bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oleate but not stearate induces the regulatory phenotype of myeloid suppressor cells
Authors: Wu Hao , Weidinger Carl , Schmidt Franziska , Keye Jacqueline , Friedrich Marie , Yerinde Cansu , Willimsky Gerald , Qin Zhihai , Siegmund Britta , Glauben Rainer
Published: August 2017

Tumor infiltrating myeloid cells play contradictory roles in the tumor development. Dendritic cells and classical activated macrophages support anti-tumor immune activity via antigen presentation and induction of pro-inflammatory immune responses. Myeloid suppressor cells (MSCs), for instance myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) or tumor associated macrophages play a critical role in tumor growth. Here, treatment with sodium oleate, an unsaturated fatty acid, induced a regulatory phenotype in the myeloid suppressor cell line MSC-2 and resulted in an increased suppression of activated T cells, paralleled by increased intracellular lipid droplets formation. Furthermore, sodium oleate potentiated nitric oxide (NO) production in MSC-2, thereby increasing their suppressive capacity. In primary polarized bone marrow cells, sodium oleate (C18:1) and linoleate (C18:2), but not stearate (C18:0) were identified as potent FFA to induce a regulatory phenotype. This effect was abrogated in MSC-2 as well as primary cells by specific inhibition of droplets formation while the inhibition of de novo FFA synthesis proved ineffective, suggesting a critical role for exogenous FFA in the functional induction of MSCs. Taken together our data introduce a new unsaturated fatty acid-dependent pathway shaping the functional phenotype of MSCs, facilitating the tumor escape from the immune system.
Asynchronous pulse responses of soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization to rewetting events at a short-term: Regulation by microbes
Authors: Song Xiaoli , Zhu Jianxing , He Nianpeng , Huang Jianhui , Tian Jing , Zhao Xiang , Liu Yuan , Wang Changhui
Published: August 2017

Rewetting after precipitation events plays an important role in regulating soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) turnover processes in arid and semiarid ecosystems. Here, we conducted a 48-h rewetting simulation experiment with measurements of soil C and N mineralization rates (RC and RN, respectively) and microbial biomass N (MBN) at high temporal resolution to explore the pulse responses of R
C
and RN. RC and RN responded strongly and rapidly to rewetting over the short term. The maximum RC value (because of pulse effects) ranged from 16.53 to 19.33 µg C gsoil−1 h−1, observed 10 min after rewetting. The maximum RN varied from 22.86 to 40.87 µg N gsoil−1 h−1, appearing 5–6 h after rewetting. The responses of soil microbial growth to rewetting were rapid, and the maximum MBN was observed 2–3 h after rewetting. Unexpectedly, there was no correlation between RC, RN, and MBN during the process of rewetting, and RC and RN were uncoupled. In sum, the pulse responses of RC, RN, and microbial growth to simulated rewetting were rapid, strong, and asynchronous, which offers insights into the different responses of microbes to rewetting and mechanisms behind microbes.
Spiral Form of the Human Cochlea Results from Spatial Constraints
Authors: Pietsch M. , Aguirre Dávila L. , Erfurt P. , Avci E. , Lenarz T. , Kral A.
Published: August 2017

The human inner ear has an intricate spiral shape often compared to shells of mollusks, particularly to the nautilus shell. It has inspired many functional hearing theories. The reasons for this complex geometry remain unresolved. We digitized 138 human cochleae at microscopic resolution and observed an astonishing interindividual variability in the shape. A 3D analytical cochlear model was developed that fits the analyzed data with high precision. The cochlear geometry neither matched a proposed function, namely sound focusing similar to a whispering gallery, nor did it have the form of a nautilus. Instead, the innate cochlear blueprint and its actual ontogenetic variants were determined by spatial constraints and resulted from an efficient packing of the cochlear duct within the petrous bone. The analytical model predicts well the individual 3D cochlear geometry from few clinical measures and represents a clinical tool for an individualized approach to neurosensory restoration with cochlear implants.
Group association and vocal behaviour during foraging trips in Gentoo penguins
Authors: Choi Noori , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Kokubun Nobuo , Park Seongseop , Chung Hosung , Lee Won Young
Published: August 2017

In contrast to their terrestrial call, the offshore call of penguins during their foraging trips has been poorly studied due to the inaccessibility of the foraging site—the open ocean—to researchers. Here, we present the first description of the vocal behaviour of penguins in the open ocean and discuss the function of their vocal communication. We deployed an animal-borne camera on gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) and recorded their foraging behaviour during chick guarding. From the video recordings, we collected 598 offshore calls from 10 individuals in two breeding seasons (2014–2015 and 2015–2016), and we analysed the acoustic characteristics and behavioural contexts of these calls, including diving patterns, group association events, and foraging behaviour. The offshore calls varied in their dominant frequency and length, and penguins produced calls of different lengths in succession. Group associations were observed within one minute following an offshore call in almost half of the instances (43.18%). Penguins undertook dives of shallower depths and shorter durations after producing an offshore call than those before producing an offshore call. Our findings show that penguins may use vocal communication in the ocean related with group association during foraging trips.
Double-stranded RNA induces chicken T-cell lymphoma apoptosis by TRIF and NF-κB
Authors: Zou Haitao , Su Ruixue , Ruan Jing , Shao Hongxia , Qian Kun , Ye Jianqiang , Yao Yongxiu , Nair Venugopal , Qin Aijian
Published: August 2017

Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3), a member of the pathogen recognition receptor family, has been reported to activate immune response and to exhibit pro-apoptotic activity against some tumor cells. However it is unclear whether TLR3 has same function against chicken lymphoma. In this paper we investigated the effect of TLR3 activation on a Marek’s disease lymphoma-derived chicken cell line, MDCC-MSB1. The TLR3 agonist poly (I:C) activated TLR3 pathway and inhibited tumor cells proliferation through caspase-dependent apoptosis. Using pharmacological approaches, we found that an interferon-independent mechanism involving Toll-IL-1-receptor domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-α (TRIF) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) causes the apoptosis of MDCC-MSB1 cells. This is the first report about the function of TLR3 in chicken T-cell lymphoma, especially in signal pathway. The mechanisms underlying TLR3-mediated apoptosis may contribute to the development of new drug to treat lymphomas and oncovirus infections.
Small molecule-mediated tribbles homolog 3 promotes bone formation induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2
Authors: Fan Jiabing , Pi-Anfruns Joan , Guo Mian , Im Dan C. S. , Cui Zhong-Kai , Kim Soyon , Wu Benjamin M. , Aghaloo Tara L. , Lee Min
Published: August 2017

Although bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) has demonstrated extraordinary potential in bone formation, its clinical applications require supraphysiological milligram-level doses that increase postoperative inflammation and inappropriate adipogenesis, resulting in well-documented life-threatening cervical swelling and cyst-like bone formation. Recent promising alternative biomolecular strategies are toward promoting pro-osteogenic activity of BMP2 while simultaneously suppressing its adverse effects. Here, we demonstrated that small molecular phenamil synergized osteogenesis and bone formation with BMP2 in a rat critical size mandibular defect model. Moreover, we successfully elicited the BMP2 adverse outcomes (i.e. adipogenesis and inflammation) in the mandibular defect by applying high dose BMP2. Phenamil treatment significantly improves the quality of newly formed bone by inhibiting BMP2 induced fatty cyst-like structure and inflammatory soft-tissue swelling. The observed positive phenamil effects were associated with upregulation of tribbles homolog 3 (Trib3) that suppressed adipogenic differentiation and inflammatory responses by negatively regulating PPARγ and NF-κB transcriptional activities. Thus, use of BMP2 along with phenamil stimulation or Trib3 augmentation may be a promising strategy to improve clinical efficacy and safety of current BMP therapeutics.
Extreme absorption enhancement in ZnTe:O/ZnO intermediate band core-shell nanowires by interplay of dielectric resonance and plasmonic bowtie nanoantennas
Authors: Nie Kui-Ying , Li Jing , Chen Xuanhu , Xu Yang , Tu Xuecou , Ren Fang-Fang , Du Qingguo , Fu Lan , Kang Lin , Tang Kun , Gu Shulin , Zhang Rong , Wu Peiheng , Zheng Youdou , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Ye Jiandong
Published: August 2017

Intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) are conceptual and promising for next generation high efficiency photovoltaic devices, whereas, IB impact on the cell performance is still marginal due to the weak absorption of IB states. Here a rational design of a hybrid structure composed of ZnTe:O/ZnO core-shell nanowires (NWs) with Al bowtie nanoantennas is demonstrated to exhibit strong ability in tuning and enhancing broadband light response. The optimized nanowire dimensions enable absorption enhancement by engineering leaky-mode dielectric resonances. It maximizes the overlap of the absorption spectrum and the optical transitions in ZnTe:O intermediate-band (IB) photovoltaic materials, as verified by the enhanced photoresponse especially for IB states in an individual nanowire device. Furthermore, by integrating Al bowtie antennas, the enhanced exciton-plasmon coupling enables the notable improvement in the absorption of ZnTe:O/ZnO core-shell single NW, which was demonstrated by the profound enhancement of photoluminescence and resonant Raman scattering. The marriage of dielectric and metallic resonance effects in subwavelength-scale nanowires opens up new avenues for overcoming the poor absorption of sub-gap photons by IB states in ZnTe:O to achieve high-efficiency IBSCs.
Impact of minocycline on vascularization and visual function in an immature mouse model of ischemic retinopathy
Authors: Xu Wenqin , Yin Jie , Sun Lijuan , Hu Zhicha , Dou Guorui , Zhang Zifeng , Wang Haiyan , Guo Changmei , Wang Yusheng
Published: August 2017

The role of microglia in the pathophysiology of ischemic retinal diseases has been extensively studied. Retinal microglial activation may be correlated with retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), an animal model that has been widely used in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) research. Minocycline is an antibiotic that decreases microglial activation following hyperoxic and hypoxic-ischemic phases in neonatal rodents. Here, we investigated the effects of minocycline on vascularization and visual function. In our results, we found that after the administration of minocycline, microglial reactivity was reduced in the retina, which was accompanied by an increase in the avascular area at P12, P14 and P17. Although microglial reactivity was reduced at P17, minocycline treatment did not attenuate retinal neovascularization. A changing trend in microglial number was observed, and the apoptosis and proliferation states on different days partly contributed to this change. Further study also revealed that although minocycline downregulated the levels of proinflammatory factors, visual function appeared to be significantly worsened. Collectively, we demonstrated that minocycline disturbed the physiological vascularization of the avascular area and exacerbated visual dysfunction, indicating that minocycline may not be an effective drug and may even be detrimental for the treatment of ischemic retinopathy in immature mammals.
Hypoxia impairs agonist-induced integrin αIIbβ3 activation and platelet aggregation
Authors: Kiouptsi Klytaimnistra , Gambaryan Stepan , Walter Elena , Walter Ulrich , Jurk Kerstin , Reinhardt Christoph
Published: August 2017

Under ischemic conditions, tissues are exposed to hypoxia. Although human physiology, to a certain extent, can adapt to hypoxic conditions, the impact of low oxygen levels on platelet function is unresolved. Therefore, we explored how reduction of atmospheric oxygen levels to 1% might affect agonist-induced aggregation and static adhesion of isolated human platelets. We uncovered that isolated, washed human platelets exposed to hypoxic conditions show reduced thrombin receptor-activating peptide-6 (TRAP-6) and convulxin-induced aggregation. Of note, this hypoxia-triggered effect was not observed in platelet-rich plasma. Independent of the agonist used (TRAP-6, ADP), activation of the platelet fibrinogen receptor integrin αIIbβ3 (GPIIbIIIa, CD41/CD61) was strongly reduced at 1% and 8% oxygen. The difference in agonist-induced integrin αIIbβ3 activation was apparent within 5 minutes of stimulation. Following hypoxia, re-oxygenation resulted in the recovery of integrin αIIbβ3 activation. Importantly, platelet secretion was not impaired by hypoxia. Static adhesion experiments revealed decreased platelet deposition to fibrinogen coatings, but not to collagen or vitronectin coatings, indicating that specifically the function of the integrin subunit αIIb is impaired by exposure of platelets to reduced oxygen levels. Our results reveal an unexpected effect of oxygen deprivation on platelet aggregation mediated by the fibrinogen receptor integrin αIIbβ3.
Penetration depth and nonlocal manipulation of quantum spin hall edge states in chiral honeycomb nanoribbons
Authors: Xu Yong , Uddin Salah , Wang Jun , Wu Jiansheng , Liu Jun-Feng
Published: August 2017

We have studied numerically the penetration depth of quantum spin hall edge states in chiral honeycomb nanoribbons based on the Green’s function method. The changing of edge orientation from armchair to zigzag direction decreases the penetration depth drastically. The penetration depth is used to estimate the gap opened for the finite-size effect. Beside this, we also proposed a nonlocal transistor based on the zigzag-like chiral ribbons in which the current is carried at one edge and the manipulation is by the edge magnetization at the other edge. The difficulty that the edge magnetization is unstable in the presence of a ballistic current can be removed by this nonlocal manipulation.
Adenoviral E4 34K protein interacts with virus packaging components and may serve as the putative portal
Authors: Ahi Yadvinder S. , Hassan Ahmed O. , Vemula Sai V. , Li Kunpeng , Jiang Wen , Zhang Guang Jun , Mittal Suresh K.
Published: August 2017

Studies on dsDNA bacteriophages have revealed that a DNA packaging complex assembles at a special vertex called the ‘portal vertex’ and consists of a portal, a DNA packaging ATPase and other components. AdV protein IVa2 is presumed to function as a DNA packaging ATPase. However, a protein that functions as a portal is not yet identified in AdVs. To identify the AdV portal, we performed secondary structure analysis on a set of AdV proteins and compared them with the clip region of the portal proteins of bacteriophages phi29, SPP1 and T4. Our analysis revealed that the E4 34K protein of HAdV-C5 contains a region of strong similarity with the clip region of the known portal proteins. E4 34K was found to be present in empty as well as mature AdV particles. In addition, E4 34K co-immunoprecipitates and colocalizes with AdV packaging proteins. Immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that E4 34K is located at a single site on the virus surface. Finally, tertiary structure prediction of E4 34K and its comparison with that of single subunits of Phi29, SPP1 and T4 portal proteins revealed remarkable similarity. In conclusion, our results suggest that E4 34K is the putative AdV portal protein.
Interocularly merged face percepts eliminate binocular rivalry
Authors: Klink P. Christiaan , Boucherie Daphne , Denys Damiaan , Roelfsema Pieter R. , Self Matthew W.
Published: August 2017

Faces are important visual objects for humans and other social animals. A complex network of specialized brain areas is involved in the recognition and interpretation of faces. This network needs to strike a balance between being sensitive enough to distinguish between different faces with similar features, and being tolerant of low-level visual changes so that a given face is stably perceived as a particular individual. Such stability may require feedback from higher brain regions down to the level where details are represented. Here, we describe a phenomenon in which interocular competition between face features is stabilized and eliminated when observers attend high-level face characteristics. Two different face images presented to the individual eyes do not cause the perceptual fluctuations that are typically observed in binocular rivalry. Instead, they merge into a stable percept of an intermediate face that combines features from both eyes’ images. The stability of the intermediate face percept depends on the observer attending holistic face properties such as identity or gender. It disappears when observers explicitly attend facial features, suggesting a crucial role of top-down stabilizing feedback from high-level areas that represent holistic faces back to lower processing levels where detailed face features compete for conscious representation.
A DNA-centered explanation of the DNA polymerase translocation mechanism
Authors: Arias-Gonzalez J. Ricardo
Published: August 2017

DNA polymerase couples chemical energy to translocation along a DNA template with a specific directionality while it replicates genetic information. According to single-molecule manipulation experiments, the polymerase-DNA complex can work against loads greater than 50 pN. It is not known, on the one hand, how chemical energy is transduced into mechanical motion, accounting for such large forces on sub-nanometer steps, and, on the other hand, how energy consumption in fidelity maintenance integrates in this non-equilibrium cycle. Here, we propose a translocation mechanism that points to the flexibility of the DNA, including its overstretching transition, as the principal responsible for the DNA polymerase ratcheting motion. By using thermodynamic analyses, we then find that an external load hardly affects the fidelity of the copying process and, consequently, that translocation and fidelity maintenance are loosely coupled processes. The proposed translocation mechanism is compatible with single-molecule experiments, structural data and stereochemical details of the DNA-protein complex that is formed during replication, and may be extended to RNA transcription.
iTRAQ and virus-induced gene silencing revealed three proteins involved in cold response in bread wheat
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhang Lingran , Zhao Lei , Ren Yan , Cui Dangqun , Chen Jianhui , Wang Yongyan , Yu Pengbo , Chen Feng
Published: August 2017

By comparing the differentially accumulated proteins from the derivatives (UC 1110 × PI 610750) in the F10 recombinant inbred line population which differed in cold-tolerance, altogether 223 proteins with significantly altered abundance were identified. The comparison of 10 cold-sensitive descendant lines with 10 cold-tolerant descendant lines identified 140 proteins that showed decreased protein abundance, such as the components of the photosynthesis apparatus and cell-wall metabolism. The identified proteins were classified into the following main groups: protein metabolism, stress/defense, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, sulfur metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, RNA metabolism, energy production, cell-wall metabolism, membrane and transportation, and signal transduction. Results of quantitative real-time PCR of 20 differentially accumulated proteins indicated that the transcriptional expression patterns of 10 genes were consistent with their protein expression models. Virus-induced gene silencing of Hsp90, BBI, and REP14 genes indicated that virus-silenced plants subjected to cold stress had more severe drooping and wilting, an increased rate of relative electrolyte leakage, and reduced relative water content compared to viral control plants. Furthermore, ultrastructural changes of virus-silenced plants were destroyed more severely than those of viral control plants. These results indicate that Hsp90, BBI, and REP14 potentially play vital roles in conferring cold tolerance in bread wheat.
Cross-scale habitat structure driven by coral species composition on tropical reefs
Authors: Richardson Laura E. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Hoey Andrew S.
Published: August 2017

The availability of habitat structure across spatial scales can determine ecological organization and resilience. However, anthropogenic disturbances are altering the abundance and composition of habitat-forming organisms. How such shifts in the composition of these organisms alter the physical structure of habitats across ecologically important scales remains unclear. At a time of unprecedented coral loss and homogenization of coral assemblages globally, we investigate the inherent structural complexity of taxonomically distinct reefs, across five ecologically relevant scales of measurement (4–64 cm). We show that structural complexity was influenced by coral species composition, and was not a simple function of coral cover on the studied reefs. However, inter-habitat variation in structural complexity changed with scale. Importantly, the scales at which habitat structure was available also varied among habitats. Complexity at the smallest, most vulnerable scale (4 cm) varied the most among habitats, which could have inferences for as much as half of all reef fishes which are small-bodied and refuge dependent for much of their lives. As disturbances continue and species shifts persist, the future of these ecosystems may rely on a greater concern for the composition of habitat-building species and prioritization of particular configurations for protection of maximal cross-scale habitat structural complexity.
The Prognostic Value of Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Wei , He Jun-chuang , Yang Yan , Wang Jian-ming , Qian Ya-wei , Yang Tao , Ji Lei
Published: August 2017

Previous clinical studies have found that the levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) significantly correlated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, these conclusions and data remain controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prognostic value and clinical utilization of TILs in patients with HCC. A total of 23 relevant studies of 3173 patients were included into our meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that high levels of CD8+and CD3+TILs had a better prognostic value on overall survival (OS), with HRs of 0.71 (P = 0.04) and 0.63 (P = 0.03), respectively, compared to low levels, as did high levels of CD8+, CD3+and CD4+TILs on disease/recurrence-free survival (DFS/RFS), with HRs of 0.66 (P = 0.01), 0.60 (P = 0.01) and 0.79 (P = 0.04), respectively. In contrast, high levels of FoxP3+TILs had a worse prognostic value on OS and DFS/RFS, with HRs of 2.06 (P < 0.00001) and 1.77 (P < 0.00001), respectively. The FoxP3+/CD4+and FoxP3+/CD8+ratios negatively correlated with OS and DFS/RFS. These findings suggest that TILs may serve as a prognostic biomarker in HCC. However, further research should be performed to clarify the clinical value of TILs in HCC.
Emergence of a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis stG62647-lineage associated with severe clinical manifestations
Authors: Oppegaard Oddvar , Mylvaganam Haima , Skrede Steinar , Lindemann Paul Christoffer , Kittang Bård Reiakvam
Published: August 2017

Increasing incidence rates of invasive Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) infections have been reported worldwide, but the evolutionary mechanisms underlying this development remain elusive. Through prospective surveillance of invasive SDSE infections in western Norway, we observed the emergence of a novel and virulent SDSE genotype, stG62647. This emm-type, rarely encountered as a cause of invasive disease during 1999–2012, emerged in 2013 as the predominant SDSE-genotype. The stG62647-infections were associated with an aggressive clinical course, including the occurrence of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing soft-tissue infections and endocarditis. All the invasive stG62647-isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing, attempting to explore the genetic events underpinning its epidemicity. Although 10% of the genomes was unique for stG62647-genotype, notably 18 out of 19 isolates contained a disrupted streptococcal invasive locus (sil) due to the insertion of a transposase, IS1548, into the silB-gene. We postulate that the virulence of stG6267-isolates could be partly attributable to the abrogation of the attenuating control normally exerted by this regulon, although experimental verification was not performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study employing large scale whole genome sequencing to illuminate the genetic landscape of epidemic lineages in SDSE.
Characterization of C-terminal structure of MinC and its implication in evolution of bacterial cell division
Authors: Yang Shaoyuan , Shen Qingya , Wang Shu , Song Chen , Lei Zhen , Han Shengnan , Zhang Xiaoying , Zheng Jimin , Jia Zongchao
Published: August 2017

Proper cell division at the mid-site of Gram-negative bacteria reflects stringent regulation by the min system (MinC, MinD and MinE). Herein we report crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of MinC from Escherichia coli (EcMinCCTD). The MinCCTD beta helical domain is engaged in a tight homodimer, similar to Thermotoga maritima MinCCTD (TmMinCCTD). However, both EcMinCCTD and TmMinCCTD lack an α-helix (helix3) at their C-terminal tail, in comparison to Aquifex aerolicu MinCCTD (AaMinCCTD) which forms an extra interaction interface with MinD. To understand the role of this extra binding element in MinC/MinD interactions, we fused this helix (Aahelix3) to the C-terminus of EcMinC and examined its effect on cell morphology and cell growth. Our results revealed that Aahelix3 impaired normal cell division in vivo. Furthermore, results of a co-pelleting assay and binding free energy calculation suggested that Aahelix3 plays an essential role in AaMinCD complex formation, under the circumstance of lacking MinE in A. aerolicu. Combining these results with sequence analysis of MinC and MinD in different organisms, we propose an evolutionary relationship to rationalize different mechanisms in cell division positioning in various organisms.
Precise control of the size of zeolite B-ZSM-5 based on seed surface crystallization
Authors: Dai Chengyi , Li Junjie , Zhang Anfeng , Nie Changhong , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: August 2017

A unified functionD3=d3D03/[xD03+ (1 −x)d3] is established to precise control and predict the particle size of B-ZSM-5 from 153 nm to 14.2 μm in the TPABr and/or TPAOH synthetic systems.
Modified QuEChERS as a novel sample preparation method for analysis of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in shampoo by high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Abedi Ghazaleh , Talebpour Zahra
Published: August 2017

This study sought to develop a novel method for the trace analysis ofN-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) in shampoos inspired by a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction, followed by an RP-HPLC method with a water-rich mobile phase.
The basicity analysis of sintered ore using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with random forest regression (RFR)
Authors: Yang Guang , Han Xu , Wang Chenghao , Ding Yu , Liu Ke , Tian Di , Yao Li
Published: August 2017

The basicity of sintered ore, which is related to the melting point of the sinter, is vital to ore mining and blast-furnace smelting.
A novel three-dimensional DNA nanostructure used for thrombin detection
Authors: Shu Huawei , Mei He , Gu Jinxin , Yang Yongbin , Chen Baoguang , Huang Ling , Wang Qun , Chen Xiaodong , Li Dong , Gao Jimin
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of thrombin with high sensitivity is proposed.
Highly stable and efficient Pd6(SR)12 cluster catalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Gao Xiaohui , Chen Wei
Published: August 2017

Atomically precise Pd6(SC12H26)12 sub-nanometre sized clusters are synthesized and they show high electrocatalytic activities for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
Dissecting the chloride–nitrate anion transport assay
Authors: Yang Yufeng , Wu Xin , Busschaert Nathalie , Furuta Hiroyuki , Gale Philip A.
Published: August 2017

The chloride/nitrate selectivity of anion transporters in both binding and membrane transport is examined revealing the limitations of chloride–nitrate anion exchange assay.
Exceptional high selectivity of hydrogen/methane separation on a phosphonate-based MOF membrane with exclusion of methane molecules
Authors: Yang Qipeng , Li Liangjun , Tan Weiqiang , Sun Yingjie , Wang Huanli , Ma Jiping , Zhao Xuebo
Published: August 2017

A phosphonate-based metal–organic framework membrane was constructed on a porous anodic alumina membrane (PAAM) substrate for H2/CH4 separation for the first time.
One-step exfoliation of ultra-smooth β-Ga2O3 wafers from bulk crystal for photodetectors
Authors: Mu Wenxiang , Jia Zhitai , Yin Yanru , Hu Qiangqiang , Zhang Jian , Feng Qian , Hao Yue , Tao Xutang
Published: August 2017

High-quality bulk β-Ga2O3 single crystals have been grown by optimized edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) method.
The role of van der Waals and exchange interactions in high-pressure solid hydrogen
Authors: Azadi Sam , Ackland Graeme J.
Published: August 2017

Our study of the van der Waals interactions in solid molecular hydrogen structures indicates two candidates for phase III.
Unprecedented solvent induced inter-conversion between monomeric and dimeric silylene–zinc iodide adducts
Authors: Yadav Sandeep , Sangtani Ekta , Dhawan Diksha , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Ghosh Debashree , Sen Sakya S.
Published: August 2017

The reaction of silylene [PhC(NtBu)2SiN(SiMe3)2] with ZnI2leads to both monomeric [PhC(NtBu)2Si{N(SiMe3)2} → ZnI2]·THF (1) and dimeric [PhC(NtBu)2Si{N(SiMe3)2} → ZnI2]2(2) adducts which are inter-convertible.
A hydroboration route to geminal P/B frustrated Lewis pairs with a bulky secondary phosphane component and their reaction with carbon dioxide
Authors: Jian Zhongbao , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Wibbeling Birgit , Erker Gerhard
Published: August 2017

The hydroboration of a secondary alkynyl phosphane gives a geminal P/B frustrated Lewis pair that reacts with carbon dioxide.
Phonon-glass electron-crystal behaviour by A site disorder in n-type thermoelectric oxides
Authors: Daniels L. M. , Savvin S. N. , Pitcher M. J. , Dyer M. S. , Claridge J. B. , Ling S. , Slater B. , Corà F. , Alaria J. , Rosseinsky M. J.
Published: August 2017

Phonon-glass electron-crystal (PGEC) behaviour is realised in La0.5Na0.5Ti1–xNbxO3 thermoelectric oxides.
Source tracing of natural organic matter bound mercury in boreal forest runoff with mercury stable isotopes
Authors: Jiskra Martin , Wiederhold Jan G. , Skyllberg Ulf , Kronberg Rose-Marie , Kretzschmar Ruben
Published: August 2017

Terrestrial runoff represents a major source of mercury (Hg) to aquatic ecosystems.
A straightforward thiol–ene click reaction to modify lignocellulosic scaffolds in water
Authors: Kostić S. , Berg J. K. , Casdorff K. , Merk V. , Burgert I. , Cabane E.
Published: August 2017

A cost-effective approach to functionalize lignocellulosic material is presented: cyclodextrin catalyzed thiol–ene click reaction in water.
A microfluidic flow cytometer enabling absolute quantification of single-cell intracellular proteins
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Fan Beiyuan , Cao Shanshan , Chen Deyong , Zhao Xiaoting , Men Dong , Yue Wentao , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a constriction channel based microfluidic flow cytometer enabling absolute quantification of single-cell intracellular proteins.
A cross-platform metabolomics workflow for volume-restricted tissue samples: application to an animal model for polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Sánchez-López E. , Happé H. , Steenvoorden E. , Crego A. L. , Marina M. L. , Peters D. J. M. , Mayboroda O. A.
Published: August 2017

Metabolic profiling provides an unbiased view of the physiological status of an organism as a “function” of the metabolic composition of a measured sample.
A DNA bipedal nanowalker with a piston-like expulsion stroke
Authors: Yeo Q. Y. , Loh I. Y. , Tee S. R. , Chiang Y. H. , Cheng J. , Liu M. H. , Wang Z. S.
Published: August 2017

A light-powered expulsion stroke drives a hand-over-hand nanowalker.
Flexible and integrated supercapacitor with tunable energy storage
Authors: Shao Changxiang , Xu Tong , Gao Jian , Liang Yuan , Zhao Yang , Qu Liangti
Published: August 2017

A flexible integrated foam-like graphene based supercapacitor with tunable energy storage was fabricatedviaa laser direct writing strategy.
Biofouling formation and structure on original and modified PVDF membranes: role of microbial species and membrane properties
Authors: Zhao Guili , Chen Wei Ning
Published: August 2017

The finding confirmed that the membrane hydrophilicity affected the formation of biofouling. The microbial species also played an essential role in the formation and structure of biofilms as the species affected each other's adhesion behavior.
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of PEGylated first-row transition metal ferrite nanoparticles as T2contrast agents for high-field MRI
Authors: Banerjee Abhinandan , Blasiak Barbara , Pasquier Eva , Tomanek Boguslaw , Trudel Simon
Published: August 2017

PEGylated MFe2O4(M = Mn through Zn) spinel ferrite preparedviaa novel one-pot synthesis were evaluated for high-field (B0= 9.4 T) magnetic resonance imaging.
Fabrication of a spontaneously bent ZnO nanowire with asymmetrical dots by UV irradiation
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Zhipeng , Cao Xin , Wang Zhiwei , Li Zhou
Published: August 2017

A spontaneously bent ZnO nanowire which has asymmetrical dots on its edge was synthesised by UV irradiation.
Quantum dot encapsulation in virus-like particles with tuneable structural properties and low toxicity
Authors: Tagit O. , de Ruiter M. V. , Brasch M. , Ma Y. , Cornelissen J. J. L. M.
Published: August 2017

Quantum dot encapsulation within cowpea chlorotic mottle virus-based capsid proteins to obtain size-tuneable, non-toxic, luminescent imaging probes is presented.
New and bioactive natural products from an endophyte of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Xie Jun , Wu Ying-Ying , Zhang Tian-Yuan , Zhang Meng-Yue , Zhu Wei-Wei , Gullen Elizabeth A. , Wang Zhao-Jie , Cheng Yung-Chi , Zhang Yi-Xuan
Published: August 2017

Secondary metabolites with cytotoxic activity, antiviral activity and antimicrobial activity from the endophytic fungi of Panax notoginseng.
Antibacterial and biocompatible ABA-triblock copolymers containing perfluoropolyether and plant-based cardanol for versatile coating applications
Authors: Choi Yong-Seok , Kim Na Kyung , Kang Hyo , Jang Hyun-Ki , Noh Myungkyung , Kim Jinseok , Shon Da-Jung , Kim Byung-Soo , Lee Jong-Chan
Published: August 2017

ABA-triblock copolymers were prepared via ATRP, using modified perfluoropolyether (PFPE) as a macroinitiator (Br–PFPE–Br) to form the B block, and 2-hydroxy-3-cardanylpropyl methacrylate (HCPM) as a monomer to form the A blocks.
Gaining cycling stability of Si- and Ge-based negative Li-ion high areal capacity electrodes by using carbon nanowall scaffolds
Authors: Mironovich K. V. , Evlashin S. A. , Bocharova S. A. , Yerdauletov M. S. , Dagesyan S. A. , Egorov A. V. , Suetin N. V. , Itkis D. M. , Krivchenko V. A.
Published: August 2017

We report an approach to stabilize the electrochemical performance of silicon- and germanium-based thin film anodes by using carbon nanowall matrices.
Hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by ruthenium ion-complexed graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets
Authors: Peng Yi , Lu Bingzhang , Chen Limei , Wang Nan , Lu Jia En , Ping Yuan , Chen Shaowei
Published: August 2017

With the incorporation of ruthenium metal ions into the molecular skeleton by Ru–N coordination bonds, carbon nitride nanosheets exhibit apparent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction.
New thorium–bismuth oxide solid solutions with oxygen vacancy induced tunable ferromagnetism
Authors: Kanrar Buddhadev , Pathak Nimai , Nayak Chandrani , Prajapat Champa Lal , Kadam Ramakant Mahadeo , Jha Shambhu Nath , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Ravikumar G. , Misra Nand Lal
Published: August 2017

Ferromagnetism originating from oxygen vacancies could be observed in Th1−xBixO2−δ (0 < x ≤ 0.3) solid solutions. The saturation magnetization was found to increase with Bi concentration as confirmed by magnetic and EPR investigations.
Evaluating Random Error in Clinician-Administered Surveys: Theoretical Considerations and Clinical Applications of Interobserver Reliability and Agreement
Authors: Bennett Rebecca J. , Taljaard Dunay S. , Olaithe Michelle , Brennan-Jones Chris , Eikelboom Robert H.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to raise awareness of interobserver concordance and the differences between interobserver reliability and agreement when evaluating the responsiveness of a clinician-administered survey and, specifically, to demonstrate the clinical implications of data types (nominal/categorical, ordinal, interval, or ratio) and statistical index selection (for example, Cohen's kappa, Krippendorff's alpha, or interclass correlation).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 3 clinical audiologists, who were masked to each other's scores, administered the Practical Hearing Aid Skills Test–Revised to 18 adult owners of hearing aids. Interobserver concordance was examined using a range of reliability and agreement statistical indices.

Results

The importance of selecting statistical measures of concordance was demonstrated with a worked example, wherein the level of interobserver concordance achieved varied from “no agreement” to “almost perfect agreement” depending on data types and statistical index selected.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the methodology used to evaluate survey score concordance can influence the statistical results obtained and thus affect clinical interpretations.
Speech Assessment in Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Iuzzini-Seigel Jenya , Murray Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

This article uses the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework to outline the assessment needs of children with apraxia of speech. Specifically, the level of breakdown for children with apraxia of speech—that of motor planning and programming at the level of body functions—is delineated using operationally defined criteria for greater diagnostic transparency.
Beyond Eyes and Ears: The Need for Movement Analysis of Speech and Nonspeech Behaviors in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Nip Ignatius S. B. , Wilson Erin M.
Published: August 2017

A large proportion of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) have speech and chewing disorders. Speech and feeding disorders and overall oromotor dysfunction are commonly reported in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Biomechanic analysis provides additional insight into the underlying movement characteristics in these children and can help inform our understanding how oromotor movements differ in this population. This complementary biomechanic information may provide researchers and clinicians valuable information to aid in developing future clinical assessments and interventions.
Real‐time object entity detection system for smart surveillance application
Authors: Ko K.E. , Sim K.B.
Published: August 2017

A real‐time scheme for detecting object entities in real‐time among a set of objects contained in the same class category is proposed. Building a unified framework for real‐time object entity detection system without an additional training process to distinguish the object entities while minimising the loss of accuracy is focused. The experimental results on a benchmark dataset demonstrate that the method shows outstanding precision performance while achieving state‐of‐the‐art object detection speed.
Advanced power system partitioning method for fast and reliable restoration: toward a self‐healing power grid
Authors: Golshani Amir , Sun Wei , Sun Kai
Published: August 2017

The recovery of power system after a large area blackout is a critical task. To speed up the recovery process in a power grid with multiple black‐start units, it would be beneficial to partition the system into several islands and initiate the parallel self‐healing process independently. This study presents an effective network partitioning algorithm based on the mixed‐integer programming technique and considering the restoration process within each island. The proposed approach incorporates several criteria such as self‐healing time, network observability, load pickup capability, and voltage stability limits. It can quickly provide multiple partitioning schemes for system operators to choose based on different requirements. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for IEEE 39‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus standard test systems. Also, the sensitivity of the partitioning solution with respect to the various parameters is presented and discussed. Ultimately, the advantage of the proposed method is demonstrated through the comparison with other references.
Smart grid element: efficient controllable inductance with virtual air gap
Authors: Penttonen Jyrki , Lehtonen Matti , Muhammad Shafiq
Published: August 2017

Smart grid technologies require advances in various conventional solutions where efficient control of the inductance of reactors is of a significant interest for utilities. Novel solution is presented for inductance control of power reactors which is carried out by developing a virtual air gap (VAG) within the core. The impact of VAG on the magnetisation behaviour of the transformer core has been analysed by using simulation environment of finite‐element method (FEM). Experimental investigation is carried out to observe the performance of VAG for intended inductance variation. Using proposed technique reactor inductance can be tuned in the range of 1 : 20 in less than a millisecond with a significant reduction in harmonics. Implementation of such fast, linear and magnetically controlled inductance along with suitable intelligence can be valuable to enhance smart grid technology for improved integration of renewables and grid optimisation.
Improved control algorithm for grid‐connected cascaded H‐bridge photovoltaic inverters under asymmetric operating conditions
Authors: Iman‐Eini Hossein , Bacha Seddik , Frey David
Published: August 2017

Here, a single‐stage cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) inverter is presented for grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The CHB inverter has separate DC links and allows individual control of PV arrays. The conversion efficiency is high and the harmonic generation is lower than conventional PV inverters. Although the CHB inverter is a good candidate for injection of solar power into grid, its control issues have not been completely solved. One of the main challenges in the CHB inverter is the harmonic generation when the connected PV arrays to the H‐bridge cells have different amounts of insolation. This study deals with the asymmetrical operating conditions of PV arrays (or H‐bridge cells) in the CHB inverter and presents an analytical equation for determination of cells’ modulation indices based on PV arrays data. Then, a control loop is added to the tracking algorithm of conventional control systems to determine whether an H‐bridge cell is in the linear modulation or not. In the case of overmodulation, the corresponding DC link voltage is increased by the controller to bring it back to the linear region. The validity of new method is confirmed by simulations and experiments on a seven‐level 1.7 kW CHB inverter.
Effect of intermediate capacitance on slow‐scale instability of Cuk power factor correction converter operating in discontinuous capacitor voltage mode
Authors: Zhou Qun , Liu Chenqiong , Liu Xueshan , Zhang Xi , Xu Jianping , Cao Keyu
Published: August 2017

Due to features of near‐unity power factor, soft turn‐off switching and low switch current stress, Cuk power factor correction (PFC) converter operating in discontinuous capacitor voltage mode (DCVM) has attracted much attention. However, it is found that with the increase of intermediate capacitance, slow‐scale instability occurs in voltage mode control (VMC) DCVM Cuk PFC converter. In this study, a simplified model for VMC DCVM Cuk PFC converter is established, upon which the effect of intermediate capacitance on the slow‐scale instability and the corresponding bifurcation behaviours are studied by using harmonic balance method and Floquet theory. Furthermore, the stability boundaries in terms of the intermediate capacitance under different load resistance and input voltage are given, which is helpful for parameter design of VMC DCVM Cuk PFC converter. Finally, numerical simulations and experimental results are provided to verify the analysis results.
High‐precision estimation of target range, radial velocity, and azimuth in mechanical scanning LFMCW radar
Authors: Zhou Wei , Xie Junhao , Li Gaopeng , Yuan Yeshu , Li Shaobin
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the effects of antenna rotation on range, radial velocity, and azimuth estimation during coherent integration in linear frequency‐modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) radars. When antenna scans during the coherent integration time, theoretical analysis indicates that the angle sensing with the traditional sum‐difference amplitude‐comparison (SDAC) monopulse method and the range, radial velocity estimation with interpolation method are different from that in staring mode. Simulation demonstrates that the estimation performance is heavily impaired by the antenna rotation. In this study, a generalised mathematical model of coherent integration for LFMCW radar is established. Furthermore, a high‐precision estimation method, which consists of generalised SDAC monopulse method, radial velocity estimator with modified interpolation curves, and range estimator refined by Doppler frequency, is proposed. A complete signal‐processing scheme is proposed for the accurate estimation of the target parameter in mechanical scanning LFMCW radar. A sub‐optimal method is provided for practical implementation. Experimental and simulation results show that the proposed method achieves high accuracy and robustness.
Correlation performance analysis for waveforms with spectral notches
Authors: Zhao Dehua , Wei Yinsheng , Liu Yongtan
Published: August 2017

Performance bounds on range resolution and range sidelobe level are built for waveforms with spectral notches. In this study, the authors use the integrated mainlobe energy (IME) and integrated sidelobe energy (ISE) of the autocorrelation function to assess the performance of range resolution and range sidelobe level, respectively. By considering the minimisation of the weighted sum of IME and ISE under given spectral constraints, they derive the optimal power spectrum density condition and subsequently calculate the best achievable IME and ISE. With this study, the radar system can (i) analyse the trade‐off relationship between range resolution and range sidelobe level and thus better balance them in designing the transmit waveform; (ii) assess the fitness of potential working bands and thus select the best one to use.