bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of novel vaccination regimens using viral vectored liver stage malaria vaccines encoding ME-TRAP
Authors: Bliss Carly M. , Bowyer Georgina , Anagnostou Nicholas A. , Havelock Tom , Snudden Claudia M. , Davies Huw , de Cassan Simone C. , Grobbelaar Amy , Lawrie Alison M. , Venkatraman Navin , Poulton Ian D. , Roberts Rachel , Mange Pooja B. , Choudhary Prateek , Faust Saul N. , Colloca Stefano , Gilbert Sarah C. , Nicosia Alfredo , Hill Adrian V. S. , Ewer Katie J.
Published: February 2018

Heterologous prime-boost vaccination with viral vectors simian adenovirus 63 (ChAd63) and Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) induces potent T cell and antibody responses in humans. The 8-week regimen demonstrates significant efficacy against malaria when expressing the pre-erythrocytic malaria antigen Thrombospondin-Related Adhesion Protein fused to a multiple epitope string (ME-TRAP). We tested these vaccines in 7 new 4- and 8- week interval schedules to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of multiple ChAd63 ME-TRAP priming vaccinations (denoted A), multiple MVA ME-TRAP boosts (denoted M) and alternating vectors. All regimens exhibited acceptable reactogenicity and CD8+ T cell immunogenicity was enhanced with a 4-week interval (AM) and with incorporation of additional ChAd63 ME-TRAP vaccination at 4- or 8-weeks (AAM or A_A_M). Induction of TRAP antibodies was comparable between schedules. T cell immunity against the ChAd63 hexon did not affect T cell responses to the vaccine insert, however pre-vaccination ChAd63-specific T cells correlated with reduced TRAP antibodies. Vaccine-induced antibodies against MVA did not affect TRAP antibody induction, and correlated positively with ME-TRAP-specific T cells. This study identifies potentially more effective immunisation regimens to assess in Phase IIa trials and demonstrates a degree of flexibility with the timing of vectored vaccine administration, aiding incorporation into existing vaccination programmes.
An in vitro proof-of-principle study of sonobactericide
Authors: Lattwein Kirby R. , Shekhar Himanshu , van Wamel Willem J. B. , Gonzalez Tammy , Herr Andrew B. , Holland Christy K. , Kooiman Klazina
Published: February 2018

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The predominant bacteria causing IE is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which can bind to existing thrombi on heart valves and generate vegetations (biofilms). In this in vitro flow study, we evaluated sonobactericide as a novel strategy to treat IE, using ultrasound and an ultrasound contrast agent with or without other therapeutics. We developed a model of IE biofilm using human whole-blood clots infected with patient-derived S. aureus (infected clots). Histology and live-cell imaging revealed a biofilm layer of fibrin-embedded living Staphylococci around a dense erythrocyte core. Infected clots were treated under flow for 30 minutes and degradation was assessed by time-lapse microscopy imaging. Treatments consisted of either continuous plasma flow alone or with different combinations of therapeutics: oxacillin (antibiotic), recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA; thrombolytic), intermittent continuous-wave low-frequency ultrasound (120-kHz, 0.44 MPa peak-to-peak pressure), and an ultrasound contrast agent (Definity). Infected clots exposed to the combination of oxacillin, rt-PA, ultrasound, and Definity achieved 99.3 ± 1.7% loss, which was greater than the other treatment arms. Effluent size measurements suggested low likelihood of emboli formation. These results support the continued investigation of sonobactericide as a therapeutic strategy for IE.
Proteome analysis of Aspergillus flavus isolate-specific responses to oxidative stress in relationship to aflatoxin production capability
Authors: Fountain Jake C. , Koh Jin , Yang Liming , Pandey Manish K. , Nayak Spurthi N. , Bajaj Prasad , Zhuang Wei-Jian , Chen Zhi-Yuan , Kemerait Robert C. , Lee R. Dewey , Chen Sixue , Varshney Rajeev K. , Guo Baozhu
Published: February 2018

Aspergillus flavusis an opportunistic pathogen of plants such as maize and peanut under conducive conditions such as drought stress resulting in significant aflatoxin production. Drought-associated oxidative stress also exacerbates aflatoxin production byA. flavus. The objectives of this study were to use proteomics to provide insights into the pathogen responses to H2O2-derived oxidative stress, and to identify potential biomarkers and targets for host resistance breeding. Three isolates, AF13, NRRL3357, and K54A with high, moderate, and no aflatoxin production, were cultured in medium supplemented with varying levels of H2O2, and examined using an iTRAQ (Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification) approach. Overall, 1,173 proteins were identified and 220 were differentially expressed (DEPs). Observed DEPs encompassed metabolic pathways including antioxidants, carbohydrates, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolism. Increased lytic enzyme, secondary metabolite, and developmental pathway expression in AF13 was correlated with oxidative stress tolerance, likely assisting in plant infection and microbial competition. Elevated expression of energy and cellular component production in NRRL3357 and K54A implies a focus on oxidative damage remediation. These trends explain isolate-to-isolate variation in oxidative stress tolerance and provide insights into mechanisms relevant to host plant interactions under drought stress allowing for more targeted efforts in host resistance research.
A tomato MADS-box protein, SlCMB1, regulates ethylene biosynthesis and carotenoid accumulation during fruit ripening
Authors: Zhang Jianling , Hu Zongli , Yao Qiyuan , Guo Xuhu , Nguyen Vanluc , Li Fenfen , Chen Guoping
Published: February 2018

The MADS-box transcription factors play essential roles in many physiological and biochemical processes of plants, especially in fruit ripening. Here, a tomato MADS-box gene, SlCMB1, was isolated. SlCMB1 expression declined with the fruit ripening from immature green to B + 7 (7 days after Breaker) fruits in the wild type (WT) and was lower in Nr and rin mutants fruits. Tomato plants with reduced SlCMB1 mRNA displayed delayed fruit ripening, reduced ethylene production and carotenoid accumulation. The ethylene production in SlCMB1-RNAi fruits decreased by approximately 50% as compared to WT. The transcripts of ethylene biosynthesis genes (ACS2, ACS4, ACO1 and ACO3), ethylene-responsive genes (E4, E8 and ERF1) and fruit ripening-related genes (RIN, TAGL1, FUL1, FUL2, LoxC and PE) were inhibited in SlCMB1-RNAi fruits. The carotenoid accumulation was decreased and two carotenoid synthesis-related genes (PSY1 and PDS) were down-regulated while three lycopene cyclase genes (CYCB, LCYB and LCYE) were up-regulated in transgenic fruits. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid assay showed that SlCMB1 could interact with SlMADS-RIN, SlMADS1, SlAP2a and TAGL1, respectively. Collectively, these results indicate that SlCMB1 is a new component to the current model of regulatory network that regulates ethylene biosynthesis and carotenoid accumulation during fruit ripening.
A Saliva Protein of Varroa Mites Contributes to the Toxicity toward Apis cerana and the DWV Elevation in A. mellifera
Authors: Zhang Yi , Han Richou
Published: February 2018

Varroa destructor mites express strong avoidance of the Apis cerana worker brood in the field. The molecular mechanism for this phenomenon remains unknown. We identified a Varroa toxic protein (VTP), which exhibited toxic activity toward A. cerana worker larvae, in the saliva of these mites, and expressed VTP in an Escherichia coli system. We further demonstrated that recombinant VTP killed A. cerana worker larvae and pupae in the absence of deformed-wing virus (DWV) but was not toxic to A. cerana worker adults and drones. The recombinant VTP was safe for A. mellifera individuals, but resulted in elevated DWV titers and the subsequent development of deformed-wing adults. RNAi-mediated suppression of vtp gene expression in the mites partially protected A. cerana larvae. We propose a modified mechanism for Varroa mite avoidance of worker brood, due to mutual destruction stress, including the worker larvae blocking Varroa mite reproduction and Varroa mites killing worker larvae by the saliva toxin. The discovery of VTP should provide a better understanding of Varroa pathogenesis, facilitate host-parasite mechanism research and allow the development of effective methods to control these harmful mites.
Multi-terminal spin valve in a strong Rashba channel exhibiting three resistance states
Authors: Lee Joo-hyeon , Kim Hyung-jun , Chang Joonyeon , Han Suk Hee , Koo Hyun Cheol , Sayed Shehrin , Hong Seokmin , Datta Supriyo
Published: February 2018

In a strong spin-orbit interaction system, the existence of three resistance states were observed when two ferromagnetic (FM) contacts were used as current terminals while a separate normal metal contact pair was used as voltage terminals. This result is strikingly different from ordinary spin valve or magnetic tunnel junction devices, which have only two resistance states corresponding to parallel (RP) and antiparallel (RAP) alignments of the FM contacts. Our experimental results on a quantum well layer with a strong Rashba effect clearly exhibit unequal antiparallel states, i.e., RAP(1) > RP > RAP(2), up to room temperature. The three-states are observed without any degradation when the distance between the non-magnetic voltage probe and the ferromagnetic current probe was increased up to 1.6 mm.
Evolution of extrema features reveals optimal stimuli for biological state transitions
Authors: Chang Joshua , Paydarfar David
Published: February 2018

The ability to define the unique features of an input stimulus needed to control switch-like behavior in biological systems is an important problem in computational biology and medicine. We show in this study how highly complex and intractable optimization problems can be simplified by restricting the search to the signal’s extrema as key feature points, and evolving the extrema features towards optimal solutions that closely match solutions derived from gradient-based methods. Our results suggest a model-independent approach for solving a class of optimization problems related to controlling switch-like state transitions.
Gate Modulation of the Spin-orbit Interaction in Bilayer Graphene Encapsulated by WS2 films
Authors: Afzal Amir Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Nazir Ghazanfar , Dastgeer Ghulam , Aftab Sikandar , Akhtar Imtisal , Seo Yongho , Eom Jonghwa
Published: February 2018

Graphene has gigantic potential in the development of advanced spintronic devices. The interfacial interactions of graphene with semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides improve the electronic properties drastically, making it an intriguing candidate for spintronic applications. Here, we fabricated bilayer graphene encapsulated by WS2 layers to exploit the interface-induced spin-orbit interaction (SOI). We designed a dual gated device, where the SOI is tuned by gate voltages. The strength of induced SOI in the bilayer graphene is dramatically elevated, which leads to a strong weak antilocalization (WAL) effect at low temperature. The quantitative analysis of WAL demonstrates that the spin relaxation time is 10 times smaller than in bilayer graphene on conventional substrates. To support these results, we also examined Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations, which give unambiguous evidence of the zero-field spin-splitting in our bilayer graphene. The spin-orbit coupling constants estimated by two different measurements (i.e., the WAL effect and SdH oscillations) show close values as a function of gate voltage, supporting the self-consistency of this study’s experimental results. The gate modulation of the SOI in bilayer graphene encapsulated by WS2 films establishes a novel way to explore the manipulation of spin-dependent transport through an electric field.
Early antiretroviral therapy on reducing HIV transmission in China: strengths, weaknesses and next focus of the program
Authors: Liu Pengtao , Tang Zhenzhu , Lan Guanghua , Zhu Qiuying , Chen Huanhuan , You Yinghui , Yang Xiaoyi , Liang Shujia , Chen Yi , Xing Hui , Liao Lingjie , Feng Yi , Shen Zhiyong , Ruan Yuhua , Shao Yiming
Published: February 2018

Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is a recommended public health approach for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission. In this cohort study, we included 13132 serodiscordant couples. ART was initiated for patients with CD4+ T cell counts less than 200 cells/uL, 350 cells/uL, and 500 cells/uL respectively. This divided the ART treated couples into three groups. Univariate and multivariate intention-to-treat analyses were performed to examine the association between the study groups. Early-ART initiation was associated with a 45% lower risk of partner infection than was late-ART initiation (AHR 0.55, 95% CI, 0.37–0.81). Mid-ART initiation was associated with a 39% lower risk of partner infection than was late-ART initiation (AHR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.48–0.78). However, the risk reduction between the early and mid-ART groups was not significant. Drug compliance (AHR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03–2.35) and increased baseline viral load (AHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.33–1.51) were associated with an increased risk of infections among partners in the treatment. Prevention of HIV transmission as a result of early ART initiation was feasible on national and regional scales; however, many factors, such as the motivation to commence ART, adherence, and attrition, may affect the impact of this strategy in programmatic settings.
Conformational IgE Epitope Mapping of Der p 2 and the Evaluations of Two Candidate Hypoallergens for Immunotherapy
Authors: Reginald Kavita , Chew Fook Tim
Published: February 2018

Epitope mapping of Der p 2, a clinically important dust-mite allergen is the first step in designing immunotherapy hypoallergen vaccine candidates. Twenty-one single alanine mutants of Der p 2 were generated and their secondary structure was analysed using circular dichroism spectra. Only one mutant, K96A resulted in a misfolded protein. All mutants were tested for serum IgE reactivity using serum from dust mite allergic individuals by immuno dot-blots. Mutations to five residues, N10, E25, K77, K96 and E102 consistently showed reduced IgE reactions compared to wild-type Der p 2, and therefore these residues constitute the major IgE epitopes of Der p 2. Two mutants with consistent low IgE binding, K96A and E102A, were subsequently evaluated as hypoallergen candidates. IgG antibodies raised in mice against both mutants could inhibit human IgE-binding to WT Der p 2. Both mutants had intact T-cell epitopes as they were able to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation similar to WT Der p 2. However, a switch in Th1:Th2 cytokine profile was not observed. In summary, we have identified the major conformational epitopes of Der p 2, and evaluated two Der p 2 hypoallergen vaccine candidates for immunotherapy.
Energy storage in structural composites by introducing CNT fiber/polymer electrolyte interleaves
Authors: Senokos Evgeny , Ou Yunfu , Torres Juan Jose , Sket Federico , González Carlos , Marcilla Rebeca , Vilatela Juan J.
Published: February 2018

This work presents a method to produce structural composites capable of energy storage. They are produced by integrating thin sandwich structures of CNT fiber veils and an ionic liquid-based polymer electrolyte between carbon fiber plies, followed by infusion and curing of an epoxy resin. The resulting structure behaves simultaneously as an electric double-layer capacitor and a structural composite, with flexural modulus of 60 GPa and flexural strength of 153 MPa, combined with 88 mF/g of specific capacitance and the highest power (30 W/kg) and energy (37.5 mWh/kg) densities reported so far for structural supercapacitors. In-situ electrochemical measurements during 4-point bending show that electrochemical performance is retained up to fracture, with minor changes in equivalent series resistance for interleaves under compressive stress. En route to improving interlaminar properties we produce grid-shaped interleaves that enable mechanical interconnection of plies by the stiff epoxy. Synchrotron 3D X-ray tomography analysis of the resulting hierarchical structure confirms the formation of interlaminar epoxy joints. The manuscript discusses encapsulation role of epoxy, demonstrated by charge-discharge measurements of composites immersed in water, a deleterious agent for ionic liquids. Finally, we show different architectures free of current collector and electrical insulators, in which both CNT fiber and CF act as active electrodes.
Difference in anisotropic etching characteristics of alkaline and copper based acid solutions for single-crystalline Si
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Yaoping , Yang Lixia , Wu Juntao , Chen Quansheng , Zhao Yan , Wang Yan , Du Xiaolong
Published: February 2018

The so called inverted pyramid arrays, outperforming conventional upright pyramid textures, have been successfully achieved by one-step Cu assisted chemical etching (CACE) for light reflection minimization in silicon solar cells. Due to the lower reduction potential of Cu2+/Cu and different electronic properties of different Si planes, the etching of Si substrate shows orientation-dependent. Different from the upright pyramid obtained by alkaline solutions, the formation of inverted pyramid results from the coexistence of anisotropic etching and localized etching process. The obtained structure is bounded by Si {111} planes which have the lowest etching rate, no matter what orientation of Si substrate is. The Si etching rate and (100)/(111) etching ratio are quantitatively analyzed. The different behaviors of anisotropic etching of Si by alkaline and Cu based acid etchant have been systematically investigated.
Improved mass spectrometric detection of acidic peptides by variations in the functional group pKa values of reverse micelle extraction agents
Authors: Zhao Bo , Serrano Mahalia A. C. , Wang Meizhe , Liu Tianying , Gordon Mallory R. , Thayumanavan S. , Vachet Richard W.
Published: February 2018

Functional groups in reverse micelles maintain their aqueous phase pKa and allow selective extraction of peptides according to isoelectric point.
Dendrimer grafted nanoporous silica fibers for headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography determination of solvent residues in edible oil
Authors: Ramezani Zahra , Saeedi Iman , Hashemi Payman
Published: February 2018

A recently prepared nanoporous G(1)-dendrimer supported SBA-15 solid phase microextraction fiber was successfully applied to the HS-SPME of solvent residues such as hexane, benzene, and toluene in edible vegetable oils followed by GC-FID.
Gadolinium based endohedral metallofullerene Gd2@C79N as a relaxation boosting agent for dissolution DNP at high fields
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , McKay Johannes E. , Lama Bimala , van Tol Johan , Li Tinghui , Kirkpatrick Kyle , Gan Zhehong , Hill Stephen , Long Joanna R. , Dorn Harry C.
Published: February 2018

The endohedral metallofullerene Gd2@C79N showing unprecedented boosting effects in combination with 4-oxo-TEMPO for dissolution DNP at 5 T.
Nucleation front instability in two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet gadolinium-doped cerium oxide (CGO) formation
Authors: Marani Debora , Moraes Leticia Poras Reis , Gualandris Fabrizio , Sanna Simone , de Florio Daniel Zanetti , Esposito Vincenzo , Fonseca Fabio Coral
Published: February 2018

Low temperature (<40 °C) transition from nanoparticles to 3D layered morphology is observed for gadolinium-doped cerium oxide.
Solid-phase extraction as sample preparation of water samples for cell-based and otherin vitrobioassays
Authors: Neale Peta A. , Brack Werner , Aït-Aïssa Selim , Busch Wibke , Hollender Juliane , Krauss Martin , Maillot-Maréchal Emmanuelle , Munz Nicole A. , Schlichting Rita , Schulze Tobias , Vogler Bernadette , Escher Beate I.
Published: February 2018

Effect recovery for bioassays was evaluated and was similar to recovery by chemical analysis for the studied SPE methods, providing support of bioassay use for water quality monitoring.
Criegee intermediates and their impacts on the troposphere
Authors: Khan M. A. H. , Percival C. J. , Caravan R. L. , Taatjes C. A. , Shallcross D. E.
Published: February 2018

Criegee intermediates (CIs), carbonyl oxides formed in ozonolysis of alkenes, play key roles in the troposphere.
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid induces fat loss inC. elegansin an omega-3-independent manner by promoting peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation
Authors: Navarro-Herrera David , Aranaz Paula , Eder-Azanza Laura , Zabala María , Hurtado Cristina , Romo-Hualde Ana , Martínez J. Alfredo , González-Navarro Carlos J. , Vizmanos José L.
Published: February 2018

Omega-6 fatty acids might induce beneficial effects on body fat-content and metabolism.
Electrochemical synthesis of methyl sulfoxides from thiophenols/thiols and dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Du Ke-Si , Huang Jing-Mei
Published: February 2018

A new route for a one-pot synthesis of methyl sulfoxides from thiophenols/thiols and dimethyl sulfoxide using an electrochemical technique was developed.
Embryonic exposure to an aqueous coal dust extract results in gene expression alterations associated with the development and function of connective tissue and the hematological system, immunological and inflammatory disease, and cancer in zebrafish
Authors: Caballero-Gallardo Karina , Wirbisky-Hershberger Sara E. , Olivero-Verbel Jesus , de la Rosa Jesus , Freeman Jennifer L.
Published: February 2018

This is the first study to identify the developmental toxicity of an aqueous coal dust extract in zebrafish.
A facile approach to synthesize oxygen doped g-C3N4 with enhanced visible light activity under anoxic conditions via oxygen-plasma treatment
Authors: Qu Xiaoyu , Hu Shaozheng , Bai Jin , Li Ping , Lu Guang , Kang Xiaoxue
Published: February 2018

Photocatalytic oxidation technology for the anoxic removal of organic pollutants that exist under some oxygen-free conditions is attractive but challenging.
Efficient microwave-assisted regioselective one pot direct ortho-formylation of phenol derivatives in the presence of nanocrystalline MgO as a solid base catalyst under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Zakerzadeh Elham
Published: February 2018

In this research, at first nanocrystalline MgO was prepared and then the solvent-free reactions of phenol derivatives with paraformaldehyde in the presence of the obtained nanocrystalline MgO as a new catalyst under microwave irradiation were investigated.
A new 3D POMOF with two channels consisting of Wells–Dawson arsenotungstate and {Cl4Cu10(pz)11} complexes: synthesis, crystal structure, and properties
Authors: Cong Bo-Wen , Su Zhan-Hua , Zhao Zhi-Feng , Zhao Wen-Qi , Ma Xiu-Juan , Xu Qiu , Du Li-Juan
Published: February 2018

A new 3D POMOF based on Wells–Dawson arsenotungstate was prepared using a hydrothermal reaction. The POMOF exhibits a novel topological structure, photoluminescence properties, and excellent photocatalytic activity.
Late transition metal recovery from a silver nitrate electrolyte using a phosphine-oxide bearing scavenger
Authors: Musina Ancuta , van Zutphen Steven , Lavric Vasile
Published: February 2018

A method to recover Pd and Pt from a silver nitrate electrolyte was developed.
Fully printed high performance humidity sensors based on two-dimensional materials
Authors: He P. , Brent J. R. , Ding H. , Yang J. , Lewis D. J. , O'Brien P. , Derby B.
Published: February 2018

We present the results from an all inkjet printed 2D-black phosphorus humidity sensor displaying very high sensitivity.
Efficient and ultraviolet durable planar perovskite solar cells via a ferrocenecarboxylic acid modified nickel oxide hole transport layer
Authors: Zhang Jiankai , Luo Hui , Xie Weijia , Lin Xuanhuai , Hou Xian , Zhou Jianping , Huang Sumei , Ou-Yang Wei , Sun Zhuo , Chen Xiaohong
Published: February 2018

A ferrocenedicarboxylic acid modified NiOx layer greatly improves the crystallization of a perovskite, its interface contact properties and electrical conductivity and also passivates the interface.
On the generality of the superarmament of glycosyl donors
Authors: Poulsen Lulu Teressa , Heuckendorff Mads , Jensen Henrik H.
Published: February 2018

We establish that the electronic superarmament of 2-OBz thioglucoside glycosyl donors under NIS/TfOH activation is not a general phenomenon.
Diblock copolymer glyco-nanomicelles constructed by a maltoheptaose-based amphiphile for reduction- and pH-mediated intracellular drug delivery
Authors: Cheng Lulu , Luan Tingting , Liu Di , Cheng Ju , Li Hongping , Wei Hua , Zhang Lifen , Lan Jingfeng , Liu Yali , Zhao Guanghui
Published: February 2018

A new type of reduction- and pH-mediated glyco-polymeric micelles was synthesized for the antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX) delivery in this study.
Basophilic green fluorescent carbon nanoparticles derived from benzoxazine for the detection of Cr(vi) in a strongly alkaline environment
Authors: Fang Bin , Wang Ping , Zhu Yujia , Wang Caoyu , Zhang Geng , Zheng Xinsheng , Ding Cong , Gu Jiangjiang , Cao Feifei
Published: February 2018

Basophilic green fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (G-CNPs) were prepared from benzoxazine for the selective detection of Cr(vi) in strongly alkaline environments.
Epigallocatechin gallate-zinc oxide co-crystalline nanoparticles as an anticancer drug that is non-toxic to normal cells
Authors: Samutprasert Pawatsanai , Chiablaem Khajeelak , Teeraseranee Chanon , Phaiyarin Punnawich , Pukfukdee Puttikorn , Pienpinijtham Prompong , Svasti Jisnuson , Palaga Tanapat , Lirdprapamongkol Kriengsak , Wanichwecharungruang Supason
Published: February 2018

A tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), can enhance cytotoxicity of Zinc in cancer cells. Here we synthesize hybrid EGCG-ZnO nanoparticles that can kill PC-3 prostate cancer cells at concentrations that are not toxic to normal cells.
Serum metabolomics strategy for understanding the therapeutic effects of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang against Yanghuang syndrome
Authors: Liu Xing-yuan , Zhang Ai-hua , Fang Heng , Li Meng-xi , Song Qi , Su Jing , Yu Meng-die , Yang Le , Wang Xi-jun
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the current research is to investigate the expression of endogenous biomarkers in Yanghuang syndrome mice and evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang.
Porous metalloporphyrinic nanospheres constructed from metal 5,10,15,20-tetraksi(4′-ethynylphenyl)porphyrin for efficient catalytic degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Li Yongjin , Wang Liming , Gao Yong , Yang Weijun , Li Yingying , Guo Cancheng
Published: February 2018

A kind of novel conjugated metalloporphyrin polymers were synthesized by the Sonogashira coupling reaction. They were microporous nanospherical polymers and showed excellent catalytic activities and reusability in degradation of methylene blue.
The influence of Si(iv) on the reactivity of [Fe(iii)]/[Fe(ii)] couples for 2-nitrophenol reduction in γ-Al2O3 suspensions
Authors: Tao Liang , Wang Shan-Li , Li Fang-Bai , Yu Nin-Ya , Wu Ke
Published: February 2018

In a natural environment, Fe(ii) adsorbed onto the surfaces of natural particles to form various surface complex species can influence the transformation of contaminants.
cis-Oxoruthenium complexes supported by chiral tetradentate amine (N4) ligands for hydrocarbon oxidations
Authors: Tse Chun-Wai , Liu Yungen , Wai-Shan Chow Toby , Ma Chaoqun , Yip Wing-Ping , Chang Xiao-Yong , Low Kam-Hung , Huang Jie-Sheng , Che Chi-Ming
Published: February 2018

We report the first examples of cis-dioxo ruthenium(vi) complexes supported by chiral N4 ligands and their stoichiometric and catalytic reactivities with alkanes and alkenes.
Hierarchical TiO2/Ni(OH)2composite fibers with enhanced photocatalytic CO2reduction performance
Authors: Meng Aiyun , Wu Shuang , Cheng Bei , Yu Jiaguo , Xu Jingsan
Published: February 2018

A hierarchical porous TiO2/Ni(OH)2composite fiber photocatalyst with dramatically improved photocatalytic CO2reduction activity and prominent alcohol production selectivity is reported.
Enhanced oxygen electroreduction over nitrogen-free carbon nanotube-supported CuFeO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Shu-Yu , Zhang Bing , Su Hui , Zhang Jun-Jun , Li Xin-Hao , Wang Kai-Xue , Chen Jie-Sheng , Wei Xiao , Feng Pingyun
Published: February 2018

Composites of nano-sized delafossite CuFeO2 with 10–20 nm diameter and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are constructed through a facile, one-pot hydrothermal process.
Adaptive immune cells are necessary for the enhanced therapeutic effect of sorafenib-loaded nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Bin , Long Jie , Zhao Yang-Yang , Yang Jing-Bo , Jiang Wei , Liu Qing-Zhi , Yan Kai , Li Liang , Wang Yu-Cai , Lian Zhe-Xiong
Published: February 2018

Sorafenib is a kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of primary kidney cancer, advanced primary liver cancer, and radioactive iodine resistant advanced thyroid carcinoma.
Ni-catalyzed two-component reductive dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes via radical cyclization
Authors: Kuang Yulong , Wang Xuefeng , Anthony David , Diao Tianning
Published: February 2018

A reductive dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes has been developed and applied to the preparation of substituted carbo- and heterocycles.
Impact of junction formation processes on single molecular conductance
Authors: Isshiki Y. , Fujii S. , Nishino T. , Kiguchi M.
Published: February 2018

We have investigated the electric conductance and atomic structure of single molecular junctions of pyrazine (Py), 4,4′-bipyridine (BiPy), fullerene (C60), and 1,4-diaminobutane (DAB).
Phonon transport in Janus monolayer MoSSe: a first-principles study
Authors: Guo San-Dong
Published: February 2018

First principles investigation of the phonon transport and lattice thermal conductivity (κL) in MoSSe, MoS2 and MoSe2 monolayers.
Charge transport at a molecular GaAs nanoscale junction
Authors: Vezzoli Andrea , Brooke Richard J. , Ferri Nicolò , Brooke Carly , Higgins Simon J. , Schwarzacher Walther , Nichols Richard J.
Published: February 2018

The use of semiconducting electrodes in molecular junctions is an elegant way to impart new properties to nanodevices. Here we report metal-molecule(s)–metal Schottky photodiodes whose behaviour can be tuned by appropriate choice of molecule and doping density, giving further insights into the molecule–semiconductor interface.
A planar impedance sensor for 3D spheroids
Authors: Curto V. F. , Ferro M. P. , Mariani F. , Scavetta E. , Owens R. M.
Published: February 2018

We present a novel platform to measure the electrical impedance of 3D spheroids, through the use of a planar organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) and a novel circular-shaped microtrap.
Improved visible light photocatalytic activity of rGO–Fe3O4–NiO hybrid nanocomposites synthesized byin situfacile method for industrial wastewater treatment applications
Authors: Mahalingam Shanmugam , Ahn Young-Ho
Published: February 2018

In situsurfactant free synthesis of rGO–Fe3O4–NiO hybrid nanocomposite for improving photocatalytic degradation of synthetic dyes (MR and CV) and real industrial dye wastewater.
Benzothiadiazole-oligothiophene flanked dicyanomethylenated quinacridone for non-fullerene acceptors in polymer solar cells
Authors: Su Junjun , Wen Xin , Chen Weiping , Miao Yang , Li Fenghong , Wang Yue
Published: February 2018

A new class of benzothiadiazole-oligo(3-hexylthiophene) flanked dicyanomethylenated quinacridone derivatives DCNQA-BT-Tn (n = 1–3) has been designed and synthesized in good yield by iterative bromination and Suzuki coupling reactions, followed by Knoevenagel condensation.
A simple and novel protocol for Li-trapping with a POM/MOF nano-composite as a new adsorbent for CO2 uptake
Authors: Ghahramaninezhad Mahboube , Soleimani Bita , Niknam Shahrak Mahdi
Published: February 2018

A novel recipe for lithium trapping over a POM/MOF hybrid composite to enhance carbon capture is presented
A naphthodithieno[3,2-b]thiophene-based copolymer as a novel third component in ternary polymer solar cells with a simultaneously enhanced open circuit voltage, short circuit current and fill factor
Authors: Sun Yuqian , Guo Biao , Chen Youchun , Zhang Weifeng , Li Xiang , Yu Gui , Li Fenghong
Published: February 2018

Ternary polymer solar cells with simultaneously improved VOC, JSC and FF have been achieved by doping PV12 as a third component.
Identification of a novel ligand for the ATAD2 bromodomain with selectivity over BRD4 through a fragment growing approach
Authors: Miller Duncan C. , Martin Mathew P. , Adhikari Santosh , Brennan Alfie , Endicott Jane A. , Golding Bernard T. , Hardcastle Ian R. , Heptinstall Amy , Hobson Stephen , Jennings Claire , Molyneux Lauren , Ng Yvonne , Wedge Stephen R. , Noble Martin E. M. , Cano Celine
Published: February 2018

Structure-guided expansion of a fragment hit for the ATAD2 bromodomain enabled improvement in ATAD2 inhibition and selectivity over BRD4.
Access to 2-substituted-2H-indazolesviaa copper-catalyzed regioselective cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Zhang Rong , Liu Zheng , Peng Qiujun , Zhou Yijun , Xu Lanting , Pan Xianhua
Published: February 2018

A copper-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling reaction using commercially available 1H-indazoles with hypervalent iodine reagents to afford biologically active 2-substituted-2H-indazole is described.
An organocatalyzed Stetter reaction as a bio-inspired tool for the synthesis of nucleic acid-based bioconjugates
Authors: Hamoud Aladin , Barthélémy Philippe , Desvergnes Valérie
Published: February 2018

An NHC-catalyzed Stetter reaction as a conjugation step to provide nucleic acid-based bioconjugates.
Pb2BO3Br: a novel nonlinear optical lead borate bromine with a KBBF-type structure exhibiting strong nonlinear optical response
Authors: Luo Min , Song Yunxia , Liang Fei , Ye Ning , Lin Zheshuai
Published: February 2018

Introducing a halogen bromine atom into a PbO–B2O3system generates a novel nonlinear optical material Pb2BO3Br.
Explaining secondary school students’ attitudes towards chemistry in Chile
Authors: Montes L. H. , Ferreira R. A. , Rodríguez C.
Published: February 2018

Research into attitudes towards chemistry in Latin America and indeed towards science in general is very limited. The present study aimed to adapt and validate a shortened version of Bauer's Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory version 2 (ASCIv2) for use in a Latin American context. It also explored attitudes towards chemistry of Chilean secondary school students, and assessed the effect of school type, year group, gender, and chemistry achievement on both cognitive and affective dimensions. The participants were 523 secondary school students from public, private subsidised, and private schools in Chile. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were first carried out to validate ASCIv2. The results of CFA showed that ASCIv2 retained the two-factor structure and showed optimal model fit, but three items had to be removed from the original instrument. The research also showed that attitudes towards science were neither positive nor negative, a reality similar to that of other countries. The results of multivariate and univariate analyses of variance showed significant effects of year group and chemistry achievement on attitudes towards chemistry. No effects of school type, gender or interactions between factors were found. Follow-up analyses revealed that as students advance through school their attitudes decline, but that the higher their chemistry marks, the more positive their attitudes become. These findings are partially in line with previous data from other countries and are a starting point for more research into attitudes towards chemistry in Latin America.
Molecular mechanisms of missense mutations that generate ectopic N-glycosylation sites in coagulation factor VIII
Authors: Wei Wei , Misra Saurav , Cannon Matthew V. , Yang Renchi , Zhu Xiaofan , Gilmore Reid , Zhu Min , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2018

N-glycosylation is a common posttranslational modification of secreted and membrane proteins, catalyzed by the two enzymatic isoforms of the oligosaccharyltransferase, STT3A and STT3B. Missense mutations are the most common mutations in inherited diseases; however, missense mutations that generate extra, non-native N-glycosylation sites have not been well characterized. Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) contains five consensus N-glycosylation sites outside its functionally dispensable B domain. We developed a computer program that identified hemophilia A mutations in FVIII that can potentially create ectopic glycosylation sites. We determined that 18 of these ectopic sites indeed become N-glycosylated. These sites span the domains of FVIII and are primarily associated with a severe disease phenotype. Using STT3A and STT3B knockout cells, we determined that ectopic glycosylation exhibited different degrees of dependence on STT3A and STT3B. By separating the effects of ectopic N-glycosylation from those due to underlying amino acid changes, we showed that ectopic glycans promote the secretion of some mutants, but impair the secretion of others. However, ectopic glycans that enhanced secretion could not functionally replace a native N-glycan in the same domain. Secretion-deficient mutants, but not mutants with elevated secretion levels, show increased association with the endoplasmic reticulum chaperones BiP (immunoglobulin heavy chain-binding protein) and calreticulin. Though secreted to different extents, all studied mutants exhibited lower relative activity than wild-type FVIII. Our results reveal differential impacts of ectopic N-glycosylation on FVIII folding, trafficking and activity, which highlight complex disease-causing mechanisms of FVIII missense mutations. Our findings are relevant to other secreted and membrane proteins with mutations that generate ectopic N-glycans.
Chattering free robust adaptive integral higher order sliding mode control for load frequency problems in multi‐area power systems
Authors: Sarkar Mrinal Kanti , Dev Ark , Asthana Pankhuri , Narzary Daijiry
Published: February 2018

The aim of the article is to design a chattering free robust adaptive integral higher order sliding mode control for load frequency problems in multi‐area hydro power systems using decentralised variable structure control methodology. The proposed controller assures change in frequency in all the areas due to load disturbance converge to zero in finite time. Results are compared with the performances obtained using integral sliding mode control (ISMC) and integral higher order sliding mode control (IHOSMC). The proposed controller helps in achieving finite time convergence of change in frequency due to load disturbances with chattering free and smooth control signal as compared to that obtained using ISMC and IHOSMC. Performance of the controller is tested for plant considered with non‐linearities in power system such as generation rate constraints and governor deadband. The proposed controller is also validated against random load disturbances and IEEE large bus system (39‐bus system).
Event‐triggered sliding mode‐based tracking control for uncertain Euler–Lagrange systems
Authors: Kumari Kiran , Behera Abhisek K. , Bandyopadhyay Bijnan
Published: February 2018

In this study, the authors present a robust trajectory tracking control for a class of uncertain Euler–Lagrange (EL) systems using event‐triggered‐based sliding mode strategy. Here, the sliding mode‐based tracking control is designed to ensure the robust stability of EL systems in the presence of external disturbances/uncertainties. Unlike periodic implementation, in event‐triggering strategy, the control signal is updated on demand subject to system stability, so the frequent periodic execution of control tasks is avoided. Here, the event‐triggered implementation of the sliding mode‐based tracking control achieves the robust stability with desired steady‐state performance and reduced computations of control. To realise this, sufficient conditions are derived using Lyapunov analysis such that the proposed controller yields desired tracking performance. It is shown that the triggering condition proposed here ensures Zeno free execution of triggering sequence. Finally, the theoretical development of the study is illustrated through numerical simulation on a two‐link robotic manipulator.
Robust video tracking algorithm: a multi‐feature fusion approach
Authors: Wang Howard , Nguang Sing Kiong , Wen Jiwei
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a novel robust video tracking algorithm consists of target detection, multi‐feature fusion, and extended Camshift. Firstly, a novel target detection method that integrates Canny edge operator, three‐frame difference, and improved Gaussian mixture model (IGMM)‐based background modelling is provided to detect targets. The IGMM‐based background modelling divides video frames into meshes to avoid pixel‐wise processing. In addition, the output of the target detection is utilised to initialise the IGMM and to accelerate the convergence of iterations. Secondly, low‐dimensional regional covariance matrices are introduced to describe video targets by fusing multiple features like pixel location, colour index, rotation and scale invariant features as well as uniform local binary patterns, and directional derivatives. Thirdly, an extended Camshift based on adaptive kernel bandwidth and robust H∞ state estimation is proposed to predict the states of fast moving targets and to reduce the mean shift iterations. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed tracking algorithm is demonstrated via experiments.
Voltage quality enhancement in islanded microgrids with multi‐voltage quality requirements at different buses
Authors: Andishgar Mohammad Hadi , Gholipour Eskandar , Hooshmand Rahmat‐Allah
Published: February 2018

Keeping voltage quality in isolated microgrids while feeding non‐linear and/or unbalanced loads is one of the major challenges in the control of these networks. This study proposes a new hierarchical control for enhancing voltage quality in sensitive load bus (SLB) of isolated microgrids considering non‐SLBs (NSLBs (DG buses and local buses)) with voltage quality limitations. At the primary level of this hierarchical control, a droop controller is responsible for controlling voltage and frequency of microgrids. The duty of the secondary control level is that in the case of the reduction of voltage quality indices at SLB, it enhances them to their determined levels by sending proper control signals to the primary level to determine each DGs compensation effort. It is worth noting that improving the voltage quality indices at SLB can lead to a drop in NSLBs voltage quality indices. Although NSLBs do not have the strict voltage quality limitation of SLB, but keeping the voltage quality of these buses in their allowed limitation is necessary. The third level of the proposed hierarchical control is designed to guarantee the voltage quality indices limitation at NSLBs. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Saliency enabled compression in JPEG framework
Authors: Rahul Kumar , Tiwari Anil Kumar
Published: February 2018

Under low bit‐rate requirements, JPEG baseline causes compression artifacts in the image. Through this paper, a novel region‐of‐interest (ROI) dependent quantization method in JPEG framework is proposed. The proposed method judiciously quantizes DCT coefficients belonging to salient and non‐salient regions of the image. In this work, multiple ROIs are optimally identified and ranked by using variances. The number of classes is adaptively calculated using goodness‐of‐segmentation. After the number of classes and their ranks are obtained, the image is divided into blocks of size . These blocks may belong to more than one class and hence these are ranked based on their membership in various classes. 2D‐DCT coefficients of each block are obtained and then quantized adaptively based on their ranks. Overhead for rank information of blocks is minimized by applying delta‐encoding. Results are analyzed in terms of objective quality parameters and visual perception and found that the blocking artifacts in the proposed method are significantly lower than JPEG. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by results of recently published similar methods and the former is found superior in terms of quality of the reconstructed image.
Concrete casting robustness improvement due to active rheology
Authors: Schmidt Wolfram , Kühne Hans-Carsten , Leinitz Sarah
Published: February 2018

With ongoing innovation in process technology, the challenges of concrete technology are more and more focused on the rheological optimisation for these processes, since improper mixture stability or poor compaction ability negatively affect the concrete homogeneity and quality. However, along with the increasing complexity of today’s concrete mixture compositions, concrete becomes more prone to failure regarding the casting process. Variable properties of the raw materials typically cause changing workability. The reasons can be found among others in scattering water contents, physical or chemical properties of the cement or varying environmental temperatures. Robustness in the delicately adjusted rheology, however, is of utmost importance for modern and future process technology, from sprayed concrete over pumpable concrete towards 3D-printing, with regard to the long-term strength, the function and the durability. Typically, material induced changes cannot be identified easily due to the complex interactions of concrete constituents. Therefore, a precise and prompt counteraction is impossible. However, it is known that the yield stress can be controlled by addition of supplementary superplasticizer or stabilising agent. In combination with computerized process observation tools that can rapidly interpret and react on changes in the rheology, it is therefore thinkable, that only these two admixture types can adjust the rheology steadily and permanently, regardless of the actual root cause for observed macroscopic rheology change. The presentation will firstly give a comprehensive overview of effects at the interface between pore solution, particles and hydrates, which affect the rheology of fresh concrete. Secondly, ways are recommended how the rheology can be actively manipulated before eventually computerized methods are demonstrated that help to actively and rapidly assess and counteract performance scatter during steady casting processes.
Ground Glass Pozzolan in Conventional, High, and Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Authors: Tagnit-Hamou Arezki , Zidol Ablam , Soliman Nancy , Deschamps Joris , Omran Ahmed
Published: February 2018

Ground-glass pozzolan (G) obtained by grinding the mixed-waste glass to same fineness of cement can act as a supplementary-cementitious material (SCM), given that it is an amorphous and a pozzolanic material. The G showed promising performances in different concrete types such as conventional concrete (CC), high-performance concrete (HPC), and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The current paper reports on the characteristics and performance of G in these concrete types. The use of G provides several advantages (technological, economical, and environmental). It reduces the production cost of concrete and decrease the carbon footprint of a traditional concrete structures. The rheology of fresh concrete can be improved due to the replacement of cement by non-absorptive glass particles. Strength and rigidity improvements in the concrete containing G are due to the fact that glass particles act as inclusions having a very high strength and elastic modulus that have a strengthening effect on the overall hardened matrix.