are drawn out of the polymer surface during separation from a heated sandblasted steel plate. By using a set of simple modification techniques, which include microperforation, plasma treatment and subsequent control of storage environment, we achieved selective separation of either water or oil, variable oil absorption and continuous gravity driven separation of oil/water mixtures by filtration. Furthermore, these functions can be performed using special wetting nanofur made from various thermoplastics, including biodegradable and recyclable polymers. Additionally, nanofur can be reused after washing it with organic solvents, thus, further helping to reduce the environmental impacts of oil/water separation processes.
Modification of Monolignol Biosynthetic Pathway in Jute: Different Gene, Different Consequence
Authors: Shafrin Farhana , Ferdous Ahlan Sabah , Sarkar Suprovath Kumar , Ahmed Rajib , Amin Al- , Hossain Kawsar , Sarker Mrinmoy , Rencoret Jorge , Gutiérrez Ana , del Rio Jose C. , Sanan-Mishra Neeti , Khan Haseena
Published: January 2017

Lignin, a cross-linked macromolecule of hydrophobic aromatic structure, provides additional rigidity to a plant cell wall. Although it is an integral part of the plant cell, presence of lignin considerably reduces the quality of the fiber of fiber-yielding plants. Decreasing lignin in such plants holds significant commercial and environmental potential. This study aimed at reducing the lignin content in jute-a fiber crop, by introducing hpRNA-based vectors for downregulation of two monolignoid biosynthetic genes- cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and caffeic acidO-methyltransferase (COMT). Transgenic generations, analyzed through Southern, RT-PCR and northern assays showed downregulation of the selected genes. Transgenic lines exhibited reduced level of gene expression with ~ 16–25% reduction in acid insoluble lignin for the whole stem and ~13–14% reduction in fiber lignin content compared to the control lines. Among the two transgenic plant types one exhibited an increase in cellulose content and concomitant improvement of glucose release. Composition of the lignin building blocks was found to alter and this alteration resulted in a pattern, different from other plants where the same genes were manipulated. It is expected that successfulCOMT-hpRNA andC4H-hpRNA transgenesis in jute will have far-reaching commercial implications leading to product diversification and value addition.
Human heart valve-derived scaffold improves cardiac repair in a murine model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Wan Long , Chen Yao , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Weijun , Schmull Sebastian , Dong Jun , Xue Song , Imboden Hans , Li Jun
Published: January 2017

Cardiac tissue engineering using biomaterials with or without combination of stem cell therapy offers a new option for repairing infarcted heart. However, the bioactivity of biomaterials remains to be optimized because currently available biomaterials do not mimic the biochemical components as well as the structural properties of native myocardial extracellular matrix. Here we hypothesized that human heart valve-derived scaffold (hHVS), as a clinically relevant novel biomaterial, may provide the proper microenvironment of native myocardial extracellular matrix for cardiac repair. In this study, human heart valve tissue was sliced into 100 μm tissue sheet by frozen-sectioning and then decellularized to form the hHVS. Upon anchoring onto the hHVS, post-infarct murine BM c-kit+ cells exhibited an increased capacity for proliferation and cardiomyogenic differentiation in vitro. When used to patch infarcted heart in a murine model of myocardial infarction, either implantation of the hHVS alone or c-kit+ cell-seeded hHVS significantly improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size; while c-kit+ cell-seeded hHVS was even superior to the hHVS alone. Thus, we have successfully developed a hHVS for cardiac repair. Our in vitro and in vivo observations provide the first clinically relevant evidence for translating the hHVS-based biomaterials into clinical strategies to treat myocardial infarction.
Observation and quantification of the quantum dynamics of a strong-field excited multi-level system
Authors: Liu Zuoye , Wang Quanjun , Ding Jingjie , Cavaletto Stefano M. , Pfeifer Thomas , Hu Bitao
Published: January 2017

The quantum dynamics of a V-type three-level system, whose two resonances are first excited by a weak probe pulse and subsequently modified by another strong one, is studied. The quantum dynamics of the multi-level system is closely related to the absorption spectrum of the transmitted probe pulse and its modification manifests itself as a modulation of the absorption line shape. Applying the dipole-control model, the modulation induced by the second strong pulse to the system’s dynamics is quantified by eight intensity-dependent parameters, describing the self and inter-state contributions. The present study opens the route to control the quantum dynamics of multi-level systems and to quantify the quantum-control process.
Strain-Modulated Electronic Structure and Infrared Light Adsorption in Palladium Diselenide Monolayer
Authors: Liu Xiaobiao , Zhou Hongcai , Yang Bo , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhao Mingwen
Published: January 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit intriguing properties for both fundamental research and potential application in fields ranging from electronic devices to catalysis. Based on first-principles calculations, we proposed a stable form of palladium diselenide (PdSe2) monolayer that can be synthesized by selenizing Pd(111) surface. It has a moderate band gap of about 1.10 eV, a small in-plane stiffness, and electron mobility larger than that of monolayer black phosphorus by more than one order. Additionally, tensile strain can modulate the band gap of PdSe2 monolayer and consequently enhance the infrared light adsorption ability. These interesting properties are quite promising for application in electronic and optoelectronic devices.
HIV-1 Env associates with HLA-C free-chains at the cell membrane modulating viral infectivity
Authors: Serena Michela , Parolini Francesca , Biswas Priscilla , Sironi Francesca , Blanco Miranda Almudena , Zoratti Elisa , Scupoli Maria Teresa , Ziglio Serena , Valenzuela-Fernandez Agustin , Gibellini Davide , Romanelli Maria Grazia , Siccardi Antonio , Malnati Mauro , Beretta Alberto , Zipeto Donato
Published: January 2017

HLA-C has been demonstrated to associate with HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env). Virions lacking HLA-C have reduced infectivity and increased susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies. Like all others MHC-I molecules, HLA-C requires β2-microglobulin (β2m) for appropriate folding and expression on the cell membrane but this association is weaker, thus generating HLA-C free-chains on the cell surface. In this study, we deepen the understanding of HLA-C and Env association by showing that HIV-1 specifically increases the amount of HLA-C free chains, not bound to β2m, on the membrane of infected cells. The association between Env and HLA-C takes place at the cell membrane requiring β2m to occur. We report that the enhanced infectivity conferred to HIV-1 by HLA-C specifically involves HLA-C free chain molecules that have been correctly assembled with β2m. HIV-1 Env-pseudotyped viruses produced in the absence of β2m are less infectious than those produced in the presence of β2m. We hypothesize that the conformation and surface expression of HLA-C molecules could be a discriminant for the association with Env. Binding stability to β2m may confer to HLA-C the ability to preferentially act either as a conventional immune-competent molecule or as an accessory molecule involved in HIV-1 infectivity.
ITS non-concerted evolution and rampant hybridization in the legume genus Lespedeza (Fabaceae)
Authors: Xu Bo , Zeng Xiao-Mao , Gao Xin-Fen , Jin Dong-Pil , Zhang Li-Bing
Published: January 2017

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) as one part of nuclear ribosomal DNA is one of the most extensively sequenced molecular markers in plant systematics. The ITS repeats generally exhibit high-level within-individual homogeneity, while relatively small-scale polymorphism of ITS copies within individuals has often been reported in literature. Here, we identified large-scale polymorphism of ITS copies within individuals in the legume genus Lespedeza (Fabaceae). Divergent paralogs of ITS sequences, including putative pseudogenes, recombinants, and multiple functional ITS copies were sometimes detected in the same individual. Thirty-seven ITS pseudogenes could be easily detected according to nucleotide changes in conserved 5.8S motives, the significantly lower GC contents in at least one of three regions, and the lost ability of 5.8S rDNA sequence to fold into a conserved secondary structure. The distribution patterns of the putative functional clones were highly different between the traditionally recognized two subgenera, suggesting different rates of concerted evolution in two subgenera which could be attributable to their different extents/frequencies of hybridization, confirmed by our analysis of the single-copy nuclear gene PGK. These findings have significant implications in using ITS marker for reconstructing phylogeny and studying hybridization.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neutrophil Dysfunction Following Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Stent Shunt (TIPSS) Insertion is Associated with Organ Failure and Mortality
Authors: Macnaughtan Jane , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P. , van der Merwe Schalk , Jalan Rajiv
Published: January 2017

Systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is implicated in increasing mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis but the underlying mechanisms are not well characterised. The objective of this study was to characterise neutrophil function, LPS and cytokine concentrations within the splanchnic circulation of alcoholic cirrhotic patients undergoing TIPSS insertion for variceal haemorrhage and correlate this with outcome. 26 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and variceal haemorrhage were studied prior to and 1-hour after TIPSS insertion. Neutrophil function, LPS and cytokine concentrations were determined in arterial, hepatic venous (HV) and portal venous blood (PV). Significantly higher LPS concentrations and neutrophil reactive oxidant species (ROS) production were observed in PV vs HV blood. Cross-incubation of HV plasma with PV neutrophils resulted in reduced ROS production. Insertion of TIPSS was associated with a significant increase in arterial LPS concentrations and deterioration in neutrophil phagocytosis. Number of organ failures and arterial IL-6 concentrations at presentation were associated with increased mortality. The portal circulation has a distinct immunological milieu characterised by a pathological neutrophil phenotype and an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile associated with heightened LPS levels. TIPSS insertion renders this neutrophil functional defect systemic, associated with an increase in arterial LPS and a susceptibility to sepsis.
Determination of organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers in soil samples by microwave-assisted extraction coupled with silica gel/alumina multilayer solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Cui Kunyan , Wen Jiaxin , Zeng Feng , Zhou Xi , Li Shoucong , Zeng Zunxiang
Published: January 2017

The performances of commonly used solid phase extraction materials for separating organophosphate esters from potential co-extracted interferents were evaluated.
Microfluidic iterative mechanical characteristics (iMECH) analyzer for single-cell metastatic identification
Authors: Babahosseini Hesam , Strobl Jeannine S. , Agah Masoud
Published: January 2017

A microfluidic biosensor called the iterative mechanical characteristics (iMECH) analyzer which enables label-free biomechanical profiling of individual cells under a cyclic stress regime for distinction between metastatic and non-metastatic human mammary cell lines was developed.
Solid-state NMR at natural isotopic abundance for the determination of conformational polymorphism – the case of designed β-turn peptides containing di-prolines
Authors: Yarava Jayasubba Reddy , Sonti Rajesh , Kantharaju K. , Raghothama S. , Ramanathan K. V.
Published: January 2017

Like nOe in solution NMR, through-space proton correlations have been exploited in the solid state to obtain the cis–trans conformational polymorphism.
Cisplatin-induced self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets into spherical nanoparticles for damaging sub-cellular DNA
Authors: Nandi Aditi , Mallick Abhik , More Piyush , Sengupta Poulomi , Ballav Nirmalya , Basu Sudipta
Published: January 2017

Cisplatin induced self-assembly of 2D-graphene oxide sheets into 3D-spherical nanoparticles for sub-cellular DNA damage.
A site-holding effect of TiO2 surface hydroxyl in the photocatalytic direct synthesis of 1,1-diethoxyethane from ethanol
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Zhang Wenqin , Zhao Min , Yang Pengju , Zhu Zhenping
Published: January 2017

Two different effects of TiO2 surface hydroxyl: an indirect site-holding effect on the C–O coupling process of neat ethanol and direct part of the reaction in the C–C coupling process of ethanol–H2O.
Modular construction of single-component polymer nanocapsules through a one-step surfactant-free microemulsion templated synthesis
Authors: Yan Xibo , Alcouffe Pierre , Sudre Guillaume , David Laurent , Bernard Julien , Ganachaud Francois
Published: January 2017

Formation of O/W surfactant-free microemulsions from water/oil/acetone ternary systems is exploited to construct precisely-defined shell-functionalized core-loaded nanocapsules with tunable diameters (ranging from 50 to 190 nm) in one step.
The crucial role of Mn spiral spin order in stabilizing the Dy–Mn exchange striction in multiferroic DyMnO3
Authors: Wang H. W. , Li C. L. , Yuan S. L. , Wang J. F. , Lu C. L. , Liu J.-M.
Published: January 2017

Mn spiral spin ordering can be a prerequisite for the symmetric Dy–Mn exchange striction in DyMnO3.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Magnetic-field-enabled resolution enhancement in super-resolution imaging”' by Bergmann et al., Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2017, 19, DOI: 10.1039/C6CP05108A
Authors: Zhang Min , Chen Junling , Tian Zhiyuan , Wang Hongda
Published: January 2017

By ensemble and single molecule experiments, we confirmed that the magnetic field unequivocally exerted a positive effect on the fluorescence of dyes in dSTORM imaging.
Probing the electronic structures of Con (n = 1–5) clusters on γ-Al2O3 surfaces using first-principles calculations
Authors: Yang Tao , Ehara Masahiro
Published: January 2017

Using density functional theory calculations, we discussed the geometric and electronic structures and nucleation of small Co clusters on γ-Al2O3(100) and γ-Al2O3(110) surfaces.
AFM study on the adsorption of Hg2+ on natural molybdenum disulfide in aqueous solutions
Authors: Jia Feifei , Zhang Xian , Song Shaoxian
Published: January 2017

Good adsorption of Hg2+ on molybdenum disulfide was observed; multilayer Hg2+ was adsorbed on molybdenum disulfide; Hg–S complexation existed in the adsorption of Hg2+ on molybdenum disulfide.
Two-liquid wetting properties as a surface polarity probe for hydrophobic coatings
Authors: Bonfante G. , Chevalliot S. , Toury B. , Berge B. , Maillard M.
Published: January 2017

A new method to measure surface energy based on competitive spreading of immiscible liquids is reported. This method is more sensitive to surface polarity than standard methods and provides information on surface chemistry and pH sensitivity.
Probing the triplet correlation function in liquid water by experiments and molecular simulations
Authors: Dhabal Debdas , Wikfeldt Kjartan Thor , Skinner Lawrie B. , Chakravarty Charusita , Kashyap Hemant K.
Published: January 2017

Three-body information of liquid water is extracted using X-ray diffraction experiment as well as in molecular simulations via isothermal pressure derivative of structure factor term.
Solubility origin at the nanoscale: enthalpic and entropic contributions in polar and nonpolar environments
Authors: Fileti Eudes , Chaban Vitaly V.
Published: January 2017

Nanostructures are known to be poorly soluble, irrespective of their elemental composition, shape, electronic structure, dipole moment, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and the employed solvent.
Suitability of N-propanoic acid spiropyrans and spirooxazines for use as sensitizing dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Johnson Noah M. , Smolin Yuriy Y. , Hagaman Daniel , Soroush Masoud , Lau Kenneth K. S. , Ji Hai-Feng
Published: January 2017

Photochromic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that include N-propanoic spiropyrans and spirooxazines as sensitizing dyes.
Cesium power: low Cs+levels impart stability to perovskite solar cells
Authors: Deepa Melepurath , Salado Manuel , Calio Laura , Kazim Samrana , Shivaprasad S. M. , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: January 2017

Towards increasing the stability of perovskite solar cells, the addition of Cs+is found to be a rational approach.
Pyrene based D–π–A architectures: synthesis, density functional theory, photophysics and electron transfer dynamics
Authors: Kathiravan Arunkumar , Srinivasan Venkatesan , Khamrang Themmila , Velusamy Marappan , Jaccob Madhavan , Pavithra Nagaraj , Anandan Sambandam , Velappan Kandavelu
Published: January 2017

Pyrene derivatives show immense potential as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs).
Chemically reversible binding of H2S to a zinc porphyrin complex: towards implementation of a reversible sensor via a “coordinative-based approach”
Authors: Strianese Maria , Lamberti Marina , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: January 2017

By HR MALDI-FT-ICR and 1H NMR experiments we provide evidence that HS− coordination occurs at the zinc centre. The zinc hydrosulfido adduct remained stable for a whole week, as assessed via NMR.
Advances in ICP-MS-based techniques for trace elements and their species analysis in cells
Authors: Wang Han , He Man , Chen Beibei , Hu Bin
Published: January 2017

The state-of-the-art ICP-MS based methods for trace elements and their species analysis in cells are reviewed.
Generating one-dimensional micro- or nano-structures with in-plane alignment by vapor-driven wetting kinetics
Authors: Liu Chuan , Liu Xuying , Xu Yong , Sun Huabin , Li Yun , Shi Yi , Lee Michael V. , Yamada Toshikazu , Hasegawa Tatsuo , Noh Yong-Young , Minari Takeo
Published: January 2017

The wetting of a droplet on a particular solid surface of a thin liquid film followed by solvent drying is a crucial process for nanostructure formation.
An electrochemiluminescent biosensor for dopamine detection using a poly(luminol–benzidine sulfate) electrode modified by tyramine oxidase
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Hamid Saher , Zhang Xin , Akhtar Naeem , Zhang Xuehua , He Tao
Published: January 2017

A copolymerized film with luminol and benzidine sulfate is effective for dopamine detection with a limit of 5 × 10−10M.
Selective recognition of the di/trimethylammonium motif by an artificial carboxycalixarene receptor
Authors: Hanauer Thomas , Hopkinson Richard J. , Patel Kamal , Li Yu , Correddu Danilo , Kawamura Akane , Sarojini Vijayalekshmi , Leung Ivanhoe K. H. , Gruber Tobias
Published: January 2017

We report a simple carboxycalixarene that selectively binds molecules containing di/trimethylammonium moieties in isolation, in cell lysates and when incorporated in histone peptides.
Microporous polyimide networks constructed through a two-step polymerization approach, and their carbon dioxide adsorption performance
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Zhang Na , Song Ningning , Shen Kunzhi , Huo Pengfei , Zhu Shiyang , Zhang Yunhe , Guan Shaowei
Published: January 2017

A series of microporous polyimide networks were preparedviaa novel two-step pathway combining polymerization and crosslinking reactions.
Solar mediated reduction of graphene oxide
Authors: Mohandoss Manonmani , Gupta Soujit Sen , Nelleri Anith , Pradeep T. , Maliyekkal Shihabudheen M.
Published: January 2017

This paper explores the reduction of water dispersed graphene oxide (GO) by sunlight. The electronic and structural properties of the sunlight reduced GO are compared with that of GO reduced by conventional methods.
Rate effect of liquid infiltration into mesoporous materials
Authors: Sun Yueting , Xu Chengliang , Lu Weiyi , Li Yibing
Published: January 2017

Rate effect of liquid infiltration in mesopores is associated with both liquid viscosity and the solid–liquid interfacial effect.
Design and synthesis of a castor oil based plasticizer containing THEIC and diethyl phosphate groups for the preparation of flame-retardant PVC materials
Authors: Jia Puyou , Hu Lihong , Feng Guodong , Bo Caiying , Zhou Jing , Zhang Meng , Zhou Yonghong
Published: January 2017

A fine chemical product based on a castor oil containing THEIC and diethyl phosphate groups (THEIC–MR-phosphate) was designed and synthesized, which was used as a flame retardant plasticizer for preparing PVC materials.
Synthesis of SAPO-18/34 intergrowth zeolites and their enhanced stability for dimethyl ether to olefins
Authors: Zhao Dongpu , Zhang Yan , Li Zhuo , Wang Yan , Yu Jianqiang
Published: January 2017

Intergrowth SAPO-18/34 catalysts with medium particle size and acidity exhibit enhanced stability for the dimethyl ether to olefin reaction.
Sorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate on polyacrylonitrile fiber-derived activated carbon fibers: in comparison with activated carbon
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Xiaoping , Mamadiev Mairambek , Wang Zihao
Published: January 2017

PANF-derived activated carbon fibers (PACFs) were prepared using a one step carbonation–activation, and used for the sorption of PFOS and PFOA.
Effects of Osteo-F, a new herbal formula, on osteoporosis via up-regulation of Runx2 and Osterix
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Kim Mi Hye , Hong Jongki , Choi Hyuck Jai , Park Jongrak , Yang Woong Mo
Published: January 2017

Osteo-F, a new herbal formula, ameliorates osteoporosis by up-regulating Runx2 and Osterix.
Highly enhanced photocatalytic activity of WO3 thin films loaded with Pt–Ag bimetallic alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Dong Pengyu , Yang Bairen , Liu Chao , Xu Fenghua , Xi Xinguo , Hou Guihua , Shao Rong
Published: January 2017

This study provides a novel approach to design efficient WO3 photocatalysts decorated by bimetallic Pt–Ag alloy nanoparticles.
Inhibition effect of aromatic aldehydes on butanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Li Jing , Shi Suan , Adhikari Sushil , Tu Maobing
Published: January 2017

Theortho-substituted 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde caused 20-fold stronger inhibition thanmeta- andpara-substituted analogues of 3- and 4-hydroxybenzaldehydes.
Electrochemical design of a new nanosensor based on cobalt nanoparticles, chitosan and MWCNT for the determination of daclatasvir: a hepatitis C antiviral drug
Authors: Azab Shereen M. , Fekry Amany M.
Published: January 2017

Daclatasvir (DAC) is listed on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines needed in a basic health system, therefore, electrochemical and impedance spectroscopic methods are necessary.
A self-template synthesis of porous ZnCo2O4 microspheres for high-performance quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Gai Yansong , Shang Yuanyuan , Gong Liangyu , Su Linghao , Hao Long , Dong Fengying , Li Jianzhong
Published: January 2017

Porous ZnCo2O4 microspheres with excellent electrochemical performance were prepared via a facial self-template solvothermal method for application in supercapacitors.
N-2-Selective gold-catalyzed alkylation of 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-trizoles
Authors: Ma Ting , Sun Chenyang , Yuan Xiao , Li Xiaoxiao , Zhao Zhigang
Published: January 2017

An efficient new method was developed to synthesis N-2-alkyl-1,2,3-trizoles via gold catalyzed alkylation of 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-trizoles with vinyl ethers.
Synthesis of a novel polyester building block from pentoses by tin-containing silicates
Authors: Elliot S. G. , Andersen C. , Tolborg S. , Meier S. , Sádaba I. , Daugaard A. E. , Taarning E.
Published: January 2017

C5-Sugars form a new bio-monomer (trans-2,5-dihydroxy-3-pentenoic acid methyl ester), which can undergo enzymatic copolymerization with E6-HH to form multifunctional polymers.
Efficient conversion of wheat straw into furan compounds, bio-oils, and phosphate fertilizers by a combination of hydrolysis and catalytic pyrolysis
Authors: Xia Haian , Xu Siquan , Yang Li
Published: January 2017

A novel technique has been developed for the complete conversion of wheat straw to furan compounds, bio-oils, and phosphate fertilizers by a combination of hydrolysis and catalytic pyrolysis.
Sensitivity enhancement of graphene Hall sensors modified by single-molecule magnets at room temperature
Authors: Zheng Yuanhui , Huang Le , Zhang Zhiyong , Jiang Jianzhuang , Wang Kaiyou , Peng Lian-Mao , Yu Gui
Published: January 2017

Sensitivity of graphene Hall sensors was enhanced by modifying single-molecule magnets with excellent linearity, off voltage, repeatability and stability.
Correction: Direct determination of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol esters in beef flavoring products by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Chai Qingqing , Zhang Xiaoming , Karangwa Eric , Dai Qingyuan , Xia Shuqin , Yu Jingyang , Gao Yahui
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Direct determination of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol esters in beef flavoring products by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry’ by Qingqing Chai et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 113576–113582.
Dual gold and photoredox catalysis: visible light-mediated intermolecular atom transfer thiosulfonylation of alkenes
Authors: Li Haoyu , Shan Cuicui , Tung Chen-Ho , Xu Zhenghu
Published: January 2017

An unprecedented intermolecular atom transfer thiosulfonylation reaction of alkenes was achieved by combining Au catalysis and visible-light photoredox catalysis. A SCF3 group and other functionalized thio groups together with sulfonyl group were regioselectively introduced into alkenes.
Scalably synthesized environmentally benign, aqueous-based binary nanoparticle inks for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 photovoltaic cells achieving over 9% efficiency
Authors: Kim Ki-Joong , Pan Changqing , Bansal Shalu , Malhotra Rajiv , Kim Dae-Hwan , Chang Chih-Hung
Published: January 2017

We report a scalable method for producing efficient Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 photovoltaic cells by combining binary metal sulfide nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous solutions.
Rh–Ag–Si ternary composites: highly active hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts over Pt–Ag–Si
Authors: Jiang Binbin , Sun Yuyang , Liao Fan , Shen Wen , Lin Haiping , Wang Hui , Shao Mingwang
Published: January 2017

Rh–Ag–Si ternary catalysts exhibit more active hydrogen evolution performance than Pt–Ag–Si based on the theoretical calculation and experimental results.
Nanostructured cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries: progress, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Rehman Sarish , Khan Kishwar , Zhao Yufeng , Hou Yanglong
Published: January 2017

This review article summarises the progress, challenges and prospects of nanostructured cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries.
In situ sulfurized CoMoS/CoMoO4 shell–core nanorods supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (NRGO) as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Yan-Ru , Shang Xiao , Gao Wen-Kun , Dong Bin , Li Xiao , Li Xue-Hui , Zhao Jin-Chong , Chai Yong-Ming , Liu Yun-Qi , Liu Chen-Guang
Published: January 2017

In situ sulfurization of CoMoO4 nanorods supported on NRGO may be a promising strategy for excellent electrocatalyts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Core–shell and concentration-gradient cathodes prepared via co-precipitation reaction for advanced lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hou Peiyu , Zhang Hongzhou , Zi Zhongyue , Zhang Lianqi , Xu Xijin
Published: January 2017

In this review, the design principles, formation mechanism and recent advances in co-precipitation preparation core–shell and concentration-gradient cathodes for advanced LIBs are summarized. The remaining challenges and possible solutions are also discussed.
Dual-action smart coatings with a self-healing superhydrophobic surface and anti-corrosion properties
Authors: Qian Hongchang , Xu Dake , Du Cuiwei , Zhang Dawei , Li Xiaogang , Huang Luyao , Deng Leping , Tu Yunchao , Mol Johannes M. C. , Terryn Herman A.
Published: January 2017

This work introduces a new self-healing superhydrophobic coating based on dual actions by the corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) and an epoxy-based shape memory polymer (SMP).
Stepwise growth of gold coated cancer targeting carbon nanotubes for the precise delivery of doxorubicin combined with photothermal therapy
Authors: Wang Daquan , Hou Chen , Meng Lingjie , Long Jiangang , Jing Jiange , Dang Dongfeng , Fei Zhaofu , Dyson Paul J.
Published: January 2017

Combining doxorubicin with thermal therapy in the clinic has led to startling results in the treatment of problematic cancers.
MoS2 nanosheet–Au nanorod hybrids for highly sensitive amperometric detection of H2O2 in living cells
Authors: Shu Yun , Chen Jingyuan , Xu Qin , Wei Zhen , Liu Fengping , Lu Rui , Xu Sheng , Hu Xiaoya
Published: January 2017

MoS2–Au hybrids were utilized to construct a sensitive H2O2 electrochemical biosensor for the determination of H2O2 released from living cells.
A role for prolyl isomerase PIN1 in the phosphorylation-dependent modulation of PRRXL1 function
Authors: Soares-dos-Reis Ricardo , Pessoa Ana Sofia , Dias Ana Filipa , Falcão Miguel , Matos Mariana Raimundo , Vitorino Rui , Monteiro Filipe Almeida , Lima Deolinda , Reguenga Carlos
Published: January 2017

Prrxl1 encodes for a paired-like homeodomain transcription factor essential for the correct establishment of the dorsal root ganglion — spinal cord nociceptive circuitry during development. Prrxl1-null mice display gross anatomical disruption of this circuitry, which translates to a markedly diminished sensitivity to noxious stimuli. Here, by the use of an immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry approach, we identify five highly conserved phosphorylation sites (T110, S119, S231, S233 and S251) in PRRXL1 primary structure. Four are phospho-S/T-P sites, which suggest a role for the prolyl isomerase PIN1 in regulating PRRXL1. Accordingly, PRRXL1 physically interacts with PIN1 and displays diminished transcriptional activity in a Pin1-null cell line. Additionally, these S/T-P sites seem to be important for PRRXL1 conformation, and their point mutation to alanine or aspartate down-regulates PRRXL1 transcriptional activity. Altogether, our findings provide evidence for a putative novel role of PIN1 in the development of the nociceptive system and indicate phosphorylation-mediated conformational changes as a mechanism for regulating the PRRXL1 role in the process.
SMUG2 DNA glycosylase from Pedobacter heparinus as a new subfamily of the UDG superfamily
Authors: Pang Panjiao , Yang Ye , Li Jing , Wang Zhong , Cao Weiguo , Xie Wei
Published: January 2017

Base deamination is a common type of DNA damage that occurs in all organisms. DNA repair mechanisms are essential to maintain genome integrity, in which the base excision repair (BER) pathway plays a major role in the removal of base damage. In the BER pathway, the uracil DNA glycosylase superfamily is responsible for excising the deaminated bases from DNA and generates apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified a family 3 SMUG1-like DNA glycoyslase from Pedobacter heparinus (named Phe SMUG2), which displays catalytic activities towards DNA containing uracil or hypoxanthine/xanthine. Phylogenetic analyses show that SMUG2 enzymes are closely related to family 3 SMUG1s but belong to a distinct branch of the family. The high-resolution crystal structure of the apoenzyme reveals that the general fold of Phe SMUG2 resembles SMUG1s, yet with several distinct local structural differences. Mutational studies, coupled with structural modeling, identified several important amino acid residues for glycosylase activity. Substitution of G65 with a tyrosine results in loss of all glycosylase activity. The crystal structure of the G65Y mutant suggests a potential misalignment at the active site due to the mutation. The relationship between the new subfamily and other families in the UDG superfamily is discussed. The present study provides new mechanistic insight into the molecular mechanism of the UDG superfamily.
Compact dual‐band pattern reconfigurable antenna using switched parasitic array
Authors: Ji J.K.
Published: January 2017

A compact dual‐band pattern reconfigurable antenna using switched parasitic array is proposed for 2.4 and 5.8 GHz wireless MIMO applications. The proposed antenna is based on dual‐band driven and parasitic radiators (PR) with RF switches. The PR performs as a reflector or a director by controlling RF switches. The antenna is designed to provide nine radiation patterns in three states at the frequencies of 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands, respectively. Two states realise eight radiation patterns in the horizontal plane. The measured peak gain of all radiation patterns ranges from 6.1 to 9.7 dBi. Another state generates omnidirectional radiation patterns in the horizontal plane and measured gains of around 4.0 and 7.5 dBi for 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands, respectively.
New scoring metric for load shedding in multi‐control area systems
Authors: Santos Athila Quaresma , Monaro Renato Machado , Coury Denis Vinicius , Oleskovicz Mario
Published: January 2017

Electrical Power Systems should be designed in order to minimise the effects of system disturbances. However, in order to mitigate the damage caused by severe and unexpected contingencies, new special control philosophies such as automatic under frequency load shedding (AUFLS) were developed. The aim of the AUFLS process is to preserve most of the system and avoid situations of widespread blackouts. However, the design of this type of process, including the definition of parameters, is generally based on historical observations or previous experiences without a specific methodological basis. Furthermore, good evaluation methods among AUFLS schemes and the comparison among different load control philosophies play a major role in the overall performance of the system. This study aims to provide a general evaluation function that can be applied to different load shedding schemes, even those with different philosophies and operating principles. For the sake of exemplification, a set of AUFLS schemes were evaluated by the proposed metric.
Single‐end time‐domain transient electrical signals based protection principle and its efficient setting calculation method for LCC‐HVDC lines
Authors: Xiao Hao , Li Yinhong , Liu Ruoping , Duan Xianzhong
Published: January 2017

In view of the facts that existing line commutated converter based high voltage direct current (LCC‐HVDC) line protection cannot realise satisfactory selectivity, speed, sensitivity, reliability and practicability simultaneously, and that the work of setting calculation for line protection is very onerous and time‐consuming due to extremely large amounts of electromagnetic transient simulations, a novel single‐end time‐domain transient electrical signals based protection principle incorporating all these satisfactory features and its efficient setting calculation method are proposed. For the proposed protection principle, the DC line current change criterion is employed as a directional element, which can identify faults in the positive direction of line protection, while the rate of voltage change criterion is used as a boundary element, through which the opposite internal and external faults can be distinguished. Moreover, an efficient setting calculation method is proposed based on a so‐called ‘setting calculation preparation quantity’ concept, through which the setting calculation values can be determined efficiently based on only several simulations by systematically analysing the impact of various operating conditions on the post‐fault transient electrical signals of LCC‐HVDC systems. Finally, the simulation result based on a ±800 kV ultra‐HVDC practical model verifies the validity of the proposed protection principle and its efficient setting calculation method.
RKEM: Redundant Keypoint Elimination Method in Image Registration
Authors: Hossein‐Nejad Zahra , Nasri Mehdi
Published: January 2017

Image features can be identified using keypoints, and there are various algorithms to detect these important points of an image. Scale‐invariant feature transform (SIFT) is one of the most applicable algorithms in keypoint extraction. One of the deficiencies of SIFT and its modifications is that they extract redundant keypoints along with the important ones. A keypoint is called redundant if it is very close to another keypoint, and its sum of distances to all other keypoints is smaller. Elimination of a redundant keypoint increases the speed of algorithms in addition to image matching precision. In this study, redundant keypoint elimination method (RKEM) is proposed to remove redundant keypoints of the SIFT algorithm. To do this, the distances between keypoints are calculated. Then if the distance is smaller than a pre‐defined threshold, the redundant point is discarded based on the redundancy index. The proposed RKEM method is applied on basic SIFT, and some recent modification of SIFT such as auto‐adaptive SIFT and uniform robust SIFT. To investigate the efficiency of the proposed method, a set of experiments is done in image matching and registration. Experimental results show that the proposed RKEM method can improve the efficiency of SIFT family in terms of TP‐rate, precision, repeatability, and root‐mean‐square error.
Wideband non‐traveling‐wave triple‐mode slotline antenna
Authors: Guo Chun‐Rui , Lu Wen‐Jun , Zhang Zhong‐Shuai , Zhu Lei
Published: January 2017

Design approach of a novel, triple‐mode wideband slotline antenna is proposed and studied. The proposed antenna is realised and implemented by employing the multiple resonant modes within a narrow slotline radiator, rather than utilising the traveling‐wave effect. At first, a triple‐digit, fork‐like microstrip tuning stub is used to excite the first and the second odd‐order mode within a slim, 3/2‐wavelength slotline radiator. Then, a pair of slotline stubs is introduced near the E‐field nulls of the third odd‐order mode. By finely tuning the parameters of the microstrip/slotline stubs, the three radiation modes are perturbed and merged to generate a wideband, radiation characteristic with three resonances. Prototype antennas are then fabricated and measured. Finally, the design approach is experimentally validated. It is shown that the proposed antenna's radiation bandwidth has been effectively increased to 33.2% while keeping a single, basic‐form narrow slotline radiator with a simple, non‐traveling‐wave configuration.
Inertial response with improved variable recovery behaviour provided by type 4 WTs
Authors: Engelken Soenke , Mendonca Angelo , Fischer Markus
Published: January 2017

Requirements for inertial response (IR) from wind turbines (WTs) have been implemented or drafted by power systems (PSs) operators worldwide. This is a response to the replacement of conventional power plants using synchronous generators by non‐synchronous, power electronics‐based generation and the resulting effect on frequency dynamics in the case of contingency events. The additional active power provided during operation in IR mode must be drawn from the rotating masses. A re‐acceleration accompanied by reduced active power output follows the activation phase. The allowed depth and duration of the post‐inertial recovery will be regulated in future versions of grid codes, e.g. in Québec and Ireland. This study describes an improved version of an IR control system that enables a more PSs‐friendly provision of such short‐term frequency support. The new controls allow adjusting the duration of the recovery period. Potential negative effects of IR from WTs on the PS in the form of a second frequency nadir during the recovery phase can be minimised. The outcome of simulations and of field testing will be presented. All results shown in this study include the initial and the future inertia emulation performance which allows easy comparison of the two controls.