bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role for RIP1 in mediating necroptosis in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage model both in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Shen Haitao , Liu Chenglin , Zhang Dongping , Yao Xiyang , Zhang Kai , Li Haiying , Chen Gang
Published: March 2017

Cell death is a hallmark of second brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); however, the mechanism still has not been fully illustrated. In this study, we explored whether necroptosis, a type of regulated necrosis, has an essential role in brain injury after ICH. We found that inhibiting receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) – a core element of the necroptotic pathway – by a specific chemical inhibitor or genetic knockdown attenuated brain injury in a rat model of ICH. Furthermore, necroptosis of cultured neurons could be induced by conditioned medium from microglia stimulated with oxygen hemoglobin, and this effect could be inhibited by TNF-α inhibitor, indicating that TNF-α secreted from activated microglia is an important factor in inducing necroptosis of neurons. Undoubtedly, overexpression of RIP1 increased conditioned medium-induced necroptosis in vitro, but this effect was partially diminished in mutation of serine kinase phosphorylation site of RIP1, showing that phosphorylation of RIP1 is the essential molecular mechanism of necroptosis, which was activated in the in vitro model of ICH. Collectively, our investigation identified that necroptosis is an important mechanism of cell death in brain injury after ICH, and inhibition of necroptosis may be a potential therapeutic intervention of ICH.
Endogenous AMPK acts as a detrimental factor in fulminant hepatitis via potentiating JNK-dependent hepatocyte apoptosis
Authors: Hu Kai , Gong Xianqiong , Ai Qing , Lin Ling , Dai Jie , Cai Lu , Jiang Rong , Ge Pu , Zhang Li
Published: March 2017

The energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is crucial for energy homeostasis. Recent studies have revealed that AMPK is involved in various energy-intensive pathological processes such as inflammation and apoptosis. The physiological functions of hepatic AMPK have been well studied, but the pathological significance of AMPK in liver disorders remains largely unknown. In the present study, the phosphorylation status and the roles of AMPK were investigated in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/d-galactosamine (D-Gal)-induced fulminant hepatitis. The experimental data indicated that the phosphorylation of hepatic AMPK increased in mice with LPS/D-Gal-induced fulminant hepatitis. Pretreatment with the AMPK inhibitor compound C enhanced the early production of pro-inflammatory cytokines but suppressed the late activation of the caspase cascade, reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells, decreased the elevation of aminotransferases, alleviated the histological abnormalities and improved the survival rate of LPS/D-Gal-insulted mice. Pretreatment with compound C suppressed LPS/D-Gal-induced phosphorylation of JNK. Inhibition of JNK alleviated LPS/D-Gal-induced liver injury, but the level of p53 remained unchanged in mice exposed to LPS/D-Gal. Post-insult treatment with the AMPK activator A-769662 further increased the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and JNK, enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis and deteriorated liver injury, all of these effects could be reversed by co-administration of the AMPK inhibitor or JNK inhibitor. Interestingly, post-insult treatment with the AMPK inhibitor also resulted in beneficial outcomes. These data suggested that AMPK might be a late detrimental factor in LPS/D-Gal-induced hepatitis via potentiating JNK-dependent hepatocyte apoptosis and AMPK might become a pharmacological target for the intervention of fulminant hepatitis.
A novel mutation in the C-propeptide of COL2A1 causes atypical spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita
Authors: Kusano Chieko , Takagi Masaki , Hori Naoaki , Murotsuki Jun , Nishimura Gen , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: March 2017

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC, OMIM #183900) is one of the type II collagenopathies caused by a heterozygous mutation in the COL2A1 gene. Although typical SEDC shows delay of pubic bone ossification on radiographs, atypical SEDC exists without this finding. We identified an atypical SEDC patient with a novel missense mutation in the C-propeptide region of COL2A1. This case suggests that a COL2A1 C-propeptide mutation can cause atypical SEDC.
The respective effect of under-rib convection and pressure drop of flow fields on the performance of PEM fuel cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Qinglei , Shen Shuiyun , Yan Xiaohui , Zhu Fengjuan , Cheng Xiaojing , Zhang Junliang
Published: March 2017

The flow field configuration plays an important role on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). For instance, channel/rib width and total channel cross-sectional area determine the under-rib convection and pressure drop respectively, both of which directly influence the water removal, in turn affecting the oxygen supply and cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. In this study, effects of under-rib convection and pressure drop on cell performance are investigated experimentally and numerically by adjusting the channel/rib width and channel cross-sectional area of flow fields. The results show that the performance differences with various flow field configurations mainly derive from the oxygen transport resistance which is determined by the water accumulation degree, and the cell performance would benefit from the narrower channels and smaller cross sections. It reveals that at low current densities when water starts to accumulate in GDL at under-rib regions, the under-rib convection plays a more important role in water removal than pressure drop does; in contrast, at high current densities when water starts to accumulate in channels, the pressure drop dominates the water removal to facilitate the oxygen transport to the catalyst layer.
Revealing the sequence of interactions of PuroA peptide with Candida albicans cells by live-cell imaging
Authors: Shagaghi Nadin , Bhave Mrinal , Palombo Enzo A. , Clayton Andrew H. A.
Published: March 2017

To determine the mechanism(s) of action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) it is desirable to provide details of their interaction kinetics with cellular, sub-cellular and molecular targets. The synthetic peptide, PuroA, displays potent antimicrobial activities which have been attributed to peptide-induced membrane destabilization, or intracellular mechanisms of action (DNA-binding) or both. We used time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to directly monitor the localization and interaction kinetics of a FITC- PuroA peptide on single Candida albicans cells in real time. Our results reveal the sequence of events leading to cell death. Within 1 minute, FITC-PuroA was observed to interact with SYTO-labelled nucleic acids, resulting in a noticeable quenching in the fluorescence lifetime of the peptide label at the nucleus of yeast cells, and cell-cycle arrest. A propidium iodide (PI) influx assay confirmed that peptide translocation itself did not disrupt the cell membrane integrity; however, PI entry occurred 25–45 minutes later, which correlated with an increase in fractional fluorescence of pores and an overall loss of cell size. Our results clarify that membrane disruption appears to be the mechanism by which the C. albicans cells are killed and this occurs after FITC-PuroA translocation and binding to intracellular targets.
Rising nutrient-pulse frequency and high UVR strengthen microbial interactions
Authors: Cabrerizo Marco J. , Medina-Sánchez Juan Manuel , Dorado-García Irene , Villar-Argaiz Manuel , Carrillo Presentación
Published: March 2017

Solar radiation and nutrient pulses regulate the ecosystem’s functioning. However, little is known about how a greater frequency of pulsed nutrients under high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels, as expected in the near future, could alter the responses and interaction between primary producers and decomposers. In this report, we demonstrate through a mesocosm study in lake La Caldera (Spain) that a repeated (press) compared to a one-time (pulse) schedule under UVR prompted higher increases in primary (PP) than in bacterial production (BP) coupled with a replacement of photoautotrophs by mixotrophic nanoflagellates (MNFs). The mechanism underlying these amplified phytoplanktonic responses was a dual control by MNFs on bacteria through the excretion of organic carbon and an increased top-down control by bacterivory. We also show across a 6-year whole-lake study that the changes from photoautotrophs to MNFs were related mainly to the frequency of pulsed nutrients (e.g. desert dust inputs). Our results underscore how an improved understanding of the interaction between chronic and stochastic environmental factors is critical for predicting ongoing changes in ecosystem functioning and its responses to climatically driven changes.
Evidence for history-dependence of influenza pandemic emergence
Authors: Hill Edward M. , Tildesley Michael J. , House Thomas
Published: March 2017

Influenza A viruses have caused a number of global pandemics, with considerable mortality in humans. Here, we analyse the time periods between influenza pandemics since 1700 under different assumptions to determine whether the emergence of new pandemic strains is a memoryless or history-dependent process. Bayesian model selection between exponential and gamma distributions for these time periods gives support to the hypothesis of history-dependence under eight out of nine sets of modelling assumptions. Using the fitted parameters to make predictions shows a high level of variability in the modelled number of pandemics from 2010–2110. The approach we take here relies on limited data, so is uncertain, but it provides cheap, safe and direct evidence relating to pandemic emergence, a field where indirect measurements are often made at great risk and cost.
Divergence of stable isotopes in tap water across China
Authors: Zhao Sihan , Hu Hongchang , Tian Fuqiang , Tie Qiang , Wang Lixin , Liu Yaling , Shi Chunxiang
Published: March 2017

Stable isotopes in water (e.g., δ2H and δ18O) are important indicators of hydrological and ecological patterns and processes. Tap water can reflect integrated features of regional hydrological processes and human activities. China is a large country with significant meteorological and geographical variations. This report presents the first national-scale survey of Stable Isotopes in Tap Water (SITW) across China. 780 tap water samples have been collected from 95 cities across China from December 2014 to December 2015. (1) Results yielded the Tap Water Line in China is δ2H = 7.72 δ18O + 6.57 (r2 = 0.95). (2) SITW spatial distribution presents typical “continental effect”. (3) SITW seasonal variations indicate clearly regional patterns but no trends at the national level. (4) SITW can be correlated in some parts with geographic or meteorological factors. This work presents the first SITW map in China, which sets up a benchmark for further stable isotopes research across China. This is a critical step toward monitoring and investigating water resources in climate-sensitive regions, so the human-hydrological system. These findings could be used in the future to establish water management strategies at a national or regional scale.
Quantum spin Hall insulators in centrosymmetric thin films composed from topologically trivial BiTeI trilayers
Authors: Nechaev I. A. , Eremeev S. V. , Krasovskii E. E. , Echenique P. M. , Chulkov E. V.
Published: March 2017

The quantum spin Hall insulators predicted ten years ago and now experimentally observed are instrumental for a break- through in nanoelectronics due to non-dissipative spin-polarized electron transport through their edges. For this transport to persist at normal conditions, the insulators should possess a sufficiently large band gap in a stable topological phase. Here, we theoretically show that quantum spin Hall insulators can be realized in ultra-thin films constructed from a trivial band insulator with strong spin-orbit coupling. The thinnest film with an inverted gap large enough for practical applications is a centrosymmetric sextuple layer built out of two inversely stacked non-centrosymmetric BiTeI trilayers. This nontrivial sextuple layer turns out to be the structure element of an artificially designed strong three-dimensional topological insulator Bi2Te2I2. We reveal general principles of how a topological insulator can be composed from the structure elements of the BiTeX family (X = I, Br, Cl), which opens new perspectives towards engineering of topological phases.
An antimicrobial peptide-resistant minor subpopulation of Photorhabdus luminescens is responsible for virulence
Authors: Mouammine Annabelle , Pages Sylvie , Lanois Anne , Gaudriault Sophie , Jubelin Gregory , Bonabaud Maurine , Cruveiller Stéphane , Dubois Emeric , Roche David , Legrand Ludovic , Brillard Julien , Givaudan Alain
Published: March 2017

Some of the bacterial cells in isogenic populations behave differently from others. We describe here how a new type of phenotypic heterogeneity relating to resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) is determinant for the pathogenic infection process of the entomopathogenic bacteriumPhotorhabdus luminescens. We demonstrate that the resistant subpopulation, which accounts for only 0.5% of the wild-type population, causes septicemia in insects. Bacterial heterogeneity is driven by the PhoPQ two-component regulatory system and expression ofpbgPE,an operon encoding proteins involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modifications. We also report the characterization of a core regulon controlled by the DNA-binding PhoP protein, which governs virulence inP. luminescens. Comparative RNAseq analysis revealed an upregulation of marker genes for resistance, virulence and bacterial antagonism in the pre-existing resistant subpopulation, suggesting a greater ability to infect insect prey and to survive in cadavers. Finally, we suggest that the infection process ofP. luminescensis based on a bet-hedging strategy to cope with the diverse environmental conditions experienced during the lifecycle.
Associations of obesity with newly diagnosed and previously known atopic diseases in Chinese adults: a case-control study
Authors: Xie Biao , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Yupeng , Liu Meina , Wang Yongchen
Published: March 2017

To assess the associations of obesity with newly diagnosed and previously known atopic disorders in Chinese adults. 4,629 adults aged 18 years or older were recruited in Harbin, China. Among them, 1,114 were previously diagnosed atopic cases, 1,298 were newly diagnosed cases, and 2,217 non-atopic controls. Obesity and overweight are defined according to the criteria established by the Working Group on Obesity in China. The associations of obesity with known and newly diagnosed atopic disorders were assessed using logistic regressions. Obesity was significantly associated with known atopic disorders (adjusted OR = 2.41 (95% CI: 1.81, 3.22)). The association of obesity with newly diagnosed atopic cases was not as strong as that with known cases, and was not statistically significant (adjusted OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.72)). The similar pattern was observed in different allergic diseases, gender and age stratifications. The association between overweight and atopic diseases were not significant. Obesity is strongly associated with previously diagnosed atopic cases but not so with newly diagnosed atopic cases in Chinese adults. It is likely that people with atopic disorders have a higher risk of developing obesity. Our findings are important for the management of atopic disorders and chronic disease prevention among atopic disease patients.
Identification of serum protein biomarkers for utrophin based DMD therapy
Authors: Guiraud Simon , Edwards Benjamin , Squire Sarah E. , Babbs Arran , Shah Nandini , Berg Adam , Chen Huijia , Davies Kay E.
Published: March 2017

Despite promising therapeutic avenues, there is currently no effective treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal monogenic disorder caused by the loss of the large cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin. A highly promising approach to therapy, applicable to all DMD patients irrespective to their genetic defect, is to modulate utrophin, a functional paralogue of dystrophin, able to compensate for the primary defects of DMD restoring sarcolemmal stability. One of the major difficulties in assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies is to define appropriate outcome measures. In the present study, we utilised an aptamer based proteomics approach to profile 1,310 proteins in plasma of wild-type, mdx and Fiona (mdx overexpressing utrophin) mice. Comparison of the C57 and mdx sera revealed 83 proteins with statistically significant >2 fold changes in dystrophic serum abundance. A large majority of previously described biomarkers (ANP32B, THBS4, CAMK2A/B/D, CYCS, CAPNI) were normalised towards wild-type levels in Fiona animals. This work also identified potential mdx markers specific to increased utrophin (DUS3, TPI1) and highlights novel mdx biomarkers (GITR, MYBPC1, HSP60, SIRT2, SMAD3, CNTN1). We define a panel of putative protein mdx biomarkers to evaluate utrophin based strategies which may help to accelerate their translation to the clinic.
Understanding surface structure and chemistry of single crystal lanthanum aluminate
Authors: Pramana Stevin S. , Cavallaro Andrea , Qi Jiahui , Nicklin Chris L. , Ryan Mary P. , Skinner Stephen J.
Published: March 2017

The surface crystallography and chemistry of a LaAlO3single crystal, a material mainly used as a substrate to deposit technologically important thin films (e.g. for superconducting and magnetic devices), was analysed using surface X-ray diffraction and low energy ion scattering spectroscopy. The surface was determined to be terminated by Al-O species, and was significantly different from the idealised bulk structure. Termination reversal was not observed at higher temperature (600 °C) and chamber pressure of 10−10 Torr, but rather an increased Al-O occupancy occurred, which was accompanied by a larger outwards relaxation of Al from the bulk positions. Changing the oxygen pressure to 10−6 Torr enriched the Al site occupancy fraction at the outermost surface from 0.245(10) to 0.325(9). In contrast the LaO, which is located at the next sub-surface atomic layer, showed no chemical enrichment and the structural relaxation was lower than for the top AlO2layer. Knowledge of the surface structure will aid the understanding of how and which type of interface will be formed when LaAlO3is used as a substrate as a function of temperature and pressure, and so lead to improved design of device structures.
Bioresources inner-recycling between bioflocculation of Microcystis aeruginosa and its reutilization as a substrate for bioflocculant production
Authors: Xu Liang , Huo Mingxin , Sun Caiyun , Cui Xiaochun , Zhou Dandan , Crittenden John C. , Yang Wu
Published: March 2017

Bioflocculation, being environmental-friendly and highly efficient, is considered to be a promising method to harvest microalgae. However, one limitation of this technology is high expense on substrates for bioflocculant bacteria cultivation. In this regard, we developed an innovative method for the inner-recycling of biomass that could harvest the typical microalgae, Microcystis aeruginosa, using a bioflocculant produced by Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1. In turn, the flocculated algal biomass could be reutilized as a substrate for Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1 cultivation and bioflocculant production. The experimental results showed that 3.4 ± 0.1 g of bioflocculant (hereafter called MBF-12) was produced by 10 g/L of wet biomass of M. aeruginosa (high-pressure steam sterilized) with an additional 10 g/L of glucose as an extra carbon source. The efficiency of MBF-12 for M. aeruginosa harvesting could reach ~95% under the optimized condition. Further analysis showed that MBF-12, dominated by ~270 kDa biopolymers, contributed the bioflocculation mechanisms of interparticle bridging and biosorption process. Bioflocculant synthesis by Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1 using microalga as a substrate, including the polyketide sugar unit, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and terpenoid backbone pathways. Our research provides the first evidence that harvested algae can be reutilized as a substrate to grow a bioflocculant using Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1.
Rhein Inhibits Autophagy in Rat Renal Tubular Cells by Regulation of AMPK/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Tu Yue , Gu Liubao , Chen Diping , Wu Wei , Liu Hong , Hu Hao , Wan Yigang , Sun Wei
Published: March 2017

Rhubarb and its bioactive component rhein are frequently used for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in eastern Asia countries. However, the potential therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. Autophagy plays an important role in CKD. However, there were some important related issues that remained unresolved in the role of autophagy in CKD and treatment by rhubarb and rhein. We designed a number of experiments to examine whether rhubarb may reduce renal fibrosis and autophagy in rats with adenine (Ade)-induced renal tubular injury, and whether rhein could affect autophagic pathways in rat renal tubular cells. We found that, autophagic activation accompanied with renal fibrosis in rats with Ade-induced renal tubular injury, and both autophagy and renal fibrosis were attenuated by rhubarb. In addition, we observed that rhein could inhibit autophagy through regulating the key molecules in the AMPK-dependent mTOR signaling pathways, as well as the Erk and p38 MAPKs signaling pathways. These findings may partly explain the therapeutic mechanisms of rhubarb and rhein in treating CKD patients in clinic, and further suggest that targeting autophagy and related signaling pathways may provide new strategies for the treatment of renal fibrosis in CKD.
Nicotine facilitates VSMC dysfunction through a miR-200b/RhoGDIA/cytoskeleton module
Authors: Liang Dongli , Wang Zhaoxia , Yan Zhiqiang , Hou Shangwei , Xu Wangjie , Wang Lianyun , Shang Meisheng , Qiao Zhongdong
Published: March 2017

Nicotine can induce the abnormal migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We have previously shown that cytoskeletal proteins and RhoGDIA, a negative regulator of the Rho GTPase pathway, are involved in the nicotine-induced dysfunction of VSMCs. Here, we found that nicotine can activate the Rho GTPase pathway and induce the synthesis of the cytoskeletal proteins in VSMCs through the activation of intracellular downstream signaling pathways, including targets such as MYPT1, PAK1 and PI3K/AKT. Upon nicotine treatment, the mRNA level of RhoGDIA is increased but protein level is decreased both in vitro and in vivo, which suggested a mechanism of post-translational regulation. By the dual luciferase reporter assay, we identified the microRNA-200b (miR-200b) as a modulator of the behavioural changes of VSMCs in response to nicotine through targeting RhoGDIA directly. Introducing miR-200b inhibitors into cultured VSMCs significantly attenuated cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, we found that hypomethylation in the CpG island shore region of miR-200b was responsible for the nicotine-induced miR-200b up-regulation in VSMCs. The study demonstrates that nicotine facilitates VSMC dysfunction through a miR-200b/RhoGDIA/cytoskeleton module through the hypomethylation of miR-200b promoter and suggests that epigenetic modifications may play an important role in the pathological progression.
Molecular imaging of small molecule drugs in animal tissues using laser desorption postionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Hu Yongjun , Lu Qiao , Wang Pengchao , Zhan Huaqi
Published: March 2017

Localization and quantification of ACF in a kidney section by laser desorption postionization mass spectrometry imaging.
Photomanipulation of the anchoring strength using a spontaneously adsorbed layer of azo dendrimers
Authors: Nádasi Hajnalka , Stannarius Ralf , Eremin Alexey , Ito Atsuki , Ishikawa Ken , Haba Osamu , Yonetake Koichiro , Takezoe Hideo , Araoka Fumito
Published: March 2017

We systematically studied the photoinduced anchoring transition in a nematic liquid crystal containing azo dendrimers. The transition was driven by photoisomerisation of the dendrimer adsorbed at the glass substrate. We investigated the relation between the spectral content of the illumination light and the anchoring energy of the liquid crystal.
Robust superhydrophilic polylactide (PLA) membranes with a TiO2 nano-particle inlaid surface for oil/water separation
Authors: Xiong Zhu , Lin Haibo , Zhong Yun , Qin Yan , Li Tiantian , Liu Fu
Published: March 2017

To overcome the surface instability of traditional polymeric membranes especially with superwetting behaviour, a robust superhydrophilic surface was fabricated with nano-TiO2 inlaid on a hierarchical polylactide (PLA) ultrafiltration membrane via a spin coating process.
Anomalous spontaneous-reduction of Mn7+/Mn4+to Mn2+and luminescence properties in Zn2GeO4:Mn
Authors: Hu J. Q. , Song E. H. , Ye S. , Zhou B. , Zhang Q. Y.
Published: March 2017

The spontaneous-reduction of Mn7+or Mn4+to Mn2+with intense Mn2+-photoluminescence or afterglow luminescence has been first demonstrated in Zn2GeO4and A2BGeO4(A = Li, Na; B = Mg, Zn) synthesized by a high temperature solid state reaction method in air.
Methionine and seleno-methionine type peptide and peptoid building blocks synthesized by five-component five-center reactions
Authors: Kaluđerović Goran N. , Abbas Muhammad , Kautz Hans Christian , Wadaan Mohammad A. M. , Lennicke Claudia , Seliger Barbara , Wessjohann Ludger A.
Published: March 2017

A first example of Ugi 5-component 5-center reactions resulted in methionine and Se-methionine type peptide and peptoid building blocks.
A new class of silica-supported chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors for anion recognition based on a selenourea scaffold
Authors: Casula Arianna , Llopis-Lorente Antoni , Garau Alessandra , Isaia Francesco , Kubicki Maciej , Lippolis Vito , Sancenón Félix , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Owczarzak Agata , Santi Claudio , Andrea Scorciapino M. , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: March 2017

The first example of a chromo-fluorogenic chemosensor containing a selenourea moiety is here described.
The greening of peptide synthesis
Authors: Lawrenson Stefan B. , Arav Roy , North Michael
Published: March 2017

Both couplings and deprotections for solution- and solid-phase peptide synthesis can be carried out in the polar aprotic solvent propylene carbonate.
An alternative method to access diverse N,N′-diquaternised-3,3′-biquinoxalinium “biquinoxen” dications
Authors: Leblanc Nicolas , Sproules Stephen , Powell Annie K.
Published: March 2017

Biquinoxens synthesis via oxidative radical homocoupling of N-alkylquinoxalinium – an alternative method.
Synthesis of random poly(hexyl thiophene-3-carboxylate) copolymers via oxidative direct arylation polymerization (oxi-DArP)
Authors: Gobalasingham Nemal S. , Pankow Robert M. , Thompson Barry C.
Published: March 2017

Oxi-DArP is utilized for the simple, mild, and atom economical synthesis of two families of random P3HET copolymers without any preactivation of the monomers, demonstrating the compatibility of this emerging synthetic method with copolymerizations.
Multiwalled carbon nanotube supported Schiff base copper complex inorganic nanocomposite for enhanced electrochemical detection of dopamine
Authors: Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chen Shen-Ming , Liao Wei Cheng
Published: March 2017

A MWCNT/[Cu(sal-ala)bpy] inorganic nanocomposite for the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA).
La2Sn2O7 enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction with H2O by deposition of Au co-catalyst
Authors: Chen Shuang , Pan Bao , Zeng Longquan , Luo Shijian , Wang Xuxu , Su Wenyue
Published: March 2017

La2Sn2O7 (LSO) micro/nanospheres, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, exhibited photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction.
In situ formation of a cellular graphene framework in thermoplastic composites leading to superior thermal conductivity
Authors: Alam Fakhr E. , Dai Wen , Yang Minghui , Du Shiyu , Li Xinming , Yu Jinhong , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng-Te
Published: March 2017

With single-step hot-pressing processes, a remarkable enhancement of the thermal conductivity of graphene/thermoplastic composites has been achieved, based on the formation of an interconnected, thermally percolating graphene framework in their matrix.
Catalyst-free one-step synthesis of ortho-tetraaryl perylene diimides for efficient OPV non-fullerene acceptors
Authors: Li Xiangchun , Wang Hengbin , Schneider Julia A. , Wei Zitang , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei , Wudl Fred , Zheng Yonghao
Published: March 2017

We report the regioselective ortho-functionalization of PDI with aryl Grignard reagents. OPVs with these non-fullerene acceptors showed PCEs up to 5%, the highest reported for an acceptor with a single PDI core.
Insight into the preparation and luminescence properties of yellow-green-emitting [(Sr,Ba)3AlO4F–Sr3SiO5]:Ce3+ solid solution phosphors
Authors: Yu Zhen , Xia Zhiguo , Chen Mingyue , Xiang Qianchuan , Liu Quanlin
Published: March 2017

A series of Ce3+ doped (1 − x)SSO–xSBAOF solid solution phosphors have been successfully synthesized by two different methods, and the phase structure and luminescence properties were investigated in detail.
Bilingual Aphasia: An Intervention Roadmap and the Dynamic Interplay Between Lexical Access and Language Control
Authors: Gray Teresa
Published: March 2017

This article discusses key issues that relate to bilingual aphasia and intervention techniques. The primary topics include: (a) an intervention roadmap that outlines diagnostic procedures and the importance of obtaining a comprehensive language profile for a bilingual person with aphasia, and (b) the theoretical underpinnings of bilingual language control, lexical access impairment, and bilingual control impairment.
Potential Implications of Attention Deficits for Treatment and Recovery in Aphasia
Authors: Villard Sarah
Published: March 2017

When thinking about what drives language recovery in aphasia, it is important to consider the possible role of attention processing. Not only is attention a fundamental skill that is required during even very simple tasks, it has also been shown to be impaired in individuals with aphasia. In this paper, we consider what successful attention during a typical language therapy session might look like, and discuss how impaired attention might negatively impact language treatment and recovery.
Optimal location of voltage sensors in low voltage networks for on‐load tap changer application
Authors: Rauma Kalle , Cadoux Florent , Roupioz Guillaume , Dufournet Adrien , Hadj‐Said Nouredine
Published: March 2017

This study contemplates the possibility of estimating in near real‐time the extreme voltages (minimum and maximum phase‐to‐neutral voltages) in a low voltage (LV) network using some, but as little as possible, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data. The main target application is to control an on‐load tap changer at a secondary substation (medium voltage/LV substations) so as to maintain adequate voltage in the entire downstream LV network. The authors focus on the practical problem that consists in choosing the customers whose (AMI‐based) voltage measurements will be used as inputs to the voltage control. They propose a method for the selection of customers that is based solely on statistical load profiles (without the need to resort to past AMI data) and they assess it using real‐world data from 38 different French urban and semi‐urban LV networks. The authors’ results show that working with simple load profiles instead of large amounts of past AMI data is acceptable, and that in most cases, choosing only a set of about ten customers at most is sufficient to guarantee an almost negligible level of error in the estimation of the minimum and maximum voltages in the LV network.
Biodiversity assessment: selecting sampling techniques to access anuran diversity in grassland ecosystems
Authors: Madalozzo B. , Santos T. G. , Santos M. B. , Both C. , Cechin S.
Published: March 2017

Context Species richness is a relevant diversity component of community ecology and many standardised techniques are available for data estimations. However, each technique is appropriate to a few environment types and has its own sampling biases. Thus, it is necessary to test the effectiveness of traditional and heterodox sampling techniques in different habitat types, especially for highly diverse taxonomic groups, such as anurans. Aims We present a comparison based on species richness and detection between the following techniques: acoustic survey with visual encounter of adults (ASVE), automated digital recorders (ADR) and dip net survey of larvae (DSL). We sought to determine: (1) the most efficient sampling technique to survey species richness in ponds of grasslands habitats; and (2) whether efficiency is related to the particular life history traits of species. Methods During 2014 and 2015, we sampled 47 ponds distributed in vulnerable Brazilian grassland areas using ASVE, ADR and DSL. Anuran species were surveyed across two seasons that coincide with the peak of anuran breeding activity in the region. Key results Species richness recorded by ADR and ASVE was higher when compared with DSL. In terms of combined utilisation, ADR with DSL was as efficient as using all techniques together. However, species detection differed among sampling techniques. ADR had the higher percentage of species that were sampled exclusively in at least one breeding pond and DSL detected two species that were not detected by the other techniques. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ADR includes most species whose males call for only a few hours during the night or day, and DSL exclusively detects ‘explosive breeders’, incorporating a wide range of life history traits. ASVE becomes unnecessary since it does not include specific variations of species’ calling behaviour. It is susceptible to a discrepancy of survey data among observers and potentially causes a human disturbance effect in the estimated data. Implications We strongly recommended the use of ADR rather than ASVE, and we recommended DSL as a supplementary technique for population monitoring and surveys in grassland areas. We encourage researchers to include ADR and DSL in future works to survey biologic data outside of the short sampling event for which ASVE is commonly utilised, thereby improving the interpretation of biological patterns.
The impact of sheep grazing on the depth of spider burrows and of burrows selected by the pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis)
Authors: Clayton Jessica , Bull Michael
Published: March 2017

Context
Grazing by domestic stock can potentially influence ecosystems positively or negatively, depending on the grazing regime and intensity. The pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis) is an endangered species, restricted to fragmented grasslands in the Mid North region of South Australia, predominantly grazed by sheep. These lizards refuge in vertical burrows. They do not dig their own burrows, instead relying on co-existing spiders for this essential resource.

Aims
We investigated how sheep grazing influenced spider burrows, and predicted the following: that grazing sheep might trample and destroy shallow burrows; that burrows in grazed habitat with less vegetative cover would have higher temperatures in summer; and that, by way of compensation, spiders would dig deeper burrows in grazed habitat.

Methods
We monitored 12 30m×30m plots monthly, over two austral spring/summer periods (September–March 2012–14). We recorded the number, depth and occupant of all spider burrows in those plots in each survey. We also measured temperatures inside artificial burrows in grazed and ungrazed habitat over a 3-day period in September 2014.

Key results
Mean burrow depth increased with grazing. This was not because individual burrows became deeper, but because the shallowest burrows were lost where there were sheep. Burrows were significantly hotter in grazed habitat, but lizards consistently chose deeper, cooler burrows. In the subset of burrows that were occupied by lizards, there was no difference in depth between grazed and ungrazed treatments. We detected no difference in spider digging activity between grazed and ungrazed plots.

Conclusions
Sheep grazing can destroy shallow burrows, probably through trampling, and because sheep produce burrow filling debris. However, grazing did not affect deeper burrows occupied by pygmy bluetongue lizards.

Implications
This short study indicated that moderate levels of grazing have low impact on deeper burrows suitable for pygmy bluetongue lizards and for lizard persistence. It explains how sheep and lizards have co-occurred for so long, but leaves open the question of how the loss of shallow burrows affects populations of the burrow-digging spiders that are an essential component of the lizard environment.
Transposon insertional mutagenesis in mice identifies human breast cancer susceptibility genes and signatures for stratification
Authors: Chen Liming , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Pillai Andrea Mun Ching , Ivshina Anna V. , Ow Ghim Siong , Efthimios Motakis , Zhiqun Tang , Tan Tuan Zea , Lee Song-Choon , Rogers Keith , Ward Jerrold M. , Mori Seiichi , Adams David J. , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G. , Ban Kenneth Hon-Kim , Kuznetsov Vladimir A. , Thiery Jean Paul
Published: March 2017

Significance

Despite concerted efforts to identify causal genes that drive breast cancer (BC) initiation and progression, we have yet to establish robust signatures to stratify patient risk. Here we used in vivo transposon-based forward genetic screening to identify potentially relevant BC driver genes. Integrating this approach with survival prediction analysis, we identified six gene pairs that could prognose human BC subtypes into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups with high confidence and reproducibility. Furthermore, we identified susceptibility gene sets for basal and claudin-low subtypes (21 and 16 genes, respectively) that stratify patients into three relative risk subgroups. These signatures offer valuable prognostic insight into the genetic basis of BC and allow further exploration of the interconnectedness of BC driver genes during disease progression.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K1 of the air-kerma standards of the SCK·CEN, Belgium and the BIPM in 60Co gamma radiation
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D , Mihailescu L C , Chiriotti S
Published: March 2017

A first key comparison of the standards for air kerma of the Laboratory for Nuclear Calibrations (LNK) from the Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie—Centre d'Etude de l'Energie Nucleaire (SCK·CEN), Belgium and of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) was carried out in the 60Co radiation beam of the BIPM in September 2016. The comparison result, evaluated as a ratio of the SCK·CEN and the BIPM standards for air kerma, is 1.0021 with a combined standard uncertainty of 2.6 × 10-3. The results for an indirect comparison made at the same time are consistent with the direct results at the level of 7 parts in 104. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
A network model predicts the intensity of residue-protein thermal coupling
Authors: Censoni Luciano , dos Santos Muniz Heloisa , Martínez Leandro
Published: March 2017

Motivation

The flow of vibrational energy in proteins has been shown not to obey expectations for isotropic media. The existence of preferential pathways for energy transport, with probable connections to allostery mechanisms, has been repeatedly demonstrated. Here, we investigate whether, by representing a set of protein structures as networks of interacting amino acid residues, we are able to model heat diffusion and predict residue-protein vibrational couplings, as measured by the Anisotropic Thermal Diffusion (ATD) computational protocol of modified molecular dynamics simulations.

Results

We revisit the structural rationales for the precise definition of a contact between amino acid residues. Using this definition to describe a set of proteins as contact networks where each node corresponds to a residue, we show that node centrality, particularly closeness centrality and eigenvector centrality, correlates to the strength of the vibrational coupling of each residue to the rest of the structure. We then construct an analytically solvable model of heat diffusion on a network, whose solution incorporates an explicit dependence on the connectivity of the heated node, as described by a perturbed graph Laplacian Matrix.

Availability and Implementation

An implementation of the described model is available at http://leandro.iqm.unicamp.br/atd-scripts.
Long-term symptom improvement and patient satisfaction following catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia: insights from the German ablation registry
Authors: Brachmann Johannes , Lewalter Thorsten , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Andresen Dietrich , Willems Stephan , Spitzer Stefan G. , Straube Florian , Schumacher Burghard , Eckardt Lars , Danilovic Dejan , Thomas Dierk , Hochadel Matthias , Senges Jochen
Published: March 2017

Aims

To analyse outcomes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablations performed within a prospective German Ablation Quality Registry.

Methods and results

Data from 12 566 patients who underwent catheter ablation of SVT between January 2007 and January 2010 to treat atrial fibrillation (AFIB, 37.2% of procedures), atrial flutter (AFL, 29.9%), atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT, 23.2%), atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (6.3%), and focal atrial tachycardia (AT, 3.4%) were prospectively collected. Patients were followed for at least 1 year. The periprocedural success rate was 96.3%, ranging from 84.3% (focal AT) to 98.9% (AVNRT). Kaplan–Meier mortality estimate at 1 year was 1.4% overall, and as high as 2.6% in the AFL group and 2.8% in the focal AT group. Recurrence of ablated or another symptomatic SVT was observed in 3783 (32.6%) of patients, ranging from 17.2% (AVNRT) to 45.6% (AFIB). Repeat ablation was performed in 12.0% of patients. After 1 year, 74.1% of survivors perceived ablation therapy as successful, 15.7% as partly successful, and 9.6% as unsuccessful. Even in those patients with arrhythmia recurrence, 76.0% perceived ablation as successful or partly successful and 89.6% would still undergo repeat ablation in the same institution.

Conclusion

Ablation therapy for SVT is a safe procedure bringing symptomatic improvement and satisfaction to three quarters of patients after 1 year. Even in patients with arrhythmia recurrence, a high satisfaction level and adherence to the ablating institution could be documented. Strikingly high mortality and stroke rates in follow-up were observed in AFL patients, who apparently need consistent long-term anticoagulation and more medical attention.
Delayed treatment of a neonatal type-I Monteggia fracture-dislocation: a case report
Authors: Smith William R. , Kozin Scott H. , Zlotolow Dan A.
Published: March 2017

Delayed diagnosis of a Monteggia fracture-dislocation changes a straightforward, treatable injury into a complex problem. Acute neonatal injuries may be missed because of the inability to visualize the unossified skeleton on radiography, interpreted later as ‘congenital’ dislocations. We report the case of a 14-month-old with a neonatal Monteggia type-I fracture-dislocation secondary to birth trauma, with anterior radial head dislocation and plastic deformation of the ulna. Uniplanar external fixation was used to restore ulnar length and correct angulation, with subsequent radiocapitellar joint closed reduction. Joint congruity was maintained at the 2-year follow-up, with articular remodeling shown on serial arthrogram.
Trends in National Emergency Medicine Conference Didactic Lectures Over a 6-Year Period
Authors: Gottlieb Michael , Riddell Jeff , Njie Abdoulie
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

National conference didactic lectures have traditionally featured hour-long lecture-based presentations. However, there is evidence that longer lectures can lead to both decreased attention and retention of information. The authors sought to identify trends in lecture duration, lecture types, and number of speakers at four national emergency medicine (EM) conferences over a 6-year period.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the length, number of speakers, and format of didactic lectures at four different national EM conferences over 6 years. The authors abstracted data from the national academic assemblies for the four largest not-for-profit EM organizations in the United States: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Results:

There was a significant yearly decrease in the mean lecture lengths for three of the four conferences. There was an increase in the percentage of rapid fire sessions over the preceding 2 years with a corresponding decrease in the percentage of general educational sessions. There was no significant difference in the mean number of speakers per lecture.

Discussion:

An analysis of 4210 didactic lecture sessions from the annual meetings of four national EM organizations over a 6-year period showed significant decreases in mean lecture length. These findings can help to guide EM continuing medical education conference planning and research.
Defining Clinical Excellence in Hospital Medicine: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kotwal Susrutha , Peña Ivonne , Howell Eric , Wright Scott
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

There are now more than 50,000 hospitalists working in the United States. Limited empiric research has been performed to characterize clinical excellence in hospital medicine. We conducted a qualitative study to discover elements judged to be most pertinent to excellence in clinical care delivered by hospitalists.

Methods:

The chiefs of hospital medicine at five hospitals were asked to identify their “clinically best” hospitalists. Data collection, in the form of one-on-one interviews, was directed by an interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the informants' perspectives were analyzed using editing analysis to identify themes.

Results:

A total of 26 hospitalists were interviewed. The mean age of the physicians was 38 years, 13 (50%) were women, and 16 (62%) were non-white. Seven themes emerged that related to clinical excellence in hospital medicine: communicating effectively, appreciating partnerships and collaboration, having superior clinical judgment, being organized and efficient, connecting with patients, committing to continued growth and development, and being professional and humanistic.

Discussion:

This qualitative study describes how respected hospitalists think about excellence in clinical care in hospital medicine. Their perspectives can be used to guide continuing medical education, so that offered programs can pay attention to enhancing the skills of learners so they can develop towards excellence, rather than using only competence as the desired target objective.