bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble ectodomain CD163 and extracellular vesicle-associated CD163 are two differently regulated forms of ‘soluble CD163’ in plasma
Authors: Etzerodt Anders , Berg Ronan M. G. , Plovsing Ronni R. , Andersen Morten N. , Bebien Magali , Habbeddine Mohamed , Lawrence Toby , Møller Holger J. , Moestrup Søren K.
Published: January 2017

CD163 is the macrophage receptor for uptake of hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes. The human receptor can be shed from the macrophage surface owing to a cleavage site for the inflammation-inducible TACE/ADAM17 enzyme. Accordingly, plasma ‘soluble CD163’ (sCD163) has become a biomarker for macrophage activity and inflammation. The present study disclosed that 10% of sCD163 in healthy persons is actually extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated CD163 not being cleaved and shed. Endotoxin injection of human volunteers caused a selective increase in the ectodomain CD163, while septic patients exhibited high levels of both soluble ectodomain CD163 and extracellular vesicle (EV) CD163, the latter representing up 60% of total plasma CD163. A poor prognosis of septic patients measured as the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score correlated with the increase in membrane-associated CD163. Our results show that soluble ectodomain CD163 and EV CD163 in plasma are part of separate macrophage response in the context of systemic inflammation. While that soluble ectodomain CD163 is released during the acute systemic inflammatory response, this is not the case for EV CD163 that instead may be released during a later phase of the inflammatory response. A separate measurement of the two forms of CD163 constituting ‘soluble CD163’ in plasma may therefore add to the diagnostic and prognostic value.
Regulation of sleep plasticity by a thermo-sensitive circuit in Drosophila
Authors: Lamaze Angelique , Öztürk-Çolak Arzu , Fischer Robin , Peschel Nicolai , Koh Kyunghee , Jepson James E. C.
Published: January 2017

Sleep is a highly conserved and essential behaviour in many species, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In the wild, sensory signalling encoding environmental information must be integrated with sleep drive to ensure that sleep is not initiated during detrimental conditions. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which sleep timing is modulated by the environment are unclear. Here we introduce a novel behavioural paradigm to study this issue. We show that in male fruit flies, onset of the daytime siesta is delayed by ambient temperatures above 29 °C. We term this effect Prolonged Morning Wakefulness (PMW). We show that signalling through the TrpA1 thermo-sensor is required for PMW, and that TrpA1 specifically impacts siesta onset, but not night sleep onset, in response to elevated temperatures. We identify two critical TrpA1-expressing circuits and show that both contact DN1p clock neurons, the output of which is also required for PMW. Finally, we identify the circadian blue-light photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME as a molecular regulator of PMW, and propose a model in which the Drosophila nervous system integrates information encoding temperature, light, and time to dynamically control when sleep is initiated. Our results provide a platform to investigate how environmental inputs co-ordinately regulate sleep plasticity.
LPS promotes Th2 dependent sensitisation leading to anaphylaxis in a Pru p 3 mouse model
Authors: Rodriguez Maria J. , Aranda Ana , Fernandez Tahia D. , Cubells-Baeza Nuria , Torres Maria J. , Gomez Francisca , Palomares Francisca , Perkins James R. , Rojo Javier , Diaz-Perales Araceli , Mayorga Cristobalina
Published: January 2017

Pru p 3 is the major peach allergen in the Mediterranean area. It frequently elicits severe reactions, limiting its study in humans, raising the need for animal models to investigate the immunological mechanisms involved. However, no anaphylaxis model exists for Pru p 3. We aimed to develop a model of peach anaphylaxis by sensitising mice with Pru p 3 in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant. Four groups of mice were sensitised intranasally: untreated; treated with Pru p 3; treated with LPS; treated with Pru p 3 + LPS. After sensitisation mice were intraperitoneally challenged with Pru p 3 and in vivo and in vitro parameters were evaluated. Only mice in the Pru p 3 + LPS group showed anaphylaxis symptoms, including a decrease in temperature. Determination of in vitro parameters showed a Th2 response with an increase of Pru p 3-specific IgE and IgG1. Moreover, at the cellular level, we found increased levels of IgE and IgG1 secreting Pru p 3-specific cells and a proliferative CD4+ T-cell response. These results demonstrate that Pru p 3-specific anaphylaxis can be generated after nasal sensitisation to Pru p 3 in combination with LPS. This is a promising model for evaluating food allergy immunotherapies.
Improvement of Uveal and Capsular Biocompatibility of Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens by Surface Grafting with 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine-Methacrylic Acid Copolymer
Authors: Tan Xuhua , Zhan Jiezhao , Zhu Yi , Cao Ji , Wang Lin , Liu Sa , Wang Yingjun , Liu Zhenzhen , Qin Yingyan , Wu Mingxing , Liu Yizhi , Ren Li
Published: January 2017

Biocompatibility of intraocular lens (IOL) is critical to vision reconstruction after cataract surgery. Foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL is vulnerable to the adhesion of extracellular matrix proteins and cells, leading to increased incidence of postoperative inflammation and capsule opacification. To increase IOL biocompatibility, we synthesized a hydrophilic copolymer P(MPC-MAA) and grafted the copolymer onto the surface of IOL through air plasma treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and static water contact angle were used to characterize chemical changes, topography and hydrophilicity of the IOL surface, respectively. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) showed that P(MPC-MAA) modified IOLs were resistant to protein adsorption. Moreover, P(MPC-MAA) modification inhibited adhesion and proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs)in vitro. To analyze uveal and capsular biocompatibilityin vivo, we implanted the P(MPC-MAA) modified IOLs into rabbits after phacoemulsification. P(MPC-MAA) modification significantly reduced postoperative inflammation and anterior capsule opacification (ACO), and did not affect posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Collectively, our study suggests that surface modification by P(MPC-MAA) can significantly improve uveal and capsular biocompatibility of hydrophobic acrylic IOL, which could potentially benefit patients with blood-aqueous barrier damage.
Repair of osteochondral defects with in vitro engineered cartilage based on autologous bone marrow stromal cells in a swine model
Authors: He Aijuan , Liu Lina , Luo Xusong , Liu Yu , Liu Yi , Liu Fangjun , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Wei , Cao Yilin , Zhou Guangdong
Published: January 2017

Functional reconstruction of large osteochondral defects is always a major challenge in articular surgery. Some studies have reported the feasibility of repairing articular osteochondral defects using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and biodegradable scaffolds. However, no significant breakthroughs have been achieved in clinical translation due to the instability ofin vivocartilage regeneration based on direct cell-scaffold construct implantation. To overcome the disadvantages of direct cell-scaffold construct implantation, the current study proposed anin vitrocartilage regeneration strategy, providing relatively mature cartilage-like tissue with superior mechanical properties. Our strategy involvedin vitrocartilage engineering, repair of osteochondral defects, and evaluation ofin vivorepair efficacy. The results demonstrated that BMSC engineered cartilagein vitro(BEC-vitro) presented a time-depended maturation process. The implantation of BEC-vitro alone could successfully realize tissue-specific repair of osteochondral defects with both cartilage and subchondral bone. Furthermore, the maturity level of BEC-vitro had significant influence on the repaired results. These results indicated thatin vitrocartilage regeneration using BMSCs is a promising strategy for functional reconstruction of osteochondral defect, thus promoting the clinical translation of cartilage regeneration techniques incorporating BMSCs.
Inference of immune cell composition on the expression profiles of mouse tissue
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Huang Anfei , Sun Jiya , Jiang Taijiao , Qin F. Xiao-Feng , Wu Aiping
Published: January 2017

Mice are some of the widely used experimental animal models for studying human diseases. Defining the compositions of immune cell populations in various tissues from experimental mouse models is critical to understanding the involvement of immune responses in various physiological and patho-physiological conditions. However, non-lymphoid tissues are normally composed of vast and diverse cellular components, which make it difficult to quantify the relative proportions of immune cell types. Here we report the development of a computational algorithm, ImmuCC, to infer the relative compositions of 25 immune cell types in mouse tissues using microarray-based mRNA expression data. The ImmuCC algorithm showed good performance and robustness in many simulated datasets. Remarkable concordances were observed when ImmuCC was used on three public datasets, one including enriched immune cells, one with normal single positive T cells, and one with leukemia cell samples. To validate the performance of ImmuCC objectively, thorough cross-comparison of ImmuCC predicted compositions and flow cytometry results was done with in-house generated datasets collected from four distinct mouse lymphoid tissues and three different types of tumor tissues. The good correlation and biologically meaningful results demonstrate the broad utility of ImmuCC for assessing immune cell composition in diverse mouse tissues under various conditions.
Inter-Layer Coupling Induced Valence Band Edge Shift in Mono- to Few-Layer MoS2
Authors: Trainer Daniel J. , Putilov Aleksei V. , Di Giorgio Cinzia , Saari Timo , Wang Baokai , Wolak Mattheus , Chandrasena Ravini U. , Lane Christopher , Chang Tay-Rong , Jeng Horng-Tay , Lin Hsin , Kronast Florian , Gray Alexander X. , Xi Xiaoxing , Nieminen Jouko , Bansil Arun , Iavarone Maria
Published: January 2017

Recent progress in the synthesis of monolayer MoS2, a two-dimensional direct band-gap semiconductor, is paving new pathways toward atomically thin electronics. Despite the large amount of literature, fundamental gaps remain in understanding electronic properties at the nanoscale. Here, we report a study of highly crystalline islands of MoS2 grown via a refined chemical vapor deposition synthesis technique. Using high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), photoemission electron microscopy/spectroscopy (PEEM) and μ-ARPES we investigate the electronic properties of MoS2 as a function of the number of layers at the nanoscale and show in-depth how the band gap is affected by a shift of the valence band edge as a function of the layer number. Green’s function based electronic structure calculations were carried out in order to shed light on the mechanism underlying the observed bandgap reduction with increasing thickness, and the role of the interfacial Sulphur atoms is clarified. Our study, which gives new insight into the variation of electronic properties of MoS2 films with thickness bears directly on junction properties of MoS2, and thus impacts electronics application of MoS2.
Bleaching drives collapse in reef carbonate budgets and reef growth potential on southern Maldives reefs
Authors: Perry C. T. , Morgan K. M.
Published: January 2017

Sea-surface temperature (SST) warming events, which are projected to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change, represent major threats to coral reefs. How these events impact reef carbonate budgets, and thus the capacity of reefs to sustain vertical growth under rising sea levels, remains poorly quantified. Here we quantify the magnitude of changes that followed the ENSO-induced SST warming that affected the Indian Ocean region in mid-2016. Resultant coral bleaching caused an average 75% reduction in coral cover (present mean 6.2%). Most critically we report major declines in shallow fore-reef carbonate budgets, these shifting from strongly net positive (mean 5.92 G, where G = kg CaCO3 m−2 yr−1) to strongly net negative (mean −2.96 G). These changes have driven major reductions in reef growth potential, which have declined from an average 4.2 to −0.4 mm yr−1. Thus these shallow fore-reef habitats are now in a phase of net erosion. Based on past bleaching recovery trajectories, and predicted increases in bleaching frequency, we predict a prolonged period of suppressed budget and reef growth states. This will limit reef capacity to track IPCC projections of sea-level rise, thus limiting the natural breakwater capacity of these reefs and threatening reef island stability.
Transparent EuTiO3 films: a possible two-dimensional magneto-optical device
Authors: Bussmann-Holder Annette , Roleder Krystian , Stuhlhofer Benjamin , Logvenov Gennady , Lazar Iwona , Soszyński Andrzej , Koperski Janusz , Simon Arndt , Köhler Jürgen
Published: January 2017

The magneto-optical activity of high quality transparent thin films of insulating EuTiO3 (ETO) deposited on a thin SrTiO3 (STO) substrate, both being non-magnetic materials, are demonstrated to be a versatile tool for light modulation. The operating temperature is close to room temperature and allows for multiple device engineering. By using small magnetic fields birefringence of the samples can be switched off and on. Similarly, rotation of the sample in the field can modify its birefringence Δn. In addition, Δn can be increased by a factor of 4 in very modest fields with simultaneously enhancing the operating temperature by almost 100 K.
Wide-gamut plasmonic color filters using a complementary design method
Authors: Lee Seon Uk , Ju Byeong-Kwon
Published: January 2017

Plasmonic color filters (PCFs) can acquire primary colors from non-polarized incident light through a two-dimensional arrangement of subwavelength holes. However, owing to the geometry of the 2D array, unintended secondary transmitted peaks derived from the higher-order modes of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) lead to color cross-talk with the primary peaks. Herein, we propose a complementary design method for generating high-purity red, green, and blue (R/G/B) by combining the G/B filters of hole-arrays with the R filters of dot-arrays. Metallic dot-array filters, wherein the wavelength band under 575 nm was effectively blocked by the induction of peak broadening, operated as optical high-pass filters exhibiting pure red, and consequently widen the color gamut of PCFs by 30% without loss of luminance and color tunability. This harmonious combination promises to yield competitiveness for a next-generation color filter by enhancing the color reproducibility of plasmonic nanostructures.
Population Structure Analysis of Bull Genomes of European and Western Ancestry
Authors: Chung Neo Christopher , Szyda Joanna , Frąszczak Magdalena ,   The 1000 Bull Genomes Project, Fries Hans Rudolf , SandøLund Mogens , Guldbrandtsen Bernt , Boichard Didier , Stothard Paul , Veerkamp Roel , Goddard Michael , Van Tassell Curtis P. , Hayes Ben
Published: January 2017

Since domestication, population bottlenecks, breed formation, and selective breeding have radically shaped the genealogy and genetics of Bos taurus. In turn, characterization of population structure among diverse bull (males of Bos taurus) genomes enables detailed assessment of genetic resources and origins. By analyzing 432 unrelated bull genomes from 13 breeds and 16 countries, we demonstrate genetic diversity and structural complexity among the European/Western cattle population. Importantly, we relaxed a strong assumption of discrete or admixed population, by adapting latent variable models for individual-specific allele frequencies that directly capture a wide range of complex structure from genome-wide genotypes. As measured by magnitude of differentiation, selection pressure on SNPs within genes is substantially greater than that on intergenic regions. Additionally, broad regions of chromosome 6 harboring largest genetic differentiation suggest positive selection underlying population structure. We carried out gene set analysis using SNP annotations to identify enriched functional categories such as energy-related processes and multiple development stages. Our population structure analysis of bull genomes can support genetic management strategies that capture structural complexity and promote sustainable genetic breadth.
A New Insight of Graphene oxide-Fe(III) Complex Photochemical Behaviors under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Liu Renlan , Zhu Xiaoying , Chen Baoliang
Published: January 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) contains not only aromatic carbon lattice but also carboxyl groups which enhanced the aqueous solubility of GO. To study the transformation of GO nanosheets in natural environments, GO aqueous dispersion was mixed with Fe3+ ions to form photoactive complex. Under visible light irradiation, Fe(III) of the complex would be reduced to Fe(II) which could subsequently reduce highly toxic Cr(VI) to Cr3+. The electron of the reduction was contributed by the decarboxylation of carboxyl groups on GO and iron was acting as a catalyst during the photoreduction. On the other hand, the consumption of carboxyl groups may convert GO to rGO which are tend to aggregate since the decreased electrostatic repulsion and the increased π-π attraction. The formed Cr3+ may be electrostatically adsorbed by the rGO sheets and simultaneously precipitated with the aggregated rGO sheets, resulting the effective removal of chromium and GO nanosheets from the aqueous environment. This study may shed a light on understanding the environmental transformation of GO and guide the treatment of Cr(VI).
Correction: Corrigendum: Dynamics of plant DNA replication based on PCNA visualization
Authors: Yokoyama Ryohei , Hirakawa Takeshi , Hayashi Seri , Sakamoto Takuya , Matsunaga Sachihiro
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 29657; published online: 15 July 2016; updated: 13 January 2017 In the original version of this Article, all instances of “sGFP” were incorrectly given as “EGFP”. This error has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Dengue virus compartmentalization during antibody-enhanced infection
Authors: Ong Eugenia Z. , Zhang Summer L. , Tan Hwee Cheng , Gan Esther S. , Chan Kuan Rong , Ooi Eng Eong
Published: January 2017

Secondary infection with a heterologous dengue virus (DENV) serotype increases the risk of severe dengue, through a process termed antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). During ADE, DENV is opsonized with non- or sub-neutralizing antibody levels that augment entry into monocytes and dendritic cells through Fc-gamma receptors (FcγRs). We previously reported that co-ligation of leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor-B1 (LILRB1) by antibody-opsonized DENV led to recruitment of SH2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to dephosphorylate spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and reduce interferon stimulated gene induction. Here, we show that LILRB1 also signals through SHP-1 to attenuate the otherwise rapid acidification for lysosomal enzyme activation following FcγR-mediated uptake of DENV. Reduced or slower trafficking of antibody-opsonized DENV to lytic phagolysosomal compartments, demonstrates how co-ligation of LILRB1 also permits DENV to overcome a cell-autonomous immune response, enhancing intracellular survival of DENV. Our findings provide insights on how antiviral drugs that modify phagosome acidification should be used for viruses such as DENV.
Simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and its metabolites in human plasma by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Cai Liyun , Zheng Zhijie , Wang Xipei , Tang Lan , Mai Liping , He Guodong , Lei Heping , Zhong Shilong
Published: January 2017

A rapid, sensitive and selective ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of atorvastatin and all its as-yet-identified metabolites in human plasma.
Study of the detection of bisphenol A based on a nano-sized metal–organic framework crystal and an aptamer
Authors: Chen Mao-Long , Chen Jun-Hao , Ding Li , Xu Zhou , Wen Li , Wang Li-Bing , Cheng Yun-Hui
Published: January 2017

Based on the adsorption ability of a nano-sized iron metal–organic framework (Fe-MIL-88B–NH2) to a DNA aptamer, a fluorescent biosensor for BPA was developed.
Circularly polarized light triggered enantioselective thiol–ene polymerization reaction
Authors: Yang Guang , Xu Yang Y. , Zhang Zi D. , Wang Long H. , He Xue H. , Zhang Qi J. , Hong Chun Y. , Zou Gang
Published: January 2017

Herein, circularly polarized light is utilized to trigger an enantioselective polymerization reaction, resulting in the synthesis of an optically active polymer from racemic monomers in the absence of any chiral dopant or catalyst.
Chemoselective generation of acyl phosphates, acylium ion equivalents, from carboxylic acids and an organophosphate ester in the presence of a Brønsted acid
Authors: Sumita Akinari , Otani Yuko , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: January 2017

Reactions of an organophosphate ester with carboxylic acids proceeded smoothly and chemoselectively in the presence of a Brønsted acid, affording acyl phosphate intermediates, leading to formation of various functional aromatic ketones.
Structure and stability of clusters of β-alanine in the gas phase: importance of the nature of intermolecular interactions
Authors: Piekarski Dariusz Grzegorz , Díaz-Tendero Sergio
Published: January 2017

We present a theoretical study of neutral clusters of β-alanine molecules in the gas phase, (β-ala)nn ≤ 5.
Electrocatalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction: recent development and future perspectives
Authors: Suen Nian-Tzu , Hung Sung-Fu , Quan Quan , Zhang Nan , Xu Yi-Jun , Chen Hao Ming
Published: January 2017

We review the fundamental aspects of metal oxides, metal chalcogenides and metal pnictides as effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Mono- and bimetallic manganese–carbonyl complexes and clusters bearing imidazol(in)ium-2-dithiocarboxylate ligands
Authors: Beltrán Tomás F. , Zaragoza Guillermo , Delaude Lionel
Published: January 2017

The coordination of NHC·CS2zwitterions onto mono- and bimetallic manganese–carbonyl complexes and clusters was thoroughly investigated using a wide range of analytical techniques.
Modeling the size distribution in a fluidized bed of nanopowder
Authors: Fabre Andrea , Clemente Alberto , Balas Francisco , Lobera M. Pilar , Santamaría Jesús , Kreutzer Michiel T. , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: January 2017

The release of nanosized particles from fluidized beds of ceramic oxide nanopowders, namely, TiO2(P25), Al2O3(AluC) and SiO2(A130) has been assessed for the first time.
Proanthocyanidins purified from fruit pericarp of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels as efficient tyrosinase inhibitors: structure evaluation, inhibitory activity and molecular mechanism
Authors: Chai Wei-Ming , Lin Mei-Zhen , Feng Hui-Ling , Zou Zheng-Rong , Wang Ying-Xia
Published: January 2017

The characterization, anti-tyrosinase activity and cytotoxicity against B16 mouse melanoma cells of proanthocyanidins purified from the fruit pericarp of C. lansium are reported.
Preventive effect of Silibinin in combination with Pu-erh tea extract on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in ob/ob mice
Authors: Hu Wen-Yi , Ma Xiao-Hui , Zhou Wang-Yi , Li Xin-Xin , Sun Ting-Ting , Sun He
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the synergistic effect of Silibinin combined with Pu-erh tea extract against NAFLD.
A microfluidic device for characterizing nuclear deformations
Authors: Hodgson Andrew C. , Verstreken Christophe M. , Fisher Cynthia L. , Keyser Ulrich F. , Pagliara Stefano , Chalut Kevin J.
Published: January 2017

A high-throughput microfluidic workflow allows rapid mechanical characterisation and phenotyping of the nuclear stress response in embryonic stem cells.
Correction: Double-emulsion drops with ultra-thin shells for capsule templates
Authors: Kim Shin-Hyun , Kim Jin Woong , Cho Jun-Cheol , Weitz David A.
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Double-emulsion drops with ultra-thin shells for capsule templates’ by Shin-Hyun Kim et al., Lab Chip, 2011, 11, 3162–3166.
Novel bluish green benzimidazole-based iridium(iii) complexes for highly efficient phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhao Jin-Hui , Hu Yong-Xu , Dong Yan , Xia Xin , Chi Hai-Jun , Xiao Guo-Yong , Li Xiao , Zhang Dong-Yu
Published: January 2017

Fluorinated benzimidazole-based Ir(iii) complexes were developed to regulate the emitting color and improve the luminous efficiency of Ir(iii) phosphors.
Black phosphorus nanoparticles as a novel fluorescent sensing platform for nucleic acid detection
Authors: Yew Ying Teng , Sofer Zdeněk , Mayorga-Martinez Carmen C. , Pumera Martin
Published: January 2017

Black phosphorus nanoparticles were successfully employed as nanofluorophores in the development of a fluorescent sensing platform for DNA detection.
Two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks for selective separation of CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2
Authors: King Stephen Charles , Lin Rui-Biao , Wang Hailong , Arman Hadi D. , Chen Banglin
Published: January 2017

Two 2D porous metal–organic frameworks for selective carbon dioxide separation have been reported.
Iridium catalysts with modular axial-unfixed biphenyl phosphine–oxazoline ligands: asymmetric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Zongpeng , Chen Caiyou , Yang Hailong , Han Zhengyu , Dong Xiu-Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: January 2017

Axial-unfixed biphenyl phosphine–oxazoline ligands were successfully applied to Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids.
Biomimetic total synthesis of (±)-berkeleyamide D
Authors: Jo Deokhee , Han Sunkyu
Published: January 2017

We describe the total synthesis of (±)-berkeleyamide D using a strategy stemmed from biosynthetic considerations of γ-hydroxy/methoxy-γ-lactam-based fungal metabolites.
From tetrabenzoheptafulvalene to sp2 carbon nano-rings
Authors: Cheung Kwan Yin , Yang Shuaijun , Miao Qian
Published: January 2017

A new kind of sp2 carbon nano-rings containing a heptagon and an octagon was synthesized by taking advantage of the “C” shape of syn-tetrabenzoheptafulvalene.
Computational analysis of the solvation of coffee ingredients in aqueous ionic liquid mixtures
Authors: Zeindlhofer Veronika , Khlan Diana , Bica Katharina , Schröder Christian
Published: January 2017

We investigate the solvation behavior of valuable coffee ingredients in aqueous mixtures of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate with a particular emphasis on hydrotropic theory and Kirkwood–Buff analysis.
Fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices with 3D wax jetting
Authors: Li Zong'an , Yang Jiquan , Li Kelou , Zhu Li , Tang Wencheng
Published: January 2017

Network flowing on the 3D PDMS microfluidic chips fabricated with replication of a 3D printed wax mold.
Bioisosteric modification of known fucosidase inhibitors to discover a novel inhibitor of α-l-fucosidase
Authors: Bathula Chandramohan , Ghosh Shreemoyee , Hati Santanu , Tripathy Sayantan , Singh Shailja , Chakrabarti Saikat , Sen Subhabrata
Published: January 2017

Hydantoin, thiohydantoin and pyridone analogs as α-l-fucosidase inhibitors through bioisosteric modification of known bovine α-l-fucosidase inhibitors.
Gel electrolytes based on poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)/thermoplastic polyurethane/poly(methyl methacrylate) with in situ SiO2 for polymer lithium batteries
Authors: He Zeyue , Cao Qi , Jing Bo , Wang Xianyou , Deng Yuanyuan
Published: January 2017

Gel polymer electrolyte films based on poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with and without in situ SiO2 fillers are prepared by electrospinning polymer solution at room temperature.
Enhanced Cl2 sensitivity of cobalt-phthalocyanine film by utilizing a porous nanostructured surface fabricated on glass
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Samanta Soumen , Latha S. , Debnath A. K. , Singh Ajay , Muthe K. P. , Barshilia Harish C.
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate a very simple and effective approach to improve the sensitivity and the low detection limit of cobalt phthalocyanine films towards the detection of chlorine by creating a porous nanostructured surface on a glass substrate via a vapor phase etching process.
Kinetics study of heterogeneous reactions of ozone with unsaturated fatty acid single droplets using micro-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: He Xiang , Leng Chunbo , Pang Shufeng , Zhang Yunhong
Published: January 2017

Increasing humidity is seen to accelerate the uptake process as the double bond numbers of organic particles increase.
Mechanisms and stereoselectivities of the DABCO-catalyzed Rauhut–Currier reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones and aryl acrylates: a computational investigation
Authors: Li Yan , Tian Ruixue , Du Shiwen
Published: January 2017

Mechanism of the RC reaction in the absence and presence of PhOH.
Responsive copolymer–graphene oxide hybrid microspheres with enhanced drug release properties
Authors: Dong Fuping , Firkowska-Boden Izabela , Arras Matthias M. L. , Jandt Klaus. D.
Published: January 2017

Graphene oxide deposited on thermoresponsive copolymer microspheres enhances their barrier diffusion properties and drug release performance.
Highly active MnOx–CeO2catalyst for diesel soot combustion
Authors: Zhao Han , Zhou Xiaoxia , Wang Min , Xie Zhiguo , Chen Hangrong , Shi Jianlin
Published: January 2017

Optimized Ce–Mn composite oxide, possessing abundant active Ce3+–Mn4+ions, exhibits excellent activity for catalytic soot combustion in NOx/O2.
Oxygen adsorption and CO desorption behavior of B- and N-doped vacancy defected nuclear graphite by DFT study
Authors: Liu Juan , Liang Tongxiang , Wang Chen , Lai Wenzheng
Published: January 2017

Oxygen adsorption and desorption of gasification products are two factors that influence graphite oxidation behavior.
Al3+-Induced growth of α-Co(OH)2nanoplates as high-capacity supercapacitors and water oxidation electrocatalysts
Authors: Liu Rongmei , Jiang Zixiang , Ma Juping , Ni Lu , Sun Xueying , Liu Yong , Chen Haixing , Liu Qi
Published: January 2017

α-Co(OH)2nanoplates with good capacitive properties and OER activity were synthesized by using Al3+ions as a structure-inducing agent.
Bio-ethanol production by Zymomonas mobilis using pretreated dairy manure as a carbon and nitrogen source
Authors: You Yang , Liu Song , Wu Bo , Wang Yan-Wei , Zhu Qi-Li , Qin Han , Tan Fu-Rong , Ruan Zhi-Yong , Ma Ke-Dong , Dai Li-Chun , Zhang Min , Hu Guo-Quan , He Ming-Xiong
Published: January 2017

Dairy manure contains high levels of cellulose, hemicellulose and a nitrogen source.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of a viologen-based covalent organic polymer with redox-tunable polarity for dye adsorption
Authors: Das Gobinda , Skorjanc Tina , Prakasam Thirumurugan , Nuryyeva Selbi , Olsen John-Carl , Trabolsi Ali
Published: January 2017

We report the efficient synthesis, by microwave-assisted Menshutkin reaction, of a viologen-based covalent organic polymer, and the application of its different redox state in dye removal.
Evaluation of the anti-cancer activity of the triterpenoidal saponin fraction isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Conyza blinii H. Lév.
Authors: Ma Long , Liu Haiyan , Meng Lingpei , Qin Ping , Zhang Botao , Li Yuyin , Man Shuli , Liu Zhen , Liu Zhenxing , Diao Aipo
Published: January 2017

Triterpenoidal saponins fraction isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine Conyza blinii H. Lév. demonstrates anti-cancer activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Synthesis and antibiofouling properties of crosslinkable copolymers grafted with fluorinated aromatic side chains
Authors: Zhu Pengcheng , Meng Weidong , Huang Yangen
Published: January 2017

To obtain highly effective antifouling coatings, ternary copolymers grafted with short fluoroalkyl or perfluoropolyether modified fluorinated aromatic side chains and cross-linkable functional groups were preparedviaradical polymerization.
Environmentally friendly and facile synthesis of Rh nanoparticles at room temperature by alkaline ethanol solution and their application for ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Li Fuhai , Weng Hanqin , Shang Yun , Ding Zuoming , Yang Zheng , Cheng Sheng , Lin Mingzhang
Published: January 2017

A facile, fact and green synthetic route was developed to prepare Rh nanoparticles at room temperature.
Analytical form of the autocorrelation function for the fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Hołyst Robert , Poniewierski Andrzej , Zhang Xuzhu
Published: January 2017

Novel formula for FCS autocorrelation function to study diffusion and binding–unbinding interaction of dye molecules with non-fluorescent particles.
Poly(arylene ether ketone) proton exchange membranes grafted with long aliphatic pendant sulfonated groups for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Yang Sunhee , Ahn Yeonho , Kim Dukjoon
Published: January 2017

Proton exchange membranes based on PAEK grafted with long aliphatic pendant groups which show good stability for VRFB applications.
Defect interactions and the role of complexes in the CdTe solar cell absorber
Authors: Krasikov Dmitry , Sankin Igor
Published: January 2017

Association of crystalline point defects in chlorinated Cu-doped CdTe PV absorbers studied to assess its impact on performance and stability.
Hybrid graphene@MoS2@TiO2 microspheres for use as a high performance negative electrode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Pang Qiang , Zhao Yingying , Bian Xiaofei , Ju Yanming , Wang Xudong , Wei Yingjin , Liu Bingbing , Du Fei , Wang Chunzhong , Chen Gang
Published: January 2017

MoS2 nanosheets were impregnated into mesoporous TiO2 and encapsulated by a graphene layer resulting in excellent Li ion storage properties.
Ni nanobelts induced enhancement of hole transport and collection for high efficiency and ambient stable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Tao , Yu Liping , Liu Hu , Hou Qinzhi , Wang Cheng , He Hongcai , Li Jianbao , Wang Ning , Wang Jinshu , Guo Zhanhu
Published: January 2017

Free standing Ni nanobelts dispersed in HTMs were developed for high efficiency and ambient stable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.
A self-defensive antibacterial coating acting through the bacteria-triggered release of a hydrophobic antibiotic from layer-by-layer films
Authors: Wang Bailiang , Liu Huihua , Wang Zefeng , Shi Shuai , Nan Kaihui , Xu Qingwen , Ye Zi , Chen Hao
Published: January 2017

Drug delivery systems play important roles in the construction of antibacterial coatings on the surfaces of biomaterials.
Cullin neddylation may allosterically tune polyubiquitin chain length and topology
Authors: Onel Melis , Sumbul Fidan , Liu Jin , Nussinov Ruth , Haliloglu Turkan
Published: January 2017

Conjugation of Nedd8 (neddylation) to Cullins (Cul) in Cul-RING E3 ligases (CRLs) stimulates ubiquitination and polyubiquitination of protein substrates. CRL is made up of two Cul-flanked arms: one consists of the substrate-binding and adaptor proteins and the other consists of E2 and Ring-box protein (Rbx). Polyubiquitin chain length and topology determine the substrate fate. Here, we ask how polyubiquitin chains are accommodated in the limited space available between the two arms and what determines the polyubiquitin linkage topology. We focus on Cul5 and Rbx1 in three states: before Cul5 neddylation (closed state), after neddylation (open state), and after deneddylation, exploiting molecular dynamics simulations and the Gaussian Network Model. We observe that regulation of substrate ubiquitination and polyubiquitination takes place through Rbx1 rotations, which are controlled by Nedd8–Rbx1 allosteric communication. Allosteric propagation proceeds from Nedd8 via Cul5 dynamic hinges and hydrogen bonds between the C-terminal domain of Cul5 (Cul5CTD) and Rbx1 (Cul5CTD residues R538/R569 and Rbx1 residue E67, or Cul5CTD E474/E478/N491 and Rbx1 K105). Importantly, at each ubiquitination step (homogeneous or heterogeneous, linear or branched), the polyubiquitin linkages fit into the distances between the two arms, and these match the inherent CRL conformational tendencies. Hinge sites may constitute drug targets.
Directional Microphone Hearing Aids in School Environments: Working Toward Optimization
Authors: Ricketts Todd A. , Picou Erin M. , Galster Jason
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The hearing aid microphone setting (omnidirectional or directional) can be selected manually or automatically. This study examined the percentage of time the microphone setting selected using each method was judged to provide the best signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the talkers of interest in school environments.

Method

A total of 26 children (aged 6–17 years) with hearing loss were fitted with study hearing aids and evaluated during 2 typical school days. Time-stamped hearing aid settings were compared with observer judgments of the microphone setting that provided the best SNR on the basis of the specific listening environment.

Results

Despite training for appropriate use, school-age children were unlikely to consistently manually switch to the microphone setting that optimized SNR. Furthermore, there was only fair agreement between the observer judgments and the hearing aid setting chosen by the automatic switching algorithm. Factors contributing to disagreement included the hearing aid algorithm choosing the directional setting when the talker was not in front of the listener or when noise arrived only from the front quadrant and choosing the omnidirectional setting when the noise level was low.

Conclusion

Consideration of listener preferences, talker position, sound level, and other factors in the classroom may be necessary to optimize microphone settings.
Hearing, Auditory Processing, and Language Skills of Male Youth Offenders and Remandees in Youth Justice Residences in New Zealand
Authors: Lount Sarah A. , Purdy Suzanne C. , Hand Linda
Published: January 2017

Purpose

International evidence suggests youth offenders have greater difficulties with oral language than their nonoffending peers. This study examined the hearing, auditory processing, and language skills of male youth offenders and remandees (YORs) in New Zealand.

Method

Thirty-three male YORs, aged 14–17 years, were recruited from 2 youth justice residences, plus 39 similarly aged male students from local schools for comparison. Testing comprised tympanometry, self-reported hearing, pure-tone audiometry, 4 auditory processing tests, 2 standardized language tests, and a nonverbal intelligence test.

Results

Twenty-one (64%) of the YORs were identified as language impaired (LI), compared with 4 (10%) of the controls. Performance on all language measures was significantly worse in the YOR group, as were their hearing thresholds. Nine (27%) of the YOR group versus 7 (18%) of the control group fulfilled criteria for auditory processing disorder. Only 1 YOR versus 5 controls had an auditory processing disorder without LI.

Conclusions

Language was an area of significant difficulty for YORs. Difficulties with auditory processing were more likely to be accompanied by LI in this group, compared with the controls. Provision of speech-language therapy services and awareness of auditory and language difficulties should be addressed in youth justice systems.
Characterization of Vocal Fold Vibration in Sulcus Vocalis Using High-Speed Digital Imaging
Authors: Yamauchi Akihito , Yokonishi Hisayuki , Imagawa Hiroshi , Sakakibara Ken-Ichi , Nito Takaharu , Tayama Niro , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize vocal fold vibrations in sulcus vocalis by high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) and to clarify the correlations between HSDI-derived parameters and traditional vocal parameters.

Method

HSDI was performed in 20 vocally healthy subjects (8 men and 12 women) and 41 patients with sulcus vocalis (33 men and 8 women). Then HSDI data were evaluated by assessing the visual–perceptual rating, digital kymography, and glottal area waveform.

Results

Patients with sulcus vocalis frequently had spindle-shaped glottal gaps and a decreased mucosal wave. Compared with the control group, the sulcus vocalis group showed higher open quotient as well as a shorter duration of the visible mucosal wave, a smaller speed index, and a smaller glottal area difference index ([maximal glottal area – minimal glottal area]/maximal glottal area). These parameters deteriorated in order of the control group and Type I, II, and III sulcus vocalis. There were no gender-related differences. Strong correlations were noted between the open quotient and the type of sulcus vocalis.

Conclusions

HSDI was an effective method for documenting the characteristics of vocal fold vibrations in patients with sulcus vocalis and estimating the severity of dysphonia.
Modulation classification in multipath fading channels using sixth‐order cumulants and stacked convolutional auto‐encoders
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Hua Zhong , Liu Yingzhe
Published: January 2017

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) plays an important role in both cooperative and non‐cooperative communication applications. However, the performance of AMC is seriously degraded in multipath fading channels. Higher‐order cumulants of the received signal are resistant to additive white Gaussian noise and multipath fading. Moreover, features extracted from unlabelled data using stacked convolutional auto‐encoders (SCAEs) are comparable with or superior to most of the best hand‐engineered ones. In this study, the authors propose a new algorithm, which applies sixth‐order cumulants and SCAEs to modulation classification in multipath fading channels. Simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve better classification accuracy than the existing approaches under various channel conditions. The proposed approach is also robust to model imperfections such as phase, timing, and frequency offsets.
Improved sparse representation method for image classification
Authors: Liu Shigang , Li Lingjun , Peng Yali , Qiu Guoyong , Lei Tao
Published: January 2017

Among all image representation and classification methods, sparse representation has proven to be an extremely powerful tool. However, a limited number of training samples are an unavoidable problem for sparse representation methods. Many efforts have been devoted to improve the performance of sparse representation methods. In this study, the authors proposed a novel framework to improve the classification accuracy of sparse representation methods. They first introduced the concept of the approximations of all training samples (i.e., virtual training samples). The advantage of this is that the application of virtual training samples can allow noise in original training samples to be partially reduced. Then they proposed an efficient and competent objective function to disclose more discriminant information between different classes, which is very significant for obtaining a better classification result. The devised sparse representation method employs both the original and virtual training samples to improve the classification accuracy since the two kinds of training samples makes sample information to be fully exploited in a good way, also satisfactory robustness to be obtained. The experimental results on the JAFFE, ORL, Columbia Object Image Library (COIL‐100) AR and CMU PIE databases show that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐art image classification methods.
Use of All-polyethylene Tibial Components in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Increases the Risk of Early Failure
Authors: Koh In , Suhl Kyung , Kim Min , Kim Man , Choi Keun , In Yong
Published: January 2017

All-polyethylene (all-poly) tibial designs in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been reconsidered with excellent clinical outcomes, survivorship, and cost-effectiveness. However, whether all-poly tibial components provided comparable results to metal-backed modular components during unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains unclear. This study compared the clinical outcomes and prevalence of early failure between all-poly and metal-backed modular components in UKA. We retrospectively reviewed the records and radiographs of 101 consecutive UKAs. In total, 51 UKAs were performed using all-poly tibial components; 50 others used metal-backed modular components. Clinical and radiographic outcomes, adaptive bone remodeling assessed by radiographic bone density, and early failure prevalence rates were compared. Despite a lack of group differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes (p > 0.1 in all comparisons), adaptive bone remodeling at 2 years after surgery of all-poly UKAs was more progressive compared with metal-backed UKAs (1.2 in all-poly UKA group vs. 0.9 in metal-backed UKA group, p < 0.001). In addition, 6 of 51 all-poly UKAs failed within 2 years postoperatively, whereas no metal-backed UKAs failed (11% in all-poly UKA group vs. 0% in metal-backed UKA group, p = 0.027). All-poly tibial component use during UKA increased the risk of early failure, which may be due to a failure in tibial loading distribution.
Programming power reduction in confined phase change memory cells with titanium dioxide clad layer
Authors: Chen Liangliang , Zhang Zhonghua , Song Sannian , Song Zhitang , Zheng Qianqian , Zhang Xin , Zhang Juan , Zheng Wanting , Shao Hehong , Zhu Xiuwei , Yu Wenlei
Published: January 2017

A confined structure phase change memory (PCM) cell has been fabricated based on the focused-ion beam technique. Furthermore, the titanium dioxide clad layer was proposed for promoting the temperature rise in the Ge0.61Sb2Te layer that causes the reduction in the reset voltage and current compared to the phase change memory cell without clad layer. Theoretical thermal simulation and calculation for the reset process are conducted to analyze the thermal effect of the titanium dioxide heating layer. The improved performance of the PCM cell with dioxide clad layer can be attributed to the fact that the buffer layer not only acted as heating layer but also efficiently reduced the cell dissipated power.
Traction curves for the decohesion of covalent crystals
Authors: Enrique Raúl A. , Van der Ven Anton
Published: January 2017

We study, by first principles, the energy versus separation curves for the cleavage of a family of covalent crystals with the diamond and zincblende structure. We find that there is universality in the curves for different materials which is chemistry independent but specific to the geometry of the particular cleavage plane. Since these curves do not strictly follow the universal binding energy relationship (UBER), we present a derivation of an extension to this relationship that includes non-linear force terms. This extended form of UBER allows for a flexible and practical mathematical description of decohesion curves that can be applied to the quantification of cohesive zone models.
Temperature dependent transient surface photovoltage spectroscopy of a Cu1.95Zn1.1Sn0.96Se4 kesterite single phase powder
Authors: Dittrich Th. , Valle Rios L. E. , Kapil S. , Gurieva G. , Rujisamphan N. , Schorr S.
Published: January 2017

An off-stoichiometric but single phase Cu1.95Zn1.1Sn0.96Se4 kesterite powder was investigated by temperature dependent transient surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy. SPV signals excited at different wavelengths were transformed into SPV spectra that depended on the response time of measurement. Shallow electronic states and states with transition energies at 0.83 eV or 0.78… 0.9 eV were distinguished. The temperature dependence of the band gap of Cu1.95Zn1.1Sn0.96Se4 was obtained. Results were discussed on the basis of defects in Cu-poor and Zn-rich kesterite.