bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High emission reduction performance of a novel organic-inorganic composite filters containing sepiolite mineral nanofibers
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Hui , Liang Jinsheng , Tang Qingguo , Li Yanxia , Shang Zengyao
Published: March 2017

In this work, a new organic-inorganic composite filter was prepared. The thickness, pore size, air permeability, bursting strength and microstructure were characterized systematically, proving that coatings had regulatory effect on filters physical properties. Benefitting from the distinct coatings containing 5% sepiolite nanofibers after five times dilution, the physical properties of corresponding air filter exhibits the most favorable performance and meet the standard of air filter. When used as fuel filter, it satisfies the fuel filter standard and achieves the best performance after six times dilution. The contrast test on engine emission was taken based on auto filters coated with/without as prepared nanofibers. An obvious decrease in the emission of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) can be observed after installation of composite filter on vehicles. Under the high idle condition, gasoline engine emission decreased by 8.13%, 11.35% and 44.91% for CO, HC and NOx, respectively. When tested in the low idle condition, engine emission reduced by 0.43%, 1.14% and 85.67% for CO, HC and NOx, respectively. The diesel engine emissions of CO, NOx and total amount of HC and NOx decreased by 32.26%, 3.28% and 4.66%, respectively. The results illustrate the composite installation exhibits satisfactory emission reduction effect.
GenePANDA—a novel network-based gene prioritizing tool for complex diseases
Authors: Yin Tianshu , Chen Shu , Wu Xiaohui , Tian Weidong
Published: March 2017

Here we describe GenePANDA, a novel network-based tool for prioritizing candidate disease genes. GenePANDA assesses whether a gene is likely a candidate disease gene based on its relative distance to known disease genes in a functional association network. A unique feature of GenePANDA is the introduction of adjusted network distance derived by normalizing the raw network distance between two genes with their respective mean raw network distance to all other genes in the network. The use of adjusted network distance significantly improves GenePANDA’s performance on prioritizing complex disease genes. GenePANDA achieves superior performance over five previously published algorithms for prioritizing disease genes. Finally, GenePANDA can assist in prioritizing functionally important SNPs identified by GWAS.
A high-performance liquid chromatography-electronic circular dichroism online method for assessing the absolute enantiomeric excess and conversion ratio of asymmetric reactions
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Mingchao , Li Li , Yin Dali
Published: March 2017

Asymmetric reactions often need to be evaluated during the synthesis of chiral compounds. However, traditional evaluation methods require the isolation of the individual enantiomer, which is tedious and time-consuming. Thus, it is desirable to develop simple, practical online detection methods. We developed a method based on high-performance liquid chromatography-electronic circular dichroism (HPLC-ECD) that simultaneously analyzes the material conversion ratio and absolute optical purity of each enantiomer. In particular, only a reverse-phase C18 column instead of a chiral column is required in our method because the ECD measurement provides a g-factor that describes the ratio of each enantiomer in the mixtures. We used our method to analyze the asymmetric hydrosilylation of β-enamino esters, and we discussed the advantage, feasibility, and effectiveness of this new methodology.
Inverse heat mimicking of given objects
Authors: Alwakil Ahmed , Zerrad Myriam , Bellieud Michel , Amra Claude
Published: March 2017

We address a general inverse mimicking problem in heat conduction. The objects to cloak and mimic are chosen beforehand; these objects identify a specific set of space transformations. The shapes that can be mimicked are derived from the conductivity matrices. Numerical calculation confirms all of the analytical predictions. The technique provides key advantages for applications and can be extended to the field of waves.
Traditional Chinese medicine xin-mai-jia recouples endothelial nitric oxide synthase to prevent atherosclerosis in vivo
Authors: Yin Ya-Ling , Zhu Mo-Li , Wan Jia , Zhang Chong , Pan Guo-Pin , Lu Jun-Xiu , Ping Song , Chen Yuan , Zhao Fan-Rong , Yu Hai-Ya , Guo Tao , Jian Xu , Liu Li-Ying , Zhang Jia-Ning , Wan Guang-Rui , Wang Shuang-Xi , Li Peng
Published: March 2017

Endothelial dysfunction, which is caused by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, is an initial step in atherosclerosis. This study was designed to explore whether Chinese medicine xin-mai-jia (XMJ) recouples eNOS to exert anti-atherosclerotic effects. Pretreatment of XMJ (25, 50, 100 μg/ml) for 30 minutes concentration-dependently activated eNOS, improved cell viabilities, increased NO generations, and reduced ROS productions in human umbilical vein endothelial cells incubated with H2O2 for 2 hours, accompanied with restoration of BH4. Importantly, these protective effects produced by XMJ were abolished by eNOS inhibitor L-NAME or specific eNOS siRNA in H2O2-treated cells. In ex vivo experiments, exposure of isolated aortic rings from rats to H2O2 for 6 hours dramatically impaired acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, reduced NO levels and increased ROS productions, which were ablated by XMJ in concentration-dependent manner. In vivo analysis indicated that administration of XMJ (0.6, 2.0, 6.0 g/kg/d) for 12 weeks remarkably recoupled eNOS and reduced the size of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in rats feeding with high fat diet plus balloon injury. In conclusion, XMJ recouples eNOS to prevent the growth of atherosclerosis in rats. Clinically, XMJ is potentially considered as a medicine to treat patients with atherosclerosis.
Serum snoRNAs as biomarkers for joint ageing and post traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Steinbusch Mandy M. F. , Fang Yongxiang , Milner Peter I. , Clegg Peter D. , Young David A. , Welting Tim J. M. , Peffers Mandy J.
Published: March 2017

The development of effective treatments for the age-related disease osteoarthritis and the ability to predict disease progression has been hampered by the lack of biomarkers able to demonstrate the course of the disease. Profiling the expression patterns of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in joint ageing and OA may provide diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study determined expression patterns of snoRNAs in joint ageing and OA and examined them as potential biomarkers. Using SnoRNASeq and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) we demonstrate snoRNA expression levels in murine ageing and OA joints and serum for the first time. SnoRNASeq identified differential expression (DE) of 6 snoRNAs in young versus old joints and 5 snoRNAs in old sham versus old experimental osteoarthritic joints. In serum we found differential presence of 27 snoRNAs in young versus old serum and 18 snoRNAs in old sham versus old experimental osteoarthritic serum. Confirmatory qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated good correlation with SnoRNASeq findings. Profiling the expression patterns of snoRNAs is the initial step in determining their functional significance in ageing and osteoarthritis, and provides potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our results establish snoRNAs as novel markers of musculoskeletal ageing and osteoarthritis.
Direct evidence of flat band voltage shift for TiN/LaO or ZrO/SiO2 stack structure via work function depth profiling
Authors: Heo Sung , Park Hyoungsun , Ko Dong-Su , Kim Yong Su , Kyoung Yong Koo , Lee Hyung-Ik , Cho Eunae , Lee Hyo Sug , Park Gyung-Su , Shin Jai Kwang , Lee Dongjin , Lee Jieun , Jung Kyoungho , Jeong Moonyoung , Yamada Satoru , Kang Hee Jae , Choi Byoung-Deog
Published: March 2017

We demonstrated that a flat band voltage (VFB) shift could be controlled in TiN/(LaO or ZrO)/SiO2 stack structures. The VFB shift described in term of metal diffusion into the TiN film and silicate formation in the inserted (LaO or ZrO)/SiO2 interface layer. The metal doping and silicate formation confirmed by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) line profiling, respectively. The direct work function measurement technique allowed us to make direct estimate of a variety of flat band voltages (VFB). As a function of composition ratio of La or Zr to Ti in the region of a TiN/(LaO or ZrO)/SiO2/Si stack, direct work function modulation driven by La and Zr doping was confirmed with the work functions obtained from the cutoff value of secondary electron emission by auger electron spectroscopy (AES). We also suggested an analytical method to determine the interface dipole via work function depth profiling.
Aggretin Venom Polypeptide as a Novel Anti-angiogenesis Agent by Targeting Integrin alpha2beta1
Authors: Chung Ching Hu , Chang Chien Hsin , Hsu Chun Chieh , Lin Kung Tin , Peng Hui Chin , Huang Tur Fu
Published: March 2017

VEGF and VEGFR antibodies have been used as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit angiogenesis in many diseases; however, frequent and repeated administration of these antibodies to patients induces immunogenicity. In previous studies, we demonstrated that aggretin, a heterodimeric snake venom C-type lectin, exhibits pro-angiogenic activities via integrin α2β1 ligation. We hypothesised that small-mass aggretin fragments may bind integrin α2β1 and act as antagonists of angiogenesis. In this study, the anti-angiogenic efficacy of a synthesised aggretin α-chain C-terminus (AACT, residue 106–136) was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis models. The AACT demonstrated inhibitory effects on collagen-induced platelet aggregation and HUVEC adhesion to immobilised collagen. These results indicated that AACT may block integrin α2β1−collagen interaction. AACT also inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation. Aortic ring sprouting and Matrigel implant models demonstrated that AACT markedly inhibited VEGF-induced neovascularisation. In addition, induction of FAK/PI3K/ERK1/2 tyrosine phosphorylation and talin 1/2 associated with integrin β1 which are induced by VEGF were blocked by AACT. Similarly, tyrosine phosphorylation of VEFGR2 and ERK1/2 induced by VEGF was diminished in integrin α2-silenced endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that AACT is a potential therapeutic candidate for angiogenesis related-diseases via integrin α2β1 blockade.
Chromatin states shape insertion profiles of the piggyBac, Tol2 and Sleeping Beauty transposons and murine leukemia virus
Authors: Yoshida Junko , Akagi Keiko , Misawa Ryo , Kokubu Chikara , Takeda Junji , Horie Kyoji
Published: March 2017

DNA transposons and retroviruses are versatile tools in functional genomics and gene therapy. To facilitate their application, we conducted a genome-wide insertion site profiling of the piggyBac (PB), Tol2 and Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposons and the murine leukemia virus (MLV) in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). PB and MLV preferred highly expressed genes, whereas Tol2 and SB preferred weakly expressed genes. However, correlations with DNase I hypersensitive sites were different for all vectors, indicating that chromatin accessibility is not the sole determinant. Therefore, we analysed various chromatin states. PB and MLV highly correlated with Cohesin, Mediator and ESC-specific transcription factors. Notably, CTCF sites were correlated with PB but not with MLV, suggesting MLV prefers smaller promoter–enhancer loops, whereas PB insertion encompasses larger chromatin loops termed topologically associating domains. Tol2 also correlated with Cohesin and CTCF. However, correlations with ESC-specific transcription factors were weaker, suggesting that Tol2 prefers transcriptionally weak chromatin loops. Consistently, Tol2 insertions were associated with bivalent histone modifications characteristic of silent and inducible loci. SB showed minimum preference to all chromatin states, suggesting the least adverse effect on adjacent genes. These results will be useful for vector selection for various applications.
Automated sub-5 nm image registration in integrated correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy using cathodoluminescence pointers
Authors: Haring Martijn T. , Liv Nalan , Zonnevylle A. Christiaan , Narvaez Angela C. , Voortman Lenard M. , Kruit Pieter , Hoogenboom Jacob P.
Published: March 2017

In the biological sciences, data from fluorescence and electron microscopy is correlated to allow fluorescence biomolecule identification within the cellular ultrastructure and/or ultrastructural analysis following live-cell imaging. High-accuracy (sub-100 nm) image overlay requires the addition of fiducial markers, which makes overlay accuracy dependent on the number of fiducials present in the region of interest. Here, we report an automated method for light-electron image overlay at high accuracy, i.e. below 5 nm. Our method relies on direct visualization of the electron beam position in the fluorescence detection channel using cathodoluminescence pointers. We show that image overlay using cathodoluminescence pointers corrects for image distortions, is independent of user interpretation, and does not require fiducials, allowing image correlation with molecular precision anywhere on a sample.
Holophyllane A: A Triterpenoid Possessing an Unprecedented B-nor-3,4-seco-17,14-friedo-lanostane Architecture from Abies holophylla
Authors: Kim Chung Sub , Oh Joonseok , Subedi Lalita , Kim Sun Yeou , Choi Sang Un , Lee Kang Ro
Published: March 2017

A novel triterpenoid, holophyllane A (1), featuring a B-nor-3,4-seco-17,14-friedo-lanostane, along with its putative precursor, compound2were isolated from the methanol extract of the trunks ofAbies holophylla. The 2D structure and relative configuration of1were initially determined via analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and the assignment was confirmed by quantum mechanics-based NMR chemical shift calculations. The absolute configuration was established by comparison of the experimental and simulated ECD data generated at different theory levels. Compounds1and2exhibited moderate to weak cytotoxicity and significant inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production.
Acute podocyte injury is not a stimulus for podocytes to migrate along the glomerular basement membrane in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Siegerist Florian , Blumenthal Antje , Zhou Weibin , Endlich Karlhans , Endlich Nicole
Published: March 2017

Podocytes have a unique 3D structure of major and interdigitating foot processes which is the prerequisite for renal blood filtration. Loss of podocytes leads to chronic kidney disease ending in end stage renal disease. Until now, the question if podocytes can be replaced by immigration of cells along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is under debate. We recently showed that in contrast to former theories, podocytes are stationary in the zebrafish pronephros and neither migrate nor change their branching pattern of major processes over 23 hours. However, it was still unclear whether podocytes are able to migrate during acute injury. To investigate this, we applied the nitroreductase/metronidazole zebrafish model of podocyte injury to in vivo two-photon microscopy. The application of metronidazole led to retractions of major processes associated with a reduced expression of podocyte-specific proteins and a formation of subpodocyte pseudocyst. Electron microscopy showed that broad areas of the capillaries became denuded. By 4D in vivo observation of single podocytes, we could show that the remaining podocytes did not walk along GBM during 24 h. This in vivo study reveals that podocytes are very stationary cells making regenerative processes by podocyte walking along the GBM very unlikely.
Radiotherapy for cancer using X-ray fluorescence emitted from iodine
Authors: Tamura Masato , Ito Hiromu , Matsui Hirofumi
Published: March 2017

Radiation treatment is popular and the apparatus is already available in many hospitals. Conventional radiation treatment by itself is not sufficient to achieve complete cure. Therefore, radiosensitizers have been developed to enhance the therapeutic effects of the treatment. The concept of radiosensitization with high-Z-elements was first considered many decades ago. However, radiosensitizers are not commonly used in the clinical setting. Here, we propose a radiotherapy method that utilizes fluorescent X-ray emissions from iodine. This approach should achieve a greater therapeutic effect than that of conventional radiotherapy treatments. In our radiotherapy, iomeprol was used as the iodine-donor. The X-ray apparatus with copper and aluminum filters could be used for the X-ray irradiation, the apparatus is not needed for exclusive use. The X-ray apparatus is only required to prepare the copper and aluminum filters. As proof-of-concept, we show that tumor growth was attenuated using this treatment with iomeprol.
Double-bond-containing polyallene-based triblock copolymers via phenoxyallene and (meth)acrylate
Authors: Ding Aishun , Lu Guolin , Guo Hao , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: March 2017

A series of ABA triblock copolymers, consisting of double-bond-containing poly(phenoxyallene) (PPOA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) segments, were synthesized by sequential free radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A new bifunctional initiator bearing azo and halogen-containing ATRP initiating groups was first prepared followed by initiating conventional free radical homopolymerization of phenoxyallene with cumulated double bond to give a PPOA-based macroinitiator with ATRP initiating groups at both ends. Next, PMMA-b-PPOA-b-PMMA and PBA-b-PPOA-b-PBA triblock copolymers were synthesized by ATRP of methyl methacrylate and n-butyl acrylate initiated by the PPOA-based macroinitiator through the site transformation strategy. These double-bond-containing triblock copolymers are stable under UV irradiation and free radical circumstances.
Inhibition of Proliferation and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells by Heavy Chain-Hyaluronan/Pentraxin 3
Authors: He Hua , Kuriyan Ajay E. , Su Chen-Wei , Mahabole Megha , Zhang Yuan , Zhu Ying-Ting , Flynn Harry W. , Parel Jean-Marie , Tseng Scheffer C. G.
Published: March 2017

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is mediated by proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Because heavy chain-hyaluronic acid/pentraxin 3 (HC-HA/PTX3) purified from human amniotic membrane exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring actions, we hypothesized that HC-HA/PTX3 could inhibit these PVR-related processes in vitro. In this study, we first optimized an ARPE-19 cell culture model to mimic PVR by defining cell density, growth factors, and cultivation time. Using this low cell density culture model and HA as a control, we tested effects of HC-HA/PTX3 on the cell viability (cytotoxicity), proliferation (EGF + FGF-2) and EMT (TGF-β1). Furthermore, we determined effects of HC-HA/PTX3 on cell migration (EGF + FGF-2 + TGF-β1) and collagen gel contraction (TGF-β1). We found both HA and HC-HA/PTX3 were not toxic to unstimulated RPE cells. Only HC-HA/PTX3 dose-dependently inhibited proliferation and EMT of stimulated RPE cells by down-regulating Wnt (β-catenin, LEF1) and TGF-β (Smad2/3, collagen type I, α-SMA) signaling, respectively. Additionally, HA and HC-HA/PTX3 inhibited migration but only HC-HA/PTX3 inhibited collagen gel contraction. These results suggest HC-HA/PTX3 is a non-toxic, potent inhibitor of proliferation and EMT of RPE in vitro, and HC-HA/PTX3’s ability to inhibit PVR formation warrants evaluation in an animal model.
Determination of the pKa of the N-terminal amino group of ubiquitin by NMR
Authors: Oregioni Alain , Stieglitz Benjamin , Kelly Geoffrey , Rittinger Katrin , Frenkiel Tom
Published: March 2017

Ubiquitination regulates nearly every aspect of cellular life. It is catalysed by a cascade of three enzymes and results in the attachment of the C-terminal carboxylate of ubiquitin to a lysine side chain in the protein substrate. Chain extension occurs via addition of subsequent ubiquitin molecules to either one of the seven lysine residues of ubiquitin, or via its N-terminal α-amino group to build linear ubiquitin chains. The pKa of lysine side chains is around 10.5 and hence E3 ligases require a mechanism to deprotonate the amino group at physiological pH to produce an effective nucleophile. In contrast, the pKa of N-terminal α-amino groups of proteins can vary significantly, with reported values between 6.8 and 9.1, raising the possibility that linear chain synthesis may not require a general base. In this study we use NMR spectroscopy to determine the pKa for the N-terminal α-amino group of methionine1 of ubiquitin for the first time. We show that it is 9.14, one of the highest pKa values ever reported for this amino group, providing a rational for the observed need for a general base in the E3 ligase HOIP, which synthesizes linear ubiquitin chains.
Gene Deletion in Barley Mediated by LTR-retrotransposon BARE
Authors: Shang Yi , Yang Fei , Schulman Alan H. , Zhu Jinghuan , Jia Yong , Wang Junmei , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Jia Qiaojun , Hua Wei , Yang Jianming , Li Chengdao
Published: March 2017

A poly-row branched spike (prbs) barley mutant was obtained from soaking a two-rowed barley inflorescence in a solution of maize genomic DNA. Positional cloning and sequencing demonstrated that the prbs mutant resulted from a 28 kb deletion including the inflorescence architecture gene HvRA2. Sequence annotation revealed that the HvRA2 gene is flanked by two LTR (long terminal repeat) retrotransposons (BARE) sharing 89% sequence identity. A recombination between the integrase (IN) gene regions of the two BARE copies resulted in the formation of an intact BARE and loss of HvRA2. No maize DNA was detected in the recombination region although the flanking sequences of HvRA2 gene showed over 73% of sequence identity with repetitive sequences on 10 maize chromosomes. It is still unknown whether the interaction of retrotransposons between barley and maize has resulted in the recombination observed in the present study.
Altered gene expression and repressed markers of autophagy in skeletal muscle of insulin resistant patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Møller Andreas Buch , Kampmann Ulla , Hedegaard Jakob , Thorsen Kasper , Nordentoft Iver , Vendelbo Mikkel Holm , Møller Niels , Jessen Niels
Published: March 2017

This case-control study was designed to investigate the gene expression profile in skeletal muscle from severely insulin resistant patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes (T2D), and to determine associated signaling pathways. Gene expression profiles were examined by whole transcriptome, strand-specific RNA-sequencing and associated signaling was determined by western blot. We identified 117 differentially expressed gene transcripts. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis related these differences to abnormal muscle morphology and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite a ~5-fold difference in plasma insulin, we did not observe any difference in phosphorylation of AKT or AS160, although other insulin-sensitive cascades, as mTOR/4EBP1, had retained their sensitivity. Autophagy-related gene (ATG14, RB1CC1/FIP200, GABARAPL1, SQSTM1/p62, and WIPI1) and protein (LC3BII, SQSTM1/p62 and ATG5) expression were decreased in skeletal muscle from the patients, and this was associated with a trend to increased phosphorylation of the insulin-sensitive regulatory transcription factor FOXO3a. These data show that gene expression is highly altered and related to mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal morphology in skeletal muscle from severely insulin resistant patients with T2D, and that this is associated with decreased expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins. We speculate that prolonged treatment with high doses of insulin may suppress autophagy thereby generating a vicious cycle maintaining insulin resistance.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and the SYNTAX score: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bundhun Pravesh Kumar , Yanamala Chandra Mouli , Huang Feng
Published: March 2017

The SYNTAX [Synergy Between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) With Taxus and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)] score is a decision-making tool in interventional cardiology. However, several facts still remain to be addressed: What about PCI or CABG with a low versus a high score respectively? And what about PCI with a low score versus CABG with a high score? Electronic databases were carefully searched for relevant publications. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and the analysis was carried out by RevMan 5.3. Eleven studies with a total number of 11,037 patients were included. In terms of clinical outcomes, this analysis showed PCI to have significantly favored patients with a low versus a high SYNTAX score. In patients who were re-vascularized by CABG, mortality and major adverse cardiac events were significantly lower with a low SYNTAX score. However, when PCI with a low SYNTAX score was compared with CABG with a high SYNTAX score, no significant difference in mortality and combined death/stroke/myocardial infarction were observed. In conclusion, the SYNTAX score might be considered useful in interventional cardiology. Nevertheless, the fact that it has limitations when compared to newer tools should also not be ignored.
Simultaneous imaging of magnetic field and temperature distributions by magneto optical indicator microscopy
Authors: Lee Hanju , Jeon Sunghoon , Friedman Barry , Lee Kiejin
Published: March 2017

We report a simultaneous imaging method of the temperature and the magnetic field distributions based on the magneto optical indicator microscopy. The present method utilizes an optical indicator composed of a bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet thin film, and visualizes the magnetic field and temperature distributions through the magneto-optical effect and the temperature dependent optical absorption of the garnet thin film. By using a printed circuit board that carries an electric current as a device under test, we showed that the present method can visualize the magnetic field and temperature distribution simultaneously with a comparable temperature sensitivity (0.2 K) to that of existing conventional thermal imagers. The present technique provides a practical way to get a high resolution magnetic and thermal image at the same time, which is valuable in investigating how thermal variation results in a change of the operation state of a micrometer sized electronic device or material.
The human two-pore channel 1 is modulated by cytosolic and luminal calcium
Authors: Lagostena Laura , Festa Margherita , Pusch Michael , Carpaneto Armando
Published: March 2017

Two-pore channels (TPC) are intracellular endo-lysosomal proteins with only recently emerging roles in organellar signalling and involvement in severe human diseases. Here, we investigated the functional properties of human TPC1 expressed in TPC-free vacuoles from Arabidopsis thaliana cells. Large (20 pA/pF) TPC1 currents were elicited by cytosolic addition of the phosphoinositide phosphatidylinositol-(3,5)-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2) with an apparent binding constant of ~15 nM. The channel is voltage-dependent, activating at positive potentials with single exponential kinetics and currents are Na+ selective, with measurable but low permeability to Ca2+. Cytosolic Ca2+ modulated hTPC1 in dual way: low μM cytosolic Ca2+ increased activity by shifting the open probability towards negative voltages and by accelerating the time course of activation. This mechanism was well-described by an allosteric model. Higher levels of cytosolic Ca2+ induced a voltage-dependent decrease of the currents compatible with Ca2+ binding in the permeation pore. Conversely, an increase in luminal Ca2+ decreased hTPC1 activity. Our data point to a process in which Ca2+ permeation in hTPC1 has a positive feedback on channel activity while Na+ acts as a negative regulator. We speculate that the peculiar Ca2+ and Na+ dependence are key for the physiological roles of the channel in organellar homeostasis and signalling.
Enhanced PEC performance of nanoporous Si photoelectrodes by covering HfO2 and TiO2 passivation layers
Authors: Xing Zhuo , Ren Feng , Wu Hengyi , Wu Liang , Wang Xuening , Wang Jingli , Wan Da , Zhang Guozhen , Jiang Changzhong
Published: March 2017

Nanostructured Si as the high efficiency photoelectrode material is hard to keep stable in aqueous for water splitting. Capping a passivation layer on the surface of Si is an effective way of protecting from oxidation. However, it is still not clear in the different mechanisms and effects between insulating oxide materials and oxide semiconductor materials as passivation layers. Here, we compare the passivation effects, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties, and the corresponding mechanisms between the HfO2/nanoporous-Si and the TiO2/nanoporous-Si by I–V curves, Motte-schottky (MS) curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Although the saturated photocurrent densities of the TiO2/nanoporous Si are lower than that of the HfO2/nanoporous Si, the former is more stable than the later.
Zinc oxide nanorods functionalized paper for protein preconcentration in biodiagnostics
Authors: Tiwari Sadhana , Vinchurkar Madhuri , Rao V. Ramgopal , Garnier Gil
Published: March 2017

Distinguishing a specific biomarker from a biofluid sample containing a large variety of proteins often requires the selective preconcentration of that particular biomarker to a detectable level for analysis. Low-cost, paper-based device is an emerging opportunity in diagnostics. In the present study, we report a novel Zinc oxide nanorods functionalized paper platform for the preconcentration of Myoglobin, a cardiac biomarker. Zinc oxide nanorods were grown on a Whatman filter paper no. 1 via the standard hydrothermal route. The growth of Zinc oxide nanorods on paper was confirmed by a combination of techniques consisting of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS,) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The Zinc oxide nanorods modified Whatman filter paper (ZnO-NRs/WFP) was further tested for use as a protein preconcentrator. Paper-based ELISA was performed for determination of pre-concentration of cardiac marker protein Myoglobin using the new ZnO-NRs/WFP platform. The ZnO-NRs/WFP could efficiently capture the biomarker even from a very dilute solution (Myoglobin < 50 nM). Our ELISA results show a threefold enhancement in protein capture with ZnO-NRs/WFP compared to unmodified Whatman filter paper, allowing accurate protein analysis and showing the diagnostic concept.
New polytriazoleimides containing green synthesized titanium dioxide using Artemisia pallens plant extract: optical, dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: R. Balasubramanian , M. Fathima Rigana , S. Balaji , A. Selvamani , M. Sarojadevi
Published: March 2017

A novel aromatic diamine containing a pyridine pendant group, 1,2,3-triazole ring and ether linkage was synthesized by ‘click reaction’ in the presence of Cu(i) catalyst.
An efficient approach to 3-oxoisoindoline-1-difluoroalkyl derivatives via a metal triflate-catalyzed Mannich/lactamization cascade reaction
Authors: Chen Tingting , Cai Chun
Published: March 2017

An efficient approach for the synthesis ofN-substituted 3-oxoisoindoline-1-difluoroalkyl derivativesviaa one-pot cascade reaction has been developed.
An efficient route to synthesize thermoresponsive molecular bottlebrushes of poly[o-aminobenzyl alcohol-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)]
Authors: Wang Shuang , Liu Chonggao , Zhou Heng , Gao Chengqiang , Zhang Wangqing
Published: March 2017

The thermoresponsive molecular bottlebrushes of poly[o-aminobenzyl alcohol-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)] [P(oABA-g-PNIPAM)] were synthesized and their characteristic thermoresponse was demonstrated.
An overview of chemical constituents from Alpinia species in the last six decades
Authors: Ma Xiao-Ni , Xie Chun-Lan , Miao Zi , Yang Quan , Yang Xian-Wen
Published: March 2017

Alpinia species is one of the most important genera of the Zingiberaceae family. Up to 2015, 544 compounds with various bioactivities were isolated, the major components are diarylheptanoids (143) and sesquiterpenoids (132).
Controllable synthesis and enhanced gas sensing properties of a single-crystalline WO3–rGO porous nanocomposite
Authors: Hao Qin , Liu Tie , Liu Jingyuan , Liu Qi , Jing Xiaoyan , Zhang Hongquan , Huang Guoqing , Wang Jun
Published: March 2017

A single-crystalline WO3–rGO composite has been successfully prepared and applied into gas detection. Impressively, this permit-3D porous nanostructures display enhanced NO2 sensing properties.
Facile synthesis of chlorin bioconjugates by a series of click reactions
Authors: Gonzales Junior , Bhupathiraju N. V. S. Dinesh K. , Perea William , Chu Huong , Berisha Naxhije , Bueno Veronica , Dodic Naser , Rozenberg Julia , Greenbaum Nancy L. , Drain Charles Michael
Published: March 2017

A multifunctional chlorin platform appended with four short polyethylene glycols and a carboxylate-linker allows rapid conjugation to biotargeting motifs such as proteins and oligonucleotides.
Spontaneous NaCl-doped ice at seawater conditions: focus on the mechanisms of ion inclusion
Authors: Conde M. M. , Rovere M. , Gallo P.
Published: March 2017

The Cl− ion included in the lattice always substitutes not one but two water molecules favoring ice conduction.
Concentrations and sources apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Uganda side of Lake Victoria
Authors: Kerebba Nasifu , Ssebugere Patrick , Kwetegyeka Justus , Arinaitwe Kenneth , Wasswa John
Published: March 2017

This study presents the levels and possible sources of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Napoleon Gulf and Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria.
Carboxylate-promoted reductive functionalization of CO2 with amines and hydrosilanes under mild conditions
Authors: Liu Xiao-Fang , Qiao Chang , Li Xiao-Ya , He Liang-Nian
Published: March 2017

Various oxygen-nucleophiles prove to be efficient for reductive functionalization of CO2 with amines to methylamines, realizing both 6-electron reduction of CO2 and formation of a C–N bond in a one-pot operation.
Quantifying 3D chemotaxis in microfluidic-based chips with step gradients of collagen hydrogel concentrations
Authors: Del Amo C. , Borau C. , Movilla N. , Asín Jesús , García-Aznar J. M.
Published: March 2017

In this work a microfluidic chip is proposed, consisting of three different channels for studying cell migration under chemical and mechanical gradients such as collagen concentrations of matrices and growth factors.
Asymmetric total synthesis of (−)-δ-lycorane
Authors: Wang Junliang , Li Jianneng , Shen Xianwang , Dong Cong , Lin Jun , Wei Kun
Published: March 2017

A first asymmetric synthesis of (−)-δ-lycorane by using a chiral bifunctional squaramide-catalysed cascade reaction is reported.
Polypeptide-participating complex nanoparticles with improved salt-tolerance as excellent candidates for intelligent insulin delivery
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Zhang Yunyan , Yang Junjiao , Yang Jing
Published: March 2017

The strategy of introducing synthetic polypeptides with hierarchical ordered structures into glucose-responsive materials is reported in this study to achieve self-regulated release of insulin under physiological salt concentration.
Gum karaya (Sterculia urens) stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles: characterization and applications for the removal of chromium and volatile organic pollutants from water
Authors: Padil Vinod Vellora Thekkae , Wacławek Stanisław , Senan Chandra , Kupčík Jaroslav , Pešková Kristýna , Černík Miroslav , Somashekarappa H. M.
Published: March 2017

This paper illustrates a method for the stabilization of nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) suspensions with a “green” biopolymer, Gum Karaya (GK).
Computational investigation of CO2 electroreduction on tin oxide and predictions of Ti, V, Nb and Zr dopants for improved catalysis
Authors: Saravanan Karthikeyan , Basdogan Yasemin , Dean James , Keith John A.
Published: March 2017

Computational chemistry elucidates surfaces structures under CO2 reduction operating conditions and predicts new dopants for Sn to enhance electrocatalysis.
Fabrication and optical characterization of polystyrene opal templates for the synthesis of scalable, nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials by electrodeposition
Authors: Gaulding E. A. , Liu G. , Chen C. T. , Löbbert L. , Li A. , Segev G. , Eichhorn J. , Aloni S. , Schwartzberg A. M. , Sharp I. D. , Toma F. M.
Published: March 2017

Using polystyrene opal templates, we employ electrodeposition for the synthesis of highly homogeneous, large scale nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials for artificial photosynthesis.
All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries based on a newly designed Li7P2.9Mn0.1S10.7I0.3 superionic conductor
Authors: Xu Ruo-chen , Xia Xin-hui , Li Shu-han , Zhang Sheng-zhao , Wang Xiu-li , Tu Jiang-ping
Published: March 2017

A lithium superionic conductor of Li7P2.9Mn0.1S10.7I0.3 as solid electrolyte was successfully prepared via high-energy milling, possessing high ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability. The prepared all solid state LSBs shows a large capacity of 796 mA h g−1 with good cycling stability.
In situ coupling of Co0.85Se and N-doped carbon via one-step selenization of metal–organic frameworks as a trifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting and Zn–air batteries
Authors: Meng Tao , Qin Jinwen , Wang Shuguang , Zhao Di , Mao Baoguang , Cao Minhua
Published: March 2017

Co0.85Se@NC obtained by directly selenizing ZIF-67 can be used as a trifunctional catalyst for water splitting and Zn–air batteries.
Enhanced near-UV electroluminescence from p-GaN/i-Al2O3/n-ZnO heterojunction LEDs by optimizing the insulator thickness and introducing surface plasmons of Ag nanowires
Authors: Yang Liu , Liu Weizhen , Xu Haiyang , Ma Jiangang , Zhang Cen , Liu Chunyang , Wang Zhongqiang , Liu Yichun
Published: March 2017

Enhanced near-UV electroluminescence is achieved from p-GaN/i-Al2O3/n-ZnO LEDs by optimizing the Al2O3 insulator thickness and introducing Ag nanowire surface plasmons.
DOA estimation under the existence of multiple groups of coherent signals with ULA
Authors: Xie Wei , Wen Fei , Liu Jiangbo , Wan Qun
Published: March 2017

The problem of estimating the direction‐of‐arrivals (DOAs) of multiple groups of coherent signals with uniformly linear array (ULA) is addressed. An iterative root‐MUSIC method is proposed to refine a given coarse DOA estimation by investigating the information carried by the coherency structure among incident signals. The refinement processes for the DOAs associated with distinct sources are implemented in a parallel fashion. Meanwhile, the proposed method is search‐free and maintains the effective array aperture. Compared with several representative DOA estimators, numerical examples have verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Electrodeposited nanoscale zinc oxide particles: facilitating the electron transfer of immobilised protein and biosensing
Authors: Bayandori Moghaddam Abdolmajid
Published: March 2017

The electron transfer of redox‐active sites of immobilised haemoglobin (Hb) has been studied by voltammetric experiments. The electrode surface was modified by nanoparticles (NPs) to make a suitable substrate for electric wiring of protein molecules and efficient electron transferring. Hence, the Hb/zinc oxide NPs/platinum electrode was prepared by chronoamperometric deposition of the NPs and immobilisation of protein molecules. The electrochemical behaviour of the prepared biosensor was quasi‐reversible and showed a pair of redox peaks with a formal potential (E0′) of 214 mV. Additionally, the electron transfer rate constant (ks) of immobilised Hb was about 0.621 s−1. Biocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide was also examined on the prepared biosensor. Result indicated to good sensitivity, wide linear range and low detection limit of 6 μM.
Strong stabilisation properties of humic substance matrixes for silver bionanocomposites
Authors: Khutsishvili Spartak S. , Vakul'skaya Tamara I. , Aleksandrova Galina P. , Sukhov Boris G.
Published: March 2017

Stability of silver‐containing nanocomposites, synthesised from medicinally promising humic substances, has been studied. The nanocomposites obtained possess aggregative stability and conserve their properties for a long time. All compounds have been investigated by physical and chemical methods including electron paramagnetic resonance, plasmon absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. It is shown that unlike the composites synthesised from humic substances of deeper decomposition, in natural macromolecular matrixes of nanocomposites formed from mud and shale humic substances both 6–14 nm nanoparticles and silver clusters Agn are generated and stabilised.
Mucosal Thickening Occurs in Contralateral Paranasal Sinuses following Sinonasal Malignancy Treatment
Authors: Maxfield Alice , Chambers Kyle , Sedaghat Ahmad , Lin Derrick , Gray Stacey
Published: March 2017

Objective To investigate the incidence and degree of contralateral sinus disease following treatment of sinonasal malignancy (SNM) using radiological findings as an outcome measure.

Study Design Retrospective case series.

Setting Tertiary referral academic center.

Participants Patients with SNM treated with surgical and adjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy.

Main Outcome Measures Pre- and posttreatment computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, Lund–Mackay (LM) score, date of diagnosis, chemotherapy, and dosage of radiation therapy (RT).

Results There was a significant difference between pre- and posttreatment LM scores (p < 0.001) of the contralateral paranasal sinuses. There was no statistical significance between the change in pre- and posttreatment LM scores and patient age, gender, chemotherapy, RT dosage, and time lapse between diagnosis and when we performed this study in the univariate and the multivariable analyses.

Conclusions Following treatment of SNM with surgical resection and RT, there was a significant increase in incidence and degree of mucosal thickening of the contralateral sinus by LM grading that persisted after the completion of treatment. This indicates the need for long-term follow-up to monitor for chronic rhinosinusitis as a delayed complication following treatment of SNM.
Smartphone as a Remote Touchpad to Facilitate Visualization of 3D Cerebral Angiograms during Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Eftekhar Behzad
Published: March 2017

Background During aneurysm surgery, neurosurgeons may need to look at the cerebral angiograms again to better orient themselves to the aneurysm and also the surrounding vascular anatomy. Simplification of the intraoperative imaging review and reduction of the time interval between the view under the microscope and the angiogram review can theoretically improve orientation.

Objective To describe the use of a smartphone as a remote touchpad to simplify intraoperative visualization of three-dimensional (3D) cerebral angiograms and reduce the time interval between the view under the microscope and the angiogram review.

Methods Anonymized 3D angiograms of the patients in Virtual Reality Modelling Language format are securely uploaded to sketchfab.com, accessible through smartphone Web browsers. A simple software has been developed and made available to facilitate the workflow. The smartphone is connected wirelessly to an external monitor using a Chromecast device and is used intraoperatively as a remote touchpad to view/rotate/zoom the 3D aneurysms angiograms on the external monitor.

Results Implementation of the method is practical and helpful for the surgeon in certain cases. It also helps the operating staff, registrars, and students to orient themselves to the surgical anatomy. I present 10 of the uploaded angiograms published online.

Conclusion The concept and method of using the smartphone as a remote touchpad to improve intraoperative visualization of 3D cerebral angiograms is described. The implementation is practical, using easily available hardware and software, in most neurosurgical centers worldwide. The method and concept have potential for further development.
Discontinued Splenogonadal Fusion and Bilateral Empty Scrotum in an 18-Month-Old Boy
Authors: Abokrecha Ahmed , Almatrfi Ameera
Published: March 2017

Splenogonadal fusion is a rare benign congenital anomaly defined as the presence of splenic tissue adherent to gonads. It was first described in 1883 by Bostroem, a German pathologist. We present a case of an 18-month-old boy who was referred as a case of bilateral empty scrotum since birth. During routine laparoscopic exploration, right vas deferens and testicular vessels were entering the right internal inguinal ring so right inguinal exploration was done, which revealed blind ending vas deferens and testicular vessels and the left testis was found intra-abdominally near the left internal ring with a mass on its upper pole. Wedge biopsy was taken from the upper pole of the testicle (site of the mass) for tissue diagnosis followed by orchidopexy. Histology showed splenic tissue. Although splenogonadal fusion is a rare condition, surgeons should be aware of this rare disease entity to avoid unnecessary aggressive interventions such as orchiectomy.
Mini-Craniotomy under Local Anesthesia to Treat Acute Subdural Hematoma in Deteriorating Elderly Patients
Authors: Di Rienzo Alessandro , Alvaro Lorenzo , Colasanti Roberto , Somma Lucia , Nocchi Niccolo , Gladi Maurizio , Scerrati Massimo , Iacoangeli Maurizio
Published: March 2017

Background and Study Aims Surgical treatment for acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) in elderly patients is still considered unsatisfactory. Series focusing on the use of conventional craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy in such patients report discouraging results. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission seems to be crucial in the decision-making process. Deteriorating patients with a GCS score between 9 and 11 are those who would benefit most from the surgical treatment. Unfortunately, elderly patients often present other comorbidities that greatly increase the risk of severe complications after major neurosurgical procedures under general anesthesia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing a mini-craniotomy under local anesthesia to treat ASDHs in a select group of elderly patients who were somnolent but still breathing autonomously at admission (GCS 9–11).

Material and Methods Twenty-eight elderly patients (age > 75 years) with ASDH and a GCS score at surgery ranging from 9 to 11 were surgically treated under local anesthesia by a single burr-hole mini-craniotomy (transverse diameter 3–5 cm) and hematoma evacuation. At the end of the procedure, an endoscopic inspection of the surgical cavity was performed to look for residual clots that were not visible under direct vision.

Results The median operation time was 65 minutes. Hematoma evacuation was complete in 22 cases, complete consciousness recovery was observed in all patients but one, and reoperation was required for two patients.

Conclusion Historically, elderly patients with ASDH treated with a traditional craniotomy performed under general anesthesia have not had a good prognosis. Our preliminary experience with this less invasive surgical and anesthesiological approach suggests that somnolent but autonomously breathing elderly patients could benefit from this approach, achieving an adequate hematoma evacuation and bypassing the complications related to intubation and artificial respiratory assistance.