bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial treatment with natural compounds in prostate cancer inhibits prostate tumor growth and leads to key modulations of cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Lodi Alessia , Saha Achinto , Lu Xiyuan , Wang Bo , Sentandreu Enrique , Collins Meghan , Kolonin Mikhail G. , DiGiovanni John , Tiziani Stefano
Published: May 2017

High-throughput screening of a natural compound library was performed to identify the most efficacious combinatorial treatment on prostate cancer. Ursolic acid, curcumin and resveratrol were selected for further analyses and administered in vivo via the diet, either alone or in combination, in a mouse allograft model of prostate cancer. All possible combinations of these natural compounds produced synergistic effects on tumor size and weight, as predicted in the screens. A subsequent untargeted metabolomics and metabolic flux analysis using isotopically labeled glutamine indicated that the compound combinations modulated glutamine metabolism. In addition, ASCT2 levels and STAT3, mTORC1 and AMPK activity were modulated to a greater extent by the combinations compared to the individual compounds. Overall, this approach can be useful for identifying synergistic combinations of natural compounds for chemopreventive and therapeutic interventions.
Functionalization of MoS2 with 1,2-dithiolanes: toward donor-acceptor nanohybrids for energy conversion
Authors: Canton-Vitoria Ruben , Sayed-Ahmad-Baraza Yuman , Pelaez-Fernandez Mario , Arenal Raul , Bittencourt Carla , Ewels Christopher P. , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: May 2017

The covalent functionalization of exfoliated semiconducting MoS2 by 1,2-dithiolanes bearing an ethylene glycol alkyl chain terminated to a butoxycarbonyl-protected amine and a photoactive pyrene moiety is accomplished. The MoS2-based nanohybrids were fully characterized by complementary spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopy techniques. Markedly, density functional theoretical studies combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrate preferential edge functionalization, primarily via sulfur addition along partially sulfur saturated zig-zag MoS2 molybdenum-edges, preserving intact the 2D basal structure of functionalized MoS2-based nanohybrids as confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Furthermore, in the MoS2-pyrene hybrid, appreciable electronic interactions at the excited state between the photoactive pyrene and the semiconducting MoS2 were revealed as inferred by steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, implying its high potentiality to function in energy conversion schemes.
Blockade of interleukin-6 receptor in the periphery promotes rapid and sustained antidepressant actions: a possible role of gut–microbiota–brain axis
Authors: Zhang J-c , Yao W , Dong C , Yang C , Ren Q , Ma M , Hashimoto K
Published: May 2017

Depression is a common, severe and chronic psychiatric disease. Although the currently available antidepressants have been used in the treatment of depression, their beneficial effects are limited. Accumulating evidence suggests that pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) have an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. This study was undertaken to examine whether anti-mouse IL-6 receptor antibody (MR16-1) induces antidepressant effects in a social defeat stress model. Intravenous injection of MR16-1 induced rapid-onset and long-lasting antidepressant effects in susceptible mice after social defeat stress through its anti-inflammatory actions. In contrast, intracerebroventricular injection of MR16-1 induced no antidepressant effects in susceptible mice. Furthermore, treatment with MR16-1 could significantly normalize alterations in the expression of synaptic proteins (postsynaptic density protein 95 and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor 1) and dendritic spine density in the brain regions of susceptible mice. Gut microbiota analysis using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing showed that MR16-1 significantly improved decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in susceptible mice. It also significantly improved decreased levels of Oscillospira in susceptible mice. These findings suggest that peripheral IL-6 has a key role in the pathogenesis of depression and that the blockade of IL-6 receptor in the periphery might have rapid-onset and long-lasting antidepressant effects by normalizing the altered composition of gut microbiota in susceptible mice after social defeat stress. Therefore, the blockade of IL-6 receptor in the periphery shows promise as a novel therapeutic approach for depressed patients with higher IL-6 blood levels.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of hesperidin and hesperetin in rat plasma for pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Lee Jr-Ting , Pao Li-Heng , Hsieh Chang-Da , Huang Pei-Wei , Hu Oliver Yoa-Pu
Published: May 2017

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of hesperidin and hesperetin was necessary for a pharmacokinetic (PK) study in Wistar rats.
Zinc glutarate-mediated copolymerization of CO2and PO – parameter studies using design of experiments
Authors: Marbach J. , Nörnberg B. , Rahlf A. F. , Luinstra G. A.
Published: May 2017

Parameter studies of the PO/CO2-copolymerization revealed the importance of the surface coverage of a nanoscopic ZnGA catalyst.
Tryptophan lyase (NosL): mechanistic insights into amine dehydrogenation and carboxyl fragment migration by QM/MM calculations
Authors: Wang Xiya , Zhu Wenyou , Liu Yongjun
Published: May 2017

QM/MM calculations suggest two feasible pathways for the breaking of the C–C bond of the substrate. The breaking of the Cα–Cβ bond leads to the final product, whereas the cleavage of the Cα–C bond will terminate in the EPR-trapped radical intermediate.
Highly selective transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using Cu-based nanocatalysts
Authors: Siddqui Nazia , Sarkar Bipul , Pendem Chandrashekar , khatun Rubina , Sivakumar Konthala L. N. , Sasaki Takehiko , Bordoloi Ankur , Bal Rajaram
Published: May 2017

Simultaneous dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone and hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to corresponding α,β-unsaturated alcohols was carried out in a single pot reaction without addition of any external hydrogen donor.
Graphene/ZnO nanocomposite as an electron transport layer for perovskite solar cells; the effect of graphene concentration on photovoltaic performance
Authors: Chandrasekhar P. S. , Komarala Vamsi K.
Published: May 2017

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been fabricated by a graphene/ZnO nanocomposite (G/ZnO NC) as an electron transporting layer.
Uniform core–shell Cu6Sn5@C nanospheres with controllable synthesis and excellent lithium storage performances
Authors: Su Liwei , Fu Jianghao , Zhang Pinjie , Wang Lianbang , Wang Yuanhao , Ren Manman
Published: May 2017

Well-proportioned PANI-derived carbon shells effectively limit the agglomeration of Cu6Sn5 nanocores and hence present extraordinary lithium storage performances.
Enhancing menaquinone-7 production in recombinant Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by metabolic pathway engineering
Authors: Xu Jian-Zhong , Yan Wei-Liu , Zhang Wei-Guo
Published: May 2017

Six key enzymes are vital for MK-7 production, but the same enzyme has different effect on MK-7 production in different cultivating methods. Thus, the high enzyme activity and high-traffic biosynthetic pathway are beneficial to synthesize MK-7.
Correction: Review of the synthesis, transfer, characterization and growth mechanisms of single and multilayer graphene
Authors: Lee H. Cheun , Liu Wei-Wen , Chai Siang-Piao , Mohamed Abdul Rahman , Aziz Azizan , Khe Cheng-Seong , Hidayah N. M. S. , Hashim U.
Published: May 2017

Correction for ‘Review of the synthesis, transfer, characterization and growth mechanisms of single and multilayer graphene’ by H. Cheun Lee et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 15644–15693.
Decoupling the Arrhenius equation via mechanochemistry
Authors: Andersen Joel M. , Mack James
Published: May 2017

We identified three different energetic regions that we believe are defining characteristics of most, if not all mechanochemical reactions. For a given ball mill's region, activation energy determines whether a reaction is energetically easy (Region I), challenging (Region II), or forbidden (Region III). In Region II, yield depends exponentially on oscillation frequency. Modifications granted control of the locations of Regions I, II, and III.
Norborn-2-en-7-ones as physiologically-triggered carbon monoxide-releasing prodrugs
Authors: Kueh Jui Thiang Brian , Stanley Nathan J. , Hewitt Russell J. , Woods Laura M. , Larsen Lesley , Harrison Joanne C. , Rennison David , Brimble Margaret A. , Sammut Ivan A. , Larsen David S.
Published: May 2017

A prodrug strategy for the release of the gasotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) at physiological pH, based upon 3a-bromo-norborn-2-en-7-one Diels–Alder cycloadducts has been developed.
A simple and traceless solid phase method simplifies the assembly of large peptides and the access to challenging proteins
Authors: Ollivier N. , Desmet R. , Drobecq H. , Blanpain A. , Boll E. , Leclercq B. , Mougel A. , Vicogne J. , Melnyk O.
Published: May 2017

We show that the combination of solid phase and solution ligation techniques facilitates the production of a challenging and biologically active protein made of 180 amino acids.
In situ directional formation of Co@CoOx-embedded 1D carbon nanotubes as an efficient oxygen electrocatalyst for ultra-high rate Zn–air batteries
Authors: Lin Chao , Shinde Sambhaji S. , Jiang Zheng , Song Xiaokai , Sun Yu , Guo Linli , Zhang Hao , Jung Jin-Young , Li Xiaopeng , Lee Jung-Ho
Published: May 2017

A “three birds one stone” strategy for preparing 1D N-doped porous carbon nanotubes embedded with Co@CoOx nanoparticles results in the unprecedentedly high-rate Zn–air batteries.
Bottom-up synthesis of fully sp2 hybridized three-dimensional microporous graphitic frameworks as metal-free catalysts
Authors: Talapaneni Siddulu Naidu , Kim Jaehoon , Je Sang Hyun , Buyukcakir Onur , Oh Jihun , Coskun Ali
Published: May 2017

We demonstrated template-free inclusion of the third dimension into the graphitic frameworks while retaining π-conjugation and conductivity, which was verified by their activity as metal-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
One-step transformation of MnO2 into MnO2−x@carbon nanostructures for high-performance supercapacitors using structure-guided combustion waves
Authors: Shin Jungho , Shin Dongjoon , Hwang Hayoung , Yeo Taehan , Park Seonghyun , Choi Wonjoon
Published: May 2017

Structure-guided combustion waves transform MnO2 nanoparticles into core–shell nanostructures of reduced manganese oxides and carbon layer for high performance supercapacitors.
Infrared electrochromic conducting polymer devices
Authors: Brooke Robert , Mitraka Evangelia , Sardar Samim , Sandberg Mats , Sawatdee Anurak , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier , Jonsson Magnus P.
Published: May 2017

Metal-free, flexible infrared electrochromic devices were fabricated using PEDOT:Tos as both the electrochromic and the electrode material, enabling modulation of the devices' infrared signature and their effective temperature as seen by a thermal camera. In addition to evaluating the practical suitability of these devices, we report a detailed investigation of the thin film spectroscopic properties.
Towards full-colour tunable photoluminescence of monolayer MoS2/carbon quantum dot ultra-thin films
Authors: Su Weitao , Wang Yuchan , Wu Weiwei , Qin Haiying , Song Kaixin , Huang Xiwei , Zhang Lijie , Chen Daqin
Published: May 2017

We prepared 1L-MoS2/CQD material using highly luminescent carbon quantum dots and monolayer MoS2; we achieved tunable luminescence from 400 to 700 nm.
Synthesis of [1]Benzothieno[2,3-b]quinolines via Transition-Metal-Free [3+3] Annulation of Nitroarenes and Benzo[b]thiophen-3-ylacetonitrile or 3-(Phenylsulfonylmethyl)benzo[b]thiophene Carbanions
Authors: Wojciechowski Krzysztof , Nowacki Michał
Published: May 2017

Benzo[b]thiophen-3-ylacetonitriles or 3-(phenylsulfonylmethyl)benzo[b]thiophenes react with nitrobenzene derivatives in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide and chlorotrimethylsilane to form, in good yields, 11-cyano- or 11-(phenylsulfonyl)[1]benzothieno[2,3-b]quinolines, respectively.
Eine neue Berufsgruppe kommt in der Praxis an: Erste Erkenntnisse über Einsatzgebiete, Tätigkeiten und Gehalt von Physician Assistants/Arztassistenten in Deutschland
Authors: Marschall Tanja , Hoffmann Marcus
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund Seit 2010 wird an der Dualen Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) Karlsruhe der Studiengang Physician Assistant/Arztassistenz (PA) angeboten. Tätigkeiten, Einsatzbereiche und gehaltliche Eingruppierungen der Absolventen im Anschluss sind bisher nur unzureichend bekannt. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es Informationen hierüber zu erhalten.

Methoden Alle Absolventen (2 Jahrgänge, n=27) sollten schriftlich befragt werden. Der hierfür entwickelte Erhebungsbogen umfasste 37 Fragen u. a. zur aktuellen Beschäftigungssituation, Tätigkeiten, Gehalt und zur Zufriedenheit mit Studium und Beruf. Es erfolgte eine deskriptive Analyse der Daten mittels SPSS.

Ergebnisse 25 Absolventen beteiligten sich an der Erhebung (96,1%); das Durchschnittsalter der Teilnehmer lag bei 32,2 Jahren (25–53 Jahre). 88% (n=22) waren als PA eingestellt, die meisten arbeiteten in der Inneren Medizin (n=11) oder der Chirurgie (n=9). Tätigkeiten, die häufig bzw. sehr häufig von den PA durchgeführt werden sind Vorbereitung von Entlassdokumenten, Übernahme einer Koordinationsfunktion im therapeutischen Team, aber auch die Mitwirkung bei Anamnese und körperlicher Untersuchung. Bei zwei Drittel der Befragten lag bei einer Vollzeittätigkeit das monatliche Bruttogrundgehalt über 3000 Euro. Insgesamt fanden 77,3% (n=17) der Absolventen ihre aktuelle Situation zufriedenstellend bzw. sehr zufriedenstellend.

Schlussfolgerung Die Absolventen der DHBW fügen sich offensichtlich hinsichtlich ihres Tätigkeitsspektrums und der Gehaltsstruktur gut in das Personalgefüge der Kliniken ein. Weitere Studien zur Akzeptanz dieser in Deutschland neuen Berufsgruppe sowie zur Abgrenzung zu etablierten Gesundheitsfachberufen folgen.
Der Gelenkinfekt ohne Implantat
Authors: Hückstädt Marc , Hofmann Gunter
Published: May 2017

Gelenkinfektionen können innerhalb kurzer Zeit zur irreversiblen Schädigung des Gelenkknorpels führen und bei septischen Verläufen lebensbedrohlich sein. Aus diesem Grund stellen sie einen Notfall dar und bedürfen der umgehenden Diagnostik und Therapie. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über Grundlagen, Diagnostik und Therapie der septischen Arthritis geben und die Bedeutung der frühzeitigen adäquaten chirurgischen und antibiotischen Behandlung herausstellen. Die dargestellten Fallbeispiele sollen einen Eindruck von den Schwierigkeiten in Diagnostik und Therapie und schwerwiegenden Komplikationen bei verzögerter Behandlung vermitteln.
Die Kosten von Übergewicht und Adipositas in Deutschland – ein systematischer Literaturüberblick
Authors: Konnopka Alexander , Dobroschke Astrid , Lehnert Thomas , König Hans-Helmut
Published: May 2017

Ziel der Studie Ziel dieser Arbeit war eine systematische Übersicht über Krankheitskostenstudien zu Übergewicht und Adipositas für Deutschland zu erstellen.

Methodik Wir haben eine PubMed-Recherche durchgeführt. Um die Vergleichbarkeit zu erhöhen, haben wir alle Kostendaten auf das Jahr 2014 inflationiert. Bei Bottom-up Studien haben wir zusätzlich die relativen Kostenunterschiede zwischen Übergewicht bzw. Adipositas und Normalgewicht berechnet, meta-analytisch aggregiert und auf die Gesamtbevölkerung extrapoliert.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten wir 15 Bottom-up Studien, 6 Top-down Studien und 2 Markov-Modellierungen identifizieren. Im Durchschnitt berichteten die Top-Down Studien direkte Kosten von 7,9 Mrd. Euro und indirekte Kosten von 3,6 Mrd. Euro. Die absoluten Ergebnisse der Bottom-up Studien waren aufgrund der Heterogenität der Studien nicht aggregierbar. Die gepoolten relativen Mittelwertdifferenzen in Studien mit Erwachsenen waren +22% für den Unterschied zwischen Übergewicht und Normalgewicht bzw. +53% für den Unterschied zwischen Adipositas und Normalgewicht. Die entsprechenden Effektstärken waren 0,07 (−0,05; 0,19), bzw. 0,15 (0,02; 0,28). Bei Kindern waren die relativen Mittelwertdifferenzen deutlich geringer und die dazugehörigen Effektstärken nahezu null. Die Extrapolation der Bottom-up Ergebnisse auf die Gesamtbevölkerung ergab direkte und indirekte Excess-Kosten von 22,2 Mrd. Euro für Übergewicht und 23,0 Mrd. Euro für Adipositas.

Schlussfolgerung Zusammenfassend zeigte sich sowohl bei den Top-down Studien als auch bei den Bottom-up Studien eine große Heterogenität der Ergebnisse, welche auf eine erhebliche Unsicherheit hindeutet und eindeutige Aussagen zu den Kosten von Übergewicht und Adipositas sehr erschwert. Insgesamt deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass die Gesamtkosten in Top-down Studien stark unterschätzt werden.
Nachweis und Bedeutung von Kidd-Antikörpern im Festphasensystem (Capture-R® Ready-Screen®, Immucor)
Authors: Flommersfeld Sabine , Ertl Birgit
Published: May 2017

Der Nachweis von Kidd-Antikörpern gilt unter Immunhämatologen als besonders anspruchsvoll, da der Antikörper als transfusionsmedizinisch relevant eingestuft wird, aber nicht konsistent in allen Untersuchungsmethoden und oft nur passager nachweisbar ist. In Laboratorien, in denen der Capture-R® Ready-Screen®-Test zur Antikörpersuche eingeführt wurde, werden Kidd-Antikörper signifikant häufiger nachgewiesen als in der Röhrchen- oder Gelkartenzentrifugationsmethode im indirekten Antihumanglobulintest. Ob diese Antikörper, die nun vermehrt im Festphasensystem zu finden sind, klinisch auch eine Relevanz haben, ist insbesondere auch nach einer Publikation von Kay et al. in der Diskussion. Im Folgenden soll die Bedeutung des Nachweises der Kidd-Antikörper und deren klinischer Wertigkeit anhand der Literatur und den eigenen Daten dargestellt werden.
Leitlinien in der Praxis: Die neue S3-Leitlinie „Nicht erholsamer Schlaf/Schlafstörungen“ – Kapitel „Schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen“
Authors: Gerlach M. , Sanner B.
Published: May 2017

Zu den schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörungen zählen die zentrale Schlafapnoe (ZSA), die obstruktive Schlafapnoe (OSA) und die schlafbezogene Hypoventilation bzw. Hypoxämie. Sie sind häufig und von zunehmender klinischer Relevanz. Das Kapitel zu dieser Krankheitsgruppe aus der S3-Leitlinie „Nicht erholsamer Schlaf/Schlafstörungen“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Schlafmedizin wurde am 29. November 2016 aktualisiert und bietet Neuerungen zu Epidemiologie, Diagnostik, Therapie und Systematik. Zur Epidemiologie wird die deutlich erhöhte Mortalität schwangerer Frauen mit OSA herausgestellt. In der Diagnostik der OSA wird betont, dass die Polygrafie unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen ausreichen kann. Änderungen der diagnostischen Empfehlungen zur ZSA erlauben nun die Diagnosestellung auch bei geringer Apnoerate unter der Voraussetzung einer typischen klinischen Situation. Entscheidende therapeutische Unterschiede haben sich bei der ZSA mit Herzinsuffizienz ergeben. Ferner wird differenziert zwischen schlafbezogener Hypoventilation und schlafbezogener Hypoxämie. Das Obesitas-Hypoventilations-Syndrom wird insgesamt breiter besprochen. Der vorliegende Artikel fasst die Änderungen zusammen und kommentiert sie.
Behandlung neu diagnostizierter Neuroblastome nach Ende der Klinischen Studien
Authors: Rößler Jochen
Published: May 2017

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

Anfang Dezember 2016 bedankte sich Herr Prof. Frank Berthold in einem Schreiben an die GPOH Neuroblastom-Studienzentren – ich zitiere – „…für 37 exzellente Jahre Kooperation für Patienten mit Neuroblastomen aller Ausprägungsgrade in Deutschland und einer Gesamt-Einschlussrate von 97% in 6 lückenlos aufeinander folgende Studien“. Anlass war das Ende der Rekrutierung für die Studie NB-2004 HR zum 31.12.2016. Auch die Studie NB-2004 endete zu diesem Zeitpunkt.
Dynamics of electric charge transport and determination of the percolation insulator-to-metal transition in polyvinyl-pyrrolidone/nano-graphene platelet composites
Authors: Lampadaris Charalampos , Sakellis Ilias , Papathanassiou Anthony N.
Published: May 2017

Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone loaded with different fractions of dispersed nano-graphene platelets (NGPs) were studied by Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy in the frequency range of 1 mHz to 1 MHz. Complex permittivity and dynamic ac conductivity as a function of frequency, temperature, and composition were explored. The concentration-dependent insulator-to-conductor transition was traced through the dependence of the dc conductivity and the onset of the dispersive ac conductivity. The temperature evolution of the dielectric spectra below and above the fractional threshold exhibits different dynamics and signs the critical percolation threshold. Percolation is dictated by quantum penetration of the effective potential barrier set by the polymer matrix operating in parallel with conduction along physical contact of NGPs, in accordance with predictions for systems consisting of a semi-conducting matrix and dispersed conducting inclusions.
Development of optimized nanogap plasmonic substrate for improved SERS enhancement
Authors: Perumal Jayakumar , Gong Tianxun , U. S. Dinish , Buddharaju Kavitha Devi , Lo Guo-Qiang Patrick , Olivo Malini
Published: May 2017

SERS enhancement factor (EF) of planar substrates depends on the size and shape of the fine nanostructure forming a defect free, well-arranged matrix. Nano-lithographic process is considered to be the most advanced methods employed for the fabrication SERS substrates. Nanostructured plasmonic substrates with nanogap (NG) pattern often results in stable, efficient and reproducible SERS enhancement. For such substrates, NG and their diagonal length (DL) need to be optimized. Theoretically smaller NGs (∼30-40 nm or smaller) results in higher SERS enhancement. However, fabrication of NG substrates below such limit is a challenge even for the most advanced lithography process. In this context, herein, we report the optimization of fabrication process, where higher SERS enhancement can be realized from larger NGs substrates by optimizing their DL of nanostructures between the NGs. Based on simulation we could demonstrate that, by optimizing the DL, SERS enhancement from larger NG substrate such as 60 and 80 nm could be comparable to that of smaller (40nm) NG substrates. We envision that this concept will open up new regime in the nanofabrication of practically feasible NG based plasmonic substrates with higher SERS enhancement. Initial results of our experiments are in close agreement with our simulated study.
Replica exchange molecular simulation of Lennard–Jones particles in a two-dimensional confined system
Authors: Doi Hideo , Yasuoka Kenji
Published: May 2017

Confined systems exhibit interesting properties that are applied to the fields of lubrication, adhesion and nanotechnology. The replica exchange molecular simulation method was applied to calculate the phase equilibrium points of Lennard–Jones particles in a two-dimensional confined system. The liquid–solid phase equilibrium points and the solid structure with a dependency of the slit width were determined and the order parameter of the solid structure was analyzed. Such confined systems are shown to be favorable for manipulation of the phase equilibrium points.
Enhancement of near-field radiative heat transfer via multiple coupling of surface waves with graphene plasmon
Authors: Zhou Ting , Song Chen-Cai , Wang Tong-Biao , Liu Wen-Xing , Liu Jiang-Tao , Yu Tian-Bao , Liao Qing-Hua , Liu Nian-Hua
Published: May 2017

Coated silicon carbide (SiC) thin films can efficiently enhance near-field radiative heat transfer among metamaterials. In this study, the near-field heat transfer among graphene–SiC–metamaterial (GSM) multilayer structures was theoretically investigated. Graphene plasmons could be coupled both with electric surface plasmons supported by the metamaterial and with symmetric and anti-symmetric surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) supported by SiC. The heat transfer among GSM structures was considerably improved compared to that among SiC-coated metamaterials when the chemical potential of graphene was not very high. In addition, the near-field heat transfer was enhanced among SiC–graphene–metamaterial multilayer structures, though the heat transfer among these structures was less than that among GSMs owing to the absence of coupling between symmetric SPhPs and graphene plasmons. Hence, heat transfer could be flexibly tuned by modifying the chemical potential of graphene in both configurations. These results provide a basis for active control of the near-field radiative heat transfer in the far-infrared region.
Gleditsia triacanthos (Fabaceae) in Argentina: a review of its invasion
Authors: Fernandez Romina D. , Ceballos Sergio J. , Malizia Agustina , Aragón Roxana
Published: May 2017

Gleditsia triacanthos L. is a woody species native to North America that has invaded Uruguay, Spain, Australia, South Africa and several countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In Argentina, it has become one of the most important invasive woody species and has a high potential to continue spreading. In this study, we review different aspects of G. triacanthos invasion in Argentina that include descriptions of invaded ecoregions and environments, intrinsic characteristics of the species, invasion dynamics and impacts. In addition, we discuss mechanisms that potentially explain its success, control strategies and natural barriers to its invasion. We reviewed a total of 91 articles and book chapters, of which 62 were developed in Argentina. Studies reported that the invasion of G. triacanthos in different ecoregions was favoured by intrinsic characteristics of the species, together with the interaction with cattle and disturbances, which cause negative impacts on flora, fauna and ecosystem processes. Disturbances were proposed as the main mechanism to explain this species’ invasion, but other hypotheses such as the release of natural enemies and/or propagule pressure might also be important. Further studies are required, mainly on the impacts on ecosystem processes and on the control, production of organic compounds and mutualistic interactions (with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi).
Pollen development and orbicule and pollen grain morphology in species of Cephalanthus (Rubiaceae-Naucleeae) from the Americas
Authors: Romero María Florencia , Salas Roberto , Gonzalez Ana Maria
Published: May 2017

This paper is the first embryological report on the genus Cephalanthus L. and contributes to future studies in other genera of the tribe Naucleeae. The development of the anther wall in Cephalanthus glabratus (Spreng.) K. Schum. corresponds to the dicot type and microsporogenesis is simultaneous. The young wall of the anther has four layers; epidermis, endothecium, one middle layer and the secretory tapetum. The tissue of the septum has idioblasts with crystalline sand. In the wall of the mature anther, only the endothecium and remnants of epidermal cells were preserved. The occurrence and morphology of orbicules were observed in the mature anthers of all three species of Cephalanthus with scanning electron microscopy. The orbicules have taxonomic value at species level, since these structures allow us to distinguish between the species analysed. The presence of a protruding oncus was observed for the first time in Cephalanthus in non-acetolysed pollen grains. According to our observations, this structure is not affected by the state of anther dehiscence in C. glabratus because the oncus is visible and prominent in the mature pollen grains in both indehiscent and dehiscent anthers.
Maximised photosynthetic capacity and decreased hydraulic failure risk during aging in the clump bamboo, Bambusa chungii
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhou Juan , Zhao Xiuhua , Zhao Ping , Zhu Liwei , Ouyang Lei , Ni Guangyan
Published: May 2017

To assess the water use of a clumped bamboo species, we investigated water use, physiological responses and structural changes related to culm aging in the clumped bamboo species Bambusa chungii McClure. Anisohydric behaviour was characterised by the independent stomatal conductance (gs) to leaf water potential (ΨL), and the low stomatal sensitivity (–m) in the young (0.52) and mature groups together with the aged group (0.41): gs was negatively related to intercellular CO2 (Ci), especially during the dry season (R2 = 0.62). Hydraulic conductivity (ks) decreased by 57.9 and 58.8% in the mature and aged groups. This was accompanied by a leaf area (AL) decrease of 55.7 and 63.7% and a water transport path (h) reduction of 8.5 and 23.3% to maintain the hydraulic safety. The net photosynthetic rate (An) was similar among the three age groups even during the dry season when water deficits occurred. The observed increase in chlorophyll content (5.3% greater for the mature group) and stomata density (7.4 and 8.1% greater for the mature and aged groups) with age might compensation the reduced whole culm carbon assimilation caused by decreased AL. Physiological and structural regulation contributes to the fitness of B. chungii.
Corrigendum to: Against the odds of unusual mtDNA inheritance, introgressive hybridisation and phenotypic plasticity: systematic revision of Korean freshwater gastropods (Semisulcospiridae, Cerithioidea)
Authors: Köhler Frank
Published: May 2017

The systematics of Semisulcospiridae in Korea is critically revised by means of comparative anatomy, including comprehensive review of type material and mitochondrial phylogenetics (sequences of COI and 16S). The family is represented by two genera with different reproductive modes: Semisulcospira Boettger, 1886 is viviparous and contains three species (S. coreana (Martens, 1886), S. gottschei (Martens, 1886) and S. forticosta (Martens, 1886)) while Koreoleptoxis Burch & Jung, 1988 is oviparous and also contains three species (K. globus (Martens, 1886), K. nodifila (Martens, 1886), K. tegulata (Martens, 1894)). Koreanomelania Burch & Jung, 1988 is synonymised with Koreoleptoxis. Species can be distinguished by differences in shell shape and sculpture. They form well-differentiated clusters in the mitochondrial phylogeny, consistently revealing lower intraspecific than interspecific genetic distances. Sequences of Japanese Semisulcospira species fall into three distinct major clades (A–C), rendering Semisulcospira non-monophyletic in the mitochondrial tree. Only a small number of Japanese samples were closely related to the Korean clade (Clade C). The numerically predominant Japanese mitochondrial Clade B exhibited increased lineage divergence and, when translated into amino acids, significantly more amino acid substitutions in comparison with Korean species. I conclude that these Japanese sequences may be paralogous and/or may undergo non-neutral evolution. Hence, they are not suitable for inferring phylogenetic relationships.
What is EU law about?
Authors: Arnull Anthony
Published: May 2017

The range of issues that the EU has been given the power to regulate has grown significantly since it was founded by just six Member States in 1951. The aim of the European Coal and Steel Community Treaty signed that year was to create a single market for those products. Its initial success prompted the Member States to embark on a much more ambitious venture: the European Economic Community (EEC), established by a treaty signed in Rome in 1957. At the heart of the EEC lay the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital—the four freedoms that remain fundamental to the EU.
Secondary EU law
Authors: Arnull Anthony
Published: May 2017

A novel feature of the Treaties was that they created institutions distinct from the Member States with the capacity to make law. Such law is known as the secondary law of the EU. It is subordinate to the Treaties, which belong to the primary law of the EU. ‘Secondary EU Law’ explains the principles of conferral and competence, which play an important role in preserving a balance between the powers of the EU and those of the Member States. A leading role is played in the exercise of the EU’s competences by its four main political institutions: the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, and the Commission.
EU law in the national courts
Authors: Arnull Anthony
Published: May 2017

‘EU law in the national courts’ explains the concepts of direct effect and primacy. The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that EU law may confer rights on individuals that may be enforced in the national courts of the Member States. Such rights enjoy primacy over conflicting national laws regardless of the constitutional status of those laws. Moreover, national law must where possible be interpreted consistently with overlapping rules of EU law. When a Member State breaches EU law, any individual who suffers loss as a result may claim damages in the national courts. How have national courts responded to these principles?
DeepSite: protein-binding site predictor using 3D-convolutional neural networks
Authors: Jiménez J , Doerr S , Martínez-Rosell G , Rose A S , De Fabritiis G
Published: May 2017

Motivation

An important step in structure-based drug design consists in the prediction of druggable binding sites. Several algorithms for detecting binding cavities, those likely to bind to a small drug compound, have been developed over the years by clever exploitation of geometric, chemical and evolutionary features of the protein.

Results

Here we present a novel knowledge-based approach that uses state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks, where the algorithm is learned by examples. In total, 7622 proteins from the scPDB database of binding sites have been evaluated using both a distance and a volumetric overlap approach. Our machine-learning based method demonstrates superior performance to two other competitive algorithmic strategies.

Availability and implementation

DeepSite is freely available at www.playmolecule.org. Users can submit either a PDB ID or PDB file for pocket detection to our NVIDIA GPU-equipped servers through a WebGL graphical interface.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Moran’s I quantifies spatio-temporal pattern formation in neural imaging data
Authors: Schmal Christoph , Myung Jihwan , Herzel Hanspeter , Bordyugov Grigory
Published: May 2017

Motivation

Neural activities of the brain occur through the formation of spatio-temporal patterns. In recent years, macroscopic neural imaging techniques have produced a large body of data on these patterned activities, yet a numerical measure of spatio-temporal coherence has often been reduced to the global order parameter, which does not uncover the degree of spatial correlation. Here, we propose to use the spatial autocorrelation measure Moran’s I, which can be applied to capture dynamic signatures of spatial organization. We demonstrate the application of this technique to collective cellular circadian clock activities measured in the small network of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus.

Results

We found that Moran’s I is a practical quantitative measure of the degree of spatial coherence in neural imaging data. Initially developed with a geographical context in mind, Moran’s I accounts for the spatial organization of any interacting units. Moran’s I can be modified in accordance with the characteristic length scale of a neural activity pattern. It allows a quantification of statistical significance levels for the observed patterns. We describe the technique applied to synthetic datasets and various experimental imaging time-series from cultured SCN explants. It is demonstrated that major characteristics of the collective state can be described by Moran’s I and the traditional Kuramoto order parameter R in a complementary fashion.

Availability and implementation

Python 2.7 code of illustrative examples can be found in the Supplementary Material.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
‘Like a Raging Lion’: Richard the Lionheart’s Anger during the Third Crusade in Medieval and Modern Historiography
Authors: Spencer Stephen J
Published: May 2017

Historians have almost universally characterised King Richard I of England, otherwise known as ‘the Lionheart’, as an intemperate hothead, whose anger was both uncontrollable and socially dysfunctional. This article seeks to test the evidential foundations of this longstanding view, and to explain its genesis, by analysing descriptions of Richard I’s anger in the narratives of the Third Crusade—narratives which have been foundational in formulating such assessments. It does not argue that Richard was a meek or tranquil king, or even that he was always in control of his passions. Rather, it contends that there exists a disparity between how most medieval chroniclers perceived Richard’s wrath and the evaluations of modern historians. The main conclusion reached is that the nature of the source material, which was not only polarised between the king’s supporters and detractors but also witnessed the incorporation of legendary material from an early stage, curtails any attempt to reconstruct the ‘reality’ of Richard’s temperament. After mapping the evolution of attitudes towards anger in the Middle Ages and scrutinising the twelfth- and thirteenth-century narrative accounts of the Lionheart’s wrath, the article seeks to explain why scholars have persisted in casting Richard as an individual who was unusually susceptible to irrational fits of rage and, in so doing, calls for greater sensitivity to the role of memory in future studies of medieval emotions.
Complications of Head Immobilization Devices in Children: Contact Mechanics, and Analysis of a Single Institutional Experience
Authors: Zaazoue Mohamed A , Bedewy Mostafa , Goumnerova Liliana C
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Head immobilization devices (HIDs) are a staple of neurosurgical procedures, including in the intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) operating rooms (ORs) where material modifications were necessary for compatibility with the magnets utilized.

OBJECTIVE

To present the experience in this OR environment and discuss the multifactorial nature of the observed adverse events.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed, utilizing the Department of Neurosurgery and iMRI OR databases to identify patients who suffered complications related to HIDs between November 2007 and March 2016. A literature review was also done to identify the magnitude of the problem and the availability of safety guidelines.

RESULTS

Nine hundred and forty patients underwent surgery in the iMRI OR requiring head immobilization. Seven (0.7%) suffered complications related to the HID—depressed skull fractures (n = 7) and epidural hematomas (n = 6). Age at surgery ranged from 1.6 to 10.3 yr. All patients had posterior fossa neoplasms and associated obstructive hydrocephalus. Four patients (57%) suffered permanent neurological deficits. Six patients (86%) underwent a surgical procedure to evacuate the epidural hematomas and repair the depressed skull fracture. In contrast, 1 out of 445 patient (0.2%) suffered HID-related adverse events in the conventional ORs, aged 10.2 yr.

CONCLUSION

HIDs are important to provide stability and support during neurosurgical procedures. Modifications in the material or the shape of the pins can significantly change the pressure exerted. Most of these complications are preventable if certain precautionary measures are taken especially in certain high-risk patients, and the overall benefits of HIDs continue to outweigh the risks. There is a need for consensus on guidelines for the safe use of these devices.
The 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko observation campaign in support of the Rosetta mission
Authors: Snodgrass C. , A'Hearn M. F. , Aceituno F. , Afanasiev V. , Bagnulo S. , Bauer J. , Bergond G. , Besse S. , Biver N. , Bodewits D. , Boehnhardt H. , Bonev B. P. , Borisov G. , Carry B. , Casanova V. , Cochran A. , Conn B. C. , Davidsson B. , Davies J. K. , de León J. , de Mooij E. , de Val-Borro M. , Delacruz M. , DiSanti M. A. , Drew J. E. , Duffard R. , Edberg N. J. T. , Faggi S. , Feaga L. , Fitzsimmons A. , Fujiwara H. , Gibb E. L. , Gillon M. , Green S. F. , Guijarro A. , Guilbert-Lepoutre A. , Gutiérrez P. J. , Hadamcik E. , Hainaut O. , Haque S. , Hedrosa R. , Hines D. , Hopp U. , Hoyo F. , Hutsemékers D. , Hyland M. , Ivanova O. , Jehin E. , Jones G. H. , Keane J. V. , Kelley M. S. P. , Kiselev N. , Kleyna J. , Kluge M. , Knight M. M. , Kokotanekova R. , Koschny D. , Kramer E. A. , López-Moreno J. J. , Lacerda P. , Lara L. M. , Lasue J. , Lehto H. J. , Levasseur-Regourd A. C. , Licandro J. , Lin Z. Y. , Lister T. , Lowry S. C. , Mainzer A. , Manfroid J. , Marchant J. , McKay A. J. , McNeill A. , Meech K. J. , Micheli M. , Mohammed I. , Monguió M. , Moreno F. , Muñoz O. , Mumma M. J. , Nikolov P. , Opitom C. , Ortiz J. L. , Paganini L. , Pajuelo M. , Pozuelos F. J. , Protopapa S. , Pursimo T. , Rajkumar B. , Ramanjooloo Y. , Ramos E. , Ries C. , Riffeser A. , Rosenbush V. , Rousselot P. , Ryan E. L. , Santos-Sanz P. , Schleicher D. G. , Schmidt M. , Schulz R. , Sen A. K. , Somero A. , Sota A. , Stinson A. , Sunshine J. M. , Thompson A. , Tozzi G. P. , Tubiana C. , Villanueva G. L. , Wang X. , Wooden D. H. , Yagi M. , Yang B. , Zaprudin B. , Zegmott T. J.
Published: May 2017

We present a summary of the campaign of remote observations that supported the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission. Telescopes across the globe (and in space) followed comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko from before Rosetta's arrival until nearly the end of the mission in September 2016. These provided essential data for mission planning, large-scale context information for the coma and tails beyond the spacecraft and a way to directly compare 67P with other comets. The observations revealed 67P to be a relatively ‘well-behaved’ comet, typical of Jupiter family comets and with activity patterns that repeat from orbit to orbit. Comparison between this large collection of telescopic observations and the
in situ
results from Rosetta will allow us to better understand comet coma chemistry and structure. This work is just beginning as the mission ends—in this paper, we present a summary of the ground-based observations and early results, and point to many questions that will be addressed in future studies.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Cometary science after Rosetta’.
SOHO comets: 20 years and 3000 objects later
Authors: Battams Karl , Knight Matthew M.
Published: May 2017

We present a summary of the more than 3000 sungrazing and near-Sun comets discovered in coronagraph images returned by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), since its launch in December 1995. We address each of the four main populations of objects observed by SOHO: Kreutz (sungrazing) group, Meyer group, Marsden and Kracht (96P-family) group and non-group comets. Discussions for each group include basic properties, discovery statistics and morphological appearance. In addition to updating the community on the status of the discoveries by SOHO, we also show that the rate of discovery of Kreutz sungrazers has probably remained static since approximately 2003 and we report on the first likely fragmentation pair observed within the Meyer group.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Cometary science after Rosetta’.
The abrogation of condensin function provides independent evidence for defining the self-renewing population of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Lai Alvina G. , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Abnave Prasad , Sahu Sounak , Aboobaker A. Aziz
Published: May 2017

Heterogeneity of planarian neoblast stem cells has been categorised on the basis of single cell expression analyses and subsequent experiments to demonstrate lineage relationships. Some data suggest that despite gene expression heterogeneity amongst cells in the cell cycle, in fact only one sub-population, known assigmaneoblasts, can self-renew. Without the tools to perform livein vivolineage analysis, we instead took an alternative approach to provide independent evidence for defining the self-renewing stem cell population. We exploited the role of highly conserved condensin proteins to functionally assay neoblast self-renewal properties. Condensins are involved in forming properly condensed chromosomes to allow cell division to proceed during mitosis, and their abrogation inhibits mitosis and can lead to repeated endoreplication of the genome in cells that make repeated attempts to divide. We find that planarians possess only the condensin I complex, and that this is required for normal stem cell function. Abrogation of condensin function led to rapid stem cell depletion accompanied by the appearance of giant cells with increased DNA content. Using previously discovered markers of heterogeneity we show that enlarged cells are always from thesigma-class of the neoblast population and we never observe evidence for endoreplication for the other neoblast subclasses. Overall, our data establish that condensins are essential for stem cell maintenance and provide independent evidence that onlysigma-neoblasts are capable of multiple rounds of cell division and hence self-renewal.
Theory on the rate equation of Michaelis-Menten type single-substrate enzyme catalyzed reactions
Authors: Murugan Rajamanickam
Published: May 2017

Analytical solution to the Michaelis-Menten (MM) rate equations for single-substrate enzyme catalysed reaction is not known. Here we introduce an effective scaling scheme and identify the critical parameters which can completely characterize the entire dynamics of single substrate MM enzymes. Using this scaling framework, we reformulate the differential rate equations of MM enzymes over velocity-substrate, velocity-product, substrate-product and velocity-substrate-product spaces and obtain various approximations for both pre- and post-steady state dynamical regimes. Using this framework, under certain limiting conditions we successfully compute the timescales corresponding to steady state, pre- and post-steady states and also compute the approximate steady state values of velocity, substrate and product. We further define the dynamical efficiency of MM enzymes as the ratio between the reaction path length in the velocity-substrate-product space and the average reaction time required to convert the entire substrate into product. Here dynamical efficiency characterizes the phase-space dynamics and it would tell us how fast an enzyme can clear a harmful substrate from the environment. We finally perform a detailed error level analysis over various pre- and post-steady state approximations along with the already existing quasi steady state approximations and progress curve models and discuss the positive and negative points corresponding to various steady state and progress curve models.