bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraconserved region-containing Transformer 2β4 controls senescence of colon cancer cells
Authors: Kajita K , Kuwano Y , Satake Y , Kano S , Kurokawa K , Akaike Y , Masuda K , Nishida K , Rokutan K
Published: April 2016

Ultraconserved regions (UCRs) are >200 bp genomic segments with perfect human-to-rodent sequence identity. Transcribed UCRs constitute a new category of noncoding RNAs whose functions remain poorly understood. The human transformer 2β (TRA2B) gene contains a 419-bp UCR spanning the 276-bp exon 2 and its neighboring introns. TRA2B exon 2 has premature stop codons, whereas an exon 2-containing splice variant (TRA2β4) was expressed preferentially in the nuclei of human colon cancer cells. TRA2β4 knockdown p53-independently stimulated CDKN1A transcription and increased p21, resulting in the appearance of senescent cells. Biotin pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays revealed that TRA2β4 interacted with Sp1 through a Sp1-binding sequence (485-GGGG-488) in a stem-loop structure of exon 2. Mutation of this sequence (485-AAGG-488) disrupted the stem-loop structure, blocked the interaction with Sp1 and increased CDKN1A transcription. Overexpression of TRA2β4 significantly decreased CDKN1A mRNA levels and accelerated cell growth, but the introduction of the mutation in the Sp1-binding sequence completely canceled these effects. Taken together, TRA2β4 may sequester Sp1 from occupying promoters of target genes including CDKN1A, promoting cell growth by interrupting the senescence-related gene expression program. This novel function of TRA2β4 may uncover an oncogenic function of transcribed UCRs.
BRCA1 positively regulates FOXO3 expression by restricting FOXO3 gene methylation and epigenetic silencing through targeting EZH2 in breast cancer
Authors: Gong C , Yao S , Gomes A R , Man E P S , Lee H J , Gong G , Chang S , Kim S-B , Fujino K , Kim S-W , Park S K , Lee J W , Lee M H ,   KOHBRA study group, Khoo U S , Lam E W-F
Published: April 2016

BRCA1 mutation or depletion correlates with basal-like phenotype and poor prognosis in breast cancer but the underlying reason remains elusive. RNA and protein analysis of a panel of breast cancer cell lines revealed that BRCA1 deficiency is associated with downregulation of the expression of the pleiotropic tumour suppressor FOXO3. Knockdown of BRCA1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in downregulation of FOXO3 expression in the BRCA1-competent MCF-7, whereas expression of BRCA1 restored FOXO3 expression in BRCA1-defective HCC70 and MDA-MB-468 cells, suggesting a role of BRCA1 in the control of FOXO3 expression. Treatment of HCC70 and MDA-MB-468 cells with either the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycitydine, the N-methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) inhibitor GSK126 or EZH2 siRNA induced FOXO3 mRNA and protein expression, but had no effect on the BRCA1-competent MCF-7 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis demonstrated that BRCA1, EZH2, DNMT1/3a/b and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) are recruited to the endogenous FOXO3 promoter, further advocating that these proteins interact to modulate FOXO3 methylation and expression. In addition, ChIP results also revealed that BRCA1 depletion promoted the recruitment of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT1/3a/3b and the enrichment of the EZH2-mediated transcriptional repressive epigenetic marks H3K27me3 on the FOXO3 promoter. Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation assays also confirmed increased CpG methylation of the FOXO3 gene on BRCA1 depletion. Analysis of the global gene methylation profiles of a cohort of 33 familial breast tumours revealed that FOXO3 promoter methylation is significantly associated with BRCA1 mutation. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry further suggested that FOXO3 expression was significantly associated with BRCA1 status in EZH2-positive breast cancer. Consistently, high FOXO3 and EZH2 mRNA levels were significantly associated with good and poor prognosis in breast cancer, respectively. Together, these data suggest that BRCA1 can prevent and reverse FOXO3 suppression via inhibiting EZH2 and, consequently, its ability to recruit the transcriptional repressive H3K27me3 histone marks and the DNA methylases DNMT1/3a/3b, to induce DNA methylation and gene silencing on the FOXO3 promoter.
The SMAC mimetic, LCL-161, reduces survival in aggressive MYC-driven lymphoma while promoting susceptibility to endotoxic shock
Authors: West A C , Martin B P , Andrews D A , Hogg S J , Banerjee A , Grigoriadis G , Johnstone R W , Shortt J
Published: April 2016

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) antagonize caspase activation and regulate death receptor signaling cascades. LCL-161 is a small molecule second mitochondrial activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetic, which both disengages IAPs from caspases and induces proteasomal degradation of cIAP-1 and -2, resulting in altered signaling through the NFκB pathway, enhanced TNF production and sensitization to apoptosis mediated by the extrinsic pathway. SMAC mimetics are undergoing clinical evaluation in a range of hematological malignancies. Burkitt-like lymphomas are hallmarked by a low apoptotic threshold, conveying sensitivity to a range of apoptosis-inducing stimuli. While evaluating LCL-161 in the Eμ-Myc model of aggressive Burkitt-like lymphoma, we noted unexpected resistance to apoptosis induction despite ‘on-target’ IAP degradation and NFκB activation. Moreover, LCL-161 treatment of lymphoma-bearing mice resulted in apparent disease acceleration concurrent to augmented inflammatory cytokine-release in the same animals. Indiscriminate exposure of lymphoma patients to SMAC mimetics may therefore be detrimental due to both unanticipated prolymphoma effects and increased susceptibility to endotoxic shock.
Dcc Mediates Functional Assembly of Peripheral Auditory Circuits
Authors: Kim Young J. , Wang Sheng-zhi , Tymanskyj Stephen , Ma Le , Tao Huizhong W. , Zhang Li I.
Published: April 2016

Proper structural organization of spiral ganglion (SG) innervation is crucial for normal hearing function. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental formation of this precise organization remain not well understood. Here, we report in the developing mouse cochlea that deleted in colorectal cancer (Dcc) contributes to the proper organization of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) within the Rosenthal’s canal and of SGN projections toward both the peripheral and central auditory targets. In Dcc mutant embryos, mispositioning of SGNs occurred along the peripheral auditory pathway with misrouted afferent fibers and reduced synaptic contacts with hair cells. The central auditory pathway simultaneously exhibited similar defective phenotypes as in the periphery with abnormal exit of SGNs from the Rosenthal’s canal towards central nuclei. Furthermore, the axons of SGNs ascending into the cochlear nucleus had disrupted bifurcation patterns. Thus, Dcc is necessary for establishing the proper spatial organization of SGNs and their fibers in both peripheral and central auditory pathways, through controlling axon targeting and cell migration. Our results suggest that Dcc plays an important role in the developmental formation of peripheral and central auditory circuits and its mutation may contribute to sensorineural hearing loss.
Fyn Kinase regulates GluN2B subunit-dominant NMDA receptors in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons
Authors: Zhang Wen-Bo , Ross P. Joel , Tu YuShan , Wang Yongqian , Beggs Simon , Sengar Ameet S. , Ellis James , Salter Michael W.
Published: April 2016

NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated fast excitatory neurotransmission is implicated in a broad range of physiological and pathological processes in the mammalian central nervous system. The function and regulation of NMDARs have been extensively studied in neurons from rodents and other non-human species and in recombinant expression systems. Here, we investigated human NMDARs in situ by using neurons produced by directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The resultant cells showed electrophysiological characteristics demonstrating that they are bona fide neurons. In particular, human iPSC-derived neurons expressed functional ligand-gated ion channels, including NMDARs, AMPA receptors, GABAA receptors, as well as glycine receptors. Pharmacological and electrophysiological properties of NMDAR-mediated currents indicated that these were dominated by receptors containing GluN2B subunits. The NMDAR currents were suppressed by genistein, a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The NMDAR currents were also inhibited by a Fyn-interfering peptide, Fyn(39–57), but not a Src-interfering peptide, Src(40–58). Together, these findings are the first evidence that tyrosine phosphorylation regulates the function of NMDARs in human iPSC-derived neurons. Our findings provide a basis for utilizing human iPSC-derived neurons in screening for drugs targeting NMDARs in neurological disorders.
Pado, a fluorescent protein with proton channel activity can optically monitor membrane potential, intracellular pH, and map gap junctions
Authors: Kang Bok Eum , Baker Bradley J.
Published: April 2016

An in silico search strategy was developed to identify potential voltage-sensing domains (VSD) for the development of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs). Using a conserved charge distribution in the S2 α-helix, a single in silico search yielded most voltage-sensing proteins including voltage-gated potassium channels, voltage-gated calcium channels, voltage-gated sodium channels, voltage-gated proton channels, and voltage-sensing phosphatases from organisms ranging from mammals to bacteria and plants. A GEVI utilizing the VSD from a voltage-gated proton channel identified from that search was able to optically report changes in membrane potential. In addition this sensor was capable of manipulating the internal pH while simultaneously reporting that change optically since it maintains the voltage-gated proton channel activity of the VSD. Biophysical characterization of this GEVI, Pado, demonstrated that the voltage-dependent signal was distinct from the pH-dependent signal and was dependent on the movement of the S4 α-helix. Further investigation into the mechanism of the voltage-dependent optical signal revealed that inhibiting the dimerization of the fluorescent protein greatly reduced the optical signal. Dimerization of the FP thereby enabled the movement of the S4 α-helix to mediate a fluorescent response.
The “Vessel through Strait” Sign is a Signature Radiological Sign for the Diagnosis of Left Hepatic Artery Variation
Authors: Rong Guanghua , Wang Zhijun , Wang Ximing , Yu Qiang , Zhou Lin , Wang Huaming , Zhang Junhua , Dong Jinghui , Ma Wei , An Weimin , Ren Hui , Zeng Zhen , Lu Yinying , Li Yongwu
Published: April 2016

An aberrant artery (AA) can frequently be observed coursing through the fissure for the ligamentum venosum (FLV) which was termed the “vessel through strait” sign (VTSS) by us. Fundamental data including the incidence, anatomical composition and clinical significance of VTSS and the AAs composing VTSS are still lacking. We sought to give a systematic demonstration on this issue in the present study. VTSS was respectively analyzed in 2,275 patients and was observed in 357 of them. Interestingly, 319 (89.4%) out of the 357 patients exhibiting VTSS were proved to have left hepatic artery variation (LHAV) (247 with replaced left hepatic artery, 64 with accessory left hepatic artery and 8 with variant common hepatic artery). We therefore hypothesized that VTSS could be a sign that strongly associated with LHAV and could be used for its diagnosis. In the following validating analysis, VTSS gained a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 98.3% for the diagnosis of LHAV in another bicenter cohort consisted of 1,329 patients. In conclusion, VTSS is a signature radiological sign of LHAV which could be used as an easy and specific method for the diagnosis of LHAV.
Novel PKC-ζ to p47phox interaction is necessary for transformation from blebbishields
Authors: Jinesh Goodwin G. , Taoka Rikiya , Zhang Qiang , Gorantla Siddharth , Kamat Ashish M.
Published: April 2016

Cancer stem cells are capable of transformation after apoptosis through the blebbishield emergency program. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in transformation. Understanding how ROS are linked to blebbishield-mediated transformation is necessary to develop efficient therapeutics that target the resurrection of cancer stem cells. Here we demonstrate that a novel PKC-ζ to p47phox interaction is required for ROS production in cancer cells. The combined use of the S6K inhibitor BI-D1870 with TNF-α inhibited the PKC-ζ to p47phox interaction, inhibited ROS production, degraded PKC-ζ and activated caspases-3 and -8 to block transformation from blebbishields. BI-D1870 also inhibited transformation from cycloheximide-generated blebbishields. Thus ROS and the PKC-ζ to p47phox interaction are valid therapeutic targets to block transformation from blebbishields.
Transcriptome sequencing reveals e-cigarette vapor and mainstream-smoke from tobacco cigarettes activate different gene expression profiles in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Shen Yifei , Wolkowicz Michael J. , Kotova Tatyana , Fan Lonjiang , Timko Michael P.
Published: April 2016

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generate an aerosol vapor (e-vapor) thought to represent a less risky alternative to main stream smoke (MSS) of conventional tobacco cigarettes. RNA-seq analysis was used to examine the transcriptomes of differentiated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells exposed to air, MSS from 1R5F tobacco reference cigarettes, and e-vapor with and without added nicotine in an in vitro air-liquid interface model for cellular exposure. Our results indicate that while e-vapor does not elicit many of the cell toxicity responses observed in MSS-exposed HBE cells, e-vapor exposure is not benign, but elicits discrete transcriptomic signatures with and without added nicotine. Among the cellular pathways with the most significantly enriched gene expression following e-vapor exposure are the phospholipid and fatty acid triacylglycerol metabolism pathways. Our data suggest that alterations in cellular glycerophopholipid biosynthesis are an important consequences of e-vapor exposure. Moreover, the presence of nicotine in e-vapor elicits a cellular response distinct from e-vapor alone including alterations of cytochrome P450 function, retinoid metabolism, and nicotine catabolism. These studies establish a baseline for future analysis of e-vapor and e-vapor additives that will better inform the FDA and other governmental bodies in discussions of the risks and future regulation of these products.
Experimental Realisation of High-sensitivity Laboratory X-ray Grating-based Phase-contrast Computed Tomography
Authors: Birnbacher Lorenz , Willner Marian , Velroyen Astrid , Marschner Mathias , Hipp Alexander , Meiser Jan , Koch Frieder , Schröter Tobias , Kunka Danays , Mohr Jürgen , Pfeiffer Franz , Herzen Julia
Published: April 2016

The possibility to perform high-sensitivity X-ray phase-contrast imaging with laboratory grating-based phase-contrast computed tomography (gbPC-CT) setups is of great interest for a broad range of high-resolution biomedical applications. However, achieving high sensitivity with laboratory gbPC-CT setups still poses a challenge because several factors such as the reduced flux, the polychromaticity of the spectrum and the limited coherence of the X-ray source reduce the performance of laboratory gbPC-CT in comparison to gbPC-CT at synchrotron facilities. In this work, we present our laboratory X-ray Talbot-Lau interferometry setup operating at 40 kVp and describe how we achieve the high sensitivity yet unrivalled by any other laboratory X-ray phase-contrast technique. We provide the angular sensitivity expressed via the minimum resolvable refraction angle both in theory and experiment and compare our data with other differential phase-contrast setups. Furthermore, we show that the good stability of our high-sensitivity setup allows for tomographic scans, by which even the electron density can be retrieved quantitatively as has been demonstrated in several preclinical studies.
Extreme stiffness hyperbolic elastic metamaterial for total transmission subwavelength imaging
Authors: Lee Hyuk , Oh Joo Hwan , Seung Hong Min , Cho Seung Hyun , Kim Yoon Young
Published: April 2016

Subwavelength imaging by metamaterials and extended work to pursue total transmission has been successfully demonstrated with electromagnetic and acoustic waves very recently. However, no elastic counterpart has been reported because earlier attempts suffer from considerable loss. Here, for the first time, we realize an elastic hyperbolic metamaterial lens and experimentally show total transmission subwavelength imaging with measured wave field inside the metamaterial lens. The main idea is to compensate for the decreased impedance in the perforated elastic metamaterial by utilizing extreme stiffness, which has not been independently actualized in a continuum elastic medium so far. The fabricated elastic lens is capable of directly transferring subwavelength information from the input to the output boundary. In the experiment, this intriguing phenomenon is confirmed by scanning the elastic structures inside the lens with laser scanning vibrometer. The proposed elastic metamaterial lens will bring forth significant guidelines for ultrasonic imaging techniques.
Insight into the feeding behavior of predatory mites on Beauveria bassiana, an arthropod pathogen
Authors: Wu Shengyong , Zhang Ye , Xu Xuenong , Lei Zhongren
Published: April 2016

Interactions between fungal entomopathogens and pest predators are particularly relevant in control of agricultural insect pests. In a laboratory study, we confirmed that the predatory mite, Neoseiulus barkeri, exhibited feeding behavior on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana conidia through DNA extracts. Using transmission electron microscopy, we determined that the majority of conidia found in the mite gut tended to dissolve within 24 h post ingestion, suggesting that the conidia had probably lost their viability. To our knowledge this is the first report of feeding behavior of phytoseiid mites on entomopathogenic fungus. The findings expand our knowledge of fungus–predator interactions.
A reappraisal of decrepitation-inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (D-ICP) for the bulk analysis of fluid inclusions in minerals
Authors: Piperov N. B. , Ivanova L. P. , Aleksandrova A. N.
Published: April 2016

The complexity of fluid inclusions in minerals as an analytical object has led to the development of several analytical methods to address this issue.
Effects of odor generated from the glycine/glucose Maillard reaction on human mood and brainwaves
Authors: Zhou Lanxi , Ohata Motoko , Arihara Keizo
Published: April 2016

Effects of the odor generated from the glycine/glucose Maillard reaction on human mood and brainwaves were investigated in the present study.
Synthetic biology approaches in cancer immunotherapy, genetic network engineering, and genome editing
Authors: Chakravarti Deboki , Cho Jang Hwan , Weinberg Benjamin H. , Wong Nicole M. , Wong Wilson W.
Published: April 2016

Investigations into cells and their contents have provided evolving insight into the emergence of complex biological behaviors.
Polystyrene supported N-phenylpiperazine–Cu(ii) complex: an efficient and reusable catalyst for KA2-coupling reactions under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Perumgani Pullaiah C. , Keesara Srinivas , Parvathaneni Saiprathima , Mandapati Mohan Rao
Published: April 2016

Propargylamines were synthesized in excellent yields from cyclohexanone and pentanone with a variety of secondary amines and alkynes by employing a new polystyrene supported N-phenylpiperazine–Cu(ii) complex 4c.
Fine particulate matter induces vascular endothelial activation via IL-6 dependent JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Hejing , Wu Jing , Li Qiuling , Asweto Collins , Feng Lin , Yang Xiaozhe , Duan Fengkui , Duan Junchao , Sun Zhiwei
Published: April 2016

Fine particulate matter induces vascular endothelial activationviaIL-6 dependent JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Induction of protective autophagy against apoptosis in HepG2 cells by isoniazid independent of the p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Tian-Guang , Wang Yi-Mei , Zhao Jun , Xia Ming-Yu , Peng Shuang-Qing , Ikejima Takashi
Published: April 2016

Isoniazid (INH) activated autophagy and the p38 signaling pathway against apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells.
Nickel(0)-catalyzed intramolecular reductive coupling of alkenes and aldehydes or ketones with hydrosilanes
Authors: Hayashi Yukari , Hoshimoto Yoichi , Kumar Ravindra , Ohashi Masato , Ogoshi Sensuke
Published: April 2016

A nickel(0)-catalyzed reductive coupling of aldehydes and simple alkenes with hydrosilanes has been developed.
Application of imidazolinium salts and N-heterocyclic olefins for the synthesis of anionic and neutral tungsten imido alkylidene complexes
Authors: Imbrich Dominik A. , Frey Wolfgang , Naumann Stefan , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: April 2016

The convenient synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic properties in olefin metathesis of three anionic tungsten imido alkylidenes and one neutral, NHO-bearing tungsten imido alkylidene complex are presented.
Dioxazoles, a new mild nitrene transfer reagent in gold catalysis: highly efficient synthesis of functionalized oxazoles
Authors: Chen Ming , Sun Ning , Chen Haoyi , Liu Yuanhong
Published: April 2016

The gold-catalyzed regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of ynamides with 1,4,2-dioxazoles offers an efficient approach to functionalized oxazoles under mild reaction conditions.
The effect of inorganic/organic dual dielectric layers on the morphology and performance of n-channel OFETs
Authors: Kalita Anamika , Dey Anamika , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: April 2016

Excellent n-channel behavior was observed for cyclohexyl substituted naphthalene diimide with the highest μe value of 0.08 cm2 V−1 s−1, VTH as low as 0.5 V and ION/IOFF ratio of 104 under vacuum with a Al2O3/PVA dual dielectric layer.
Fluorescently labelled SiO2nanoparticles as tracers in natural waters: dependence of detection limits on environmental conditions
Authors: Clemente A. , Moreno N. , Lobera M. P. , Balas F. , Santamaria J.
Published: April 2016

Fluorescent SiO2nanoparticles can trace the evolution of nanosized matter in aquatic environments to the ppb level.
Light-driven 3D droplet manipulation on flexible optoelectrowetting devices fabricated by a simple spin-coating method
Authors: Jiang Dongyue , Park Sung-Yong
Published: April 2016

Light-driven 3D droplet manipulation on flexible single-sided optoelectrowetting (SCOEW) devices.
Biochemical sensing by nanofluidic crystal in a confined space
Authors: Zhao Wenda , Wang Baojun , Wang Wei
Published: April 2016

This paper introduces a novel nanofluidic crystal scheme by packing nanoparticles inside a well-designed confined space to improve the device-to-device readout consistency. The readout from different chips (n = 16) varied within 8.4% under the same conditions, which guaranteed a self-calibration-free biochemical sensing.
Synthesis, crystal structure, cytotoxicity and action mechanism of Zn(ii) and Mn(ii) complexes with 4-([2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridin]-4′-yl)-N,N-diethylaniline as a ligand
Authors: Zou Hua-Hong , Wei Jun-Guang , Qin Xiao-Huan , Mo Shun-Gui , Qin Qi-Pin , Liu Yan-Cheng , Liang Fu-Pei , Zhang Yun-Liang , Chen Zhen-Feng
Published: April 2016

Two metallo-complexes inhibited telomerase by interacting with c-myc G4-DNA and induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase.
Highly selective binding of methyl orange dye by cationic water-soluble pillar[5]arenes
Authors: Yakimova L. S. , Shurpik D. N. , Gilmanova L. H. , Makhmutova A. R. , Rakhimbekova A. , Stoikov I. I.
Published: April 2016

The bulky/negatively charged substituents of guest anions hinder the substrate entering the π-electron rich pillar[5]arene cavity.
Substrate specificity of FUT8 and chemoenzymatic synthesis of core-fucosylated asymmetric N-glycans
Authors: Calderon Angie D. , Liu Yunpeng , Li Xu , Wang Xuan , Chen Xi , Li Lei , Wang Peng G.
Published: April 2016

Based on substrate specificity of human FUT8, an efficient strategy was developed for the synthesis of core-fucosylated asymmetricN-glycans.
Nanoporous polystyrene–porphyrin nanoparticles for selective gas separation
Authors: Flouraki Ch. , Kaliva M. , Papadas I. T. , Armatas G. S. , Vamvakaki M.
Published: April 2016

Highly cross-linked polystyrene nanoparticles bearing functional porphyrin moieties were synthesized by emulsion free-radical copolymerization. The polystyrene–porphyrin nanoparticles exhibit exceptionally high CO2/CH4 selectivity values, attributed to the presence of the porphyrin macrocyclic cavities in the material, which renders them attractive for use in gas separation and gas capture applications.
Extractive and oxidative desulfurization of model oil in polyethylene glycol
Authors: Wang Jianlong , Zhao Rijie , Han Baixin , Tang Nan , Li Kaixi
Published: April 2016

One-pot extractive and oxidative desulfurization of model oil in polyethylene glycol.
Hyaluronic acid-coated poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) nanofibers prepared by electrospinning and coating
Authors: Ahire J. J. , Robertson D. , Neveling D. P. , van Reenen A. J. , Dicks L. M. T.
Published: April 2016

Process of preparation of HA/PDLLA nanohybrids.
Influence of CH4–Ar ratios on the composition, microstructure and optical properties of Be2C films synthesized by DC reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: He Yudan , Luo Jiangshan , Li Kai , Luo Bingchi , Zhang Jiqiang , Yin Hongbu , Wu Weidong
Published: April 2016

XPS results revealed that CH content increased with the increasing of CH4–Ar ratios, meanwhile, Be2C was the main component in films with CH4–Ar ratios < 5% and hydrocarbon films were obtained when ratios exceed 15%.
Visible light driven efficient photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye catalyzed by hierarchical CuS–Bi2CuxW1−xO6−2x nanocomposite system
Authors: Bhoi Yagna Prakash , Pradhan Swaraj Rashmi , Behera Chinmaya , Mishra B. G.
Published: April 2016

A series of CuS–Bi2CuxW1−xO6−2x nanocomposite materials were prepared and evaluated as photocatalyst for degradation of Congo red dye from aqueous sources.
Preparation of calcium silicate/decellularized porcine myocardial matrix crosslinked by procyanidins for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Chang Jiang , Tian Tian , Ma Bing
Published: April 2016

CS-incorporated myocardial ECM scaffolds release functional ions gradually, which stimulate expression of the proangiogenic factors in endothelia cells.
Bipyridyl palladium embedded porous organic polymer as highly efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Wang Chang-An , Han Yin-Feng , Li Yan-Wei , Nie Kun , Cheng Xue-Li , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: April 2016

Bipyridyl-palladium catalyst embedded porous organic polymers (Bpy-Pd-POP) was synthesized and used as highly effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction.
Schottky potential barrier and spin polarization at Co/antimonene interfaces
Authors: Yang Lifang , Mi Wenbo , Wang Xiaocha
Published: April 2016

Different spin polarizations and Schottky barriers occur in Co/antimonene interfaces with different stackings or different antimonene layers.
FePt nanoparticles: a novel nanoprobe for enhanced HeLa cells sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Bao Zhirong , He Mingyang , Quan Hong , Jiang Dazhen , Zheng Yanhong , Qin Wenjing , Zhou Yunfeng , Ren Feng , Guo Mingxiong , Jiang Changzhong
Published: April 2016

The present work exhibited high therapeutic efficacy of FePt nanoparticles in combination with radiotherapy without apparent cytotoxicity, suggesting the potential of FePt nanoparticles as a promising nanoprobe in improving the outcome of tumor chemoradiotherapy.
Formation of onion-like fullerene and chemically converted graphene-like nanosheets from low-quality coals: application in photocatalytic degradation of 2-nitrophenol
Authors: Das Tonkeswar , Boruah Purna K. , Das Manash R. , Saikia Binoy K.
Published: April 2016

The formation of onion-like fullerene and chemically converted graphene-like nanosheets from low-quality coals were observed during an oxidation-cum-extraction (OCE) process.
Formation of molecular hydrogels from a bile acid derivative and selected carboxylic acids
Authors: Zhang Meng , Waldron Karen C. , Zhu X. X.
Published: April 2016

A cholic acid dimer forms hydrogels with selected carboxylic acids via protonation and hydrogen bonding.
Electrodeposition of honeycomb-shaped NiCo2O4 on carbon cloth as binder-free electrode for asymmetric electrochemical capacitor with high energy density
Authors: An Yufeng , Hu Zhongai , Guo Bingshu , An Ning , Zhang Yadi , Li Zhimin , Yang Yuying , Wu Hongying
Published: April 2016

Through the matching of the honeycomb-shaped NiCo2O4/CC (HSNC) and reduced graphene oxide/carbon cloth (rGO/CC) to obtain the binder-free asymmetric electrochemical capacitor with high energy density good rate capability and excellent cycle life.
Removal of phosphate and hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by engineered waste eggshell
Authors: Chen Dan , Xiao Xuelian , Yang Kai
Published: April 2016

In this work, a novel adsorbent derived from waste eggshell (ES) was used for phosphate and hexavalent chromium adsorption.
A turn-on fluorescent sensor for relay recognition of two ions: from a F−-selective sensor to highly Zn2+-selective sensor by tuning electronic effects
Authors: Qu Wen-Juan , Guan Jie , Wei Tai-Bao , Yan Guo-Tao , Lin Qi , Zhang You-Ming
Published: April 2016

A simple ion sensor bearing quinoline and an amide group was designed and synthesized, which showed both colorimetric detection for F− and a fluorescence turn-on response for Zn2+. Moreover, sensor L2 can distinguish F− and Zn2+via different sensing mechanisms.
One-step facile fabrication of controllable microcone and micromolar silicon arrays with tunable wettability by liquid-assisted femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Zhang Zhen , Wu Peichao , Wu Sizhu , Hu Yanlei , Zhu Wulin , Li Jiawen , Wu Dong , Li Xiaohong , Chu Jiaru
Published: April 2016

Micro/nanostructured silicon surfaces are attracting more and more research attention because of the wide range of applications in optoelectronic devices, microelectronics, microfluidics, and biomedical devices.
Hierarchically porous few-layer porphyrinic carbon nanosheets formed by a VOx-templating method for high-efficiency oxygen electroreduction
Authors: Kong A. , Mao C. , Wang Y. , Lin Q. , Bu X. , Feng P.
Published: April 2016

Few-layer porous porphyrinic carbon nanosheets with highly efficient oxygen electroreduction performance were obtained by thermal conversion of Fe-porphyrin/V2O5 intercalation compounds.
Vertically stacked bilayer CuCo2O4/MnCo2O4 heterostructures on functionalized graphite paper for high-performance electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Liu Shude , San Hui Kwan , Hui Kwun Nam , Yun Je Moon , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: April 2016

Cobaltite systems with spinel structures are promising cathode materials for next-generation high-performance electrochemical capacitors because of their high electrochemical stability.
Ruthenium oxide coated ordered mesoporous carbon nanofiber arrays: a highly bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Guo Ziyang , Li Chao , Li Wangyu , Guo Hua , Su Xiuli , He Ping , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: April 2016

Zn–air batteries with a RuO2-coated MCNA catalyst display relatively low overpotentials, long cycle life and superior rate capability.
Controlling uniform deposition of discharge products at the nanoscale for rechargeable Na–O2 batteries
Authors: Zhang Sanpei , Wen Zhaoyin , Jin Jun , Zhang Tao , Yang Jianhua , Chen Chunhua
Published: April 2016

The nitrogen-doped three dimensional graphene aerogels can control uniform deposition of discharge products at the nanoscale for high-performance rechargeable Na–O2 batteries.
Solution processed high refractive index contrast distributed Bragg reflectors
Authors: Anaya Miguel , Rubino Andrea , Calvo Mauricio E. , Míguez Hernán
Published: April 2016

We have developed a method to alternate porous and dense dielectric films in order to build high refractive index contrast distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) capable of reflecting very efficiently in a targeted spectral range employing a small number of layers in the stack.
Influence of alkyl side-chain length on the carrier mobility in organic semiconductors: herringbone vs. pi–pi stacking
Authors: Ma Zhiying , Geng Hua , Wang Dong , Shuai Zhigang
Published: April 2016

With the increase of alkyl chain length, the change trend of charge mobility is reversed between π–π and herringbone systems.
Using Language Sample Analysis to Assess Spoken Language Production in Adolescents
Authors: Miller Jon F. , Andriacchi Karen , Nockerts Ann
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This tutorial discusses the importance of language sample analysis and how Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) software can be used to simplify the process and effectively assess the spoken language production of adolescents.

Method

Over the past 30 years, thousands of language samples have been collected from typical speakers, aged 3–18 years, in conversational and narrative contexts. These samples have been formatted as reference databases included with SALT. Using the SALT software, individual samples are compared with age- and grade-matched samples selected from these databases.

Results

Two case studies illustrate that comparison with database samples of typical adolescents, matched by grade and elicitation context, highlights language measures that are higher or lower than the database mean values. Differences in values are measured in standard deviations.

Conclusion

Language sample analysis remains a powerful method of documenting language use in everyday speaking situations. A sample of talking reveals an individual's ability to meet specific speaking demands. These demands vary across contexts, and speakers can have difficulty in any one or all of these communication tasks. Language use for spoken communication is a foundation for literacy attainment and contributes to success in navigating relationships for school, work, and community participation.
Energy efficient resource allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiple access‐based distributed antenna systems
Authors: Yan Jilei , Wang Yue , Yang Guorui , Guo Yantao , Wu Wei
Published: April 2016

In this study, the energy efficient joint antenna scheduling, subcarrier assignment and power allocation are studied in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access‐based distributed antenna system. A new power consumption model is proposed to the consideration of the backhauling power, which is appropriate for the architecture of distributed antenna deployment and centralised signal processing. Under the maximum transmit power constraint per distributed antenna unit and the minimum rate requirement per user, the authors formulate a mixed‐integer optimisation problem to maximise the system energy efficiency. Due to the intractability, at first, a heuristic antenna scheduling strategy is proposed based on the received pilot signal power strength. Then, the remaining joint subcarrier and power allocation is equivalently turned into a parametric problem, which is solved by employing the Lagrange duality method and the Dinkelbach's algorithm. Simulation results show that the authors’ proposed joint resource allocation algorithm greatly improves the system energy efficiency.
Asymmetric occlusion detection using linear regression and weight‐based filling for stereo disparity map estimation
Authors: Malathi T. , Bhuyan M. K.
Published: April 2016

Stereo matching computes the disparity information from stereo image pairs. A number of stereo matching methods have been proposed to estimate a fine disparity map. However, objects present in the images are occluded on account of different camera viewpoints in a stereo vision setup, and hence it is quite difficult to get a fine disparity map. The methods which use disparity map information of two cameras (symmetric approach) to detect occluded pixels are computationally more complex. The authors approach entails to detect the occluded pixels only by using single disparity map information (asymmetric approach). The behaviour of reference and target pixels are analysed, and it is observed that the target matching pixels almost follow a linear pattern with respect to the reference image pixels. Hence, it is approximated by a linear regression model, and subsequently this model is used to detect the occluded pixels in the authors’ method. Finally, a fine disparity map is obtained by incorporating a novel occlusion filling method. Experimental results show that the proposed occlusion detection method gives almost similar performance as that of the methods which use two disparity maps for detection. For occlusion filling, the authors utilise support weights from both the stereo images, and hence their method can give better performance.
Adaboost modular tensor locality preservative projection: face detection in video using Adaboost modular‐based tensor locality preservative projections
Authors: Rajeshwari Janthakal , Karibasappa Kwadiki , Gopalkrishna Madigondanahalli Thimmaiah
Published: April 2016

Automatic face detection is a challenging task for computer vision and pattern recognition applications such as video surveillance and traffic monitoring. During the last few years, subspace methods have been proposed for visual learning and recognition which are sensitive to variations in illumination, pose and occlusion. To overcome these problems, the authors have proposed a method that combines block‐based tensor locality preservative projection (TLPP) with Adaboost algorithm which improves the accuracy of face detection. In the proposed algorithm Adaboost modular TLPPs (AMTLPPs), the face image is divided into overlapping small blocks and these block features are given to TLPP to extract the features where TLPP take data directly in the form of tensors as input. AMTLPP algorithm selects the optimal block features from the large set of the block features which forms the weak classifiers and are combined to form the strong classifier. A number of assessments are conducted for YouTube celebrity, McGill face dataset and also on collected video sequences of an own dataset recorded under indoor, outdoor, day, sunset and crowded environment. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is effective and efficient.
Optimal design of smart antenna systems for handheld devices
Authors: Tong Haoping , Geyi Wen
Published: April 2016

The design of smart antenna system for handheld devices has been a challenge for years. In this study, an attempt is made to try to solve this challenge by applying an optimal design method for the antenna arrays introduced previously. The method is based on the optimisation of the power transmission efficiency between two antennas. During the optimisation, the smart antenna array to be designed is used as transmitting antenna, and a testing antenna is introduced as receiving antenna, positioned in the far‐field region. The maximum (minimum) possible radiation may then be achieved in the direction of the testing antenna if the power transmission efficiency is maximised (minimised). A compact low‐profile smart antenna system has been designed using the method, which works at GSM‐900 and PCS‐1900 band and employs four identical inverted‐F antennas as radiating elements. The dimension of the whole system is 140 mm × 80 mm × 7 mm, suitable for the application in handheld devices or other customer‐premises equipment.
On‐body semi‐electrically‐small tag antenna for ultra high frequency radio‐frequency identification platform‐tolerant applications
Authors: Svanda Milan , Polivka Milan
Published: April 2016

In this study, the authors proposed the impedance‐flexible on‐body semi‐electrically‐small tag antenna for the European ultra‐high frequency radio‐frequency identification (UHF RFID) frequency band. The radiator is based on differentially‐fed coupled shorted‐patches and vertical folding techniques, using a loop excitation. The proposed excitation methods enable the input impedance to be tuned to the complex impedance of typical UHF RFID chips as well as to 50 Ω impedance. In addition, the virtual electric short applied inside the structure simplifies the topology and manufacture. The antenna dimensions are 40 × 50 × 3 mm3 (0.12 × 0.14 × 0.01 λ0) and represent the electrical size ka = 0.58 at 866 MHz. The total efficiency measured in open space exceeds 60%. In case that the antenna is situated on a human phantom, it accounts for 50%. Accordingly, the antenna provides the read range of 5.6 m (in open space) and 5.1 m (when located on human chest).
Comparing the photocatalytic property of TiO2 nanoparticles and structured nanofiber materials
Authors: Su Bitao , Xin Junlian , Li Jianjiao , Dong Na , Shao Kerang , Wang Qizhao , Lei Ziqiang
Published: April 2016

In this work, TiO2 nanofibers (TiO2‐NF) with multilevel structure and nanoparticles (TiO2‐NP) were respectively prepared via template‐assisted and single solvothermal methods. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) was used as the model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic properties of these prepared materials. It was important that TiO2‐NF, prepared via template‐assisted solvothermal method, possessed multilevel structure. The photocatalytic results indicated that their activity order was TiO2‐NF > TiO2‐NP. It demonstrated that the multilevel structure of TiO2‐NF played an important role for enhancing its photocatalytic activity and the enhanced property could be mainly ascribed to fast adsorption/desorption of MB molecules on its surface and high efficiency of absorbing irradiating light and the efficient electrons transfer by interparticles and interparticles to the wall of the fiber.
High frequency performance of dual metal gate vertical tunnel field effect transistor based on work function engineering
Authors: Nigam Kaushal , Kondekar Pravin , Sharma Dheeraj
Published: April 2016

A novel dual metal gate doping‐less vertical tunnel field effect transistor (D‐VTFET) on silicon body, using work function engineering is proposed. The proposed structure does not required impurity doping for formation of the drain and the source regions. In this concern, source and drain regions are formed by selecting appropriate work‐function of metal electrode. The source and drain regions are not formed by conventional ways of ion implantation or diffusion. Hence, proposed structure is immune greatly to the process variation, issues of doping control and random dopant fluctuations which are serious problems in ultrathin silicon devices. For further improvement in ON state current and analogue/RF figures of merit dual work function of single gate material is considered. The electrical characteristics of the proposed device with the D‐VTFET are simulated and compared.
Large-Animal Biventricular Working Heart Perfusion System with Low Priming Volume—Comparison between in vivo and ex vivo Cardiac Function
Authors: Mayr Tanja , Jauch Judith , Guethoff Sonja , Buchholz Stefan , Reichart Bruno , Bauer Andreas , Abicht Jan-Michael
Published: April 2016

Background Existing large-animal, ex vivo, cardiac perfusion models are restricted in their ability to establish an ischemia/reperfusion condition as seen in cardiac surgery or transplantation. Other working heart systems only challenge one ventricle or require a substantially larger priming volume. We describe a novel biventricular cardiac perfusion system with reduced priming volume.

Methods Juvenile pig hearts were cardiopleged, explanted, and reperfused ex vivo after 150 minutes of cold ischemia. Autologous whole blood was used as perfusate (minimal priming volume 350 mL). After 15 minutes of Langendorff perfusion (LM), the system was switched into a biventricular working mode (WM) and studied for 3 hours.

Results During reperfusion, complete unloading of both ventricles and constant-pressure coronary perfusion was achieved. During working mode perfusion, the preload and afterload pressure of both ventricles was controlled within the targeted physiologic range. Functional parameters such as left ventricular work index were reduced in ex vivo working mode (in vivo: 787 ± 186 vs. 1 h WM 498 ± 66 mm Hg·mL/g·min; p < 0.01), but remained stable throughout the following study period (3 h WM 517 ± 103 mm Hg·mL/g·min; p = 0.63). Along with the elevated workload during WM, myocardial metabolism and oxygen consumption increased compared with LM (0.021 ± 0.08 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01 mL/min/g; 1 h after reperfusion). Histologic examination of the myocardium revealed no structural damage.

Conclusion In the ex vivo perfusion system, stable hemodynamic and metabolic conditions can be established for a period of 3 hours while functional and blood parameters are easily accessible. Moreover, because of the minimal priming volume, the novel ex vivo cardiac perfusion circuit allows for autologous perfusion, using the limited amount of blood available from the organ donating animal.
Application of Continuous Wound-Infusion Catheters in Lung Transplantation: A Retrospective Data Analysis
Authors: Lenz Nils , Roehrig Rainer , Menges Thilo , Mueller Matthias , Padberg Winfried , Mann Valesco , Hirschburger Markus
Published: April 2016

Background Lung transplantation is the only treatment option for many patients with end-stage pulmonary disease. Therefore, postthoracotomy pain therapy is of vital interest. Thoracic epidural analgesia (EPI) is the “gold standard” for postthoracotomy pain, but especially in lung transplantation contraindications, and potential infectious complications limit its advantages. Under these circumstances surgically placed postthoracotomy catheter-assisted continuous paravertebral intercostal nerve block (PVB) could be of advantage.

Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent lung transplantation between 2005 and 2012. Groups were defined according to the type of postoperative pain therapy: PVB, EPI, and SYS (systemic analgesia). Total 44 patients were eligible.

Results Postoperative opioid requirement of the PVB and EPI group was comparable and less than that of the SYS group. Patients of the PVB group were weaned earlier from mechanical ventilation after lung transplantation.

Conclusion The potency of postoperative pain therapy of EPI and PVB seemed to be comparable and superior to SYS. Considering the risks and benefits, PVB could be a better choice than EPI for postthoracotomy pain therapy, especially in lung transplantation.
Designing Biomaterials Systems for the Disc Pathology
Authors: Pandit Abhay
Published: April 2016

Biomaterials are no longer considered innate structures and using functionalisation strategies to modulate a desired response whether it is a host or implant is currently an important focus in current research paradigms. Fundamentally, a thorough understanding the host response will enable to design propoer functionalisation strategies. Using functionalisation strategies such as enzymatic and hyperbranched linking systems, we have been able to link biomolecules to different structural moieties. The programmed assembly of biomolecules into higher-order self-organized systems is central to innumerable biological processes and development of the next generation of functionalized scaffolds. Recent design efforts have utilized a bottom-up approach toward both understanding and engineering supramolecular protein assemblies. These include functionalisation of micro and nanoparticles with biomolecules that include designed peptide motifs, growth factors and a multitude of gene vector systems. Structural moieties have taken a variety of different forms such as nanofibers and nanoparticulate. The talk will elucidate some of these ongoing strategies in our laboratory.

Disclosures: None