bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for perception of diverse chemical substances by T1r taste receptors
Authors: Nuemket Nipawan , Yasui Norihisa , Kusakabe Yuko , Nomura Yukiyo , Atsumi Nanako , Akiyama Shuji , Nango Eriko , Kato Yukinari , Kaneko Mika K. , Takagi Junichi , Hosotani Maiko , Yamashita Atsuko
Published: May 2017

The taste receptor type 1 (T1r) family perceives ‘palatable’ tastes. These receptors function as T1r2-T1r3 and T1r1-T1r3 heterodimers to recognize a wide array of sweet and umami (savory) tastes in sugars and amino acids. Nonetheless, it is unclear how diverse tastes are recognized by so few receptors. Here we present crystal structures of the extracellular ligand-binding domains (LBDs), the taste recognition regions of the fish T1r2-T1r3 heterodimer, bound to different amino acids. The ligand-binding pocket in T1r2LBD is rich in aromatic residues, spacious and accommodates hydrated percepts. Biophysical studies show that this binding site is characterized by a broad yet discriminating chemical recognition, contributing for the particular trait of taste perception. In contrast, the analogous pocket in T1r3LBD is occupied by a rather loosely bound amino acid, suggesting that the T1r3 has an auxiliary role. Overall, we provide a structural basis for understanding the chemical perception of taste receptors.
Synergistic effects of influenza and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) can be eliminated by the use of influenza therapeutics: experimental evidence for the multi-hit hypothesis
Authors: Sadasivan Shankar , Sharp Bridgett , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Smeyne Richard Jay
Published: May 2017

Central Nervous System inflammation has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (Ransohoff, Science 353: 777–783, 2016; Kannarkat et al. J. Parkinsons Dis. 3: 493–514, 2013). Here, we examined if the H1N1 influenza virus (Studahl et al. Drugs 73: 131–158, 2013) could synergize with the parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (Jackson-Lewis et al. in Mark LeDoux (ed) Movement Disorders: Genetics and Models: 287–306, Elsevier, 2015) to induce a greater microglial activation and loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons than either insult alone. H1N1-infected animals administered 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine exhibit a 20% greater loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons than occurs from the additive effects of H1N1 or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine alone (p < 0.001). No synergistic effects were found in microglial activation. The synergistic dopaminergic neuron loss is eliminated by influenza vaccination or treatment with oseltamivir carboxylate. This work shows that multiple insults can induce synergistic effects; and even these small changes can be significant as it might allow one to cross a phenotypic disease threshold that would not occur from individual non-interacting exposures. Our observations also have important implications for public health, providing impetus for influenza vaccination or prompt treatment with anti-viral medications upon influenza diagnosis.
Combined magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition of TiO
2
and BFCO thin films
Authors: Benetti D. , Nouar R. , Nechache R. , Pepin H. , Sarkissian A. , Rosei F. , MacLeod J. M.
Published: May 2017

We report the successful demonstration of a hybrid system that combines pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and magnetron sputtering (MS) to deposit high quality thin films. The PLD and MS simultaneously use the same target, leading to an enhanced deposition rate. The performance of this technique is demonstrated through the deposition of titanium dioxide and bismuth-based perovskite oxide Bi2FeCrO6 (BFCO) thin films on Si(100) and LaAlO3 (LAO) (100). These specific oxides were chosen due to their functionalities, such as multiferroic and photovoltaic properties (BFCO) and photocatalysis (TiO2). We compare films deposited by conventional PLD, MS and PLD combined with MS, and show that under all conditions the latter technique offers an increased deposition rate (+50%) and produces films denser (+20%) than those produced by MS or PLD alone, and without the large clusters found in the PLD-deposited films. Under optimized conditions, the hybrid technique produces films that are two times smoother than either technique alone.
Metabolomics biomarkers to predict acamprosate treatment response in alcohol-dependent subjects
Authors: Hinton David J. , Vázquez Marely Santiago , Geske Jennifer R. , Hitschfeld Mario J. , Ho Ada M. C. , Karpyak Victor M. , Biernacka Joanna M. , Choi Doo-Sup
Published: May 2017

Precision medicine for alcohol use disorder (AUD) allows optimal treatment of the right patient with the right drug at the right time. Here, we generated multivariable models incorporating clinical information and serum metabolite levels to predict acamprosate treatment response. The sample of 120 patients was randomly split into a training set (n = 80) and test set (n = 40) five independent times. Treatment response was defined as complete abstinence (no alcohol consumption during 3 months of acamprosate treatment) while nonresponse was defined as any alcohol consumption during this period. In each of the five training sets, we built a predictive model using a least absolute shrinkage and section operator (LASSO) penalized selection method and then evaluated the predictive performance of each model in the corresponding test set. The models predicted acamprosate treatment response with a mean sensitivity and specificity in the test sets of 0.83 and 0.31, respectively, suggesting our model performed well at predicting responders, but not non-responders (i.e. many non-responders were predicted to respond). Studies with larger sample sizes and additional biomarkers will expand the clinical utility of predictive algorithms for pharmaceutical response in AUD.
A framework for quantifying the extent of impact to plants from linear construction
Authors: Xiao Jun , Shi Peng , Wang Ya-Feng , Yu Yang , Yang Lei
Published: May 2017

We present a novel framework that accurately evaluates the extent of a linear project’s effect from the variability of the structure of the plant community while avoiding interference caused by pioneer species and invasive species. This framework was based on the change of dominant species in the plant community affected by construction. TWINSPAN classification and variation of the integrated importance value (IIV) of each plant species group were used to characterize the process of change in the structure of the plant community. Indicator species group and its inflection point were defined and used to judge the extent of the effects of pipelines. Our findings revealed that dominant species in the working area of the pipeline construction were different from the original plant communities. With the disturbance decreased, the composition and structure of the plant communities gradually changed. We considered the outer limit of the area affected by the construction to be the first area in which the plant community reached a steady state and was similar to the original community. The framework could be used in the post eco-environment impact assessment of linear construction to estimate the intensity of disturbance and recovery condition.
Auxin regulates functional gene groups in a fold-change-specific manner in Arabidopsis thaliana roots
Authors: Omelyanchuk N. A. , Wiebe D. S. , Novikova D. D. , Levitsky V. G. , Klimova N. , Gorelova V. , Weinholdt C. , Vasiliev G. V. , Zemlyanskaya E. V. , Kolchanov N. A. , Kochetov A. V. , Grosse I. , Mironova V. V.
Published: May 2017

Auxin plays a pivotal role in virtually every aspect of plant morphogenesis. It simultaneously orchestrates a diverse variety of processes such as cell wall biogenesis, transition through the cell cycle, or metabolism of a wide range of chemical substances. The coordination principles for such a complex orchestration are poorly understood at the systems level. Here, we perform an RNA-seq experiment to study the transcriptional response to auxin treatment  within gene groups of different biological processes, molecular functions, or cell components in a quantitative fold-change-specific manner. We find for Arabidopsis thaliana roots treated with auxin for 6 h that (i) there are functional groups within which genes respond to auxin with a surprisingly similar fold changes and that (ii) these fold changes vary from one group to another. These findings make it tempting to conjecture the existence of some transcriptional logic orchestrating the coordinated expression of genes within functional groups in a fold-change-specific manner. To obtain some initial insight about this coordinated expression, we performed a motif enrichment analysis and found cis-regulatory elements TBX1-3, SBX, REG, and TCP/site2 as the candidates conferring fold-change-specific responses to auxin in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Identification of oral cancer related candidate genes by integrating protein-protein interactions, gene ontology, pathway analysis and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Samal Sabindra K. , Routray Samapika , Dash Rupesh , Dixit Anshuman
Published: May 2017

In the recent years, bioinformatics methods have been reported with a high degree of success for candidate gene identification. In this milieu, we have used an integrated bioinformatics approach assimilating information from gene ontologies (GO), protein–protein interaction (PPI) and network analysis to predict candidate genes related to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A total of 40973 PPIs were considered for 4704 cancer-related genes to construct human cancer gene network (HCGN). The importance of each node was measured in HCGN by ten different centrality measures. We have shown that the top ranking genes are related to a significantly higher number of diseases as compared to other genes in HCGN. A total of 39 candidate oral cancer target genes were predicted by combining top ranked genes and the genes corresponding to significantly enriched oral cancer related GO terms. Initial verification using literature and available experimental data indicated that 29 genes were related with OSCC. A detailed pathway analysis led us to propose a role for the selected candidate genes in the invasion and metastasis in OSCC. We further validated our predictions using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and found that the gene FLNA was upregulated while the genes ARRB1 and HTT were downregulated in the OSCC tissue samples.
Independent effects of ADH1B and ALDH2 common dysfunctional variants on gout risk
Authors: Sakiyama Masayuki , Matsuo Hirotaka , Akashi Airi , Shimizu Seiko , Higashino Toshihide , Kawaguchi Makoto , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Naito Mariko , Kawai Sayo , Nakashima Hiroshi , Sakurai Yutaka , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Shimizu Toru , Ooyama Hiroshi , Shinomiya Nariyoshi
Published: May 2017

Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, with alcohol consumption being an established risk factor. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are crucial enzymes for alcohol metabolism. We recently performed a genome-wide association study of gout and a subsequent fine-mapping study which identified rs671 of ALDH2 as a gout locus. However, the association between gout and common variants of ADH1B has hitherto remained unreported, prompting us to investigate the association between gout and common dysfunctional variants of ADH1B (rs1229984) and ALDH2 (rs671). We used 1,048 clinically defined gout cases and 1,334 controls of Japanese male. The “His carrier” (His/His or His/Arg) of rs1229984 (His48Arg) of ADH1B significantly increased gout risk (P = 4.3 × 10−4, odds ratio = 1.76), as did the “non-Lys carrier (Glu/Glu)” of rs671 (Glu504Lys) of ALDH2. Furthermore, common variants of ADH1B and ALDH2 are independently associated with gout. Our findings likewise suggest that genotyping these variants can be useful for the evaluation of gout risk.
Security of a kind of quantum secret sharing with entangled states
Authors: Wang Tian-Yin , Liu Ying-Zhao , Wei Chun-Yan , Cai Xiao-Qiu , Ma Jian-Feng
Published: May 2017

We present a new collusion attack to a kind of quantum secret sharing schemes with entangled states. Using this attack, an unauthorized set of agents can gain access to the shared secret without the others’ cooperation. Furthermore, we establish a general model for this kind of quantum secret sharing schemes and then give some necessary conditions to design a secure quantum secret sharing scheme under this model.
Absence Seizure Control by a Brain Computer Interface
Authors: Maksimenko Vladimir A. , van Heukelum Sabrina , Makarov Vladimir V. , Kelderhuis Janita , Lüttjohann Annika , Koronovskii Alexey A. , Hramov Alexander E. , van Luijtelaar Gilles
Published: May 2017

The ultimate goal of epileptology is the complete abolishment of epileptic seizures. This might be achieved by a system that predicts seizure onset combined with a system that interferes with the process that leads to the onset of a seizure. Seizure prediction remains, as of yet, unresolved in absence-epilepsy, due to the sudden onset of seizures. We have developed a real-time absence seizure prediction algorithm, evaluated it and implemented it in an on-line, closed-loop brain stimulation system designed to prevent the spike-wave-discharges (SWDs), typical for absence epilepsy, in a genetic rat model. The algorithm corretly predicted 88% of the SWDs while the remaining were quickly detected. A high number of false-positive detections occurred mainly during light slow-wave-sleep. Inclusion of criteria to prevent false-positives greatly reduced the false alarm rate but decreased the sensitivity of the algoritm. Implementation of the latter version into a closed-loop brain-stimulation-system resulted in a 72% decrease in seizure activity. In contrast to long standing beliefs that SWDs are unpredictable, these results demonstrate that they can be predicted and that the development of closed-loop seizure prediction and prevention systems is a feasable step towards interventions to attain control and freedom from epileptic seizures.
Metabolic and transcriptional alternations for defense by interfering OsWRKY62 and OsWRKY76 transcriptions in rice
Authors: Liang Xiaoxing , Chen Xujun , Li Cheng , Fan Jun , Guo Zejian
Published: May 2017

Metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches were used to dissect the enhanced disease resistance in the plants harbouring a RNA interfering construct of OsWRKY62 and OsWRKY76 (dsOW62/76) genes. The primary metabolic pathways were activated in dsOW62/76 compared with wild-type (ZH17) plants, revealed by increased accumulation of amino acids and constituents of citric acid cycle etc. Contents of phenolic acids derived from phenylpropanoid pathway were elevated in dsOW62/76 plants. Importantly, phenolamides, conjugates of the phenolic acids with amines, were detected in large number and mostly at higher levels in dsOW62/76 compared with ZH17 plants; however, the free pools of flavonoids were mostly decreased in dsOW62/76. Salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)/JA-Ile contents were increased in dsOW62/76 and knockout lines of individual OsWRKY62 and OsWRKY76 genes. Transcription of isochorismate synthase (OsICS1) gene was suppressed in dsOW62/76 and in MeJA-treated rice plants, whereas the transcription level of cinnamoyl-CoA hydratase-dehydrogenase (OsCHD) gene for β-oxidation in peroxisome was increased. The calli with OsCHD mutation showed markedly decreased SA accumulation. These results indicate that OsWRKY62 and OsWRKY76 function as negative regulators of biosynthetic defense-related metabolites and provide evidence for an important role of phenylpropanoid pathway in SA production in rice.
Functional end-arterial circulation of the choroid assessed by using fat embolism and electric circuit simulation
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Ahn Ki Su , Park Keun Heung , Pak Kang Yeun , Kim Hak Jin , Byon Ik Soo , Park Sung Who
Published: May 2017

The discrepancy in the choroidal circulation between anatomy and function has remained unsolved for several decades. Postmortem cast studies revealed extensive anastomotic channels, but angiographic studies indicated end-arterial circulation. We carried out experimental fat embolism in cats and electric circuit simulation. Perfusion defects were observed in two categories. In the scatter perfusion defects suggesting an embolism at the terminal arterioles, fluorescein dye filled the non-perfused lobule slowly from the adjacent perfused lobule. In the segmental perfusion defects suggesting occlusion of the posterior ciliary arteries, the hypofluorescent segment became perfused by spontaneous resolution of the embolism without subsequent smaller infarction. The angiographic findings could be simulated with an electric circuit. Although electric currents flowed to the disconnected lobule, the level was very low compared with that of the connected ones. The choroid appeared to be composed of multiple sectors with no anastomosis to other sectors, but to have its own anastomotic arterioles in each sector. Blood flows through the continuous choriocapillaris bed in an end-arterial nature functionally to follow a pressure gradient due to the drainage through the collector venule.
Many-body Tunneling and Nonequilibrium Dynamics of Doublons in Strongly Correlated Quantum Dots
Authors: Hou WenJie , Wang YuanDong , Wei JianHua , Zhu ZhenGang , Yan YiJing
Published: May 2017

Quantum tunneling dominates coherent transport at low temperatures in many systems of great interest. In this work we report a many–body tunneling (MBT), by nonperturbatively solving the Anderson multi-impurity model, and identify it a fundamental tunneling process on top of the well–acknowledged sequential tunneling and cotunneling. We show that the MBT involves the dynamics of doublons in strongly correlated systems. Proportional to the numbers of dynamical doublons, the MBT can dominate the off–resonant transport in the strongly correlated regime. A T3/2–dependence of the MBT current on temperature is uncovered and can be identified as a fingerprint of the MBT in experiments. We also prove that the MBT can support the coherent long–range tunneling of doublons, which is well consistent with recent experiments on ultracold atoms. As a fundamental physical process, the MBT is expected to play important roles in general quantum systems.
Efficient Generation of Bispecific Murine Antibodies for Pre-Clinical Investigations in Syngeneic Rodent Models
Authors: Labrijn Aran F. , Meesters Joyce I. , Bunce Matthew , Armstrong Anthony A. , Somani Sandeep , Nesspor Tom C. , Chiu Mark L. , Altintaş Işil , Verploegen Sandra , Schuurman Janine , Parren Paul W. H. I.
Published: May 2017

Therapeutic concepts exploiting tumor-specific antibodies are often established in pre-clinical xenograft models using immuno-deficient mice. More complex therapeutic paradigms, however, warrant the use of immuno-competent mice, that more accurately capture the relevant biology that is being exploited. These models require the use of (surrogate) mouse or rat antibodies to enable optimal interactions with murine effector molecules. Immunogenicity is furthermore decreased, allowing longer-term treatment. We recently described controlled Fab-arm exchange (cFAE) as an easy-to-use method for the generation of therapeutic human IgG1 bispecific antibodies (bsAb). To facilitate the investigation of dual-targeting concepts in immuno-competent mice, we now applied and optimized our method for the generation of murine bsAbs. We show that the optimized combinations of matched point-mutations enabled efficient generation of murine bsAbs for all subclasses studied (mouse IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b; rat IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG2c). The mutations did not adversely affect the inherent effector functions or pharmacokinetic properties of the corresponding subclasses. Thus, cFAE can be used to efficiently generate (surrogate) mouse or rat bsAbs for pre-clinical evaluation in immuno-competent rodents.
Development of a gridded meteorological dataset over Java island, Indonesia 1985–2014
Authors: Yanto  , Livneh Ben , Rajagopalan Balaji
Published: May 2017

We describe a gridded daily meteorology dataset consisting of precipitation, minimum and maximum temperature over Java Island, Indonesia at 0.125°×0.125° (~14 km) resolution spanning 30 years from 1985–2014. Importantly, this data set represents a marked improvement from existing gridded data sets over Java with higher spatial resolution, derived exclusively from ground-based observations unlike existing satellite or reanalysis-based products. Gap-infilling and gridding were performed via the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method (radius, r, of 25 km and power of influence, α, of 3 as optimal parameters) restricted to only those stations including at least 3,650 days (~10 years) of valid data. We employed MSWEP and CHIRPS rainfall products in the cross-validation. It shows that the gridded rainfall presented here produces the most reasonable performance. Visual inspection reveals an increasing performance of gridded precipitation from grid, watershed to island scale. The data set, stored in a network common data form (NetCDF), is intended to support watershed-scale and island-scale studies of short-term and long-term climate, hydrology and ecology.
Enhancing the osteogenic capacity of MG63 cells through N-isopropylacrylamide-modified polyethylenimine-mediated oligodeoxynucleotide MT01 delivery
Authors: Zheng Yi , Lin Chongtao , Hou Xu , Ma Ning , Yu Wenwen , Xu Xiaowei , Lou Yixin , Fei Hongbo , Shen Yuqin , Sun Xinhua
Published: May 2017

The delivery of MT01 into MG63 cells was successfully achieved using the PEN derivative.
Synthesis and characterization of sulfophenyl-functionalized reduced graphene oxide sheets
Authors: Ossonon Benjamin Diby , Bélanger Daniel
Published: May 2017

We report modification of graphene oxide by thermal reduction to obtain reduced graphene oxide and subsequent functionalization with sulfophenyl groups to obtain SRGO as well as the characterization of these materials by TGA-MS.
Superior selectivity and sensitivity of blue phosphorus nanotubes in gas sensing applications
Authors: Montes E. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: May 2017

On the basis of first principles calculations, we study the adsorption of CO, CO2, NH3, NO, and NO2 molecules on armchair and zigzag blue phosphorus nanotubes.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for determining the geographical origin of kudzu root and the detection and quantification of adulterants in kudzu root
Authors: Hu Leqian , Yin Chunling
Published: May 2017

In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemometric analysis were carried out to determine the geographical origin of kudzu root and detect and quantify adulterants in kudzu root.
Microfluidic fabrication of polyethylene glycol microgel capsules with tailored properties for the delivery of biomolecules
Authors: Guerzoni Luis P. B. , Bohl Jan , Jans Alexander , Rose Jonas C. , Koehler Jens , Kuehne Alexander J. C. , De Laporte Laura
Published: May 2017

The generation of microgel capsules with a photo-crosslinkable polymer shell and FITC-dextran encapsulation. Scale bars: 100 μm.
The influence of tumor-induced immune dysfunction on the immune cell distribution of gold nanoparticles in vivo
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Chen Hongmei , Wu Xuan , Cong Xiuxiu , Wang Li , Wang Yucai , Yang Yongguang , Li Wei , Sun Tianmeng
Published: May 2017

Tumor-induced immune dysfunction has been observed in tumor bearing mice. The nanoparticle cellular distribution is significantly affected by the immune dysfunction, compared with tumor free mice.
A thermodynamic model to predict electron mobility in superfluid helium
Authors: Aitken Frédéric , Volino Ferdinand , Mendoza-Luna Luis Guillermo , Haeften Klaus von , Eloranta Jussi
Published: May 2017

Electron mobility in superfluid helium is modeled between 0.1 and 2.2 K by a van der Waals-type thermodynamic equation of state, which relates the free volume of solvated electrons to temperature, density, and phase dependent internal pressure.
Chromium-substituted hematite powder as a catalytic material for photochemical and electrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Kanazawa Tomoki , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: May 2017

The catalytic properties of Fe2O3 for electrochemical water oxidation are promoted by Cr(iii) substitution for Fe(iii). The substitution improves charge transfer to the reactant from the oxide inside, estimated by impedance measurement.
Rational design of porous binary Pt-based nanodendrites as efficient catalysts for direct glucose fuel cells over a wide pH range
Authors: Eid Kamel , Ahmad Yahia H. , AlQaradawi Siham Y. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: May 2017

Porous binary PtPd, AuPt, PtCu, and PtNi nanodendrites prepared by a facile one-step reduction under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature, exhibited a substantial catalytic activity towards glucose oxidation reaction at different pH values relative to a commercial Pt/C catalyst.
Enhancements in catalytic reactivity and selectivity of homobimetallic complexes containing heteroditopic ligands
Authors: Gatus Mark R. D. , McBurney Roy T. , Bhadbhade Mohan , Messerle Barbara A.
Published: May 2017

Rh(i) and Ir(i) homobimetallic complexes coordinated to two characteristically different ligands on a xanthene scaffold showed enhanced reactivity and selectivity towards hydroelementation reactions.
A porous metal–organic framework based on an asymmetric angular diisophthalate for selective adsorption of C2H2 and CO2 over CH4
Authors: Jiao Jingjing , Jiang Donghao , Chen Fengli , Bai Dongjie , He Yabing
Published: May 2017

A porous MOF based on an amine-functionalized asymmetric bent diisophthalate was synthesized that exhibits impressive selective adsorption of C2H2 and CO2 over CH4 under ambient conditions.
Enabling efficient heat-to-electricity generation at the mesoscale
Authors: Chan Walker R. , Stelmakh Veronika , Ghebrebrhan Michael , Soljačić Marin , Joannopoulos John D. , Čelanović Ivan
Published: May 2017

We present a technology that efficiently harnesses the energy content of hydrocarbon fuels in a volume that is only a fraction of a cubic inch.
Energetic productivity dynamics of global super-giant oilfields
Authors: Masnadi Mohammad S. , Brandt Adam R.
Published: May 2017

Energy return on investment (EROI) dynamics probabilistic projections of global giant oil fields.
Polymer side-chain substituents elucidate thermochromism of benzodithiophene–dithiophenylacrylonitrile copolymers – polymer solubility correlation of thermochromism and photovoltaic performance
Authors: Chen Hung-Yang , Lin Chiao-Wen , Chen Chin-Ti , Chen Chao-Tsen , Golder Jan , Lan Yu-Bing , Wang Juen-Kai
Published: May 2017

pBCNx polymers with different side-chain substituents for thermochromism and photovoltaic studies.
Selenium borohydride reaction as a versatile platform for the straightforward preparation of selenide-containing topological polymers
Authors: Ding Chunlai , Fan Caiwei , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Zhu Xiulin
Published: May 2017

A simple and versatile method for preparing selenide-containing polymers with desired topologies is established based on the reaction of a selenide-functionalized borohydride exchange resin with end-functionalized polymers.
Diastereoselective synthesis of fluoroisosteric analogues of antiparasitic pyrrolobenzoxazine alkaloids from tryptophan by successive fluorination–cyclization and a Meisenheimer-type rearrangement
Authors: Das Biplab Kumar , Tokunaga Etsuko , Harada Kyosuke , Sumii Yuji , Shibata Norio
Published: May 2017

Fluoroisosteric analogues of an antiparasitic pyrrolobenzoxazine alkaloid CJ-12663 were designed and diastereoselectively synthesized.
Pd-Catalyzed cycloisomerization/nucleophilic addition/reduction: an efficient method for the synthesis of spiro-pseudoindoxyls containing N,N′-ketal
Authors: Chen Lin-Wei , Xie Jia-Lin , Song Hong-Jian , Liu Yu-Xiu , Gu Yu-Cheng , Wang Qing-Min
Published: May 2017

An efficient method for the synthesis of C2-spiropseudoindoxyls was developed and a possible mechanism was given.
Enhanced photoluminescence from gold nanoparticle decorated polyaniline nanowire bundles
Authors: Samanta Aniruddha , Gangopadhyay Rupali , Ghosh Chandan Kumar , Ray Mallar
Published: May 2017

Enhanced emission is observed from a nanocomposite consisting of conducting polyaniline nanowire bundles decorated with gold nanoparticles synthesized by simple physical blending and in situ interfacial polymerization techniques.
Adsorption behavior of methylene blue onto waste-derived adsorbent and exhaust gases recycling
Authors: Cheng Song , Zhang Libo , Xia Hongying , Peng Jinhui , Shu Jianhua , Li Chunyang , Jiang Xin , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2017

A waste-derived adsorbent was prepared from waste carbon that was obtained from the monosodium glutamate production, by microwave heating under ultrasonic spray conditions for removing methylene blue (MB) from wastewater.
LAPONITE®-pilocarpine hybrid material: experimental and theoretical evaluation of pilocarpine conformation
Authors: Cunha Vanessa R. R. , Lima Filipe C. D. A. , Sakai Vanessa Y. , Véras Leiz M. C. , Leite José R. S. A. , Petrilli Helena M. , Constantino Vera R. L.
Published: May 2017

DFT calculations were applied to evaluate conformational changes of protonated pilocarpine after immobilization into LAPONITE®.
Novel protonated Fe-containing mesoporous silica nanoparticle catalyst: excellent performance cyclohexane oxidation
Authors: Sazegar Mohammad Reza , Dadvand Aysan , Mahmoudi Ali
Published: May 2017

H/Fe-MSN exhibited high activity for the oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone in the presence of hydrogen peroxide at 298 K for about 1 h, giving a 97% yield.
Fabrication and characterization of hydrogels formed from designer coiled-coil fibril-forming peptides
Authors: Dexter A. F. , Fletcher N. L. , Creasey R. G. , Filardo F. , Boehm M. W. , Jack K. S.
Published: May 2017

A peptide sequence was designed to form α-helical fibrils and hydrogels at physiological pH, utilising transient buffering by carbonic acid.
Surfactant-assisted solid-state synthesis of 6LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanocomposite for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yanming , Zhu Bo , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Fei
Published: May 2017

The nanosized 6LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile surfactant-assisted solid-state method, exhibiting outstanding rate capability and cycling stability.
Folate-modified silicon carbide nanoparticles as multiphoton imaging nanoprobes for cancer-cell-specific labeling
Authors: Boksebeld M. , Kilin V. , Géloën A. , Ceccone G. , Jaffal A. , Schmidt C. , Alekseev S. , Lysenko V. , Wolf J. P. , Bonacina L. , Souteyrand E. , Chevolot Y. , Monnier V.
Published: May 2017

SHG-active SiC nanoparticles were modified with folic acid for cancer-cell-specific labelling.
Experimental study of a passive thermal management system for three types of battery using copper foam saturated with phase change materials
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Li Xinxi , Zhang Guoqing , Lv Youfu , He Jieshan , Luo Jinghai , Yang Chengzhao , Yang Chuxiong
Published: May 2017

Copper foam not only improves the stability of the PCM to avoid it flowing while absorbing heat, but also strengthens the capability for heat transfer for batteries.
C-Quaternary alkynyl glycinols via the Ritter reaction of cobalt complexed alkynyl glycols
Authors: Grammatoglou K. , Bolsakova J. , Jirgensons A.
Published: May 2017

A novel approach to C-quaternary alkynyl glycinols based on the Ritter reaction of acetonitrile with cobalt complexed alkynyl glycols is presented.
Condensed dewdrops self-ejecting on sprayable superhydrophobic CNT/SiO2 composite coating
Authors: Wang Shanlin , Zhang Jing , Yu Xinquan , Zhang Youfa
Published: May 2017

We report a type of novel condensed dewdrops self-ejecting coating from sprayable paint, which was prepared by a self-assembly process of SiO2 nano-particles on hydroxylated carbon nano-tubes with subsequent chemical modification.
Fabrication of PDEAEMA-based pH-responsive mixed micelles for application in controlled doxorubicin release
Authors: Yang Chufen , Xiao Jiayu , Xiao Weifeng , Lin Wenjing , Chen Jingrui , Chen Quan , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Canyang , Guo Jianwei
Published: May 2017

Co-micellization of MPEG–PDEAEMA and MPEG–PCL was carried out to enhance the drug loading content and realize pH-responsive release.
Expedient Diels–Alder cycloadditions with ortho-quinodimethanes in a high temperature/pressure flow reactor
Authors: Tsoung Jennifer , Wang Ying , Djuric Stevan W.
Published: May 2017

We describe herein Diels–Alder cycloadditions enabled by the efficient ring-opening of benzocyclobutenes and benzothiophene-2,2-dioxides using a high temperature/pressure flow reactor.
Tailored theranostic apolipoprotein E3 porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles target glioblastoma
Authors: Rajora M. A. , Ding L. , Valic M. , Jiang W. , Overchuk M. , Chen J. , Zheng G.
Published: May 2017

Size-controlled discoidal and cholesteryl oleated-loaded spherical, intrinsically multimodal porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles targeted glioblastomaviaapoE3 and LDLR.
A self-powered flexible vision electronic-skin for image recognition based on a pixel-addressable matrix of piezophototronic ZnO nanowire arrays
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Fu Yongming , Xing Lili , Liu Baodan , Zhang Yan , Xue Xinyu
Published: May 2017

A new self-powered flexible vision e-skin has been realized from a pixel-addressable matrix of piezophototronic ZnO nanowire arrays.
Copy number variations independently induce autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yingjun Xie , Haiming Yuan , Mingbang Wang , Liangying Zhong , Jiaxiu Zhou , Bing Song , Qibin Yin , Xiaofang Sun
Published: May 2017

The examination of copy number variation (CNV) is critical to understand the etiology of the CNV-related autism spectrum disorders (ASD). DNA samples were obtained from 64 ASD probands, which were genotyped on an Affymetrix CytoScan HD platform. qPCR or FISH were used as a validation for some novel recurrent CNVs. We further compared the clinical phenotypes of the genes in the Database of Chromosomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans Using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER) database with these overlapping genes. Using vast, readily available databases with previously reported clinically relevant CNVs from human populations, the genes were evaluated using Enrichment Analysis and GO Slim Classification. By using the Ploysearch2 software, we identified the interaction relationship between significant genes and known ASD genes. A total of 29 CNVs, overlapping with 520 genes, including 315 OMIM genes, were identified. Additionally, myocyte enhancer factor 2 family (MEF2C) with two cases of CNV overlapping were also identified. Enrichment analysis showed that the 520 genes are most likely to be related to membrane components with protein-binding functions involved in metabolic processes. In the interaction network of those genes, the known ASD genes are mostly at the core position and the significant genes found in our samples are closely related to the known ASD genes. CNVs should be an independent factor to induce autism. With the strategy of our study, we could find the ASDs candidate genes by CNV data and review certain pathogenesis of this disorder. Those CNVs were associated with ASD and they may contribute to ASD by affecting the ASD-related genes.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety between dezocine injection and morphine injection for persistence of pain in Chinese cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Xudong , Wang Jianfeng , Sun Yingjiao , Zhang Guozhuan , Liang Lishuang
Published: May 2017

The association between the efficacy and safety of dezocine injection and morphine injection for persistence of pain in patients with cancer had yielded controversial results. Therefore, we conduct a meta-analysis of existing observational published studies to assess the relationship between them among Chinese. We conducted a comprehensive research from the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Wan Fang Med Online for the related studies up to October 2016. Summary odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated with the random effects model. Nine published studies comprising 333 dezocine injection patients and 321 morphine injection patients were included in this meta-analysis. Our results suggested that there was no statistical significance between dezocine injection and morphine injection at the case number of effective pain relief (EPR) [OR = 0.97, 95% CI (0.77–1.22), I2 = 0.0, P for heterogeneity = 1.000]. However, the rate of adverse drug reaction (ADR) caused by dezocine injection was 56% less than that caused by morphine injection, the difference was statistically significant [OR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.30–0.65), I2 = 0.0, P for heterogeneity = 0.980]. No between-study heterogeneity and publication bias were found. In conclusions, this meta-analysis indicates that there is no significant association on the efficacy of persistence of pain in patients with cancer between dezocine injection and morphine injection among Chinese. However, dezocine injection was with less ADR compared with morphine injection.
Classical activation of macrophages and vardenafil
Authors: Muimo Richmond
Published: May 2017

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) – sildenafil citrate (Viagra; Pfizer) and vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra; Bayer/GlaxoSmithKline) – approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension also rescue the loss of cystic fibrosis (CF) chloride channel function and the mislocalization of F508del-CFTR in affected tissues in CF. Can PDE5 inhibitors provide a therapeutic strategy which combines ability to correct the basic ion transport defect and to control de-regulated lung inflammation in CF?
Pharmacological enrollment of aldehyde dehydrogenase modulators to assist treating ischemia reperfusion-induced intestinal injury: is there a gap to be bridged?
Authors: Dollé Laurent
Published: May 2017

This commentary highlights the research presented by Zhu et al. [1]. In this issue of the Clinical Science, the authors evaluated the protective effect of Alda-1 (a novel class of small molecule aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) activators) in the intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. Remarkably, enhancing the ADLH2 activity by the use of Alda-1 can ameliorate several deleterious effects related to aldehydes, and may provide a better protection against an injury preestablished by IR. Together, an innovative metabolic strategy for treating patients with IR injury could be the use of ALDH modulators in a near future.
Digital predictive current control of multi‐level four‐leg voltage‐source inverter under balanced and unbalanced load conditions
Authors: Basri Hazrul Mohamed , Mekhilef Saad
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the experimental validation of finite control set–predictive current control (FCS‐PCC) of a multi‐level four‐leg voltage‐source inverter (VSI) operating under balanced and unbalanced conditions. The proposed topology is a combination of conventional four‐leg VSI with an additional four switches circuit serving as dc voltage synthesiser. Unification of both circuits can supply energy to unbalanced three‐phase loads by providing the path for a zero‐sequence load while maintaining appropriate load voltage to the system. The proposed control strategy takes advantage of the discrete nature of the power converter system to predict the future behaviour of the output current. FCS‐PCC is based on an optimal approach that selects the most accurate switching signals among 48 valid switching states by computing cost function and applying switching state that minimises the tracking error to the next sampling time. The proposed control has been experimentally verified to assert the robustness of the control. The prominent outcomes of the experiments confirm the ability of independent load current reference tracking with harmonics distortion lower than the conventional eight switches VSI.
Thermodynamic control of MEMS meteorology pressure sensing element in low‐temperature application down to −45°C
Authors: Du Lidong , Zhao Zhan , Fang Zhen , Feng Yu , Yan Jize
Published: May 2017

In this study, the authors present an alternative method for poor accuracy of piezoresistive meteorology pressure sensing in low‐temperature environment (down to −45°C) by incorporating external thermodynamic control. In order to use the designed sensor in such a low‐temperature environment, the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) chip itself has to be kept at 50°C, which is the most common used highest working temperature in meteorology field. The heat compensation is achieved by a pulse‐width modulation controlled heating resistor based on proportional–integral–derivative algorithm. The precision of thermal control was obtained at 50 ± 0.5°C during the bench test. The simulation results from COMSOL software are consisted with lumped element model analysis. Under the condition of environmental temperature down to −45°C, system achieved a maximum absolute error within ±0.5 hPa after pressure calibration.
Technical Considerations in Stoma Creation
Authors: Whitehead Alia , Cataldo Peter
Published: May 2017

Creating an intestinal stoma is commonly the final aspect of an often emergent and complicated operation under difficult circumstances. While creation of a protruding, tension-free, and well-vascularized stoma is often straightforward, one must be prepared for challenging situations such as a thick abdominal wall and short, thickened mesentery. A successful stoma starts with attentive preoperative planning including site marking, thoughtful consideration of alternatives, and attention to technical detail. The tips provided in this article should facilitate the process of selecting the appropriate intestinal segment, identifying the correct stoma site, and creating a functional stoma even in the most challenging situations. Constructing a high-quality stoma will decrease complications and improve the patient's quality of life. Stoma creation is frequently the only component of an operation that the patient will have to live with for the remainder of his/her life.
Management of Intestinal Failure: The High-Output Enterostomy and Enterocutaneous Fistula
Authors: Adaba Franklin , Vaizey Carolynne , Warusavitarne Janindra
Published: May 2017

This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, causes, investigations, and management of high-output enterostomy and enterocutaneous fistula. High-output stoma and enterocutaneous fistula can result in intestinal failure and this is often fatal if not managed properly. The management involves reducing fluid losses, providing nutrients with fluids, and treating the underlying cause and sepsis. A multidisciplinary approach is required for successful management of patients with high-output enterostomy and enterocutaneous fistula.
Management of Acute Respiratory Failure in Pregnancy
Authors: Lapinsky Stephen
Published: May 2017

Respiratory failure affects up to 1 in 500 pregnancies, more commonly in the postpartum period. The causes of respiratory failure include several pregnancy-specific conditions such as preeclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pregnancy may also increase the risk or severity of other conditions, such as asthma, thromboembolism, viral pneumonitis, and gastric acid aspiration. Changes to maternal respiratory physiology and the presence of a fetus may affect the assessment and management of these patients. In addition to identifying pregnancy-specific causes, some differences exist in the management of the pregnant woman with acute respiratory failure. Endotracheal intubation in pregnancy carries a significant risk, due to upper airway edema and rapid oxygen desaturation following apnea. Few studies have addressed prolonged mechanical ventilation management in pregnancy. Optimizing oxygenation is important, but whether permissive hypercapnia is tolerated during pregnancy remains unclear. Delivery of the fetus is often considered but does not always improve maternal respiratory function and should be reserved only for cases where benefit to the fetus is anticipated.
Skin Color and Maternal Near Miss: Exploring a Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Karayna Gil , Sousa Maria Helena , Cecatti José Guilherme
Published: May 2017

Purpose In 2013, it was estimated that 289,000 maternal deaths occurred worldwide. The maternal mortality ratio has decreased in many countries in the past decades, due to early identification and treatment of obstetric complications, despite the dissimilarities observed in diverse locations and populations. Black women, for instance, have always been more susceptible to the occurrence of maternal mortality and severe morbidity. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess skin color as a predictive factor for maternal near miss (MNM) in a sample of Brazilian women interviewed in the Brazilian National Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 2006.

Method A secondary analysis of the DHS database, a population-based cross-sectional nationally representative study was conducted. This database is of public domain. The risk of maternal complications according to ethnic group and the associated sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated. For the data analysis, the odds ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results In the sample interviewed, 59% of women were black or brown (mixed-race). Approximately 23% of women had some complication, and 2% of these women had at least one MNM pragmatic criterion. The MNM rate was 31 per 1,000 live births, and its occurrence was not statistically different among the ethnic groups. The only factors identified that were considered to be associated with the occurrence of MNM were maternal age above 40 and women not currently attending school, but only among white women.

Conclusion The 2006 DHS results did not show a higher occurrence of maternal complications, and specifically of MNM associated with black/brown skin color.
Chronic Subdural Hematoma Spontaneous Resolution
Authors: Rabelo Nícollas , Pereira Vitor , Santos dos Passos George , Silveira Filho Luciano , Cicilini André , Rabelo Neiffer , Dias Junior Luiz , Pereira Carlos , Dias Luiz
Published: May 2017

Introduction Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is a hemorrhagic brain injury that persists for more than 21 days after its initial formation. The incidence is predominantly among the elderly population (> 65 years), and varies from 58 to 74/100,000 inhabitants. Spontaneous resolution is considered variable; in the literature series, it is < 1–20% of cases.

Objectives To expose the CSH pathophysiological mechanisms of spontaneous resolution and some treatments that lead to hematoma volume reduction.

Methods Literature review between 1971 to 2016, using the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scielo, LILACS and Cochrane databases using key-words, with inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Discussion Spontaneous resolution of the CSH pathophysiology is controversial; however, it can be attributed to four basic mechanisms: 1) outer capsule membrane maturation; 2) decreased fibrinolysis; 3) bidirectional flow of blood vessels; and 4) platelet plug. Some drugs, such as mannitol, corticosteroids, tranexamic acid and atorvastatin, contribute to CSH resolution, since they change the capsule membrane permeability, and inhibit the fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems.

Conclusion Spontaneous resolution is unpredictable; in some cases, it has a large temporal evolution (of up to 6 years). It occurs in small or laminar collections, asymptomatic or with transient neurological symptoms, and the pathophysiology is still controversial to this day. Therefore, surgical treatment should remain the first option, even though the conservative management is adopted for some patients. Rigorous outpatient and radiological follow-up are recommended.