bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic response to thermal and salinity stress in introduced and native sympatric Palaemon caridean shrimps
Authors: Marie Amandine D. , Smith Steve , Green Andy J. , Rico Ciro , Lejeusne Christophe
Published: October 2017

Organisms develop local adaptations to cope with spatially and temporally variable environments such as estuarine habitats, where abiotic parameters such as salinity and temperature fluctuate continuously. Studying the regulation of gene expression in a variable environment allows us to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of these adaptations and the relative roles of the genetic and plastic response. The transcriptomes of the European native Palaemon longirostris (PL) and the introduced P. macrodactylus (PM) shrimps are described and compared after an experiment simulating summer conditions in the Guadalquivir Estuary, Spain. Specimens, collected in the Guadalquivir Estuary, were maintained at a temperature and salinity of 20 °C and 5 ppt for the control, and 30 °C and 15 ppt for the stress treatment. A large amount of differential gene expression was observed: 16,013 and 2,594 for PL and PM respectively. Functionally annotated unigenes revealed some differences, with PL seemingly having to face stronger physiological stress than PM. Thus, PM seems to have greater resistance than PL under conditions of high temperature and salinity. These results constitute a step forward in the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of genetic adaptation of native invertebrates, and alien taxa that have successfully invaded estuaries in temperate regions around the world.
Cellular splicing factor UAP56 stimulates trimeric NP formation for assembly of functional influenza viral ribonucleoprotein complexes
Authors: Hu Yifan , Gor Vishal , Morikawa Kazuya , Nagata Kyosuke , Kawaguchi Atsushi
Published: October 2017

The influenza virus RNA genome exists as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex by interacting with NP, one of virus-encoded RNA binding proteins. It is proposed that trimeric NP is a functional form, but it is not clear how trimeric NP is formed and transferred to RNA. UAP56, a cellular splicing factor, functions as a molecular chaperone for NP and is required for the replication-coupled RNP formation of newly synthesized viral genome, but the details of NP transfer to viral RNA by UAP56 is unclear. Here we found that UAP56 is complexed with trimeric NP, but not monomeric NP. Gel filtration analysis and atomic force microscopy analysis indicated that the complex consists of two trimeric NP connected by UAP56. We also found that UAP56 stimulates trimeric NP formation from monomeric NP even at physiological salt concentrations. Thus, UAP56 facilitates the transfer of NP to viral RNA since trimeric NP has higher RNA binding activity than monomeric NP. Further, UAP56 represses the binding of excess amount of NP to RNA possibly by transferring trimeric NP. Collectively, we propose that UAP56 stimulates viral RNP formation through promotion of the assembly of trimeric NP and is important for the structural integrity of NP-RNA complex.
Tuning methane decomposition on stepped Ni surface: The role of subsurface atoms in catalyst design
Authors: Arevalo Ryan Lacdao , Aspera Susan Meñez , Escaño Mary Clare Sison , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Kasai Hideaki
Published: October 2017

The decomposition of methane (CH4) is a catalytically important reaction in the production of syngas that is used to make a wide spectrum of hydrocarbons and alcohols, and a principal carbon deposition pathway in methane reforming. Literatures suggest that stepped Ni surface is uniquely selective toward methane decomposition to atomic C, contrary to other catalysts that favor the CH fragment. In this paper, we used dispersion-corrected density functional theory-based first principles calculations to identify the electronic factors that govern this interesting property of stepped Ni surface. We found that the adsorption of atomic C on this surface is uniquely characterized by a 5–coordinated bonding of C with Ni atoms from both the surface and subsurface layers. Comparison with Ru surface indicates the importance of the subsurface atoms of stepped Ni surface on its selectivity toward methane decomposition to atomic C. Interestingly, we found that substituting these subsurface atoms with other elements can dramatically change the reaction mechanism of methane decomposition, suggesting a new approach to catalyst design for hydrocarbon reforming applications.
PARP1-produced poly-ADP-ribose causes the PARP12 translocation to stress granules and impairment of Golgi complex functions
Authors: Catara Giuliana , Grimaldi Giovanna , Schembri Laura , Spano Daniela , Turacchio Gabriele , Lo Monte Matteo , Beccari Andrea Rosario , Valente Carmen , Corda Daniela
Published: October 2017

Poly-ADP-ribose-polymerases (PARPs) 1 and 2 are nuclear enzymes that catalyze the poly-ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins transferring poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) polymers to specific residues. PARPs and PAR intervene in diverse functions, including DNA repair in the nucleus and stress granule assembly in the cytoplasm. Stress granules contribute to the regulation of translation by clustering and stabilizing mRNAs as well as several cytosolic PARPs and signaling proteins to modulate cell metabolism and survival. Our study is focused on one of these PARPs, PARP12, a Golgi-localized mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase that under stress challenge reversibly translocates from the Golgi complex to stress granules. PARP1 activation and release of nuclear PAR drive this translocation by direct PAR binding to the PARP12-WWE domain. Thus, PAR formation functionally links the activity of the nuclear and cytosolic PARPs during stress response, determining the release of PARP12 from the Golgi complex and the disassembly of the Golgi membranes, followed by a block in anterograde-membrane traffic. Notably, these functions can be rescued by reverting the stress condition (by drug wash-out). Altogether these data point at a novel, reversible nuclear signaling that senses stress to then act on cytosolic PARP12, which in turn converts the stress response into a reversible block in intracellular-membrane traffic.
Telmisartan Activates PPARδ to Improve Symptoms of Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Depression in Mice
Authors: Li Yingxiao , Cheng Kai-Chun , Liu Keng-Fan , Peng Wen-Huang , Cheng Juei-Tang , Niu Ho-Shan
Published: October 2017

Major depression is a common mental disorder that has been established to be associated with a decrease in serotonin and/or serotonin transporters in the brain. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) has been introduced as a potential target for depression treatment. Telmisartan was recently shown to activate PPARδ expression; therefore, the effectiveness of telmisartan in treating depression was investigated. In unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model, treatment with telmisartan for five weeks notably decrease in the time spent in the central and the reduced frequency of grooming and rearing in open filed test (OFT) and the decreased sucrose consumption in sucrose preference test (SPT) compared with the paradigms. Telmisartan also reversed the decrease in PPARδ and 5-HTT levels in the hippocampus of depression-like mice. Administration of PPARδ antagonist GSK0660 and direct infusion of sh-PPARδ into the brain blocked the effects of telmisartan on the improvement of depression-like behavior in these mice. Moreover, telmisartan enhanced the expression of PPARδ and 5HTT in H19-7 cells. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that telmisartan improves symptoms of stress-induced depression in animals under chronic stress through activation of PPARδ. Therefore, telmisartan may be developed as a potential anti-depressant in the future.
Observed drought indices show increasing divergence across Europe
Authors: Stagge James H. , Kingston Daniel G. , Tallaksen Lena M. , Hannah David M.
Published: October 2017

Recent severe European droughts raise the vital question: are we already experiencing measurable changes in drought likelihood that agree with climate change projections? The plethora of drought definitions compounds this question, requiring instead that we ask: how have various types of drought changed, how do these changes compare with climate projections, and what are the causes of observed differences? To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal a regional divergence in drought likelihood as measured by the two most prominent meteorological drought indices: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) across Europe over the period 1958–2014. This divergence is driven primarily by an increase in temperature from 1970–2014, which in turn increased reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and thereby drought area measured by the SPEI. For both indices, Europe-wide analysis shows increasing drought frequencies in southern Europe and decreasing frequencies in northern Europe. Notably, increases in temperature and ET0 have enhanced droughts in southern Europe while counteracting increased precipitation in northern Europe. This is consistent with projections under climate change, indicating that climate change impacts on European drought may already be observable and highlighting the potential for discrepancies among standardized drought indices in a non-stationary climate.
Unveiling the physical mechanism behind pistol shrimp cavitation
Authors: Koukouvinis Phoevos , Bruecker Christoph , Gavaises Manolis
Published: October 2017

Snapping shrimps use a special shaped claw to generate a cavitating high speed water jet. Cavitation formed in this way, may be used for hunting/stunning prey and communication. The present work is a novel computational effort to provide insight on the mechanisms of cavitation formation during the claw closure. The geometry of the claw used here is a simplified claw model, based on prior experimental work. Techniques, such as Immersed Boundary and Homogenous Equilibrium Model (HEM), are employed to describe the claw motion and cavitating flow field respectively. The simulation methodology has been validated against prior experimental work and is applied here for claw closure at realistic conditions. Simulations show that during claw closure, a high velocity jet forms, inducing vortex roll-up around it. If the closure speed is high enough, the intensity of the swirling motion is enough to produce strong depressurization in the vortex core, leading to the formation of a cavitation ring. The cavitation ring moves along the jet axis and, soon after its formation, collapses and rebounds, producing high pressure pulses.
Yucasin DF, a potent and persistent inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Tsugafune Shinichi , Mashiguchi Kiyoshi , Fukui Kosuke , Takebayashi Yumiko , Nishimura Takeshi , Sakai Tatsuya , Shimada Yukihisa , Kasahara Hiroyuki , Koshiba Tomokazu , Hayashi Ken-ichiro
Published: October 2017

The plant hormone auxin plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a natural auxin, is mainly biosynthesized by two sequential enzyme reactions catalyzed by TAA1 and YUCCA (YUC). TAA1 is involved in the conversion of tryptophan to IPA, and YUC catalyzes the conversion of IPA to IAA. We previously demonstrated that yucasin inhibits AtYUC1 enzyme activity and suppress high-auxin phenotype of YUC overexpression plants, although yucasin displayed weak effects on the auxin-related phenotype of wild-type plants. To develop more potent YUC inhibitors, various derivatives of yucasin were synthesized, and their structure–activity relationships were investigated. Yucasin difluorinated analog (YDF) (5-[2,6-difluorophenyl]-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione) was identified to be a more potent YUC inhibitor than the original yucasin. YDF caused an auxin-deficient phenotype in Arabidopsis wild-type plants that was restored with auxin application. YDF was found to be highly stable regarding metabolic conversion in vivo, accounting for the potent activity of the inhibition of IAA biosynthesis in planta. Photoaffinity labeling experiments demonstrated that yucasin-type inhibitors bind to the active site of AtYUC1. YDF is a promising auxin biosynthesis inhibitor and is a useful chemical tool for plant biology and agrochemical studies.
A simple surface plasmon resonance biosensor for detection of PML/RARα based on heterogeneous fusion gene-triggered nonlinear hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Guo Bin , Cheng Wei , Xu Yongjie , Zhou Xiaoyan , Li Xinmin , Ding Xiaojuan , Ding Shijia
Published: October 2017

In this work, a simple and enzyme-free surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing strategy has been developed for highly sensitive detection of two major PML/RARα (promyelocytic leukemia, retinoic acid receptor alpha) subtypes based on the heterogeneous fusion gene-triggered nonlinear hybridization chain reaction (HCR). On the gold chip surface, the cascade self-assembly process is triggered after the introduction of PML/RARα. The different fragments of PML/RARα can specifically hybridize with capture probes (Cp) immobilized on the chip and the hybridization DNA1 (H1). Then, the nonlinear HCR is initiated by the complex of Cp-PML/RARα-H1 with the introduction of two hybridization DNA chains (H2 and H3). As a result, a dendritic nanostructure is achieved on the surface of chip, leading to a significant SPR amplification signal owing to its high molecular weight. The developed method shows good specificity and high sensitivity with detection limit of 0.72 pM for “L” subtype and 0.65 pM for “S” subtype. Moreover, this method has been successfully applied for efficient identification of clinical positive and negative PCR samples of the PML/RARα subtype. Thus, this developed biosensing strategy presents a potential platform for analysis of fusion gene and early diagnosis of clinical disease.
New Routes for Refinery of Biogenic Platform Chemicals Catalyzed by Cerium Oxide-supported Ruthenium Nanoparticles in Water
Authors: Mizugaki Tomoo , Togo Keito , Maeno Zen , Mitsudome Takato , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Kaneda Kiyotomi
Published: October 2017

Highly selective hydrogenative carbon–carbon bond scission of biomass-derived platform oxygenates was achieved with a cerium oxide-supported ruthenium nanoparticle catalyst in water. The present catalyst enabled the selective cleavage of carbon–carbon σ bonds adjacent to carboxyl, ester, and hydroxymethyl groups, opening new eight synthetic routes to valuable chemicals from biomass derivatives. The high selectivity for such carbon-carbon bond scission over carbon-oxygen bonds was attributed to the multiple catalytic roles of the Ru nanoparticles assisted by the in situ formed Ce(OH)3.
Increasing Dietary Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Ratio Mitigates High-fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Wang Mu-En , Singh Brijesh K. , Hsu Meng-Chieh , Huang Chien , Yen Paul M. , Wu Leang-Shin , Jong De-Shien , Chiu Chih-Hsien
Published: October 2017

Previous studies have demonstrated that saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are more lipotoxic than unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in inhibiting hepatic autophagy and promoting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, there have been few studies have investigated the effects of carbon chain length on SFA-induced autophagy impairment and lipotoxicity. To investigate whether SFAs with shorter carbon chain lengths have differential effects on hepatic autophagy and NASH development, we partially replaced lard with coconut oil to elevate the ratio of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) to long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in a mouse high-fat diet (HFD) and fed mice for 16 weeks. In addition, we treated HepG2 cells with different combinations of fatty acids to study the mechanisms of MCFAs-mediated hepatic protections. Our results showed that increasing dietary MCFA/LCFA ratio mitigated HFD-induced Type 2 diabetes and NASH in mice. Importantly, we demonstrated that increased MCFA ratio exerted its protective effects by restoring Rubicon-suppressed autophagy. Our study suggests that the relative amount of LCFAs and MCFAs in the diet, in addition to the amount of SFAs, can significantly contribute to autophagy impairment and hepatic lipotoxicity. Collectively, we propose that increasing dietary MCFAs could be an alternative therapeutic and prevention strategy for Type 2 diabetes and NASH.
Ionic Circuits Powered by Reverse Electrodialysis for an Ultimate Iontronic System
Authors: Han Seok Hee , Kwon Seung-Ryong , Baek Seol , Chung Taek-Dong
Published: October 2017

Despite numerous reports on iontronic devices, there has been no whole circuit working in aqueous media including even power source. Herein, we introduce complete ionic circuits powered by reverse electrodialysis (RED) for the first time without employing any electronic components. The RED-driven polyelectrolyte diode successfully shows rectification behavior which is verified by monitoring dynamic ion distribution through fluorescence in real-time. We can also turn on and off the voltage applied to the circuit, and apply an arbitrary voltage by precisely manipulating the pressure imposed to an elastic connection tube filled with electrolyte. Furthermore, this new concept containing ionic power source advances to a more sophisticated ionic OR logic gate. The proposed system paves the way to develop not only passive iontronic devices (e.g. current ionic diode), but active ones requiring a source of energy, particularly such as a neuron-like information processor powered by fully ionic systems, and thereby aqueous computers.
Nonreciprocal light propagation in coupled microcavities system beyond weak-excitation approximation
Authors: Zheng Anshou , Zhang Guangyong , Chen Hongyun , Mei Tingting , Liu Jibing
Published: October 2017

We propose a scheme for nonreciprocal light propagation in two coupled cavities system, in which a two-level quantum emitter is coupled to one of the optical microcavities. For the case of parity-time ($${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
) symmetric system (i.e., coupled active-passive cavities system), the cavity gain can significantly enhance the optical nonlinearity induced by the interaction between a quantum emitter and cavity field beyond weak-excitation approximation. The increased optical nonlinearity results in the non-lossy nonreciprocal light propagation with high isolation ratio in proper parameters range. In addition, our calculations show that nonreciprocal light propagation will not be affected by the unstable output field intensity caused by optical bistability, and we can even switch directions of nonreciprocal light propagation by appropriately adjusting the system parameters.
Damage mechanisms in defected natural fibers
Authors: Beaugrand Johnny , Guessasma Sofiane , Maigret Jean-Eudes
Published: October 2017

A novel experimental setup is presented to reveal damage mechanisms in bast fibers. 3D imaging at submicronic scale based on X-ray micro-tomography is combined within-situtensile experiments of both elementary fibers and bundles. The results reveal that the relevant scale that drives failure of hemp lignocellulosic fibers is submicronic.In-situtensile experiments assisted by X-ray micro-tomography shows complex damage mechanisms involving the constitutive sub-layer structure, fiber extraction defects like kink bands, and the tubular porosity of the natural fiber.
Multi-heterodyne two dimensional coherent spectroscopy using frequency combs
Authors: Lomsadze Bachana , Cundiff Steven T.
Published: October 2017

Optical multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying the structure, properties and ultrafast dynamics of atoms, molecules, semiconductor materials and complex systems. Current implementations of multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy have long acquisition times and/or limited spectral resolution. In addition, most of the techniques utilize complex geometries or phase cycling schemes to isolate non-linear signals. We demonstrate a novel approach of using frequency combs to perform rapid, high resolution and background free multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy of semiconductor materials. Our approach is inspired by dual-comb spectroscopy, which has been proven to be a versatile tool for obtaining one dimensional absorption spectra with high resolution in a short acquisition time. We demonstrate the method using a GaAs multi-quantum well sample.
Probing Resistance Mutations in Retroviral Integrases by Direct Measurement of Dolutegravir Fluorescence
Authors: Thierry Eloïse , Lebourgeois Samuel , Simon Françoise , Delelis Olivier , Deprez Eric
Published: October 2017

FDA-approved integrase strand transfer inhibitors (raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir) efficiently inhibit HIV-1 replication. Here, we present fluorescence properties of these inhibitors. Dolutegravir displays an excitation mode particularly dependent on Mg2+ chelation, allowing to directly probe its Mg2+-dependent binding to the prototype foamy virus (PFV) integrase. Dolutegravir-binding studied by both its fluorescence anisotropy and subsequent emission enhancement, strictly requires a preformed integrase/DNA complex, the ten terminal base pairs from the 3′-end of the DNA reactive strand being crucial to optimize dolutegravir-binding in the context of the ternary complex. From the protein side, mutation of any catalytic residue fully abolishes dolutegravir-binding. We also compared dolutegravir-binding to PFV F190Y, G187R and S217K mutants, corresponding to HIV-1 F121Y, G118R and G140S/Q148K mutations that confer low-to-high resistance levels against raltegravir/dolutegravir. The dolutegravir-binding properties derived from fluorescence-based binding assays and drug susceptibilities in terms of catalytic activity, are well correlated. Indeed, dolutegravir-binding to wild-type and F190Y integrases are comparable while strongly compromised with G187R and S217K. Accordingly, the two latter mutants are highly resistant to dolutegravir while F190Y shows only moderate or no resistance. Intrinsic fluorescence properties of dolutegravir are thus particularly suitable for a thorough characterization of both DNA-binding properties of integrase and resistance mutations.
A formulation of pancreatic pro-enzymes provides potent anti-tumour efficacy: a pilot study focused on pancreatic and ovarian cancer
Authors: Perán Macarena , López-Ruiz Elena , García María Ángel , Nadaraia-Hoke Shorena , Brandt Ralf , Marchal Juan A. , Kenyon Julian
Published: October 2017

Proteolytic enzymes have shown efficacy in cancer therapy. We present a combination of the two pro-enzymes Trypsinogen and Chymotrypsinogen A with potent in vitro and in vivo anti-tumour efficacy. A synergetic anti-tumour effect for Trypsinogen and Chymotrypsinogen A was determined at a ratio 1:6 (named PRP) using 24 human cancer cell lines. The antiangiogenic effect of PRP was analysed by matrigel-based tube formation and by fibrous capsule formation assays. Furthermore, cell invasion and wound healing assays together with qRT-PCR determination of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were performed on human cancer cells treated with PRP. Additionally, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies were implemented and the PRP’s anti-tumour efficacy was explored against orthotopic pancreatic and ovarian cancer tumours. PRP formulation was proven to inhibit in vitro angiogenesis, tumour growth, cancer cell migration and invasiveness; and to be an effective and well tolerated in vivo anti-tumour treatment. Finally, the clinical efficacy of a suppository formulation containing both pancreatic pro-enzymes in the context of a UK Pharmaceuticals Special Scheme was evaluated in advanced cancer patients. Consequently, PRP could have relevant oncological clinical applications for the treatment of advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
Rapid and PCR-free DNA Detection by Nanoaggregation-Enhanced Chemiluminescence
Authors: Singh Renu , Feltmeyer Alexandra , Saiapina Olga , Juzwik Jennifer , Arenz Brett , Abbas Abdennour
Published: October 2017

The aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is known to induce an enhancement of localized surface plasmon resonance due to the coupling of plasmonic fields of adjacent nanoparticles. Here we show that AuNPs aggregation also causes a significant enhancement of chemiluminescence in the presence of luminophores. The phenomenon is used to introduce a rapid and sensitive DNA detection method that does not require amplification. DNA probes conjugated to AuNPs were used to detect a DNA target sequence specific to the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, causal agent of oak wilt. The hybridization of the DNA target with the DNA probes results in instantaneous aggregation of AuNPs into nanoballs, leading to a significant enhancement of luminol chemiluminescence. The enhancement reveals a linear correlation (R2 = 0.98) to the target DNA concentration, with a limit of detection down to 260 fM (260 × 10−15 M), two orders of magnitude higher than the performance obtained with plasmonic colorimetry and absorption spectrometry of single gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, the detection can be performed within 22 min using only a portable luminometer.
Recordings of Caenorhabditis elegans locomotor behaviour following targeted ablation of single motorneurons
Authors: Chew Yee Lian , Walker Denise S. , Towlson Emma K. , Vértes Petra E. , Yan Gang , Barabási Albert-László , Schafer William R.
Published: October 2017

Lesioning studies have provided important insight into the functions of brain regions in humans and other animals. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with a small nervous system of 302 identified neurons, it is possible to generate lesions with single cell resolution and infer the roles of individual neurons in behaviour. Here we present a dataset of ~300 video recordings representing the locomotor behaviour of animals carrying single-cell ablations of 5 different motorneurons. Each file includes a raw video of approximately 27,000 frames; each frame has also been segmented to yield the position, contour, and body curvature of the tracked animal. These recordings can be further analysed using publicly-available software to extract features relevant to behavioural phenotypes. This dataset therefore represents a useful resource for probing the neural basis of behaviour in C. elegans, a resource we hope to augment in the future with ablation recordings for additional neurons.
A serendipitous cascade of rhodium vinylcarbenoids with aminochalcones for the synthesis of functionalized quinolines
Authors: Chinthapally Kiran , Massaro Nicholas P. , Padgett Haylee L. , Sharma Indrajeet
Published: October 2017

A convergent 5-step cascade approach for the stereoselective synthesis of functionalized quinolines.
Investigating the crystal structures of alkali and alkaline-earth metal salts of 2,5-(dianilino)terephthalic acid
Authors: Quarez Éric , Deunf Élise , Cadiou Vincent , Gutel Thibaut , Boucher Florent , Guyomard Dominique , Dolhem Franck , Poizot Philippe
Published: October 2017

Li, Na and Mg salts of 2,5-(dianilino)terephthalate exhibit systematically an original double layered structure composed of polar and non-polar slabs.
An efficient green protocol for the synthesis of tetra-substituted imidazoles catalyzed by zeolite BEA: effect of surface acidity and polarity of zeolite
Authors: Gabla Jenifer J. , Mistry Sunil R. , Maheria Kalpana C.
Published: October 2017

Zeolite BEA catalyzed synthesis of highly substituted imidazoles via a green approach.
SMM behaviour and magnetocaloric effect in heterometallic 3d–4f coordination clusters with high azide : metal ratios
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian F. M. , Merkel Marcel P. , Kostakis George E. , Buth Gernot , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K.
Published: October 2017

We present the synthesis and characterization of heterometallic compounds with a very large azide to metal ratio and fascinating magnetic properties.
A trans-bidentate bis-pyridinyl ligand with a transition metal hinge
Authors: Vieira Noah C. , Pienkos Jared A. , McMillen Colin D. , Myers Alexis R. , Clay Alyssa P. , Wagenknecht Paul S.
Published: October 2017

A titanocene based metalloligand, Cp*2Ti(C22-py)2, was synthesized and ligated to either Cu(i) or Pd(ii), binding Cu(i) between its alkynes and Pd(ii) between its pyridinyl rings.
Novel core–shell-like nanocomposites xCu@Cu2O/MgAlO-rGO through an in situ self-reduction strategy for highly efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Dou Liguang , Wang Yanna , Li Yangguang , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2017

Novel core–shell-like nanocomposites xCu@Cu2O/MgAlO-rGO via an in situ self-reduction strategy exhibit extraordinary activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol upon a Cu–Cu2O–MgAlO–rGO four-phase synergistic effect.
Understanding alloy structure and composition in sinter-resistant AgPd@SiO2 encapsulated catalysts and their effect on catalytic properties
Authors: Mondal Sourik , Rajesh Thattarathody , Dhar Basab B. , Snellman Markus , Li Junjie , Leonard Deepak Francis , Devi R. Nandini
Published: October 2017

Effects of precursor particle size, extent of alloying and alloy composition on AgPd@SiO2 catalytic performances.
Ultra-high resolution in low field tabletop NMR spectrometers
Authors: Rachineni Kavitha , Rao Kakita Veera Mohana , Hosur Ramakrishna V.
Published: October 2017

An approach for resolution enhancement is proposed, for data acquired on low field tabletop NMR spectrometers by employing processing-based (generalized indirect covariance) advancements in pure shift NMR.
One-step methodology for the direct covalent capture of GPCRs from complex matrices onto solid surfaces based on the bioorthogonal reaction between haloalkane dehalogenase and chloroalkanes
Authors: Zeng Kaizhu , Li Qian , Wang Jing , Yin Guowei , Zhang Yajun , Xiao Chaoni , Fan Taiping , Zhao Xinfeng , Zheng Xiaohui
Published: October 2017

An approach is established for the specific immobilization of GPCRs from cell lysates that circumvents labor intensive purification procedures and minimize loss of activity.
Nonequilibrium depletion interactions in active microrheology
Authors: Wulfert R. , Seifert U. , Speck T.
Published: October 2017

We calculate non-equilibrium depletion forces between a driven and a passive colloidal particle within a dynamical superposition approximation and in computer simulations.
A robust superhydrophobic PDMS@ZnSn(OH)6 coating with under-oil self-cleaning and flame retardancy
Authors: Long Mengying , Peng Shan , Deng Wanshun , Miao Xinrui , Wen Ni , Zhou Qiannan , Yang Xiaojun , Deng Wenli
Published: October 2017

The superhydrophobic PDMS@ZHS coating was obtained by pressing superhydrophilic ZHS particles into PDMS and curing agent solutions.
Preparation and physicochemical properties of microcapsules containing phase-change material with graphene/organic hybrid structure shells
Authors: Su Jun-Feng , Wang Xin-Yu , Han Shan , Zhang Xiao-Long , Guo Yan-Dong , Wang Ying-Yuan , Tan Yi-Qiu , Han Ning-Xu , Li Wei
Published: October 2017

MicroPCMs were fabricated with a graphene/organic hybrid structure through the actions of electric charge absorption and long-molecular entanglement.
Fabrication of microporous polymers for selective CO2 capture: the significant role of crosslinking and crosslinker length
Authors: Mane Sachin , Gao Zhen-Yu , Li Yu-Xia , Xue Ding-Ming , Liu Xiao-Qin , Sun Lin-Bing
Published: October 2017

Crosslinking and crosslinker length in porous polymers play an important role in porosity and adsorption performance towards CO2.
Recent advances in cobalt phosphide based materials for energy-related applications
Authors: Wang Jianmei , Liu Zhen , Zheng Yiwei , Cui Liang , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in cobalt phosphide-based materials for H2 generation and electrochemical energy storage are systematically reviewed.
Controlling wettability of PECVD-deposited dual organosilicon/carboxylic acid films to influence DNA hybridisation assay efficiency
Authors: Flynn S. P. , Monaghan R. , Bogan J. , McKenna M. , Cowley A. , Daniels S. , Hughes G. , Kelleher S. M.
Published: October 2017

Plasma oxidation of Zeonor and deposition of TEOS/AA thin film showing dual layer effect on the surface.
Photo-crosslinked mono-component type II collagen hydrogel as a matrix to induce chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yang Ke , Sun Jing , Wei Dan , Yuan Lu , Yang Jirong , Guo Likun , Fan Hongsong , Zhang Xingdong
Published: October 2017

Type II collagen methacrylamide with a triple helix was developed for 3D construction of a cartilaginous ECM-like microenvironment to induce chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Correction: Aptamer-functionalized neural recording electrodes for the direct measurement of cocaine in vivo
Authors: Taylor I. Mitch , Du Zhanhong , Bigelow Emma T. , Eles James R. , Horner Anthony R. , Catt Kasey A. , Weber Stephen G. , Jamieson Brian G. , Cui X. Tracy
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Aptamer-functionalized neural recording electrodes for the direct measurement of cocaine in vivo’ by I. Mitch Taylor et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 2445–2458.
Sensitized monolayer MoS2 phototransistors with ultrahigh responsivity
Authors: Yang Yujue , Huo Nengjie , Li Jingbo
Published: October 2017

Our proposed sensitized monolayer MoS2 phototransistor exhibits a very high responsivity of ∼106 A W−1 enabling high sensitivity of ∼1013 Jones.
A highly sensitive and fast-responding oxygen sensor based on POSS-containing hybrid copolymer films
Authors: Mao Yongyun , Zhao Qian , Wu Jianchang , Pan Tingting , Zhou Bingpu , Tian Yanqing
Published: October 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid 3-(trimethoxysily)propylmethacrylate-co-platinum porphyrin-co-methacrylolsobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (TPMA-PtTPP-POSS) copolymer films were synthesized and applied as high-performance oxygen sensors.
Nutlin-3 plus tanshinone IIA exhibits synergetic anti-leukemia effect with imatinib by reactivating p53 and inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway in Ph+ ALL
Authors: Guo Yong , Li Yi , Xiang Bing , Huang Xiao-Ou , Ma Hong-Bing , Wang Fang-Fang , Gong Yu-Ping
Published: October 2017

Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) is triggered by BCR/ABL kinase. Recent efforts focused on the development of more potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that also inhibit mutant tyrosine kinases such as nilotinib and dasatinib. Although major advances in the treatment of this aggressive disease with potent inhibitors of the BCR/ABL kinases, patients in remission frequently relapse due to drug resistance possibly mediated, at least in part, by compensatory activation of growth-signaling pathways and protective feedback signaling of leukemia cells in response to TKI treatment. Continuous activation of AKT/mTOR signaling and inactivation of p53 pathway were two mechanisms of TKI resistance. Here, we reported that nutlin-3 plus tanshinone IIA significantly potentiated the cytotoxic and apoptotic induction effects of imatinib by down-regulation of the AKT/mTOR pathway and reactivating the p53 pathway deeply in Ph+ ALL cell line. In primary samples from Ph+ ALL patients, nutlin-3 plus tanshinone IIA also exhibited synergetic cytotoxic effects with imatinib. Of note, three samples from Ph+ ALL patients harboring T315I mutation also showed sensitivity to the combined treatment of imatinib, nutlin-3 plus tanshinone IIA. In Ph+ ALL mouse models, imatinib combined with nutlin-3 plus tanshinone IIA also exhibited synergetic effects on reduction in leukemia burden. These results demonstrated that nutlin-3 plus tanshinone IIA combined TKI might be a promising treatment strategy for Ph+ ALL patients.
The ALFA4Hearing Model (At-a-Glance Labeling for Features of Apps for Hearing Health Care) to Characterize Mobile Apps for Hearing Health Care
Authors: Paglialonga Alessia , Pinciroli Francesco , Tognola Gabriella
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to analyze, by using the ALFA4Hearing model (At-a-Glance Labeling for Features of Apps for Hearing Health Care), a sample of apps over a wide range of services in the hearing health care (HHC) domain in order to take a first picture of the current scenario of apps for HHC.

Method

We tested 120 apps, and we characterized them by using the ALFA4Hearing model, which includes 29 features in 5 components (Promoters, Services, Implementation, Users, and Descriptive Information). We analyzed (a) the distribution of the 29 features in the sample, (b) the relationship between the Implementation features and the Services provided by the apps, and (c) the distribution of the 29 features in apps for professional use.

Results

The analysis of our sample of apps by means of the ALFA4Hearing model highlighted interesting trends and emerging challenges. Also, results suggested many potential opportunities for research and clinical practice, such as greater involvement of stakeholders, improved evidence base, higher technical quality, and usability.

Conclusions

The ALFA4Hearing model is able to represent, at a glance, a large amount of information about apps for HHC, highlighting trends and challenges. It might be useful to HHC professionals as a basis for app characterization and informed decision making.
Subjective Fatigue in Children With Hearing Loss Assessed Using Self- and Parent-Proxy Report
Authors: Hornsby Benjamin W. Y. , Gustafson Samantha J. , Lancaster Hope , Cho Sun-Joo , Camarata Stephen , Bess Fred H.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The primary purposes of this study were to examine the effects of hearing loss and respondent type (self- vs. parent-proxy report) on subjective fatigue in children. We also examined associations between child-specific factors and fatigue ratings.

Method

Subjective fatigue was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL-MFS; Varni, Burwinkle, Katz, Meeske, & Dickinson, 2002). We compared self- and parent-proxy ratings from 60 children with hearing loss (CHL) and 43 children with normal hearing (CNH). The children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years.

Results

School-age CHL experienced more overall and cognitive fatigue than CNH, although the differences were smaller than previously reported. Parent-proxy report was not strongly associated with child self-report, and parents tended to underestimate their child's fatigue, particularly sleep/rest fatigue. Language ability was also associated with subjective fatigue. For CHL and CNH, as language abilities increased, cognitive fatigue decreased.

Conclusions

School-age CHL experience more subjective fatigue than CNH. The poor association between parent-proxy and child reports suggests that the parent-proxy version of the PedsQL-MFS should not be used in isolation when assessing fatigue in school-age children. Future research should examine how language abilities may modulate fatigue and its potential academic consequences in CHL.
A Review of Phonological Development of Mandarin-Speaking Children
Authors: Li Xin Xin , To Carol K. S.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Research into the phonological development of Chinese children is in its infancy compared with the relatively extensive data available on the English-speaking population. This article provided a comprehensive review of empirical studies on the acquisition of Mandarin phonology.

Method

Studies over the past 45 years that describe phonological development in Mandarin-speaking children were located through electronic databases, citation searches, keyword searches through online search engines, and manual searches of libraries. The research design of the studies was reviewed, and findings of acceptable studies were summarized.

Results

After reviewing the abstracts of 798 studies, a total of 12 that met the inclusion criteria were retained. These studies are discussed with reference to the demographic background of participants, geographic regions, aspects of speech sounds measured, data collection tools, transcription systems used, reliability, and the main findings.

Conclusions

The general developmental patterns reported were consistent. The methodological design varied substantially. These discrepancies, however, provide insights for further systematic investigations into phonological development in Mandarin.
Age-Related Changes in Objective and Subjective Speech Perception in Complex Listening Environments
Authors: Helfer Karen S. , Merchant Gabrielle R. , Wasiuk Peter A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

A frequent complaint by older adults is difficulty communicating in challenging acoustic environments. The purpose of this work was to review and summarize information about how speech perception in complex listening situations changes across the adult age range.

Method

This article provides a review of age-related changes in speech understanding in complex listening environments and summarizes results from several studies conducted in our laboratory.

Results

Both degree of high frequency hearing loss and cognitive test performance limit individuals' ability to understand speech in difficult listening situations as they age. The performance of middle-aged adults is similar to that of younger adults in the presence of noise maskers, but they experience substantially more difficulty when the masker is 1 or 2 competing speech messages. For the most part, middle-aged participants in studies conducted in our laboratory reported as much self-perceived hearing problems as did older adult participants.

Conclusions

Research supports the multifactorial nature of listening in real-world environments. Current audiologic assessment practices are often insufficient to identify the true speech understanding struggles that individuals experience in these situations. This points to the importance of giving weight to patients' self-reported difficulties.

Presentation Video

http://cred.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2601619
Speech Understanding in Complex Listening Environments by Listeners Fit With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Dorman Michael F. , Gifford Rene H.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this article is to summarize recent published and unpublished research from our 2 laboratories on improving speech understanding in complex listening environments by listeners fit with cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

CI listeners were tested in 2 listening environments. One was a simulation of a restaurant with multiple, diffuse noise sources, and the other was a cocktail party with 2 spatially separated point sources of competing speech. At issue was the value of the following sources of information, or interventions, on speech understanding: (a) visual information, (b) adaptive beamformer microphones and remote microphones, (c) bimodal fittings, that is, a CI and contralateral low-frequency acoustic hearing, (d) hearing preservation fittings, that is, a CI with preserved low-frequency acoustic in the same ear plus low-frequency acoustic hearing in the contralateral ear, and (e) bilateral CIs.

Results

A remote microphone provided the largest improvement in speech understanding. Visual information and adaptive beamformers ranked next, while bimodal fittings, bilateral fittings, and hearing preservation provided significant but less benefit than the other interventions or sources of information. Only bilateral CIs allowed listeners high levels of speech understanding when signals were roved over the frontal plane.

Conclusions

The evidence supports the use of bilateral CIs and hearing preservation surgery for best speech understanding in complex environments. These fittings, when combined with visual information and microphone technology, should lead to high levels of speech understanding by CI patients in complex listening environments.

Presentation Video

http://cred.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2601622
Preliminary Evidence That Growth in Productive Language Differentiates Childhood Stuttering Persistence and Recovery
Authors: Leech Kathryn A. , Bernstein Ratner Nan , Brown Barbara , Weber Christine M.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Childhood stuttering is common but is often outgrown. Children whose stuttering persists experience significant life impacts, calling for a better understanding of what factors may underlie eventual recovery. In previous research, language ability has been shown to differentiate children who stutter (CWS) from children who do not stutter, yet there is an active debate in the field regarding what, if any, language measures may mark eventual recovery versus persistence. In this study, we examined whether growth in productive language performance may better predict the probability of recovery compared to static profiles taken from a single time point.

Method

Productive syntax and vocabulary diversity growth rates were calculated for 50 CWS using random coefficient models. Logistic regression models were then used to determine whether growth rates uniquely predict likelihood of recovery, as well as if these rates were predictive over and above currently identified correlates of stuttering onset and recovery.

Results

Different linguistic profiles emerged between children who went on to recover versus those who persisted. Children who had steeper productive syntactic growth, but not vocabulary diversity growth, were more likely to recover by study end. Moreover, this effect held after controlling for initial language ability at study onset as well as demographic covariates.

Conclusions

Results are discussed in terms of how growth estimates can be incorporated in recommendations for fostering productive language skills among CWS. The need for additional research on language in early stuttering and recovery is suggested.
A Spirit of Reciprocity: Service-Learning Opportunities at Iowa
Authors: Bentler Ruth , Fennell Ann
Published: October 2017

For a number of years, faculty and students from the University of Iowa have been providing services to orphans in China. To improve sustainability, the effort was increased to also include training to hospital and orphanage staff as well. It became clear that the scope of our tasks and the amount of preparation for the students involved was exceeding what we could fit into the spare time of the typical graduate student and the mentor-of the-year. With the onset of a second humanitarian project—demanding similar training preparation and planning—a course was developed to better prepare the students for both the upcoming trips, as well as a lifetime of international collaboration and reciprocity. Funded entirely by student/faculty fundraising efforts (and personal resources), our commitment to global teaching and service is a strong one.
A General Protocol for Radical Anion [3+2] Cycloaddition Enabled by Tandem Lewis Acid Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Yoon Tehshik , Amador Adrian , Sherbrook Evan , Lu Zhan
Published: October 2017

A method for intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition between aryl cyclopropyl ketones and alkenes involving the combination of Lewis acid and photoredox catalysis is reported. In contrast to other more common methods for [3+2] cycloaddition, these conditions operate using a broad range of both electron-rich and electron-deficient reaction partners. The critical factors predicting the success of these reactions is the redox potential of the cyclopropyl ketone and the ability of the alkene to stabilize a key radical intermediate.
Perioperative Anaphylaxie auf Arzneimittel
Authors: Pfützner Wolfgang , Wulf Hinnerk
Published: October 2017

Im Rahmen eines operativen Eingriffs erhalten Patienten zahlreiche Arzneimittel. Entwickeln sie eine anaphylaktische Reaktion, so ist akut schwer zu beurteilen, welche Substanz für diese verantwortlich ist. Die meisten der intraoperativen Einschätzungen zur Ursache einer Anaphylaxie sind falsch. Umso wichtiger ist es, die verursachende Substanz später zu identifizieren, um eine Reexposition, z. B. bei einer erneuten OP, zu verhindern.
Die Rechtsfrage: Mein Patient raucht. Kann ich mich weigern, ihn zu behandeln?
Authors: Bossow Karsten
Published: October 2017

„Bei einem Patienten, den ich zu Hause behandle, wird stark geraucht, auch während der Therapie. Ich finde das eklig und es schadet meiner Gesund-heit. Kann ich in Absprache mit meinem Chef etwas dagegen unternehmen?”

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