bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recipient bone marrow‐derived stromal cells prolong graft survival in a rat hind limb allotransplantation model
Authors: Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Ohta Souichi , Oda Hiroki , Yurie Hirofumi , Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Mitsui Hiroto , Aoyama Tomoki , Toguchida Junya , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundRecent studies have indicated that bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (BMSCs) have immunomodulatory properties that suppress the T cell responses that cause graft rejection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of recipient BMSCs intravenous infusion for immunomodulation in a rat vascularized composite allotransplantation model.MethodsA total of nine Wistar (WIS) rats and thirty Lewis (LEW) rats were used. BMSCs were harvested from three LEW rats. Twenty‐four LEW rats were used as recipients and divided randomly into four groups: BMSC group, FK group, UT group, and Iso group. In the BMSC group, orthotopic rat hind limb transplantation was performed between WIS donor and LEW recipient rats. Recipient rats were injected intravenously with 2 × 106 recipient BMSCs on day 6, and with 0.2 mg/kg/day tacrolimus administered over 7 days (n = 6). In the FK group, recipient rats were treated with tacrolimus alone (n = 6). Rats in the UT group received no immunosuppressive treatment (n = 6). In the Iso group, transplantation was performed from three LEW donor rats to six LEW recipient rats without any immunosuppressive treatment (n = 6). Graft survival was assessed by daily inspection and histology. The immunological reactions of recipients were also evaluated.ResultsThe graft survival of recipient rats in the BMSC group (24.5 days) was significantly prolonged in comparison with that of the FK group (18 days) (P < .01). Cytokine expression analysis of the skin of grafted limbs showed that BMSCs treatment significantly decreased IFN‐γ mRNA expression of the BMSC group (0.138 ± 0.045) in comparison with that of the FK group (1.049 ± 0.167) (P = .0001). Recipient rats in the BMSC group had significantly reduced serum IFN‐γ cytokine levels (1.571 ± 0.779 pg/ml) in comparison with that of the FK group (7.059 ± 1.522 pg/ml) (P = .001). In in vitro study, BMSCs induce T cell hyporesponsiveness in a mixed lymphocyte reaction.ConclusionBMSCs induce T cell hyporesponsiveness and prolong graft survival in the rat vascularized composite allotransplantation model. BMSCs exhibit immunomodulatory properties against acute rejection that can be realized without the need for significant recipient immunosuppression.
Elevated phosphodiester and T2 levels can be measured in the absence of fat infiltration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Hooijmans M.T. , Niks E.H. , Burakiewicz J. , Verschuuren J.J.G.M. , Webb A.G. , Kan H.E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractQuantitative MRI and MRS are increasingly important as non‐invasive outcome measures in therapy development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Many studies have focussed on individual measures such as fat fraction and metabolite levels in relation to age and functionality, but much less attention has been given to how these indices relate to each other. Here, we assessed spatially resolved metabolic changes in leg muscles of DMD patients, and classified muscles according to the degree of fat replacement compared with healthy controls. Quantitative MRI (three‐point Dixon and multi‐spin echo without fat suppression and a tri‐exponential fit) and 2D–CSI 31P MRS scans were obtained from 18 DMD patients and 12 healthy controls using a 3 T and a 7 T MR scanner. Metabolite levels, T2 values and fat fraction were individually assessed for five lower leg muscles. In muscles with extensive fat replacement, phosphodiester over adenosine triphosphate (PDE/ATP), inorganic phosphate over phosphocreatine, intracellular tissue pH and T2 were significantly increased compared with healthy controls. In contrast, in muscles without extensive fat replacement, only PDE/ATP and T2 values were significantly elevated. Overall, our results show that PDE levels and T2 values increase prior to the occurrence of fat replacement and remain elevated in later stages of the disease. This suggests that these individual measures could not only function as early markers for muscle damage but also reflect potentially reversible pathology in the more advanced stages.
Robust open‐loop Nash equilibria in the noncooperative LQ game revisited
Authors: Engwerda Jacob C. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThis paper reconsiders existence of worst‐case Nash equilibria in noncooperative multi‐player differential games, this, within an open‐loop information structure. We show that these equilibria can be obtained by determining the open‐loop Nash equilibria of an associated differential game with an additional initial state constraint. For the special case of linear‐quadratic differential games, we derive both necessary and sufficient conditions for solvability of the finite planning horizon problem. In particular, we demonstrate that, unlike in the standard linear‐quadratic differential game setting, uniqueness of equilibria may fail to hold. A both necessary and sufficient condition under which there is a unique equilibrium is provided. A sufficient existence condition for a unique equilibrium is derived in terms of a Riccati differential equation. Consequences for control policies are demonstrated in a simple debt stabilization game. ©  2016 The Authors. Optimal Control Applications and Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium contacts to n‐type crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Allen Thomas G. , Bullock James , Zheng Peiting , Vaughan Ben , Barr Matthew , Wan Yimao , Samundsett Christian , Walter Daniel , Javey Ali , Cuevas Andres 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDirect metallization of lightly doped n‐type crystalline silicon (c‐Si) is known to routinely produce non‐Ohmic (rectifying) contact behaviour. This has inhibited the development of n‐type c‐Si solar cells with partial rear contacts, an increasingly popular cell design for high performance p‐type c‐Si solar cells. In this contribution we demonstrate that low resistance Ohmic contact to n‐type c‐Si wafers can be achieved by incorporating a thin layer of the low work function metal calcium (ϕ ~2.9 eV) between the silicon surface and an overlying aluminium capping layer. Using this approach, contact resistivities of ρc ~ 2 mΩcm2 can be realised on undiffused n‐type silicon, thus enabling partial rear contacts cell designs on n‐type silicon without the need for a phosphorus diffusion. Integrating the Ca/Al stack into a partial rear contact solar cell architecture fabricated on a lightly doped (ND = 4.5 × 1014 cm−3) n‐type wafer resulted in a device efficiency of η = 17.6% where the Ca/Al contact comprised only ~1.26% of the rear surface. We demonstrate an improvement in this cell structure to an efficiency of η = 20.3% by simply increasing the wafer doping by an order of magnitude to ND = 5.4 × 1015 cm−3. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mercury(II) binds to both of chymotrypsin's histidines, causing inhibition followed by irreversible denaturation/aggregation
Authors: Stratton Amanda , Ericksen Matthew , Harris Travis V. , Symmonds Nick , Silverstein Todd P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe toxicity of mercury is often attributed to its tight binding to cysteine thiolate anions in vital enzymes. To test our hypothesis that Hg(II) binding to histidine could be a significant factor in mercury's toxic effects, we studied the enzyme chymotrypsin, which lacks free cysteine thiols; we found that chymotrypsin is not only inhibited, but also denatured by Hg(II). We followed the aggregation of denatured enzyme by the increase in visible absorbance due to light scattering. Hg(II)‐induced chymotrypsin precipitation increased dramatically above pH 6.5, and free imidazole inhibited this precipitation, implicating histidine‐Hg(II) binding in the process of chymotrypsin denaturation/aggregation. Diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) blocked chymotrypsin's two histidines (his40 and his57) quickly and completely, with an IC50 of 35 ± 6 µM. DEPC at 350 µM reduced the hydrolytic activity of chymotrypsin by 90%, suggesting that low concentrations of DEPC react with his57 at the active site catalytic triad; furthermore, DEPC below 400 µM enhanced the Hg(II)‐induced precipitation of chymotrypsin. We conclude that his57 reacts readily with DEPC, causing enzyme inhibition and enhancement of Hg(II)‐induced aggregation. Above 500 µM, DEPC inhibited Hg(II)‐induced precipitation, and [DEPC] >2.5 mM completely protected chymotrypsin against precipitation. This suggests that his40 reacts less readily with DEPC, and that chymotrypsin denaturation is caused by Hg(II) binding specifically to the his40 residue. Finally, we show that Hg(II)‐histidine binding may trigger hemoglobin aggregation as well. Because of results with these two enzymes, we suggest that metal‐histidine binding may be key to understanding all heavy metal‐induced protein aggregation.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel nicotinamide derivatives bearing a substituted pyrazole moiety as potential SDH inhibitors
Authors: Lv Xian‐Hai , Ren Zi‐Li , Liu Peng , Li Bing‐Xin , Li Qing‐Shan , Chu Ming‐Jie , Cao Hai‐Qun 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDSuccinate dehydrogenase (SDH) plays an important role in the Krebs cycle, which is considered as an attractive target for development of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) based on antifungal agents. Thus, in order to discover novel molecules with high antifungal activities, SDH as the target for a series of novel nicotinamide derivatives bearing substituted pyrazole moieties were designed and synthesised via a one‐pot reaction.RESULTSThe biological assay data showed that compound 3 l displayed the most potent antifungal activity with EC50 values of 33.5 and 21.4 µm against Helminthosporium maydis and Rhizoctonia cerealis, respectively. Moreover, 3 l exhibited the best inhibitory ability against SDH enzymes. The results of docking simulation showed that 3 l was deeply embedded into the SDH binding pocket, and the binding model was stabilised by a cation–π interaction with Arg 43, Tyr 58 and an H‐bond with Trp 173.CONCLUSIONThe study suggests that the pyrazole nicotinamide derivative 3 l may serve as a potential SDHI that can be used as a novel antifungal agent, and provides valuable clues for the further design and optimisation of SDH inhibitors. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Time‐resolved single‐electron wave‐packet detection
Authors: Kataoka Masaya , Fletcher Jonathan D. , Johnson Nathan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe discuss a time‐resolved method of detecting single‐electron wave packets traveling in quantum‐Hall edge states. The electron arrival‐time distribution is measured by applying a time‐dependent potential to a detector potential barrier. Using numerical calculations, we show that picosecond time resolutions can be achieved by increasing the rate of change in the barrier potential. We also show comparisons between the calculations and a set of experimental data, to demonstrate that picosecond time resolutions are possible within realistic experimental conditions. We examine the relationship between the full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of measured temporal distribution and the underlying arrival‐time distribution. As the rate of barrier change increases, we observe the measured width to reach a minimum at 6.4 ps. Our analysis suggests that the arrival‐time distribution can be as small as 1 ps. However, we also find that the presence of energy–time correlations in the probability‐density distribution can distort the measurement results, and the arrival‐time distribution may be actually as broad as 10 ps.Visualization of the probability density of electron wave packets in the energy–time space used for the analysis of arrival‐time distribution.
Single‐incision robotic cholecystectomy: A special emphasis on utilization of transparent glove ports to overcome limitations of single‐site port
Authors: Lee Hongeun , Lee Doo‐ho , Kim Hongbeom , Han Youngmin , Kim Sun‐Whe , Jang Jin‐Young 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe current robotic platform overcomes some limitations of single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC), however, whether robotic surgery is a safe and feasible approach must be investigated.MethodsPatients referred for elective surgery willing to undergo single‐incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC) by consent were enrolled. All procedures were performed by the same team using the same surgical equipment.ResultsThirty patients underwent SIRC. The mean overall operation time was 53.80 ± 15.20 min (range 32–80) and mean console time was 16.67 ± 5.63 min (range 11–30). The mean postoperative stay was 1.30 ± 0.54 days (range 1–3). There were no perioperative major complications.ConclusionSIRC can be rapidly learnt and safely performed while overcoming the ergonomic difficulties encountered during SILC. SIRC can be a viable alternative treatment for gallbladder diseases in selected patients with strong interest in cosmetic outcomes who are willing to pay the higher costs associated with SIRC.
Distributed Systems And Cosmopolitan Localism: An Emerging Design Scenario For Resilient Societies
Authors: Manzini Ezio , M'Rithaa Mugendi K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractUntil now the discussion on resilience has mainly adopted technical, economic, functional points of view. This paper assumes that, even though these approaches are important and necessary, they are not enough. If resilience must be a characterizing feature of every potential future society, its cultural dimension must be considered too. In order to make a contribution in this direction, the paper introduces the notions of distributed systems and cosmopolitan localism and discusses the possibility of using design tools to connect and reinforce them. It also observes that both distributed systems and cosmopolitan localism can be recognized in the growing wave of social innovations we are witnessing worldwide. Building on them, the paper concludes outlining an emerging design scenario, the SLOC scenario, and the new cultural fabric needed to implement it. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The practice of secure software development in SDLC: an investigation through existing model and a case study
Authors: Karim Nor Shahriza Abdul , Albuolayan Arwa , Saba Tanzila , Rehman Amjad 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSoftware security is an essential requirement for software systems. However, recent investigation indicates that many software development methodologies do not explicitly include methods for incorporating information security into the software development life cycles (SDLC). This research investigates, using case study, the methodologies being used in software development in Saudi Arabia and describes a model for integrating security into the SDLC. The aim is to identify the appropriate means of introducing security measures much earlier in the SDLC. This model is designed to be an extension to the existing SDLC. For achieving the research objectives and answering the research questions, the research followed a case study research design in an information‐based organization. The research identified various important elements as security standards, policies, processes being practiced, and tools used within SDLC projects. In this regard, recommendations and verification were gathered to elicit the actual activities that are appropriate to be conducted at each phase of SDLC. The non‐functional security requirements were also found, to the use of fortify and hp alm for source code review and web application testing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gd(III)‐DO3A‐SBMPP: An Effort to Develop the MRI Contrast Agent with Enhanced Relaxivity
Authors: Rangaswamy Sandhya , Varshney Raunak , Tiwari Anjani K. , Sethi Swarndeep K. , Hemanth kumar B. S. , Ojha Himanshu , Sandeep Kaur‐Ghumaan  , Mishra Anil K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRational design of a new class of MR (magnetic resonance) contrast agent for enhance relaxivity has been described. The click chemistry was employed to incorporate two moieties of 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine and serinol as a linker to enhance the affinity at the recognition sites. The designed ligand was attached to DO3A to synthesize DO3A‐serinol‐bis‐MPP (SBMPP) in 89 % yield. Gd‐DO3A‐SBMPP showed enhanced relaxivity r1 of 10.85±0.04 mM−1s−1 as compare to known gadolinium based contrast agents in clinics. The potentiometric titration of gadolinium loaded SBMPP exhibited strong selectivity for Gd3+ over physiological metal ions such as Zn2+ and Cu2+. Thus, the synthesis of bis‐conjugate could be observed as novel, instructive and initial proof of concept for the synthesis of MR contrast agent with enhanced relaxivity. The preliminary findings show the good biocompatibility and potential functionalities of MPP analogue to target brain regions through MRI.
Photo Relaxation Change and Emission Quenching in Different Sizes of PbS‐Nanoparticles‐Protein Corona
Authors: Bhunia Amit K. , Kamilya Tapanendu , Saha Satyajit 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn this study, energy transfer from BSA to different size semiconductor nanoparticles PbS was analyzed by using photo Relaxation change and emission quenching analysis. Structures of thePbS NPs are studied by XRD, TEM, and FT‐IR measurements. The band gap and crystal size of PbS suggest the quantum confinement effect. Photo current of the BSA‐PbS NPs bioconjugate system increased compared to bare PbS nanoparticles from nA to μA. Change in photo relaxation life time of the bare PbS NP and PbS NPs‐BSA bioconjugate system is particle size dependent and interaction dependent. PbS NPs‐BSA bioconjugate were characterized by steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy to determine the magnitude and mechanism of the energy transfer. It was found that the BSA fluorescence was quenched after the addition of PbS nanoparticles. Quenching of protein is large for larger size PbS nanoparticles. DLS study confirmed that BSA was adsorbed onto the surface of nanoparticles, creating a favourable geometry for quenching. Aggregation of BSA around a single PbS nanoparticle is size dependent. Larger nanoparticles are responsible for hard as well as soft corona due to interaction.Our results, which include photo relaxation times, energy transfer efficiencies showed that energy transferred take place via the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) mechanism. These energy transfer processes between protein molecules and PbS nanoparticles, will depend on the size of the particles involved.
Easily Separated a Novel rGO‐MMT Three‐Dimensional Aerogel with Good Adsorption and Recyclable Property
Authors: Yan Xueru , Hu Wei , Guo Junkangn , Cai Xiang , Huang Langhuan , Xiong Yongqiang , Tan Shaozao 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA novel reduced graphene oxide‐montmorillonite three‐dimensional composite aerogel (rGO‐MMT aerogel) was synthesized successfully. The rGO‐MMT aerogel with good adsorption and recyclable property due to special 3D interconnection porous structure and good mechanical strength. The preparation process was carried out in aqueous solution under atmosphere pressure without any toxic agents or special instruments, which is a facile, green, and low‐cost method. The aerogel was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunner‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorptive capacity and recycling of the aerogel were studied, including remove organic dyes (such as Methyl orange and Methylene blue) from wastewater and cycled five runs. The adsorption equilibrium data, adsorption process, and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. Moreover, the rGO‐MMT aerogel absorbent could be easily and directly separated with tweezers. The rGO‐MMT aerogel may find important environmental applications.
Effects of SDS and SDBS on CO2Hydrate Formation, Induction Time, Storage Capacity and Stability at 274.15 K and 5.0 MPa
Authors: Jiang Le‐le , Li Ai‐rong , Xu Jing‐fan , Liu Yan‐jun 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe CO2 hydratetechnology is growing in relative to CO2 capture, storage and transportation processes. An experimental investigation on CO2 hydrate formation in case of SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulfate) and SDBS (Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate) with seven concentrationsi. e.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 g/L was conducted at temperature of 274.15 K and initial pressure of 5.0 MPa. It was found that SDS and SDBS surfactants havelittleinfluence on the total moles of gas consumed in the stirred reactor. The induction time of CO2hydrate formation was approximately 35 minsinboth of 0.5 g/L SDS and 0.3 g/L SDBS solution,while that was 50 minsin pure water. Although the surfactantsreduced the CO2hydrate induction time significantly, they did not show clear influence on the gas storage capacities. The maximum gas storage capacities of CO2 hydrate in pure water, SDS and SDBS aqueous solutions are 89.62, 92.67, 92.62 V/VH, respectively. The difference in decomposition time of CO2 hydrate formed in pure water, SDS and SDBS solutions indicates that SDS and SDBScan greatly enhance the stability of CO2 hydrate.
Organic Solid Acid Catalyst for Efficient Conversion of Furfuryl Alcohol to Biofuels
Authors: Islam Md. Mominul , Bhunia Subhajit , Molla Rostam Ali , Bhaumik Asim , Islam Sk. Manirul 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe report the synthesis of a highly active microporous sulphonated monolithic catalyst (HCC‐ML‐SO3H) through the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction between carbazole and α,α′‐dibromo‐p‐xylene in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst FeCl3 under refluxing conditions, followed by sulphonation reaction (chlorosulfonic acid treatment under controlled reaction conditions). This sulphonated solid acid catalyst can catalyze the ring opening of furanoid moiety of furfuryl alcohol (FA) and subsequent esterification with various alcohols in one‐pot to produce levulinate esters, which are potential biofuels. Here the porous organic polymer bearing reactive SO3H groups (HCC‐ML‐SO3H) acts as a very reactive solid acid catalyst. Due to large surface area and extensive cross‐linking this porous polymer is very attractive material for the synthesis of levulinate esters from FA under metal free conditions. The catalyst has been characterized by N2 sorption, HR‐TEM, 13C solid state CP MAS NMR, XPS and FT‐IR. The catalyst can be reused for four consecutive reaction cycles without appreciable loss of activity.
A DSSC with an Efficiency of ∼10 %: Fermi Level Manipulation Impacting the Electron Transport at the Photoelectrode‐Electrolyte Interface
Authors: Kushwaha Suman , Mandal Sudip , Subramanian Sundar , Aryasomayajul Subrahmanyam , Ramanujam Kothandaraman 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the literature, many studies pertain to gold (Au) nanoparticles, (NPs) incorporated dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were reported due to the beneficial effect of the surface plasmon polaritons originating from the Au NPs on the DSSC performance. Thiolated Au quantum dots and dye based DSSCs was explored recently, wherein the Au cluster act both as sensitizer and voltage booster by enhancing the quasi‐Fermi level of TiO2. There is a knowledge gap on effect of thiolated Au NPs on DSSC performance. In this study, we have demonstrated Fermi level equilibration between the TiO2 and thiolated Au NPs. Thiolated Au NPs blocks the back electron transfer at the thiolated Au NPs‐electrolyte interface thereby improving the open circuit voltage and efficiency of DSSCs. We have also shown beneficial effect of WO3–TiO2–thiolated Au NPs interface in enhancing the DSSC performance significantly in comparison to that of sole TiO2 based DSSC. For the DSSC cell: FTO/WO3/TiO2‐Au‐thiolated/N719, an efficiency of 9.9 % is achieved (JSC = 17.4 mA cm−2, VOC = 0.820 V and FF=0.70).