bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of phenotypic plasticity under global change
Authors: Gibbin Emma M. , Massamba N’Siala Gloria , Chakravarti Leela J. , Jarrold Michael D. , Calosi Piero
Published: December 2017

Marine ecosystems are currently in a state of flux, with ocean warming and acidification occurring at unprecedented rates. Phenotypic plasticity underpins acclimatory responses by shifting the mean phenotype in a population, which may buffer the negative effects of global change. However, little is known about how phenotypic plasticity evolves across multiple generations. We tested this by reciprocally-transplanting the polychaeteOphryotrocha labronicabetween control and global change scenarios (ocean warming and acidification in isolation and combined) over five generations. By comparing the reaction norms of four life-history traits across generations, we show that juvenile developmental rate in the combined scenario was the only trait that changed its plastic response across generations when transplanted back to control conditions, and that adaptive plasticity was conserved in most traits, despite significant levels of selection and strong declines in individual fitness in the multi-generational exposure. We suggest the change in level of plasticity in the combined scenario is caused by differential allocation of energy between the mean and the plasticity of the trait along the multigenerational exposure. The ability to maintain within-generational levels of plasticity under global change scenarios has important eco-evolutionary and conservation implications, which are examined under the framework of assisted evolution programs.
Effect of Qianghuo Erhuang Decoction on T Regulatory and T Helper 17 Cells in Treatment of Adjuvant-induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Qian Can , Kuang Mei , Wang Yong
Published: December 2017

QianghuoErhuang Decoction (QED) is an effective recipe in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The present study aimed to explore the effects of QED on Treg and Th17 in adjuvant arthritis (AA) model. The study included 6 group rats: normal control group, AA group, AA + methotrexate (MTX) group, AA + high, moderate, and low dose QED groups. The arthritis score was significantly decreased in the MTX and high-dose QED groups compared with the AA group on days 24 and 28 (P < 0.01), respectively. The synovial tissue inflammation was attenuated by histological observation, and the proliferation of splenocytes was significantly inhibited in MTX and high-dose QED groups (P < 0.01). High-dose QED can up-regulated the percentage of Treg cells (P < 0.01) and down-regulated the percentage of Th17 cells (P < 0.05). Notably, the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α were significantly decreased, while TGF-β levels were apparently elevated compared with AA group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Interestingly, moderate and low-dose QED had no such similar effects. In summary, high-dose QED had a therapeutic effect against adjuvant arthritis and regulated the related cytokine levels in serum. The underlying mechanism might be mediated via restoration of the imbalance in CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets, Treg/Th17.
A translational model to determine rodent’s age from human foetal age
Authors: Ohmura Yoshiyuki , Kuniyoshi Yasuo
Published: December 2017

To understand the prenatal origin of developmental and psychiatric disorders, studies in laboratory animals are imperative. However, the developmental pace differs between humans and animals; hence, corresponding human ages must be estimated to infer the most vulnerable developmental timings in humans. Because rats and mice are extensively used as models in developmental research, a correspondence between human foetal ages and rodents’ ages must be precisely determined; thus, developing a translational model is of utmost importance. Optimizing a translational model involves classifying the brain regions according to developmental paces, but previous studies have conducted this classification arbitrarily. Here we used a clustering method and showed that the brain regions can be classified into two groups. To quantify the developmental pace, we gathered data for a range of development events in humans and rodents and created a linear mixed model that translates human developmental timings into the corresponding rat timings. We conducted an automatic classification of brain regions using an EM algorithm and obtained a model to translate human foetal age to rat age. Our model could predict rat developmental timings within 2.5 days of root mean squared error. This result provides useful information for designing animal studies and clinical tests.
GDF15 deficiency exacerbates chronic alcohol- and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury
Authors: Chung Hyo Kyun , Kim Jung Tae , Kim Hyeon-Woo , Kwon Minjoo , Kim So Yeon , Shong Minho , Kim Koon Soon , Yi Hyon-Seung
Published: December 2017

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has recently been shown to have an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial function and in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases. Nevertheless, the role of GDF15 in alcohol-induced or fibrotic liver diseases has yet to be determined. In this study, we demonstrate that alcohol- or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-mediated hepatic GDF15 production ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis. Alcohol directly enhanced GDF15 expression in primary hepatocytes, which led to increased oxygen consumption. Moreover, GDF15 reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver-resident macrophages, leading to an improvement in inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. GDF15 knockout (KO) mice had more TNF-α-producing T cells and more activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the liver than wild-type mice. Liver-infiltrating monocytes and neutrophils were also increased in the GDF15 KO mice during liver fibrogenesis. These changes in hepatic immune cells were associated with increased tissue inflammation and fibrosis. Finally, recombinant GDF15 decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic mediators and prevented the activation of T cells in the livers of mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that GDF15 could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of alcohol-induced and fibrotic liver diseases.
BMPs as new insulin sensitizers: enhanced glucose uptake in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes via PPARγ and GLUT4 upregulation
Authors: Schreiber Isabelle , Dörpholz Gina , Ott Claus-Eric , Kragesteen Bjørt , Schanze Nancy , Lee Cory Thomas , Köhrle Josef , Mundlos Stefan , Ruschke Karen , Knaus Petra
Published: December 2017

Insulin-resistance is the main cause of type 2 diabetes. Here we describe the identification and characterization of BMP2 and BMP6 as new insulin-sensitizing growth factors in mature adipocytes. We show that BMP2 and BMP6 lead to enhanced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in both insulin-sensitive and -insensitive adipocytes. We exclude a direct effect of BMP2 or BMP6 on translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane and demonstrate that these BMPs increase GLUT4 protein levels equipotent to Rosiglitazone. BMPs induce expression of PPARγ as the crucial mediator for the insulin-sensitizing effect. A comprehensive RNA-Seq analysis in mature adipocytes revealed regulation of both BMP/Smad and PPARγ target genes. The effects of BMP2 and BMP6 are not completely redundant and include regulation of genes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism and adipokine expression. Collectively, these findings suggest the BMP2 and BMP6 pathway(s) as promising new drug targets to treat insulin resistance.
Stromal Versican Regulates Tumor Growth by Promoting Angiogenesis
Authors: Asano Keiichi , Nelson Courtney M. , Nandadasa Sumeda , Aramaki-Hattori Noriko , Lindner Daniel J. , Alban Tyler , Inagaki Junko , Ohtsuki Takashi , Oohashi Toshitaka , Apte Suneel S. , Hirohata Satoshi
Published: December 2017

The proteoglycan versican is implicated in growth and metastases of several cancers. Here we investigated a potential contribution of stromal versican to tumor growth and angiogenesis. We initially determined versican expression by several cancer cell lines. Among these, MDA-MB231 and B16F10 had none to minimal expression in contrast to Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Notably, tumors arising from these cell lines had higher versican levels than the cell lines themselves suggesting a contribution from the host-derived tumor stroma. In LLC-derived tumors, both the tumor and stroma expressed versican at high levels. Thus, tumor stroma can make a significant contribution to tumor versican content. Versican localized preferentially to the vicinity of tumor vasculature and macrophages in the tumor. However, an ADAMTS protease-generated versican fragment uniquely localized to vascular endothelium. To specifically determine the impact of host/stroma-derived versican we therefore compared growth of tumors from B16F10 cells, which produced littleversican, inVcanhdf/+mice and wild-type littermates. Tumors inVcanhdf/+mice had reduced growth with a lower capillary density and accumulation of capillaries at the tumor periphery. These findings illustrate the variability of tumor cell line expression of versican, and demonstrate that versican is consistently contributed by the stromal tissue, where it contributes to tumor angiogenesis.
Deciphering transcriptional regulation in human embryonic stem cells specified towards a trophoblast fate
Authors: Jain Ashish , Ezashi Toshihiko , Roberts R. Michael , Tuteja Geetu
Published: December 2017

Differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESC) continue to provide a model for studying early trophoblast cells (TB), but many questions have been raised regarding their true identity. Therefore, we carried out a global and unbiased analysis on previously published transcriptomic profiles for hESC differentiated to TB by means of bone morphogenetic protein-4 and inhibitors of activin A and fibroblast growth factor-2 signaling (BAP treatment). Our results confirm that BAP treated hESC (ESCd) lack a mesoderm signature and are a subtype of placental cells unlike those present at term. ESCd display a high level of expression of genes implicated in migration and invasion compared to commonly used, immortalized TB cell lines and primary cells from term placenta. Co-expression network analysis also identified gene modules involved in cell migration and adhesion, processes that are likely critical during the beginning stages of placentation. Finally, protein-protein interaction analysis predicted several additional genes that may play important roles in early stages of placental development. Together, our analyses provide novel insights into the transcriptional programs that are active in ESCd.
Virtual screening for inhibitors of the human TSLP:TSLPR interaction
Authors: Van Rompaey Dries , Verstraete Kenneth , Peelman Frank , Savvides Savvas N. , Augustyns Koen , Van Der Veken Pieter , De Winter Hans
Published: December 2017

The pro-inflammatory cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of various allergy disorders that are mediated by type 2 helper T cell (Th2) responses, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. TSLP forms a ternary complex with the TSLP receptor (TSLPR) and the interleukin-7-receptor subunit alpha (IL-7Rα), thereby activating a signaling cascade that culminates in the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. In this study, we conducted anin silicocharacterization of the TSLP:TSLPR complex to investigate the drugability of this complex. Two commercially available fragment libraries were screened computationally for possible inhibitors and a selection of fragments was subsequently testedin vitro. The screening setup consisted of two orthogonal assays measuring TSLP binding to TSLPR: a BLI-based assay and a biochemical assay based on a TSLP:alkaline phosphatase fusion protein. Four fragments pertaining to diverse chemical classes were identified to reduce TSLP:TSLPR complex formation to less than 75% in millimolar concentrations. We have used unbiased molecular dynamics simulations to develop a Markov state model that characterized the binding pathway of the most interesting compound. This work provides a proof-of-principle for use of fragments in the inhibition of TSLP:TSLPR complexation.
Optimization of cotton variety registration criteria aided with a genotype-by-trait biplot analysis
Authors: Xu Naiyin , Fok Michel , Li Jian , Yang Xiaoni , Yan Weikai
Published: December 2017

China is one of the largest cotton producing countries in the world thanks to high yields, on which a variety registration system has mainly focused, so that a lack of quality is nowadays acknowledged as a weak point of the cotton industry in that country. The objective of this study was to check the hypothesis that bias in cultivar selection in favor of yield has been maintained through the application of an imperfect selection index (SI), but that a better outcome is possible. Our demonstration is based on an analysis of the data from ten years of cotton variety trials using genotype-by-trait biplots, implemented both for the cultivar selection index (SI) currently applied in China and for an adjusted selection index (ASI) that more effectively took into account the antagonism between yield and quality traits. The main findings were: 1) significant negative associations between yield and fiber quality hindered their simultaneous improvement; 2) registered genotypes were mainly determined by the SI which was primarily yield-oriented; 3) no progress in fiber quality was recorded unlike yield; 4) balanced progress in yield and quality is possible through an adjusted selection index (ASI) guided by genotype-by-trait biplot analysis.
A tyrosinase, mTyr-CNK, that is functionally available as a monophenol monooxygenase
Authors: Do Hyunsu , Kang Eungsu , Yang Byeongseon , Cha Hyung Joon , Choi Yoo Seong
Published: December 2017

Tyrosinase efficiently catalyzes the ortho-hydroxylation of monophenols and the oxidation of diphenols without any additional cofactors. Although it is of significant interest for the biosynthesis of catechol derivatives, the rapid catechol oxidase activity and inactivation of tyrosinase have hampered its practical utilization as a monophenol monooxygenase. Here, we prepared a functional tyrosinase that exhibited a distinguished monophenolase/diphenolase activity ratio (Vmax mono/ Vmax di = 3.83) and enhanced catalytic efficiency against L-tyrosine (k
cat
 = 3.33 ± 0.18 s−1, K
m
 = 2.12 ± 0.14 mM at 20 °C and pH 6.0). This enzyme was still highly active in ice water (>80%), and its activity was well conserved below 30 °C. In vitro DOPA modification, with a remarkably high yield as a monophenol monooxygenase, was achieved by the enzyme taking advantage of these biocatalytic properties. These results demonstrate the strong potential for this enzyme’s use as a monophenol monooxygenase in biomedical and industrial applications.
Suitability of various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques for analysis and kinetic degradation study of trelagliptin
Authors: Zaghary Wafaa A. , Mowaka Shereen , Hassan Mostafa A. , Ayoub Bassam M.
Published: December 2017

Multifaceted comparative analytical methods for trelagliptin (TRL) were investigated, applied to ZAFATEK tablets and HPLC-UV was selected for a degradation kinetic study. UPLC-MS/MS (Method I), UPLC-UV (Method II), HPLC-UV (Method III), UHPLC-UV (Method IV) and direct UV (Method V) methods were developed. Methods (I-V) showed satisfactory results using TRL concentration ranges of 50–800 ng/mL, 2.5–80 μg/mL, 5–100 μg/mL, 5–100 μg/mL and 5–50 μg/mL, respectively. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) of the transition pairs of m/z 358.176 to 134.127 for TRL and m/z 340.18 to 116.08 for alogliptin (IS) were employed utilizing positive mode Electrospray Ionization (ESI). The degradation kinetic study (Method VI) was carried out using 1 N HCl based on three different temperatures (70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C). Through the optimized method-3, a good chromatographic separation of TRL from its major degradation product was achieved. Arrhenius plot was used in the kinetic study and the apparent 1st order degradation rate constant (K), t1/2, t90, and the activation energies were calculated for each temperature and at 25 °C. The optimized UPLC-MS/MS method is suitable for further TRL assay either in biological fluids or in the presence of impurities.
CO2 Mineralization and Utilization using Steel Slag for Establishing a Waste-to-Resource Supply Chain
Authors: Pan Shu-Yuan , Chung Tai-Chun , Ho Chang-Ching , Hou Chin-Jen , Chen Yi-Hung , Chiang Pen-Chi
Published: December 2017

Both steelmaking via an electric arc furnace and manufacturing of portland cement are energy-intensive and resource-exploiting processes, with great amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and alkaline solid waste generation. In fact, most CO2 capture and storage technologies are currently too expensive to be widely applied in industries. Moreover, proper stabilization prior to utilization of electric arc furnace slag are still challenging due to its high alkalinity, heavy metal leaching potentials and volume instability. Here we deploy an integrated approach to mineralizing flue gas CO2 using electric arc furnace slag while utilizing the reacted product as supplementary cementitious materials to establish a waste-to-resource supply chain toward a circular economy. We found that the flue gas CO2 was rapidly mineralized into calcite precipitates using electric arc furnace slag. The carbonated slag can be successfully utilized as green construction materials in blended cement mortar. By this modulus, the global CO2 reduction potential using iron and steel slags was estimated to be ~138 million tons per year.
Structural insight into a CE15 esterase from the marine bacterial metagenome
Authors: De Santi Concetta , Gani Osman ABSM , Helland Ronny , Williamson Adele
Published: December 2017

The family 15 carbohydrate esterase (CE15) MZ0003, which derives from a marine Arctic metagenome, has a broader substrate scope than other members of this family. Here we report the crystal structure of MZ0003, which reveals that residues comprising the catalytic triad differ from previously-characterized fungal homologs, and resolves three large loop regions that are unique to this bacterial sub-clade. The catalytic triad of the bacterial CE15, which includes Asp 332 as its third member, closely resembles that of family 1 carbohydrate esterases (CE1), despite the overall lower structural similarity with members of this family. Two of the three loop regions form a subdomain that deepens the active site pocket and includes several basic residues that contribute to the high positive charge surrounding the active site. Docking simulations predict specific interactions with the sugar moiety of glucuronic-acid substrates, and with aromatically-substituted derivatives that serve as model compounds for the lignin-carbohydrate complex of plant cell walls. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate considerable flexibility of the sub-domain in the substrate-bound form, suggesting plasticity to accommodate different substrates is possible. The findings from this first reported structure of a bacterial member of the CE15 family provide insight into the basis of its broader substrate specificity.
Studies of two-dimensional h-BN and MoS2 for potential diffusion barrier application in copper interconnect technology
Authors: Lo Chun-Li , Catalano Massimo , Smithe Kirby K. H. , Wang Luhua , Zhang Shengjiao , Pop Eric , Kim Moon J. , Chen Zhihong
Published: December 2017

Copper interconnects in modern integrated circuits require a barrier layer to prevent Cu diffusion into surrounding dielectrics. However, conventional barrier materials like TaN are highly resistive compared to Cu and will occupy a large fraction of the cross-section of ultra-scaled Cu interconnects due to their thickness scaling limits at 2–3 nm, which will significantly increase the Cu line resistance. It is well understood that ultrathin, effective diffusion barriers are required to continue the interconnect scaling. In this study, a new class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), is explored as alternative Cu diffusion barriers. Based on time-dependent dielectric breakdown measurements and scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy characterizations, these 2D materials are shown to be promising barrier solutions for Cu interconnect technology. The predicted lifetime of devices with directly deposited 2D barriers can achieve three orders of magnitude improvement compared to control devices without barriers.
MoS2-based sensor for the detection of miRNA in serum samples related to breast cancer
Authors: Cai Bingjie , Guo Shuang , Li Yan
Published: December 2017

A MoS2-based sensor was developed to detect miR-21 in serum for early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Bis-meridional Fe2+ spincrossover complexes of phenyl and pyridyl substituted 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthrolines
Authors: Petzold Holm , Djomgoue Paul , Hörner Gerald , Lochenie Charles , Weber Birgit , Rüffer Tobias
Published: December 2017

Fe2+ spincrossover complexes [Fe(L)2]2+ (L = substituted (pyridin-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared and SCO with changing coordination numbers was identified by 1H NMR spectroscopy and in silico modeling.
Towards an MMP-2-activated molecular agent for cancer imaging
Authors: Cowell S. , Carroll L. , Lavdas I. , Aboagye E. O. , Vilar R.
Published: December 2017

Herein, we describe the synthesis of a DOTA-containing peptide sequence that can be radiolabelled easily or used for MRI imaging of MMP-2.
Enrichment of rare earth metal ions by the highly selective adsorption of phytate intercalated layered double hydroxide
Authors: Jin Cheng , Liu Huimin , Kong Xianggui , Yan Hong , Lei Xiaodong
Published: December 2017

Phytate-LDH was prepared by an anion exchange method, which has highly selective adsorption ability for Pr3+, Ce3+, Pb2+, and Co2+cations.
Targeted photodynamic therapy in visible light using BODIPY-appended copper(ii) complexes of a vitamin B6Schiff base
Authors: Mukherjee Nandini , Podder Santosh , Mitra Koushambi , Majumdar Shamik , Nandi Dipankar , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: December 2017

BODIPY-appended copper(ii) complexes of vitamin B6derivatives localize in mitochondria and exhibit cancer cell selective photocytotoxicity by1O2mediated apoptosis.
The role of surface ligands in determining the electronic properties of quantum dot solids and their impact on photovoltaic figure of merits
Authors: Goswami Prasenjit N. , Mandal Debranjan , Rath Arup K.
Published: December 2017

The effect of surface ligands on solar cell performance is explained in terms of the electronic properties of quantum dot solids.
Addressing the exciton fine structure in colloidal nanocrystals: the case of CdSe nanoplatelets
Authors: Shornikova Elena V. , Biadala Louis , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Sapega Victor F. , Kusrayev Yuri G. , Mitioglu Anatolie A. , Ballottin Mariana V. , Christianen Peter C. M. , Belykh Vasilii V. , Kochiev Mikhail V. , Sibeldin Nikolai N. , Golovatenko Aleksandr A. , Rodina Anna V. , Gippius Nikolay A. , Kuntzmann Alexis , Jiang Ye , Nasilowski Michel , Dubertret Benoit , Bayer Manfred
Published: December 2017

Exciton fine structure in colloidal CdSe nanoplatelets.
Ligand-free, palladacycle-facilitated Suzuki coupling of hindered 2-arylbenzothiazole derivatives yields potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors
Authors: Elsayed Mohamed S. A. , Chang Siran , Cushman Mark
Published: December 2017

A similarity search and molecular modeling study suggested the 2′-aryl-2-arylbenzothiazole framework as a novel scaffold for the design of COX-2-selective inhibitors.
Rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular carbosilylation of alkynes via C(sp3)–Si bond cleavage
Authors: Yang Qi , Liu Liang , Chi Yue , Hao Wei , Zhang Wen-Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: December 2017

A Rh(i)-catalyzed intramolecular cis-carbosilylation of alkynes was achieved to afford silatricyclic compounds in good yields.
Synthesis of a biotinylated penta-α-(1→6)-d-glucoside based on the rational design of an α-stereoselective glucosyl donor
Authors: Komarova Bozhena S. , Dorokhova Vera S. , Tsvetkov Yury E. , Nifantiev Nikolay E.
Published: December 2017

Rational design of a protecting group pattern in a glucosyl donor allows for the α-selective synthesis of biotinylated pentasaccharides corresponding to the fragment of the α-(1→6)-glucans of Helicobacter pylori.
Solid polymer electrolyte based on ionic bond or covalent bond functionalized silica nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Ji , Wang Wanhui , Yu Ronghua , Guo Mengke , He Chengen , Xie Xiaolin , Peng Haiyan , Xue Zhigang
Published: December 2017

This article reports a solid polymer electrolyte based on ionic bond or covalent bond functionalized silica nanoparticles for lithium ion batteries.
Novel iodine-doped reduced graphene oxide anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Li Jianwei , Li Xifei , Xiong Dongbin , Hao Youchen , Kou Huari , Liu Wen , Li Dejun , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: December 2017

It is reported for the first time that iodine-doped reduced graphene oxide (I-rGO) has been designed as an anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs).
The diffusion behavior and capacitance of tetraethylammonium/tetrafluoroborate ions in acetonitrile with different molar concentrations: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yang Po-Yu , Ju Shin-Pon , Hsieh Hua-Sheng , Lin Jenn-Sen
Published: December 2017

A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with the optimized potentials for liquid simulations-all atom (OPLS-AA) force field was carried out to investigate the dynamic behaviors of organic electrolyte molecules between a graphite cathode and anode.
Stabilization of arsenic in waste slag using FeCl2 or FeCl3 stabilizer
Authors: Lin Yilong , Wu Bin , Ning Ping , Qu Guangfei , Li Junyan , Wang Xueqian , Xie Ruosong
Published: December 2017

With the aim of stabilizing arsenic pollution in mine tailing, FeCl2 and FeCl3 were chosen as stabilizers.
Investigation of a halloysite-based fluorescence probe with a highly selective and sensitive “turn-on” response upon hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Dong Jingwei , Zhao Zhihang , Liu Rui , Zhang Hailei , Wu Yonggang , Ba Xinwu
Published: December 2017

Inorganic halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with an organic fluorescein derivative (PA) to prepare HNTs-based hybrid fluorescence probe (HNTs-PA).
Molecular dynamics simulation of the mechanical properties of multilayer graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Xu , Liu Shuyan , Liu Han , Zhang Jinwen , Yang Xiaoning
Published: December 2017

The mechanical properties and failure mechanism of multilayer GO nanosheets were studied by non-equilibrium MD simulation.
Dual-nozzle spray deposition process for improving the stability of proteins in polymer microneedles
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Park Seok Chan , Choi Seong-O
Published: December 2017

Simultaneous deposition of protein and polymer solutions via the dual-nozzle spray deposition process forms mechanically stable microneedles and shows improved protein's structural stability during microneedle fabrication.
Computer-aided design of metal chalcohalide semiconductors: from chemical composition to crystal structure
Authors: Davies Daniel W. , Butler Keith T. , Skelton Jonathan M. , Xie Congwei , Oganov Artem R. , Walsh Aron
Published: December 2017

The standard paradigm in computational materials science is INPUT: Structure; OUTPUT: Properties, which has yielded many successes but is ill-suited for exploring large areas of chemical and configurational hyperspace.
Synthesis of Os(ii)–Re(i)–Ru(ii) hetero-trinuclear complexes and their photophysical properties and photocatalytic abilities
Authors: Yamazaki Yasuomi , Ishitani Osamu
Published: December 2017

Novel Os(ii)–Re(i)–Ru(ii) hetero-trinuclear complexes, which can absorb a wide range of visible light and induce durable CO2 reduction, were synthesised.
The aromatic dianion metalloles
Authors: Wei Junnian , Zhang Wen-Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: December 2017

This perspective includes the synthesis and future challenges of aromatic dianion metalloles and their analogues.
Shear thickening in concentrated suspensions of smooth spheres in Newtonian suspending fluids
Authors: Denn Morton M. , Morris Jeffrey F. , Bonn Daniel
Published: December 2017

Here, we provide an overview of our understanding of shear thickening and the methods that have been developed to describe it, as well as outstanding questions.
Reversible generation of coacervate droplets in an enzymatic network
Authors: Nakashima Karina K. , Baaij Jochem F. , Spruijt Evan
Published: December 2017

Here we develop ATP-based coacervate droplets as artificial membraneless organelles that can be fully controlled by two cooperating enzymes.
Improved photocurrent and efficiency of non-fullerene organic solar cells despite higher charge recombination
Authors: Xiao Biao , Song Jingnan , Guo Bing , Zhang Minli , Li Wanbin , Zhou Ruixue , Liu Jiyan , Wang Hong-Bo , Zhang Maojie , Luo Guoping , Liu Feng , Russell Thomas P.
Published: December 2017

Charge recombination in high-efficiency non-fullerene cells (PCE = 9.25%) is much more serious than that of fullerene based cells (PCE = 6.95%).
Modulation of the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells via architectural variation of a promising non-fullerene acceptor
Authors: Mishra Ruchika , Regar Ramprasad , Singh Varun , Panini Piyush , Singhal Rahul , Keshtov M. L. , Sharma Ganesh D. , Sankar Jeyaraman
Published: December 2017

Monomeric perylenebisimides with α-/β-thienyl dangles as efficient acceptors for photovoltaic cells.
Novel perylene diimide-based polymers with electron-deficient segments as the comonomer for efficient all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Ming , Yang Jing , Yin Yuli , Zhang Yong , Zhou Erjun , Guo Fengyun , Zhao Liancheng
Published: December 2017

Two novel acceptor–acceptor (A–A) type polymeric electron acceptors, PPDI-DTBT and PFPDI-DTBT, which contain perylene diimide (PDI) and fused PDI (FPDI) with electron deficient 4,7-dithienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DTBT) units, respectively, are designed and synthesized to investigate their application in all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs).
Collagen structure regulates MSCs behavior by MMPs involved cell–matrix interactions
Authors: Ni Yilu , Tang Zhurong , Yang Jirong , Gao Yongli , Lin Hai , Guo Likun , Zhang Kai , Zhang Xingdong
Published: December 2017

Various scaffolds have been studied in the formation of cell niches and regulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) behaviors.
Selective capture of mesenchymal stem cells over fibroblasts and immune cells on E7-modified collagen substrates under flow circumstances
Authors: Zheng Xiaowen , Pan Xin , Pang Qian , Shuai Chong , Ma Lie , Gao Changyou
Published: December 2017

A substrate with selective capture of MSCs (BMSCs) over fibroblasts (NIH3T3 cells) and immune cells (RAW264.7 cells) was developed by conjugating E7 peptides on collagen substrates.
A facile approach towards chemical modification of Ag nanowires by PEDOT as a transparent electrode for organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Huanyu , Wang Yilin , Zhang Jingwen , Yu Zoukangning , Li Yaowen , Tan Licheng , Chen Yiwang
Published: December 2017

A PEDOT:PSS:S-AgNWs transparent electrode has been prepared via in situ polymerization due to electrostatic interactions between PEDOT and the sulfonic groups in the PSS:S-AgNWs template.
High-performance self-powered deep ultraviolet photodetector based on MoS2/GaN p–n heterojunction
Authors: Zhuo Ranran , Wang Yuange , Wu Di , Lou Zhenhua , Shi Zhifeng , Xu Tingting , Xu Junmin , Tian Yongtao , Li Xinjian
Published: December 2017

Self-powered MoS2/GaN p–n heterojunction photodetectors exhibited high sensitivity to deep-UV light with high responsivity, specific detectivity and fast response speeds.
Systematic toxicity investigation of graphene oxide: evaluation of assay selection, cell type, exposure period and flake size
Authors: Gies V. , Zou S.
Published: December 2017

Dosage, size, exposure time and cell line dependent cytotoxicity of graphene oxide.
Performance evaluation of an asymmetrical reduced switched multi‐level inverter for a grid‐connected PV system
Authors: Das Madan Kumar , Jana Kartick Chandra , Sinha Akanksha
Published: November 2017

This study presents the performance analysis of a new asymmetrical multi‐level inverter using reduced number of switches for a single‐phase grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) system. The solar PV panels of unequal power rating are connected in an appropriate manner to obtain the DC link voltages of suitable ratio for an asymmetrical cascaded multi‐level inverter. The PV power, voltages as well as the current injected into the grid have been controlled using the separate maximum power point tracking, voltage controllers and a current controlled technique to achieve the maximum power with sinusoidal current with a unity power factor. The variations of DC link voltages, inverter voltage and injected grid current are simulated and are experimentally verified under the variable irradiation as well as grid voltage fluctuation. The simulation and the corresponding hardware results of the proposed reduced switch asymmetrical seven‐level inverter for a low‐power residential grid‐tied PV system is also presented.
Observing the linked depletion of dust and CO gas at 0.1–10 au in disks of intermediate-mass stars
Authors: Banzatti A. , Garufi A. , Kama M. , Benisty M. , Brittain S. , Pontoppidan K. M. , Rayner J.
Published: December 2017

We report on the discovery of correlations between dust and CO gas tracers of the 0.1–10 au region in planet-forming disks around young intermediate-mass stars. The abundance of refractory elements on stellar photospheres decreases as the location of hot CO gas emission recedes to larger disk radii, and as the near-infrared excess emission from hot dust in the inner disk decreases. The linked behavior between these observables demonstrates that the recession of infrared CO emission to larger disk radii traces an inner disk region where dust is being depleted. We also find that Herbig disk cavities have either low (~5–10%) or high (~20–35%) near-infrared excess, a dichotomy that has not been captured by the classic definition of “pre-transitional” disks.
Biomechanical Implications of an Oblique Knee Joint Line
Authors: Hooper Jessica , Walker Peter , Hsu Tzu-Ting , Kurtz Anton , Reynolds Ryan , Hennessy Daniel , Chu Alice
Published: November 2017

Surgical correction of multiapical deformities of the lower limb requires careful preoperative planning. Surgeons must account for the potential creation of secondary deformity, such as knee joint line obliquity, and the risks associated with accepting these changes in limb alignment. In this study, we evaluate the effect of knee joint obliquity on tibial plateau contact pressures and knee instability. Three cadaveric knees were dissected and put through biomechanical testing to simulate loading of an oblique knee joint. We observed < 1 mm femoral displacement (proxy measure of instability) between 15 degrees of varus tilt and 10 degrees of valgus tilt, and greater increases in tibial plateau contact pressures with valgus tilt than with varus tilt. Our results suggest that, if the creation of a secondary coronal plane deformity at the knee joint cannot be avoided, up to 15 degrees of varus or 10 degrees of valgus alignment can be tolerated by an otherwise structurally normal knee.
Die Sägepalme
Authors: Niedenthal Tobias
Published: December 2017

Von den nordamerikanischen Ureinwohnern wurde die Sägepalme (Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small) vielfältig genutzt, eine medizinische Verwendung lässt sich aber nicht sicher nachweisen. Als Arzneipflanze hatte die Sägepalme eine erste Blüte im späten 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert, als verschiedene Zubereitungen in der Pflanzenheilkunde und der Homöopathie beliebt waren. Neue wissenschaftliche Impulse kamen gegen Ende des 20. Jahrhunderts aus Europa, wo Sägepalmenfrüchte heute zur symptomatischen Behandlung der benignen Prostatahyperplasie (BPH) anerkannt sind. Daneben werden auch topische Anwendungen erforscht.
Phytotherapie-Expedition in die Mongolei und Sibirien
Authors: Germann Peter
Published: December 2017

Im Juli und August 2017 hat Peter Germann zusammen mit Kia Ora eine Expedition in die Nordmongolei und Sibirien erarbeitet, welche sich primär mit der dort heimischen Pflanzenheilkunde auseinander setzten sollte. Eine bunt zusammen gewürfelte Gruppe von neun Leuten aus dem Heilpraktikerfachkreis, interessierten Laien sowie eine Ärztin und der Ethnobotaniker Wolf-Dieter Storl nahmen an der dreiwöchigen Tour teil.
Erster internationaler Kongress „Wald und Gesundheit“
Authors: Kraft Karin
Published: December 2017

Vom 13.–14. September 2017 trafen sich im Seeheilbad Heringsdorf, Insel Usedom Wissenschaftler verschiedener Fachrichtungen, Politiker, Interessenten aus gesundheitlich orientierten Laien- und Berufsverbänden und Pressevertreter zum ersten internationalen Kongress „Wald und Gesundheit“. Er war Teil eines vom Wirtschaftsministerium Mecklenburg-Vorpommern finanzierten Projektes zur Entwicklung von Kur- und Heilwäldern, bei dem der Bäderverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern die Federführung innehatte. Ziele des Kongresses waren die Vorstellung von international bereits bestehenden Projekten zur Waldtherapie, die Erarbeitung von Definitionen und Thesen und die Etablierung von internationalen Kooperationen.
Subtyping of Patients with Primary Aldosteronism: An Update
Authors: Lenders Jacques , Eisenhofer Graeme , Reincke Martin
Published: December 2017

Primary aldosteronism (PA) comprises two main subtypes: unilateral aldosteronism, mainly caused by aldosterone-producing adenoma; and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Establishing the correct subtype in patients with PA is indispensible for choice of treatment. In addition to established methods, alternative tests are evolving for subtyping. Computed tomography (CT) and adrenal venous sampling (AVS) are currently recommended in the guidelines for the diagnostic work-up of patients with PA. CT cannot be used as a stand-alone test for subtyping because of its limited accuracy but may be used in combination with other tests such as AVS or functional imaging. Nevertheless CT remains mandatory to exclude adrenocortical carcinoma. AVS provides the most accurate test to detect excessive secretion of aldosterone from an adrenal mass but has several practical limitations and disadvantages. Therefore, alternative non-invasive and patient-friendly methods are required to determine the need for adrenalectomy. Functional imaging with specific molecular positron emission tomographic ligands is a potential alternative method that may replace AVS for subclassifying patients with PA. The results of preliminary studies of 11C-metomidate are promising but ligands incorporating radionuclides with longer half-lives that selectively bind to CYP11B2 are needed. Steroid profiling provides another method for subtyping and selecting patients for adrenalectomy, but this technology is in its infancy and prospective outcome-based studies are required to determine if this technique may provide an alternative to AVS.
Metastasierung kutaner Plattenepithelkarzinome im HNO-Bereich
Authors: Dellweg Alexander , Mantei Thomas
Published: December 2017

Hintergrund Kutane Plattenepithelkarzinome können lymphogen sowohl nach intraparotideal, als auch nach zervikal metastasieren.
Prognostisch scheinen sich gemäß mehreren Studien die beiden Metastasierungswege zu unterscheiden. Wir möchten mit klinikeigenen Daten das
Metastasierungsverhalten hinsichtlich der Prognose untersuchen.

Material und Methoden In die retrospektive Studie aufgenommen wurden 29 Kaukasier mit einem Plattenepithelkarzinom der Haut im
Kopf-Halsbereich, welche sich zwischen 2004 und 2016 an unserer Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik vorgestellt haben. Bei allen Patienten wurde eine
Tumorresektion mit Neck dissection durchgeführt. Sowohl das präoperative Staging, wie auch die Nachsorge erfolgten mittels Ultraschall oder
Computertomographie (konventionell oder PET Scan). Die Patienten wurden nach Metastasierungsverhalten eingeteilt und die entsprechenden
Überlebensraten wurden ermittelt.

Ergebnisse 11 Patienten hatten zervikale Metastasen, 4 Patienten parotideale Metastasen, 5 Patienten hatten beides. Bei 9 Patienten
wurde eine prophylaktische Neck dissection bei cN0 durchgeführt. Ein lokoregionäres Tumorrezidiv trat in insgesamt 24 % der Fälle auf, davon
waren alle mit einer zervikalen Metastasierung assoziiert. Die 5-Jahres Überlebensrate betrug in diesen Fällen 71 %. Im Gegensatz dazu
betrug diese bei alleiniger parotidealer Metastasierung 100 %. Im Rahmen der prophylaktischen Neck dissection wurden in einem Fall okkulte
Metastasen diagnostiziert.

Schlussfolgerungen Eine zervikale Metastasierung geht im Gegensatz zu einer alleinigen parotidealen Metastasierung mit einer
schlechteren Prognose einher. Die Überlebensrate nach chirurgischer Therapie, sowie gegebenenfalls zusätzlichen adjuvanten Radiotherapie ist
insgesamt gut (79 %). Die Rolle einer prophylaktischen Neck dissection bei cN0 und entsprechenden Risikofaktoren ist nicht abschließend
geklärt.
New Pharmacological Opportunities for Betulinic Acid
Authors: Ríos José , Máñez Salvador
Published: December 2017

Betulinic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid usually isolated from birch trees, but present in many other botanical sources. It is found in different plant organs, both as a free aglycon and as glycosyl derivatives. A wide range of pharmacological activities has been described for this triterpenoid, including antiviral and antitumor effects. In addition, several other interesting properties have been identified in the fields of immunity and metabolism, namely antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Taken together, these latter three properties make betulinic acid a highly interesting prospect for treating metabolic syndrome. The present review focuses on the therapeutic potential of this agent, along with several of its semisynthetic derivatives, which could open new frontiers in the use of natural product-based medicines.
Understanding the grain-growth mechanism of high-performance organic semiconducting diphenyl-dibenzothiopheno[6,5-b:6′,5′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene molecules
Authors: Kim Jung-Hwa , Kwon Young-Nam , Lee Eunkyung , Jung Ji Young , Kim Joo-Young , Shin Jaikwang , Park Jeong-Il , Choi Ajeong
Published: December 2017

We report here our investigation on the grain-growth mechanism of diphenyl-dibenzothiopheno[6,5-b:6′,5′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DPh-DBTTT), which was recently published as a high-performance organic semiconductor. Atomic force microscopy revealed that unconventional needle-like structures grew on the surface of DPh-DBTTT thin films, and these structures became more dominant as the film thickness increased and the deposited film's surface temperature decreased. In combination with the crystal structure simulations, the grazing-incidence wide-angle x-ray scattering data indicated that the DPh-DBTTT molecules preferred an edge-on orientation near the interface between the substrate and DPh-DBTTT thin film, while the needle-like structures consisted of a face-on arrangement of the molecules. We suggest that this structural change originates from the large step-edge energy barrier of the DPh-DBTTT molecules. Our findings would be highly valuable to the design of new high-performance organic semiconducting materials and optimization of the conditions of thin-film deposition.
Tuning antiferromagnetic exchange interaction for spontaneous exchange bias in MnNiSnSi system
Authors: Jia Liyun , Shen Jianlei , Li Mengmeng , Wang Xi , Ma Li , Zhen Congmian , Hou Denglu , Liu Enke , Wang Wenhong , Wu Guangheng
Published: December 2017

Based on almost all the data from the literature on spontaneous exchange bias (SEB), it is expected that the system will show SEB if it meets two conditions simultaneously: (i) there are the coexistence and competition of antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) interactions and (ii) AFM interaction should dominate but not be too strong in this competition. In order to verify this view, a systematic study on SEB has been performed in this work. Mn50Ni40Sn10 with strong FM interaction and without SEB is chosen as the mother composition, and the negative chemical pressure is introduced by the substitution of Sn by Si to enhance AFM interaction. It is found that a long-range FM ordering window is closed, and a long-range AFM ordering window is opened. As a result, SEB is triggered and a continuous tuning of the spontaneous exchange bias field (HSEB) from 0 Oe to 1300 Oe has been realized in a Mn50Ni40Sn10−xSix system by the enhanced AFM interaction.
Buffer layer dependence of magnetoresistance effects in Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si/MgO/Co50Fe50 tunnel junctions
Authors: Sun Mingling , Kubota Takahide , Takahashi Shigeki , Kawato Yoshiaki , Sonobe Yoshiaki , Takanashi Koki
Published: December 2017

Buffer layer dependence of tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) effects was investigated in Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si (CFMS)/MgO/Co50Fe50 magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Pd, Ru and Cr were selected for the buffer layer materials, and MTJs with three different CFMS thicknesses (30, 5, and 0.8 nm) were fabricated. A maximum TMR ratio of 136% was observed in the Ru buffer layer sample with a 30-nm-thick CFMS layer. TMR ratios drastically degraded for the CFMS thickness of 0.8 nm, and the values were 26% for Cr buffer layer and less than 1% for Pd and Ru buffer layers. From the annealing temperature dependence of the TMR ratios, amounts of interdiffusion and effects from the lattice mismatch were discussed.
Magnetic and electrical transport properties of perovskite manganites Pr0.6Sr0.4M
xMn1-xO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni)
Authors: Ge X. S. , Li Z. Z. , Qi W. H. , Ji D. H. , Tang G. D. , Ding L. L. , Qian J. J. , Du Y. N.
Published: December 2017

Powder samples of ABO3 perovskite manganites with the composition Pr0.6Sr0.4MxMn1-xO3 (M=Fe, Co, or Ni, 0.00≤x≤0.25) were synthesized using the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction analyses showed that all three sets of samples had a single phase with an orthorhombic structure. The magnetic moment, μobs, of the samples at 10 K, decreased slowly for x≤0.10, whereas μobs decreased rapidly for x≥0.10. The dependences of μobs on the doping level x for the three series of samples were fitted successfully. In the fitting process, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni cations were assumed to be trivalent, and the magnetic moment directions of Fe3+, Co3+, and Ni3+ cations were assumed to be canted antiferromagnetically coupled with Mn3+ cations. The cant angle ϕ decreased with the increase in x for x≤0.10 for Fe- and Ni-doped (x≤0.15 for Co-doped) samples and increased rapidly when x≥0.10 (x≥0.15 for Co-doped) samples. These properties are discussed using an oxygen 2p itinerant electron model, which is very similar to the oxygen 2p hole model proposed by Alexandrov et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 117003 (2006)].