bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Quality ATAC-Seq Data Recovered from Cryopreserved Breast Cell Lines and Tissue
Authors: Fujiwara Saori , Baek Songjoon , Varticovski Lyuba , Kim Sohyoung , Hager Gordon L.
Published: January 2019

DNA accessibility to transcription regulators varies between cells and modulates gene expression patterns. Several “open” chromatin profiling methods that provide valuable insight into the activity of these regulatory regions have been developed. However, their application to clinical samples has been limited despite the discovery that the Analysis of Transposase-Accessible Chromatin followed by sequencing (ATAC-seq) method can be performed using fewer cells than other techniques. Obtaining fresh rather than stored samples and a lack of adequate optimization and quality controls are major barriers to ATAC’s clinical implementation. Here, we describe an optimized ATAC protocol in which we varied nuclear preparation conditions and transposase concentrations and applied rigorous quality control measures before testing fresh, flash frozen, and cryopreserved breast cells and tissue. We obtained high quality data from small cell number. Furthermore, the genomic distribution of sequencing reads, their enrichment at transcription start sites, and transcription factor footprint analyses were similar between cryopreserved and fresh samples. This updated method is applicable to clinical samples, including cells from fine needle aspiration and tissues obtained via core needle biopsy or surgery. Chromatin accessibility analysis using patient samples will greatly expand the range of translational research and personalized medicine by identification of clinically-relevant epigenetic features.
Huaier n-butanol extract suppresses proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer via c-Myc-Bmi1 axis
Authors: Wang Yiping , Lv Hang , Xu Zhiyuan , Sun Jiancheng , Ni Yixiu , Chen Zhe , Cheng Xiangdong
Published: January 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and approximately 42% of all cases diagnosed each year worldwide are diagnosed in China. A large number of clinical applications have revealed that Trametes robiniophila Μurr. (Huaier) exhibits an anti-tumour effect. However, loss of the bioactive components of Huaier during the extraction procedure with water is unavoidable, and the underlying mechanism of the anti-cancer effect of Huaier remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of Huaier n-butanol extract, which contained 51.4% total flavonoids, on HGC27, MGC803, and AGS human GC cell lines in vitro. At a low concentration, Huaier n-butanol extract inhibited the growth of these GC cell types, induced cell cycle arrest and reduced cell metastasis. Moreover, Huaier n-butanol extract suppressed the c-Myc-Bmi1 signalling pathway, and overexpression of Bmi1 reversed the effects of Huaier n-butanol extract on GC cells. Thus, our findings indicate that Huaier n-butanol extract suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells via a c-Myc-Bmi1-mediated approach, providing a new perspective for our understanding of the anti-tumour effects of Huaier. These results suggest that Huaier n-butanol extract could be an attractive therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of human GC.
Elucidation of an intrinsic parameter for evaluating the electrical quality of graphene flakes
Authors: Lee Ha-Jin , Kim Ji Sun , Lee Kwang Young , Park Kyung Ho , Bae Jong-Seong , Mubarak Mahfuza , Lee Haeseong
Published: January 2019

A test method for evaluating the quality of graphene flakes, such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene nanopowder (GNP), was developed in this study. The pelletizer was selected for a sampling tool, which enables us to formulate the flake sample as a measurable sample. Various parameters were measured from the pelletized sample in order to elucidate the best parameter for representing the quality of the graphene flakes in terms of their electrical properties. Based on the analysis of 4-probe measurement data on the pelletized sample, the best intrinsic parameter is volume resistivity (or volume conductivity) rather than resistivity (or conductivity). Additionally, the possible modification of a sample before and after the pressurization was investigated by electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. No significant modification was observed. The volume conductivity in the two types of the graphene was different from their individual conductivities by one order of magnitude. Based on the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy measurements, the volume conductivity of the graphene flake samples was governed by the oxygen content in the sample. Our achievements will promote the effective use of powder-type graphene products for further applications.
The cotton WRKY transcription factor (GhWRKY33) reduces transgenic Arabidopsis resistance to drought stress
Authors: Wang Na-Na , Xu Shang-Wei , Sun Yun-Lue , Liu Dong , Zhou Li , Li Yang , Li Xue-Bao
Published: January 2019

As the important source of natural fibers in the textile industry, cotton fiber quality and yield are often restricted to drought conditions because most of cotton plants in the world grow in the regions with water shortage. WRKY transcription factors regulate multiple plant physiological processes, including drought stress response. However, little is known of how the WRKY genes respond to drought stress in cotton. Our previous study revealed GhWRKY33 is leaf-specific and induced by drought stress. In this study, our data showed GhWRKY33 protein localizes to the cell nucleus and is able to bind to “W-box” cis-acting elements of the target promoters. Under drought stress, GhWRKY33 overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis was withered much more quickly than wild type due to faster water loss. Moreover, GhWRKY33 transgenic plants displayed more tolerance to abscisic acid (ABA), relative to wild type. Expression of some drought stress-related genes and ABA-responsive genes were changed in the GhWRKY33 transgenic Arabidopsis with drought or ABA treatment. Collectively, our findings indicate that GhWRKY33 may act as a negative regulator to mediate plant response to drought stress and to participate in the ABA signaling pathway.
Interactions of HLA-DR and Topoisomerase I Epitope Modulated Genetic Risk for Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Kongkaew Sirilak , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Punwong Chutintorn , Noguchi Hiroshi , Takeuchi Fujio , Kungwan Nawee , Wolschann Peter , Hannongbua Supot
Published: January 2019

The association of systemic sclerosis with anti-Topoisomerase 1 antibody (ATASSc) with specific alleles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR has been observed among various ethnics. The anti-Topoisomerase 1 antibody is a common autoantibody in SSc with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma, which is one of the clinical subtypes of SSc. On the other hand, an immunodominant peptide of topoisomerase 1 (Top1) self-protein (residues 349–368) was reported to have strong association with ATASSc. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the complexes of Top1 peptide with various HLA-DR subtypes divided into ATASSc-associated alleles (HLA-DRB1*08:02, HLA-DRB1*11:01 and HLA-DRB1*11:04), suspected allele (HLA-DRB5*01:02), and non-associated allele (HLA-DRB1*01:01). The unique interaction for each system was compared to the others in terms of dynamical behaviors, binding free energies and solvation effects. Our results showed that three HLA-DR/Top1 complexes of ATASSc association mostly exhibited high protein stability and increased binding efficiency without solvent interruption, in contrast to non-association. The suspected case (HLA-DRB5*01:02) binds Top1 as strongly as the ATASSc association case, which implied a highly possible risk for ATASSc development. This finding might support ATASSc development mechanism leading to a guideline for the treatment and avoidance of pathogens like Top1 self-peptide risk for ATASSc.
Susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157:H7 grown at low temperatures to the krypton-chlorine excilamp
Authors: Lee Jae-Ik , Kim Sang-Soon , Kang Dong-Hyun
Published: January 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the resistance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to 222-nm krypton-chlorine(KrCl) excilamp and 254-nm low-pressure Hg lamp (LP lamp) treatment according to growth temperature. As growth temperature decreased, lag time of E. coli O157:H7 significantly increased while the growth rate significantly decreased. Regardless of growth temperature, the KrCl excilamp showed higher disinfection capacity compared to the LP lamp at stationary growth phase. KrCl excilamp treatment showed significantly higher reduction as growth temperature decreased. Conversely, reduction levels according to growth temperature were not significantly different when the pathogen was subjected to LP lamp treatment. Inactivation mechanisms were evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay and SYBR green assay, and we confirmed that lipid oxdiation capacity following KrCl excilamp treatment increased as growth temperature decreased, which was significantly higher than that of LP lamp treated samples regardless of growth temperature. DNA damage level was significantly higher for LP Hg lamp treated samples compared to those subjected to the KrCl excilamp, but no significant difference pursuant to growth temperature was observed. At the transcriptional level, gene expression related to several metabolic pathways was significantly higher for the pathogen grown at 15 °C compared that of 37 °C, enabling it to adapt and survive at low temperature, and membrane lipid composition became altered to ensure membrane fluidity. Consequently, resistance of E. coli O157:H7 to the KrCl excilamp decreased as growth temperature decreased because the ratio of unsaturated fatty acid composition increased at low growth temperature resulting in higher lipid oxidation levels. These results indicate that KrCl excilamp treatment should be determined carefully considering the growth temperature of E. coli O157:H7.
Comparing patterns of volatile organic compounds exhaled in breath after consumption of two infant formulae with a different lipid structure: a randomized trial
Authors: Smolinska A. , Baranska A. , Dallinga J. W. , Mensink R. P. , Baumgartner S. , van de Heijning B. J. M. , van Schooten F. J.
Published: January 2019

Infant formulae have been used since decades as an alternative to or a complement to human milk. Human milk, the “gold standard” of infant nutrition, has been studied for its properties in order to create infant formulae that bring similar benefits to the infant. One of the characteristics of milk is the size of the lipid droplets which is known to affect the digestion, gastric emptying and triglyceride metabolism. In the current study a concept infant milk formula with large, phospholipid coating of lipid droplets (mode diameter 3–5 μm; NUTURIS, further described as “active”), was compared to a commercially available formula milk characterised by smaller lipid droplets, further described as “control” (both products derived from Nutricia). We investigated whether we could find an effect of lipid droplet size on volatile compounds in exhaled air upon ingestion of either product. For that purpose, exhaled breath was collected from a group of 29 healthy, non-smoking adult males before ingestion of a study product (baseline measurements, T0) and at the following time points after the test meal: 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath were detected by gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. Any differences in the time course of VOCs patterns upon intake of active and control products were investigated by regularised multivariate analysis of variance (rMANOVA). The rMANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the exhaled breath composition 240 min after ingestion of the active formula compared to control product (p-value < 0.0001), but did not show significant changes between active and control product at any earlier time points. A set of eight VOCs in exhaled breath had the highest contribution to the difference found at 240 minutes between the two formulas. A set of ten VOCs was different between baseline and the two formulae at T240 with p-value < 0.0001. To our knowledge this is the first study that shows the ability of VOCs in exhaled breath to monitor metabolic effects after ingestion of infant formulae with different lipid structure. The statistically significant differences in compound abundance found between active and control formula milk may be related to: (i) specific differences in the digestion, (ii) absorption of lipids and proteins and (iii) assimilation of the products in the gut.
Mechanisms of picosecond laser-induced damage in common multilayer dielectric coatings
Authors: Kozlov Alexei A. , Lambropoulos John C. , Oliver James B. , Hoffman Brittany N. , Demos Stavros G.
Published: January 2019

The physical mechanisms and ensuing material modification associated with laser-induced damage in multilayer dielectric high reflectors is investigated for pulses between 0.6 and 100 ps. We explore low-loss multilayer dielectric SiO2/HfO2 mirrors which are commonly employed in petawatt-class laser systems. The spatial features of damage sites are precisely characterized, enabling the direct correlation of the observed damage morphology to the location of energy deposition and the corresponding standing-wave electric-field intensities within the layer structure. The results suggest that there are three discrete damage-initiation morphologies arising from distinctly different mechanisms: the first prevailing at laser pulse lengths shorter than about 2.3 ps, while the other two are observed for longer pulses. Modeling of the thermomechanical response of the material to localized laser-energy deposition was performed for each type of damage morphology to better understand the underlying mechanisms of energy deposition and subsequent material response.
Elephant APOBEC3A cytidine deaminase induces massive double-stranded DNA breaks and apoptosis
Authors: Li Xiongxiong , Caval Vincent , Wain-Hobson Simon , Vartanian Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2019

The incidence of developing cancer should increase with the body mass, yet is not the case, a conundrum referred to as Peto’s paradox. Elephants have a lower incidence of cancer suggesting that these animals have probably evolved different ways to protect themselves against the disease. The paradox is worth revisiting with the realization that most mammals encode an endogenous APOBEC3 cytidine deaminase capable of mutating single stranded DNA. Indeed, the mutagenic activity of some APOBEC3 enzymes has been shown to introduce somatic mutations into genomic DNA. These enzymes are now recognized as causal agent responsible for the accumulation of CG- > TA transitions and DNA breaks leading to chromosomal rearrangements in human cancer genomes. Here, we identified an elephant A3Z1 gene, related to human APOBEC3A and showed that it could efficiently deaminate cytidine, 5-methylcytidine and produce DNA breaks leading to massive apoptosis, similar to other mammalian APOBEC3A enzymes where body mass varies by up to four orders of magnitude. Consequently, it could be considered that eAZ1 might contribute to cancer in elephants in a manner similar to their proposed role in humans. If so, eAZ1 might be particularly well regulated to counter Peto’s paradox.
Removal of a gadolinium based contrast agent by a novel sorbent hemoperfusion in a chronic kidney disease (CKD) rodent model
Authors: Ngamcherdtrakul Worapol , Morry Jingga , Sangvanich Thanapon , Reda Moataz , Bejan Daniel S. , Fryxell Glen E. , Yantasee Wassana
Published: January 2019

Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been linked to toxicity in patients, regardless of having impaired or normal renal function. Currently, no therapy is considered highly effective for removing gadolinium (Gd) from the body. We propose a new strategy to reduce blood Gd content that facilitates whole body removal of Gd using a hemoperfusion system consisting of a cartridge of porous silica beads (Davisil®) functionalized with 1,2-hydroxypyridinone (1,2-HOPO). Herein, we report optimization of the hemoperfusion system using an ex vivo blood and an in vivo rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In our ex vivo system, 1,2-HOPO-Davisil outperformed Gambro activated charcoal (AC), which is commonly used in clinical hemoperfusion of aqueous toxins, in terms of Gd capture capacity and rate. In the CKD rat model, the 1,2-HOPO-Davisil hemoperfusion system removed Gd by 3.4 times over the Gambro AC system. 1,2-HOPO-Davisil did not change complete blood counts and common blood biochemistry. Thus, this strategy has great potential for clinical translation to manage GBCAs after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), before Gd can deposit in the body and cause long-term toxicity. Although gadodiamide was used as a proof of concept model for GBCAs in this study, 1,2-HOPO functionalized mesoporous silica could also capture dissociated Gd and other GBCAs.
Maximizing Electrokinetic Energy Conversion via the Intersecting Asymptotes Method
Authors: Mansouri Abraham , Kostiuk Larry
Published: January 2019

It has been shown in earlier studies that the maximum electrokinetic conversion efficiency between flow and electric work (e.g., electrokinetic power generation) occurs when electric double-layer (λ) overlaps and there is no electroneutral zone in a nanometer-scale channel. This result has been shown through cumbersome and lengthy numerical and theoretical studies. The case is made here that complications associated with solving the coupled set of governing equations i.e. Poisson, Nernst-Planck, and Navier-Stokes (PNPNS) could be drastically reduced to a two-step solution by method of intersecting asymptotes.
Epitope mapping of anti-PGRMC1 antibodies reveals the non-conventional membrane topology of PGRMC1 on the cell surface
Authors: Kim Ji Yea , Kim So Young , Choi Hong Seo , An Sungkwan , Ryu Chun Jeih
Published: January 2019

Progesterone receptor membrane component1 (PGRMC1) is a heme-binding protein involved in cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. PGRMC1 consists of a short N-terminal extracellular or luminal domain, a single membrane-spanning domain, and a long cytoplasmic domain. Previously, we generated two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 108-B6 and 4A68 that recognize cell surface-expressed PGRMC1 (csPGRMC1) on human pluripotent stem cells and some cancer cells. In this study, flow cytometric analysis found that an anti-PGRMC1 antibody recognizing the N-terminus of PGRMC1 could not bind to csPGRMC1 on cancer cells, and 108-B6 and 4A68 binding to csPGRMC1 was inhibited by trypsin treatment, suggesting that the epitopes of 108-B6 and 4A68 are trypsin-sensitive. To examine the epitope specificity of 108-B6 and 4A68, glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-fused PGRMC1 mutants were screened to identify the epitopes targeted by the antibodies. The result showed that 108-B6 and 4A68 recognized C-terminal residues 183–195 and 171–182, respectively, of PGRMC1, where trypsin-sensitive sites are located. A polyclonal anti-PGRMC1 antibody raised against the C-terminus of PGRMC1 could also recognized csPGRMC1 in a trypsin-sensitive manner, suggesting that the C-terminus of csPGRMC1 is exposed on the cell surface. This finding reveals that csPGRMC1 has a non-conventional plasma membrane topology, which is different from that of intracellular PGRMC1.
Survival analysis of adult and children intermittent exotropia using a matched case-control design
Authors: Choi Daye Diana , Noh Hoon , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: January 2019

To compare the surgical outcomes of adult intermittent exotropia (X(T)) patients and matched control children X(T) patients including survival analysis. Fifty-two adult X(T) patients and 129 matched control children X(T) patients were included. Clinical characteristics, survival analysis, and surgical dose-response curves were evaluated and compared between the two groups. The weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used in order to find risk factors for the recurrence. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the cumulative probability of survival rate considering recurrence as event of Adult group were 93.97% for one year, and maintained at 88.44% for two, three. four, and five years after surgery. In contrast, those of the Child group were 83.6%, 76.5%, 65.6%, 56.23%, and 40.16% for one, two, three, four, and five years after surgery, respectively. The Adult group had a better event-free survival curve than the Child group as analyzed by a Log-rank test (p = 0.020). According to multivariate weighted Cox regression analysis, the younger age at operation and the larger preoperative angle were significant risk factors for recurrence.
pH-Responsive polymeric nanocarriers for efficient killing of cariogenic bacteria in biofilms
Authors: Zhao Zhouxiang , Ding Chunmei , Wang Yaqin , Tan Hong , Li Jianshu
Published: January 2019

Neutral stable polyanion-chlorhexidine complex micelles rapidly disassemble and release chlorhexidine in acidic milieus for efficient killing of cariogenic bacteria.
Anion-mediated bio-relevant catalytic activity of dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes derived from an end-off compartmental ligand
Authors: Chakraborty Tonmoy , Mukherjee Somali , Dasgupta Sanchari , Biswas Biplab , Das Debasis
Published: January 2019

The role of anions towards the catalytic activities of antiferromagnetically coupled dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes having end-off compartmental ligand was unveiled.
Construction of CdS/MoS2 heterojunction from core–shell MoS2@Cd-MOF for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lin Lin , Huang Siyu , Zhu Yuxin , Du Biao , Zhang Zhihua , Chen Chao , Wang Xuewen , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2019

A CdS/MoS2 heterojunction with uniform loading of CdS nanoparticles, porous structure, and controllable heterojunction surface was synthesized from a core–shell MoS2@Cd-MOF precursor and exhibited a high photocatalytic H2 evolution rate.
Radical alkylation of isocyanides with amino acid-/peptide-derived Katritzky salts via photoredox catalysis
Authors: Zhu Ze-Fan , Zhang Miao-Miao , Liu Feng
Published: January 2019

A mild and practical protocol is developed for the synthesis of functionalized phenanthridines via C(sp3)–N bond activation upon visible-light irradiation.
Towards bio-based tapered block copolymers: the behaviour of myrcene in the statistical anionic copolymerisation
Authors: Grune Eduard , Bareuther Jennifer , Blankenburg Jan , Appold Michael , Shaw Lloyd , Müller Axel H. E. , Floudas George , Hutchings Lian R. , Gallei Markus , Frey Holger
Published: January 2019

The monoterpene myrcene is a bio-based diene monomer. The statistical, living anionic copolymerization with isoprene, styrene and 4-methylstyrene leads to gradient or tapered block copolymers, studied by in-situ NMR, SAXS and TEM.
Orthogonal shortwave infrared emission based on rare earth nanoparticles for interference-free logical codes and bio-imaging
Authors: Ma By Liyi , Zhai Xuejiao , Du Gaiping , Zhou Jing
Published: January 2019

The NaErF4@NaLuF4 and NaYF4:Nd@NaLuF4 emitted orthogonal shortwave infrared (SWIR) lights, which were separated by optical filter, applied in invisible logical codes and interference-free bio-imaging.
STA-27, a porous Lewis acidic scandium MOF with an unexpected topology type prepared with 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)pyrazine
Authors: Prasad Ram R. R. , Seidner Sarah E. , Cordes David B. , Lozinska Magdalena M. , Dawson Daniel M. , Thompson Megan J. , Düren Tina , Chakarova Kristina K. , Mihaylov Mihail Y. , Hadjiivanov Konstantin I. , Hoffmann Frank , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Ashbrook Sharon E. , Clarke Matthew L. , Wright Paul A.
Published: January 2019

The scandium-based tetracarboxylate MOF STA-27, which contains a 1D rod SBU comprised of Sc2O11 dimers, is an effective Lewis acid catalyst.
Enhanced Li-ion dynamics in trivalently doped lithium phosphidosilicate Li2SiP2: a candidate material as a solid Li electrolyte
Authors: Yeandel Stephen R. , Scanlon David O. , Goddard Pooja
Published: January 2019

The ionic conductivity and diffusion pathways of the supertetrahedral lithium phosphidosilicate Li2SiP2 are studied alongside the impact of trivalent doping.
Joule heating driven infrared switching in flexible VO2 nanoparticle films with reduced energy consumption for smart windows
Authors: Shen Nan , Chen Shi , Wang Weijun , Shi Run , Chen Pengcheng , Kong Dejun , Liang Yuxing , Amini Abbas , Wang Jianbo , Cheng Chun
Published: January 2019

Hysteresis behaviour of metal–insulator transition in VO2 enables reduced energy consumption for high-performance Joule heating driven flexible smart windows.
Hollow capsules of doped carbon incorporating metal@metal sulfide and metal@metal oxide core–shell nanoparticles derived from metal–organic framework composites for efficient oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Guo Feng , Yang Hui , Liu Lingmei , Han Yu , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Nafady Ayman , Kruger Paul E. , Telfer Shane G. , Ma Shengqian
Published: January 2019

MOF nanocrystals are employed for the synthesis of doped hollow carbon electrocatalyst.
A highly integrated All-manganese battery with oxide nanoparticles supported on the cathode and anode by super-aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chen Min , Pan Zhenghui , Jin Xiaojing , Chen Zhi , Zhong Yaotang , Wang Xianshu , Qiu Yongcai , Xu Menqing , Li Weishan , Zhang Yuegang
Published: January 2019

The highly integrated all-manganese battery based on the LMN/SACNT cathode and the MnO/SACNT anode is flexible and exhibits excellent performances.
Plasma-modified C-doped Co3O4 nanosheets for the oxygen evolution reaction designed by Butler–Volmer and first-principle calculations
Authors: Xu Aoni , Dong Chaofang , Wu Angjian , Li Ruixue , Wang Li , Macdonald Digby D. , Li Xiaogang
Published: January 2019

Electrocatalysts serving in electrochemical cells differ from general chemical catalysts by way of their special double-layer structure and a rarely discussed interface potential drop as described by the Butler–Volmer (BV) equation.
Nitrogen-doped graphene encapsulated cobalt iron sulfide as an advanced electrode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Al Haj Yazan , Balamurugan Jayaraman , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: January 2019

A novel core–shell Co8FeS8@NG hybrid was synthesized through a simple, cost effective, single-step in situ hydrothermal process, exhibiting superior electrochemical performance as advanced electrode materials in solid-state supercapacitors.
Biomimetic strategy towards gelatin coatings on PET. Effect of protocol on coating stability and cell-interactive properties
Authors: Giol Elena Diana , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Unger Ronald E. , Kersemans Ken , de Vos Filip , Kirkpatrick Charles James , Dubruel Peter
Published: January 2019

The potential in vascular grafts of gelatin-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was shown herein via their coating stability, ability to promote endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and positive cyto- and endotoxicity assessments.
Partially pyridine-functionalized quantum dots for efficient red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes
Authors: Choi Sukyung , Moon Jaehyun , Cho Hyunsu , Kwon Byoung-Hwa , Cho Nam Sung , Lee Hyunkoo
Published: January 2019

Surface-exchanged, partially pyridine-functionalized colloidal quantum dot-based light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) exhibit a low turn-on voltage and high brightness.
Bisphenol-A induced oxidative stress, inflammatory gene expression, and metabolic and histopathological changes in male Wistar albino rats: protective role of boron
Authors: Acaroz Ulas , Ince Sinan , Arslan-Acaroz Damla , Gurler Zeki , Demirel Hasan Huseyin , Kucukkurt Ismail , Eryavuz Abdullah , Kara Recep , Varol Nuray , Zhu Kui
Published: January 2019

Boron reversed Bisphenol-A induced alterations.
Hard versus soft: zero-field dinuclear Dy(iii) oxygen bridged SMM and theoretical predictions of the sulfur and selenium analogues
Authors: Vignesh Kuduva R. , Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Dolinar Brian S. , Dunbar Kim R.
Published: January 2019

Structural, magnetic and CASSCF studies were used to quantify the observed magnetic behavior of two lanthanide dinuclear complexes. The effect of soft-donor atoms was probed in order to ascertain the effect of magnetic anisotropy combined with magnetic coupling in dinuclear SMMs.
Correction: Electrostatics at the nanoscale
Authors: Walker David A. , Kowalczyk Bartlomiej , de la Cruz Monica Olvera , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘Electrostatics at the nanoscale’ by David A. Walker et al., Nanoscale, 2011, 3, 1316–1344.
Metal-free alkene carbooxygenation following tandem intramolecular alkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement: stereocontrolled access to bridged [4.2.1] lactones
Authors: Li Long , Zhu Xin-Qi , Zhang Ying-Qi , Bu Hao-Zhen , Yuan Peng , Chen Jinyu , Su Jingyi , Deng Xianming , Ye Long-Wu
Published: January 2019

A metal-free intramolecular tandem sequence involving alkoxylation, Claisen rearrangement and lactone expansion has been achieved.
Treating Children With Cleft Palate: Case Examples
Authors: Wilson Kristina , Dixon Angela J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Treatment of a child with cleft palate is often complex and requires collaboration between treating speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and members of the cleft palate team. This article uses a case study format to facilitate discussion between 2 SLPs with specialty training in cleft palate speech disorders. The purpose of this article is to use a case study and response approach to facilitate a conversation that explores challenges faced and differing treatment approaches to reach the same goal of typical speech development for a child with cleft palate.

Conclusion

The discussion between the treating SLP and the responding SLP provides examples of meeting comparable goals in different ways, highlighting similarities and differences in treatment approaches, while encouraging continued conversations and community among cleft palate speech specialists.
Miniaturised tri‐band lowpass–bandpass filter using lumped‐element structure
Authors: Xu Jin , Wan Hao , Ding Jiang‐Qiao , Zhu Yin‐Xia
Published: January 2019

In this Letter, a miniaturised tri‐band lowpass–bandpass (LP‐BP) filter is proposed by using lumped‐element structure. The lowpass passband (LP) and the first bandpass passband (1‐BP) are produced by using the transmission zeros to divide a lowpass filtering response into a dual‐band LP‐BP filtering response. The second bandpass passband (2‐BP) is produced by further loading a lumped‐element circuit. As an example, an LP with 3 dB cut‐off frequency of 1 GHz, and two BPs centred at 2.45/5.2 GHz for the WLAN applications are designed. The fabricated tri‐band LP‐BP filter has low passband insertion losses of 0.08/0.69/1.38 dB, and occupies a compact circuit area of 0.055λgc × 0.063λgc.
Designing centralised and distributed system integrity protection schemes for enhanced electric grid resiliency
Authors: Ravikumar Krishnanjan Gubba , Srivastava Anurag K.
Published: January 2019

System integrity protection schemes (SIPSs) are installed at substations to preserve power system stability by preventing bottlenecks in transmission and distribution networks and improving the overall reliability. SIPSs are also referred to as remedial action schemes, emergency control systems, special protection systems, and wide‐area control schemes. Typical SIPSs have centralised computing architectures with applications to ensure reliable power system responses during transmission outages, remediate regional transmission bottlenecks caused by delays in the construction of new lines, prevent severe instability and blackouts due to faults and inadvertent disconnections, prevent line damage resulting from thermal limits, avoid voltage collapse, and protect against other critical events in the power system. This study proposes a distributed computing architecture for SIPSs, including algorithms that use DC and AC optimal power flow. The authors classify SIPS applications based on control types and propose novel algorithms for next‐generation SIPSs using synchrophasors and real‐time technology. The authors also propose testing requirements and architectures for validating SIPSs prior to field installation. Lastly, the authors share results obtained using the proposed SIPS for a transmission overload condition caused by excessive wind generation.
C band transhorizon signal characterisations in evaporation duct propagation environment over Bohai Sea of China
Authors: Guo Xiangming , Zhao Dongliang , Zhang Lijun , Wang Hongguang , Kang Shifeng , Lin Leke
Published: January 2019

Evaporation duct is an anomalous mechanism of transhorizon propagation in marine and coastal regions. In order to better understand the characteristics of signal fading, a C band signal transhorizon propagation experiment was carried out with a 107 km path length over the Bohai Sea of China. Using an iron tower with meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) sensors at multiple altitudes, a direct diagnostic method of evaporation duct is presented. The dependence of signal strength on evaporation duct height, antenna height, and METOC parameters is analysed. The experimental results indicate that the signal strength tends to be linearly dependent on the evaporation duct height when the transmitter and receiver antennas are submerged within the duct layer. Normally, the signal strength is stronger when the relative humidity is lower. Stronger signal strength tends to occur under near‐neutral or stable atmospheric conditions or when the air–sea temperature difference is higher. The results indicate that the signal strength distribution of fast fading is close to Rayleigh distribution, and the probability density of fade slope is symmetric at 0 dB/s. These results have important implications for the design of ducting communications system.
Tunable single‐mode bandpass filter based on metal–insulator–metal plasmonic coupled U‐shaped cavities
Authors: Khani Shiva , Danaie Mohammad , Rezaei Pejman
Published: January 2019

A compact plasmonic bandpass filter based on metal–insulator–metal plasmonic waveguides and a coupled U‐shaped cavity is proposed in this study. Air and silver are used as insulator and metal materials and silver is characterised by the Drude model in the simulations. By tuning the height of the designed cavity, it is found that the resonance wavelength can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, the quality factor of the designed filter can be increased by increasing the cavity numbers. One, two or three cavities can be used to generate single‐mode filters. Finally, by sweeping different structural parameters, the effect of them on transmittance spectrum is investigated. All results are obtained by the finite‐difference time domain method. The proposed structure due to its remarkable properties such as being a single‐mode filter, having a compact size, tunablity of the resonance frequency and its variable quality factor can be used in complex integrated optical structures such as demultiplexers and so on.
Implementation of a soft switching converter with series DC–DC circuits and single transformer
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren
Published: January 2019

A high efficiency converter is developed for high‐voltage input and low‐voltage output such as DC light rail vehicle, industry high power units with three‐phase AC input or bipolar DC micro‐grid system. The proposed circuit structure is constructed with series DC–DC circuits to lessen voltage rating of power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). Single transformer is employed with two primary inputs and one secondary output to lessen conduction loss on power MOSFETs and copper loss on transformer windings so that the converter efficiency is improved. Phase‐shift duty cycle control is employed to reduce switching loss on MOSFETs. Input voltages balance problem in conventional three‐level converters is overcome by using a voltage balance capacitor. The effectiveness and feasibility of the studied structure were evaluated based on 1 kW DC converter with 100 kHz switching frequency.
Language classes associated with automata over matrix groups
Authors: Salehi Özlem , D’Alessandro Flavio , Say A.C. Cem
Published: January 2019

We investigate the language classes recognized by group automata over matrix groups. For the case of 2 × 2 matrices, we prove that the corresponding group automata for rational matrix groups are more powerful than the corresponding group automata for integer matrix groups. Finite automata over some special matrix groups, such as the discrete Heisenberg group and the Baumslag-Solitar group are also examined. We also introduce the notion of time complexity for group automata and demonstrate some separations among related classes. The case of linear-time bounds is examined in detail throughout our repertory of matrix group automata.
Purchasing strategy and supply chain management, the Airbus productive system case
Authors: Mazaud Frédéric
Published: January 2019

This paper analyzes the concomitant link between the evolution of purchasing policy and the evolution of supply chain management. The duality of the mode of coordination of the suppliers depends on the relationship between the architect and the first-tier suppliers, according to the strategic degree of their competence. The contribution of this paper is to illuminate the plasticity, the adaptation of the purchasing strategy. The purchasing strategy therefore adapts to the nature of the equipment or systems outsourced, the stakes and expectations are not at all the same. The more complex the product manufactured by the subcontractor, the more the purchasing strategy will seek the mastery of a particular skill. The more standard the product, the more the purchasing strategy aims at reducing costs. The purpose of this paper is twofold. We will show, on the one hand, that there is within the same productive organization a duality of modes of coordination, On the other hand that there is an interaction between the purchasing strategy and these different modes of coordination.
Impact of carbon emission on imperfect production inventory system with advance payment base free transportation
Authors: Manna Amalesh Kumar , Das Barun , Tiwari Sunil
Published: January 2019

Most of the works in EPQ model considered that retailer’s purchasing cost of an order should be paid to the manufacturer at the time of its delivering. In the real world situations, few manufacturers may be expect to receive full or a fraction of the purchasing cost in advance and sometimes allow to prepayment into several equal instalments. Also, in classical inventory models it is assumed that no defective items are produced, but real production process may shift from in-control state to out-of-control state due to occurrence of some assignable causes, which results in the quality loss of items. To make the study more realistic, we develop an imperfect production inventory model that incorporates random carbon emissions under consecutive prepayments. Also, production processes are assumed to be imperfect, so they can produce some defective items and some portion of them are reworked in the same cycle. In addition, it is assumed that manufacturer offers an advanced payment based free transportation to the retailer. Carbon emissions are associated with the decisions of production and transportation from manufacturer to retailer. A carbon emission tax is need to pay by the manufacturer due to the environmental regulations. Numerical examples illustrate the proposed models and sensitivity analysis provides some managerial insights for managers.
Präklinische Bewertung von Intraokularlinsen durch simulierte Implantation
Authors: Gerlach Mario , Guthoff Rudolf , Stachs Oliver , Bohn Sebastian , Sperlich Karsten
Published: January 2019

Die Entwicklung neuer optischer Designs für Intraokularlinsen (IOL) ist eine große Herausforderung für die Linsenhersteller, da die postoperative Patientenzufriedenheit mit neuen Konzepten a priori schwer abzuschätzen ist. Bislang werden dazu invasive klinische Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Im Gegensatz dazu erlaubt die simulierte Implantation von IOLs eine risikofreie Bestimmung der erreichbaren Sehleistungen und eine subjektive Bewertung des Seheindrucks neuer optischer Konzepte. Für die Intraokularlinsenhersteller schafft dies die Möglichkeit, während der Entwicklung und Optimierung von neuartigen Linsendesigns einerseits die subjektive Wahrnehmung von Probanden zu berücksichtigen und andererseits schon vor der ersten Implantation vergleichende Leistungsuntersuchungen mit bekannten Produkten durchzuführen. Mittels simulierter Implantation können subjektiv optimierte IOLs zu einer besseren postoperativen Sehqualität für die Patienten führen und das Risiko einer kostenintensiven Entwicklung von Produkten mit klinisch nicht akzeptablen visuellen Wahrnehmungsleistungen, beispielsweise durch optische Nebeneffekte, minimieren. Die Anwendung der simulierten Implantation während der präoperativen Patientenkonsultation kann die Ermittlung der subjektiven Sehpräferenzen der Patienten und eine darauf zielgerichtete IOL-Auswahlempfehlung ermöglichen. Neben der verbesserten Auswahlmöglichkeit aus einem bestehenden IOL-Portfolio könnten IOL-Hersteller auch individualisierte, multifokale IOLs anbieten, die dem zuvor erhobenen Präferenzmuster der Patienten entsprechen. Dieser Artikel erläutert die technischen Hintergründe und Anwendungsszenarien der simulierten Implantation und stellt aktuelle Verfahren und Geräte vor.
Konzeptionelle Grundlagen der Bewegungstherapie in der medizinischen Rehabilitation: Ergebnisse einer bundesweiten Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Deprins Judith , Geidl Wolfgang , Streber René , Pfeifer Klaus , Sudeck Gorden
Published: January 2019

Ziel Dieser Beitrag zielt auf bundesweite Informationen über inhaltlich-konzeptionelle Merkmale der Bewegungstherapie in der medizinischen Rehabilitation. Er bearbeitet die Fragestellung, in welchem Maße sich diese Merkmale in Abhängigkeit von Erkrankungsbereichen sowie strukturellen Merkmalen von Reha-Einrichtungen unterscheiden.

Methodik In einer bundesweiten Querschnittsstudie wurden 1146 Einrichtungen aus dem gesamten Erkrankungsspektrum angeschrieben, um bewegungstherapeutische Leitungspersonen pseudonymisiert für eine schriftliche Befragung zu rekrutieren.

Ergebnisse Für die Auswertungen konnten 713 Fragebogen aus 529 Einrichtungen herangezogen werden. Varianzanalytische Vergleiche der Erkrankungsbereiche ergaben deutliche Unterschiede in den Einschätzungen der Beeinflussbarkeit von Ausgangsbedingungen der Rehabilitanden sowie der Bedeutsamkeit bewegungstherapeutischer Inhalte. Zur weiteren Varianzaufklärung trugen zudem strukturelle Merkmale der Einrichtungen bei.

Schlussfolgerung Es zeigt sich eine Vielfalt bewegungstherapeutischer inhaltlich-konzeptioneller Ausrichtungen. Neben erkrankungsspezifischen Unterschieden verbleiben erhebliche Varianzen, die auf Unterschiede zwischen Einrichtungen innerhalb eines Erkrankungsbereichs hindeuten.
Polarization controlled photovoltaic and self-powered photodetector characteristics in Pb-free ferroelectric thin film
Authors: Swain Atal Bihari , Rath Martando , Biswas Pranab Parimal , Rao M. S. Ramachandra , Murugavel P.
Published: January 2019

Ferroelectrics are considered next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials. In this work, a switchable and large PV effect is demonstrated in a Pb-free ferroelectric 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT-BCT) thin film fabricated by a pulsed laser deposition technique. The material shows a remarkable PV output of 0.81 V due to its morphotropic phase boundary composition. The observed PV effect is analyzed on the basis of the interfacial Schottky barrier and bulk depolarization field. The poling dependent PV studies revealed that although the Schottky and depolarization field contribute to the PV effect, the latter dominates the PV response beyond the coercive field. Additionally, the importance of this compound in the field of a self-biased photodetector is elucidated in terms of calculated photodetector parameters such as responsivity and detectivity. The explored results will bring significant advancement in the field of ferroelectric PV, UV solid state detector applications and also give an additional dimension to the multifunctional ability of the BZT-BCT system.
Distribution of Australian private dental practices: contributing underlining sociodemographics in the maldistribution of the dental workforce
Authors: Graham Bree , Tennant Marc , Shiikha Yulia , Kruger Estie
Published: January 2019

The vast distances across Australia and the uneven population distribution form a challenging environment in providing the population with health and dental care. The Australian dental workforce distribution was analysed by using statistics from the open Census source available on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website. This study aimed to construct a detailed analysis of the large differences in the practice-to-population (PtP) ratios across Australia, as well as the effect of maldistribution for rural and remote areas, where economics plays an important role. The national Census data at the level of Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) (approximating suburbs) from 2011 was integrated with the location of all private dental practices in Australia (collected in late 2015) using modern geographic tools. All private dental practice (n=7597) location coordinates were mapped nationwide, across 2157 statistical areas. The population in Australia without a dental practice in their area was 31.6%. The PtP ratio differed from one practice per 40 people to one practice per 27773 people. The nationwide calculation of the PtP ratio shines light on issues about the dental workforce. The study results confirmed the uneven distribution of dental practices in rural and remote areas and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
SKO1 deficiency extends chronological lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Masumura Koji , Matsukami Sachi , Yonekita Kumiko , Kanai Muneyoshi , Kume Kazunori , Hirata Dai , Mizunuma Masaki
Published: January 2019

Sko1 plays a key role in the control of gene expression by osmotic and oxidative stress in yeast. We demonstrate that the decrease in chronological lifespan (CLS) of hog1Δ cells was suppressed by SKO1 deletion. sko1Δ single mutant cells were shown to have a longer CLS, thus implicating Sko1 in the regulation of their CLS.
Numerical optimisation of laser assisted friction stir welding of structural steel
Authors: Ahmad Bilal , Galloway Alexander , Toumpis Athanasios
Published: January 2019

Significant progress has been made on the implementation of friction stir welding (FSW) in the industry for aluminium alloys. However, steel FSW and other high-temperature alloys is still the subject of considerable research, mainly because of the short life and high cost of the FSW tool. Different auxiliary energies have been considered as a means of optimising the FSW process and reducing the forces on the tool during the plunge and traverse stages, but numerical studies on steel are particularly limited. Building on the state-of-art, laser-assisted steel FSW has been numerically developed and analysed as a viable process amendment. Laser-assisted FSW increased the traverse speed up to 1500 mm min−1, significantly higher than conventional steel FSW. The application of laser assistance with a distance of 20 mm from the rotating tool reduced the reaction force on the tool probe tip up to 55% when compared to standard FSW.