bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reinvention of twentieth century microscopy for three‐dimensional imaging
Authors: Whitehead Lachlan W , McArthur Kate , Geoghegan Niall D , Rogers Kelly L
Published: April 2017

In just over a decade, the field of biomedical research has witnessed a radical evolution in technologies for the 3‐ and 4‐dimensional imaging of biological samples. Light sheet fluorescence microscopy is quickly developing into a powerful approach for fast, volumetric imaging of cells, tissues and living organisms. This review touches on the development of 3‐dimensional imaging, from its foundations, namely from the invention of confocal microscopy in the twentieth century to more recent examples, notably the IsoView SPIM, the Lattice Light Sheet Microscope and swept confocally aligned planar excitation. These technologies overcome the limitations of conventional optical sectioning techniques and enable unprecedented levels of spatio‐temporal resolution with low levels of phototoxicity. Developing in parallel with powerful computational approaches, light sheet based methods promise to completely transform cell biology as we know it today.
Common variants in ZMIZ1 and near NGF confer risk for primary dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Chen Jianhua , Zhao Ying , Wang Yujiong , Xu Jinrui , Ji Jue , Shen Jingyi , Zhang Weiping , Chen Zuosong , Sun Qilin , Mao Lijuan , Cheng Shulin , Yang Bo , Zhang Dongtao , Xu Yufeng , Zhao Yingying , Liu Danping , Shen Yinhuan , Zhang Weijie , Li Changgui , Shen Jiawei , Shi Yongyong
Published: April 2017

Primary dysmenorrhoea, defined as painful menstrual cramps in the absence of pelvic pathology, is a common problem in women of reproductive age. Its aetiology and pathophysiology remain largely unknown. Here we performed a two-stage genome-wide association study and subsequent replication study to identify genetic factors associated with primary dysmenorrhoea in a total of 6,770 Chinese individuals. Our analysis provided evidence of a significant (P<5 × 10−8) association at rs76518691 in the gene ZMIZ1 and at rs7523831 near NGF. ZMIZ1 has previously been associated with several autoimmune diseases, and NGF plays a key role in the generation of pain and hyperalgesia and has been associated with migraine. These findings provide future directions for research on susceptibility mechanisms for primary dysmenorrhoea. Furthermore, our genetic architecture analysis provides molecular support for the heritability and polygenic nature of this condition.
Efficient self-emulsification via cooling-heating cycles
Authors: Tcholakova Slavka , Valkova Zhulieta , Cholakova Diana , Vinarov Zahari , Lesov Ivan , Denkov Nikolai , Smoukov Stoyan K.
Published: April 2017

In self-emulsification higher-energy micrometre and sub-micrometre oil droplets are spontaneously produced from larger ones and only a few such methods are known. They usually involve a one-time reduction in oil solubility in the continuous medium via changing temperature or solvents or a phase inversion in which the preferred curvature of the interfacial surfactant layer changes its sign. Here we harness narrow-range temperature cycling to cause repeated breakup of droplets to higher-energy states. We describe three drop breakup mechanisms that lead the drops to burst spontaneously into thousands of smaller droplets. One of these mechanisms includes the remarkable phenomenon of lipid crystal dewetting from its own melt. The method works with various oil–surfactant combinations and has several important advantages. It enables low surfactant emulsion formulations with temperature-sensitive compounds, is scalable to industrial emulsification and applicable to fabricating particulate drug carriers with desired size and shape.
Wetting Induced Oxidation of Pt-based Nano Catalysts Revealed by In Situ High Energy Resolution X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Cui Yi-Tao , Harada Yoshihisa , Niwa Hideharu , Hatanaka Tatsuya , Nakamura Naoki , Ando Masaki , Yoshida Toshihiko , Ishii Kenji , Matsumura Daiju , Oji Hiroshi , Ofuchi Hironori , Oshima Masaharu
Published: April 2017

In situhigh energy resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS) was used to systematically evaluate interactions of H2O and O2adsorbed on Pt and Pt3Co nanoparticle catalysts in different particle sizes. The systematic increase in oxidation due to adsorption of different species (H2O adsorption <O2adsorption <O2 + H2O coadsorption) suggests that cooperative behavior between O2and H2O adsorptions is responsible for the overpotential induced by hydrated species in fuel cells. From the alloying and particle size effects, it is found that both strength of O2/H2O adsorption and their cooperative effect upon coadsorption are responsible for the specific activity of Pt catalysts.
Experience with crossmodal statistics reduces the sensitivity for audio-visual temporal asynchrony
Authors: Habets Boukje , Bruns Patrick , Röder Brigitte
Published: April 2017

Bayesian models propose that multisensory integration depends on both sensory evidence (the likelihood) and priors indicating whether or not two inputs belong to the same event. The present study manipulated the prior for dynamic auditory and visual stimuli to co-occur and tested the predicted enhancement of multisensory binding as assessed with a simultaneity judgment task. In an initial learning phase participants were exposed to a subset of auditory-visual combinations. In the test phase the previously encountered audio-visual stimuli were presented together with new combinations of the auditory and visual stimuli from the learning phase, audio-visual stimuli containing one learned and one new sensory component, and audio-visual stimuli containing completely new auditory and visual material. Auditory-visual asynchrony was manipulated. A higher proportion of simultaneity judgements was observed for the learned cross-modal combinations than for new combinations of the same auditory and visual elements, as well as for all other conditions. This result suggests that prior exposure to certain auditory-visual combinations changed the expectation (i.e., the prior) that their elements belonged to the same event. As a result, multisensory binding became more likely despite unchanged sensory evidence of the auditory and visual elements.
Exploiting pH-Regulated Dimer-Tetramer Transformation of Concanavalin A to Develop Colorimetric Biosensing of Bacteria
Authors: Xu Xiahong , Yuan Yuwei , Hu Guixian , Wang Xiangyun , Qi Peipei , Wang Zhiwei , Wang Qiang , Wang Xinquan , Fu Yingchun , Li Yanbin , Yang Hua
Published: April 2017

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) aggregation-based colorimetric biosensing remains a challenge for bacteria due to their large size. Here we propose a novel colorimetric biosensor for rapid detection ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 (E.coliO157:H7) in milk samples based on pH-regulated transformation of dimer/tetramer ofConcanavalinA (Con A) and the Con A-glycosyl recognition. Briefly, antibody-modified magnetic nanoparticles was used to capture and concentrateE.coliO157:H7 and then to label with Con A; pH adjusted to 5 was then applied to dissociate Con A tetramer to release dimer, which was collected and re-formed tetramer at pH of 7 to cause the aggregation of dextran-modified AuNPs. The interesting pH-dependent conformation-transformation behavior of Con A innovated the design of the release from the bacteria surface and then the reconstruction of Con A. Therefore, we realized the sensitive colorimetric biosensing of bacteria, which are much larger than AuNPs that is generally not suitable for this kind of method. The proposed biosensor exhibited a limit of detection down to 41 CFU/mL, short assay time (~95 min) and satisfactory specificity. The biosensor also worked well for the detection in milk sample, and may provide a universal concept for the design of colorimetric biosensors for bacteria and virus.
Neural plasticity in amplitude of low frequency fluctuation, cortical hub construction, regional homogeneity resulting from working memory training
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Taki Yasuyuki , Nouchi Rui , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Kotozaki Yuka , Nakagawa Seishu , Makoto Miyauchi Carlos , Sassa Yuko , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: April 2017

Working memory training (WMT) induces changes in cognitive function and various neurological systems. Here, we investigated changes in recently developed resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging measures of global information processing [degree of the cortical hub, which may have a central role in information integration in the brain, degree centrality (DC)], the magnitude of intrinsic brain activity [fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF)], and local connectivity (regional homogeneity) in young adults, who either underwent WMT or received no intervention for 4 weeks. Compared with no intervention, WMT increased DC in the anatomical cluster, including anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Furthermore, WMT increased fALFF in the anatomical cluster including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), frontopolar area and mPFC. WMT increased regional homogeneity in the anatomical cluster that spread from the precuneus to posterior cingulate cortex and posterior parietal cortex. These results suggest WMT-induced plasticity in spontaneous brain activity and global and local information processing in areas of the major networks of the brain during rest.
The Regulatory T-cell Transcription Factor Foxp3 Protects against Crescentic Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Yang Chen , Huang Xiao-Ru , Fung Erik , Liu Hua-Feng , Lan Hui-Yao
Published: April 2017

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play a protective role in glomerulonephritis (GN) and Foxp3 is a master transcription factor in Treg development. In this study, we examined the functional role and mechanisms of Foxp3 in a mouse model of accelerated anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) GN induced in antigen-primed Foxp3 transgenic (Tg) mice. Compared with littermate of wildtype (WT) mice in which induced severe crescentic GN developed with progressive renal dysfunction, Foxp3 Tg mice had reduced crescent formation, urinary protein excretion, plasma creatinine and decline in creatinine clearance. The protective role of Foxp3 in crescentic GN was associated with a markedly suppressed expression of proinflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and diminished infiltration of the kidneys by CD3+ T cells and F4/80+ macrophages. Moreover, overexpression of Foxp3 resulted in a significant increase in CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs systemically and in the diseased kidneys, thereby blunting Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses systemically and in the kidneys. In conclusion, Foxp3 protects against kidney injury in crescentic GN through enhancement of Treg numbers and function, and suppression of Th1, Th2 and Th17 immune responses at the systemic and local tissue levels.
Construction of a highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated duck enteritis virus-based vaccine against H5N1 avian influenza virus and duck Tembusu virus infection
Authors: Zou Zhong , Huang Kun , Wei Yanmin , Chen Huanchun , Liu Ziduo , Jin Meilin
Published: April 2017

Duck enteritis virus (DEV), duck tembusu virus (DTMUV), and highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 are the most important viral pathogens in ducks, as they cause significant economic losses in the duck industry. Development of a novel vaccine simultaneously effective against these three viruses is the most economical method for reducing losses. In the present study, by utilizing a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing strategy, we efficiently generated DEV recombinants (C-KCE-HA/PrM-E) that simultaneously encode the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of HPAIV H5N1 and pre-membrane proteins (PrM), as well as the envelope glycoprotein (E) gene of DTMUV, and its potential as a trivalent vaccine was also evaluated. Ducks immunized with C-KCE-HA/PrM-E enhanced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to H5N1 and DTMUV. Importantly, a single-dose of C-KCE-HA/PrM-E conferred solid protection against virulent H5N1, DTMUV, and DEV challenges. In conclusion, these results demonstrated for the first time that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be applied for modification of the DEV genome rapidly and efficiently, and that recombinant C-KCE-HA/PrM-E can serve as a potential candidate trivalent vaccine to prevent H5N1, DTMUV, and DEV infections in ducks.
Kai-Xin-San series formulae alleviate depressive-like behaviors on chronic mild stressed mice via regulating neurotrophic factor system on hippocampus
Authors: Zhu Yue , Chao Cheng , Duan Xiuzhu , Cheng Xiaoxuan , Liu Pei , Su Shulan , Duan Jinao , Dong Tina Tingxia , Tsim Karl Wah-Keung
Published: April 2017

Kai-xin-san (KXS) is a famous Chinese medicinal formula applied for treating stress-related psychiatric diseases with the symptoms such as depression, forgetfulness and dizziness. In clinic, the composition ratio of KXS is always varied and KXS series formulae are created. Here, we aim to compare the anti-depressive effect of different ratios of KXS and reveal its action mechanism on regulation of neurotrophic factor system. Firstly, daily intra-gastric administration of chemically standardized extracts of KXS series formulae for seven days significantly alleviated the depressive symptoms of chronic unpredictable mild stressed mice displayed by enhanced sucrose consumptions and decreased immobile time of forced swimming coupled with increased locomotor activities. KXS might fulfill this effect by up-regulating the expressions of NGF, BDNF and Trk receptors in hippocampus, which were confirmed by the treatment of corresponding blockers tPA-stop and K252a. The ratio with higher amounts of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix exerted most profound effect on anti-depression and regulation enzymes in metabolic pathway of neurotrophic factors. These findings suggested that KXS was beneficial for enhancing supplies, up-regulating receptors, and restoring the dysfunction of metabolic pathway of neurotrophic factors, which might account for its anti-depression effect.
Microcosm experimental evidence that habitat orientation affects phytoplankton-zooplankton dynamics
Authors: Zhang Yunshu , Pan Ying , Chen Hanxiang , Hu Zhuomiao , Sun Shucun
Published: April 2017

Although spatial ecology has achieved a great success in the passing decades, the importance of habitat orientation has not been well studied, especially for its effects on prey-predator dynamics. Here, we examined the responses of zooplankton activity and grazing rate to habitat orientation and their consequences on the stability of phytoplankton-zooplankton system in a two-factor factorial experiment involving habitat orientation (three levels; small, medium, and large base area, respectively) and habitat size (64 ml and 512 ml) using two algal-grazer systems (Chlorella pyrenoidosa-Daphnia magna and C. pyrenoidosa- Moina micrura). In both systems, grazer density increased with increasing base area for a given chamber volume and with increasing chamber volume for a given orientation in the first 6 days, followed by a dramatic decrease, which corresponded to increasing the amplitude of density fluctuations in both zooplankton and phytoplankton species. Such an algal-grazer dynamics could be accounted for by the greater average swimming ability and grazing rate observed in large-based and large-volumed chambers. Our results demonstrate that habitat orientation affects the zooplankton behavior and population dynamics of both zooplankton and phytoplankton species, which further influences the stability of phytoplankton-zooplankton systems.
A tunable high-pass filter for simple and inexpensive size-segregation of sub-10-nm nanoparticles
Authors: Surawski N. C. , Bezantakos S. , Barmpounis K. , Dallaston M. C. , Schmidt-Ott A. , Biskos G.
Published: April 2017

Recent advanced in the fields of nanotechnology and atmospheric sciences underline the increasing need for sizing sub-10-nm aerosol particles in a simple yet efficient way. In this article, we develop, experimentally test and model the performance of a High-Pass Electrical Mobility Filter (HP-EMF) that can be used for sizing nanoparticles suspended in gaseous media. Experimental measurements of the penetration of nanoparticles having diameters down to ca 1nm through the HP-EMF are compared with predictions by an analytic, a semi-empirical and a numerical model. The results show that the HP-EMF effectively filters nanoparticles below a threshold diameter with an extremely high level of sizing performance, while it is easier to use compared to existing nanoparticle sizing techniques through design simplifications. What is more, the HP-EMF is an inexpensive and compact tool, making it an enabling technology for a variety of applications ranging from nanomaterial synthesis to distributed monitoring of atmospheric nanoparticles.
TWEAK blockade decreases atherosclerotic lesion size and progression through suppression of STAT1 signaling in diabetic mice
Authors: Fernández-Laso Valvanera , Sastre Cristina , Méndez-Barbero Nerea , Egido Jesús , Martín-Ventura Jose L. , Gómez-Guerrero Carmen , Blanco-Colio Luis M.
Published: April 2017

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK/Tnfsf12) is a cytokine implicated in different steps associated with vascular remodeling. However, the role of TWEAK under hyperglycemic conditions is currently unknown. Using two different approaches, genetic deletion of Tnfsf12 and treatment with a TWEAK blocking mAb, we have analyzed the effect of TWEAK inhibition on atherosclerotic plaque progression and stability in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ApoE deficient mice. Genetic inactivation of Tnfsf12 reduced atherosclerosis extension and severity in diabetic ApoE deficient mice. Tnfsf12 deficient mice display a more stable plaque phenotype characterized by lower lipid and macrophage content within atherosclerotic plaques. A similar phenotype was observed in diabetic mice treated with anti-TWEAK mAb. The proatherosclerotic effects of TWEAK were mediated, at least in part, by STAT1 activation and expression of proinflammatory target genes (CCL5, CXCL10 and ICAM-1), both in plaques of ApoE mice and in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under hyperglycemic conditions. Loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that TWEAK induces proinflammatory genes mRNA expression through its receptor Fn14 and STAT1 activation in cultured VSMCs. Overall, TWEAK blockade delay plaque progression and alter plaque composition in diabetic atherosclerotic mice. Therapies aimed to inhibit TWEAK expression and/or function could protect from diabetic vascular complications.
Millions of Boreal Shield Lakes can be used to Probe Archaean Ocean Biogeochemistry
Authors: Schiff S. L. , Tsuji J. M. , Wu L. , Venkiteswaran J. J. , Molot L. A. , Elgood R. J. , Paterson M. J. , Neufeld J. D.
Published: April 2017

Life originated in Archaean oceans, almost 4 billion years ago, in the absence of oxygen and the presence of high dissolved iron concentrations. Early Earth oxidation is marked globally by extensive banded iron formations but the contributing processes and timing remain controversial. Very few aquatic habitats have been discovered that match key physico-chemical parameters of the early Archaean Ocean. All previous whole ecosystem Archaean analogue studies have been confined to rare, low sulfur, and permanently stratified lakes. Here we provide first evidence that millions of Boreal Shield lakes with natural anoxia offer the opportunity to constrain biogeochemical and microbiological aspects of early Archaean life. Specifically, we combined novel isotopic signatures and nucleic acid sequence data to examine processes in the anoxic zone of stratified boreal lakes that are naturally low in sulfur and rich in ferrous iron, hallmark characteristics predicted for the Archaean Ocean. Anoxygenic photosynthesis was prominent in total water column biogeochemistry, marked by distinctive patterns in natural abundance isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and iron. These processes are robust, returning reproducibly after water column re-oxygenation following lake turnover. Evidence of coupled iron oxidation, iron reduction, and methane oxidation affect current paradigms of both early Earth and modern aquatic ecosystems.
Manufacturing Differences Affect Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Characteristics and Function: Comparison of Production Methods and Products from Multiple Centers
Authors: Liu Shutong , de Castro Luis F. , Jin Ping , Civini Sara , Ren Jiaqiang , Reems Jo-Anna , Cancelas Jose , Nayak Ramesh , Shaw Georgina , O’Brien Timothy , McKenna David H. , Armant Myriam , Silberstein Leslie , Gee Adrian P. , Hei Derek J. , Hematti Peiman , Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Robey Pamela G. , Stroncek David F.
Published: April 2017

Human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs, also known as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells) are manufactured using many different methods, but little is known about the spectrum of manufacturing methods used and their effects on BMSC characteristics and function. Seven centers using, and one developing, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) processes were surveyed as to their production methods. Among the seven centers, all used marrow aspirates as the starting material, but no two centers used the same manufacturing methods. Two to four BMSC lots from each center were compared using global gene expression. Among the twenty-four BMSC lots from the eight centers intra-center transcriptome variability was low and similar among centers. Principal component analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis separated all the lots from five centers into five distinct clusters. BMSCs from six of the eight centers were tested for their ability to form bone and support hematopoiesis by in vivo transplantation (defining features of BMSCs). Those from all six centers tested formed bone, but the quantity formed was highly variable and BMSCs from only three centers supported hematopoiesis. These results show that differences in manufacturing resulted in variable BMSC characteristics including their ability to form bone and support hematopoiesis.
Harmonic trap resonance enhanced synthetic atomic spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Wu Ling-Na , Luo Xin-Yu , Xu Zhi-Fang , Ueda Masahito , Wang Ruquan , You L.
Published: April 2017

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) plays an essential role in many exotic and interesting phenomena in condensed matter physics. In neutral-atom-based quantum simulations, synthetic SOC constitutes a key enabling element. The strength of SOC realized so far is limited by various reasons or constraints. This work reports tunable SOC synthesized with a gradient magnetic field (GMF) for atoms in a harmonic trap. Nearly ten-fold enhancement is observed when the GMF is modulated near the harmonic-trap resonance in comparison with the free-space situation. A theory is developed that well explains the experimental results. Our work offers a clear physical insight into and analytical understanding of how to tune the strength of atomic SOC synthesized with GMF using harmonic trap resonance.
Direct and interference-free determination of thirteen phenolic compounds in red wines using a chemometrics-assisted HPLC-DAD strategy for authentication of vintage year
Authors: Liu Zhi , Wu Hai-Long , Xie Li-Xia , Hu Yong , Fang Huan , Sun Xiao-Dong , Wang Tong , Xiao Rong , Yu Ru-Qin
Published: April 2017

A chemometrics-assisted HPLC-DAD strategy is applied for direct determination of phenolic compounds in wines and authentication of vintage year.
Simultaneous determination of γ-hydroxybutyric acid, ibotenic acid and psilocybin in saliva samples by capillary electrophoresis coupled with a contactless conductivity detector
Authors: Saar-Reismaa P. , Vaher M. , Kaljurand M. , Kulp M. , Mazina-Šinkar J.
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to develop a methodology for the determination of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), ibotenic acid (IBO) and psilocybin (PY) abuse in human saliva.
Copper-catalysed aromatic-Finkelstein reactions with amine-based ligand systems
Authors: Jin Xiaodong , Davies Robert P.
Published: April 2017

An efficient and low-cost ligand, diethylenetriamine, is shown to promote the copper catalysed Finkelstein reaction without the requirement of inert atmosphere conditions.
Proton conduction in a hydrogen-bonded complex of copper(ii)-bipyridine glycoluril nitrate
Authors: Tayade Sakharam B. , Dhavale Vishal M. , Kumbhar Avinash S. , Kurungot Sreekumar , Lönnecke Peter , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie , Pujari Bhalchandra
Published: April 2017

Bipyridine glycoluril (BPG) forms a square-pyramidal secondary building unit with copper(ii) which further self-assembles to give a porous hydrogen-bonded complex with high proton conductivity.
Delocalized and localized donating–accepting Mn–C interactions in half-sandwich cyclopentadienyl and pentadienyl complexes
Authors: Solís-Huitrón Josué , Zúñiga-Villarreal Noé , Martínez-Otero Diego , Barquera-Lozada José Enrique
Published: April 2017

The flexibility of the Pdl ligand allows a more energetic M–Pdl interaction but also destabilizes the ligand moiety.
Formation of high-molecular weight polyaminoborane by Fe hydride catalysed dehydrocoupling of methylamine borane
Authors: Anke F. , Han D. , Klahn M. , Spannenberg A. , Beweries T.
Published: April 2017

The complex [(PNHP)Fe(H)(CO)(HBH3)] (PNHP = HN(CH2CH2Pi-Pr2)2) serves as a catalyst precursor for the selective dehydrocoupling of methylamine borane at room temperature, tentativelyviaan off-metal polymerisation pathway.
A folded [2 × 2] metallo-supramolecular grid from a bis-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide (tzpa) ligand
Authors: Barry Dawn E. , Hawes Chris S. , Byrne Joseph P. , la Cour Poulsen Bjørn , Ruether Manuel , O'Brien John E. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: April 2017

A flexible ditopic ligand 1 containing two N,N,O-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide chelating pockets is reported and the formation of multimetallic architectures is explored in the solid and the solution phase.
Metabolomic profiling and biochemical evaluation of the follicular fluid of endometriosis patients
Authors: Marianna Santonastaso , Alessia Pucciarelli , Susan Costantini , Francesca Caprio , Angela Sorice , Francesca Capone , Antonella Natella , Patrizia Iardino , Nicola Colacurci , Emilio Chiosi
Published: April 2017

Integration of the metabolic profile, the inflammatory state and the cell damage in the follicular fluid of women with endometriosis.
A novel off–on fluorescent probe for sensitive imaging of mitochondria-specific nitroreductase activity in living tumor cells
Authors: Huang Bo , Chen Wen , Kuang Yong-Qing , Liu Wei , Liu Xian-Jun , Tang Li-Juan , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: April 2017

We have developed a novel fluorescent probe of a benzoindocyanine probe (BICP), which is able to target mitochondria and realize sensitive and selective detection of NTR.
Anisotropic atomic-structure related anomalous Hall resistance in few-layer black phosphorus
Authors: Makino T. , Katagiri Y. , Ohata C. , Nomura K. , Haruyama J.
Published: April 2017

Specific anisotropic-atomic-structure of atom-thin black phosphorus causes the anomalous magnetic-field dependence of the Hall resistance, which opens doors to novel quantum phenomena and innovative two-dimensional atom-thin devices.
Controlled inhibition of methyltransferases using photoswitchable peptidomimetics: towards an epigenetic regulation of leukemia
Authors: Albert Lea , Xu Jing , Wan Ruiwei , Srinivasan Vasundara , Dou Yali , Vázquez Olalla
Published: April 2017

Shine light on epigenetics: we describe how photoswitchable peptidomimetics modulate the activity of the MLLl enzyme affecting epigenetic states.
Solubility and interfacial segregation of salts in ternary polyelectrolyte blends
Authors: Kwon Ha-Kyung , Pryamitsyn Victor A. , Zwanikken Jos W. , Shull Kenneth R. , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: April 2017

A preferred solvation of salt by the charge-dilute phase can be induced by a careful selection of the ionic correlation strength.
How to win the HIV-1 drug resistance hurdle race: running faster or jumping higher?
Authors: Garbelli Anna , Riva Valentina , Crespan Emmanuele , Maga Giovanni
Published: April 2017

Infections by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are still totaling an appalling 36.7 millions worldwide, with 1.1 million AIDS deaths/year and a similar number of yearly new infections. All this, in spite of the discovery of HIV-1 as the AIDS etiological agent more than 30 years ago and the introduction of an effective combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART), able to control disease progression, more than 20 years ago. Although very effective, current cART is plagued by the emergence of drug-resistant viral variants and most of the efforts in the development of novel direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) against HIV-1 have been devoted toward the fighting of resistance. In this review, rather than providing a detailed listing of all the drugs and the corresponding resistance mutations, we aim, through relevant examples, at presenting to the general reader the conceptual shift in the approaches that are being taken to overcome the viral resistance hurdle. From the classic ‘running faster’ strategy, based on the development of novel DAAs active against the mutant viruses selected by the previous drugs and/or presenting to the virus a high genetic barrier toward the development of resilience, to a ‘jumping higher’ approach, which looks at the cell, rather than the virus, as a source of valuable drug targets, in order to make the cellular environment non-permissive toward the replication of both wild-type and mutated viruses.
Artificial emotional reinforcement learning for automatic generation control of large‐scale interconnected power grids
Authors: Yin Linfei , Yu Tao , Zhou Lv , Huang Linni , Zhang Xiaoshun , Zheng Baomin
Published: April 2017

This study proposes an artificial emotional reinforcement learning (ERL) controller for automatic generation control (AGC) of large‐scale interconnected power grids. In the scheme of ERL, the agent consists of two parts, a mechanical logical part and a humanistic emotional part, which essentially develop the control strategies of the agent. These two parts in proposed controller are introduced by reinforcement learning (RL) and artificial emotion (AE), respectively. The ERL controller can generate different control strategies depending on the operating scenarios, by highly integrating AE functions, which are quadratic function, exponential function, and linear function, respectively, with the elements of RL, such as action, learning rate, and reward function. The effectiveness of ERL controller with nine control strategies has been demonstrated considering AGC on a two‐area load frequency control power system and China Southern Power Grid (CSG) power system. Results of simulation show the superior performance of ERL over that of proportional–integral control and four RL techniques.
Optimal cost wide area measurement system incorporating communication infrastructure
Authors: Singh Satyendra P. , Singh Shiv P.
Published: April 2017

A wide area measurement system installation cost minimisation and observability maximisation using binary gravitational search algorithm have been reported. Various methods have been employed in the past to determine the optimal locations of devices to retain the observability of the system. However, the costs of communication infrastructure (CI) from phasor data concentrator to phasor measurement units (PMUs) have not been given proper attention. To address this issue, the PMU placement problem has been formulated incorporating the cost of CI also in this study. Contingency cases have also been included to improve the reliability of the system. Besides, the effects of the presence of preinstalled PMUs have been considered. The results obtained for IEEE 14‐bus, 30‐bus and 118‐bus systems have been compared with other methods in the literature. The test results reveal that the proposed methodology produced the PMU locations with higher observability and lesser distance path of establishing communication link compared to an existing method.
Non‐linear modal analysis of transient interaction behaviours in SEPIC DC–DC converters
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yi Chuanzhi , Wei Tianhang
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the transient interaction behaviours in SEPIC DC–DC converters by using non‐linear modal series method. Based on the derived non‐linear model, the analytical approximate solutions are obtained to characterise the transient behaviours of the converters. Then, fundamental modal analysis is performed to identify the correlation among system parameters, fundamental modes and state variables so that system key parameters are subsequently acquired. In addition, the second‐order interaction indices are evaluated in order that the underlying mechanism of non‐linear interaction behaviours is uncovered. Finally, theoretical analysis is verified by circuit experiments. These results are beneficial to the improvement of the transient behaviours and the system reliability.
Synthesis of conformal array antenna for hypersonic platform SAR using modified particle swarm optimisation
Authors: Zhou Rui , Sun Jinping , Wei Shaoming , Wang Jun
Published: April 2017

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system equipped on the hypersonic platform in the near space presents many advantages compared with the conventional airborne SAR. However, due to the complex aerodynamic configuration and flight characteristics of the hypersonic platform, the radar design is facing some new challenges. Taking into account the new features of the platform, in this study the authors analyse the conformal design requirements of the array antenna, as well as the prominent contradiction between the high resolution and wide swath of SAR. After establishing the model of the conformal array antenna and the space coordinate system of the far‐field radiation, a specific process of synthesising the antenna pattern is given. Furthermore, the antenna mask templates of optimising the antenna pattern are generated based on the main performance measures of the SAR system, and the modified meta particle swarm optimisation algorithm is exploited to obtain the optimal excitation phase of each array element in synthesising the ultimate antenna pattern. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the method, where the performance of the optimised antenna pattern is evaluated numerically.
Supplier selection considering sustainability measures: an application of weight restriction fuzzy-DEA approach
Authors: Amindoust Atefeh
Published: April 2017

With the growing of consumer awareness in environmental and social issues sustainable development has become an essential element in supply chain management. Supplier evaluation and selection is one of the main strategic decisions for purchasing management in supply chain. This paper use Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to propose a new model for evaluation and ranking of a given set of suppliers from sustainable point of view. The proposed model integrates the fuzzy set theory and DEA to consider the decision makers’ preferences and handle the ambiguity and uncertainty in supplier selection process. For this purpose, linguistic values in the form of triangular fuzzy numbers are used to assess the weights of criteria, sub-criteria, and the ratings of suppliers’ performance with respect to sub-criteria. Then, a fuzzy-DEA model, using α-cut approach, is developed considering weight constraints. An application from Supplying Automotive Parts Company (SAPCO) Company, which is one of the largest suppliers of automotive parts in the Middle-East, is presented to show the applicability of the proposed model. Finally, the proposed weight restriction fuzzy-DEA model is validated through comparing with one of the recent supplier selection methods.
A Standard Mammography Unit – Standard 3D Ultrasound Probe Fusion Prototype: First Results
Authors: Schulz-Wendtland Rüdiger , Jud Sebastian , Fasching Peter , Hartmann Arndt , Radicke Marcus , Rauh Claudia , Uder Michael , Wunderle Marius , Gass Paul , Langemann Hanna , Beckmann Matthias , Emons Julius
Published: April 2017

Aim The combination of different imaging modalities through the use of fusion devices promises significant diagnostic improvement for breast pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate image quality and clinical feasibility of a prototype fusion device (fusion prototype) constructed from a standard tomosynthesis mammography unit and a standard 3D ultrasound probe using a new method of breast compression.

Materials and Methods Imaging was performed on 5 mastectomy specimens from patients with confirmed DCIS or invasive carcinoma (BI-RADS™ 6). For the preclinical fusion prototype an ABVS system ultrasound probe from an Acuson S2000 was integrated into a MAMMOMAT Inspiration (both Siemens Healthcare Ltd) and, with the aid of a newly developed compression plate, digital mammogram and automated 3D ultrasound images were obtained.

Results The quality of digital mammogram images produced by the fusion prototype was comparable to those produced using conventional compression. The newly developed compression plate did not influence the applied x-ray dose. The method was not more labour intensive or time-consuming than conventional mammography. From the technical perspective, fusion of the two modalities was achievable.

Conclusion In this study, using only a few mastectomy specimens, the fusion of an automated 3D ultrasound machine with a standard mammography unit delivered images of comparable quality to conventional mammography. The device allows simultaneous ultrasound – the second important imaging modality in complementary breast diagnostics – without increasing examination time or requiring additional staff.
Metabolite Profile and Antiproliferative Effects in HaCaT Cells of a Salix reticulata Extract
Authors: Corradi Elisabetta , Schmidt Nadine , Räber Nathalie , De Mieri Maria , Hamburger Matthias , Butterweck Veronika , Potterat Olivier
Published: April 2017

Phenolic constituents of Salix reticulata (Salicaceae) and antiproliferative activity of an extract and individual compounds were investigated in immortalized human non-tumorigenic keratinocytes (HaCaT). A MeOH extract from aerial parts afforded several flavonoids, including luteolin and apigenin glycosides (2–5 and 9) and catechin (1), two procyanidin fractions, and the phenolic glucosides picein (6), triandrin (7), and salicortin (8). In an adenosine triphosphate assay, the MeOH extract reduced cell viability by approximately 60 % at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Cell proliferation was assessed with a BrdU incorporation ELISA assay. The extract inhibited proliferation of HaCaT cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with approximately 50 % inhibition at 100 µg/mL. In time-lapse assays, the extract showed distinct inhibitory effects on cell migration at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL. The activity of selected constituents was also determined. Luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide (3) significantly inhibited cell proliferation at concentrations of 10 and 50 µM. In contrast, luteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (2) and a procyanidin fraction (P1) had only weak effects, while picein (6) and salicortin (8) did not affect cell proliferation. Luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide (10 µM) and, to a lesser extent, the procyanidin fraction (10 µg/mL) also inhibited cell migration.
Water isotope effect on the thermostability of a polio viral RNA hairpin: A metadynamics study
Authors: Pathak Arup K. , Bandyopadhyay Tusar
Published: April 2017

Oral polio vaccine is considered to be the most thermolabile of all the common childhood vaccines. Despite heavy water (D2O) having been known for a long time to stabilise attenuated viral RNA against thermodegradation, the molecular underpinnings of its mechanism of action are still lacking. Whereas, understanding the basis of D2O action is an important step that might reform the way other thermolabile drugs are stored and could possibly minimize the cold chain problem. Here using a combination of parallel tempering and well-tempered metadynamics simulation in light water (H2O) and in D2O, we have fully described the free energy surface associated with the folding/unfolding of a RNA hairpin containing a non-canonical basepair motif, which is conserved within the 3′-untranslated region of poliovirus-like enteroviruses. Simulations reveal that in heavy water (D2O) there is a considerable increase of the stability of the folded basin as monitored through an intramolecular hydrogen bond (HB), size, shape, and flexibility of RNA structures. This translates into a higher melting temperature in D2O by 41 K when compared with light water (H2O). We have explored the hydration dynamics of the RNA, hydration shell around the RNA surface, and spatial dependence of RNA-solvent collective HB dynamics in the two water systems. Simulation in heavy water clearly showed that D2O strengthens the HB network in the solvent, lengthens inter-residue water-bridge lifetime, and weakens dynamical coupling of the hairpin to its solvation environment, which enhances the rigidity of solvent exposed sites of the native configurations. The results might suggest that like other added osmoprotectants, D2O can act as a thermostabilizer when used as a solvent.
Resonance energy transfer process in nanogap-based dual-color random lasing
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Tong Junhua , Liu Dahe , Wang Zhaona
Published: April 2017

The resonance energy transfer (RET) process between Rhodamine 6G and oxazine in the nanogap-based random systems is systematically studied by revealing the variations and fluctuations of RET coefficients with pump power density. Three working regions stable fluorescence, dynamic laser, and stable laser are thus demonstrated in the dual-color random systems. The stable RET coefficients in fluorescence and lasing regions are generally different and greatly dependent on the donor concentration and the donor-acceptor ratio. These results may provide a way to reveal the energy distribution regulars in the random system and to design the tunable multi-color coherent random lasers for colorful imaging.
Evidence for oxygen vacancy manipulation in
La1/3Sr2/3FeO3−𝜹 thin films via voltage controlled
solid-state ionic gating
Authors: Krick A. L. , May S. J.
Published: April 2017

Reversible changes of the structural and electronic transport properties of La1/3Sr2/3FeO3-δ/Gd-doped CeO2 heterostructures arising from the manipulation of δ are presented. Thermally induced oxygen loss leads to a c-axis lattice expansion and an increase in resistivity in a La1/3Sr2/3FeO3-δ film capped with Gd-doped CeO2. In a three-terminal device where a gate bias is applied across the Gd-doped CeO2 layer to alter the La1/3Sr2/3FeO3-δ oxygen stoichiometry, the ferrite channel is shown to undergo a change in resistance of an order of magnitude using gate voltages of less than 1 V applied at 500 K. The changes in resistance remain upon cooling to room temperature, in the absence of a gate bias, suggesting solid state ionic gating of perovskite oxides as a promising platform for applications in non-volatile, multistate devices.
Numerical investigation of the electric field distribution and the power deposition in the resonant cavity of a microwave electrothermal thruster
Authors: Yildiz Mehmet Serhan , Celik Murat
Published: April 2017

Microwave electrothermal thruster (MET), an in-space propulsion concept, uses an electromagnetic resonant cavity as a heating chamber. In a MET system, electromagnetic energy is converted to thermal energy via a free floating plasma inside a resonant cavity. To optimize the power deposition inside the cavity, the factors that affect the electric field distribution and the resonance conditions must be accounted for. For MET thrusters, the length of the cavity, the dielectric plate that separates the plasma zone from the antenna, the antenna length and the formation of a free floating plasma have direct effects on the electromagnetic wave transmission and thus the power deposition. MET systems can be tuned by adjusting the lengths of the cavity or the antenna. This study presents the results of a 2-D axis symmetric model for the investigation of the effects of cavity length, antenna length, separation plate thickness, as well as the presence of free floating plasma on the power absorption. Specifically, electric field distribution inside the resonant cavity is calculated for a prototype MET system developed at the Bogazici University Space Technologies Laboratory. Simulations are conducted for a cavity fed with a constant power input of 1 kW at 2.45 GHz using COMSOL Multiphysics commercial software. Calculations are performed for maximum plasma electron densities ranging from 1019 to 1021 #/m3. It is determined that the optimum antenna length changes with changing plasma density. The calculations show that over 95% of the delivered power can be deposited to the plasma when the system is tuned by adjusting the cavity length.
Litter size at lambing influences genetic evaluation of maternal rearing ability
Authors: Bunter Kim L. , Swan Andrew A. , Brown Daniel J. , Brien Forbes D. , Smith Jennifer
Published: April 2017

The genetic parameters for maternal rearing-ability of ewes were investigated by ignoring or defining the rearing ability trait separately by litter-size class (singles versus multiples) using multi-generational data from three, fully pedigreed Merino flocks differing in prolificacy, production level and environment. Genetic correlations (ra) between litter size (LSIZE) and the percentage of lambs surviving (PLSURV) were more negative with an increasing mean flock litter size (ra: –0.21 ± 0.17 to –0.73 ± 0.08), while the corresponding range in phenotypic correlations (rp) was substantially lower (rp: –0.15 ± 0.01 to –0.33 ± 0.01). Rearing-ability traits defined separately by litter-size class were highly correlated (ra: 0.49 ± 0.19 to 0.64 ± 0.38), but not genetically identical traits in the most prolific flock. Defining rearing-ability traits separately by litter-size class reduced the antagonistic genetic correlations between LSIZE and PLSURV to between –0.39 ± 0.14 and 0.14 ± 0.28, through accommodating the change in mean and variance of PLSURV with LSIZE. Similarly, linear transformation (TSURV) of PLSURV within each litter size to a common mean and variance reduced the antagonistic trend in genetic correlations between LSIZE and TSURV to range between –0.05 ± 0.17 and –0.43 ± 0.13. Since genetic correlations are low to moderate between TSURV and LSIZE, it is possible to select for improvements in both the number of lambs born and lamb survival simultaneously. Defining rearing-ability traits separately by litter-size class and the role of transformation will be investigated further for improving the accuracy of genetic evaluation for rearing ability across a range of flocks, breeds and environmental conditions using more extensive industry data.