bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preprocedural C-Reactive Protein Predicts Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction a systematic meta-analysis
Authors: Mincu Raluca-Ileana , Jánosi Rolf Alexander , Vinereanu Dragos , Rassaf Tienush , Totzeck Matthias
Published: January 2017

Risk assessment in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is critical in order to provide adequate treatment. We performed a systematic meta-analysis to assess the predictive role of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We included 7 studies, out of 1,033 studies, with a total of 6,993 patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI, which were divided in the high or low CRP group, according to the validated cut-off values provided by the corresponding CRP assay. High CRP values were associated with increased in-hospital and follow-up all-cause mortality, in-hospital and follow-up major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI). The pre-procedural CRP predicted in-hospital target vessel revascularization (TVR), but was not associated with acute/subacute and follow-up in-stent restenosis (ISR), and follow-up TVR. Thus, pre-procedural serum CRP could be a valuable predictor of global cardiovascular risk, rather than a predictor of stent-related complications in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. This biomarker might have the potential to improve the management of these high-risk patients.
Distinguishing Functional DNA Words; A Method for Measuring Clustering Levels
Authors: Moghaddasi Hanieh , Khalifeh Khosrow , Darooneh Amir Hossein
Published: January 2017

Functional DNA sub-sequences and genome elements are spatially clustered through the genome just as keywords in literary texts. Therefore, some of the methods for ranking words in texts can also be used to compare different DNA sub-sequences. In analogy with the literary texts, here we claim that the distribution of distances between the successive sub-sequences (words) is q-exponential which is the distribution function in non-extensive statistical mechanics. Thus the q-parameter can be used as a measure of words clustering levels. Here, we analyzed the distribution of distances between consecutive occurrences of 16 possible dinucleotides in human chromosomes to obtain their corresponding q-parameters. We found that CG as a biologically important two-letter word concerning its methylation, has the highest clustering level. This finding shows the predicting ability of the method in biology. We also proposed that chromosome 18 with the largest value of q-parameter for promoters of genes is more sensitive to dietary and lifestyle. We extended our study to compare the genome of some selected organisms and concluded that the clustering level of CGs increases in higher evolutionary organisms compared to lower ones.
Pantoea alhagi, a novel endophytic bacterium with ability to improve growth and drought tolerance in wheat
Authors: Chen Chaoqiong , Xin Kaiyun , Liu Hao , Cheng Juanli , Shen Xihui , Wang Yao , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2017

A novel strain LTYR-11ZT that exhibited multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits was isolated from the surface-sterilized leaves of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (Leguminosae), which reprsents one of the top drought tolerant plants in north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and multilocus sequence analysis based on partial sequences of atpD, gyrB, infB and rpoB genes revealed that strain LTYR-11ZT was a member of the genus Pantoea, with Pantoea theicola NBRC 110557T and Pantoea intestinalis DSM 28113T as the closest phylogenetic relatives. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization, phenotypic tests and fatty acid analysis confirmed that strain LTYR-11ZT represents a novel species of the genus Pantoea, for which we propose the name Pantoea alhagi sp. nov. Confocal microscopy observation revealed that strain LTYR-11ZT effectively colonizes the rhizoplane of both Arabidopsis and wheat. Strain LTYR-11ZT was able to promote the growth of wheat enhancing its resistance to drought stress. Strain LTYR-11ZT led to increased accumulation of soluble sugars, decreased accumulation of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased degradation of chlorophyll in leaves of drought-stressed wheat. Our findings will contribute to the development of a novel biotechnological agent to improve the adaptation of crop plants to drought in arid ecosystems.
Phylogeography of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): distinct evolutionary lineages and hybridization with the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus)
Authors: Moretti Beatrice , Al-Sheikhly Omar F. , Guerrini Monica , Theng Meryl , Gupta Brij K. , Haba Mukhtar K. , Khan Waseem A. , Khan Aleem A. , Barbanera Filippo
Published: January 2017

We investigated the phylogeography of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) to determine its spatial genetic structure for aiding an adaptive conservation management of the species. Fifty-eight modern and 11 archival (dated 1882–1970) otters sampled from Iraq to Malaysian Borneo were genotyped (mtDNA Cytochrome-b, 10 microsatellite DNA loci). Moreover, 16Aonyx cinereus(Asian small-clawed otter) and sevenLutra lutra(Eurasian otter) were sequenced to increase information available for phylogenetic reconstructions. As reported in previous studies, we found thatL. perspicillata, A. cinereusandA. capensis(African clawless otter) grouped in a clade sister to the genusLutra, withL. perspicillataandA. cinereusbeing reciprocally monophyletic. WithinL. perspicillata, we uncovered three Evolutionarily Significant Units and proved thatL. p. maxwelliis not only endemic to Iraq but also the most recent subspecies. We suggest a revision of the distribution range limits of easternmostL. perspicillatasubspecies. We show that smooth-coated otters in Singapore areL. perspicillataxA. cinereushybrids withA. cinereusmtDNA, the first reported case of hybridization in the wild among otters. This result also provides evidence supporting the inclusion ofL. perspicillataandA. cinereusin the genusAmblonyx, thus avoiding the paraphyly of the genusAonyx.
Protective effects of recombinant human cytoglobin against chronic alcohol-induced liver disease in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wen Jian , Wu Yongbin , Wei Wei , Li Zhen , Wang Ping , Zhu Shiwei , Dong Wenqi
Published: January 2017

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an important worldwide public health issue with no satisfying treatment available since now. Here we explore the effects of recombinant human cytoglobin (rhCygb) on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo studies showed that rhCygb was able to ameliorate alcohol-induced liver injury, significantly reversed increased serum index (ALT, AST, TG, TC and LDL-C) and decreased serum HDL-C. Histopathology observation of the liver of rats treated with rhCygb confirmed the biochemical data. Furthermore, rhCygb significantly inhibited Kupffer cells (KCs) proliferation and TNF-α expression in LPS-induced KCs. rhCygb also inhibited LPS-induced NADPH oxidase activity and ROS, NO and O2•− generation. These results collectively indicate that rhCygb exert the protective effect on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury through suppression of KC activation and oxidative stress. In view of its anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory features, rhCygb might be a promising candidate for development as a therapeutic agent against ALD.
Interplay with the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex and phosphorylation by GSK3β implicate human B-Myb in DNA-damage signaling
Authors: Henrich Sarah Marie , Usadel Clemens , Werwein Eugen , Burdova Kamila , Janscak Pavel , Ferrari Stefano , Hess Daniel , Klempnauer Karl-Heinz
Published: January 2017

B-Myb, a highly conserved member of the Myb transcription factor family, is expressed ubiquitously in proliferating cells and controls the cell cycle dependent transcription of G2/M-phase genes. Deregulation of B-Myb has been implicated in oncogenesis and loss of genomic stability. We have identified B-Myb as a novel interaction partner of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex, a key player in the repair of DNA double strand breaks. We show that B-Myb directly interacts with the Nbs1 subunit of the MRN complex and is recruited transiently to DNA-damage sites. In response to DNA-damage B-Myb is phosphorylated by protein kinase GSK3β and released from the MRN complex. A B-Myb mutant that cannot be phosphorylated by GSK3β disturbs the regulation of pro-mitotic B-Myb target genes and leads to inappropriate mitotic entry in response to DNA-damage. Overall, our work suggests a novel function of B-Myb in the cellular DNA-damage signalling.
Galectin-3 released in response to traumatic brain injury acts as an alarmin orchestrating brain immune response and promoting neurodegeneration
Authors: Yip Ping Kei , Carrillo-Jimenez Alejandro , King Paul , Vilalta Anna , Nomura Koji , Chau Chi Cheng , Egerton Alexander Michael Scott , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Shetty Ashray Jayaram , Tremoleda Jordi L. , Davies Meirion , Deierborg Tomas , Priestley John V. , Brown Guy Charles , Michael-Titus Adina Teodora , Venero Jose Luis , Burguillos Miguel Angel
Published: January 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is currently a major cause of morbidity and poor quality of life in Western society, with an estimate of 2.5 million people affected per year in Europe, indicating the need for advances in TBI treatment. Within the first 24 h after TBI, several inflammatory response factors become upregulated, including the lectin galectin-3. In this study, using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of head injury, we show a large increase in the expression of galectin-3 in microglia and also an increase in the released form of galectin-3 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 24 h after head injury. We report that galectin-3 can bind to TLR-4, and that administration of a neutralizing antibody against galectin-3 decreases the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and NOS2 and promotes neuroprotection in the cortical and hippocampal cell populations after head injury. Long-term analysis demonstrated a significant neuroprotection in the cortical region in the galectin-3 knockout animals in response to TBI. These results suggest that following head trauma, released galectin-3 may act as an alarmin, binding, among other proteins, to TLR-4 and promoting inflammation and neuronal loss. Taking all together, galectin-3 emerges as a clinically relevant target for TBI therapy.
Population expansion and individual age affect endoparasite richness and diversity in a recolonising large carnivore population
Authors: Lesniak Ines , Heckmann Ilja , Heitlinger Emanuel , Szentiks Claudia A. , Nowak Carsten , Harms Verena , Jarausch Anne , Reinhardt Ilka , Kluth Gesa , Hofer Heribert , Krone Oliver
Published: January 2017

The recent recolonisation of the Central European lowland (CEL) by the grey wolf (Canis lupus) provides an excellent opportunity to study the effect of founder events on endoparasite diversity. Which role do prey and predator populations play in the re-establishment of endoparasite life cycles? Which intrinsic and extrinsic factors control individual endoparasite diversity in an expanding host population? In 53 individually known CEL wolves sampled in Germany, we revealed a community of four cestode, eight nematode, one trematode and 12 potentialSarcocystisspecies through molecular genetic techniques. Infections with zoonoticEchinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella britoviandT. spiralisoccurred as single cases. Per capita endoparasite species richness and diversity significantly increased with population size and changed with age, whereas sex, microsatellite heterozygosity, and geographic origin had no effect. Tapeworm abundance (Taeniaspp.) was significantly higher in immigrants than natives. Metacestode prevalence was slightly higher in ungulates from wolf territories than from control areas elsewhere. Even though alternative canid definitive hosts might also play a role within the investigated parasite life cycles, our findings indicate that (1) immigrated wolves increase parasite diversity in German packs, and (2) prevalence of wolf-associated parasites had declined during wolf absence and has now risen during recolonisation.
Nanodiamonds for Drug Delivery and Diagnostics
Authors: Man Han , Sasine Joshua , Chow Edward K. , Ho Dean
Published: January 2017

Nanodiamonds (NDs) have recently received significant attention as potential drug delivery and diagnostic agents. Several studies have explored new ways to de-agglomerate ND particles, and have also examined their biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, their ability to load and deliver various therapeutic agents, their role as imaging compounds, and their potential as diagnostic reagents. This broad spectrum of applications is made possible by the versatile properties of NDs, which include scalable processing parameters (e.g., ball milling, acid washing, ultrasonication, etc.), fluorescence properties that are observed with high pressure high temperature (HPHT) NDs that can also be modulated depending on their nitrogen–vacancy center composition, their ability to deliver a variety of drug compounds, and their relative biocompatibility compared to several other potential nanomaterial carriers. This chapter explores the recent developments in the biological and medical applications of NDs and provides a roadmap for their continued development.
Supramolecular hyperbranched polymers
Authors: Tian Wei , Li Xuexiang , Wang Jingxia
Published: January 2017

This feature article presents a systematic summary of the synthesis strategies including direct and indirect approaches for obtaining supramolecular hyperbranched polymers (SHPs).
Columnar self-assembly of N,N′,N′′-trihexylbenzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamides investigated by means of NMR spectroscopy and computational methods in solution and the solid state
Authors: Banach Ewa , Invernizzi Christian , Baudin Mathieu , Neier Reinhard , Carnevale Diego
Published: January 2017

The columnar self-assembly resulting from units of N,N′,N′′-trihexylbenzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide is investigated in solution and the solid state by means of NMR spectroscopy and DFT methods.
Picosecond activation of the DEACM photocage unravelled by VIS-pump-IR-probe spectroscopy
Authors: van Wilderen L. J. G. W. , Neumann C. , Rodrigues-Correia A. , Kern-Michler D. , Mielke N. , Reinfelds M. , Heckel A. , Bredenbeck J.
Published: January 2017

Ultrafast release of the leaving group after pulsed visible laser excitation.
Massive dihydrogen uptake by anionic carbon chains
Authors: Della Therese Davis , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: January 2017

The remarkable capacity of anionic and dianionic carbon chains to bind dihydrogen compared to their neutral moieties has been established theoretically and these one dimensional anions could be utilized in developing novel H2storage materials.
Oxidizing CO2 with superhalogens
Authors: Czapla M. , Skurski P.
Published: January 2017

The Sb3F16 species was found to be capable of ionizing the CO2 molecule.
Influences of the adsorption of different elements on the electronic structures of a tin sulfide monolayer
Authors: Li Yang , Xia Congxin , Du Juan , Xiong Wenqi , Li Xueping , Wei Shuyi
Published: January 2017

The magnetism of the SnS monolayer can be tailored by 3D TM-atoms-surface absorption.
A finite-element model of granular serotonin exocytosis
Authors: Datta Ankurita , Haynes Christy L. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: January 2017

A detailed computational model to study serotonin exocytosis that supports the concept of subcompartments within platelet granules.
Integrating multiple omics data for the discovery of potential Beclin-1 interactions in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Yi , Wang Xuan , Wang Guan , Li Zhaozhi , Wang Jinjin , Huang Lingyu , Qin Ziyi , Yuan Xiang , Cheng Zhong , Zhang Shu , Yin Yiqiong , He Jun
Published: January 2017

The genes and their three omics are computed to related to breast cancer using LASSO, a method for integrating multiple data.
Enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts on graphene oxide-impregnated PLGA–gelatin nanocomposite fibrous membranes
Authors: Fu Chuan , Bai Haotian , Hu Qi , Gao Tianlin , Bai Yunshen
Published: January 2017

Currently, combining biodegradable polymeric scaffolds with living cells for bone repair has received significant attention.
Molecular and chemotypic variability of forskolin in Coleus forskohlii Briq., a high value industrial crop collected from Western Himalayas (India)
Authors: Srivastava Sharad , Misra Ankita , Mishra Priyanka , Shukla Pushpendra , Kumar Manish , Sundaresan Velusamay , Negi Kuldeep Singh , Agrawal Pawan Kumar , Singh Rawat Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2017

Two elite germplasm(s) ofC. forskohlii viz.NBC-24 (0.728%) and NBC-16 (0.641%) were obtained as the highest accumulator of forskolin with high genetic variability (92%).
Construction of a well-dispersed Ag/graphene-like g-C3N4photocatalyst and enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Hao , Jing Yue , Ma Xinlong , Liu Tongyao , Yang Linfeng , Liu Bin , Yin Shu , Wei Yongzhi , Wang Yuhua
Published: January 2017

A Ag/graphene-like g-C3N4photocatalyst was synthesizedviaa simple thermal oxidation exfoliation-photodeposition technique.
Electronic, optical and mechanical properties of SrSi6N8 and SrSi6N8O via first-principles
Authors: Huang Zhifeng , Chen Fei , Zhang Jianwen , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: January 2017

The different properties of two structurally similar nitridosilicates, SrSi6N8 and SrSi6N8O, are attributed to the oxygen atom.
Influence of epoxidized natural rubber on the phase structure and toughening behavior of biocarbon reinforced nylon 6 biocomposites
Authors: Ogunsona Emmanuel O. , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: January 2017

Key drivers for automotive material applications require light weight and sustainable materials.
Theoretical study on crystal polymorphism and electronic structure of lead(ii) phthalocyanine using model dimers
Authors: Hamamoto Nobutsugu , Sonoda Hiromitsu , Sumimoto Michinori , Hori Kenji , Fujimoto Hitoshi
Published: January 2017

The polymorphism in lead(ii) phthalocyanine solids was discussed with the results of density functional theory calculations using small models.
Effect of tungsten surface density of WO3–ZrO2 on its catalytic performance in hydrogenolysis of cellulose to ethylene glycol
Authors: Chai Jiachun , Zhu Shanhui , Cen Youliang , Guo Jing , Wang Jianguo , Fan Weibin
Published: January 2017

New understanding on reaction mechanism of cellulose hydrogenolysis to ethylene glycol over WO3–ZrO2 catalyst combined with Ru/C.
In situ determination of mechanical properties for poly(ether ether ketone) film under extreme conditions
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Zhou Qiang , Chao Danming , Li Fangfei , Cui Tian
Published: January 2017

The isothermal compressibility and pressure dependence of mechanical moduli of PEEK film under extreme conditions have been examined and determined.
Highly selective magnetic affinity purification of histidine-tagged proteins by Ni2+ carrying monodisperse composite microspheres
Authors: Salimi Kouroush , Usta Duygu Deniz , Koçer İlkay , Çelik Eda , Tuncel Ali
Published: January 2017

A magnetic sorbent based on monodisperse-porous silica microspheres was developed for His-tagged protein purification by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.
Reaction of the hydrogen atom with nitrous oxide in aqueous solution – pulse radiolysis and theoretical study
Authors: Kazmierczak Lukasz , Swiatla-Wojcik Dorota , Wolszczak Marian
Published: January 2017

The UB3LYP/cc-pVTZ computations using three solvent models and pulse radiolysis measurements show predominance of the direct reaction path via [H–ONN]‡ in aqueous solution.
Complete sampling of an enzyme reaction pathway: a lesson from gas phase simulations
Authors: Stare Jernej
Published: January 2017

With proper sampling strategy, convergence of free energy profiles of biomolecular reactions in the gas phase can be achieved in microseconds of simulation.
Copolymers of aniline and 2-aminoterephthalic acid as a novel cathode material for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Yi , Li Yu , An Haoran , Feng Yiyu , Feng Wei
Published: January 2017

A new polyaniline based co-polymer nanorod with excellent electrochemical performance is used as a novel cathod material for hybrid super capacitor.
Dipolar vinyl sulfur fluorescent dyes. Synthesis and photophysics of sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone based D–π–A compounds
Authors: Monçalves Matias , Zanotto Gabriel M. , Toldo Josene M. , Rampon Daniel S. , Schneider Paulo H. , Gonçalves Paulo F. B. , Rodembusch Fabiano S. , Silveira Claudio C.
Published: January 2017

New vinyl sulfides and sulfoxides were obtained in good yields using the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction.
Plasmon induced enhanced photocatalytic activity of gold loaded hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for methylene blue degradation under visible light
Authors: Mondal Sudip , De Anda Reyes Ma. E. , Pal Umapada
Published: January 2017

A facile surfactant free wet-precipitation process was employed to prepare hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles.
Mechanistic insights on the Pd-catalyzed addition of C–X bonds across alkynes – a combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Sperger Theresa , Le Christine M. , Lautens Mark , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: January 2017

A mechanistic study of the Pd-catalyzed intramolecular addition of carbamoyl chlorides and aryl halides across alkynes is presented.
Transition metal-substituted lead halide perovskite absorbers
Authors: Sampson M. D. , Park J. S. , Schaller R. D. , Chan M. K. Y. , Martinson A. B. F.
Published: January 2017

Cobalt substituted MAPbBr3 films are a novel perovskite material with tunable mid-gap density of states providing promise for IB photovoltaics.
Improved performance of inverted planar perovskite solar cells with F4-TCNQ doped PEDOT:PSS hole transport layers
Authors: Liu Dongyang , Li Yong , Yuan Jianyu , Hong Qiuming , Shi Guozheng , Yuan Daxing , Wei Jian , Huang Chenchao , Tang Jianxin , Fung Man-Keung
Published: January 2017

Simultaneously increased current density and open circuit voltage were achieved through doping F4-TCNQ into PEDOT:PSS in inverted perovskite solar cells.
Mixed-linker strategy for the construction of multifunctional metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Qin Jun-Sheng , Yuan Shuai , Wang Qi , Alsalme Ali , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: January 2017

Mixed-linker strategy is a promising way to construct multifunctional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). In this review, we demonstrate the recent developments, discussions and challenges related to the preparation and applications of four types of mixed-linker MOF materials.
A highly torsionable fiber-shaped supercapacitor
Authors: Meng Fancheng , Zheng Lianxi , Luo Shaohong , Li Da , Wang Guanghui , Jin Hehua , Li Qingwen , Zhang Yani , Liao Kin , Cantwell Wesley J.
Published: January 2017

A highly torsionable fiber-shaped supercapacitor based on shearable carbon nanotube films is demonstrated and investigated.
Soy protein-based polyethylenimine hydrogel and its high selectivity for copper ion removal in wastewater treatment
Authors: Liu Jie , Su Dihan , Yao Jinrong , Huang Yufang , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: January 2017

A hydrogel based on a sustainable plant protein was fabricated to remove copper ions from wastewater and recycle them, making the environment and resources sustainable.
Design of alveolate Se-inserted TiO2and its effect on osteosarcoma cells and osteoblasts
Authors: Cheng Haoyan , Gong Zheni , Hu Hao , Zhang Meng , Liu Xi , Xu Yuan , Zeng Yan , Chen Jisheng , Zhu Zhihong
Published: January 2017

The experimentsin vitro/vivoevidence that an alveolate TiO2@Se nano-grid with controllable diameter shows good anti-tumor properties and biocompatibility.
Highly luminescent blue-emitting CdZnS/ZnS nanorods having electric-field-induced fluorescence switching properties
Authors: Lee Yonghee , Kim Somang , Kim Hyo Seok , Shin Jeong Bin , Choi Wonseok , Cho Hyunjin , Kim Kyungmok , Lee Taeyang , Kim Jinwuk , Kang In-Byeong , Choi Kyung Cheol , Kim Yong-Hoon , Jeon Duk Young
Published: January 2017

Highly luminescent blue-emitting CdZnS/ZnS nanorods were demonstrated. A study on the electric field-induced fluorescence switching property was presented.
Nanoporous anodic alumina photonic crystals: fundamentals, developments and perspectives
Authors: Santos Abel
Published: January 2017

The control of light – its coupling, splitting, modulating, and filtering – is of fundamental importance for the development of advanced, life-changing technologies, which are expected to revolutionise our society in the near future.
An open route to asymmetric substituted Al–Al bonds using Al(i)- and Al(iii)-precursors
Authors: Li Bin , Kundu Subrata , Zhu Hongping , Keil Helena , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar , Frenking Gernot , Andrada Diego M. , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: January 2017

An applicable synthetic pathway for asymmetric Al(ii)–Al(ii) compounds was developed using Al(iii) and Al(i) precursors.
Physico-chemical characteristics, biocompatibility, and MRI applicability of novel monodisperse PEG-modified magnetic Fe3O4&SiO2core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Kostiv Uliana , Patsula Vitalii , Šlouf Miroslav , Pongrac Igor M. , Škokić Siniša , Radmilović Marina Dobrivojević , Pavičić Ivan , Vrček Ivana Vinković , Gajović Srećko , Horák Daniel
Published: January 2017

Biocompatible monodisperse PEG-modified magnetic Fe3O4&SiO2core–shell nanoparticles with controlled size provided sufficient contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Synthetically controlling dendrimer flexibility improves delivery of large plasmid DNA
Authors: Kretzmann Jessica A. , Ho Diwei , Evans Cameron W. , Plani-Lam Janice H. C. , Garcia-Bloj Benjamin , Mohamed A. Elaaf , O'Mara Megan L. , Ford Ethan , Tan Dennis E. K. , Lister Ryan , Blancafort Pilar , Norret Marck , Iyer K. Swaminathan
Published: January 2017

Tools for editing the genome and epigenome have revolutionised the field of molecular biology and represent a new frontier in targeted therapeutic intervention.
Solution-processed chalcopyrite–perovskite tandem solar cells in bandgap-matched two- and four-terminal architectures
Authors: Uhl Alexander R. , Yang Zhibin , Jen Alex K.-Y. , Hillhouse Hugh W.
Published: January 2017

Low-bandgap chalcopyrite absorbers exhibit excellent low-light performance and current matching to best performing semi-transparent perovskite cells enabling new record efficiencies for solution-processed tandem devices.
Analytical method for differentiation of robot Jacobian
Authors: Rhee J.‐Y. , Lee B.
Published: January 2017

Model‐based control algorithms commonly use joint acceleration as a desired trajectory. As the velocity trajectory in the task space is converted into joint velocity by multiplying using a Jacobian matrix, to derive the acceleration in joint space, Jacobian differentiation is required. Although the numerical method for Jacobian differentiation gives sufficiently accurate approximations, it incurs a high computation cost because this method involves computing the forward kinematics twice and Jacobian derivation for every element of the Jacobian matrix. Consequently, this causes difficulties for real‐time control. To resolve this, an analytical differentiation method is proposed. Through recursive computation, differentiation is performed without any approximation, in an acceptably small computational time. Performance of the proposed method was verified by comparison with numerical derivation using a computer simulation.
Fully electronically controllable Schmitt trigger circuit with dual hysteresis
Authors: Kumar A. , Chaturvedi B.
Published: January 2017

A new Schmitt trigger circuit comprises of single multiple output current follower differential input transconductance amplifier and one grounded resistor is presented. The presented circuit provides both clockwise and anticlockwise hysteresis simultaneously with independent and electronic control of threshold levels. The amplitudes of output currents are also independent and electronically controllable. Experimental results using commercial ICs have been depicted to confirm theoretical analyses.
Supervising distance relay during power swing using synchrophasor measurements
Authors: Rao J. Ganeswara , Pradhan Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2017

Power swing blocking (PSB) is essential for distance relay to avoid unintended tripping of transmission lines. Conventional PSB techniques, which use local information, may not be able to distinguish power swing from fault for all system conditions. An accurate PSB algorithm is proposed in this study, which uses synchrophasor measurements to distinguish power swing from fault. During power swing, the impedance trajectory is predicted for next ten cycles to block the distance relay operation reliably. The prediction approach overcomes the latency issue with synchrophasor data in order to initiate the blocking decision for zone 1/zone 2 of distance relay well in advance. The proposed method is tested for two‐area four‐machine and ten‐machine 39‐bus systems under different conditions simulated in power systems computer‐aided design/electro‐magnetic transient design and control software and compared with conventional method. Execution time of the proposed method including latencies in data arrival are considered in the test results.
Market pricing with single‐generator‐failure security constraints
Authors: Li Chao , Hedman Kory W. , Zhang Muhong
Published: January 2017

Regional transmission organisations and independent system operators include different types of security requirements to approximate system security issues. Transmission line contingencies are well handled in state‐of‐art market models with line outage distribution factors and, at the same time, the impacts of transmission line contingencies are reflected in energy prices. However, there is a lack of efficient mechanisms to handle generator contingencies and reflect the impacts of generator contingencies on energy prices. In this study, a set of security constraints to withstand single‐generator‐failure contingencies are presented and the market implications are studied. A new component of locational marginal prices, a marginal security component, which is a weighted shadow price of the security constraints, is proposed to better represent energy prices. A 3‐bus system example is given to illustrate the market implications. The results are confirmed on a 73‐bus system test case.
Forecast ratio and security analysis of rating forecasting methods in an overhead line
Authors: Albizu Igor , Fernandez Elvira , Mazon Angel Javier , Alberdi Rafael
Published: January 2017

The actual line rating in overhead lines varies with weather conditions. When a utility defines a rating value for the operation of the line, it takes into account both the security and the forecast ratio. The defined rating is secure if it is below the actual rating. A good rating forecast ratio is obtained when the defined rating is close to the actual rating. Therefore, the aim of a line rating forecasting method is to define a rating value that is close but below the actual value. This study shows the rating measurements carried out in a pilot overhead line and analyses the performance of several line rating forecasting methods comparing the defined values with the actual ones.
Examining pedestrian evasive actions as a potential indicator for traffic conflicts
Authors: Tageldin Ahmed , Zaki Mohamed H. , Sayed Tarek
Published: January 2017

The use of traffic conflicts is gaining acceptance as a proactive approach to studying road safety. A traffic conflict involves a chain of events in which at least one of the involved road‐users performs some sort of evasive actions to avoid a potential collision. Pedestrian evasive actions are normally manifested by changes in the walking behaviour which is expressed through variations in their speed profile. This paper investigates the automatic detection of pedestrian evasive actions in a computer‐vision framework. The study proposes a new measure for detecting pedestrians undertaking evasive actions based on permutation entropy (PE). PE is a robust approach for discovering dynamic characteristics of a time‐series. In the current context, it reveals the degree of abnormality in the walking pattern by identifying the deviations from the normal free walking. The methodology is applied and validated using video data from an intersection in Shanghai, China. Results show that the PE‐based indicator has a high potential to identify and measure the severity of conflicts that involve pedestrian evasive actions compared to traditional time‐proximity measures (e.g. time‐to‐collision and post‐encroachment‐time). This research finds many applications in the modern transportation infrastructure monitoring, studying pedestrian crossing behaviour and developing safety programs for vulnerable road‐users.
MRAS‐based speed estimation of grid‐connected doubly fed induction machine drive
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Das Sukanta
Published: January 2017

This study presents a new model reference adaptive system (MRAS)‐based speed estimation strategy for a grid‐connected doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) drive. The reference and the adaptive models of the proposed MRAS utilise instantaneous and steady‐state values, respectively, of a fictitious quantity obtained as the difference between two fictitious ratios of rotor voltage to current along the d and q axes. The dimension of this fictitious quantity is ohm (Ω) and has no physical significance. The proposed formulation is free from flux estimation and independent of stator and rotor resistance variations. This new formulation shows stable performance in the regenerating mode of operation of DFIM. All the relevant studies, in this context, are done in MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation study is further validated with a dSPACE‐1104‐based DFIM laboratory prototype.
Linear electrical generator topologies for direct‐drive marine wave energy conversion‐ an overview
Authors: Faiz Jawad , Nematsaberi Alireza
Published: January 2017

Wave energy is one of the most attractive forms of renewable energy. The reasons include its promising availability, predictability, persistence, and power density. This study focuses on all linear generator designs and technologies which have been used so far in direct‐drive wave energy converters (DD‐WECs). Currently, linear permanent magnet generators (LPMG) have been proposed as the most advantageous generator system developed for DD‐WECs. After a brief description of linear generator based wave energy converters, all proposed state‐of‐the‐art of LPMG topologies available in the literature are discussed and compared in terms of flux path, core type, location of PMs, and etc. In addition, other linear generator technologies such as linear switched reluctance and linear superconducting generators, as an alternative to LPMGs, are reviewed. Finally, based on the surveyed quantitative comparisons performed in previous works, eight major concepts are evaluated in terms of economic and operational aspects.
Local boundary controllability to trajectories for the 1d compressible Navier Stokes equations
Authors: Ervedoza Sylvain , Savel Marc
Published: January 2017

In this article, we show a local exact boundary controllability result for the 1d isentropic compressible Navier Stokes equations around a smooth target trajectory. Our controllability result requires a geometric condition on the flow of the target trajectory, which comes naturally when dealing with the linearized equations. The proof of our result is based on a fixed point argument in weighted spaces and follows the strategy already developed in [S. Ervedoza, O. Glass, S. Guerrero, J.-P. Puel, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 206 (2012) 189–238] in the case of a non-zero constant velocity field. The main novelty of this article is in the construction of the controlled density in the case of possible oscillations of the characteristics of the target flow on the boundary.
Spinal Cord Electrical Stimulation for Refractory Angina Treatment
Authors: Lages Gustavo Veloso , Oliveira Júnior Jose Oswaldo
Published: January 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death worldwide, including in Brazil. Angina pectoris is a challenging disease because its clinical manifestation is not always related to the degree of obstruction. Visceral pain from any source can be totally disabling. It influences all aspects of the life of a patient and it can be one of the main causes of absence from work and of family disruption. Spinal cord electrical stimulation (SCES) has been traditionally applied for the treatment of neuropathic pain, with good to excellent results. Visceral pain syndrome can be as debilitating and disabling as somatic or neuropathic pain; however, there seems to be a lack of consensus on the appropriate treatment and strategies for these disorders. The major difference of SCES for visceral pain, compared to postlaminectomy syndrome or to regional complex syndrome, is the number of stimulated dermatomes. In most viscera, the somatotopic arrangement has two to four medullar levels, sometimes requiring laterality. After reviewing the literature, we have concluded that SCES is now a viable, low-risk option with satisfactory results for the treatment of neuropathic and visceral pain; therefore, it can be used in refractory angina after the failure of standard therapy. However, further studies are required to increase the application and efficacy of this procedure in the clinical practice.
Risk Stratification Models in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shahid Farhan , Lip Gregory
Published: January 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke compared with the general population. AF-related stroke confers a higher mortality and morbidity risk, and thus, early detection and assessment for the initiation of effective stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation are crucial. Simple and practical risk assessment tools are essential to facilitate stroke and bleeding risk assessment in busy clinics and wards to aid decision making. At present, the CHA2DS2VASc score is recommended by guidelines as the most simple and practical method of assessing stroke risk in AF patients. Alongside this, the use of the HAS-BLED score aims to identify patients at high risk of bleeding for more regular review and follow-up, and draws attention to potentially reversible bleeding risk factors. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current risk scores available for both stroke and bleeding in AF patients, and the recommendations for their use.
Sterben am Lebensanfang
Authors: Frank F. , Maurer F. , Pehlke-Milde J. , Fleming V.
Published: January 2017

Ziele: Nach Mitteilung einer mit dem Leben nicht zu vereinbarenden Diagnose des Kindes, werden Eltern mit der Entscheidung konfrontiert, die bereits weit fortgeschrittene Schwangerschaft vorzeitig zu beenden oder das Kind auszutragen, bis es spontan während der Schwangerschaft oder kurz nach der Geburt verstirbt. Diese meistens vollkommen überraschende Situation ist von der Unausweichlickeit des Verlustes geprägt und eng mit ethisch schwierigen Entscheidungen verknüpft. Ein solcher Verlust kann die psychische Gesundheit betroffener Eltern massiv belasten. Studien zeigen, dass bedürfnisorientierte Begleitung die Eltern entlastet, unabhängig von ihrer Entscheidung, die Schwangerschaft frühzeitig zu beenden oder fortzuführen. Ziele der Studie sind, das Unterstützungsangebot in der Schweiz aus Sicht betroffener Eltern und beteiligter Fachpersonen zu beleuchten und Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten der Versorgung aufzuzeigen. Dieser Artikel schildert die auf den Erfahrungen der Eltern basierenden Ergebnisse.

Methodik: Interviews wurden mit 32 Müttern und Vätern zwischen Dez. 2012 und März 2014 geführt, verbatim transkribiert und thematisch analysiert.

Ergebnisse: Es wurden 6 Themen identifiziert, die sich über den Zeitraum zwischen Diagnose und kurz nach der Geburt erstrecken: „Schock“, „Optionen und Dilemmas“, „Verantwortung übernehmen“, „Immer noch schwanger sein“, „Abschied nehmen“ und „die Zukunft planen“. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf Lücken bezüglich Kontinuität und Qualität der Versorgung hin und offenbaren unterschiedliche Sichtweisen auf die Problematik.

Schlussfolgerung: Die Studie liefert wertvolle Einsichten in die Erfahrungswelt und Versorgungsbedürfnisse von Eltern, die während der Schwangerschaft mit einer letalen fötalen Diagnose konfrontiert worden sind. Die Resultate tragen dazu bei, die aktuellen Praktiken von involvierten Fachpersonen zu überdenken und den spezifischen Bedürfnissen der Eltern während Schwangerschaft, Geburt und Wochenbett sowie der Palliativpflege des Kindes anzupassen.
Simulating the absorption spectra of helium clusters (N = 70, 150, 231, 300) using a charge transfer correction to superposition of fragment single excitations
Authors: Ge Qinghui , Mao Yuezhi , White Alec F. , Epifanovsky Evgeny , Closser Kristina D. , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: January 2017

Simulations of the n = 2 absorption spectra of HeN (N = 70, 150, 231, 300) clusters are reported, with nuclear configurations sampled by path integral molecular dynamics. The electronic structure is treated by a new approach, ALMO-CIS+CT, which is a formulation of configuration interaction singles (CIS) based on absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMOs). The method generalizes the previously reported ALMO-CIS model [K. D. Closser et al. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 11, 5791 (2015)] to include spatially localized charge transfer (CT) effects. It is designed to recover large numbers of excited states in atomic and molecular clusters, such as the entire n = 2 Rydberg band in helium clusters. ALMO-CIS+CT is shown to recover most of the error caused by neglecting charge transfer in ALMO-CIS and has comparable accuracy to standard CIS for helium clusters. For the n = 2 band, CT stabilizes states towards the blue edge by up to 0.5 eV. ALMO-CIS+CT retains the formal cubic scaling of ALMO-CIS with respect to system size. With improvements to the implementation over that originally reported for ALMO-CIS, ALMO-CIS+CT is able to treat helium clusters with hundreds of atoms using modest computing resources. A detailed simulation of the absorption spectra associated with the 2s and 2p bands of helium clusters up to 300 atoms is reported, using path integral molecular dynamics with a spherical boundary condition to generate atomic configurations at 3 K. The main features of experimentally reported fluorescence excitation spectra for helium clusters are reproduced.
KMS quantum symmetric states
Authors: Dykema Ken , Mukherjee Kunal
Published: January 2017

Let A be a unital C∗-algebra and let σ be a one-parameter automorphism group of A. We consider QSSσ(A), the set of all quantum symmetric states on ∗1∞A that are also KMS states (for a fixed inverse temperature, for specificity taken to be −1) for the free product automorphism group ∗1∞σ. We characterize the elements of QSSσ(A), we show that QSSσ(A) is a Choquet simplex whenever it is nonempty and we characterize its extreme points.
Compact and high-resolution optical orbital angular momentum sorter
Authors: Wan Chenhao , Chen Jian , Zhan Qiwen
Published: January 2017

A compact and high-resolution optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) sorter is proposed and demonstrated. The sorter comprises a quadratic fan-out mapper and a dual-phase corrector positioned in the pupil plane and the Fourier plane, respectively. The optical system is greatly simplified compared to previous demonstrations of OAM sorting, and the performance in resolution and efficiency is maintained. A folded configuration is set up using a single reflective spatial light modulator (SLM) to demonstrate the validity of the scheme. The two phase elements are implemented on the left and right halves of the SLM and connected by a right-angle prism. Experimental results demonstrate the high resolution of the compact OAM sorter, and the current limit in efficiency can be overcome by replacing with transmissive SLMs and removing the beam splitters. This novel scheme paves the way for the miniaturization and integration of high-resolution OAM sorters.
Peeling flexible beams in viscous fluids: Rigidity and extensional compliance
Authors: Dhong Charles , Fréchette Joëlle
Published: January 2017

We describe small angle peeling measurements in completely submerged environments to study the coupling between viscous forces and the mechanical properties of the plates being peeled. During the experiments, the plates resist motion because of lubrication forces while van der Waals forces between the plates and the static surface are negligible. In particular, we study the role played by flexural rigidity in the force-displacement curves and in the energy release rate. We show that the coupling between the viscous forces and the flexural rigidity of the plates dictates the shape and magnitude of the force-displacement curves. We develop simple scaling relationships that combine the lubrication forces with an Euler-Bernoulli beam to extract how the peak force and energy release rates depend on the ratio between rigidity and viscosity, and show good agreement between the predictions and experimental results. We also show that increasing the extensional compliance leads to a decrease in both the force-displacement curve and in the energy release rate. We then demonstrate that this reduction can be interpreted in terms of a stress decay length.
Strain induced exchange-spring magnetic behavior in amorphous (TbDy)Fe2 thin films
Authors: Mohanchandra K. P. , Prikhodko S. V. , Wang K. L. , Carman G. P.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we report a strain induced exchange-spring magnetic behavior in sputter deposited (TbDy)Fe2 amorphous thin films with phase-separated layers of (TbDy)-rich and Fe-rich at room temperature. The magnetic hysteresis loops at different strain levels were obtained with a magneto-optic Kerr effect set-up incorporating a mechanical four-point bending fixture. The unstrained film exhibits a typical ferrimagnetic hysteresis loop while the strained structure exhibits step-like hysteresis loops representative of an exchange-spring magnetic system. The mechanically strained film changes the coercivity/remanence values from positive to negative. The observed magnetic changes under strain are attributed to magnetic anisotropy modifications in the highly magnetoelastic TbDy-rich layer.
A theoretical study of terahertz surface plasmons on a cylindrical metal wire
Authors: Chu K. R. , Chow Paul
Published: January 2017

This study addresses some theoretical issues of interest to surface plasmon propagation along a metal-wire waveguide at terahertz (THz) frequencies. The conductor is characterized by a shallow field penetration depth at microwave frequencies and the transparency to frequencies above the ultraviolet. Falling between these two regimes, THz surface plasmons are thus particularly sensitive to the electron dynamics in the metal wire. Also, with evanescent fields both inside and outside, surface plasmons are known to be loosely bound to the metal wire, which further complicates the behavior of surface plasmons. These issues are examined here in a comparative study under AC- and DC-conductivity models. Depending on the wire radius, the frequency dependence of the conductivity has either a very significant effect on the Ohmic loss or no effect at all, while an opposite trend is found for the wave attenuation rate. Extensive data on the wave attenuation constant is also presented and interpreted. The results show details of its frequency scaling as well as a sensitive dependence on the wire radius. The low-loss advantage is clear for a large radius (millimeters and above), while degrading rapidly toward sub-skin-depth radius.