bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the gut microbiome of the long-lived naked mole-rat
Authors: Debebe Tewodros , Biagi Elena , Soverini Matteo , Holtze Susanne , Hildebrandt Thomas Bernd , Birkemeyer Claudia , Wyohannis Dereje , Lemma Alemayehu , Brigidi Patrizia , Savkovic Vulk , König Brigitte , Candela Marco , Birkenmeier Gerd
Published: August 2017

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a subterranean mouse-sized African mammal that shows astonishingly few age-related degenerative changes and seems to not be affected by cancer. These features make this wild rodent an excellent model to study the biology of healthy aging and longevity. Here we characterize for the first time the intestinal microbial ecosystem of the naked mole-rat in comparison to humans and other mammals, highlighting peculiarities related to the specific living environment, such as the enrichment in bacteria able to utilize soil sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor to sustain an anaerobic oxidative metabolism. Interestingly, some compositional gut microbiota peculiarities were also shared with human gut microbial ecosystems of centenarians and Hadza hunter-gatherers, considered as models of a healthy gut microbiome and of a homeostatic and highly adaptive gut microbiota-host relationship, respectively. In addition, we found an enrichment of short-chain fatty acids and carbohydrate degradation products in naked mole-rat compared to human samples. These data confirm the importance of the gut microbial ecosystem as an adaptive partner for the mammalian biology and health, independently of the host phylogeny.
Stress Writing Textured Graphite Conducting Wires/Patterns in Insulating Amorphous Carbon Matrix as Interconnects
Authors: Wang Ding-Shiang , Chang Shou-Yi , Chen Tai-Sheng , Chou Tung-Huan , Huang Yi-Ching , Wu Jin-Bao , Leu Ming-Sheng , Lai Hong-Jen
Published: August 2017

This study reports a mechanical stress-based technique that involves scratching or imprinting to write textured graphite conducting wires/patterns in an insulating amorphous carbon matrix for potential use as interconnects in future carbonaceous circuits. With low-energy post-annealing below the temperature that is required for the thermal graphitization of amorphous carbon, the amorphous carbon phase only in the mechanically stressed regions transforms into a well aligned crystalline graphite structure with a low electrical resistivity of 420 μΩ-cm, while the surrounding amorphous carbon matrix remains insulating. Micro-Raman spectra with obvious graphitic peaks and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic observations of clear graphitic lattice verified the localized phase transformation of amorphous carbon into textured graphite exactly in the stressed regions. The stress-induced reconstruction of carbon bonds to generate oriented graphitic nuclei is believed to assist in the pseudo-self-formation of textured graphite during low-temperature post annealing.
Expression and characterisation of a Sarcoptes scabiei protein tyrosine kinase as a potential antigen for scabies diagnosis
Authors: Shen Nengxing , He Ran , Liang Yuqing , Xu Jing , He Manli , Ren Yongjun , Gu Xiaobin , Lai Weimin , Xie Yue , Peng Xuerong , Yang Guangyou
Published: August 2017

Scabies is a disease that harms humans and other animals that is caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing into the stratum corneum of the skin. In the early stages of scabies, symptoms are often subclinical and there are no effective diagnostic methods. Herein, we cloned, expressed and characterised an S. scabiei protein tyrosine kinase (SsPTK) and evaluated its diagnostic value as a recombinant antigen in rabbit during the early stages of Sarcoptes infestation. The SsPTK protein is ~30 kDa, lacks a signal peptide, and shares high homology with a PTK from the rabbit ear mite Psoroptes ovis cuniculi. The protein was widely distributed at the front end of mites, particularly in the chewing mouthparts and legs. Indirect ELISA using recombinant SsPTK showed good diagnostic value, with 95.2% (40/42) sensitivity and 94.1% (48/51) specificity for detecting anti-PTK antibody in serum samples from naturally-infested rabbits. More importantly, PTK ELISA could diagnose infection in the early stages (infestation for 1 week) with an accuracy of 100% (24/24). SsPTK therefore shows potential as a sensitive antigen for the early diagnosis of parasitic mite infestation.
Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses During Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Tupaia belangeri
Authors: Kayesh Mohammad Enamul Hoque , Ezzikouri Sayeh , Sanada Takahiro , Chi Haiying , Hayashi Yukiko , Rebbani Khadija , Kitab Bouchra , Matsuu Aya , Miyoshi Noriaki , Hishima Tsunekazu , Kohara Michinori , Tsukiyama-Kohara Kyoko
Published: August 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To address the molecular basis of HCV pathogenesis using tupaias (Tupaia belangeri), we characterized host responses upon HCV infection. Adult tupaias were infected with HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, or 4a. Viral RNA, alanine aminotransferase, anti-HCV core and anti-nonstructural protein NS3 antibody titres, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and anti-3β-hydroxysterol-Δ24reductase (DHCR24) antibody levels were measured at 2-week intervals from 0 to 41 weeks postinfection. All HCV genotypes established infections and showed intermittent HCV propagation. Moreover, all tupaias produced anti-core and anti-NS3 antibodies. ROS levels in sera and livers were significantly increased, resulting in induction of DHCR24 antibody production. Similarly, lymphocytic infiltration, disturbance of hepatic cords, and initiation of fibrosis were observed in livers from HCV-infected tupaias. Intrahepatic levels of Toll-like receptors 3, 7, and 8 were significantly increased in all HCV-infected tupaias. However, interferon-β was only significantly upregulated in HCV1a- and HCV2a-infected tupaias, accompanied by downregulation of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide. Thus, our findings showed that humoral and innate immune responses to HCV infection, ROS induction, and subsequent increases in DHCR24 auto-antibody production occurred in our tupaia model, providing novel insights into understanding HCV pathogenesis.
Role of ultrasonic treatment, inoculation and solute in the grain refinement of commercial purity aluminium
Authors: Wang G. , Wang Q. , Easton M. A. , Dargusch M. S. , Qian M. , Eskin D. G. , StJohn D. H.
Published: August 2017

The present study investigates the influence of ultrasonic treatment on the grain refinement of commercial purity aluminium with a range of Al3Ti1B master alloy additions. When the aluminium contains the smallest amount of added master alloy, ultrasonics caused significant additional grain refinement compared to that provided by the master alloy alone. However, the influence of ultrasonics on grain size reduces with increasing addition of the master alloy which adds additional TiB2 particles and Ti solute with each incremental addition. Applying the Interdependence model to analyse the experimentally measured grain sizes revealed that the results of this study and those from similar experiments on an Al-2Cu alloy were consistent when the alloy compositions are converted to their growth restriction factors (Q) and that increasing Q had a major effect on reducing grain size and increasing grain number density. Compared with the application of ultrasonic treatment where an order of magnitude increase in the grain number density is achieved, an increase in the Ti content over the range of master alloy additions, causes the grain number density to increase by approximately three times.
Low Carbon sink capacity of Red Sea mangroves
Authors: Almahasheer Hanan , Serrano Oscar , Duarte Carlos M. , Arias-Ortiz Ariane , Masque Pere , Irigoien Xabier
Published: August 2017

Mangroves forests of Avicennia marina occupy about 135 km2 in the Red Sea and represent one of the most important vegetated communities in this otherwise arid and oligotrophic region. We assessed the soil organic carbon (Corg) stocks, soil accretion rates (SAR; mm y−1) and soil Corg sequestration rates (g Corg m−2 yr−1) in 10 mangrove sites within four locations along the Saudi coast of the Central Red Sea. Soil Corg density and stock in Red Sea mangroves were among the lowest reported globally, with an average of 4 ± 0.3 mg Corg cm−3 and 43 ± 5 Mg Corg ha−1 (in 1 m-thick soils), respectively. Sequestration rates of Corg, estimated at 3 ± 1 and 15 ± 1 g Corg m−2 yr−1 for the long (millennia) and short (last century) temporal scales, respectively, were also relatively low compared to mangrove habitats from more humid bioregions. In contrast, the accretion rates of Central Red Sea mangroves soils were within the range reported for global mangrove forests. The relatively low Corg sink capacity of Red Sea mangroves could be due to the extreme environmental conditions such as low rainfall, nutrient limitation and high temperature, reducing the growth rates of the mangroves and increasing soil respiration rates.
Phase-change devices for simultaneous optical-electrical applications
Authors: Au Yat-Yin , Bhaskaran Harish , Wright C. David
Published: August 2017

We present a viable pathway to the design and characterization of phase-change devices operating in a mixed-mode optical-electrical, or optoelectronic, manner. Such devices have potential applications ranging from novel displays to optically-gated switches to reconfigurable metamaterials-based devices. With this in mind, a purpose-built optoelectronics probe station capable of simultaneous optical-electrical excitation and simultaneous optical-electrical response measurement has been designed and constructed. Two prototype phase-change devices that might exploit simultaneous optical and electrical effects and/or require simultaneous optical and electrical characterisation, namely a mixed-mode cross-bar type structure and a microheater-based structure, have been designed, fabricated and characterized. The microheater-based approach was shown to be capable of successful thermally-induced cycling, between amorphous and crystalline states, of large-area phase-change devices, making it attractive for practicable pixel fabrication in phase-change display applications.
Semi-synthetic vNAR libraries screened against therapeutic antibodies primarily deliver anti-idiotypic binders
Authors: Könning Doreen , Rhiel Laura , Empting Martin , Grzeschik Julius , Sellmann Carolin , Schröter Christian , Zielonka Stefan , Dickgießer Stephan , Pirzer Thomas , Yanakieva Desislava , Becker Stefan , Kolmar Harald
Published: August 2017

Anti-idiotypic binders which specifically recognize the variable region of monoclonal antibodies have proven to be robust tools for pharmacokinetic studies of antibody therapeutics and for the development of cancer vaccines. In the present investigation, we focused on the identification of anti-idiotypic, shark-derived IgNAR antibody variable domains (vNARs) targeting the therapeutic antibodies matuzumab and cetuximab for the purpose of developing specific capturing ligands. Using yeast surface display and semi-synthetic, CDR3-randomized libraries, we identified several highly specific binders targeting both therapeutic antibodies in their corresponding variable region, without applying any counter selections during screening. Importantly, anti-idiotypic vNAR binders were not cross-reactive towards cetuximab or matuzumab, respectively, and comprised good target recognition in the presence of human and mouse serum. When coupled to magnetic beads, anti-idiotypic vNAR variants could be used as efficient capturing tools. Moreover, a two-step procedure involving vNAR-functionalized beads was employed for the enrichment of potentially bispecific cetuximab × matuzumab antibody constructs. In conclusion, semi-synthetic and CDR3-randomized vNAR libraries in combination with yeast display enable the fast and facile identification of anti-idiotypic vNAR domains targeting monoclonal antibodies primarily in an anti-idiotypic manner.
A new global anthropogenic heat estimation based on high-resolution nighttime light data
Authors: Yang Wangming , Luan Yibo , Liu Xiaolei , Yu Xiaoyong , Miao Lijuan , Cui Xuefeng
Published: August 2017

Consumption of fossil fuel resources leads to global warming and climate change. Apart from the negative impact of greenhouse gases on the climate, the increasing emission of anthropogenic heat from energy consumption also brings significant impacts on urban ecosystems and the surface energy balance. The objective of this work is to develop a new method of estimating the global anthropogenic heat budget and validate it on the global scale with a high precision and resolution dataset. A statistical algorithm was applied to estimate the annual mean anthropogenic heat (AH-DMSP) from 1992 to 2010 at 1×1 km2 spatial resolution for the entire planet. AH-DMSP was validated for both provincial and city scales, and results indicate that our dataset performs well at both scales. Compared with other global anthropogenic heat datasets, the AH-DMSP has a higher precision and finer spatial distribution. Although there are some limitations, the AH-DMSP could provide reliable, multi-scale anthropogenic heat information, which could be used for further research on regional or global climate change and urban ecosystems.
Quantification of green fluorescent protein-(GFP-) tagged membrane proteins by capillary gel electrophoresis
Authors: Danish Azeem , Lee Sang-Yong , Müller Christa E.
Published: August 2017

A fast and robust procedure for the quantification of GFP-tagged membrane proteins in cell homogenates was developed employing capillary gel electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence detection (CGE-LIF).
Instant on-paper protein digestion during blood spot sampling
Authors: Skjærvø Øystein , Rosting Cecilie , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug , Reubsaet Léon
Published: August 2017

A concept integrating sampling and protein digestion is introduced here combining fast and simple fabrication by wax printing on filter paper with trypsin immobilized polymer beads.
Normalization strategy for the LC-MS bioanalysis of protein kinetics assays via internal proteolytic analyte utilized as control standard: application in studies of HIV-1 protease cleavage of HIV-1 Gag polyprotein in HIV maturation inhibition research
Authors: Cantone Joseph L. , Lin Zeyu , Dicker Ira B. , Drexler Dieter M.
Published: August 2017

The LC-MS bioanalysis of protein kinetics assays is simplified by a data normalization strategy via internal proteolytic analyte utilized as a control standard.
Electrochemical sensing of estradiol benzoate using hydroxyapatite with three-dimensional channel frameworks
Authors: Wen Yu , Cui Jing , Shao Bei , Cheng Zouting , Wang Liuzheng , Banks Craig E. , Zhang Ying
Published: August 2017

Ubiquitous estradiol benzoate (17β-estradiol-3-benzoate) in the environment and daily life has become a hot issue in society since it has been proven to be closely associated with metastatic tumour formation.
A two-step solid-state reaction to synthesize the yellow persistent Gd3Al2Ga3O12:Ce3+phosphor with an enhanced optical performance for AC-LEDs
Authors: Liu Yong-Fu , Liu Pu , Wang Lei , Cui Cai-E , Jiang Hao-Chuan , Jiang Jun
Published: August 2017

The internal quantum efficiency of the GAGG:Ce3+persistent phosphor was enhanced to 82% by our proposed two-step reaction method.
Nickel-catalyzed methylation of aryl halides/tosylates with methyl tosylate
Authors: Wang Jiawang , Zhao Jianhong , Gong Hegui
Published: August 2017

A facile method for the preparation of methylarenes was achieved via Ni-catalyzed methylation of aryl electrophiles with methyl tosylate.
Mechanistic insights into thrombin's switch between “slow” and “fast” forms
Authors: Xiao Jiajie , Melvin Ryan L. , Salsbury Freddie R.
Published: August 2017

Thrombin is a multifunctional enzyme that plays an important role in blood coagulation, cell growth, and metastasis.
Compositions and structures of niobium oxide cluster ions, NbmOn±, (m = 2–12), revealed by ion mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Jenna W. J. , Moriyama Ryoichi , Nakano Motoyoshi , Ohshimo Keijiro , Misaizu Fuminori
Published: August 2017

The compositions and structures of niobium oxide cluster ions were studied and compared with vanadium oxide.
Superlinear amplification of the first hyperpolarizability of linear aggregates of DANS molecules
Authors: Sanyal Somananda , Sissa Cristina , Terenziani Francesca , Pati Swapan K. , Painelli Anna
Published: August 2017

A comprehensive study of optical properties of DANS in different environments explains the observed ∼30-fold enhancement of the hyper-Rayleigh signal of DANS@CNT vs. DANS in solution in terms of collective and cooperative phenomena occurring in aggregates of less than 10 aligned molecules.
The reversal of the spontaneous exchange bias effect and zero-field-cooling magnetization in La1.5Sr0.5Co1−xFexMnO6: the effect of Fe doping
Authors: Zhang H. G. , Xie L. , Liu X. C. , Xiong M. X. , Cao L. L. , Li Y. T.
Published: August 2017

The temperature-dependent magnetization reversal and spontaneous exchange bias sign switching are simultaneously achieved in La1.5Sr0.5CoMnO6 by Fe ion doping.
Synthesis and investigation of neptunium zirconium phosphate, a member of the NZP family: crystal structure, thermal behaviour and Mössbauer spectroscopy studies
Authors: Bykov D. M. , Konings R. J. M. , Apostolidis C. , Hen A. , Colineau E. , Wiss T. , Raison P.
Published: August 2017

We synthesized a new NZP-type neptunium zirconium phosphate Np0.29Zr2(PO4)3 and investigated it by Rietveld analysis, infrared spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy.
The impact of ionic liquids on the coordination of anions with solvatochromic copper complexes
Authors: Kuzmina O. , Hassan N. H. , Patel L. , Ashworth C. , Bakis E. , White A. J. P. , Hunt P. A. , Welton T.
Published: August 2017

Traditionally weakly associating anions demonstrate a stronger than expected level of coordinating ability within ILs.
A new layer-stacked porous framework showing sorption selectivity for CO2 and luminescence
Authors: Yang Hong-Yun , Li Yong-Zhi , Shi Wen-Juan , Hou Lei , Wang Yao-Yu , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: August 2017

Luminescent Zn-MOF based stacked layers were assembled, featuring multiple CO2-binding sites and selective CO2 adsorption over CH4.
A new strategy for inducing dipole moments in charge-transfer complexes: introduction of asymmetry into axially ligated iron phthalocyanines
Authors: Matsuda Masaki , Iwamura Sayaka , Hamada Yumi , Ohishi Hiroko , Nishi Miki , Nogami Yoshio , Ikeda Mitsuo , Kanda Akinori , Funasako Yusuke , Mochida Tomoyuki , Nakao Akiko , Hanasaki Noriaki
Published: August 2017

Introduction of asymmetry into charge-transfer complexes composed of iron phthalocyanines was achieved.
Benzoquinonoid-bridged dinuclear actinide complexes
Authors: Hohloch Stephan , Pankhurst James R. , Jaekel Esther E. , Parker Bernard F. , Lussier Daniel J. , Garner Mary E. , Booth Corwin H. , Love Jason B. , Arnold John
Published: August 2017

We report the coordination chemistry of benzoquinonoid-bridged dinluclear thorium(iv) and uranium(iv) complexes with the tripodal ligand tris[2-amido(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amine ligand,L.
Gold nanodome SERS platform for label-free detection of protease activity
Authors: Wuytens Pieter C. , Demol Hans , Turk Nina , Gevaert Kris , Skirtach Andre G. , Lamkanfi Mohamed , Baets Roel
Published: August 2017

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering provides a promising technology for sensitive and selective detection of protease activity by monitoring peptide cleavage. Not only are peptides and plasmonic hotspots similarly sized, Raman fingerprints also hold large potential for spectral multiplexing. Here, we use a gold-nanodome platform for real-time detection of trypsin activity on a CALNNYGGGGVRGNF substrate peptide. First, we investigate the spectral changes upon cleavage through the SERS signal of liquid-chromatography separated products. Next, we show that similar patterns are detected upon digesting surface-bound peptides. We demonstrate that the relative intensity of the fingerprints from aromatic amino acids before and after the cleavage site provides a robust figure of merit for the turnover rate. The presented method offers a generic approach for measuring protease activity, which is illustrated by developing an analogous substrate for endoproteinase Glu-C.
Membrane and genomic DNA dual-targeting of citrus flavonoid naringenin against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Lang-Hong , Wang Man-Sheng , Zeng Xin-An , Xu Xi-Ming , Brennan Charles S.
Published: August 2017

Naringenin exerts its antibacterial action by disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane and DNA targeting effects inStaphylococcus aureus.
Assessment of exposure to airborne carbon nanotubes by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of filter samples
Authors: Sirven J.-B. , Dewalle P. , Quéré C. , Fauvet V. , Tabarant M. , Motellier S. , Golanski L. , Guiot A. , Amdaoud M. , Clavaguera S. , Roynette A. , Pontreau S. , Ouf F.-X. , Gensdarmes F.
Published: August 2017

Airborne carbon nanotubes sampled on filters are quantified in a workplace atmosphere by LIBS analysis of their metal impurities.
A portable multi-collector system based on an artificial optical compound eye for stand-off laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Li W. T. , Yang X. Y. , Li X. , Tang S. S. , Li J. M. , Yi R. X. , Yang P. , Hao Z. Q. , Guo L. B. , Li X. Y. , Zeng X. Y. , Lu Y. F.
Published: August 2017

A portable, flexible and effective multi-collector system based on an artificial optical compound eye for stand-off laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
Reproducible fiber optofluidic laser for disposable and array applications
Authors: Gong Chaoyang , Gong Yuan , Chen Qiushu , Rao Yun-Jiang , Peng Gang-Ding , Fan Xudong
Published: August 2017

This paper describes a low-cost fiber optofluidic laser for disposable and array applications using a microstructured optical fiber.
Effect of hydrodynamics on a copper-nickel alloy rotating disc electrode in a marine environment
Authors: Chaitanya Kumar K. , Appa Rao B. V. , Srinivasa Rao S. , Vimal Kumar K.
Published: August 2017

5-(3-Aminophenyl)tetrazole is established as a good corrosion inhibitor for a Cu90–Ni10 alloy in an artificial marine environment in the absence and presence of sulfide ions under both stagnant as well as hydrodynamic conditions.
High yield synthesis of branched gold nanoparticles as excellent catalysts for the reduction of nitroarenes
Authors: Paul Reddy Kalvakunta , Jaiswal Kanishk , Satpati Biwarup , Selvaraju C. , Murugadoss Arumugam
Published: August 2017

Acetanilide was used for the synthesis of high quality branched gold NPs exhibiting outstanding catalytic activity toward nitroarenes' reduction.
Enhanced intracellular uptake in vitro by glucose-functionalized nanopesticides
Authors: Jia Jin-Liang , Jin Xiao-Yong , Zhu Li , Zhang Zhi-Xiang , Liang Wen-Long , Wang Guo-Dong , Zheng Feng , Wu Xin-Zhou , Xu Han-Hong
Published: August 2017

Nanopesticides have been increasingly used in agriculture. To improve the uptake of the target organisms for nanopesticides, we designed a dual-ligand nanopesticide based on gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as a carrier.
On the design of tailored liposomes for KRX29 peptide delivery
Authors: Bochicchio S. , Sala M. , Spensiero A. , Scala M. C. , Gomez-Monterrey I. M. , Lamberti G. , Barba A. A.
Published: August 2017

The high interest in therapeutic peptides, due to the specificity of their mechanisms of action, has stimulated the research of new delivery strategies to overcome bioavailability problems concerning the use of peptides in their naked form. In this study liposomal suitable delivery system was designed and produced.
Black phosphorus transistors with van der Waals-type electrical contacts
Authors: Quhe Ruge , Wang Yangyang , Ye Meng , Zhang Qiaoxuan , Yang Jie , Lu Pengfei , Lei Ming , Lu Jing
Published: August 2017

A 2D metal contact is a better electrode choice compared with a 2D material/bulk metal hybrid contact for sub-10 nm BP transistors.
The effect of comb architecture on complex coacervation
Authors: Johnston Brandon M. , Johnston Cameron W. , Letteri Rachel A. , Lytle Tyler K. , Sing Charles E. , Emrick Todd , Perry Sarah L.
Published: August 2017

Complex coacervation is a widely utilized technique for effecting phase separation, though predictive understanding of molecular-level details remains underdeveloped.
Cerium-catalyzed, oxidative synthesis of annulated, tetrasubstituted dihydrofuran-derivatives
Authors: Geibel Irina , Schmidtmann Marc , Christoffers Jens
Published: August 2017

Densely functionalized, annulated dihydrofuran derivatives are prepared from β-oxoesters and silylenolethers by a cerium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation.
Metal-free, direct conversion of α-amino acids into α-keto γ-amino esters for the synthesis of α,γ-peptides
Authors: Hernández D. , Boto A. , Guzmán D. , Alvarez E.
Published: August 2017

An efficient, metal-free synthesis of unusual α-keto γ-amino esters from α-amino acids is achieved by a radical scission–oxidation–addition of silyloxy acrylates procedure, where no purification of the reaction intermediates is needed. The process allows the synthesis of α,γ-peptides.
Synthesis and characterization of anion-exchange membranes based on hydrogenated poly(norbornene)
Authors: Price S. C. , Ren X. , Savage A. M. , Beyer F. L.
Published: August 2017

Hydrogenated poly(norbornene) functionalized with a trimethylammonium cation microphase separates and has excellent OH− conductivity.
Combinatorial synthesis of soluble conjugated polymeric nanoparticles and tunable multicolour fluorescence sensing
Authors: Zhao Peng , Dai Yanan , Wu Yusen , Wang Lili , Huang Binlei , Ding Yun , Hu Aiguo
Published: August 2017

Combinatorial polymerization method has been exploited to prepare a library of soluble conjugated polymeric nanoparticles (SCPNs), by varying symmetrical monomers, Ax and By (x > 2, y ≥ 2), plus modification with variant terminal groups.
Possible target-related proteins of stress-resistant rats suggested by label-free proteomic analysis
Authors: Chen Jiao , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Shuai , Ai Qidi , Chu Shifeng , Chen Nai-hong
Published: August 2017

Stress plays a crucial role in the development of major depressive disorder, but the molecular mechanism underlying the susceptibility vs. resilience to stress remains unclear.
In situ ATR-FTIR investigation and theoretical calculation of the interactions of chromate and citrate on the surface of haematite (α-Fe2O3)
Authors: Gao W. G. , Liu X. C. , Chen M. F.
Published: August 2017

In situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the molecular kinetics of Cr(vi) reduction by citric acid at the α-Fe2O3–water interface.
A simple and convenient method to fabricate new types of phytic acid–metal conversion coatings with excellent anti-corrosion performance on the iron substrate
Authors: Yan Ru , Gao Xiang , He Wei , Guo Rui , Wu Ruonan , Zhao Zhuangzhi , Ma Houyi
Published: August 2017

A simple and practical method was developed to prepare phytic acid–metal complex coatings with excellent anti-corrosion performance on the iron substrate by making full use of the bridging effect of metal ions in the film-forming solution.
Endogenous omega-3 long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis from alpha-linolenic acid is affected by substrate levels, gene expression, and product inhibition
Authors: Wang Shun-he , Pan Yong , Li Jing , Chen Hai-qin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Gu Zhen-nan , Chen Yong Q.
Published: August 2017

Previous studies have suggested that dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) increases the levels of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LC-PUFAs)in vivo, but the conversion procedure and the genes involved remain poorly understood.
Enhancement of bacterial growth with the help of immiscible oxygenated oils
Authors: Sklodowska Karolina , Jakiela Slawomir
Published: August 2017

Bacterial growth in an aqueous medium in the vicinity of the interface with an immiscible oxygenated fluid is a subject of this study. We tested six oxygenated liquids, including hexadecane, silicone oil, FC-40, FC-70, HFE-7200 and HFE-7500.
High performance polyimides with good solubility and optical transparency formed by the introduction of alkyl and naphthalene groups into diamine monomers
Authors: Li Tianyun , Huang Huahua , Wang Lei , Chen Yongming
Published: August 2017

Highly soluble and optically transparent polyimides with excellent thermal stability were prepared by the introduction of alkyl and naphthalene groups into a single diamine monomer under microwave-assisted polymerization.
An indolizine–rhodamine based FRET fluorescence sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ in living cells
Authors: Ji Ruixue , Liu Aikun , Shen Shili , Cao Xiaoqun , Li Fei , Ge Yanqing
Published: August 2017

An indolizine–rhodamine-based ratiometric fluorescent probe was designed and successfully synthesized.
Creasing in evaporation-driven cavity collapse
Authors: Milner Matt P. , Jin Lihua , Hutchens Shelby B.
Published: August 2017

Water-filled cavities in elastomers demonstrate the effect of strain-stiffening on crease onset and crease number during evaporation-driven contraction.
Self-assembly with colloidal clusters: facile crystal design using connectivity landscape analysis
Authors: Zanjani Mehdi B. , Crocker John C. , Sinno Talid
Published: August 2017

Geometrical analysis of connectivity enables efficient design and optimization of colloidal cluster assemblies.
Ta-Doped SnO2 as a reduction–resistant oxide electrode for DRAM capacitors
Authors: Cho Cheol Jin , Noh Myoung-Sub , Lee Woo Chul , An Cheol Hyun , Kang Chong-Yun , Hwang Cheol Seong , Kim Seong Keun
Published: August 2017

Ta-Doped SnO2 could be a promising reduction–resistant oxide electrode for DRAM capacitors.
Coupling topology of substrate integrated waveguide filter using unequal length slots with non‐resonating nodes
Authors: Zhang Daxu , Zhou Jianyi , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2017

A novel coupling topology of substrate integrated waveguide filter with unequal‐length slots is proposed. This filter consists of two resonators and a pair of unequal‐length slots, which can be considered as two‐stage bypass coupling resonators. There exist two resonant modes (TE101 and TE102) in each resonator. TE101 mode is coupled by the long slot, and TE102 mode is coupled by the short slot, which can achieve two resonant modes couplings between adjacent cavities. This structure uses TE102 mode to design the centre frequency of the passband and regards TE101 mode as spurious response. As a result, this filter leads to three transmission zeros (TZs), two TZs locate above the passband and one TZ is below the passband. The filter is fabricated and measured, the measured results agree well with simulated ones.
A closed‐form expression for the coverage of cellular systems under Hoyt (Nakagami‐q) fading
Authors: Martin‐Vega F.J. , Gomez G. , Lopez‐Martinez F.J. , Aguayo‐Torres M.C.
Published: August 2017

A simple closed‐form expression is provided for the coverage probability of cellular systems under Hoyt (Nakagami‐q) fading, which models fading scenarios more severe than Rayleigh. The accuracy of the proposed framework is validated through Monte Carlo simulations.
Near‐band digital predistortion for wideband power amplifiers with mmWave non‐contiguous carrier aggregation
Authors: Yu Chao , Yang Na , Sun Honglei , Wu Xing‐Wang , Zhai Jianfeng , Zhu Xiao‐Wei
Published: August 2017

A near‐band digital predistortion technique is proposed to linearise a wideband power amplifier (PA) with millimetre wave (mmWave) non‐contiguous carrier aggregation (CA). The proposed method employs low‐bandwidth linearisation architecture to only focus on the in‐band compensation and part of the out‐of‐band (OOB) distortion suppression, which largely alleviate the bandwidth limitation for baseband operation. Experiments have been carried out on an mmWave PA with the centre frequency of 41 GHz. Good measurement results can be achieved when the PA is excited by a very wideband modulated signal with 1001 CA configuration and the total bandwidth of 640 MHz.
Bandwidth allocation, delay bound analysis, and controller synthesis for event‐triggered control systems
Authors: Hossein Roohi Mohammad , Izadi Iman , Ghaisari Jafar
Published: August 2017

Event‐triggered control (ETC) is a control strategy in which the control algorithm is executed only when a specific condition is satisfied. Many contributions have been proposed in the ETC literature to reduce the amount of data sent over a communication network. One of the main goals in these methods is reduction of the network bandwidth usage. In this study, a method is proposed to design ET controller which guarantees stability as well as a higher bound on bandwidth requirement. Moreover, the effect of control system on the maximum delay of communication link is explained. Mathematical expression of this effect is presented based on network calculus rules. This yields a method for off‐line fair allocation of bandwidth. Furthermore, a new method is proposed to design a robust controller for norm‐bounded uncertainty which stabilises the control system and guarantees the bandwidth usage and consequently the network delay. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, a case study based on the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol is presented which shows the relationship of controller parameters, network parameters, and the delay.
Position sensorless control for doubly salient electro‐magnetic motor based on line‐to‐line voltage
Authors: Zhou Xingwei , Zhou Bo , Yang Lan
Published: August 2017

This study first proposes a novel position sensorless control method for doubly salient electro‐magnetic motor (DSEM) based on line‐to‐line voltage. The commutation instants are estimated by comparing the proper line‐to‐line voltage with a commutation threshold value, which is preset according to motor speed and field current. Since only line‐voltage is required, the negative influence of DSEM neutral point voltage variation is eliminated. Moreover in addition, line‐to‐line voltage has a gain of phase back‐electromotive force (EMF), so the application speed range is desired to be extended. Then, the sensorless commutation lags introduced by reluctance back EMFs and low‐pass filters are analysed in detail, with the obtained mathematic expressions, a uniform compensation strategy by adjusting the commutation threshold value is proposed. With no need for extra hardware, the compensation strategy has the merit of easy implementation. What is more, to overcome the restriction of the distorted commutation signal arising in freewheeling process, a constraint of three‐phase currents is developed to avoid false commutation. Finally, the experiments on a 12/8‐pole DSEM validate the correctness and feasibility of the proposed techniques.
Medical image rigid registration using a novel binary feature descriptor and modified affine transform
Authors: Yelampalli Praveen Kumar Reddy , Nayak Jagadish , Gaidhane Vilas H.
Published: August 2017

Robust and reliable features with noise immunity, rotation‐invariance, and low‐dimensionality are the challenging aspects of pattern recognition. In this study, the authors presented a novel low‐dimensional binary feature descriptor local diagonal Laplacian pattern (LDLP) for medical image registration. LDLP method is developed by defining the local relationship between a centre pixel and its diagonal neighbours and encoding it to a binary feature vector. The idea of centre‐diagonal pixel correlation has drastically reduced the length of the feature vector without compromising the quality of local texture analysis. In the proposed work, first, the LDLP feature histograms of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), and ultrasound images are obtained. Further, these LDLP features of individual medical images are considered as target/fixed objects while their corresponding rotated and noisy features are considered as moving/floating objects to perform mono‐modal rigid registration using an improved Procrustes analysis‐based affine transform. The registration quality is examined by calculating the squared intensity error and the results are compared with the existing binary patterns such as local binary patterns, local tetra patterns, and local diagonal extrema patterns. The proposed LDLP feature descriptor‐based rigid registration has attained relatively better performance in terms of registration accuracy and computational complexity.
Path toward 100% renewable energy future and feasibility of power‐to‐gas technology in Nordic countries
Authors: Pursiheimo Esa , Holttinen Hannele , Koljonen Tiina
Published: August 2017

Ambitious target of reaching 100% renewable share of primary energy supply in Nordic countries by year 2050 is analysed by using TIMES‐VTT energy system model. Role and feasibility of power‐to‐gas (P2G) technologies, producing methane (CH4) gas from surplus electricity, is analysed in context with high levels of wind and solar power. Three scenarios are set with varying constraints for the energy system and with objective to improve conditions for wind and solar power seasoned with P2G utilisation. In BASE scenario, non‐renewable energy sources are phased out by a high fuel tax for year 2050. In LO‐HH2, the authors exclude hydrogen‐based transport and reduce imported biofuels. In LO‐BIO, they decrease availability of biomass for energy and advanced biofuel production. Reaching 100% renewable target demands significant changes in energy system, especially in energy production and transport sectors. Transforming primary energy supply to renewable requires high level of electrification, but also bioenergy is essential for Finland and Sweden. Thus, P2G competes with biomass gasification technologies. Volatility of wind and solar power productions can be balanced by international trade. Main drivers for P2G are supply of synthetic gas to transport and industrial sectors, instead of acting as energy storage for surplus electricity.
TCAD simulation of a proposed 3D CdZnTe detector
Authors: Ellakany Abdelhady A. , Abouelatta Mohamed , Shaker Ahmed , Sayah Gihan T. , El‐Banna Mohammed
Published: August 2017

Cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detectors are potential replacements for traditional room temperature detectors, such as silicon (Si), in many applications. CdZnTe has been considered as a promising semiconductor material for hard X‐ray and ‐ray detection because the stopping power of CdZnTe is better than traditional materials. To exploit them for practical applications, their behaviour under harsh conditions must be fully characterised and understood. In this study, the electrical characteristics of the CdZnTe three‐dimensional (3D) detector are comprehensively studied through TCAD simulations. The very low leakage current, which is about 5.5 pA at 200 V, allows applying higher bias voltages than possible with traditional two‐dimensional (2D) detectors. Moreover, the effect of the temperature on the leakage current is studied. Additionally, the collection time is found to be about 2 ns and the amplitude of the current is 0.8 nA at 200 V. The obtained results prove the applicability of the CdZnTe 3D detector under various operating conditions.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Novel N-Benzylic and N-Phenethylic Ephedrine Derivatives
Authors: Ellwart Mario , Höfner Georg , Gerwien Aaron , Wanner Klaus , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2017

A range of N-benzylic and N-phenethylic ephedrine derivatives were prepared in a one-pot procedure starting from the two enantiomers of ephedrine using the Potier reagent, and a polyfunctional aryl- or benzylic organozinc halide. The biological activity in indatraline MS Binding Assays addressing hDAT, hNET and hSERT was determined and discussed.
A General Strategy for the Preparation of Thalidomide-Conjugate Linkers
Authors: Papatzimas James , Gorobets Evgueni , Brownsey Duncan , Maity Ranjan , Bahlis Nizar , Derksen Darren
Published: August 2017

The synthesis of small-molecule linkers for installation of thalidomide-based conjugates is described. Linker properties have been recognized as vital to conjugate success in drug discovery and delivery systems. These small-molecule tethers act as linkages between molecules, can also aid in cell permeability, and act as solubilizing agents. This work shows our progress in synthesizing conjugates with a variety of linker characteristics. The adaptability and manipulation of these and other linkers holds potential in improving synthetic control of chemical connectivities toward therapeutic development.
Palladium-Catalysed Cross-Coupling of Benzylammonium Salts with Boronic Acids under Mild Conditions
Authors: Phipps Robert , Türtscher Paul , Davis Holly
Published: August 2017

Herein, we give a full account of the development of the palladium­-catalysed cross-coupling of benzylammonium salts with boronic acids. A range of benzylamine-derived quaternary ammonium salts can be coupled with boronic acids under relatively mild conditions. Our optimization has identified ligands that can be used to chemoselectively cross-couple at the ammonium in the presence of chlorides. We demonstrate that intramolecular palladium-catalysed C–H activation is also a viable pathway for the putative benzyl-Pd(II) intermediate obtained upon oxidative addition and have optimised this to obtain fluorene in good yield.
Principios Biomecánicos en Inestabilidad Crónica Posterolateral de Rodilla
Authors: Díaz Allende Pedro
Published: August 2017

La inestabilidad crónica posterolateral de rodilla continúa siendo un tema desafiante desde la evaluación clínica hasta la resolución definitiva. La comprensión de la anatomía, biomecánica articular y las adaptaciones evolutivas de la rodilla para su complejo funcionamiento, son esenciales para el razonamiento diagnóstico y terapéutico de esas lesiones.
Técnica de reconstrucción en roturas recidivantes del tendón patelar
Authors: Díaz Allende Pedro , Cárdenas López Andrés , Pérez Acevedo Alexander , Hernández De León Joel , Hernández Echazabal Julio
Published: August 2017

La rotura recidivante del tendón patelar es infrecuente y generalmente asociada a comorbilidad sistémica que altera la interfaz tendón-hueso o a consecuencia de un retorno inadecuado a actividades, previo a completar el proceso de rehabilitación. La reconstrucción quirúrgica se basa en el aumento tendíneo con autoinjertos o aloinjertos. El uso de autoinjertos evita el riesgo de transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas y costos en relación a los aloinjertos y no requiere un segundo tiempo quirúrgico para remover material utilizado en la protección del tendón reconstruido, en el caso de utilizar refuerzos con alambres de cerclaje o cables de acero. Se presenta la reconstrucción del tendón patelar con autoinjerto semitendinoso-gracilis, por ser una técnica validada en la literatura, que restablece la fuerza y la estabilidad del mecanismo extensor de forma costo-efectiva y permite el retorno adecuado a las actividades de la vida diaria.
Hip Flexion Weakness following Transpsoas Interbody Fusion
Authors: Nogueira-Neto Joes , Marchi Luis , Aquaroli Rafael , Camacho Elder , Amaral Rodrigo , Oliveira Leonardo , Coutinho Etevaldo , Pimenta Luiz
Published: August 2017

Objective The present work evaluated the motor deficit resulting from the psoas muscle access through the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) approach.

Methods This was a prospective, non-randomized, controlled, single-center study with 60 patients, with a mean age of 61.8 years old. All of the subjects underwent a lateral transpsoas retroperitoneal approach for lumbar interbody fusion with electroneuromyographic guidance and accessing 1 to 3 lumbar levels (mean level, 1.4; 63% cases in only 1 level; 68% cases included L4-L5). The isometric hip flexion strength in the sitting position was determined bilaterally with a handheld dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument, Lafayette, IN, USA). The mean value of three peak force measurements (N) was calculated. Standardized isometric strength tests were performed before the procedure and at 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postsurgery.

Results Ipsilateral hip flexion was diminished (p < 0.001) at the early postoperative period, but reached preoperative values at 6 weeks (p > 0.12). The mean hip flexion measures before the procedure and at 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery were the following, respectively: 13 N; 9.7 N; 13.7 N; 14.4 N; and 16 N (ipsilateral); 13.3 N; 13.4 N; 15.3 N; 15.9 N; and 16.1 N (contralateral). Neither the level nor the number of treated levels had a clear association with thigh symptoms, but hip flexion weakness was the most common symptom.

Conclusions Patients in the early postoperative period of transpsoas access presented hip flexion weakness. However, this weakness was transient, and electroneuromyography use is still imperative in transpsoas access. In addition, patients must be thoroughly educated about hip flexion weakness to prevent falls in the immediate postoperative period.
Der Heidelberger Health Score HHS 3.0
Authors: Weiß K. , Köppel M. , Ziesche S. , Huber G.
Published: August 2017

Der Heidelberger Health Score (HHS 3.0) ist ein ökonomisches Instrument zur systematischen Identifikation
von Bedarfen, die mit dem Erhalt der Arbeitsfähigkeit von Menschen assoziiert sind. In der vorliegenden
Analyse sollen die Prädiktoren Unternehmen, Alter, Geschlecht und Tätigkeitsbereich auf ihren
Zusammenhang mit den im HHS 3.0 erhobenen Gesundheitsdimensionen untersucht werden. Hierbei zeigte sich,
dass insbesondere dem Arbeitsplatz eine wichtige Rolle in der Bewertung der Gesundheitsdimension zukommt.
Ferner zeigte sich ein über alle Dimensionen signifikanter negativer Zusammenhang zum Alter. Der
Prädiktor Geschlecht erreichte lediglich im Gesamtscore sowie in den Subdimensionen zur Gesundheitlichen
Ressourcensituation (GRS) und der Subdimension zum Allgemeinen Aktivitätsniveau statistische Signifikanz,
wobei Frauen ihren Gesundheitszustand in diesen Dimensionen kritischer einschätzen als Männer. Der
Tätigkeitsbereich (Produktion oder Verwaltung) hatte dabei keinen Einfluss auf die
Gesundheitsindikatoren.
Transfer eines neuen Ergonomie-Verständnisses in die Praxis eines Betrieblichen
Gesundheitsmanagements
Authors: Bartosch S. , Adomat S
Published: August 2017

Im betrieblichen Kontext spielt das Thema Ergonomie im Hinblick auf die Entwicklung und Erhaltung der
Gesundheit von Mitarbeitern für unterschiedliche Akteure eine subjektiv große Rolle. In diesem Beitrag
wird die notwendige Erweiterung und Veränderung des Blickes auf das Thema Ergonomie angedacht und eine
mögliche Umsetzung in die Praxis skizziert. Dieses Vorgehen des Umdenkens bildet nach unserer
Einschätzung die Basis für eine nachhaltige bio-psycho-soziale Intervention im Betriebe.
Otoskopie
Authors: Sengebusch Jürgen , Herzog Michael
Published: August 2017

Vor allem bei Kindern ist die Otoskopie (Ohrenspiegelung) eine äußerst wichtige Untersuchung. Sie ist angezeigt bei allen unklaren Schmerzzuständen im Bereich des Kopfes und der Ohren, aber auch bei grippalen Infekten und Infekten der Nasennebenhöhlen.
Pubertät und Adoleszenz aus Sicht der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin
Authors: Bohlayer Rainer
Published: August 2017

Pubertät ist eine krisenhafte Zeit des Übergangs, in der sich Eltern und Jugendliche wechselseitig als „schwierig“ empfinden. Dieser Beitrag aus Sicht der TCM richtet den Blick auf Probleme und Entwicklungspotenziale dieser Altersphase. Die Energie der Wandlungsphase FEUER zerstört zunächst das Überlebte der Kindheit, um die Entfaltung von Geist und Bewusstsein, die „Selbst-Werdung“, zu ermöglichen.

Die TCM begleitet Jugendliche hilfreich durch das Wildwasser der Pubertät mit seinen Klippen und Untiefen. Die eigene innere annehmende und wahrhaftige Haltung des Arztes in der Begegnung mit den Jugendlichen ist dafür die notwendige Basis. Er kann Eltern darin bestärken, eine Halt und Liebe gebende Einstellung zu bewahren und auf einen gelingenden Ausgang der Pubertät in ruhigerem Fahrwasser zu vertrauen.
Die Welt ist Klang
Authors: Casagrande C
Published: August 2017

Warum betont unsere Gesellschaft den Sehsinn so sehr? Haben wir verlernt, genau hinzuhören? Die DHZ-Kolumne von HP Christina Casagrande.