bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Regime of Trademark Protection in Bangladesh: TRIPS Compatibility and Ramifications
Authors: SAYEED Muhammad A.
Published: May 2016

Bangladesh recently established a new trademark regime in 2009, repealing the seventy-year-old statute that was enacted as a response of the colonial government to comply with the requirements of the Paris Convention. This newly established regime governing the protection of trademarks was particularly important in discharging Bangladesh’s obligations under the WTO Agreement on TRIPS. The present study is an attempt to examine the compatibility of Bangladeshi law with the TRIPS regime of trademarks. The major focus of this study is, however, confined to the TRIPS compatibility of the Trademarks Act in relation to the aspects of acquisition and cancellation of trademark rights in particular, and the nature and scope of these rights in general. In so doing, this paper thus speaks of the success and ramifications of the present regime in exploiting the TRIPS flexibilities—the challenge that Bangladesh is supposed to encounter as a member of LDCs.
Learning to Read: the Case of Moroccan Students who Learn Spanish
Authors: Aguilera-Jiménez Antonio , Delgado Carmen , Luque Alfonso , Moreno-Pérez Francisco J. , Rodríguez-Ortiz Isabel. R. , Saldaña David
Published: May 2016

The aims of this study are to assess L1 and L2 variables that influence the reading acquisition of students of Moroccan origin in the South of Spain and compare their reading ability with native Spanish-speaking children. Participants were 38 students of Moroccan origin and 37 native Spanish-speaking students from the same classes. We used an oral vocabulary test and a reading comprehension test, which taps lexical, semantic, and syntactic reading processes, and reading fluency. The results indicated that immigrant students differed from native Spanish-speaking students in word reading, reading fluency, and the use of punctuation marks, but there were no significant differences in reading comprehension. In native Spanish-speaking students, reading comprehension correlated significantly with oral vocabulary and the other reading processes, but in the students of Moroccan origin, only receptive oral vocabulary in L2 correlated with the use of punctuation marks. Being in schools with educational resources specifically aimed at helping the Moroccan pupils was associated with a higher level of word reading in immigrant students.
The Relation Between Aerobic Fitness and Cognitive	Performance
Authors: Wang Chun-Hao , Shih Chun-Ming , Tsai Chia-Liang
Published: May 2016

Abstract. This study aimed to assess whether brain potentials have significant influences on the relationship between aerobic fitness and cognition. Behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) data was collected from 48 young adults when performing a Posner task. Higher aerobic fitness is related to faster reaction times (RTs) along with greater P3 amplitude and shorter P3 latency in the valid trials, after controlling for age and body mass index. Moreover, RTs were selectively related to P3 amplitude rather than P3 latency. Specifically, the bootstrap-based mediation model indicates that P3 amplitude mediates the relationship between fitness level and attention performance. Possible explanations regarding the relationships among aerobic fitness, cognitive performance, and brain potentials are discussed.
Martian Carbonates Spotted by the Orbiter
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: May 2016

The minerals identified by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter provide more evidence that the planet may have once been habitable.
TRC8-dependent degradation of hepatitis C virus immature core protein regulates viral propagation and pathogenesis
Authors: Aizawa Sayaka , Okamoto Toru , Sugiyama Yukari , Kouwaki Takahisa , Ito Ayano , Suzuki Tatsuya , Ono Chikako , Fukuhara Takasuke , Yamamoto Masahiro , Okochi Masayasu , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Imamura Michio , Chayama Kazuaki , Suzuki Ryosuke , Shoji Ikuo , Moriishi Kohji , Moriya Kyoji , Koike Kazuhiko , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: May 2016

Signal-peptide peptidase (SPP) is an intramembrane protease that participates in the production of the mature core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here we show that SPP inhibition reduces the production of infectious HCV particles and pathogenesis. The immature core protein produced in SPP-knockout cells or by treatment with an SPP inhibitor is quickly degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Oral administration of the SPP inhibitor to transgenic mice expressing HCV core protein (CoreTg) reduces the expression of core protein and ameliorates insulin resistance and liver steatosis. Moreover, the haploinsufficiency of SPP in CoreTg has similar effects. TRC8, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is required for the degradation of the immature core protein. The expression of the HCV core protein alters endoplasmic reticulum (ER) distribution and induces ER stress in SPP/TRC8 double-knockout cells. These data suggest that HCV utilizes SPP cleavage to circumvent the induction of ER stress in host cells.
The gut microbiota: a major player in the toxicity of environmental pollutants?
Authors: Claus Sandrine P , Guillou Hervé , Ellero-Simatos Sandrine
Published: May 2016

Exposure to environmental chemicals has been linked to various health disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and dysregulation of the immune and reproductive systems, whereas the gastrointestinal microbiota critically contributes to a variety of host metabolic and immune functions. We aimed to evaluate the bidirectional relationship between gut bacteria and environmental pollutants and to assess the toxicological relevance of the bacteria–xenobiotic interplay for the host. We examined studies using isolated bacteria, faecal or caecal suspensions—germ-free or antibiotic-treated animals—as well as animals reassociated with a microbiota exposed to environmental chemicals. The literature indicates that gut microbes have an extensive capacity to metabolise environmental chemicals that can be classified in five core enzymatic families (azoreductases, nitroreductases, β-glucuronidases, sulfatases and β-lyases) unequivocally involved in the metabolism of >30 environmental contaminants. There is clear evidence that bacteria-dependent metabolism of pollutants modulates the toxicity for the host. Conversely, environmental contaminants from various chemical families have been shown to alter the composition and/or the metabolic activity of the gastrointestinal bacteria, which may be an important factor contributing to shape an individual’s microbiotype. The physiological consequences of these alterations have not been studied in details but pollutant-induced alterations of the gut bacteria are likely to contribute to their toxicity. In conclusion, there is a body of evidence suggesting that gut microbiota are a major, yet underestimated element that must be considered to fully evaluate the toxicity of environmental contaminants.
Analysis of four scales for global severity evaluation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Martínez-Martín Pablo , Rojo-Abuin Jose Manuel , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Serrano-Dueñas Marcos , Garretto Nélida , Martínez-Castrillo Juan Carlos , Arillo Víctor Campos , Fernández William , Chaná-Cuevas Pedro , Arakaki Tomoko , Alvarez Mario , Ibañez Ivonne Pedroso , Rodríguez-Blázquez Carmen , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Merello Marcelo
Published: May 2016

Global evaluations of Parkinson’s disease (PD) severity are available, but their concordance and accuracy have not been previously tested. The present international, cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the agreement level among four global scales for PD (Hoehn and Yahr, HY; Clinical Global Impression of Severity, CGIS; Clinical Impression of Severity Index, CISI-PD; and Patient Global Impression of Severity, PGIS) and identifying which of them better correlates with itemized PD assessments. Assessments included additional scales for evaluation of the movement impairment, disability, affective disorders, and quality of life. Spearman correlation coefficients, weighted and generalized kappa, and Kendall’s concordance coefficient were used. Four hundred thirty three PD patients, 66% in HY stages 2 or 3, mean disease duration 8.8 years, were analyzed. Correlation between the global scales ranged from 0.60 (HY with PGIS) to 0.91 (CGIS with CISI-PD). Kendall’s coefficient of concordance resulted 0.76 (P<0.0001). HY and CISI-PD showed the highest association with age, disease duration, and levodopa-equivalent daily dose, and CISI-PD with measures of PD manifestations, disability, and quality of life. PGIS and CISI-PD correlated similarly with anxiety and depression scores. The lowest agreement in classifying patients as mild, moderate, or severe was observed between PGIS and HY or CISI-PD (58%) and the highest between CGIS and CISI-PD (84.3%). The four PD global severity scales agree moderately to strongly among them; clinician-based ratings estimate PD severity, as established by other measures, better than PGIS; and the CISI-PD showed the highest association with measures of impairment, disability, and quality of life.
Pioglitazone Enhances the Beneficial Effects of Glucocorticoids in Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Agrawal S. , Chanley M. A. , Westbrook D. , Nie X. , Kitao T. , Guess A. J. , Benndorf R. , Hidalgo G. , Smoyer W. E.
Published: May 2016

Glucocorticoids are the primary therapy for nephrotic syndrome (NS), but have serious side effects and are ineffective in ~20–50% of patients. Thiazolidinediones have recently been suggested to be renoprotective and to modulate podocyte glucocorticoid-mediated nuclear receptor signaling. We hypothesized that thiazolidinediones could enhance glucocorticoid efficacy in NS. We found that puromycin aminonucleoside-induced proteinuria in rats was significantly reduced by both high-dose glucocorticoids (79%) and pioglitazone (61%), but not low-dose glucocorticoids (25%). Remarkably, pioglitazone + low-dose glucocorticoids also reduced proteinuria (63%) comparably to high-dose glucocorticoids, whereas pioglitazone + high-dose glucocorticoids reduced proteinuria to almost control levels (97%). Molecular analysis revealed that both glucocorticoids and pioglitazone enhanced glomerular synaptopodin and nephrin expression and reduced COX-2 expression, after injury. Furthermore, the glomerular phosphorylation of glucocorticoid receptor and Akt, but not PPARγ, correlated with treatment-induced reductions in proteinuria. Notably, clinical translation of these findings to a child with refractory NS by the addition of pioglitazone to the treatment correlated with marked reductions in both proteinuria (80%) and overall immunosuppression (64%). These findings together suggest that repurposing pioglitazone could potentially enhance the proteinuria-reducing effects of glucocorticoids during NS treatment.
Near-Infrared Quantum Cutting Long Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Zou Zehua , Feng Lin , Cao Cheng , Zhang Jiachi , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2016

By combining the unique features of the quantum cutting luminescence and long persistent luminescence, we design a new concept called “near-infrared quantum cutting long persistent luminescence (NQPL)”, which makes it possible for us to obtain highly efficient (>100%) near-infrared long persistent luminescence in theory. Guided by the NQPL concept, we fabricate the first NQPL phosphor Ca2Ga2GeO7:Pr3+,Yb3+. It reveals that both the two-step energy transfer of model (I) and the one-step energy transfer of model (IV) occur in 3P0 levels of Pr3+. Although the actual efficiency is not sufficient for the practical application at this primitive stage, this discovery and the associated materials are still expected to have important implications for several fields such as crystalline Si solar cells and bio-medical imaging.
Functional differences in hepatitis C virus nonstructural (NS) 3/4A- and 5A-specific T cell responses
Authors: Holmström Fredrik , Chen Margaret , Balasiddaiah Anangi , Sällberg Matti , Ahlén Gustaf , Frelin Lars
Published: May 2016

The hepatitis C virus nonstructural (NS) 3/4A and NS5A proteins are major targets for the new direct-acting antiviral compounds. Both viral proteins have been suggested as modulators of the response to the host cell. We have shown that NS3/4A- and NS5A-specific T cell receptors confer different effector functions and that killing of NS3/4A-expressing hepatocytes is highly dependent on IFN-γ. We here characterize the functional differences in the T cell responses to NS3/4A and NS5A. NS3/4A- and NS5A-specific T cells could be induced at various frequencies in wild-type-, NS3/4A- and NS5A-transgenic mice. Priming of NS5A-specific T cells required a high DNA dose and was unlike NS3/4A dependent on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but less influenced by CD25+/GITR+ regulatory T cells. The presence of IL-12 greatly improved specific CD8+ T cell priming by NS3/4A but not by NS5A, suggesting a less dependence of IFN-γ for NS5A. This notion was supported by the observation that NS5A-specific T cells could eliminate NS5A-expressing hepatocytes also in the absence of IFN-γ-receptor-2. This supports that NS3/4A- and NS5A-specific T cells become activated and eliminate antigen expressing, or infected hepatocytes, by distinct mechanisms and that NS5A-specific T cells show an overall less dependence of IFN-γ.
Melanosomes in pigmented epithelia maintain eye lens transparency during zebrafish embryonic development
Authors: Takamiya Masanari , Xu Feng , Suhonen Heikki , Gourain Victor , Yang Lixin , Ho Nga Yu , Helfen Lukas , Schröck Anne , Etard Christelle , Grabher Clemens , Rastegar Sepand , Schlunck Günther , Reinhard Thomas , Baumbach Tilo , Strähle Uwe
Published: May 2016

Altered levels of trace elements are associated with increased oxidative stress that is eventually responsible for pathologic conditions. Oxidative stress has been proposed to be involved in eye diseases, including cataract formation. We visualized the distribution of metals and other trace elements in the eye of zebrafish embryos by micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) imaging. Many elements showed highest accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the zebrafish embryo. Knockdown of the zebrafish brown locus homologues tyrp1a/b eliminated accumulation of these elements in the RPE, indicating that they are bound by mature melanosomes. Furthermore, albino (slc45a2) mutants, which completely lack melanosomes, developed abnormal lens reflections similar to the congenital cataract caused by mutation of the myosin chaperon Unc45b, and an in situ spin trapping assay revealed increased oxidative stress in the lens of albino mutants. Finally transplanting a wildtype lens into an albino mutant background resulted in cataract formation. These data suggest that melanosomes in pigment epithelial cells protect the lens from oxidative stress during embryonic development, likely by buffering trace elements.
The G protein-coupled receptor GPR157 regulates neuronal differentiation of radial glial progenitors through the Gq-IP3 pathway
Authors: Takeo Yutaka , Kurabayashi Nobuhiro , Nguyen Minh Dang , Sanada Kamon
Published: May 2016

The ability of radial glial progenitors (RGPs) to generate cortical neurons is determined by local extracellular factors and signaling pathways intrinsic to RGPs. Here we find that GPR157, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, localizes to RGPs’ primary cilia exposed to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). GPR157 couples with Gq-class of the heterotrimeric G-proteins and signals through IP3-mediated Ca2+ cascade. Activation of GPR157-Gq signaling enhances neuronal differentiation of RGPs whereas interfering with GPR157-Gq-IP3 cascade in RGPs suppresses neurogenesis. We also detect the presence of putative ligand(s) for GPR157 in the CSF and demonstrate the increased ability of the CSF to activate GPR157 at neurogenic phase. Thus, GPR157-Gq signaling at the primary cilia of RGPs is activated by the CSF and contributes to neurogenesis.
Characterization of primary human hepatocyte spheroids as a model system for drug-induced liver injury, liver function and disease
Authors: Bell Catherine C. , Hendriks Delilah F. G. , Moro Sabrina M. L. , Ellis Ewa , Walsh Joanne , Renblom Anna , Fredriksson Puigvert Lisa , Dankers Anita C. A. , Jacobs Frank , Snoeys Jan , Sison-Young Rowena L. , Jenkins Rosalind E. , Nordling Åsa , Mkrtchian Souren , Park B. Kevin , Kitteringham Neil R. , Goldring Christopher E. P. , Lauschke Volker M. , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus
Published: May 2016

Liver biology and function, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and liver diseases are difficult to study using current in vitro models such as primary human hepatocyte (PHH) monolayer cultures, as their rapid de-differentiation restricts their usefulness substantially. Thus, we have developed and extensively characterized an easily scalable 3D PHH spheroid system in chemically-defined, serum-free conditions. Using whole proteome analyses, we found that PHH spheroids cultured this way were similar to the liver in vivo and even retained their inter-individual variability. Furthermore, PHH spheroids remained phenotypically stable and retained morphology, viability and hepatocyte-specific functions for culture periods of at least 5 weeks. We show that under chronic exposure, the sensitivity of the hepatocytes drastically increased and toxicity of a set of hepatotoxins was detected at clinically relevant concentrations. An interesting example was the chronic toxicity of fialuridine for which hepatotoxicity was mimicked after repeated-dosing in the PHH spheroid model, not possible to detect using previous in vitro systems. Additionally, we provide proof-of-principle that PHH spheroids can reflect liver pathologies such as cholestasis, steatosis and viral hepatitis. Combined, our results demonstrate that the PHH spheroid system presented here constitutes a versatile and promising in vitro system to study liver function, liver diseases, drug targets and long-term DILI.
Erratum: Membrane-proximal TRAIL species are incapable of inducing short circuit apoptosis signaling: Implications for drug development and basic cytokine biology
Authors: Tatzel Katharina , Kuroki Lindsay , Dmitriev Igor , Kashentseva Elena , Curiel David T. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Powell Matthew A. , Mutch David G. , Hawkins William G. , Spitzer Dirk
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22661; published online: 03 March 2016; updated: 04 May 2016 In the Supplementary Information file originally published with this Article, references 32, 33 and 37 were incorrectly given as references 25, 26 and 35 respectively. These errors have been corrected in the Supplementary Information that now accompanies the Article.
Neuroprotective effects of the anticancer drug NVP-BEZ235 (dactolisib) on amyloid-β 1–42 induced neurotoxicity and memory impairment
Authors: Bellozi Paula Maria Quaglio , Lima Isabel Vieira de Assis , Dória Juliana Guimarães , Vieira Érica Leandro Marciano , Campos Alline Cristina , Candelario-Jalil Eduardo , Reis Helton José , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Ribeiro Fabíola Mara , de Oliveira Antônio Carlos Pinheiro
Published: May 2016

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the main cause of dementia. Substantial evidences indicate that there is over-activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in AD. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of NVP-BEZ235 (BEZ; dactolisib), a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor that is under phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of some types of cancer, in hippocampal neuronal cultures stimulated with amyloid-β (Aβ) 1–42 and in mice injected with Aβ 1–42 in the hippocampus. In cell cultures, BEZ reduced neuronal death induced by Aβ. BEZ, but not rapamycin, a mTOR inhibitor, or LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor that also inhibits mTOR, reduced the memory impairment induced by Aβ. The effect induced by Aβ was also prevented in PI3Kγ−/− mice. Neuronal death and microgliosis induced by Aβ were reduced by BEZ. In addition, the compound increased IL-10 and TNF-α levels in the hippocampus. Finally, BEZ did not change the phosphorylation of Akt and p70s6K, suggesting that the involvement of PI3K and mTOR in the effects induced by BEZ remains controversial. Therefore, BEZ represents a potential strategy to prevent the pathological outcomes induced by Aβ and should be investigated in other models of neurodegenerative conditions.
Self-assembly of MPG1, a hydrophobin protein from the rice blast fungus that forms functional amyloid coatings, occurs by a surface-driven mechanism
Authors: Pham Chi L. L. , Rey Anthony , Lo Victor , Soulès Margaux , Ren Qin , Meisl Georg , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Kwan Ann H. , Sunde Margaret
Published: May 2016

Rice blast is a devastating disease of rice caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae and can result in loss of a third of the annual global rice harvest. Two hydrophobin proteins, MPG1 and MHP1, are highly expressed during rice blast infections. These hydrophobins have been suggested to facilitate fungal spore adhesion and to direct the action of the enzyme cutinase 2, resulting in penetration of the plant host. Therefore a mechanistic understanding of the self-assembly properties of these hydrophobins and their interaction with cutinase 2 is crucial for the development of novel antifungals. Here we report details of a study of the structure, assembly and interactions of these proteins. We demonstrate that, in vitro, MPG1 assembles spontaneously into amyloid structures while MHP1 forms a non-fibrillar film. The assembly of MPG1 only occurs at a hydrophobic:hydrophilic interface and can be modulated by MHP1 and other factors. We further show that MPG1 assemblies can much more effectively retain cutinase 2 activity on a surface after co-incubation and extensive washing compared with other protein coatings. The assembly and interactions of MPG1 and MHP1 at hydrophobic surfaces thereby provide the basis for a possible mechanism by which the fungus can develop appropriately at the infection interface.
Combination of ESI and MALDI mass spectrometry for qualitative, semi-quantitative and in situ analysis of gangliosides in brain
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Wang Jun , Liu Jian’an , Han Juanjuan , Xiong Shaoxiang , Yong Weidong , Zhao Zhenwen
Published: May 2016

Gangliosides are a family of complex lipids that are abundant in the brain. There is no doubt the investigations about the distribution of gangliosides in brian and the relationship between gangliosides and Alzheimer’s disease is profound. However, these investigations are full of challenges due to the structural complexity of gangliosides. In this work, the method for efficient extraction and enrichment of gangliosides from brain was established. Moreover, the distribution of gangliosides in brain was obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). It was found that 3-aminoquinoline (3-AQ) as matrix was well-suited for MALDI MS analysis of gangliosides in negative ion mode. In addition, the pretreatment by ethanol (EtOH) cleaning brain section and the addition of ammonium formate greatly improved the MS signal of gangliosides in the brain section when MALDI MSI analysis was employed. The distribution of ganliosides in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum was respectively acquired by electrospray ionization (ESI) MS and MALDI MSI and the data were compared for reliability evaluation of MALDI MSI. Further, applying MALDI MSI technology, the distribution of gangliosides in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse brain was obtained, which may provide a new insight for bioresearch of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
A meta-analytical assessment of STK39 three well-defined polymorphisms in susceptibility to hypertension
Authors: Yang Hualing , Ye Lingyang , Wang Qingxiang , Cai Dongmiao , Chen Qumin , Pan Hongming , Wang Zhanxiang
Published: May 2016

Serine/threonine kinase 39 gene (STK39) is one of the promising hypertension-susceptibility genes identified by a genome-wide association study in 2009, whereas subsequent validation in other ethnic groups is unsatisfactory, with inconsistent and inconclusive findings. We therefore aimed to meta-analytically assess the risk prediction of STK39 three polymorphisms, rs6749447, rs35929607 and rs3754777, for primary hypertension. Literature search and data collection were independently completed by two authors. Nine articles were pooled in this study. Overall analyses failed to see any significant associations of rs6749447, rs35929607 and rs3754777 with hypertension risk (odds ratio: 1.27, 0.95 and 1.21; P = 0.270, 0.507 and 0.153, respectively) and there was evident heterogeneity for three comparisons (I2 > 80%). Meta-regression analyses indicated that smoking was a significant risk factor for the association of rs3754777 with hypertension (P = 0.017). As reflected by the Begg’s and Filled funnel plots, as well as Egger’s tests, there were low probabilities of publication bias. In conclusion, our meta-analytical findings suggest that STK39 might not be a hypertension-susceptibility gene.
Inhibition of DNA Methylation Suppresses Intestinal Tumor Organoids by Inducing an Anti-Viral Response
Authors: Saito Yoshimasa , Nakaoka Toshiaki , Sakai Kasumi , Muramatsu Toshihide , Toshimitsu Kohta , Kimura Masaki , Kanai Takanori , Sato Toshiro , Saito Hidetsugu
Published: May 2016

Recent studies have proposed that the major anti-tumor effect of DNA methylation inhibitors is induction of interferon-responsive genes via dsRNAs-containing endogenous retroviruses. Recently, a 3D culture system for stem cells known as organoid culture has been developed. Lgr5-positive stem cells form organoids that closely recapitulate the properties of original tissues. To investigate the effect of DNA demethylation on tumor organoids, we have established organoids from intestinal tumors of ApcMin/+(Min) mice and subjected them to 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) treatment and Dnmt1 knockdown. DNA demethylation induced by 5-Aza-CdR treatment and Dnmt1 knockdown significantly reduced the cell proliferation of the tumor organoids. Microarray analyses of the tumor organoids after 5-Aza-CdR treatment and Dnmt1 knockdown revealed that interferon-responsive genes were activated by DNA demethylation. Gene ontology and pathway analyses clearly demonstrated that these genes activated by DNA demethylation are involved in the anti-viral response. These findings indicate that DNA demethylation suppresses the proliferation of intestinal tumor organoids by inducing an anti-viral response including activation of interferon-responsive genes. Treatment with DNA methylation inhibitors to activate a growth-inhibiting immune response may be an effective therapeutic approach for colon cancers.
Superior thermal conductivity in suspended bilayer hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Wang Chengru , Guo Jie , Dong Lan , Aiyiti Adili , Xu Xiangfan , Li Baowen
Published: May 2016

We reported the basal-plane thermal conductivity in exfoliated bilayer hexagonal boron nitride h-BN that was measured using suspended prepatterned microstructures. The h-BN sample suitable for thermal measurements was fabricated by dry-transfer method, whose sample quality, due to less polymer residues on surfaces, is believed to be superior to that of PMMA-mediated samples. The measured room temperature thermal conductivity is around 484 Wm−1K−1(+141 Wm−1K−1/ −24 Wm−1K−1) which exceeds that in bulk h-BN, providing experimental observation of the thickness-dependent thermal conductivity in suspended few-layer h-BN.
Femtosecond laser filament induced condensation and precipitation in a cloud chamber
Authors: Ju Jingjing , Liu Jiansheng , Liang Hong , Chen Yu , Sun Haiyi , Liu Yonghong , Wang Jingwei , Wang Cheng , Wang Tiejun , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan , Chin See Leang
Published: May 2016

A unified picture of femtosecond laser induced precipitation in a cloud chamber is proposed. Among the three principal consequences of filamentation from the point of view of thermodynamics, namely, generation of chemicals, shock waves and thermal air flow motion (due to convection), the last one turns out to be the principal cause. Much of the filament induced chemicals would stick onto the existing background CCN’s (Cloud Condensation Nuclei) through collision making the latter more active. Strong mixing of air having a large temperature gradient would result in supersaturation in which the background CCN’s would grow efficiently into water/ice/snow. This conclusion was supported by two independent experiments using pure heating or a fan to imitate the laser-induced thermal effect or the strong air flow motion, respectively. Without the assistance of any shock wave and chemical CCN’s arising from laser filament, condensation and precipitation occurred. Meanwhile we believe that latent heat release during condensation /precipitation would enhance the air flow for mixing.
Rapid and improved characterization of therapeutic antibodies and antibody related products using IdeS digestion and subunit analysis
Authors: Sjögren Jonathan , Olsson Fredrik , Beck Alain
Published: May 2016

Antibody subunits LC, Fd and Fc/2, generated by IdeS digestion has been applied in analytical methodologies to characterize antibody quality attributes such as glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and identity.
Recognition-mediated cucurbit[7]uril-heptamolybdate hybrid material: a facile supramolecular strategy for99mTc separation
Authors: Goel Teena , Barooah Nilotpal , Mallia Madhava B. , Bhasikuttan Achikanath C. , Mohanty Jyotirmayee
Published: May 2016

Employing a novel cucurbit[7]uril (CB7)-heptamolybdate hybrid material developed as a solid generator bed, we demonstrate an efficient and facile supramolecular strategy to separate the99mTc nuclide from99Mo solution for its use in theranostic applications.
Engineering protein interfaces yields ferritin disassembly and reassembly under benign experimental conditions
Authors: Chen H. , Zhang S. , Xu C. , Zhao G.
Published: May 2016

This work yielded an engineered ferritin which can encapsulate small molecules under benign experimental conditions.
Grasping hydrogen adsorption and dynamics in metal–organic frameworks using 2H solid-state NMR
Authors: Lucier Bryan E. G. , Zhang Yue , Lee Kelly J. , Lu Yuanjun , Huang Yining
Published: May 2016

Variable-temperature 2H solid-state NMR experiments targeting 2H2 gas shed light on H2 adsorption and dynamics within UiO-66, M-MOF-74 (M = Zn, Mg, Ni), and α-M3(COOH)6 (M = Mg, Zn).
Use of an electrochemically-induced proton-coupled electron transfer reaction to control dimerization in a ureidopyrimidone 4 H-bond array
Authors: Clare Laurie A. , Smith Diane K.
Published: May 2016

The H-bonded dimer formed from a ureidopyrimidone derivative containing a phenylenediamine redox couple can be reversibly broken apart at mM concentrations in CH2Cl2 by an electrochemically induced proton-coupled electron transfer reaction.
The remarkable ability of anions to bind dihydrogen
Authors: Della Therese Davis , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: May 2016

Anions show a noteworthy ability to bind with a large number of hydrogen molecules which can be utilized for the development of novel salt systems for hydrogen storage.
Redox potentials of aryl derivatives from hybrid functional based first principles molecular dynamics
Authors: Liu Xiandong , Cheng Jun , Lu Xiancai , He Mengjia , Wang Rucheng
Published: May 2016

We report the redox potentials of a set of organic aryl molecules, including quinones, juglone, tyrosine and tryptophan, calculated using a first principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) based method.
Surface-enhanced hyper-Raman and Raman hyperspectral mapping
Authors: Gühlke Marina , Heiner Zsuzsanna , Kneipp Janina
Published: May 2016

We investigate distributions of crystal violet and malachite green on plasmonic surfaces by principal component analysis (PCA) imaging of surface-enhanced hyper-Raman scattering (SEHRS) data.
Two-dimensional cyanates: stabilization through hydrogenation
Authors: Tsetseris Leonidas
Published: May 2016

According to first-principles calculations, it should be possible to grow two-dimensional (2D) forms of copper thio-cyanate (CuSCN) and copper seleno-cyanate (CuSeCN) since their energies are only marginally higher than those of their most stable three-dimensional (3D) wurtzite structures.
State-of-the-art catechol porphyrin COF catalyst for chemical fixation of carbon dioxide via cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones
Authors: Saptal Vitthal , Shinde Digambar Balaji , Banerjee Rahul , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: May 2016

A highly porous, crystalline catechol porphyrin COF was synthesized and applied as an organocatalyst for the fixation of carbon dioxide to synthesize value-added chemicals such as cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones under solvent and transition-metal-free conditions.
Visible/near-IR-light-driven TNFePc/BiOCl organic–inorganic heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Lu , Zhang Mingyi , Zhao Zhenyu , Sun Baodong , Zhang Xitian
Published: May 2016

Tetranitrophthalocyanine iron/bismuth oxychloride organic–inorganic heterostructures exhibit high photocatalytic behavior for the decomposition of MO and BPA under visible/near-IR light illumination.
Whole Teflon valves for handling droplets
Authors: Cybulski Olgierd , Jakiela Slawomir , Garstecki Piotr
Published: May 2016

We propose and test a new whole-Teflon gate valve for handling droplets.
Magnetic Nickel iron Electroformed Trap (MagNET): a master/replica fabrication strategy for ultra-high throughput (>100 mL h−1) immunomagnetic sorting
Authors: Ko Jina , Yelleswarapu Venkata , Singh Anup , Shah Nishal , Issadore David
Published: May 2016

We present a new approach to microfabricate micromagnetic sorting devices that can achieve highly specific cell separation at a throughput (ϕ> 150 mL h−1) 100× greater than conventional microfluidics.
Suzuki, Stille and Heck cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by Fe3O4@PTA–Pd as a recyclable and efficient nanocatalyst in green solvents
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Norouzi Masoomeh
Published: May 2016

A novel heterogeneous Pd-catalyst was designed and successfully employed in C–C coupling reactions under green conditions.
Catalyst-free and selective growth of hierarchical GaN nanostructure on the graphene nanosheet
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Jinliang , Jia Ruofei , Yang Lili , Li Lan
Published: May 2016

We report direct in situ selective growth of hierarchical GaN block-like nanoflakes on the graphene nanosheets without a seed/catalyst.
Fabrication of a selective 4-amino phenol sensor based on H-ZSM-5 zeolites deposited silver electrodes
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Abu-Zied Bahaa M. , Hasan Mohammad M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Hasnat Mohammad A.
Published: May 2016

A promising sensitive phenolic chemical sensor was developed using a porous pentasil type framework of protonated H-ZSM-5 zeolite by the reliable I–V method.
Carboxymethylcellulose films containing chlorhexidine–zirconium phosphate nanoparticles: antibiofilm activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Donnadio Anna , Ambrogi Valeria , Pietrella Donatella , Pica Monica , Sorrentino Giulia , Casciola Mario
Published: May 2016

Hybrid composite films of carboxymethylcellulose and chlorhexidine intercalated nanosized zirconium phosphate result able to reduce the formation of biofilms on wound surface.
Fluorescence-enhancing plasmonic silver nanostructures using azopolymer lithography
Authors: Pale Ville , Kauppinen Christoffer , Selin Jorma , Sopanen Markku , Tittonen Ilkka
Published: May 2016

We present a large-area photolithographic method using azobenzene functionalized polymers for creating periodic plasmonic silver nanostructures to enhance molecular fluorescence.
A comparative study of the effect of fluorine substitution on the photovoltaic performance of benzothiadiazole-based copolymers
Authors: Wang Tzong-Liu , Yang Chien-Hsin , Chuang Yao-Yuan
Published: May 2016

Fluorination on the acceptor unit is effective to lower both the HOMO and LUMO energy level of the copolymer.
Lithiation-induced crystal restructuring of hydrothermally prepared Sn/TiO2 nanocrystallite with substantially enhanced capacity and cycling performance for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Chen Tsan-Yao , Liu Yu-Ting , Wu Ping-Ching , Hu Chih-Wei , Yang Po-Wei , Hsu Liang-Ching , Lee Chih-Hao , Chang Chia-Chin
Published: May 2016

Sn dopants undergo restructuring into Ti sites of TiO2 upon lithiation reaction. These Sn dopants attract Li to form local SnLix alloys, which sufficiently increase the capacity of Sn-substituted TiO2 as a negative electrode material.
α-Chymotrypsin superactivity in quaternary ammonium salt solution: kinetic and computational studies
Authors: De Matteis Laura , Di Renzo Francesca , Germani Raimondo , Goracci Laura , Spreti Nicoletta , Tiecco Matteo
Published: May 2016

Ammonium salts determine an increase of the hydrophobicity of the α-chymotrypsin catalytic site and therefore an improvement of its activity.
Recent trends in nano-based drug delivery systems for efficient delivery of phytochemicals in chemotherapy
Authors: Subramanian A. P. , Jaganathan S. K. , Manikandan A. , Pandiaraj K. N. , N Gomathi , Supriyanto E.
Published: May 2016

The phytochemicals were found to become more soluble when delivered by the nanocarriers and exhibited a remarkable effect on the cancer cells compared to its free form.
High capacitive amorphous barium nickel phosphate nanofibers for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Wang Teng , Hao Qingli , Liu Jinzhang , Zhao Jiachang , Bell John , Wang Hongxia
Published: May 2016

BaxNi3−x(PO4)2(0 <x< 3) amorphous nanofibers with excellent supercapacitive performance were synthesized through a facile cation-exchange method.
Organic template-free synthesis of zeolite mordenite nanocrystals through exotic seed-assisted conversion
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Zhang Hongbin , Wang Peicheng , Zhao Yang , Shi Zhangping , Zhang Yahong , Tang Yi
Published: May 2016

A facile and organic-template-free route of exotic seed-assisted conversion is proposed to synthesize nano-crystallite assembled MOR zeolite with rich mesopores, high crystallinity, perfect framework, and high activity for large molecule cracking.
An urchin-like Ni3ZnC0.7–carbon nanotube-porous carbon composite derived from metal–organic gel as a cathode material for rechargeable Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Lai Yanqing , Chen Wei , Zhang Zhian , Gan Yongqing , Li Jie
Published: May 2016

Urchin-like Ni3ZnC0.7–carbon nanotubes-porous carbon composites are prepared by one-step carbonization of a metal–organic gel. While applied as the cathode material of Li–O2 batteries, the composite exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance.
Antimicrobial and osteogenic properties of iron-doped titanium
Authors: Tian Yaxin , Cao Huiliang , Qiao Yuqin , Liu Xuanyong
Published: May 2016

Iron doped modification layer formed on titanium achieved antibacterial effect as well as bioactivity by regulating the production of ROS.
A high efficiency ruthenium(ii) tris-heteroleptic dye containing 4,7-dicarbazole-1,10-phenanthroline for nanocrystalline solar cells
Authors: Müller Andressa V. , Ramos Luiz D. , Frin Karina P. M. , de Oliveira Kleber T. , Polo André S.
Published: May 2016

cis-[Ru(cbz2-phen)(dcbH2)(NCS)2] sensitized cells exhibited higher performance than those by N3. The efficiency is discussed in terms of its thermodynamic and structure.
Antimicrobial and lubrication properties of 1-acetyl-3-hexylbenzotriazolium benzoate/sorbate ionic liquids
Authors: Bakshi Paramjeet Singh , Gusain Rashi , Dhawaria Manisha , Suman Sunil K. , Khatri Om P.
Published: May 2016

1-Acetyl-3-hexylbenzotriazolium cation-based ionic liquids exhibit antimicrobial activities and improve the lubrication properties of lube base oil by reduction of friction and wear.
In situ synthesis of flexible elastic N-doped carbon foam as a carbon current collector and interlayer for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Cao Zhaoxia , Zhang Jun , Ding Yanmin , Li Yanlei , Shi Mengjiao , Yue Hongyun , Qiao Yun , Yin Yanhong , Yang Shuting
Published: May 2016

A flexible elastic N-doped carbon foam (NCF) has been successfully synthesized in situ via direct carbonization/pyrolysis of polyurethane foam, which is a facile, cost-effective and environmentally friendly method.
Annealing-free perovskite films by instant crystallization for efficient solar cells
Authors: Yin Maoshu , Xie Fengxian , Chen Han , Yang Xudong , Ye Fei , Bi Enbing , Wu Yongzhen , Cai Molang , Han Liyuan
Published: May 2016

Ethyl acetate (EA) is introduced in a one-step spin-coating method and can induce instant crystallization of perovskite films to create efficient thermal annealing-free perovskite solar cells.
Folate-targeted perfluorohexane nanoparticles carrying bismuth sulfide for use in US/CT dual-mode imaging and synergistic high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of cervical cancer
Authors: Zhou Di , Li Chuanfei , He Minyu , Ma Ming , Li Pan , Gong Yuping , Ran Haitao , Wang Zhibiao , Wang Zhigang , Zheng Yuanyi , Sun Yang
Published: May 2016

The integration of multifunctional contrast agents with HIFU synergistic therapy could real-time guide, monitor, and assess cancer therapeutic procedures and effects.
Dopamine-assisted deposition and zwitteration of hyaluronic acid for the nanoscale fabrication of low-fouling surfaces
Authors: Ye Huijun , Xia Yinqiang , Liu Zhiqiang , Huang Renliang , Su Rongxin , Qi Wei , Wang Libing , He Zhimin
Published: May 2016

In this study, we proposed a bioinspired approach for the deposition and zwitteration of hyaluronic acid (HA) with a reduced glutathione (GSH) to form a composite layer that functions as a low fouling coating.
Trifluoromethyl-functionalized bathocuproine for polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yanfei , Schwab Matthias Georg , Kiersnowski Adam , Pisula Wojciech , Baumgarten Martin , Chen Long , Müllen Klaus , Li Chen
Published: May 2016

A novel bathocuproine (BCP) derivative 4,7-bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP-2CF3) was synthesized and investigated as a candidate for exciton blocking layers (EBLs) in organic solar cells.
Recovery und Inklusion: ein Erfahrungsbericht über 5 Jahre Genesungsbegleitung in der Psychiatrie
Authors: Eikmeier G. , Lacroix A.
Published: May 2016

Wir berichten über unsere bisher 5-jährige Erfahrung mit der Einbeziehung von Psychiatrie-Erfahrenen als Genesungsbegleiter in die psychiatrischen Behandlungsteams am Klinikum Bremerhaven-Reinkenheide. Ziel war es den Betroffenen durch Erfahrung die Möglichkeit einer beruflichen Inklusion zu bieten und durch ihre Arbeit die Abteilung stärker nach Recovery-Grundsätzen auszurichten. Derzeit arbeiten 7 Genesungsbegleiter an der Abteilung. Sie sind fest angestellt und werden aus dem Pflegebudget bezahlt. Dargestellt werden die Voraussetzungen unseres Modells, die Umsetzung, die eingetretenen Veränderungen, aber auch die dabei aufgetretenen Probleme.
Wie sind Kinder- und Jugendkliniken in Nordrhein-Westfalen auf die Überwindung von Sprachbarrieren vorbereitet? – Eine Pilotstudie zur Strukturqualität in der stationären Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Langer T. , Zapf T. , Wirth S. , Meyer B. , Wiegand A. , Timmen H. , Gupta S. , Schuster S. , Geraedts M.
Published: May 2016

Ziel der Studie Der Anteil von Kindern mit Migrationshintergrund unter 5 Jahren liegt bundesweit bei 35%, in Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) bei 43%. Häufig sind mit dem Migrationshintergrund unzureichende Deutschkenntnisse bei einem oder beiden Elternteilen verbunden. Kommunikationsbarrieren durch Sprachdifferenzen haben einen negativen Einfluss auf die Behandlungsqualität, Patientensicherheit und Behandlungskosten. Es wird untersucht, wie Kinder- und Jugendkliniken auf die Herausforderung durch Sprachbarrieren vorbereitet sind.

Methodik Wir führten eine Querschnittsbefragung aller Kinderkliniken in NRW durch und luden dazu die Klinikdirektoren schriftlich und per email zur Teilnahme ein. Der Fragebogen orientierte sich an den „Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care“ (CLAS) und wurde an die deutschen Verhältnisse angepasst.

Ergebnisse 38 Kliniken nahmen teil (51%). Sprachbarrieren kommen häufig vor (bei 75% der Antwortenden mehr als 10% der Patienten). 82% der Antwortenden sehen ihre Klinik schlechter als „gut“ auf die Überwindung von Sprachbarrieren vorbereitet. Die Feststellung des Dolmetscherbedarfs erfolgt bei der Mehrheit (61%) „fall-abhängig“ und nicht einem Protokoll folgend. Zur Überwindung von Sprachbarrieren werden überwiegend mehrsprachige Mitarbeiter eingesetzt, wobei nur 38% eine Liste von mehrsprachigen Mitarbeitern als ausreichende Ressource bewerten. Die Kosten, die für professionelle Dolmetscher entstehen, waren 42% der Antwortenden nicht bekannt. In den übrigen Fällen betrugen sie weniger als € 500/Monat.

Schlussfolgerung Die Überwindung von Sprachbarrieren erfolgt unter Einsatz lokaler Ressourcen, die aus Sicht der Mehrheit der Antwortenden nicht ausreichen. Die Entwicklung von Qualitätsstandards und Bereitstellung finanzieller Mittel sind notwendig, um das Verbesserungspotenzial zu mobilisieren. Hierfür sind Untersuchungen in anderen Disziplinen und Sektoren notwendig, um in einen Dialog mit Entscheidungsträgern aus Politik und Krankenkassen zu treten.
Novel chemical vapor deposition process of ZnO films using nonequilibrium N2 plasma generated near atmospheric pressure with small amount of O2 below 1%
Authors: Nose Yukinori , Yoshimura Takeshi , Ashida Atsushi , Uehara Tsuyoshi , Fujimura Norifumi
Published: May 2016

We propose a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process of ZnO films involving a nonequilibrium N2 plasma generated near atmospheric pressure with small O2 concentration (O2%) below 1%. In the optical emission (OE) spectra of the plasma, OE lines corresponding to the NO-γ system (A2Σ+→X2Πγ+) were observed, despite the only introduced gases being N2 and O2; these vanish at an O2% of more than 1%. ZnO films were grown on a glass substrate placed in the plasma at a growth temperature of as low as 200 °C and at an O2% of below 1% in the presence of the NO-γ system. This plasma yielded almost the same growth rate for ZnO films as O2 plasma including atomic O radicals that are often observed in low-pressure O2 plasma, suggesting that some highly reactive oxidant was sufficiently generated in such a small O2%. ZnO films synthesized using this plasma exhibited excellent (0001) preferred orientation without other diffractions such as 101¯1 diffraction, and with an optical bandgap of 3.30 eV. Based on the analyses of the plasma and the exhaust gases, the coexistence state of NO-γ and O3 should be essential and useful for the decomposition and oxidation of Zn source material in the proposed CVD process.