bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culex pipiens crossing type diversity is governed by an amplified and polymorphic operon of Wolbachia
Authors: Bonneau Manon , Atyame Celestine , Beji Marwa , Justy Fabienne , Cohen-Gonsaud Martin , Sicard Mathieu , Weill Mylène
Published: January 2018

Culex pipiens mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia (wPip) that cause an important diversity of cytoplasmic incompatibilities (CIs). Functional transgenic studies have implicated the cidA-cidB operon from wPip and its homolog in wMel in CI between infected Drosophila males and uninfected females. However, the genetic basis of the CI diversity induced by different Wolbachia strains was unknown. We show here that the remarkable diversity of CI in the C. pipiens complex is due to the presence, in all tested wPip genomes, of several copies of the cidA-cidB operon, which undergoes diversification through recombination events. In 183 isofemale lines of C. pipiens collected worldwide, specific variations of the cidA-cidB gene repertoires are found to match crossing types. The diversification of cidA-cidB is consistent with the hypothesis of a toxin–antitoxin system in which the gene cidB co-diversifies with the gene cidA, particularly in putative domains of reciprocal interactions.
Electrically driven electron spin resonance mediated by spin–valley–orbit coupling in a silicon quantum dot
Authors: Corna Andrea , Bourdet Léo , Maurand Romain , Crippa Alessandro , Kotekar-Patil Dharmraj , Bohuslavskyi Heorhii , Laviéville Romain , Hutin Louis , Barraud Sylvain , Jehl Xavier , Vinet Maud , De Franceschi Silvano , Niquet Yann-Michel , Sanquer Marc
Published: January 2018

The ability to manipulate electron spins with voltage-dependent electric fields is key to the operation of quantum spintronics devices, such as spin-based semiconductor qubits. A natural approach to electrical spin control exploits the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) inherently present in all materials. So far, this approach could not be applied to electrons in silicon, due to their extremely weak SOC. Here we report an experimental realization of electrically driven electron–spin resonance in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nanowire quantum dot device. The underlying driving mechanism results from an interplay between SOC and the multi-valley structure of the silicon conduction band, which is enhanced in the investigated nanowire geometry. We present a simple model capturing the essential physics and use tight-binding simulations for a more quantitative analysis. We discuss the relevance of our findings to the development of compact and scalable electron–spin qubits in silicon.
Degradation routes of trafficking-defective VLDLR mutants associated with Dysequilibrium syndrome
Authors: Kizhakkedath Praseetha , John Anne , Al-Gazali Lihadh , Ali Bassam R.
Published: January 2018

Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family members are involved in signaling in the developing brain. Previously we have reported that missense mutations in the Very Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor gene (VLDLR), causing Dysequilibrium syndrome (DES), disrupt ligand-binding, due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of the mutants. We explored the degradation routes of these VLDLR mutants in cultured cells. Our results indicate that VLDLR mutants are retained in the ER for prolonged periods which could be facilitated by association with the ER-resident chaperone calnexin. The mutants were prone to aggregation and capable of eliciting ER stress. The VLDLR mutants were found to be degraded predominantly by the proteasomal pathway, since ubiquitinated VLDLR was found to accumulate in response to proteasomal inhibition. Further, the mutants were found to interact with the ER degradation adaptor protein SEL1L. The degradation of VLDLR wild type and mutant were delayed in CRISPR/Cas9 edited SEL1L knock-out cells which was reversed by exogenous expression of SEL1L. In summary, ER retention of pathogenic VLDLR mutants involves binding to calnexin, elevated ER stress, and delayed degradation which is dependent on SEL1L. Since core LDLR family members share common structural domains, common mechanisms may be involved in their ER processing.
Decentralized dynamic understanding of hidden relations in complex networks
Authors: Mocanu Decebal Constantin , Exarchakos Georgios , Liotta Antonio
Published: January 2018

Almost all the natural or human made systems can be understood and controlled using complex networks. This is a difficult problem due to the very large number of elements in such networks, on the order of billions and higher, which makes it impossible to use conventional network analysis methods. Herein, we employ artificial intelligence (specifically swarm computing), to compute centrality metrics in a completely decentralized fashion. More exactly, we show that by overlaying a homogeneous artificial system (inspired by swarm intelligence) over a complex network (which is a heterogeneous system), and playing a game in the fused system, the changes in the homogeneous system will reflect perfectly the complex network properties. Our method, dubbed Game of Thieves (GOT), computes the importance of all network elements (both nodes and edges) in polylogarithmic time with respect to the total number of nodes. Contrary, the state-of-the-art methods need at least a quadratic time. Moreover, the excellent capabilities of our proposed approach, it terms of speed, accuracy, and functionality, open the path for better ways of understanding and controlling complex networks.
Author Correction: Comparison of bacterial microbiota of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its factitious prey Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae)
Authors: Pekas Apostolos , Palevsky Eric , Sumner Jason C. , Perotti M. Alejandra , Nesvorna Marta , Hubert Jan
Published: January 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Pretreatment of wheat straw leads to structural changes and improved enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zhou Tiantian , Wang Yibin , Cao Xiaohua , Wu Songqing , Zhao Meili , Wang Haoyuan , Xu Ming , Zheng Baodong , Zheng Jingui , Guan Xiong
Published: January 2018

Wheat straw (WS) is a potential biomass for production of monomeric sugars. However, the enzymatic hydrolysis ratio of cellulose in WS is relatively low due to the presence of lignin and hemicellulose. To enhance the enzymatic conversion of WS, we tested the impact of three different pretreatments, e.g. sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and hot water pretreatments to the enzymatic digestions. Among the three pretreatments, the highest cellulose conversion rate was obtained with the 4% NaOH pretreatment at 121 °C (87.2%). In addition, NaOH pretreatment was mainly effective in removing lignin, whereas the H2SO4 pretreatment efficiently removed hemicellulose. To investigate results of pretreated process for enhancement of enzyme-hydolysis to the WS, we used scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze structural changes of raw and treated materials. The structural analysis indicated that after H2SO4 and NaOH pretreatments, most of the amorphous cellulose and partial crystalline cellulose were hydrolyzed during enzymatic hydrolysis. The findings of the present study indicate that WS could be ideal materials for production of monomeric sugars with proper pretreatments and effective enzymatic base hydrolysis.
CCR5/CCL5 axis interaction promotes migratory and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Singh Santosh Kumar , Mishra Manoj K. , Eltoum Isam-Eldin A. , Bae Sejong , Lillard James W. , Singh Rajesh
Published: January 2018

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest cancers and remains a major challenge due to its invasive and metastatic nature. Increased levels of CCR5 and CCL5 have established indicators for disease status in various cancers, including PC. However, their role in invasion and metastasis of PC is not known. Here we conducted immunohistochemistry of PC tissues and found elevated epithelial staining for CCR5 and CCL5 in metastatic PC tissues compared to non-neoplastic. In vitro experiments, such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and western blotting with human PC cell lines (AsPc-1, BxPc-3 and MIA PaCa-2), showed higher expression levels of CCR5. The CCL5 activation of PC cells expressing CCR5 increased their invasive potential, while treatment with CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc inhibited the CCL5 activation. CCL5 induced proliferation of PC cells was mediated through F-actin polymerization, while there was marked reduction when the cells were treated with maraviroc. The direct interaction of CCR5 with CCL5 was verified using a calcium mobilization assay. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CCR5 and CCL5 are potential markers for metastatic PC cancer, and their interaction leads to the increased PC cell invasion. Thus, blocking CCR5/CCL5 axis might prove beneficial to prevent metastasis and provide a more therapeutic strategy to control PC progression.
Intra-retinal Arterial Cannulation using a Microneedle for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Kadonosono Kazuaki , Yamane Shin , Inoue Maiko , Yamakawa Tadashi , Uchio Eiichi
Published: January 2018

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a severe disease, often causing blindness. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a surgical procedure for the treatment of acute CRAO in which retinal arterial cannulation with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is performed. The surgical procedure consisted of vitrectomy followed by cannulation of the central retinal artery and injection of tPA (200 μg) using a 47-gauge microneedle. Thirteen CRAO patients were treated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The central retinal artery of all 13 eyes was successfully cannulated. The mean interval between the onset of symptoms and surgery was 38.7 hours. The results for all 13 eyes treated showed a statistically significant improvement in mean visual acuity between before and one month after treatment (−1.60 vs. −0.82 logarithmic values for minimum angle resolution (LogMAR), p = 0.0021). Fluorescein angiography showed complete reperfusion and incomplete reperfusion in 10 eyes and 3 eyes, respectively. Recently developed surgical instruments have made retinal-arterial cannulation feasible. Intra-retinal-arterial cannulation has potential as a method of improving visual function and microcirculation in eyes affected by CRAO.
Moderate acute alcohol intoxication increases visual motion repulsion
Authors: Wang Zhengchun , Wang Huan , Tzvetanov Tzvetomir , Zhou Yifeng
Published: January 2018

Among the serious consequences of alcohol abuse is the reduced ability to process visual information. Diminished vision from excessive consumption of alcohol has been implicated in industrial, home, and automobile accidents. Alcohol is also generally recognized as an inhibitor in the brain by potentiating GABA-ergic transmission. In this study, we focused on visual motion processing and explored whether moderate alcohol intoxication induced changes in inhibitory mediated motion repulsion in a center-surround configuration. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects study on the effect of alcohol on visual motion repulsion. Each subject underwent three experimental conditions (no alcohol, placebo and moderate alcohol) on separate days. The order of the placebo and moderate alcohol conditions was counterbalanced. The results showed that the effects of the surround context on the perception of the center motion direction were similar in both the sober (no alcohol) and placebo conditions. However, contextual modulations were significantly stronger during intoxication compared to both the sober and placebo conditions. These results demonstrate that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with altered neural function in visual cortical areas and that motion repulsion deficits might reflect the inhibitory effects of alcohol on the central nervous system.
A Strategy for Nonmigrating Plasticized PVC Modified with Mannich base of Waste Cooking Oil Methyl Ester
Authors: Jia Puyou , Zhang Meng , Hu Lihong , Song Fei , Feng Guodong , Zhou Yonghong
Published: January 2018

The waste cooking oil (WCO) production from the catering industry and food processing industry causes serious environmental, economic and social problems. However, WCO can be used for the preparation of fine chemicals such as internal plasticizer. With this aim, this work is focused on preparing internal plasticizer by using WCO and determining technical viability of non-migration poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) materials. The mannich base of waste cooking oil methyl ester (WCOME) was synthesized from WCO via esterification, interesterification and mannich reaction, which was used to produce self-plasticization PVC materials as an internal plasticizer. The results showed that the PVC was plasticized effectively. Self-plasticization PVC films showed no migration in n-hexane, but 15.7% of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) leached from DOP/PVC(50/50) system into n-hexane. These findings transformed the traditional plastic processing technology and obtained cleaner production of no migration plasticizer from WCO.
Application of Sustainable Natural Resources in Agriculture: Acaricidal and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Naphthoquinones and Their Analogs against Psoroptes cuniculi
Authors: Shang Xiao-Fei , Liu Ying-Qian , Guo Xiao , Miao Xiao-Lou , Chen Cheng , Zhang Jun-Xiang , Xu Xiao-Shan , Yang Guan-Zhou , Yang Cheng-Jie , Li Jun-Cai , Zhang Xiao-Shuai
Published: January 2018

As important secondary plant metabolites, naphthoquinones exhibit a wide range of biological activities. However, their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic acaricides has not been studied. This study for the first time investigates the acaricidal activity of naphthoquinones against Psoroptes cuniculi in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo activity, the skin irritation effects, the cytotoxicity and the inhibitory activities against mite acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) of the two compounds that displayed the best insecticidal activity in vitro were evaluated. Among fourteen naphthoquinones and their analogs, juglone and plumbagin were observed to possess the strongest acaricidal activities against P. cuniculi with LC50 values of 20.53 ppm and 17.96 ppm, respectively, at 24 h. After three treatments, these two chemicals completely cured naturally infested rabbits in vivo within 15 days, and no skin irritation was found in any of the treated rabbits. Compared to plumbagin, juglone presented no or weak cytotoxicity against HL-7702 cells. Moreover, these two chemicals significantly inhibited AChE and GST activity. These results indicate that juglone has promising toxicity against P. cuniculi, is safe for both humans and animals at certain doses, and could be used as a potential alternative bio-acaricide for controlling the development of psoroptic mange in agricultural applications.
Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (Kir) Channels Represent a Critical Ion Conductance Pathway in the Nervous Systems of Insects
Authors: Chen Rui , Swale Daniel R.
Published: January 2018

A complete understanding of the physiological pathways critical for proper function of the insect nervous system is still lacking. The recent development of potent and selective small-molecule modulators of insect inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels has enabled the interrogation of the physiological role and toxicological potential of Kir channels within various insect tissue systems. Therefore, we aimed to highlight the physiological and functional role of neural Kir channels the central nervous system, muscular system, and neuromuscular system through pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Our data provide significant evidence that Drosophila neural systems rely on the inward conductance of K+ ions for proper function since pharmacological inhibition and genetic ablation of neural Kir channels yielded dramatic alterations of the CNS spike discharge frequency and broadening and reduced amplitude of the evoked EPSP at the neuromuscular junction. Based on these data, we conclude that neural Kir channels in insects (1) are critical for proper function of the insect nervous system, (2) represents an unexplored physiological pathway that is likely to shape the understanding of neuronal signaling, maintenance of membrane potentials, and maintenance of the ionic balance of insects, and (3) are capable of inducing acute toxicity to insects through neurological poisoning.
Assessment of the characteristics and biocompatibility of gelatin sponge scaffolds prepared by various crosslinking methods
Authors: Yang Gang , Xiao Zhenghua , Long Haiyan , Ma Kunlong , Zhang Junpeng , Ren Xiaomei , Zhang Jiang
Published: January 2018

This comparative study aims to identify a biocompatible and effective crosslinker for preparing gelatin sponges. Glutaraldehyde (GTA), genipin (GP), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), and microbial transglutaminase (mTG) were used as crosslinking agents. The physical properties of the prepared samples were characterized, and material degradation was studied in vitro with various proteases and in vivo through subcutaneous implantation of the sponges in rats. Adipose-derived stromal stem cells (ADSCs) were cultured and inoculated onto the scaffolds to compare the cellular biocompatibility of the sponges. Cellular seeding efficiency and digestion time of the sponges were also evaluated. Cellular viability and proliferation in scaffolds were analyzed by fluorescence staining and MTT assay. All the samples exhibited high porosity, good swelling ratio, and hydrolysis properties; however, material strength, hydrolysis, and enzymolytic properties varied among the samples. GTA–sponge and GP–sponge possessed high compressive moduli, and EDC–sponge exhibited fast degradation performance. GTA and GP sponge implants exerted strong in vivo rejections, and the former showed poor cell growth. mTG–sponge exhibited the optimal comprehensive performance, with good porosity, compressive modulus, anti-degradation ability, and good biocompatibility. Hence, mTG–sponge can be used as a scaffold material for tissue engineering applications.
Contactless, probeless and non-titrimetric determination of acid–base reactions using broadband acoustic resonance dissolution spectroscopy (BARDS)
Authors: Ahmed M. Rizwan , McSweeney Sean , Krüse Jacob , Vos Bastiaan , Fitzpatrick Dara
Published: January 2018

Carbon dioxide production due to an acid–base reaction.
Ion mobility derived collision cross section as an additional measure to support the rapid analysis of abused drugs and toxic compounds using electrospray ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Lian Ru , Zhang Fang , Zhang Yurong , Wu Zhongping , Ye Haiying , Ni Chunfang , Lv Xiaobao , Guo Yinlong
Published: January 2018

Despite recent advances in analytical techniques, high-throughput and rapid screening of abused drugs and toxic compounds is imperative.
Orthogonal supramolecular protein assembly on patterned bifunctional surfaces
Authors: Wasserberg D. , Cabanas-Danés J. , Subramaniam V. , Huskens J. , Jonkheijm P.
Published: January 2018

Selective dual protein assembly achieved using metal–ion and host–guest interactions with fluorescent proteins, modified with binding tags, by controlling opposing supramolecular interactions.
Water mediated proton conductance in a hydrogen-bonded Ni(ii)-bipyridine-glycoluril chloride self-assembled framework
Authors: Tayade Sakharam B. , Bhat Satish S. , Illathvalappil Rajith , Dhavale Vishal M. , Kawade Vitthal A. , Kumbhar Avinash S. , Kurungot Sreekumar , Näther Christian
Published: January 2018

Proton conducting properties have been investigated in a new Ni(ii)-based hydrogen-bonded porous framework synthesized using bipyridine-glycoluril (BPG) tecton.
Experimental and numerical effects of active afterheater addition on the growth of langatate (La3Ga5.5Ta0.5O14) crystals by the Czochralski method
Authors: Lasloudji Idir , Mokhtari Faiza , Nehari Abdeldjelil , Alombert-Goget Guillaume , Lebbou Kheirreddine
Published: January 2018

Experimental and numerical study on afterheater addition during Cz growth of LGT which resulted in a defect-free crystal with high stability and reproducibility.
Non-invasive force measurement reveals the number of active kinesins on a synaptic vesicle precursor in axonal transport regulated by ARL-8
Authors: Hayashi Kumiko , Hasegawa Shin , Sagawa Takashi , Tasaki Sohei , Niwa Shinsuke
Published: January 2018

The regulatory role of ARL-8 in the number of motors carrying a cargo is revealed by non-invasive force measurement.
A combined theoretical and experimental investigation on the influence of the bromine substitution pattern on the photophysics of conjugated organic chromophores
Authors: Mettra B. , Liao Y. Y. , Gallavardin T. , Armagnat C. , Pitrat D. , Baldeck P. , Le Bahers T. , Monnereau C. , Andraud C.
Published: January 2018

Two-photon photosensitizers with heavy atom substituents were synthesized and evaluated through a combined photophysical and computational study.
Hydrogen detachment driven by a repulsive 1πσ* state – an electron localization function study of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Bil Andrzej , Latajka Zdzisław , Biczysko Malgorzata
Published: January 2018

Electron localization function analysis reveals the details of a charge induced hydrogen detachment mechanism of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, identified recently as responsible for phototautomerization of the molecule.
Molecular dynamics simulation of a nanofluidic energy absorption system: effects of the chiral vector of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ganjiani Sayed Hossein , Hossein Nezhad Alireza
Published: January 2018

A Nanofluidic Energy Absorption System (NEAS) is a novel nanofluidic system with a small volume and weight.
Dissociative electron attachment and anion-induced dimerization in pyruvic acid
Authors: Zawadzki M. , Ranković M. , Kočišek J. , Fedor J.
Published: January 2018

Electron-triggered fragmentation of pyruvic acid and the fate of fragments in denser environments.
Full-dimensional quantum mechanics calculations for the spectroscopic characterization of the isomerization transition states of HOCO/DOCO systems
Authors: Ma Dandan , Ren Haisheng , Ma Jianyi
Published: January 2018

This theoretical work gives positive evidence for the spectroscopic characterization model of the isomerization transition state reported by Fieldet al., and we find that isotopic substitution can solve the problem of the accidental failure of Field's model.
An experimental and theoretical study of adenine adsorption on Au(111)
Authors: Acres Robert G. , Cheng Xun , Beranová Klára , Bercha Sofiia , Skála Tomáš , Matolín Vladimír , Xu Ye , Prince Kevin C. , Tsud Nataliya
Published: January 2018

The parallel and upright adenine phases on Au(111) were studied by photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies in combination with density functional theory calculations.
Influence of a silver salt on the nanostructure of a Au(111)/ionic liquid interface: an atomic force microscopy study and theoretical concepts
Authors: Hoffmann Viktor , Pulletikurthi Giridhar , Carstens Timo , Lahiri Abhishek , Borodin Andriy , Schammer Max , Horstmann Birger , Latz Arnulf , Endres Frank
Published: January 2018

We combine in situ atomic force microscopy and non-equilibrium thermodynamics to investigate the Au(111)/electrolyte interface. Experiment and theory show that the concentration of solutes strongly influences the structure of the electrode/electrolyte interface.
Enhanced selectivity for Mg2+with a phosphinate-based chelate: APDAPversusAPTRA
Authors: Walter Edward R. H. , Fox Mark A. , Parker David , Williams J. A. Gareth
Published: January 2018

AnO-methylene-methylphosphinate analogue of APTRA shows a much greater reduction in affinity for Ca2+than Mg2+, offering a way to improved magnesium-selective ligands.
Correlating structural dynamics and catalytic activity of AgAu nanoparticles with ultrafast spectroscopy and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ferbonink G. F. , Rodrigues T. S. , dos Santos D. P. , Camargo P. H. C. , Albuquerque R. Q. , Nome R. A.
Published: January 2018

Electron–phonon coupling times, equilibrium structures and surface segregation as a function of hollow core–shell AgAu nanoparticle composition.
Synthesis of functional catechols as monomers of mussel-inspired biomimetic polymers
Authors: Duan Jiang , Wu Wenhai , Wei Zengfeng , Zhu Dedou , Tu Haiyang , Zhang Aidong
Published: January 2018

A Mannich reaction was developed to synthesize functional catechols as a facile route to catecholic polymers with versatile bioinspired properties.
Synthesis of samarium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles with improved photocatalytic performance and recyclability under visible light irradiation
Authors: Faraz Mohd , Naqvi Faria K. , Shakir Mohammad , Khare Neeraj
Published: January 2018

Samarium-doped ZnO nanoparticles (1%, 3%, and 5%) were synthesized by a gel-combustion route and their application as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of Malachite green (MG) dye is demonstrated.
Synthesis and characterization of zinc carboxy–porphyrin complexes for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Gros Claude P. , Michelin Clément , Bucher Léo , Desbois Nicolas , Devillers Charles H. , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Biswas Subhayan , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: January 2018

DOTA-like porphyrin Zn complexes 8 afford new perspectives in DSSCs compared to mono-porphyrin counterpart 2, by displaying a PCE (%) of 7.13.
Microscopic chiral pockets in a tris(chelated) iridium(iii) complex as sites for dynamic enantioselective quenching
Authors: Takimoto Kazuyoshi , Tamura Kenji , Watanabe Yutaka , Yamagishi Akihiko , Sato Hisako
Published: January 2018

A microscopic pocket surrounded by bulky ligands in Ir(iii) acted as a site discriminating the chirality of an approaching molecule.
Marine natural products
Authors: Blunt John W. , Carroll Anthony R. , Copp Brent R. , Davis Rohan A. , Keyzers Robert A. , Prinsep Michèle R.
Published: January 2018

This review of 2016 literature describes the structures and biological activities of 1277 new marine natural products and the structure revision and absolute configuration of previously reported MNPs. The chemical diversity of 28 609 MNPs reported since 1957 is also investigated and compared to that of approved drugs.
Two isomorphous azide/formate Mn(ii) coordination polymers show spin-canted antiferromagnetism only in the formate system
Authors: Wang Jiao-Yang , Yang Qian , Zhang Yi-Quan , Che Guang-Bo , Zhao Jiong-Peng , Liu Fu-Chen
Published: January 2018

We reported two isomorphous azide/formate MnII complexes: the azide complex had normal antiferromagnetic coupling, while a canted antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature of TN = 38.5 K was obtained in the formate system.
Kirigami nanofluidics
Authors: Gao J. , Koltonow A. R. , Raidongia K. , Beckerman B. , Boon N. , Luijten E. , Olvera de la Cruz M. , Huang J.
Published: January 2018

Kirigami nanofluidics is demonstrated here, where ionic transport through 2D laminar films can be manipulated by tailor-cutting the film shape.
Correction: Synthetic routes for a variety of halogenated (chiral) acetic acids from diethyl malonate
Authors: Mazenauer Manuel R. , Manov Stole , Galati Vanessa M. , Kappeler Philipp , Stohner Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘Synthetic routes for a variety of halogenated (chiral) acetic acids from diethyl malonate’ by Manuel R. Mazenauer et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 55434–55440.
Crystal structure of IspF from Bacillus subtilis and absence of protein complex assembly amongst IspD/IspE/IspF enzymes in the MEP pathway
Authors: Liu Zhongchuan , Jin Yun , Liu Weifeng , Tao Yong , Wang Ganggang
Published: January 2018

2-C-Methyl-d-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF) is a key enzyme in the 2-C-Methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis. This enzyme catalyzes the 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 2-phosphate (CDPME2P) to 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate (MEcDP) with concomitant release of cytidine 5′-diphospate (CMP). Bacillus subtilis is a potential host cell for the production of isoprenoids, but few studies are performed on the key enzymes of MEP pathway in B. subtilis. In this work, the high-resolution crystal structures of IspF in native and complex with CMP from B. subtilis have been determined. Structural comparisons indicate that there is a looser packing of the subunits of IspF in B. subtilis, whereas the solvent accessible surface of its active pockets is smaller than that in Escherichia coli. Meanwhile, the protein–protein associations of 2-C-Methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphatecytidyltransferase (IspD), CDPME kinase (IspE) and IspF from B. subtilis and E. coli, which catalyze three consecutive steps in the MEP pathway, are analyzed by native gel shift and size exclusion chromatography methods. The data here show that protein complex assembly is not detectable. These results will be useful for isoprenoid biosynthesis by metabolic engineering.
Investigation of bias polarity dependence of set operation in GeCu2Te3 phase change memory
Authors: An J.S. , Kim K.J. , Choi C.M. , Shindo S. , Sutou Y. , Song Y.H.
Published: January 2018

We measured the impact of the thermoelectric effect, especially the Peltier effect, upon the operation of phase change memory (PCM) in which the contact resistance between the phase change material and the electrode dominates the total resistance. A PCM device having a pillar structure of diameter 500 nm was fabricated using GeCu2Te3 (GCT) material. During read operation, the set state (with crystalline PCM) showed ohmic contact between the PCM and the electrode, whereas the reset state (with amorphous PCM) showed Schottky contact. The Schottky contact between the amorphous GCT and the electrode showed a bias polarity dependence of set operation owing to the Peltier effect, which is one of the thermoelectric effects. As PCM devices scale down to the nanometre scale, research on contact resistance and various related effects will become more important.
Narrow‐band balanced filtering network using coupled lines loaded with stubs
Authors: Feng Wenjie , Ma Xueke , Che Wenquan , Wu Yongle
Published: January 2018

A novel narrow‐band balanced filtering network using coupled lines loaded with stubs is proposed in this letter. Two Wilkinson power dividers using coupled lines are used to realise the six‐port balanced network. Wideband common mode suppression and power division isolation can be achieved due to the loaded open/shorted stubs. A narrow‐band balanced filtering network for the WLAN band is designed. Good agreements can be found between the simulation and measurement results.
Generalised precoding method for PAPR reduction with low complexity in OFDM systems
Authors: Hsu Chau‐Yun , Liao Hsuan‐Chun
Published: January 2018

High peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) is one of the major drawbacks of orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The precoding method is famous for providing a flexible way to reduce PAPR efficiently via adjustable precoding matrix (PM) but it also leads to high computational complexity. This study proposes a generalised precoding method that uses a generalised PM to provide a flexible scheme to generate precoded data with low PAPR and complexity. As compared to the OFDM system, the proposed generalised precoding OFDM systems achieve close bit‐error ratio (BER) performance with lower PAPR reduction. Moreover, the BER performance of generalised precoding‐based OFDM system is superior to that of OFDM system at low signal‐to‐noise ratio. The well known single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple access is a special case of discrete Fourier transform (DFT)‐based generalised precoding method; therefore, the proposed method is promising in OFDM systems for achieving low PAPR and complexity with better BER performance.
Optimal accommodation and management of high renewable penetration in distribution systems
Authors: Meena Nand Kishor , Swarnkar Anil , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi Khaleequr Rehman
Published: January 2018

The paper presents a new bi‐level optimisation framework for optimal accommodation and operational management of wind power generation and battery energy storage system (BESS) simultaneously, aiming to maximise the renewable hosting capacity of distribution networks. A new objective function is suggested comprising of annual energy loss in feeders, reverse power flow into the grid, non‐utilised BESS capacities, round‐trip conversion losses of BESSs and node voltage deviation subjected to various system security constraints. An artificial‐intelligence‐based optimal management of BESS is proposed for effective control of high‐renewable power generation. Due to the high investment and running costs of BESS, minimum storage capacity has been ensured in planning stage. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed model, it is implemented on a benchmark test distribution system of 33‐bus. Besides, various test cases are investigated and compared, which shows that the proposed optimisation model is promising.
Advanced design of microgrid interface for multiple microgrids based on MMC and energy storage unit
Authors: Wu Pan , Huang Wentao , Tai Nengling
Published: January 2018

As the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) keeps increasing, a single microgrid is incapable of controlling and consuming the large number of DERs. Therefore, to interconnect multiple microgrids and organise them as an integrated system is a promising way to solve the identified problem. Here, an advanced and comprehensive design of microgrid interface for multiple microgrids is proposed in order to facilitate the interconnection of multiple microgrids and reinforce the system controllability. The microgrid interface, named hybrid unit of common coupling (HUCC), employs modular multilevel converter and provides both AC and DC connection. Energy storage system is also designed in the HUCC. The advanced HUCC not only provides a unified microgrid interface, but also improves the flexibility and coordination of multiple microgrids. A case study of three interconnected HUCC‐based microgrids is carried out in PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the HUCC.
Modelling of multiple wind farms output correlation based on copula theory
Authors: Pan Yang , Shi Libao , Ni Yixin
Published: January 2018

How to systematically and accurately describe and model the uncertainties of wind power becomes one of the most significant issues in the research and development of smart grid. Furthermore, the wind speeds with respect to different wind farms which are nearby in geographical location are related, which brings about correlation of wind power output. Here, the correlation of multiple wind farms nearby in geographical location is studied. The copula theory is used to model the joint distributions of the wind speed and wind power pertinent to different wind farms. Two‐stage maximum likelihood estimation method is applied to estimate the unknown parameters in the joint copula functions. In the case study with two wind farms consideration, different copula models are used to describe the correlations of wind speed and wind power, and the optimal copula model is selected. The simulation results indicate that the proposed model can help build a more accurate model considering the correlations of multiple wind farms, which can provide useful information and suggestions in describing the uncertainties of wind power.
Low‐carbon economic dispatch for integrated heat and power systems considering network constraints
Authors: Cheng Yaohua , Zhang Ning , Kang Chongqing
Published: January 2018

Multiple energy systems enable a deep interconnection between power system and heat system and provide an effective way for low‐carbon development. Here, a low‐carbon economic dispatch (LCED) model for integrated heat and power system is proposed. The emission characteristics of different generation units are modelled. The objective function is to minimise the total cost, including the operation cost and carbon emission cost. Numerical results based on an integrated systems including a modified IEEE RTS‐79 system and a seven‐node heating system show the effectiveness of the proposed model. The effects of carbon price on operation conditions have been further analysed.
Sulfonyl as a Traceless Activation Group for Enantioselective Mannich Reaction Catalyzed by Thiourea to Access Chiral β-Aminophosphonates
Authors: Peng Yungui , Ning Yanqiang , Tan Songlin , Li Dezhong , Liao Na
Published: January 2018

An efficient enantioselective Mannich reaction of N-protected α-sulfones with β-benzenesulfonyl phosphonates was developed by using a chiral cinchona alkaloid-derived thiourea as a catalyst. This method was used to obtain a series of chiral α-sulfonyl-β-aminophosphonates in yields of up to 96% with 89:11 dr and 88% ee. These compounds were further transformed into β-aminophosphonates or chiral azetidines with various functional groups by a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons/aza-Michael addition reaction sequence.
Direct Iodosulfonylation of Alkylynones with Sulfonylhydrazides and Iodine Pentoxide Leading to Multisubstituted α,β-Enones
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Hua , Cui Huanhuan , He Chenglong , Yang Daoshan , Yue Huilan
Published: January 2018

A facile and efficient method has been developed for the construction of multisubstituted α,β-enones through the direct selective iodosulfonylation of alkylynones with sulfonylhydrazides and iodine pentoxide. The present methodology offers a simple and attractive approach to various multisubstituted α,β-enones in moderate to good yields with excellent stereo- and regioselectivities under the metal- and peroxide-free conditions.
Total Synthesis of Luteoalbusin A and Formal Synthesis of T988 C
Authors: Xu Zhengshuang , Ye Tao , Wang Lushun , Jia Xuelei , Lei Honghui
Published: January 2018

An efficient total synthesis of luteoalbusin A was achieved in nine linear steps and in 17% overall yield from the known and easily accessible 3a-(3-indolyl)-hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole. A formal synthesis of (+)-T988 C through manipulation of the key intermediate is also reported.
Volumetric Analysis of Endoscopic and Maxillary Swing Surgical Approaches for Nasopharyngectomy
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Chan Harley , Qiu Jimmy , Daly Michael , Khan Tahsin , Doglietto Francesco , Kucharczyk Walter , Goldstein David , Irish Jonathan , de Almeida John
Published: January 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for nasopharyngectomy is an alternative to the maxillary swing approach (MSA) for selected recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). We compare the access between these approaches.

Methods Three cadaver specimens were used to compare access volumes of the EEA and MSA. Exposure volumes were calculated using image guidance registration to cone beam computed tomography and tracking of accessible tissue with volumetric quantification. The area of exposure to the carotid artery was measured.

Results The MSA provided higher volumes for access volume compared with the EEA (66.6 vs 39.1 cm3, p = 0.009). The working area was larger in the MSA (80.2 vs 56.9 cm2, p = 0.06). The exposure to the carotid artery was higher in the MSA (1.88 vs 1.62 cm2, p = 0.04). The MSA provided larger volume of exposure for tumors of the parapharyngeal space with exposure below the palate.

Conclusions This study suggests that the MSA for nasopharyngectomy provides a larger volume of exposure. However, much of the increased exposure relates to exposure of the parapharyngeal space below the palate. The EEA provides adequate access to superior anatomical structures.
Three-Dimensional Volumetric Segmentation of Pituitary Tumors: Assessment of Inter-rater Agreement and Comparison with Conventional Geometric Equations
Authors: Kouti Angelica , Ziegelitz Doerthe , Hallén Tobias , Skoglund Thomas , Farahmand Dan , Lindberg Karl
Published: January 2018

Background The assessment of pituitary tumor (PT) volume is important in the treatment and follow-up of patients with PT. Previously, PT volume estimation has been performed by conventional geometric equations (CGE) such as abc/2 (simplified ellipsoid volume equation) and 4πr3/3 (sphere), both presuming a symmetric tumor shape, which occurs uncommonly in patients with PT. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) voxel-based software segmentation takes the irregular and asymmetric shapes that PTs often possess into account and might be a more accurate method for PT volume segmentation.

The purpose of this study is twofold. (1) To compare 3D segmentation with CGE for PT volume estimation. (2) To assess inter-rater reliability in 3D segmentation of PTs.

Methods Nineteen high-resolution (1mm slice thickness) T1-weighted MRI examinations of patients with PT were independently analyzed and manually segmented, using the software ITK-SNAP, by two certified neuroradiologists. Concurrently, the volumes of the PTs were estimated with abc/2 and 4πr3/3 by a clinician, and the results were compared with the corresponding segmented volumes.

Results There was a significant decrease in PT volume attained from the segmentations compared with the calculations made with abc/2 (p < 0.001, mean volume 18% higher than segmentation) and 4πr3/3 (p < 0.001, mean volume 28% higher than segmentation). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the two sets of segmented PTs was 0.99.

Conclusion CGE (abc/2 and 4πr3/3) significantly overestimates PT volume compared with 3D volumetric segmentation. The inter-rater agreement on manual 3D volumetric software segmentation is excellent.
Tuberculum Meningioma: Orbitopterional Approach
Authors: Yang Alexander , Aref Mohammed , Youssef A.
Published: January 2018

This is a case of an extensive tuberculum sella meningioma involving the circle of Willis down to the basilar artery that presented with bilateral visual loss worse on the right than left side. A one-piece right orbitopterional approach along the worse eye was used to gain access to the three cranial fossae. The orbitotomy facilitates access to the midline structures and contralateral base of the tumor with minimal brain retraction. Tumor resection is initiated by first identifying the tumor capsule, followed by piecemeal debulking via ultrasonic aspiration. Early decompression of the ipsilateral optic nerve was performed. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved through multiple windows as follows: prechiasmatic, opticocarotid, and carotid oculomotor. Sharp dissection is performed around critical neurovascular structures to reduce strain and vascular injury. The circle of Willis including the small perforators was completely preserved. Postoperative examination at follow-up demonstrated improvement in vision less on the right side and resolution of postoperative partial third nerve palsy.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/XfEh8CjkvA0.
The Posterior Transpetrosal Approach in a Case of Large Retrochiasmatic Craniopharyngioma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances
Authors: Labidi Moujahed , Watanabe Kentaro , Loit Marie-Pier , Hanakita Shunya , Froelich Sébastien
Published: January 2018

Objectives To discuss the use of the posterior petrosal approach for the resection of a retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma.

Design Operative video.

Results In this case video, the authors discuss the surgical management of a large craniopharyngioma, presenting with mass effect on the third ventricle and optic apparatus. A first surgical stage, through an endoscopic endonasal transtubercular approach, allowed satisfactory decompression of the optic chiasma and nerves in preparation for adjuvant therapy. However, accelerated growth of the tumor, with renewed visual deficits and mass effect on the hypothalamus and third ventricle, warranted a supplementary resection. A posterior transpetrosal1
2 (also called “retrolabyrinthine transtentorial”) was performed to obtain a better exposure of the tumor and the surrounding anatomy (floor and walls of the third ventricle, perforating vessels, optic nerves, etc.)3. Nuances of technique and surgical pearls related to the posterior transpetrosal are discussed and illustrated in this operative video, including the posterior mobilization of the transverse–sigmoid sinuses junction, preservation of the venous anatomy during the tentorial incision, identification and preservation of the floor of the third ventricle during tumor resection, and a careful multilayer closure.

Conclusion Retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas are difficult to reach tumors that often require skull base approaches, either endoscopic endonasal or transcranial. The posterior transpetrosal approach is an important part of the surgical armamentarium to safely resect these complex tumors.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/2MyGLJ_v1kI.
False Low-Risk Single Nucleotide Polymorphism–Based Noninvasive Prenatal Screening in Pentasomy 49,XXXXY
Authors: Putra Manesha , Hicks Melissa , Abramowicz Jacques
Published: January 2018

Introduction Pentasomy 49,XXXXY is a sex chromosome anomaly difficult to be diagnosed prenatally. We describe a patient of pentasomy 49,XXXXY with false low-risk results using a noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS). A 30-year-old G1P0 woman presented at 336/7 weeks, secondary to sonographic fetal anomalies. She had low-risk NIPS at 136/7 weeks. Anatomy survey showed bilateral clubfeet, clinodactyly of the left fifth digit, micropenis, and echogenic bowel. Cytogenetics analysis revealed pentasomy 49,XXXXY syndrome. We report third-trimester sonographic features of a fetus with pentasomy 49,XXXXY and the importance of thorough pre- and posttest counseling for NIPS.
Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Craniopharyngioma Removal
Authors: Messerer Mahmoud , Maduri Rodolfo , Daniel Roy
Published: January 2018

Objective Endoscopic transsphenoidal extended endoscopic approach (EEA) represents a valid alternative to microsurgery for craniopharyngiomas removal, especially for retrochiasmatic lesions without large parasellar extension. The present video illustrates the salient surgical steps of the EEA for craniopahryngioma removal.

Patient A 52-year-old man presented with a bitemporal hemianopia and a bilateral decreased visual acuity. MRI showed a Kassam type III cystic craniopharyngioma with a solid component (Fig. 1, panels A and B).

Surgical Procedure The head is rotated 10 degrees toward the surgeons. The nasal step is started through the left nostril with a middle turbinectomy. A nasoseptal flap is harvested and positioned in the left choana. The binostril approach allows a large sphenoidotomy to expose the key anatomic landmarks. The craniotomy boundaries are the planum sphenoidale superiorly, the median opticocarotid recesses, the internal carotid artery laterally and the clival recess inferiorly. After dural opening and superior intercavernous sinus coagulation, the tumor is entirely removed (Fig. 2, panels A and B). Skull base reconstruction is ensured by fascia lata grafting and nasoseptal flap positioning.

Results Postoperative MRI showed the complete tumor resection (Fig. 1, panels C and D). At 3 months postoperatively, the bitemporal hemianopia regressed and the visual acuity improved. A novel left homonymous hemianopia developed secondary to optic tract manipulation.

Conclusions The extended EEA is a valid surgical approach for craniopharyngioma resection. A comprehensive knowledge of the sellar and parasellar anatomy is mandatory for safe tumor removal with decreased morbidity and satisfactory oncologic results.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/NrCPPnVK2qA.