bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modular assembly of a protein nanotriangle using orthogonally interacting coiled coils
Authors: Park Won Min , Bedewy Mostafa , Berggren Karl K. , Keating Amy E.
Published: August 2017

Synthetic protein assemblies that adopt programmed shapes would support many applications in nanotechnology. We used a rational design approach that exploits the modularity of orthogonally interacting coiled coils to create a self-assembled protein nanotriangle. Coiled coils have frequently been used to construct nanoassemblies and materials, but rarely with successful prior specification of the resulting structure. We designed a heterotrimer from three pairs of heterodimeric coiled coils that mediate specific interactions while avoiding undesired crosstalk. Non-associating pairs of coiled-coil units were strategically fused to generate three chains that were predicted to preferentially form the heterotrimer, and a rational annealing process led to the desired oligomer. Extensive biophysical characterization and modeling support the formation of a molecular triangle, which is a shape distinct from naturally occurring supramolecular nanostructures. Our approach can be extended to design more complex nanostructures using additional coiled-coil modules, other protein parts, or templated surfaces.
Sprint interval training decreases left-ventricular glucose uptake compared to moderate-intensity continuous training in subjects with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Authors: Heiskanen Marja A. , Sjöros Tanja J. , Heinonen Ilkka H. A. , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Koivumäki Mikko , Motiani Kumail K. , Eskelinen Jari-Joonas , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Knuuti Juhani , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Kalliokoski Kari K.
Published: August 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced myocardial glucose uptake (GU) and increased free fatty acid uptake (FFAU). Sprint interval training (SIT) improves physical exercise capacity and metabolic biomarkers, but effects of SIT on cardiac function and energy substrate metabolism in diabetic subjects are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that SIT is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adaptations in left and right ventricle (LV and RV) glucose and fatty acid metabolism in diabetic subjects. Twenty-six untrained men and women with T2DM or prediabetes were randomized into two-week-long SIT (n = 13) and MICT (n = 13) interventions. Insulin-stimulated myocardial GU and fasted state FFAU were measured by positron emission tomography and changes in LV and RV structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance. In contrast to our hypothesis, SIT significantly decreased GU compared to MICT in LV. FFAU of both ventricles remained unchanged by training. RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and RV mass increased only after MICT, whereas LV EDV, LV mass, and RV and LV end-systolic volumes increased similarly after both training modes. As SIT decreases myocardial insulin-stimulated GU compared to MICT which may already be reduced in T2DM, SIT may be metabolically less beneficial than MICT for a diabetic heart.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Impact of different promoters, promoter mutation, and an enhancer on recombinant protein expression in CHO cells
Authors: Wang Wen , Jia Yan-long , Li Yi-chun , Jing Chang-qin , Guo Xiao , Shang Xue-fang , Zhao Chun-peng , Wang Tian-yun
Published: August 2017

In the present study, six commonly used promoters, including cytomegalovirus major immediate-early (CMV), the CMV enhancer fused to the chicken beta-actin promoter (CAG), human elongation factor-1α (HEF-1α), mouse cytomegalovirus (mouse CMV), Chinese hamster elongation factor-1α (CHEF-1α), and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a CMV promoter mutant and a CAG enhancer, were evaluated to determine their effects on transgene expression and stability in transfected CHO cells. The promoters and enhancer were cloned or synthesized, and mutation at C-404 in the CMV promoter was generated; then all elements were transfected into CHO cells. Stably transfected CHO cells were identified via screening under the selection pressure of G418. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and qRT-PCR were used to exploreeGFPexpression levels, gene copy number, and mRNA expression levels, respectively. Furthermore, the erythropoietin (EPO) gene was used to test the selected strong promoter. Of the six promoters, the CHEF-1α promoter yielded the highest transgene expression levels, whereas the CMV promoter maintained transgene expression more stably during long-term culture of cells. We conclude that CHEF-1α promoter conferred higher level of EPO expression in CHO cells, but the CMV promoter with its high levels of stability performs best in this vector system.
Unusually high ratio of shear modulus to Young’s modulus in a nano-structured gyroid metamaterial
Authors: Park Jun-Hyoung , Lee Jae-Chul
Published: August 2017

Unlike the constant nature of elastic coefficients of isotropic bulk materials, the Young’s (E) and shear (μ) moduli of nano-structured (NS) gyroid metamaterials change with relative density (ρ), but at different rates depending on the cell size of the structure. These elastic behaviors displayed by E and μ cause crossover/inversion of these two moduli, such that μ of the NS gyroid metamaterials is greater than E for the structures with ρ < 0.23. This peculiar elastic behavior causes NS gyroid metamaterials to display high μ/E values (~1.0), which are more than 250% larger than the typical values of the bulk material (~0.38), indicating that the NS gyroid metamaterial, even if it is light, is resistant to shear deformation. Here, we report the results of molecular dynamics simulations performed to elucidate the reason for unusually high μ/E values in NS gyroid metamaterials.
Dioxin Receptor Adjusts Liver Regeneration After Acute Toxic Injury and Protects Against Liver Carcinogenesis
Authors: Moreno-Marín Nuria , Barrasa Eva , Morales-Hernández Antonio , Paniagua Beroé , Blanco-Fernández Gerardo , Merino Jaime M. , Fernández-Salguero Pedro M.
Published: August 2017

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and organ homeostasis, including the liver. AhR depletion induces undifferentiation and pluripotency in normal and transformed cells. Here, AhR-null mice (AhR−/−) were used to explore whether AhR controls liver regeneration and carcinogenesis by restricting the expansion of stem-like cells and the expression of pluripotency genes. Short-term CCl4 liver damage was earlier and more efficiently repaired in AhR−/− than in AhR+/+ mice. Stem-like CK14 + and TBX3 + and pluripotency-expressing OCT4 + and NANOG + cells expanded sooner in AhR−/− than in AhR+/+ regenerating livers. Stem-like side population cells (SP) isolated from AhR−/− livers had increased β-catenin (β-Cat) signaling with overexpression of Axin2, Dkk1 and Cyclin D1. Interestingly, β-Cat, Axin2 and Dkk1 also increased during regeneration but more notably in AhR-null livers. Liver carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) produced large carcinomas in all AhR−/− mice but mostly premalignant adenomas in less than half of AhR+/+ mice. AhR-null tumoral tissue, but not their surrounding non-tumoral parenchyma, had nuclear β-Cat and Axin2 overexpression. OCT4 and NANOG were nevertheless similarly expressed in AhR+/+ and AhR−/− lesions. We suggest that AhR may serve to adjust liver repair and to block tumorigenesis by modulating stem-like cells and β-Cat signaling.
Endothelial Cell Culture Under Perfusion On A Polyester-Toner Microfluidic Device
Authors: Urbaczek Ana Carolina , Leão Paulo Augusto Gomes Carneiro , Souza Fayene Zeferino Ribeiro de , Afonso Ana , Vieira Alberice Juliana , Cappelini Luciana Teresa Dias , Carlos Iracilda Zeppone , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: August 2017

This study presents an inexpensive and easy way to produce a microfluidic device that mimics a blood vessel, serving as a start point for cell culture under perfusion, cardiovascular research, and toxicological studies. Endpoint assays (i.e., MTT reduction and NO assays) were used and revealed that the components making up the microchip, which is made of polyester and toner (PT), did not induce cell death or nitric oxide (NO) production. Applying oxygen plasma and fibronectin improved the adhesion and proliferation endothelial cell along the microchannel. As expected, these treatments showed an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) concentration profiles, which is correlated with adherence and cell proliferation, thus promoting endothelialization of the device for neovascularization. Regardless the simplicity of the device, our “vein-on-a-chip” mimetic has a potential to serve as a powerful tool for those that demand a rapid microfabrication method in cell biology or organ-on-a-chip research.
Quantitative assessment of aeolian desertification dynamics– A case study in north Shanxi of China (1975 to 2015)
Authors: Xue Zhanjin , Qin Zuodong , Cheng Fangqin , Ding Guangwei , Li Hongjian
Published: August 2017

Aeolian desertification is one of the serious environmental issues in North Shanxi Province. Accurately assessing aeolian desertification dynamics and its causes is essential to formulate an effective strategy for combating aeolian desertification. Here, we adopted remote sensing (RS) images from four periods (1975, 1990, 2000, and 2015) to classify the intensity of aeolian desertified land (ADL). Four intensity grades (i.e., light, moderate, severe, and extremely severe) were categorized based on a series of indices. Then, the RS images were further interpreted coupled with the local climate and socio-economic data to evaluate ADL and its driving force. Results showed that there were 3941.16, 5389.92, 7526.38, and 3752.74 km2 of ADL in the above 4 periods, accounting for 28.56%, 39.06%, 54.53%, and 27.19% of the total study area, respectively. ADL experienced three major development stages: slower expansion during 1975–1990 at a rate of 96.58 km2/year, rapid expansion during 1990–2000 of 213.65 km2/year, and a reversion during 2000–2015 with a net decrease of 251.58 km2/year. The ADL development in north Shanxi was a result of mutual interaction between natural factors and human activities. It is also noted that the human activities were identified as the dominant driving force.
Magnetic Control of Magneto-Electrochemical Cell and Electric Double Layer Transistor
Authors: Tsuchiya Takashi , Imura Masataka , Koide Yasuo , Terabe Kazuya
Published: August 2017

A magneto-electrochemical cell and an electric double layer transistor (EDLT), each containing diluted [Bmim]FeCl4 solution, have been controlled by applying a magnetic field in contrast to the control of conventional field effect devices by an applied electric field. A magnetic field of several hundred mT generated by a small neodymium magnet is sufficient to operate magneto-electrochemical cells, which generate an electromotive force of 130 mV at maximum. An EDLT composed of hydrogen-terminated diamond was also operated by applying a magnetic field. Although it showed reversible drain current modulation with a magnetoresistance effect of 503%, it is not yet advantageous for practical application. Magnetic control has unique and interesting characteristics that are advantageous for remote control of electrochemical behavior, the application for which conventional electrochemical devices are not well suited. Magnetic control is opening a door to new applications of electrochemical devices and related technologies.
The impact of temporal modulations in irradiance under light adapted conditions on the mouse suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)
Authors: Dobb Rachel , Martial Franck , Elijah Daniel , Storchi Riccardo , Brown Timothy M. , Lucas Robert J.
Published: August 2017

Electrophysiological responses of SCN neurons to light steps are well established, but responses to more natural modulations in irradiance have been much less studied. We address this deficit first by showing that variations in irradiance for human subjects are biased towards low temporal frequencies and small magnitudes. Using extracellular recordings we show that neurons in the mouse SCN are responsive to stimuli with these characteristics, tracking sinusoidal modulations in irradiance best at lower temporal frequencies and responding to abrupt changes in irradiance over a range of commonly encountered contrasts. The spectral sensitivity of these light adapted responses indicates that they are driven primarily by cones, but with melanopsin (and/or rods) contributing under more gradual changes. Higher frequency modulations in irradiance increased time averaged firing of SCN neurons (typically considered to encode background light intensity) modestly over that encountered during steady exposure, but did not have a detectable effect on the circadian phase resetting efficiency of light. Our findings highlight the SCN’s ability to encode naturalistic temporal modulations in irradiance, while revealing that the circadian system can effectively integrate such signals over time such that phase-resetting responses remain proportional to the mean light exposure.
A cross-sectional comparative study of gut bacterial community of Indian and Finnish children
Authors: Kumbhare Shreyas V. , Kumar Himanshu , Chowdhury Somak P. , Dhotre Dhiraj P. , Endo Akihito , Mättö Jaana , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Rautava Samuli , Joshi Ruchi , Patil Nitinkumar P. , Patil Ravindra H. , Isolauri Erika , Bavdekar Ashish R. , Salminen Seppo , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: August 2017

The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the compositional development of gut microbiota. Though well documented in western pediatrics population, little is known about how various host conditions affect populations in different geographic locations such as the Indian subcontinent. Given the impact of distinct environmental conditions, our study assess the gut bacterial diversity of a small cohort of Indian and Finnish children and investigated the influence of FUT2 secretor status and birth mode on the gut microbiome of these populations. Using multiple profiling techniques, we show that the gut bacterial community structure in 13–14-year-old Indian (n = 47) and Finnish (n = 52) children differs significantly. Specifically, Finnish children possessed higher Blautia and Bifidobacterium, while genera Prevotella and Megasphaera were predominant in Indian children. Our study also demonstrates a strong influence of FUT2 and birth mode variants on specific gut bacterial taxa, influence of which was noticed to differ between the two populations under study.
Immunization of cervidized transgenic mice with multimeric deer prion protein induces self-antibodies that antagonize chronic wasting disease infectivity in vitro
Authors: Abdelaziz Dalia H. , Thapa Simrika , Abdulrahman Basant , Lu Li , Jain Shikha , Schatzl Hermann M.
Published: August 2017

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is the most contagious prion disease. It is expanding rapidly in North America, was found recently in Europe, and the potential for transmission to humans cannot be excluded yet. We hypothesized that it is possible to prevent peripheral CWD infection and CWD prion shedding by inducing auto-antibodies against the cellular prion protein (PrPC) by active vaccination. Our objective is to overcome self-tolerance against PrP by using a multimeric recombinant PrP (recPrP) as an immunogen. We expressed in E. coli, purified and refolded four immunogens: cervid and murine recPrP in monomeric and dimeric form. Testing immunogenicity in sera of the vaccinated transgenic mice expressing cervid PrP revealed that all four immunogens effectively overcame self-tolerance against the prion protein as shown by high antibody titers. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed effective binding of post-immune sera to surface-located PrPC in both murine and cervid PrP expressing cultured cells. Remarkably, the post-immune auto-antibodies effectively inhibited CWD-induced prion conversion in RT-QuIC assay when incubated with either PrP substrate or CWD seed. Furthermore, they mitigated prion propagation in CWD-infected cervid-PrP expressing RK13 cells. Together, multimeric recombinant cervid PrP effectively overcomes self-tolerance to PrP and induces auto-antibodies that interfere with CWD conversion in vitro.
Image-based closed-loop feedback for highly mono-dispersed microdroplet production
Authors: Crawford D. F. , Smith C. A. , Whyte G.
Published: August 2017

Micron-scale droplets isolated by an immiscible liquid can provide miniaturised reaction vessels which can be manipulated in microfluidic networks, and has seen a rapid growth in development. In many experiments, the precise volume of these microdroplets is a critical parameter which can be influenced by many external factors. In this work, we demonstrate the combination of imaging-based feedback and pressure driven pumping to accurately control the size of microdroplets produced in a microfluidic device. The use of fast-response, pressure-driving pumps allows the microfluidic flow to be quickly and accurately changed, while directly measuring the droplet size allows the user to define the more meaningful parameters of droplet size and generation frequency rather than flow rates or pressures. The feedback loop enables the drift correction of pressure based pumps, and leads to a large increase in the mono-dispersity of the droplets produced over long periods. We also show how this can be extended to control multiple liquid flows, allowing the frequency of droplet formation or the average concentration of living cells per droplet to be controlled and kept constant.
Multiple mining impacts induce widespread changes in ecosystem dynamics in a boreal lake
Authors: Leppänen Jaakko Johannes , Weckström Jan , Korhola Atte
Published: August 2017

In order to satisfy the needs of constant economic growth, the pressure to exploit natural resources has increased. Since accessible mineral resources are becoming scarce, the mining industry is constantly looking for novel techniques to allow commercial exploitation of lower-grade deposits. However, mining can have considerable impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Here, we present the ecological damage inflicted by mine water originating from the massive Terrafame Talvivaara polymetal mine (central Finland), where bioheap leaching is being applied to high-sulphur low-grade ore. We found that saline mine water has turned the lake meromictic, and sediment is heavily contaminated. As a result, important zooplankton and phytoplankton groups have been significantly altered. As the exploitation of poor-grade deposits is the future of the mining industry globally, water management should be taken to a higher level in order to proceed towards a sustainable mining sector.
UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabonomic studies on the intervention effects of aspirin eugenol ester in atherosclerosis hamsters
Authors: Ma Ning , Yang Yajun , Liu Xiwang , Kong Xiaojun , Li Shihong , Qin Zhe , Jiao Zenghua , Li Jianyong
Published: August 2017

Based on the pro-drug principle, aspirin and eugenol were used to synthesize aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) by esterification reaction. In present study, the anti-atherosclerosis effects of AEE were investigated in hamsters with the utilization of metabonomic approach based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Biochemical parameters and histopathological injures in stomach, liver and aorta were evaluated. In atherosclerotic hamster, oral administration of AEE normalized biochemical profile such as reducing TG, TCH and LDL, and significantly reduced body weight gain, alleviated hepatic steatosis and improved pathological lesions in aorta. Slight damages in stomach mucous were found in AEE group. Plasma and urine samples in control, model and AEE groups were scattered in the partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) score plots. Thirteen endogenous metabolites in plasma such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), leucine and valine, and seventeen endogenous metabolites in urine such as citric acid, phenol sulphate and phenylacetylglycine were selected as potential biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis. They were considered to be in response to anti-atherosclerosis effects of AEE, mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism. This study extended the understanding of endogenous alterations of atherosclerosis and offered insights into the pharmacodynamic activity of AEE.
In operando studies on the electrochemical oxidation of water mediated by molecular catalysts
Authors: Hetterscheid Dennis G. H.
Published: August 2017

This feature article describes on-line studies regarding the water oxidation reaction mediated by molecular catalysts.
Ruthenium catalyzed β-C(sp3)–H functionalization on the ‘privileged’ piperazine nucleus
Authors: Murugesh V. , Bruneau Christian , Achard Mathieu , Sahoo Apurba Ranjan , Sharma Gangavaram V. M. , Suresh Surisetti
Published: August 2017

Ruthenium catalysed β-C(sp3)–H functionalization of piperazines has been revealed.
Equilibrium between inactive ready Ni-SIr and active Ni-SIa states of [NiFe] hydrogenase studied by utilizing Ni-SIr-to-Ni-SIa photoactivation
Authors: Tai Hulin , Xu Liyang , Nishikawa Koji , Higuchi Yoshiki , Hirota Shun
Published: August 2017

Large activation energies and kH/kD indicate bridging OH−-ligand incorporation for the conversion of Ni-SIa to Ni-SIr in [NiFe] hydrogenase.
Highly selective tridentate fluorescent probes for visualizing intracellular Mg2+ dynamics without interference from Ca2+ fluctuation
Authors: Matsui Yusuke , Sadhu Kalyan K. , Mizukami Shin , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: August 2017

Novel fluorescent probes based on a tridentate Mg2+-selective chelator enabled the detection of intracellular Mg2+ concentration change without any response to Ca2+.
Retraction: Multifunctional tin dioxide materials: advances in preparation strategies, microstructure, and performance
Authors: Hughes Philippa
Published: August 2017

Retraction of ‘Multifunctional tin dioxide materials: advances in preparation strategies, microstructure, and performance’ by Zhiwen Chen et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 1175–1184.
The mechanism of excimer formation: an experimental and theoretical study on the pyrene dimer
Authors: Hoche Joscha , Schmitt Hans-Christian , Humeniuk Alexander , Fischer Ingo , Mitrić Roland , Röhr Merle I. S.
Published: August 2017

The mechanism of the excimer formation in pyrene dimer has been revealed by nonadiabatic dynamic simulations combined with experimental time-resolved picosecond photoionization experiments.
Carbon dioxide-to-methanol single-pot conversion using a C-scorpionate iron(ii) catalyst
Authors: Ribeiro A. P. C. , Martins L. M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro A. J. L.
Published: August 2017

The highly efficient eco-friendly synthesis of methanol directly from carbon dioxide and H2catalysed by the iron(ii) scorpionate catalyst [FeCl2{κ3-HC(pz)3}] is reported.
Clean synthesis of furfural oxime through liquid-phase ammoximation of furfural over titanosilicate catalysts
Authors: Lu Xinqing , Guan Yejun , Xu Hao , Wu Haihong , Wu Peng
Published: August 2017

The clean synthesis of furfural oxime (FO) has been realized through titanosilicate-catalyzed liquid-phase ammoximation of furfural with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.
A simple and large-scale method to prepare flexible hollow graphene fibers for a high-performance all-solid fiber supercapacitor
Authors: Jiang Degang , Zhang Jizhen , Li Chenwei , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan
Published: August 2017

The fabrication of hollow graphene fibers (HGFs) via simple spray deposition of GO on silk fiber templates for a flexible supercapacitor.
Reconnaissance of reactivity of an Ag(ii)SO4 one-electron oxidizer towards naphthalene derivatives
Authors: Budniak Adam K. , Masny Michał , Prezelj Kristina , Grzeszkiewicz Mikołaj , Gawraczyński Jakub , Dobrzycki Łukasz , Cyrański Michał K. , Koźmiński Wiktor , Mazej Zoran , Fijałkowski Karol J. , Grochala Wojciech , Leszczyński Piotr J.
Published: August 2017

Ag(ii)SO4 – a powerful oxidizer – allows for single-pot oxidative aromatic coupling of naphthalene and its 1- and 2-substituted derivatives.
Direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO2and methanol over CaO–CeO2catalysts: the role of acid–base properties and surface oxygen vacancies
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Congming , Zhang Guoqiang , Yan Lifei , Li Zhong
Published: August 2017

The addition of CaO to the CeO2catalyst had a significant impact on the acid–base properties and amounts of oxygen vacancies on the surface catalyst.
Significant improvement of near-UV electroluminescence from ZnO quantum dot LEDs via coupling with carbon nanodot surface plasmons
Authors: Zhang Cen , Zhu Feifei , Xu Haiyang , Liu Weizhen , Yang Liu , Wang Zhongqiang , Ma Jiangang , Kang Zhenhui , Liu Yichun
Published: August 2017

Significant enhancement of near-UV electroluminescence is achieved from ZnO quantum dot LEDs via coupling with carbon nanodot surface plasmons.
Multimodal porous carbon derived from ionic liquids: correlation between pore sizes and ionic clusters
Authors: Jeong Jun Hui , Lee Je Seung , Roh Kwang Chul , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: August 2017

The carbonization behaviors of binary IL mixtures were systematically investigated to demonstrate the formation of multimodal porous carbons using the ionic cluster as porogens.
Retraction: Insights from investigations of tin dioxide and its composites: electron-beam irradiation, fractal assessment, and mechanism
Authors: Harvey Annie
Published: August 2017

Retraction of ‘Insights from investigations of tin dioxide and its composites: electron-beam irradiation, fractal assessment, and mechanism’ by Zhiwen Chen et al., Nanoscale, 2015, 7, 15532–15552.
Analysis of the reaction mechanism of the thiol–epoxy addition initiated by nucleophilic tertiary amines
Authors: Konuray Ali Osman , Fernández-Francos Xavier , Ramis Xavier
Published: August 2017

The mechanism of thiol–epoxy reactions has been analyzed from a theoretical point of view and modelled using experimental kinetic data.
Novel, linear oligoisoindole compounds with a conjugated electronic structure
Authors: Zhang Yuehong , Wang Chiming , Chen Xin , Pan Houhe , Qi Dongdong , Wang Kang , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: August 2017

Novel, linear, conjugated oligoisoindole compounds have been synthesized and characterized, adding new members to the oligoisoindole functional molecular family.
Magnetic bead-based mimic enzyme-chromogenic substrate and silica nanoparticles signal amplification system for avian influenza A (H7N9) optical immunoassay
Authors: Su Dan , Li Hanyun , Li Jinlin , Liu Yali , Peng Mi , Feng Bingwei , Xu Pengfei , Song Yonggui
Published: August 2017

Schematic illustration of the principle of the (a) colorimetric MB–MEMSCI and (b) optical MB–MEMSCI for rapid detection of H7N9 AIV.
Heavy metal detoxification by recombinant ferritin from Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Si Kaixue , Ming Tinghong , Li Yanyan , Qiu Xiaoting , Chen Liping , Zhou Jun , Lu Chenyang , Su Xiurong , Li Ye , Cheong Ling-Zhi
Published: August 2017

Ferritin fromApostichopus japonicasshowed better ability in heavy metal detoxification than horse spleen ferritin.
Highly selective acylation of polyamines and aminoglycosides by 5-acyl-5-phenyl-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-ones
Authors: Marichev Kostiantyn O. , Garcia Estevan C. , Bhowmick Kartick C. , Wherritt Daniel J. , Arman Hadi , Doyle Michael P.
Published: August 2017

A highly selective acylating reagent with remarkable recognition of primary amines in monoacylation of polyamines and aminoglycosides.
Total syntheses of schilancidilactones A and B, schilancitrilactone A, and 20-epi-schilancitrilactone A via late-stage nickel-catalyzed cross coupling
Authors: Wang Hengtao , Zhang Xiunan , Tang Pingping
Published: August 2017

The first total syntheses of schilancidilactones A and B, schilancitrilactone A, and 20-epi-schilancitrilactone A have been accomplished.
Unidirectional rotation of cholesteric droplets driven by UV-light irradiation
Authors: Bono Shinji , Sato Sayumi , Tabe Yuka
Published: August 2017

We investigated the novel photo-induced dynamics of azobenzene-doped cholesteric (Ch) droplets coexisting with the isotropic (Iso) phase.
Leaf-inspired interwoven carbon nanosheet/nanotube homostructures for supercapacitors with high energy and power densities
Authors: Liu Siliang , Xu Jingsan , Zhu Jixin , Chang Yuanqin , Wang Haige , Liu Zhichong , Xu Yang , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: August 2017

Green and scalable synthesis of carbon architectures mimicking a natural leaf with 1D carbon nanotube (CNT) nets and 2D carbon nanosheet (CNS) veins in molten salts are presented.
Platinum nanoparticles partially-embedded into carbon sphere surfaces: a low metal-loading anode catalyst with superior performance for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Li Kui , Jin Zhao , Ge Junjie , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei
Published: August 2017

A robust architecture, consisting of Pt nanoparticles partially-embedded in carbon spheres with low loading, brings about outstanding electrocatalytic performance in DMFCs.
Composite materials combining multiple luminescent MOFs and superparamagnetic microparticles for ratiometric water detection
Authors: Wehner T. , Seuffert M. T. , Sorg J. R. , Schneider M. , Mandel K. , Sextl G. , Müller-Buschbaum K.
Published: August 2017

Luminescent MOFs and superparamagnetic particles form multifunctional composites suitable for ratiometric sensing in liquids by magnetic harvesting and PL read-outs.
Strategy of metal iron doping and green-mediated ZnO nanoparticles: dissolubility, antibacterial and cytotoxic traits
Authors: Aiswarya Devi S. , Harshiny M. , Udaykumar S. , Gopinath P. , Matheswaran M.
Published: August 2017

A relative study on the toxicity, antibacterial activity and physico-chemical traits of pure ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles.
Inhibition of p110δ PI3K prevents inflammatory response and restenosis after artery injury
Authors: Bilancio Antonio , Rinaldi Barbara , Oliviero Maria Antonietta , Donniacuo Maria , Monti Maria Gaia , Boscaino Amedeo , Marino Irene , Friedman Lori , Rossi Francesco , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Migliaccio Antimo
Published: August 2017

Inflammatory cells play key roles in restenosis upon vascular surgical procedures such as bypass grafts, angioplasty and stent deployment but the molecular mechanisms by which these cells affect restenosis remain unclear. The p110δ isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is mainly expressed in white blood cells. Here, we have investigated whether p110δ PI3K is involved in the pathogenesis of restenosis in a mouse model of carotid injury, which mimics the damage following arterial grafts. We used mice in which p110δ kinase activity has been disabled by a knockin (KI) point mutation in its ATP-binding site (p110δD910A/D910A PI3K mice). Wild-type (WT) and p110δD910A/D910A mice were subjected to longitudinal carotid injury. At 14 and 30 days after carotid injury, mice with inactive p110δ showed strongly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells (including T lymphocytes and macrophages) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), compared with WT mice. Likewise, PI-3065, a p110δ-selective PI3K inhibitor, almost completely prevented restenosis after artery injury. Our data showed that p110δ PI3K plays a main role in promoting neointimal thickening and inflammatory processes during vascular stenosis, with its inhibition providing significant reduction in restenosis following carotid injury. p110δ-selective inhibitors, recently approved for the treatment of human B-cell malignancies, therefore, present a new therapeutic opportunity to prevent the restenosis upon artery injury.
Training Peer Partners to Use a Speech-Generating Device With Classmates With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Communication Outcomes Across Preschool Contexts
Authors: Thiemann-Bourque Kathy S. , McGuff Sara , Goldstein Howard
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study examined effects of a peer-mediated intervention that provided training on the use of a speech-generating device for preschoolers with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and peer partners.

Method

Effects were examined using a multiple probe design across 3 children with ASD and limited to no verbal skills. Three peers without disabilities were taught to
Stay, Play,
and
Talk
using a GoTalk 4+ (Attainment Company) and were then paired up with a classmate with ASD in classroom social activities. Measures included rates of communication acts, communication mode and function, reciprocity, and engagement with peers.

Results

Following peer training, intervention effects were replicated across 3 peers, who all demonstrated an increased level and upward trend in communication acts to their classmates with ASD. Outcomes also revealed moderate intervention effects and increased levels of peer-directed communication for 3 children with ASD in classroom centers. Additional analyses revealed higher rates of communication in the added context of preferred toys and snack. The children with ASD also demonstrated improved communication reciprocity and peer engagement.

Conclusions

Results provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of combining peer-mediated and speech-generating device interventions to improve children's communication. Furthermore, it appears that preferred contexts are likely to facilitate greater communication and social engagement with peers.
Perceptual orthogonal matching pursuit for speech sparse modelling
Authors: Bouchhima B. , Amara R. , Turki Hadj‐Alouane M.
Published: August 2017

The perceptual orthogonal matching pursuit (POMP), a sparse approximation algorithm built upon the known orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), is introduced. It is designed for speech processing and can be of great use in speech coding applications. It can handle all types of real dictionaries, including predefined and adaptive dictionaries. Being a suboptimal method, POMP performs a series of local updates where it minimises a perceptual distortion measure involving a perceptual weighting filter. This filter is tailored for speech signals and is used in AMR 3GPP coders. Experiments show that POMP outperforms the standard OMP for predefined and adaptive dictionaries.
Bandpass filter design based on vertical split‐ring resonators
Authors: Oh S. , Choi J. , Shin B. , Yoon W.‐S. , Jeong J. , Lee J.
Published: August 2017

A novel bandpass filter (BPF) design based on vertical split‐ring resonators (VSRRs) was developed for single‐ and dual‐band applications. The filter is composed of VSRRs, transmission lines, and apertures. The characteristics of single‐ and dual‐band BPFs using a single VSRR and dual VSRRs, respectively, were investigated. The bandpass characteristics arising from VSSR resonance can be controlled by the VSRR dimensions, and the independent bandpass characteristics of dual VSRRs can be used to implement a dual‐band BPF. A full‐wave simulation and experimental measurements were used to measure their performance. The simulated results for the single‐ and dual‐band BPFs were in good agreement with the experimental results.
Symmetry-breaking in a generalized Wirtinger inequality
Authors: Ghisi Marina , Gobbino Massimo , Rovellini Giulio
Published: August 2017

The search of the optimal constant for a generalized Wirtinger inequality in an interval consists in minimizing the p-norm of the derivative among all functions whose q-norm is equal to 1 and whose (r − 1)-power has zero average. Symmetry properties of minimizers have attracted great attention in mathematical literature in the last decades, leading to a precise characterization of symmetry and asymmetry regions. In this paper we provide a proof of the symmetry result without computer assisted steps, and a proof of the asymmetry result which works as well for local minimizers. As a consequence, we have now a full elementary description of symmetry and asymmetry cases, both for global and for local minima. Proofs rely on appropriate nonlinear variable changes.
Indium(III)-Catalyzed Transformations of Alkynes: Recent Advances in Carbo- and Heterocyclization Reactions
Authors: Selander Nicklas , Pathipati Stalin , van der Werf Angela
Published: August 2017

The use of a well-chosen catalyst is instrumental for the development of more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly reactions. In recent decades, indium-based catalysts have proven to be competitive and useful alternatives to transition-metal catalysts such as silver and gold. In this short review, we present some of the recent advances in indium(III)-catalyzed transformations of alkynes, with a focus on cyclization reactions.

1 Introduction

2 Terminal Alkynes as Nucleophiles

3 Nucleophilic Additions to Alkynes

4 Carbo- and Heterocyclization Reactions

4.1 Carbocyclization

4.2 Oxygen-Based Heterocycles

4.3 Nitrogen-Based Heterocycles

4.4 Sulfur-Based Heterocycles

5 Conclusion
Design and Synthesis of Enantiopure Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) Borate Analogues for Asymmetric Counteranion Directed Catalysis
Authors: List Benjamin , De Chandra , Mitra Raja
Published: August 2017

The design and five-step synthesis of chiral tetrakis(pentafluo­rophenyl) borate analogues from commercially available enantiopure BINOL is described. The chiral anions have been tested in a catalytic asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reaction.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in Combination with Osteotomies around the Knee
Authors: Brinkman Justus-Martijn , Rutten Bas , van Heerwaarden Ronald
Published: August 2017

Osteotomy around the knee preceding total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has long been perceived as a factor contributing to higher complication rates and increased risk of revision as compared with primary TKA. However, recent systematic reviews and large registry analysis have not been able to confirm this perception. Technical difficulties and slightly higher complication rates can be attributed to older lateral closing wedge tibial osteotomy techniques and are not reported for the more frequently performed tibial medial opening wedge techniques. In the first part of this article, the latest information on this topic will be summarized. The second part of this article deals with osteotomies combined with TKA. Guidelines will be presented for the treatment of osteoarthritic patients with large leg deformities or extra-articular deformities. We aim to describe the latest advances in preoperative planning techniques, including a stepwise decision-making process and a review of the literature about this topic.
Prenatal Therapy with Magnesium Sulfate and Its Correlation with Neonatal Serum Magnesium Concentration
Authors: García Alonso L. , Pumarada Prieto M. , González Colmenero E. , Concheiro Guisán A. , Suárez Albo M. , Durán Fernández-Feijoo C. , González Durán L. , Fernández Lorenzo J. R.
Published: August 2017

Introduction Antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration has shown to be effective in minimizing cerebral palsy and severe motor dysfunction at the age of 2 years. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the magnesium dose delivered to the mother and the magnesium concentration in the neonates.

Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on neonates of less than 32 weeks' gestation admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of University Hospital Complex of Vigo from December 2012 to July 2015. Comparative analysis of magnesium levels between the groups of neonates exposed to MgSO4 and the control group.

Results A total of 118 neonates were included in the study. The mothers of 62 of them had received MgSO4 as a neuroprotective agent. There was a significant correlation between the full dose of MgSO4 received by the mother and the levels of magnesium in the neonate in the first 24 hours of life (r
2 = 0.397; p < 0.001).

Conclusion The MgSO4 dose received by the mother has a linear relationship with the magnesium levels obtained in neonates.
The Hemodynamics of Labor in Women Undergoing Vaginal and Cesarean Deliveries as Determined by Whole Body Bioimpedance
Authors: Ashwal Eran , Shinar Shiri , Orbach-Zinger Sharon , Lev Shaul , Gat Roi , Kedar Liron , Pauzner Yehuda , Aviram Amir , Yogev Yariv , Hiersch Liran
Published: August 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the hemodynamics of labor, delivery, and 48 hours postpartum in women undergoing vaginal and cesarean deliveries by utilizing a whole body bioimpedance-based device.

Materials and Methods A prospective longitudinal single-center observational study was performed between September 2014 and September 2015. The hemodynamics of low-risk women undergoing spontaneous vaginal delivery were compared with those undergoing elective cesarean sections. Cardiac index (CI), stroke index, total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed at different time points during delivery and in the immediate postpartum period (1, 24, and 48 hours postpartum).

Results Eighty-seven women were evaluated, 63 parturients in the vaginal delivery group and 24 in the cesarean delivery group. Normal vaginal delivery was characterized by a reduction in MAP and CI after epidural anesthesia, whereas elective cesarean sections were characterized by a rise in MAP and CI after spinal anesthesia. As labor progressed, CI increased reaching its peak during the second stage. Immediately following delivery, TPRI declined to its nadir with no significant change in CI. As opposed to vaginal delivery, in cesarean delivery, TPRI peaked within 1-hour postpartum resulting in a significant decline in CI.

Conclusion Whole body bioimpedance can be used effectively to assess the hemodynamics of vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
Update: COPD-Behandlung
Authors: Wirtz Lina
Published: August 2017

Die Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ist eine chronische
Lungenerkrankung mit Verengung der Atemwege. Physiotherapie ist ein
wesentlicher Bestandteil der Behandlung von COPD-Patienten. Je nach Ausprägung
und Stadium der Erkrankung stehen die Sekretolyse, das Verbessern der
Ventilation, die Thorax- und allgemeine Mobilisation im Vordergrund der
Therapie.
Mischkollagenose, Overlap-Kollagenose und undifferenzierte Kollagenose
Authors: Merkt W. , Lorenz H.-M. , Fiehn C.
Published: August 2017

Neben den klassifizierbaren Kollagenosen gibt es eine Gruppe ehemals unklassifizierbarer Erkrankungen, die sich klinische und serologische Gemeinsamkeiten mit den klassifizierbaren Kollagenosen teilen. In den letzten Jahren wurden diese „unklassifizierbaren“ Kollagenosen, nämlich die Mischkollagenose, die Overlap-Kollagenose und die undifferenzierte Kollagenose epidemiologisch und teilweise auch pathogenetisch aufgearbeitet. Wir umreißen in diesem Artikel aktuelle Erkenntnisse in der Pathogenese, die neuere Literatur zu Klassifikation und Diagnose sowie die noch geringe Evidenz zu therapeutischen Möglichkeiten.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec – „La Belle Epoque“
Authors: Nicksch Egon
Published: August 2017

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec wurde am 24. November 1864 in Albi in Südfrankreich geboren. Er war ein französischer Maler und Grafiker des Post-Impressionismus im ausgehenden 19. Jahrhundert. Weltberühmt geworden ist er durch Darstellungen ungeschminkter Szenen des Pariser Nachtlebens und insbesondere durch seine Plakate, die er für berühmte französische Künstler und verschiedene Pariser Varietés anfertigte, z. B. für das Moulin Rouge. Er starb im Alter von nur 36 Jahren.
Reisedurchfall: Vorbeugung und Behandlung
Authors: Eder Constanze
Published: August 2017

Mit Bezeichnungen wie „Montezumas Rache“ oder „Fluch des Pharao“ wird scherzhaft eine
Krankheit umschrieben, die circa 20–65 % aller Reisenden befällt: Durchfall.
Reisedurchfall ist mit Abstand die häufigste Reisekrankheit überhaupt. Sie ist nur selten
gefährlich, aber gerade im Urlaub sehr lästig. Was können Sie Reisenden raten, damit diese
dem „Fluch des Pharao“ entgehen oder ihn möglichst schnell wieder loswerden?
Temperature-dependent phase transition and comparative investigation on enhanced magnetic and optical properties between sillenite and perovskite bismuth ferrite-rGO nanocomposites
Authors: Jalil M. A. , Chowdhury Sayeed Shafayet , Alam Sakib Mashnoon , Enamul Hoque Yousuf S. M. , Khan Ashik Emran , Firoz Shakhawat H. , Basith M. A.
Published: August 2017

The manuscript reports the synthesis as well as a comparative investigation of the structural, magnetic, and optical properties between sillenite and perovskite type bismuth ferrite-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites. Graphite oxide is prepared using the modified Hummers' method, followed by hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth ferrite-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites at different reaction temperatures. The X-ray diffraction measurements confirm the formation of perovskite type BiFeO3-rGO nanocomposites at a reaction temperature of 200 °C. This is the lowest temperature to obtain perovskite type BiFeO3-rGO nanocomposites under the reaction procedure adopted, however, a structural transition to sillenite type Bi25FeO40-rGO is observed at 180 °C. The FESEM images demonstrate that the particle size of the perovskite nanocomposite is 25–60 nm, and for the sillenite phase nanocomposite it is 10–30 nm. The as-synthesized nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced saturation magnetization over pure BiFeO3 nanoparticles, with the sillenite Bi25FeO40-rGO nanocomposite having higher saturation magnetization than perovskite BiFeO3-rGO. The optical characteristics of the as-synthesized nanocomposites demonstrate considerably higher absorbance in the visible range with significantly lower band gap in comparison to undoped BiFeO3. Again, the sillenite Bi25FeO40-rGO nanocomposite is shown to have a lower band gap compared to the perovskite counterpart. Our investigation provides a means of selective phase formation as desired between sillenite Bi25FeO40-rGO and perovskite BiFeO3-rGO by controlling the hydrothermal reaction temperature. The outcome of our investigation suggests that the formation of nanocomposite of sillenite bismuth ferrite with reduced graphene oxide is promising to improve the magnetic and optical properties for potential technological applications.
On the motion of macroscopic bodies in quantum theory
Authors: Kryukov A.
Published: August 2017

Quantum observables can be identified with vector fields on the sphere of normalized states. The resulting vector representation is used in this paper to undertake a simultaneous treatment of macroscopic and microscopic bodies in quantum mechanics. Components of the velocity and acceleration of state under Schrödinger evolution are given for a clear physical interpretation. Solutions to Schrödinger and Newton equations are shown to be related beyond the Ehrenfest results on the motion of averages. A formula relating the normal probability distribution and the Born rule is found.
Micrometer-thickness liquid sheet jets flowing in vacuum
Authors: Galinis Gediminas , Strucka Jergus , Barnard Jonathan C. T. , Braun Avi , Smith Roland A. , Marangos Jon P.
Published: August 2017

Thin liquid sheet jet flows in vacuum provide a new platform for performing experiments in the liquid phase, for example X-ray spectroscopy. Micrometer thickness, high stability, and optical flatness are the key characteristics required for successful exploitation of these targets. A novel strategy for generating sheet jets in vacuum is presented in this article. Precision nozzles were designed and fabricated using high resolution (0.2 μm) 2-photon 3D printing and generated 1.49 ± 0.04 μm thickness, stable, and <λ/20-flat jets in isopropanol under normal atmosphere and under vacuum at 5 × 10−1 mbar. The thin sheet technology also holds great promise for advancing the fields of high harmonic generation in liquids, laser acceleration of ions as well as other fields requiring precision and high repetition rate targets.