bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparum RUVBL3 protein: a novel DNA modifying enzyme and an interacting partner of essential HAT protein MYST
Authors: Sen Utsav , Saxena Himani , Khurana Juhi , Nayak Akshaykumar , Gupta Ashish
Published: July 2018

RUVBLs constitute a conserved group of ATPase proteins that play significant role in a variety of cellular processes including transcriptional regulation, cell cycle and DNA damage repair. Three RUVBL homologues, namely, PfRUVBL1, PfRUVBL2 and PfRUVBL3 have been identified inP.falciparum, unlike its eukaryotic counterparts, which have two RUVBL proteins (RUVBL1 & RUVBL2). The present study expands our understanding of PfRUVBL3 protein and thereby basic biology of Plasmodium in general. Here, we have shown that parasite PfRUVBL3 is a true homolog of human/yeast RUVBL2 protein. Our result show that PfRUVBL3 constitutively expresses throughout the stages of intra-erythrocytic cycle (IDC) with varied localization. In addition to ATPase and oligomerization activity, we have for the first time shown that PfRUVBL3 possess DNA cleavage activity which interestingly is dependent on its insertion domain. Furthermore, we have also identified RUVBL3 to be an interacting partner of an essential chromatin remodeling protein PfMYST and together they colocalize with H3K9me1 histone in parasitophorous vacuole during the ring stage of IDC suggesting their potential involvement in chromatin remodeling and gene transcription.
The Effect of Size Statistics of the Background Texture on Perceived Target Size
Authors: Wu Chia-Ching , Chen Chien-Chung
Published: July 2018

We investigated the effect of the size distribution statistics of background elements on the perceived size of a target. We manipulated the first, second, and third order statistics (i.e., mean, variance, and skewness) of the background element size distribution. We used a two-interval forced-choice paradigm to measure perceived target size at different background size distributions. In each trial, a standard disk, or target, was presented in one interval with a textured background and a comparison disk, on a blank background, in the other. The task for the observers was to determine which interval contained a larger disk. We measured the point of subjective equality for the perceived target size with a staircase procedure. The perceived target size decreased with the increment of mean background disk size. The variance and skewness of the background element size did not affect the perceived target size. Our results showed that only the first order statistics of the background modulated the perceived target size, not the higher order statistics. A computational model, in which the visual system extracts size information by averaging the responses of different size channels, whose response is modulated by the size of the background elements, can account for the results.
Novel 2-phenyloxypyrimidine derivative induces apoptosis and autophagy via inhibiting PI3K pathway and activating MAPK/ERK signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Jing , Sun Peng , Chen Yijun , Yao Hequan , Wang Shuzhen
Published: July 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Because most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib is the only available drug to show limited effectiveness. Novel and effective therapies are unmet medical need for advanced HCC patients. Given that the aberrant expression and activity of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) are closely associated with the pathogenesis of HCC, here we present the discovery and identification of a novel PDGFRα inhibitor, N-(3-((4-(benzofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy)-4-methylphenyl)-4-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)benzamide (E5) after comparison of different derivatives. We found that E5 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCC cells. Since the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK partially rescued HCC cells from E5-reduced cell viability, autophagic cell death triggered by E5 was subsequently investigated. E5 could induce the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, increase the expression of Atg5 and restore the autophagy flux blocked by chloroquine. Meanwhile, E5 was able to downregulate the PDGFRα/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and to activate MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, in addition to the possibility of E5 as a valuable drug candidate, the present study further supports the notion that targeted inhibition of PDGFRα is a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Global investigation of an engineered nitrogen-fixing Escherichia coli strain reveals regulatory coupling between host and heterologous nitrogen-fixation genes
Authors: Yang Zhimin , Han Yunlei , Ma Yao , Chen Qinghua , Zhan Yuhua , Lu Wei , Cai Li , Hou Mingsheng , Chen Sanfeng , Yan Yongliang , Lin Min
Published: July 2018

Transfer of nitrogen fixation (nif) genes from diazotrophs to amenable heterologous hosts is of increasing interest to genetically engineer nitrogen fixation. However, how the non-diazotrophic host maximizes opportunities to fine-tune the acquired capacity for nitrogen fixation has not been fully explored. In this study, a global investigation of an engineered nitrogen-fixing Escherichia coli strain EN-01 harboring a heterologous nif island from Pseudomonas stutzeri was performed via transcriptomics and proteomics analyses. A total of 1156 genes and 206 discriminative proteins were found to be significantly altered when cells were incubated under nitrogen-fixation conditions. Pathways for regulation, metabolic flux and oxygen protection to nitrogenase were particularly discussed. An NtrC-dependent regulatory coupling between E. coli nitrogen regulation system and nif genes was established. Additionally, pentose phosphate pathway was proposed to serve as the primary route for glucose catabolism and energy supply to nitrogenase. Meanwhile, HPLC analysis indicated that organic acids produced by EN-01 might have negative effects on nitrogenase activity. This study provides a global view of the complex network underlying the acquired nif genes in the recombinant E. coli and also provides clues for the optimization and redesign of robust nitrogen-fixing organisms to improve nitrogenase efficiency by overcoming regulatory or metabolic obstacles.
Arylsulphatase A Pseudodeficiency (ARSA-PD), hypertension and chronic renal disease in Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Tang Dave , Fakiola Michaela , Syn Genevieve , Anderson Denise , Cordell Heather J. , Scaman Elizabeth S. H. , Davis Elizabeth , Miles Simon J. , McLeay Toby , Jamieson Sarra E. , Lassmann Timo , Blackwell Jenefer M.
Published: July 2018

Chronic renal disease (CRD) associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant problem in Aboriginal Australians. Whole exome sequencing data (N = 72) showed enrichment for ClinVar pathogenic variants in gene sets/pathways linking lipoprotein, lipid and glucose metabolism. The top Ingenuity Pathway Analysis canonical pathways were Farsenoid X Receptor and Retinoid Receptor (FXR/RXR; (P = 1.86 × 10−7), Liver X Receptor and Retinoid Receptor (LXR/RXR; P = 2.88 × 10−6), and atherosclerosis signalling (P = 3.80 × 10−6). Top pathways/processes identified using Enrichr included: Reactome 2016 chylomicron-mediated lipid transport (P = 3.55 × 10−7); Wiki 2016 statin (P = 8.29 × 10−8); GO Biological Processes 2017 chylomicron remodelling (P = 1.92 × 10−8). ClinVar arylsulfatase A pseudodeficiency (ARSA-PD) pathogenic variants were common, including the missense variant c.511 G > A (p.Asp171Asn; rs74315466; frequency 0.44) only reported in Polynesians. This variant is in cis with known ARSA-PD 3′ regulatory c.*96 A > G (rs6151429; frequency 0.47) and missense c.1055 A > G (p.Asn352Ser; rs2071421; frequency 0.47) variants. These latter two variants are associated with T2D (risk haplotype GG; odds ratio 2.67; 95% CI 2.32–3.08; P = 2.43 × 10−4) in genome-wide association data (N = 402), but are more strongly associated with quantitative traits (DBP, SBP, ACR, eGFR) for hypertension and renal function in non-diabetic than diabetic subgroups. Traits associated with CVD, CRD and T2D in Aboriginal Australians provide novel insight into function of ARSA-PD variants.
A flexible solar-blind 2D boron nitride nanopaper-based photodetector with high thermal resistance
Authors: Lin Chun-Ho , Fu Hui-Chun , Cheng Bin , Tsai Meng-Lin , Luo Wei , Zhou Lihui , Jang Soo-Hwan , Hu Liangbing , He Jr-Hau
Published: July 2018

Flexible electronics are expected to play a key role in connecting human lives with versatile smart electronic devices due to their adaptability to different shapes, surfaces, and even the human body. However, heat management issues found in most flexible devices due to the low thermal conductivity of conventional plastic or paper substrates become significant for large-scale integration or high-temperature applications. In this study, we employed high thermal conductivity nanopaper composed of two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and one-dimensional nanofibrillated cellulose to form a flexible deep-ultraviolet photodetector demonstrating superior photodetectivity of up to 8.05 × 1010 cm Hz1/2/W, a short response time of 0.267 s, and excellent flexible durability featuring repeatable ON/OFF photoswitching over 200 bending cycles. Because the boron nitride paper has a high thermal conductivity of 146 W/mK, which is three orders of magnitude larger than plastic or paper substrates, the photodetectors can work at high temperatures of up to 200 °C. The boron nitride paper-based strategy described herein suggests a path for improving heat dissipation in flexible electronics and achieving high-performance deep-ultraviolet photodetectors, which can be applied in wearable applications.
Nav1.2 haplodeficiency in excitatory neurons causes absence-like seizures in mice
Authors: Ogiwara Ikuo , Miyamoto Hiroyuki , Tatsukawa Tetsuya , Yamagata Tetsushi , Nakayama Tojo , Atapour Nafiseh , Miura Eriko , Mazaki Emi , Ernst Sara J. , Cao Dezhi , Ohtani Hideyuki , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Yanagawa Yuchio , Montal Mauricio , Yuzaki Michisuke , Inoue Yushi , Hensch Takao K. , Noebels Jeffrey L. , Yamakawa Kazuhiro
Published: July 2018

Mutations in the SCN2A gene encoding a voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2 are associated with epilepsies, intellectual disability, and autism. SCN2A gain-of-function mutations cause early-onset severe epilepsies, while loss-of-function mutations cause autism with milder and/or later-onset epilepsies. Here we show that both heterozygous Scn2a-knockout and knock-in mice harboring a patient-derived nonsense mutation exhibit ethosuximide-sensitive absence-like seizures associated with spike-and-wave discharges at adult stages. Unexpectedly, identical seizures are reproduced and even more prominent in mice with heterozygous Scn2a deletion specifically in dorsal-telencephalic (e.g., neocortical and hippocampal) excitatory neurons, but are undetected in mice with selective Scn2a deletion in inhibitory neurons. In adult cerebral cortex of wild-type mice, most Nav1.2 is expressed in excitatory neurons with a steady increase and redistribution from proximal (i.e., axon initial segments) to distal axons. These results indicate a pivotal role of Nav1.2 haplodeficiency in excitatory neurons in epilepsies of patients with SCN2A loss-of-function mutations.
Real-time mass-spectrometric screening of droplet-scale electrochemical reactions
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yu Kai , Li Na , He Jing , Qiao Lina , Li Ming , Wang Yingying , Zhang Dongmei , Jiang Jie , Zare Richard N.
Published: July 2018

A real-time electrochemistry-mass spectrometry coupling for detecting the short-lived DMA˙+ and observing the DMA reaction propagation is reported.
Detection of firearm discharge residue from skin swabs using trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry
Authors: McKenzie-Coe Alan , Bell Suzanne , Fernandez-Lima Francisco
Published: July 2018

In the present work, a novel workflow for the detection of both elemental and organic constituents of the firearm discharge residue from skin swabs was developed using trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry.
A novel design of a polynuclear co-delivery system for safe and efficient cancer therapy
Authors: Xing Lei , Zhang Jia-Liang , Zhou Tian-jiao , He Yu-Jing , Cui Peng-Fei , Gong Jia-Hui , Sun Minjie , Lu Jin-Jian , Huang Zhangjian , Jin Liang , Jiang Hu-Lin
Published: July 2018

A polynuclear nanoparticle fabricated through a sequential hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction mechanism can circumvent the contradictory problem of siRNA binding capacity and toxicities of cationic vectors.
Uracil grafted imine-based covalent organic framework for nucleobase recognition
Authors: Royuela Sergio , García-Garrido Eduardo , Martín Arroyo Miguel , Mancheño María J. , Ramos María M. , González-Rodríguez David , Somoza Álvaro , Zamora Félix , Segura José L.
Published: July 2018

An imine-based covalent organic framework (COF) decorated in its cavities with uracil groups has shown selective recognition towards adenine in water.
Electrochemical fabrication of nanoporous gold electrodes in a deep eutectic solvent for electrochemical detections
Authors: Rong Kai , Huang Liang , Zhang Hui , Zhai Junfeng , Fang Youxing , Dong Shaojun
Published: July 2018

An electrochemical method was developed to fabricate nanoporous gold electrodes by alloying and dealloying Au–Zn alloy in ZnCl2–urea deep eutectic solvent.
Insights into β-ketoacyl-chain recognition for β-ketoacyl-ACP utilizing AHL synthases
Authors: Nhu Lam Mila , Dudekula Dastagiri , Durham Bri , Collingwood Noah , Brown Eric C. , Nagarajan Rajesh
Published: July 2018

The design, synthesis and kinetic evaluation of beta-ketoacyl-ACP mimics for two 3-oxoacyl-ACP utilizing quorum signal synthases are reported.
Morphology modulation of SnO photocatalyst: from microplate to hierarchical architectures self-assembled with thickness controllable nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Qi , Zhang Jun , Yin Lili , Li Yao , Yin Shu , Cao Wenbin
Published: July 2018

We prepared plate-like SnO and hierarchical SnO architectures with tunable morphologies and decreased size, which exhibit morphology-dependent photocatalytic properties.
A high-performance protein crystallization plate pre-embedded with crosslinked protein microcrystals as seeds
Authors: Hou Hai , Shi Miao , Chen Zhong-Hao , Ahmad Fiaz , Liu Yue , Yan Er-Kai , Luo Chao , Li Jing , Zhu Cheng-Long , Deng Xu-Dong , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: July 2018

The high performance and stability of the microcrystals suggested that the novel plate can be practically applied in routine protein crystallization.
Halogen⋯halogen interactions in the self-assembly of one-dimensional 2,2′-bipyrimidine-based CuIIReIV systems
Authors: Armentano Donatella , Sanchis-Perucho Adrián , Rojas-Dotti Carlos , Martínez-Lillo José
Published: July 2018

Two one-dimensional CuIIReIV coordination polymers of the general formula {[ReIVCl4(μ-bpym)CuIIX2]·solvent}n [where bpym = 2,2′-bipyrimidine, X = Cl (1) and Br (2), and solvent = H2O (1) and CHCl3 (2)] have been prepared and characterised structurally and magnetically.
Spectroscopic characterization of lithium thiophosphates by XPS and XAS – a model to help monitor interfacial reactions in all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Dietrich Christian , Koerver Raimund , Gaultois Michael W. , Kieslich Gregor , Cibin Giannantonio , Janek Jürgen , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: July 2018

Shift of binding energies upon depolymerization of superionic lithium thiophosphates.
Size and shape dependency of the surface energy of metallic nanoparticles: unifying the atomic and thermodynamic approaches
Authors: Molleman Bastiaan , Hiemstra Tjisse
Published: July 2018

We identify the surface of tension for faceted, metallic nanoparticles, revealing the thermodynamically consistent size dependency of the surface energy.
Understanding global infrared opacity and hot bands of greenhouse molecules with low vibrational modes from first-principles calculations: the case of CF4
Authors: Rey Michaël , Chizhmakova Iana S. , Nikitin Andrei V. , Tyuterev Vladimir G.
Published: July 2018

Fluorine containing molecules have a particularly long atmospheric lifetime and their very big estimated global warming potentials are expected to rapidly increase in the future.
Influence of the lattice constant on defects in cerium oxide
Authors: Grieshammer Steffen
Published: July 2018

The lattice constant influences the energies of defect formation, interaction and migration in ceria.
Catalysis and photocatalysis by metal organic frameworks
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Li Zhaohui , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: July 2018

This review aims to provide different strategies employed to use MOFs as solid catalysts and photocatalysts in organic transformations.
Synthesis and properties of heterobimetallic rhodium complexes featuring LiI, CuI or ZnII as a Lewis acidic metalloligand
Authors: Steinhoff Patrick , Steinbock Ralf , Friedrich Anna , Schieweck Benjamin G. , Cremer Christopher , Truong Khai-Nghi , Tauchert Michael E.
Published: July 2018

Coordination of Lewis acidic metalloligands LiI, CuI and ZnII shows a remarkable impact on the CO stretching band in heterobimetallic rhodium complexes.
Effect of doping Ge into Y2O3:Ho,Yb on the green-to-red emission ratio and temperature sensing
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Zoellner Brandon , Maggard Paul A. , Wang Gufeng
Published: July 2018

The Ge-doped Y2O3:Ho,Yb phosphor tunes the G/R ratio, and the G/R ratio has a higher absolute temperature sensitivity.
Syntheses and characterization of hepta-coordinated Group 4 amidinate complexes
Authors: Cook Tabitha M. , Steren Carlos A. , Xue Zi-Ling
Published: July 2018

Hepta-coordinated Group 4 amidinate complexes have been synthesized and characterized by 15N chemical shifts through 1H–15N gHMBC NMR.
Recent trend in visible-light photoelectrocatalytic systems for degradation of organic contaminants in water/wastewater
Authors: Peleyeju Moses G. , Arotiba Omotayo A.
Published: July 2018

Electrochemical advanced oxidation process and heterogeneous photocatalysis have received great attention in the last few years as alternative/complementary water treatment technologies.
Investigation of the iron oxidation state in ovarian cancer using synchrotron micro X-ray absorption near edge structure – preliminary results
Authors: Krauze D. M. , Grzelak M. , Wróbel P. , Veronesi G. , Castillo H. , Chmura L. , Adamek D. , Jach R. , Lankosz M.
Published: July 2018

Iron as a trace element plays a role in regulating the homeostasis of the human body and therefore the concentration of iron in the body must be carefully monitored.
Open nanofluidic films with rapid transport and no analyte exchange for ultra-low sample volumes
Authors: Twine N. B. , Norton R. M. , Brothers M. C. , Hauke A. , Gomez E. F. , Heikenfeld J.
Published: July 2018

Moving to ultra-low (<100 nL) sample volumes presents numerous challenges, many of which can be resolved by implementation of open nanofluidic films.
Hidden gapless states during thermal transformations of preorganized zinc alkoxides to zinc oxide nanocrystals
Authors: Szlachetko Jakub , Kubas Adam , Cieślak Anna Maria , Sokołowski Kamil , Mąkolski Łukasz , Czapla-Masztafiak Joanna , Sá Jacinto , Lewiński Janusz
Published: July 2018

Formation mechanism of ZnO nanocrystals is elucidated using advanced core-level spectroscopic techniques in conjunction with theoretical calculations.
A theoretical study of perovskites related to CH3NH3PbX3(X = F, Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: July 2018

MAPIand related perovskites have been studied using a hybrid DFT/HF DFT method with a simplified “corner” model. Bond dissociation energies and1H,13C,15N and207Pb absolute shieldings were calculated.
A metal–organic framework nanomaterial as an ideal loading platform for ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassays
Authors: Huang Xiaomei , Deng Xiang , Qi Wenjing , Wu Di
Published: July 2018

An ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunosensor suitable for identifying carcinoembryonic antigens (CEAs) was developed, using a metal–organic framework nanomaterial (AuNP@NPCGO) as an ideal loading platform and RuSiO2NPs as ECL signaling units.
Horseradish peroxidase-mediated in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles: application for sensing of mercury
Authors: Nanda Kumar D. , Chandrasekaran N. , Mukherjee A.
Published: July 2018

Schematic representation for spectrophotometric detection of Hg2+ using an enzyme-mediated formation of silver nanoparticles.
Asymmetric iodine catalysis-mediated enantioselective oxidative transformations
Authors: Claraz Aurélie , Masson Géraldine
Published: July 2018

The implementation of chiral iodine catalysis has tremendously been developed in the field of asymmetric synthesis over the past decade.
Application of a bodipy–C70 dyad in triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion of perylene as a metal-free photosensitizer
Authors: Wei Yaxiong , Zheng Min , Zhou Qiaohui , Zhou Xiaoguo , Liu Shilin
Published: July 2018

A bodipy–C70 dyad was synthesized and applied in triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion of perylene as a novel metal-free organic photosensitizer.
Processing and manufacturing of graphene-based microsupercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Han Yuyang , Shao Changxiang , Chen Nan , Sun Guoqiang , Jin Xuting , Gao Jian , Ji Bingxue , Yang Hongsheng , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2018

Portable electronic devices and electric vehicles have greatly stimulated the development of micro-sized energy storage devices.
A heptacyclic carbon–oxygen-bridged ladder-type building block for A–D–A acceptors
Authors: Jin Ke , Deng Chenyu , Zhang Lei , Li Dan , Li Ting , Wang Feng , Yuan Yongbo , Xiao Zuo , Ding Liming
Published: July 2018

A–D–A acceptors based on a heptacyclic carbon–oxygen-bridged ladder-type unit, COi7, can give a high fill factor in organic solar cells.
Correction: Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, using the extract of Rosa canina fruit, and their use as recyclable and heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the degradation of dye pollutants in water
Authors: Hemmati Saba , Mehrazin Lida , Ghorban Hedieh , Garakani Samira Hossein , Mobaraki Taha Hashemi , Mohammadi Pourya , Veisi Hojat
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Correction: Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, using the extract of Rosa canina fruit, and their use as recyclable and heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the degradation of dye pollutants in water’ by Saba Hemmati et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 22763–22763.
Surface modification of biomass-derived hard carbon by grafting porous carbon nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Dong Shian , He Xiaojun , Zhang Hanfang , Xie Xiaoyu , Yu Moxin , Yu Chang , Xiao Nan , Qiu Jieshan
Published: July 2018

PCNS/BHC composites were prepared by grafting PCNSs with high graphitization degree and abundant pores onto BHC surfaces for high-performance supercapacitors.
Heterolayered 2D nanohybrids of uniformly stacked transition metal dichalcogenide–transition metal oxide monolayers with improved energy-related functionalities
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Shin Seung-Jae , Kim Jungeun , Lee Nam-Suk , Kim Hyungjun , Hwang Seong-Ju
Published: July 2018

The incorporation of metal oxide nanosheets into restacked metal dichalcogenide nanosheets provides an effective way to explore novel multifunctional heterostructures.
Hierarchical NiCo-LDH/NiCoP@NiMn-LDH hybrid electrodes on carbon cloth for excellent supercapacitors
Authors: Liang Haoyan , Lin Jinghuang , Jia Henan , Chen Shulin , Qi Junlei , Cao Jian , Lin Tiesong , Fei Weidong , Feng Jicai
Published: July 2018

To realize high-performance and long life span supercapacitors, highly electrochemically active materials and rational design of structure are highly desirable.
Experimental and theoretical investigation into visible-light-promoted selective hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde to crotonyl alcohol using Au–Co,Ni alloy nanoparticle supported layered double hydroxides
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Zhang Xiaofeng , Meng Yue , Zhou Xiaobo , Pan Guoxiang , Ni Zheming , Xia Shengjie
Published: July 2018

Both the conversion of crotonaldehyde hydrogenation and the selectivity of crotonyl alcohol are greatly improved under visible light irradiation catalyzed by Au–Ni/LDHs.
Mutation of G51 in SepF impairs FtsZ assembly promoting ability of SepF and retards the division of Mycobacterium smegmatis cells
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipanwita , Sinha Kanchan , Panda Dulal
Published: July 2018

The role of FtsZ-associated proteins in the regulation of the assembly dynamics of Mycobacterium smegmatis FtsZ is not clear. In this work, we examined the effect of M. smegmatis SepF on the assembly and stability of M. smegmatis FtsZ polymers. We discovered a single dominant point mutation in SepF (G51D or G51R) that renders the protein inactive. SepF promoted the polymerization of FtsZ, induced the bundling of FtsZ filaments, stabilized FtsZ filaments and reduced the GTPase activity of FtsZ. Surprisingly, both G51D-SepF and G51R-SepF neither stabilized FtsZ filaments nor showed a discernable effect on the GTPase activity of FtsZ. The binding affinity of SepF to FtsZ was found to be stronger than the binding affinity of G51R/D-SepF to FtsZ. Interestingly, the binding affinity of SepF to G51R-SepF was determined to be 45 times stronger than FtsZ. In addition, the interaction of SepF with G51R-SepF was found to be 2.6 times stronger than SepF–SepF interaction. Furthermore, G51R-SepF impaired the ability of SepF to promote the assembly of FtsZ. In addition, the overexpression of G51R-SepF in M. smegmatis mc2 155 cells retarded the proliferation of these cells and increased the average length of the cells. The results indicated that SepF positively regulates the assembly of M. smegmatis FtsZ and the G51 residue has an important role in the functioning of SepF.
Controlling the regioselectivity and stereospecificity of FAD-dependent polyamine oxidases with the use of amine-attached guide molecules as conformational modulators
Authors: Keinänen Tuomo A. , Grigorenko Nikolay , Khomutov Alex R. , Huang Qingqiu , Uimari Anne , Alhonen Leena , Hyvönen Mervi T. , Vepsäläinen Jouko
Published: July 2018

Enzymes generally display strict stereospecificity and regioselectivity for their substrates. Here by using FAD-dependent human acetylpolyamine oxidase (APAO), human spermine (Spm) oxidase (SMOX) and yeast polyamine oxidase (Fms1), we demonstrate that these fundamental properties of the enzymes may be regulated using simple guide molecules, being either covalently attached to polyamines or used as a supplement to the substrate mixtures. APAO, which naturally metabolizes achiral N1-acetylated polyamines, displays aldehyde-controllable stereospecificity with chiral 1-methylated polyamines, like (R)- and (S)-1-methylspermidine (1,8-diamino-5-azanonane) (1-MeSpd). Among the novel N1-acyl derivatives of MeSpd, isonicotinic acid (P4) or benzoic acid (Bz) with (R)-MeSpd had Km of 3.6 ± 0.6/1.2 ± 0.7 µM and kcat of 5.2 ± 0.6/4.6 ± 0.7 s−1 respectively, while N1-AcSpd had Km 8.2 ± 0.4 µM and kcat 2.7 ± 0.0 s−1. On the contrary, corresponding (S)-MeSpd amides were practically inactive (kcat < 0.03 s−1) but they retained micromole level Km for APAO. SMOX did not metabolize any of the tested compounds (kcat < 0.05 s−1) that acted as non-competitive inhibitors having Ki ≥ 155 µM for SMOX. In addition, we tested (R,R)-1,12-bis-methylspermine (2,13-diamino-5,10-diazatetradecane) (R,R)-(Me2Spm) and (S,S)-Me2Spm as substrates for Fms1. Fms1 preferred (S,S)- to (R,R)-diastereoisomer, but with notably lower kcat in comparison with spermine. Interestingly, Fms1 was prone to aldehyde supplementation in its regioselectivity, i.e. the cleavage site of spermidine. Thus, aldehyde supplementation to generate aldimines or N-terminal substituents in polyamines, i.e. attachment of guide molecule, generates novel ligands with altered charge distribution changing the binding and catalytic properties with polyamine oxidases. This provides means for exploiting hidden capabilities of polyamine oxidases for controlling their regioselectivity and stereospecificity.
Mid-Proterozoic redox evolution and the possibility of transient oxygenation events
Authors: Diamond Charles W. , Lyons Timothy W.
Published: July 2018

It is often assumed that rising environmental oxygen concentrations played a significant role in the timing of the first appearance of animals and the trajectory of their early proliferation and diversification. The inherent large size and complexity of animals come with large energy requirements — levels of energy that can best, if not only, be acquired through aerobic respiration. There is also abundant geochemical evidence for an increase in ocean–atmosphere O2 concentrations in temporal proximity with the emergence of the group. To adequately test this hypothesis, however, a thorough understanding of the history of environmental oxygenation in the time between the first appearance of eukaryotes and the eventual appearance of animals is necessary. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the prevailing long-term conditions of the Proterozoic Eon prior to the emergence of Metazoa and go on to highlight multiple independent geochemical proxy records that suggest at least two transient oxygenation events — at ca. 1.4 and ca. 1.1 billion years ago (Ga) — during this time. These emerging datasets open the door to an important possibility: while prevailing conditions during much of this time would likely have presented challenges for early animals, there were intervals when oxygenated conditions were more widespread and could have favored yet undetermined advances in eukaryotic innovation, including critical early steps toward animal evolution.
Passive voltage amplification in non‐leaky ferroelectric–dielectric heterostructure
Authors: Awadhiya Bhaskar , Kondekar Pravin N. , Meshram Ashvinee Deo
Published: July 2018

This work presents the effect of ferroelectric thickness variation on properties (negative capacitance stabilisation, voltage amplification and capacitance enhancement) of ferroelectric–dielectric (FE–DE) heterostructure. For a better understanding of heterostructure, the study has analysed isolated ferroelectric capacitor first. Results clearly indicate the unstable nature of negative capacitance in ferroelectric capacitor. This negative capacitance can be stabilised by adding a dielectric capacitor in series with ferroelectric capacitor. Dielectric capacitor not only stabilises the negative capacitance state but is also responsible for the increase in capacitance of heterostructure. Afterwards dynamic response of FE–DE hetrostructure is studied. It is observed that thickness has strong dependence on ferroelectric parameters. With the increase in ferroelectric thickness, ferroelectric capacitance decreases and hence leads to voltage amplification. However, ferroelectric thickness should not be increased beyond critical thickness, as beyond critical thickness voltage amplification cannot be achieved without hysteresis.
Magnetospheric radius of an inclined rotator in the magnetically threaded disk model
Authors: Bozzo E. , Ascenzi S. , Ducci L. , Papitto A. , Burderi L. , Stella L.
Published: July 2018

The estimate of the magnetospheric radius in a disk-fed neutron star X-ray binary is a long standing problem in high energy astrophysics. We have reviewed the magnetospheric radius calculations in the so-called magnetically threaded disk model, comparing the simplified approach originally proposed by Ghosh & Lamb (1979, ApJ, 232, 259) with the revised version proposed by Wang (1987, A&A, 183, 257), Wang (1995, ApJ, 449, L153), and Wang (1997, ApJ, 475, L135). We show that for a given set of fixed parameters (assuming also a comparable screening factor of the neutron star magnetic field by the currents induced on the disk surface) the revised magnetically threaded disk model predicts a magnetospheric radius that is significantly smaller than that derived from the Ghosh & Lamb (1979) treatment. For a fixed value of the neutron star magnetic field and a wide range of mass accretion rates, the inclusion of a large inclination angle between the neutron star rotation and magnetic field axes (χ ≳ 60 deg) leads to a further decrease of the magnetospheric radius. To illustrate the relevance of these calculations, we consider, as an example, the case of the transitional pulsars. During the so-called high mode of their sub-luminous accretion disk state, these sources have shown X-ray pulsations interpreted as due to accretion at an unprecedented low luminosity level compared to other neutron stars in X-ray binaries. In the context of the magnetic threaded disk model, we show that accretion at luminosities of ∼1033 erg s−1 (and thus accretion-driven X-ray pulsations) can be more easily explained when the prescription of the magnetospheric radius provided by Wang (1997) is used. This avoids the need to invoke very strong propeller outflows in the transitional pulsars, as proposed in other literature works.
The XXL Survey
Authors: Marulli F. , Veropalumbo A. , Sereno M. , Moscardini L. , Pacaud F. , Pierre M. , Plionis M. , Cappi A. , Adami C. , Alis S. , Altieri B. , Birkinshaw M. , Ettori S. , Faccioli L. , Gastaldello F. , Koulouridis E. , Lidman C. , Le Fèvre J.-P. , Maurogordato S. , Poggianti B. , Pompei E. , Sadibekova T. , Valtchanov I.
Published: July 2018

Context.Galaxy clusters trace the highest density peaks in the large-scale structure of the Universe. Their clustering provides a powerful probe that can be exploited in combination with cluster mass measurements to strengthen the cosmological constraints provided by cluster number counts.

Aims.We investigate the spatial properties of a homogeneous sample of X-ray selected galaxy clusters from the XXL survey, the largest programme carried out by theXMM-Newtonsatellite. The measurements are compared to Λ-cold dark matter predictions, and used in combination with self-calibrated mass scaling relations to constrain the effective bias of the sample,beff, and the matter density contrast, ΩM.

Methods.We measured the angle-averaged two-point correlation function of the XXL cluster sample. The analysed catalogue consists of 182 X-ray selected clusters from the XXL second data release, with median redshift ⟨z⟩ = 0.317 and median mass ⟨M500⟩≃ 1.3 × 1014M⊙. A Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis is performed to extract cosmological constraints using a likelihood function constructed to be independent of the cluster selection function.

Results.Modelling the redshift-space clustering in the scale range 10 <r[h−1Mpc] < 40, we obtain ΩM= 0.27−0.04+0.06andbeff= 2.73−0.20+0.18.

This is the first time the two-point correlation function of an X-ray selected cluster catalogue at such relatively high redshifts and low masses has been measured. The XXL cluster clustering appears fully consistent with standard cosmological predictions. The analysis presented in this work demonstrates the feasibility of a cosmological exploitation of the XXL cluster clustering, paving the way for a combined analysis of XXL cluster number counts and clustering.
Removal of broken reamer stuck into femoral shaft in implanting PFNA: a case report
Authors: Jiang Gang-Qiang , Zhang Ya-Di , Zhuang Yun-Qiang
Published: July 2018

Femoral intertrochanteric fracture is very common in elderly population. The usual treatment for these patients is intra-extramedullary fixation. In normal situations, expand medullary cavity is needed, in order to implant various intramedullary implants. On rare occasion, which will in turn lead to the reamer is stuck into the medullary cavity of femoral shaft. Open or closed technique for moving of the broken nails had been reported before. We firstly report a novel technique by using handy tool which included in orthopaedic instrument set to remove the broken reamer stuck into femoral cavity when implanting a PFNA.
Einbindung von Rehabilitationseinrichtungen in die Traumanetzwerke – Praktische Umsetzung des Phasenmodells der Traumarehabilitation
Authors: Müller Wolf-Dieter , Simmel Stefan , Köhler Stephanie , Hoffmann Reinhard , Reimertz Christoph
Published: July 2018

Die aktuelle Versorgungskette von Traumapatienten in Deutschland weist noch erhebliche Defizite, sogenannte „Reha-Löcher“, in den Bereichen Früh- und Postakutreha, aber auch in der langfristigen Nachsorge ehemals Schwerverletzter, auf. Die Einführung eines 6-stufigen Phasenmodells der Traumarehabilitation, in Anlehnung an das über Jahre gut etablierte und erfolgreiche Phasenmodell Neurorehabilitation der BAR, könnte, aus Sicht der Autoren, die Schwerverletztenversorgung komplettieren. Die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des neuen Phasenmodells ist abhängig von der Einbindung eines Trauma-Rehanetzwerkes mit geeigneten und entsprechend ausgestatten Reha-Einrichtungen in das Traumanetzwerk DGU®. Die enge Kooperation zwischen Akutbehandlung und Rehabilitation soll zu einer lückenlosen Behandlung Schwerverletzter und dadurch zu einem verbesserten langfristigen Outcome führen. Die Zu- und Einordnung der Trauma-Rehabilitationszentren sollte analog des 3-stufigen Modells des Traumanetzwerkes durch Reha-Einrichtungen unterschiedlicher Versorgungsstufen realisiert werden. Wesentliche Charakteristika zur Einordnung dieser Reha-Einrichtungen in die bestehenden Traumanetzwerke von DGU und DGUV, einschließlich der in den jeweiligen Versorgungsstufen zugeordneten Heilverfahren, werden vom Autorenteam vorgeschlagen und zur Diskussion gestellt.
Klinische Auswertung einer neuartigen Intraokularlinse mit erweiterter Tiefenschärfe (EDOF) zur Verbesserung der Sehkraft im Intermediärbereich
Authors: Kretz Florian , Tarib Imane , Teisch Swetlana , Kaiser Insa , Lucchesi Rafaela , Herbers Claudia , Hinkens Annalena , Hagen Philipp , Breyer Detlev
Published: July 2018

Hintergrund Die moderne Intraokularlinsen-Chirurgie hat in den letzten Jahren einen deutlichen Fortschritt im Bezug auf die Brillenunabhängigkeit im Alltag gemacht. Vor allem das Sehen in der Ferne und im Nahbereich konnte hierdurch deutlich optimiert werden. Jedoch zeigt sich durch den Einsatz neuer Medien sowie Anforderungen im Berufsleben eine gesteigerte Notwendigkeit für die Optimierung unterschiedlicher Intermediärabstände. Im Rahmen einer prospektiven, nicht randomisierten Studie wurden daher die funktionellen und refraktiven Ergebnisse nach Implantation einer neuartigen Intraokularlinse mit verbessertem Tiefenschärfenbereich ausgewertet.

Patienten/Material und Methoden Bisher konnten 11 Patienten nach binokularer Implantation der AT LARA 829MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Deutschland) 3 Monate postoperativ ausgewertet werden. Untersucht wurden die Refraktion, der korrigierte und unkorrigierte monokulare und binokulare Fernvisus (CVDA, UDVA) sowie die fernkorrigierten monokularen und binokularen Visusergebnisse in unterschiedlichen Intermediärdistanzen (DCIVA in 90, 80 und 60 cm) und in 40 cm (DCNVA). Des Weiteren erfolgte eine Analyse der Defokuskurve.

Ergebnisse Es zeigte sich ein mittlerer Anstieg des korrigierten Fernvisus von 0,35 auf − 0,01 logMAR. Der binokulare, fernkorrigierte Intermediärvisus in 90, 80 und 60 cm zeigte stabile Werte von − 0,07, 0,04 und 0,07 logMAR. Trotz des Fokus auf die Intermediärdistanz konnte ein akzeptabler fernkorrigierter, binokularer Nahvisus von 0,33 logMAR festgestellt werden. Im Rahmen der Defokuskurvenanalyse konnte ein Visus von 0,3 logMAR über einen Bereich von − 2,5 bis + 1,0 dpt festgestellt werden.

Schlussfolgerung Die binokulare Implantation der AT LARA 829MP mit Zielrefraktion im emmetropen Bereich ermöglicht ein stabiles Sehschärfenergebnis von der Ferne bis in den nahen Zwischenbereich bei immer noch funktionellen Sehschärfewerten im Nahbereich um 40 cm.
Kieferorthopädische Behandlungsplanung mit der computerunterstützten Behandlungsanalyse – CUBA
Authors: Bönning Ralph
Published: July 2018

Die computerunterstützte Behandlungsanalyse (CUBA) erlaubt durch die Einbeziehung von DVT-Daten die Erstellung eines 3D-Modells aus Zähnen, Zahnwurzeln und Alveolarfortsätzen von Oberkiefer und Unterkiefer. Damit kann eine exakte anatomische Beurteilung stattfinden und eine kieferorthopädische Behandlungsplanung unter Berücksichtigung der idealen Wurzelpositionen und der biologischen Grenzen durchgeführt werden. Dieses Konzept wird anhand von 3 Patientenfällen näher beschrieben.
3-D Optics for Thoracoscopic Vertebral Body Replacement – Essential Technical Progress or Just Nice to Have?
Authors: Jacobs Cornelius , Ploeger Milena , Scheidt Sebastian , Rößler Philip , Bornemann Rahel , Jacobs Collin , Burger Christof , Wirtz Dieter , Trommer Fridjof , Schildberg Frank
Published: July 2018

Hintergrund Dreidimensionale (3-D) endoskopische Optiken können durch 2 Kameras die unterschiedliche Perspektive des rechten und linken Auges simulieren und somit die Illusion einer räumlichen Tiefe erzeugen. Im laparoskopischen Einsatz konnte eine optimierte Orientierung und ein exakteres Handling gegenüber 2-D-Optiken nachgewiesen werden. Ob sich diese Ergebnisse auch auf den thorakoskopischen Wirbelkörperersatz im thorakolumbalen Übergang übertragen lassen, wird anhand der retrospektiven Studie untersucht. Hypothesen: 1. Der ventrale Wirbelkörperersatz unter Einsatz der 3-D-Thorakoskopie führt zu einer kürzeren OP-Zeit. 2. Der perioperative Blutverlust sinkt durch die bessere Raumorientierung (zügigere Blutstillung) und verminderte Gewebeschädigung.

Material und Methoden In der retrospektiven Studie wurden 29 Patienten mit ventralem thorakoskopischem Wirbelkörpersatz eingeschlossen. Bei n = 14 Patienten wurde die konventionelle 2-D-Optik angewendet, bei n = 15 Patienten die 3-D-Optik. Es wurden perioperative Daten wie Blutverlust, OP-Dauer und Aufenthaltsdauer analysiert. Statistische Signifikanz wurde mittels Studentʼs t-Test berechnet.

Ergebnisse Die häufigste Diagnose war eine LWK-1-Fraktur (n = 18, 62%). Die mittlere OP-Zeit war in der 3-D-Gruppe (149 ± 29, 107 – 198 min) um 24 min kürzer als in der 2-D-Gruppe (173 ± 39, 125 – 260 min), jedoch nicht signifikant. Der gesamte perioperative Blutverlust der 3-D-Gruppe war signifikant niedriger als in der 2-D-Gruppe (**p = 0,043). Der anteilige intraoperative Blutverlust der 3-D-Gruppe war ebenfalls niedriger (im Mittel um 115 ml), jedoch nicht signifikant. Signifikant geringer war die Fördermenge der Thoraxdrainage bei der 3-D-Gruppe (248 vs. 560 ml, *p = 0,0195). Der stationäre Aufenthalt bei der 3-D-Gruppe war im Mittel 1,5 Tage (d) kürzer, jedoch nicht signifikant.

Schlussfolgerung Sowohl mit der konventionellen 2-D-Optik als auch mit der 3-D-Optik ist der thorakoskopisch assistierte Wirbelkörperersatz im thorakolumbalen Übergang ein sicheres und zuverlässiges Operationsverfahren. Beide Verfahren ermöglichen vergleichbare OP-Zeiten, aber in unserer Studie bei der 3-D-Optik mit signifikant reduziertem Blutverlust postoperativ. Die vorliegende Studie ist hinsichtlich der geringen Fallzahl und aufgrund des retrospektiven Charakters lediglich als orientierende Pilotstudie zu werten.
Kombiniert kieferorthopädische-kieferchirurgische Therapie einer Klasse-II-Dysgnathie mit Invisalign
Authors: Triessnig Fanny , Reistenhofer Bärbel , Besser-Kizilyamac Katharina , Wutzl Arno , Seemann Rudolf
Published: July 2018

In dem vorliegenden Fallbericht wird die kombiniert kieferorthopädisch-kieferchirurgische Behandlung einer 24-jährigen Patientin mit Klasse-II-Dysgnathie präsentiert, wobei die kieferorthopädische Behandlung ausschließlich mit Invisalign-Schienen durchgeführt wurde. Während der gesamten Behandlung wurden sowohl auf Brackets als auch auf einen OP-Splint verzichtet und so kam es während der gesamten Behandlungszeit von 1 Jahr und 5 Monaten zu keinerlei ästhetischer Beeinträchtigung durch kieferorthopädische Maßnahmen.
Optimized Screw Trajectory for Lumbar Cortical Bone Trajectory Pedicle Screws Based on Clinical Outcome: Evidence Favoring the Buttress Effect Theory
Authors: Asamoto Shunji , Winking Michael , Jödicke Andreas , Ishikawa Masayuki , Ishihara Shinichi , Deinsberger Wolfgang , Muto Jun , Nishiyama Makoto , Kojima Kota
Published: July 2018

Background Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is a relatively new technique for pedicle screw insertion in the field of spine surgery. Previous studies have demonstrated the significantly better pullout and toggle characteristics the new method offers, and it appears to have certain advantages over the widely used traditional trajectory. The mechanism of the pullout and toggle characteristics still remains unknown.

Purpose To report the medium- to long-term follow-up findings of patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion or posterior lumbar fusion (PLIF/PLF) at our institution and to discuss the ideal screw trajectory when using this technique.

Study Design Retrospective radiologic study.

Methods Fifty-five patients who underwent PLIF/PLF for lumbar spondylosis using the new technique between January 2011 and January 2016 were included. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores for low back pain and visual analog scale scores. Screw loosening was evaluated via the presence of a translucent zone surrounding the pedicle screw using plain X-radiography (Xp). The screw trajectory was evaluated by measuring the rostral range (RR) and the lateral range score (LRS). The RR is the angle between the line drawn along the distal end plate of the vertebra and the line drawn along the screw on the lateral view. The LRS is the score given depending on the position of the tip of the screw seen on the Xp taken in the anteroposterior (AP) view. The pedicle ring is equally divided into the medial third (zone A), central third (zone B), and the lateral third (zone C) by four vertical lines. A score of 0 to 3 points is given depending on the position of the tip of the screw: 0, outside the pedicle ring; 1, zone A; 2, zone B; and 3, zone C.

Results Bone fusion was recorded in 49 patients (49/55 patients). The total number of screws with a visible translucent zone on Xp was 26 (26/242 screws). When the screws are inserted at a more acute angle in the lateral view (low RR) or when the screws are directed more medially (low LRS), the risk of developing a translucent zone around the pedicle screw increased.

Conclusion With CBT, the pedicle screws are inserted from the pars interarticularis that is rich in cortical bone, strong enough to withstand the substantial forces usually encountered in the region. Our clinical data suggest that the optimal screw trajectory is one where the screw is inserted at an angle > 22.55 degrees (high RR) on the lateral view Xp and where the tip of the screw is directed toward the lateral third of the pedicle on the AP Xp. We believe the naturally occurring buttress effect that exists in the vertebra may give CBT a mechanical and anatomical advantage over the traditional screw trajectory.
Variant von Willebrand’s Disease
Authors: Green David , Philip K J
Published: July 2018

30 members of an Illinois kindred were studied with a battery of haemostatic tests including the template bleeding time, platelet retention by glass beads (PRGB), measurement of activities related to factor VIII, and crossed-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). 9 family members had a history of excessive bleeding, and all 9 had prolonged bleeding times and increased migration of their factor VIII-related antigen (VIIIR:Ag) on CIEP. Of the other tests performed, the VIII: Ristocetin Cofactor and the PRGB showed the best correlation with the bleeding time. 3 subjects who were not bleeders, but who came from a branch of the family where there were several affected members, also had an abnormal VIIIR: Ag. The pattern of inheritance of the altered VIIIR: Ag in this family was one of autosomal dominance with full penetrance. The CIEP is a valuable screening test for the detection of variant von Willebrand’s disease and the recognition of silent heterozygotes.