bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultradispersed Nanoarchitecture of LiV3O8 Nanoparticle/Reduced Graphene Oxide with High-Capacity and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Mo Runwei , Du Ying , Rooney David , Ding Guqiao , Sun Kening 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLack of high-performance cathode materials has become the major barriers to lithium-ion battery applications in advanced communication equipment and electric vehicles. In this paper, we report a versatile interfacial reaction strategy, which is based on the idea of space confinement, for the synthesis of ultradispersed LiV3O8 nanoparticles (~10 nm) on graphene (denoted as LVO NPs-GNs) with an unprecedented degree of control on the separation and manipulation of the nucleation, growth, anchoring and crystallization of nanoparticles in a water-in-oil emulsion system over free growth in solution. The prepared LVO NPs-GNs composites displayed high performance as an cathode material for lithium-ion battery, including high reversible lithium storage capacity (237 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles), high Coulombic efficiency (about 98%), excellent cycling stability and high rate capability (as high as 176 mA h g−1 at 0.9 A g−1, 128 mA h g−1 at 1.5 A g−1, 91 mA h g−1 at 3 A g−1 and 59 mA h g−1 at 6 A g−1, respectively). Very significantly, the preparation method employed can be easily adapted and may opens the door to complex hybrid materials design and engineering with graphene for advanced energy storage.
Robustly photogenerating H2 in water using FeP/CdS catalyst under solar irradiation
Authors: Cheng Huanqing , Lv Xiao-Jun , Cao Shuang , Zhao Zong-Yan , Chen Yong , Fu Wen-Fu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPhotosplitting water for H2production is a promising, sustainable approach for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. However, developing low-cost, high efficient and stable photocatalysts remains the major challenge. Here we report a composite photocatalyst consisting of FeP nanoparticles and CdS nanocrystals (FeP/CdS) for photogenerating H2in aqueous lactic acid solution under visible light irradiation. Experimental results demonstrate that the photocatalyst is highly active with a H2-evolution rate of 202000 μmol h−1g−1for the first 5 h (106000 μmol h−1g−1under natural solar irradiation), which is the best H2evolution activity, even 3-fold higher than the controlin situphoto-deposited Pt/CdS system and the corresponding to an apparent quantum efficiency of over 35% at 520 nm. More important, we found that the system exhibited excellent stability and remained effective after more than 100 h in optimal conditions under visible light irradiation. A wide-ranging analysis verified that FeP effectively separates the photoexcited charge from CdS and showed that the dual active sites in FeP enhance the activity of FeP/CdS photocatalysts.
Metasurface-based broadband hologram with high tolerance to fabrication errors
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Jin Jinjin , Wang Yanqin , Pu Mingbo , Li Xiong , Zhao Zeyu , Gao Ping , Wang Changtao , Luo Xiangang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWith new degrees of freedom to achieve full control of the optical wavefront, metasurfaces could overcome the fabrication embarrassment faced by the metamaterials. In this paper, a broadband hologram using metasurface consisting of elongated nanoapertures array with different orientations has been experimentally demonstrated. Owing to broadband characteristic of the polarization-dependent scattering, the performance is verified at working wavelength ranging from 405 nm to 914 nm. Furthermore, the tolerance to the fabrication errors, which include the length and width of the elongated aperture, the shape deformation and the phase noise, has been theoretically investigated to be as large as 10% relative to the original hologram. We believe the method proposed here is promising in emerging applications such as holographic display, optical information processing and lithography technology etc.
A unique self-organization of bacterial sub-communities creates iridescence in Cellulophaga lytica colony biofilms
Authors: Kientz Betty , Luke Stephen , Vukusic Peter , Péteri Renaud , Beaudry Cyrille , Renault Tristan , Simon David , Mignot Tâm , Rosenfeld Eric 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIridescent color appearances are widespread in nature. They arise from the interaction of light with micron- and submicron-sized physical structures spatially arranged with periodic geometry and are usually associated with bright angle-dependent hues. Iridescence has been reported for many animals and marine organisms. However, iridescence has not been well studied in bacteria. Recently, we reported a brilliant “pointillistic” iridescence in colony biofilms of marine Flavobacteria that exhibit gliding motility. The mechanism of their iridescence is unknown. Here, using a multi-disciplinary approach, we show that the cause of iridescence is a unique periodicity of the cell population in the colony biofilm. Cells are arranged together to form hexagonal photonic crystals. Our model highlights a novel pattern of self-organization in a bacterial biofilm. ”Pointillistic” bacterial iridescence can be considered a new light-dependent phenomenon for the field of microbiology.
X-ray induced singlet oxygen generation by nanoparticle-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy: determination of singlet oxygen quantum yield
Authors: Clement Sandhya , Deng Wei , Camilleri Elizabeth , Wilson Brian C. , Goldys Ewa M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSinglet oxygen is a primary cytotoxic agent in photodynamic therapy. We show that CeF3 nanoparticles, pure as well as conjugated through electrostatic interaction with the photosensitizer verteporfin, are able to generate singlet oxygen as a result of UV light and 8 keV X-ray irradiation. The X-ray stimulated singlet oxygen quantum yield was determined to be 0.79 ± 0.05 for the conjugate with 31 verteporfin molecules per CeF3 nanoparticle, the highest conjugation level used. From this result we estimate the singlet oxygen dose generated from CeF3-verteporfin conjugates for a therapeutic dose of 60 Gy of ionizing radiation at energies of 6 MeV and 30 keV to be (1.2 ± 0.7) × 108 and (2.0 ± 0.1) × 109 singlet oxygen molecules per cell, respectively. These are comparable with cytotoxic doses of 5 × 107–2 × 109 singlet oxygen molecules per cell reported in the literature for photodynamic therapy using light activation. We confirmed that the CeF3-VP conjugates enhanced cell killing with 6 MeV radiation. This work confirms the feasibility of using X- or γ- ray activated nanoparticle-photosensitizer conjugates, either to supplement the radiation treatment of cancer, or as an independent treatment modality.
Innovative Application of Mechanical Activation for Rare Earth Elements Recovering: Process Optimization and Mechanism Exploration
Authors: Tan Quanyin , Deng Chao , Li Jinhui 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWith the rapidly expanding use of fluorescent lamps (FLs) and increasing interest in conservation and sustainable utilization of critical metals such as rare earth elements (REEs), the recovering of REEs from phosphors in waste FLs is becoming a critical environmental and economic issue. To effectively recycle REEs with metallurgical methods, mechanical activation by ball milling was introduced to pretreat the waste phosphors. This current study put the emphasis on the mechanical activation and leaching processes for REEs and explored the feasibility of the method from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Results showed physicochemical changes of structural destruction and particle size reduction after mechanical activation, leading to the easy dissolution of REEs in the activated samples. Under optimal conditions, dissolution yields of 89.4%, 93.1% and 94.6% for Tb, Eu and Y, respectively, were achieved from activated waste phosphors using hydrochloric acid as the dissolution agent. The shrinking core model proved to be the most applicable for the leaching procedure, with an apparent activation energy of 10.96 ± 2.79 kJ/mol. This novel process indicates that mechanical activation is an efficient method for recovering REEs from waste phosphors and it has promising potential for REE recovery with low cost and high efficiency.
Intracrine Androgens Enhance Decidualization and Modulate Expression of Human Endometrial Receptivity Genes
Authors: Gibson Douglas A. , Simitsidellis Ioannis , Cousins Fiona L. , Critchley Hilary O. D. , Saunders Philippa T. K. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe endometrium is a complex, steroid-dependent tissue that undergoes dynamic cyclical remodelling. Transformation of stromal fibroblasts (ESC) into specialised secretory cells (decidualization) is fundamental to the establishment of a receptive endometrial microenvironment which can support and maintain pregnancy. Androgen receptors (AR) are present in ESC; in other tissues local metabolism of ovarian and adrenal-derived androgens regulate AR-dependent gene expression. We hypothesised that altered expression/activity of androgen biosynthetic enzymes would regulate tissue availability of bioactive androgens and the process of decidualization. Primary human ESC were treated in vitro for 1–8 days with progesterone and cAMP (decidualized) in the presence or absence of the AR antagonist flutamide. Time and treatment-dependent changes in genes essential for a) intra-tissue biosynthesis of androgens (5α-reductase/SRD5A1, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3/AKR1C3), b) establishment of endometrial decidualization (IGFBP1, prolactin) and c) endometrial receptivity (SPP1, MAOA, EDNRB) were measured. Decidualization of ESC resulted in significant time-dependent changes in expression of AKR1C3 and SRD5A1 and secretion of T/DHT. Addition of flutamide significantly reduced secretion of IGFBP1 and prolactin and altered the expression of endometrial receptivity markers. Intracrine biosynthesis of endometrial androgens during decidualization may play a key role in endometrial receptivity and offer a novel target for fertility treatment.
CRISPRi-Manipulation of Genetic Code Expansion via RF1 for Reassignment of Amber Codon in Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Qi , Chen Jingxian , Wu Ling , Yao Tianzhuo , Wu Yiming , Xu Huan , Zhang Lihe , Xia Qing , Zhou Demin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe precise engineering of proteins in bacteria via the amber codon has been hampered by the poor incorporation of unnatural amino acid (UAA). Here we explored the amber assignment as a sense codon for UAA by CRISPRi targeting release factor 1 (RF1). Scanning of RF1 gene with sgRNAs identified target loci that differentiate RF1 repressions. Quantitation of RF1 repressions versus UAA incorporation indicated an increasing interrelation with the amber reassignment maximized upon RF1 knockdown to ~30%, disclosing the beneficial role of RF1 in amber assignment. However, further RF1 repression reversed this trend resulting from the detrimental effects on host cell growth, disclosing the harmful aspect of RF1 in reassignment of the amber codon. Our data indicate RF1 as a switch manipulating genetic code expansion and pave a direction via CRISPRi for precise engineering and efficient production of proteins in bacteria.
A Functional Polymorphism (rs2494752) in the AKT1 Promoter Region and Gastric Adenocarcinoma Risk in an Eastern Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Meng-Yun , He Jing , Zhu Mei-Ling , Teng Xiao-Yan , Li Qiao-Xin , Sun Meng-Hong , Wang Xiao-Feng , Yang Ya-Jun , Wang Jiu-Cun , Jin Li , Wang Ya-Nong , Wei Qing-Yi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAKT is an important signal transduction protein that plays a crucial role in cancer development. Therefore, we evaluated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AKT promoter region and gastric cancer (GCa) risk in a case-control study of 1,110 GCa patients and 1,114 matched cancer-free controls. We genotyped five SNPs (AKT1 rs2494750G >C, AKT1 rs2494752A >G, AKT1 rs10138227C >T, AKT2 rs7254617G>A and AKT2 rs2304186G >T) located in the 5′ upstream regulatory, first intron or promoter regions. In the logistic regression analysis, a significantly elevated GCa risk was associated with the rs2494752 AG/GG variant genotypes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.42) under a dominant genetic model and this risk was more evident in subgroups of ever drinkers. The luciferase reporter assay showed that the rs2494752 G allele significantly increased luciferase activity. Our results suggest that the potentially functional AKT1 rs2494752 SNP may affect GCa susceptibility, likely by modulating the AKT1 promoter transcriptional activity. Larger, independent studies are warranted to validate our findings.
Glycated Hemoglobin and Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kuo I-Ching , Lin Hugo You-Hsien , Niu Sheng-Wen , Hwang Daw-Yang , Lee Jia-Jung , Tsai Jer-Chia , Hung Chi-Chih , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDiabetes is the major risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. In advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), less is known about the predictive value of HbA1c. We enrolled 2401 diabetic patients with stage 3–4 and stage 5 CKD, who were classified into 4 groups according to their baseline HbA1c values (<6%, 6%–7%, 7%–9% and >9%). During the median follow-up of 3 years, 895 patients developed ESRD and 530 died. In linear regression analysis, higher HbA1c correlated with higher eGFR in patients with stage 5 CKD but not in stage 3–4 CKD. In Cox regression analysis, a trend toward worse clinical outcomes existed when the HbA1c level exceeded 6% in stage 3–4 CKD, but the significance was only observed for >9%. The hazard ratios (HRs) for ESRD, all-cause mortality and combined CV events with mortality in the group of HbA1c >9% were 1.6 (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.38), 1.52 (95% CI, 0.97 to 2.38) and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.02 to 2.09), respectively. This study demonstrates that the higher HbA1c level is associated higher risks for clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with stage 3–4 CKD but not in stage 5 CKD.
Role of the D1-D2 Linker of Human VCP/p97 in the Asymmetry and ATPase Activity of the D1-domain
Authors: Tang Wai Kwan , Xia Di 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHuman AAA+ protein p97 consists of an N-domain and two tandem ATPase domains D1 and D2, which are connected by the N-D1 and the D1-D2 linkers. Inclusion of the D1-D2 linker, a 22-amino acid peptide, at the end of p97 N-D1 truncate has been shown to activate ATP hydrolysis of its D1-domain, although the mechanism of activation remains unclear. Here, we identify the N-terminal half of this linker, highly conserved from human to fungi, is essential for the ATPase activation. By analyzing available crystal structures, we observed that the D1-D2 linker is capable of inducing asymmetry in subunit association into a p97 hexamer. This observation is reinforced by two new crystal structures, determined in the present work. The effect of D1-D2 linker on the ATPase activity of the D1-domain is correlated to the side-chain conformation of residue R359, a trans-acting arginine-finger residue essential for ATP hydrolysis of the D1-domain. The activation in D1-domain ATPase activity by breaking perfect six-fold symmetry implies functional importance of asymmetric association of p97 subunits, the extent of which can be determined quantitatively by the metric Asymmetric Index.
miR-23a, miR-146a and miR-301a confer predisposition to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome but not to Behcet’s disease
Authors: Hou Shengping , Ye Zi , Liao Dan , Bai Lin , Liu Yunjia , Zhang Jun , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNinety-eight miRNAs are involved in the immune response. However, the genetic roles of these miRNAs remain unclear in Behcet’s disease (BD) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome. This study aimed to explore the association and functional roles of copy number variants (CNV) in several miRNAs with BD and VKH syndrome. Genotyping of CNVs was examined by TaqMan PCR. The expression of miR-23a, transfection efficiency and cytokine production were measured by real-time PCR, flow cytometry or ELISA. First, replication and combined studies for miR-23a, miR-146a and miR-301a demonstrated a similar association with VKH syndrome (Combined: P = 5.53 × 10−8; P = 8.43 × 10−31; P = 9.23 × 10−8, respectively). No association of CNVs of the above mentioned miRNAs was observed in BD patients. mRNA expression of miR-23a showed a positive association with its copy numbers. Additionally, individuals with high copy number of miR-23a show an increased production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), but not IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by stimulated PBMCs. miR-23a transfected ARPE-19 cells modulated the production of IL-6 and IL-8, but not MCP-1. Our results suggest that CNVs of miR-146a, miR-23a and miR-301a confer susceptibility to VKH syndrome, but not to BD. The contribution of miR-23a to VKH syndrome may be mediated by increasing the production of IL-6.
Exploiting Information Diffusion Feature for Link Prediction in Sina Weibo
Authors: Li Dong , Zhang Yongchao , Xu Zhiming , Chu Dianhui , Li Sheng 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe rapid development of online social networks (e.g., Twitter and Facebook) has promoted research related to social networks in which link prediction is a key problem. Although numerous attempts have been made for link prediction based on network structure, node attribute and so on, few of the current studies have considered the impact of information diffusion on link creation and prediction. This paper mainly addresses Sina Weibo, which is the largest microblog platform with Chinese characteristics and proposes the hypothesis that information diffusion influences link creation and verifies the hypothesis based on real data analysis. We also detect an important feature from the information diffusion process, which is used to promote link prediction performance. Finally, the experimental results on Sina Weibo dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness of our methods.
Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Target Genes in the Genetic Information Processing and Metabolism Pathways
Authors: Thurnherr Thomas , Mah Way-Champ , Lei Zhengdeng , Jin Yu , Rozen Steven G. , Lee Caroline G. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTo date, studies of the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have either focused on specific individual miRNAs and a small number of suspected targets or simply reported a list of differentially expressed miRNAs based on expression profiling. Here, we seek a more in-depth understanding of the roles of miRNAs and their targets in HCC by integrating the miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of tumorous and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues of 100 HCC patients. We assessed the levels of 829 mature miRNAs, of which 32 were significantly differentially expressed. Statistical analysis indicates that six of these miRNAs regulate a significant proportion of their in silico predicted target mRNAs. Three of these miRNAs (miR-26a, miR-122 and miR-130a) were down-regulated in HCC and their up-regulated gene targets are primarily associated with aberrant cell proliferation that involves DNA replication, transcription and nucleotide metabolism. The other three miRNAs (miR-21, miR-93 and miR-221) were up-regulated in HCC and their down-regulated gene targets are primarily involved in metabolism and immune system processes. We further found evidence for a coordinated miRNA-induced regulation of important cellular processes, a finding to be considered when designing therapeutic applications based on miRNAs.
Reliable scalable video streaming using layer weight switching‐based unequal Luby transform
Authors: Ha H. , Ryu E.‐S. 
Published: January 2016

A layer weight switching‐based unequal Luby transform (LWS‐ULT) method is proposed to minimise video distortion over packet‐lossy networks. The proposed ULT method divides all quality layers into more important set (MIS) and less important set to provide unequal packet protection property in LT codes based on error propagation effects. The number of quality layer in MIS is adjusted in accordance with channel status. At high packet loss rate, lower number of quality layer is assigned into MIS for more protection of quality layer with larger error propagation weight. On the other hand, higher number of quality layer is included in MIS for improving video quality by expanding the range of protection at low packet loss rate. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed LWS‐ULT method gives robust performance and significantly improved video quality (0.9–1.2 dB in Y‐PSNR), compared with the conventional ULT schemes.
Reconfigurable package integrated 20 W RF power GaN HEMT with discrete thick‐film MIM BST varactors
Authors: Preis S. , Wiens A. , Maune H. , Heinrich W. , Jakoby R. , Bengtsson O. 
Published: January 2016

A novel package integrated solution for gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistors with an electronically two‐dimensional reconfigurable L‐section matching network is presented. Thick‐film barium‐strontium‐titanate (BST) varactors are used to realise a tunability of the load impedance of 1:2 in resistive and 1:1.5 in reactive parts, respectively, applying tuning voltages of up to 200 V. The tuneable module achieves a peak output power of 43.2 dBm (20.9 W). Comparison with simulated results using field simulations and a large‐signal model shows good agreement in terms of output power and power added efficiency and thus proves the concept of using metal–insulator–metal BST varactors for reconfigurability.
Escapement of Fishes from Modified Fyke Nets with Differing Throat Configurations
Authors: Smith Bradley J. , Blackwell Brian G. , Wuellner Melissa R. , Graeb Brian D. S. , Willis David W. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
We performed a field experiment in five eastern South Dakota lakes to investigate fish escapement differences between modified fyke nets with two common throat configurations (restricted and unrestricted). Nets with restricted and unrestricted throats were deployed in pairs for 24 h on similar habitat. Captured fish were measured for TL and were given day-specific marks. The paired nets were redeployed, and marked fish were randomly assigned to be stocked into the restricted or unrestricted net for 24 h; stocking densities (stratified into low, medium, and high) were species specific. Marked fish that were retained after 24 h were used to quantify escapement, whereas newly captured fish were used to estimate differences in mean CPUE and size structure. Mean CPUE of Black Bullheads Ameiurus melas, Black Crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus, and Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus approximately doubled when restricted nets were used. Mean TL of Black Crappies was 31 mm greater (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6–57 mm greater) and mean TL of Bluegills was 21 mm greater (95% CI = 8–35 mm greater) in restricted nets than in unrestricted nets. Escapement from restricted nets was 4.4% for Black Crappies and 10.3% for Bluegills, whereas escapement from unrestricted nets was 71.7% for Black Crappies and 58.4% for Bluegills. We urge researchers to consider the influence of varying fyke-net throat configurations on calculated population metrics, and we recommend inclusion of the restricted throat feature in gear specifications for North American standard modified fyke nets.
Received April 6, 2015; accepted October 14, 2015