bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing causal estimates of the association of obesity-related traits with coronary artery disease using a Mendelian randomization approach
Authors: Zhang Xue , Lv Wan-Qiang , Qiu Bo , Zhang Li-Jun , Qin Jian , Tang Feng-Juan , Wang Hai-Tao , Li Hua-Jie , Hao Ya-Rong
Published: May 2018

Obesity-related traits have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in observational studies, but these associations may be biased by confounding factors and reverse causation. In this study, we specifically conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to overcome these limitations and test the associations of obesity-related traits (other than body mass index (BMI)) (n = 322,154) with CAD (22,233 cases and 64,762 controls) by using summary-level data from previous studies. The methods utilized to estimate these associations included the inverse-variance weighted method, the weighted median method and MR-Egger regression. Our results supported causal effects of BMI, hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) on CAD. The associations of BMI-adjusted HC and WC with CAD were reversed, unlike that of WHR. In MR analyses excluding overlapping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from obesity-related traits, the associations of these traits with CAD were preserved. The associations of BMI-adjusted HC and WC with CAD require further investigation, as collider stratification may be occurring. Additionally, central adiposity (measured by WHR) separated from general adiposity (measured by BMI) and general adiposity might pose similar risks for CAD. In clinical practice, physicians should pay attention to the potential effects of different obesity-related traits on CAD.
Evidence of soft bound behaviour in analogue memristive devices for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Frascaroli Jacopo , Brivio Stefano , Covi Erika , Spiga Sabina
Published: May 2018

The development of devices that can modulate their conductance under the application of electrical stimuli constitutes a fundamental step towards the realization of synaptic connectivity in neural networks. Optimization of synaptic functionality requires the understanding of the analogue conductance update under different programming conditions. Moreover, properties of physical devices such as bounded conductance values and state-dependent modulation should be considered as they affect storage capacity and performance of the network. This work provides a study of the conductance dynamics produced by identical pulses as a function of the programming parameters in an HfO2 memristive device. The application of a phenomenological model that considers a soft approach to the conductance boundaries allows the identification of different operation regimes and to quantify conductance modulation in the analogue region. Device non-linear switching kinetics is recognized as the physical origin of the transition between different dynamics and motivates the crucial trade-off between degree of analog modulation and memory window. Different kinetics for the processes of conductance increase and decrease account for device programming asymmetry. The identification of programming trade-off together with an evaluation of device variations provide a guideline for the optimization of the analogue programming in view of hardware implementation of neural networks.
Novel antibiofilm chemotherapies target nitrogen from glutamate and glutamine
Authors: Hassanov Tal , Karunker Iris , Steinberg Nitai , Erez Ayelet , Kolodkin-Gal Ilana
Published: May 2018

Bacteria in nature often reside in differentiated communities termed biofilms, which are an active interphase between uni-cellular and multicellular life states for bacteria. Here we demonstrate that the development of B. subtilis biofilms is dependent on the use of glutamine or glutamate as a nitrogen source. We show a differential metabolic requirement within the biofilm; while glutamine is necessary for the dividing cells at the edges, the inner cell mass utilizes lactic acid. Our results indicate that biofilm cells preserve a short-term memory of glutamate metabolism. Finally, we establish that drugs that target glutamine and glutamate utilization restrict biofilm development. Overall, our work reveals a spatial regulation of nitrogen and carbon metabolism within the biofilm, which contributes to the fitness of bacterial complex communities. This acquired metabolic division of labor within biofilm can serve as a target for novel anti-biofilm chemotherapies
Examining a Thermodynamic Order Parameter of Protein Folding
Authors: Chong Song-Ho , Ham Sihyun
Published: May 2018

Dimensionality reduction with a suitable choice of order parameters or reaction coordinates is commonly used for analyzing high-dimensional time-series data generated by atomistic biomolecular simulations. So far, geometric order parameters, such as the root mean square deviation, fraction of native amino acid contacts, and collective coordinates that best characterize rare or large conformational transitions, have been prevailing in protein folding studies. Here, we show that the solvent-averaged effective energy, which is a thermodynamic quantity but unambiguously defined for individual protein conformations, serves as a good order parameter of protein folding. This is illustrated through the application to the folding-unfolding simulation trajectory of villin headpiece subdomain. We rationalize the suitability of the effective energy as an order parameter by the funneledness of the underlying protein free energy landscape. We also demonstrate that an improved conformational space discretization is achieved by incorporating the effective energy. The most distinctive feature of this thermodynamic order parameter is that it works in pointing to near-native folded structures even when the knowledge of the native structure is lacking, and the use of the effective energy will also find applications in combination with methods of protein structure prediction.
An initial melanoma diagnosis may increase the subsequent risk of prostate cancer: Results from the New South Wales Cancer Registry
Authors: Cole-Clark D. , Nair-Shalliker V. , Bang A. , Rasiah K. , Chalasani V. , Smith D. P.
Published: May 2018

Emerging evidence suggests that a diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma (CM) may be associated with prostate cancer (PC) incidence. We examined if the incidence of CM was associated with an increased subsequent risk of PC. We used data from the New South Wales Cancer Registry for all CM and PC cases diagnosed between January 1972 and December 2008. We calculated the age standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for PC incidence following a CM diagnosis, applying age- and calendar- specific rates to the appropriate person years at risk. We determined rate ratio (RR) and 95% CI of PC incidence according to specified socio-demographic categories and disease related characteristics, using a negative binomial model. There were 143,594 men diagnosed with PC or CM in the study period and of these 101,198 and 42,396 were diagnosed with PC and CM, respectively, as first primary cancers. Risk of PC incidence increased following CM diagnosis (n = 2,114; SIR = 1.25; 95% CI:1.20.8-1.31: p < 0.0001), with the increased risk apparent in men diagnosed with localised CM (n = 1,862;SIR = 1.26; 95% CI:1.20–1.32). CM diagnosis increased the subsequent risk of PC incidence. This raises the potential for future PC risk to be discussed with newly diagnosed males with CM.
Effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid supplementation on home-based walking training achievement in middle-aged depressive women: randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot study
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Masuki Shizue , Morikawa Akiyo , Ogawa Yu , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Takahashi Kiwamu , Nakajima Motowo , Nose Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Depressive patients often experience difficulty in performing exercise due to physical and psychological barriers. We examined the effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) with sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) supplementation during home-based walking training in middle-aged depressive women. Nine outpatients [53 ± 8 (SD) yr] with major depressive disorder participated in the pilot study with randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design. They underwent two trials for 7 days, each performing interval walking training (IWT) with ALA + SFC (ALA + SFC) or placebo supplement intake (PLC) intermittently with >a 10-day washout period. For the first 6 days of each trial, exercise intensity for IWT was measured by accelerometry. Before and after each trial, subjects underwent a graded cycling test, and lactate concentration in plasma ([Lac−]p), oxygen consumption rate ($${\dot{{\bf{V}}}{\bf{O}}}_{{\bf{2}}}$$V˙O2), and carbon dioxide production rate ($${\dot{{\bf{V}}}{\bf{\text{CO}}}}_{{\bf{2}}}$$V˙CO2) were measured with depression severity by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). We found that the increases in [Lac−]p,$${\dot{{\bf{V}}}{\bf{O}}}_{{\bf{2}}}$$V˙O2and$${\dot{{\bf{V}}}{\bf{\text{CO}}}}_{{\bf{2}}}$$V˙CO2during the test were attenuated only in ALA + SFC ([before vs. after] × workload; all, P < 0.01), accompanied by increased training days, impulse, and time at fast walking during IWT (all, P < 0.05) with decreased MADRS-score (P = 0.001). Thus, ALA + SFC supplementation increased IWT achievement to improve depressive symptoms in middle-aged women.
Rock Physical Controls on Production-induced Compaction in the Groningen Field
Authors: Hol Sander , van der Linden Arjan , Bierman Stijn , Marcelis Fons , Makurat Axel
Published: May 2018

Advancing production from the Groningen gas field to full depletion generates substantial, field-scale deformation, and surface subsidence. Quantifying associated risk requires understanding physical processes in the subsurface, in particular those related to deformation of the Permian sandstone reservoir. Here, we report the results of a large experimental study, using fresh core material taken from the center of the field. By subjecting the material to depletion and slight unloading, complemented with a range of rock property measurements, we determine what rock physical properties control production-induced compaction in the material. Our results show that, although a large part of the deformation can be explained by classical linear poroelasticity, the contribution of inelastic (permanent) deformation is also significant. In fact, it increases with progressing pressure depletion, i.e. with increasing production. Utilizing univariate and multivariate statistical methods, we explain the additional inelastic deformation by direct effects of porosity, packing, and mineral composition. These proxies are in turn related to the depositional setting of the Permian reservoir. Our findings suggest that field-scale subsidence may not only be related to the often-used rock porosity, but also to packing, and composition, hence the local depositional environment. This motivates alternative assessments of human-induced mechanical effects in sedimentary systems.
Feasibility and safety of using local anaesthesia with conscious sedation during complex cardiac implantable electronic device procedures
Authors: Kaya Elif , Südkamp Hendrik , Lortz Julia , Rassaf Tienush , Jánosi Rolf Alexander
Published: May 2018

We assessed the feasibility and safety of using local anaesthesia with conscious sedation as an alternative to general anaesthesia during complex and noncomplex cardiac implantable device procedures. We enrolled 279 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac device implantation/replacement at our tertiary/quaternary cardiac specialist hospital during a 17-month study period. Continuous combined intravenous conscious sedation with propofol and midazolam plus fentanyl and local anaesthesia were used for all procedures. Among the patients, 113, 59, 43, and 64 patients underwent pacemaker implantation, implantable cardiac defibrillator implantation, cardiac resynchronisation therapy device implantation, and generator exchange, respectively. The procedural success rate was 100%, with no apnoea or hypoxia episodes requiring therapeutic intervention. None of the patients required conversion to general anaesthesia. The mean surgical duration was longer for complex vs. noncomplex procedures (p = 0.003). The minimum mean arterial pressure during complex procedures was slightly lower than that during noncomplex procedures (p = 0.03). The perioperative (<24 h) mortality rate was 0%, and neither complexity group required tracheal intubation. Only two patients (0.7%) required unplanned intensive care unit admission for further surveillance. Our findings suggest that local anaesthesia with conscious sedation is a safe and feasible option for cardiac device implantation procedures, including complex procedures.
Magnetic resonance probing of ground state in the mixed valence correlated topological insulator SmB6
Authors: Demishev S. V. , Gilmanov M. I. , Samarin A. N. , Semeno A. V. , Sluchanko N. E. , Samarin N. A. , Bogach A. V. , Shitsevalova N. Yu. , Filipov V. B. , Karasev M. S. , Glushkov V. V.
Published: May 2018

Introducing of topological insulator concept for fluctuating valence compound – samarium hexaboride – has recently initiated a new round of studies aimed to clarify the nature of the ground state in this extraordinary system with strong electron correlations. Here we discuss the data of magnetic resonance in the pristine single crystals of SmB6 measured in 60 GHz cavity experiments at temperatures 1.8–300 K. The microwave study as well as the DC resistivity and Hall effect measurements performed for the different states of SmB6 [110] surface prove definitely the existence of the layer with metallic conductivity increasing under lowering temperature below 5 K. Four lines with the g-factors g ≈ 2 are found to contribute to the ESR-like absorption spectrum that may be attributed to intrinsic paramagnetic centers on the sample’s surface, which are robust with respect to the surface treatment. The temperature dependence of integrated intensity I(T) for main paramagnetic signal is found to demonstrate anomalous critical behavior I(T) ~ (T* − T)ν with characteristic temperature T
*
 = 5.34 ± 0.05 K and exponent ν = 0.38 ± 0.03 indicating possible magnetic transition at the SmB6 [110] surface. Additional resonant magnetoabsorption line, which may be associated with either donor-like defects or cyclotron resonance mode corresponding to the mass m
c
 ~ 1.2m0, is reported.
Isotropic Backward Waves Supported by a Spiral Array Metasurface
Authors: Tremain Ben , Hooper Ian R. , Sambles J. Roy , Hibbins Alastair P.
Published: May 2018

A planar metallic metasurface formed of spiral elements is shown to support an isotropic backward wave over a narrow band of microwave frequencies. The magnetic field of this left-handed mode is mapped experimentally using a near-field scanning technique, allowing the anti-parallel group and phase velocities to be directly visualised. The corresponding dispersion relation and isofrequency contours are obtained through Fourier transformation of the field images.
Electrostatic quantum dots in silicene
Authors: Szafran B. , Żebrowski D. , Mreńca-Kolasińska Alina
Published: May 2018

We study electrostatic quantum dot confinement for charge carriers in silicene. The confinement is formed by vertical electric field surrounding the quantum dot area. The resulting energy gap in the outside of the quantum dot traps the carriers within, and the difference of electrostatic potentials on the buckled silicene sublattices produces nonzero carrier masses outside the quantum dot. We study the electrostatic confinement defined inside a silicene flake with both the atomistic tight-binding approach as well as with the continuum approximation for a circularly symmetric electrostatic potential. We find localization of the states within the quantum dot and their decoupling from the edge that makes the spectrum of the localized states independent of the crystal termination. For an armchair edge of the flake removal of the intervalley scattering by the electrostatic confinement is found.
The polymorphism rs6918289 located in the downstream region of the TREM2 gene is associated with TNF-α levels and IMT-F
Authors: Gorenjak Vesna , Aldasoro Arguinano Alex-Ander , Dadé Sébastien , Stathopoulou Maria G. , Vance Dwaine R. , Masson Christine , Visvikis-Siest Sophie
Published: May 2018

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is known for its anti-inflammatory properties during the immune response, and influences negatively on TNF-α expression levels. Genetic epidemiology studies have identified polymorphisms located in the TREM2 gene associated with neurodegenerative and chronic inflammatory diseases. TREM2 levels have been observed to affect plasma levels of TNF-α and plaque stability in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis. In this study, we investigated polymorphisms located in the TREM2 gene region and association with TNF-α levels and the intima media thickness of the femoral artery. The discovery population from the STANISLAS Family Study comprised of 809 individuals, whereas the replication population utilized an independent cohort of French origin (n = 916). Our results suggest that the minor allele (T) of SNP rs6918289 is positively associated with elevated plasma levels of TNF-α in discovery and replication populations (P = 0.0026, SE = 0.04 and P = 0.023, SE = 0.09, respectively), including femoral artery thickness in the discovery cohort (P = 0.026, SE = 0.009). Results indicate that rs6918289 may be considered as a risk factor for inflammatory diseases and could be used in stratified medicine with patients diagnosed with chronic inflammatory-related conditions, such as atherosclerosis.
Similar but separate systems underlie perceptual bistability in vision and audition
Authors: Denham Susan L. , Farkas Dávid , van Ee Raymond , Taranu Mihaela , Kocsis Zsuzsanna , Wimmer Marina , Carmel David , Winkler István
Published: May 2018

The dynamics of perceptual bistability, the phenomenon in which perception switches between different interpretations of an unchanging stimulus, are characterised by very similar properties across a wide range of qualitatively different paradigms. This suggests that perceptual switching may be triggered by some common source. However, it is also possible that perceptual switching may arise from a distributed system, whose components vary according to the specifics of the perceptual experiences involved. Here we used a visual and an auditory task to determine whether individuals show cross-modal commonalities in perceptual switching. We found that individual perceptual switching rates were significantly correlated across modalities. We then asked whether perceptual switching arises from some central (modality-) task-independent process or from a more distributed task-specific system. We found that a log-normal distribution best explained the distribution of perceptual phases in both modalities, suggestive of a combined set of independent processes causing perceptual switching. Modality- and/or task-dependent differences in these distributions, and lack of correlation with the modality-independent central factors tested (ego-resiliency, creativity, and executive function), also point towards perceptual switching arising from a distributed system of similar but independent processes.
Grain number responses to pre-anthesis dry matter and nitrogen in improving wheat yield in the Huang-Huai Plain
Authors: Duan Jianzhao , Wu Yapeng , Zhou Yi , Ren Xingxu , Shao Yunhui , Feng Wei , Zhu Yunji , Wang Yonghua , Guo Tiancai
Published: May 2018

Wheat yield components vary between different ecological regions and yield levels. Grain number responses to pre-anthesis dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) in increasing yield were always investigated in spike organs, neglecting the effect of non-spike organ nutrition or overall distribution. This paper determined the relationships between grain number and pre-anthesis DM and N in spike and non-spike organs under different yield levels, with using two sorts of field experiments (different water-nitrogen modes and cultivation management patterns) from 2012–2015 in Huang-Huai plain. The results indicated that improving yield under yield of <7500 kg ha−1 depends on increasing grain number per spike (GNs) or spike number (SN) or both, increased yield under higher yield of >7500 kg ha−1 mainly depends on GNs. GNs showed significant positive relationships with above-ground DM accumulation from jointing to anthesis under high or low yield levels. Rapid DM growth in spring achieves higher GNs. Spike and non-spike DM and N contents both demonstrated strong positive relationships with GNs, spike DM distribution also shows a positive correlation, but spike N distribution ratio show negatively correlation with GNs. Improved N distribution in non-spike organs and DM partition in spike organs conduce to increasing GNs.
Natural and induced growth of VO2 (M) on VO2 (B) ultrathin films
Authors: Émond Nicolas , Torriss Badr , Chaker Mohamed
Published: May 2018

This work examines the synthesis of single phase VO2 (B) thin films on LaAlO3 (100) substrates, and the naturally-occurring and induced subsequent growth of VO2 (M) phase on VO2 (B) films. First, the thickness (t) dependence of structural, morphological and electrical properties of VO2 films is investigated, evidencing that the growth of VO2 (B) phase is progressively replaced by that of VO2 (M) when t > ~11 nm. This change originates from the relaxation of the substrate-induced strain in the VO2 (B) films, as corroborated by the simultaneous increase of surface roughness and decrease of the c-axis lattice parameter towards that of bulk VO2 (B) for such films, yielding a complex mixed-phase structure composed of VO2 (B)/VO2 (M) phases, accompanied by the emergence of the VO2 (M) insulator-to-metal phase transition. Second, the possibility of inducing this phase conversion, through a proper surface modification of the VO2 (B) films via plasma treatment, is demonstrated. These natural and induced VO2 (M) growths not only provide substantial insights into the competing nature of phases in the complex VO2 polymorphs system, but can also be further exploited to synthesize VO2 (M)/VO2 (B) heterostructures at the micro/nanoscale for advanced electronics and energy applications.
The lactose operon from Lactobacillus casei is involved in the transport and metabolism of the human milk oligosaccharide core-2 N-acetyllactosamine
Authors: Bidart Gonzalo N. , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús , Pérez-Martínez Gaspar , Yebra María J.
Published: May 2018

The lactose operon (lacTEGF) from Lactobacillus casei strain BL23 has been previously studied. The lacT gene codes for a transcriptional antiterminator, lacE and lacF for the lactose-specific phosphoenolpyruvate: phosphotransferase system (PTSLac) EIICB and EIIA domains, respectively, and lacG for the phospho-β-galactosidase. In this work, we have shown that L. casei is able to metabolize N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), a disaccharide present at human milk and intestinal mucosa. The mutant strains BL153 (lacE) and BL155 (lacF) were defective in LacNAc utilization, indicating that the EIICB and EIIA of the PTSLac are involved in the uptake of LacNAc in addition to lactose. Inactivation of lacG abolishes the growth of L. casei in both disaccharides and analysis of LacG activity showed a high selectivity toward phosphorylated compounds, suggesting that LacG is necessary for the hydrolysis of the intracellular phosphorylated lactose and LacNAc. L. casei (lacAB) strain deficient in galactose-6P isomerase showed a growth rate in lactose (0.0293 ± 0.0014 h−1) and in LacNAc (0.0307 ± 0.0009 h−1) significantly lower than the wild-type (0.1010 ± 0.0006 h−1 and 0.0522 ± 0.0005 h−1, respectively), indicating that their galactose moiety is catabolized through the tagatose-6P pathway. Transcriptional analysis showed induction levels of the lac genes ranged from 130 to 320–fold in LacNAc and from 100 to 200–fold in lactose, compared to cells growing in glucose.
Globally discordant Isocrinida (Crinoidea) migration confirms asynchronous Marine Mesozoic Revolution
Authors: Whittle Rowan J. , Hunter Aaron W. , Cantrill David J. , McNamara Kenneth J.
Published: May 2018

The Marine Mesozoic Revolution (MMR, starting ~200 million years ago) changed the ecological structure of sea floor communities due to increased predation pressure. It was thought to have caused the migration of less mobile invertebrates, such as stalked isocrinid crinoids, into deeper marine environments by the end of the Mesozoic. Recent studies questioned this hypothesis, suggesting the MMR was globally asynchronous. Alternatively, Cenozoic occurrences from Antarctica and South America were described as retrograde reversions to Palaeozoic type communities in cool water. Our results provide conclusive evidence that isocrinid migration from shallow to deep water did not occur at the same time all over the world. The description of a substantial new fauna from Antarctica and Australia, from often-overlooked isolated columnals and articulated crinoids, in addition to the first compilation to our knowledge of Cenozoic Southern Hemisphere isocrinid data, demonstrates a continuous record of shallow marine isocrinids from the Cretaceous-Paleogene to the Eocene/Oligocene boundary.
High-throughput density-functional perturbation theory phonons for inorganic materials
Authors: Petretto Guido , Dwaraknath Shyam , P.C. Miranda Henrique , Winston Donald , Giantomassi Matteo , van Setten Michiel J. , Gonze Xavier , Persson Kristin A. , Hautier Geoffroy , Rignanese Gian-Marco
Published: May 2018

The knowledge of the vibrational properties of a material is of key importance to understand physical phenomena such as thermal conductivity, superconductivity, and ferroelectricity among others. However, detailed experimental phonon spectra are available only for a limited number of materials, which hinders the large-scale analysis of vibrational properties and their derived quantities. In this work, we perform ab initio calculations of the full phonon dispersion and vibrational density of states for 1521 semiconductor compounds in the harmonic approximation based on density functional perturbation theory. The data is collected along with derived dielectric and thermodynamic properties. We present the procedure used to obtain the results, the details of the provided database and a validation based on the comparison with experimental data.
An optimal filter for short photoplethysmogram signals
Authors: Liang Yongbo , Elgendi Mohamed , Chen Zhencheng , Ward Rabab
Published: May 2018

A photoplethysmogram (PPG) contains a wealth of cardiovascular system information, and with the development of wearable technology, it has become the basic technique for evaluating cardiovascular health and detecting diseases. However, due to the varying environments in which wearable devices are used and, consequently, their varying susceptibility to noise interference, effective processing of PPG signals is challenging. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the optimal filter and filter order to be used for PPG signal processing to make the systolic and diastolic waves more salient in the filtered PPG signal using the skewness quality index. Nine types of filters with 10 different orders were used to filter 219 (2.1s) short PPG signals. The signals were divided into three categories by PPG experts according to their noise levels: excellent, acceptable, or unfit. Results show that the Chebyshev II filter can improve the PPG signal quality more effectively than other types of filters and that the optimal order for the Chebyshev II filter is the 4th order.
A multi-walled carbon nanotube-based magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer as a highly selective sorbent for ultrasonic-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction of sotalol in biological fluids
Authors: Ansari Saeedeh , Masoum Saeed
Published: May 2018

A modified multiwalled carbon nanotube-based magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MWCNT-MMIP) was synthesized and applied for selective extraction and preconcentration of sotalol (SOT) in biological fluid samples by using ultrasonic-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction (UA-DSPME).
A g-C3N4 based photoelectrochemical cell using O2/H2O redox couples
Authors: Liu Naiyun , Han Mumei , Sun Yue , Zhu Cheng , Zhou Yunjie , Zhang Yalin , Huang Hui , Kremnican Vladimir , Liu Yang , Lifshitz Yeshayahu , Kang Zhenhui
Published: May 2018

A photoelectrochemical cell based on a g-C3N4 photocatalyst was constructed using O2/H2O redox couples with H2O2 as an intermediate.
How iMALDI can improve clinical diagnostics
Authors: Popp R. , Basik M. , Spatz A. , Batist G. , Zahedi R. P. , Borchers C. H.
Published: May 2018

Protein mass spectrometry (MS) is an indispensable tool to detect molecular signatures that can be associated with cellular dysregulation and disease.
Rapid and sensitive detection of viral nucleic acids using silicon microchips
Authors: Powell Laura , Wiederkehr Rodrigo Sergio , Damascus Paige , Fauvart Maarten , Buja Federico , Stakenborg Tim , Ray Stuart C. , Fiorini Paolo , Osburn William O.
Published: May 2018

Rapid and sensitive amplification of viral nucleic acids is feasible on a flexible silicon microchip technology platform.
Determination of alkyl ammonium ionic liquid cations by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and its application in analysis of environmental water
Authors: Fan Zi-qiang , Yu Hong , Cai Ya-qi
Published: May 2018

Analysis of alkyl ammonium ionic liquid cations in environmental water by the reversed phase ion-pair SPE combined with HILIC-IUV. (a) The chromatogram of alkyl ammonium cations; (b) the chromatogram of alkyl ammonium cations after enrichment.
An ICT-based chemodosimeter for selective dual channel sensing of cyanide in an aqueous solution
Authors: Raja Lakshmi P. , Manivannan R. , Jayasudha P. , Elango Kuppanagounder P.
Published: May 2018

The chemodosimeter senses cyanide in an aqueous solution via dual channel mode through nucleophilic addition, which blocks π-conjugation and ICT transition.
Highly hindered 2-(aryl-di-tert-butylsilyl)-N-methyl-imidazoles: a new tool for the aqueous 19F- and 18F-fluorination of biomolecule-based structures
Authors: Tisseraud Marion , Schulz Jürgen , Vimont Delphine , Berlande Murielle , Fernandez Philippe , Hermange Philippe , Fouquet Eric
Published: May 2018

Conjugation with a 2-(aryl-di-tert-butylsilyl)-N-methyl-imidazole tag enabled the last-step labelling of biomolecule-based structures by [19F] and [18F]fluoride in aqueous mixtures.
Ladderlike carbon nanoarrays on 3D conducting skeletons enable uniform lithium nucleation for stable lithium metal anodes
Authors: Liu Lin , Yin Ya-Xia , Li Jin-Yi , Guo Yu-Guo , Wan Li-Jun
Published: May 2018

Well-arranged ladderlike carbon nanoarrays can bring about homogenous Li-ion flux and reduced local current density, thus regulating uniform Li nucleation/growth.
Platinum(iv) prodrugs with long lipid chains for drug delivery and overcoming cisplatin resistance
Authors: Chen Qiling , Yang Yuanyuan , Lin Xun , Ma Wen , Chen Gui , Li Wenliang , Wang Xuefeng , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: May 2018

Platinum(iv) prodrugs of clinically used cisplatin and oxaliplatin with two axial long lipid chains were developed for nanoparticle delivery to combat cisplatin resistance.
Counterion binding alters surfactant self-assembly in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Sanchez-Fernandez A. , Hammond O. S. , Edler K. J. , Arnold T. , Doutch J. , Dalgliesh R. M. , Li P. , Ma K. , Jackson A. J.
Published: May 2018

Counterion adsorption unexpectedly changes self-assembly behaviour in deep eutectic solvents.
Theoretical investigation of M@Pb122−and M@Sn122−Zintl clusters (M = Lrn+, Lun+, La3+, Ac3+andn= 0, 1, 2, 3)
Authors: Joshi Meenakshi , Chandrasekar Aditi , Ghanty Tapan K.
Published: May 2018

Cluster science strategically addresses a historical question: the positions of Lu, Lr, La and Ac in the periodic table.
Bandgap scaling and negative differential resistance behavior of zigzag phosphorene antidot nanoribbons (ZPANRs)
Authors: Carmel Santhia , Pon Adhithan , Meenakshisundaram N. , Ramesh R. , Bhattacharyya Arkaprava
Published: May 2018

Negative differential resistance behaviour in zigzag antidot phosphorene nanoribbons.
Molecular insights into avibactam mediated class C β-lactamase inhibition: competition between reverse acylation and hydrolysis through desulfation
Authors: Das Chandan Kumar , Nair Nisanth N.
Published: May 2018

The spatial water probability density plots show that the axial –NHOSO3 group of avibactam impedes the deacylating water molecule(s) to enter the active site, while the –NHSO3 group in aztreonam is unable to prevent the water molecule(s) to diffuse into the active site.
Two-dimensional porous cuprous oxide nanoplatelets derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation under visible light
Authors: Lin Yifan , Wan Hao , Chen Fashen , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: May 2018

Two-dimensional porous N-doped Cu2O/carbon nanoplatelets derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibited very high photocatalytic activity for dye degradation under visible light.
Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of three new MnII–[MoIII(CN)7]4−molecular magnets
Authors: Wei Xiao-Qin , Pi Qian , Shen Fu-Xing , Shao Dong , Wei Hai-Yan , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: May 2018

Three cyanide-bridged 3D long-range magnetic ordering complexes were successfully synthesized and magnetically characterized. These compounds are the first [MoIII(CN)7]4−-based materials containing the bidentate secondary ligands.
Base-free selective oxidation of pectin derived galacturonic acid to galactaric acid using supported gold catalysts
Authors: Pazhavelikkakath Purushothaman Rajeesh Kumar , Klis F. van der , Frissen A. E. , Haveren J. van , Mayoral A. , van der Bent A. , van Es D. S.
Published: May 2018

We describe base-free oxidation of a biomass derived acidic substrate using supported gold catalysts under batch conditions.
Recognition, classification, and prediction of the tactile sense
Authors: Chun Sungwoo , Hwang Inyoung , Son Wonkyeong , Chang Joon-Hyuk , Park Wanjun
Published: May 2018

The emulation of the tactile sense is presented with the encoding of a complex surface texture.
Soft and flexible poly(ethylene glycol) nanotubes for local drug delivery
Authors: Newland B. , Taplan C. , Pette D. , Friedrichs J. , Steinhart M. , Wang W. , Voit B. , Seib F. P. , Werner C.
Published: May 2018

Soft/flexible PEG-based polymer nanotubes released doxorubicin over a sustained period and reduced tumor growth in a metastatic breast cancer model.
Ultrasmall endogenous biopolymer nanoparticles for magnetic resonance/photoacoustic dual-modal imaging-guided photothermal therapy
Authors: Sun Jinghua , Xu Wen , Li Liping , Fan Bo , Peng Xiaoyang , Qu Botao , Wang Lingjie , Li Tingting , Li Sijin , Zhang Ruiping
Published: May 2018

A nanotheranostic agent based on ultrasmall melanin-manganese nanoparticles for magnetic resonance/photoacoustic dual-modal imaging-guided photothermal therapy.
Boron-doped graphene nanosheet-supported Pt: a highly active and selective catalyst for low temperature H2-SCR
Authors: Hu Maocong , Yao Zhenhua , Li Lili , Tsou Yung-Hao , Kuang Liyuan , Xu Xiaoyang , Zhang Wen , Wang Xianqin
Published: May 2018

Pt/BG catalysts synthesized with a one-step hydrothermal method showed enhanced H2-SCR activity and selectivity to N2 at 105 °C via a bifunctional catalytic mechanism.
Metal-free photocatalyzed aerobic oxidative Csp3–H functionalization of glycine derivatives: one-step generation of quinoline-fused lactones
Authors: He Youxiang , Yan Baorun , Tao Hua , Zhang Yuan , Li Ying
Published: May 2018

This reaction provides facile access to a series of valuable quinoline-fused lactones at room temperature under an air atmosphere.
Nano liquid metal for the preparation of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material with high stability
Authors: Fan P. , Sun Z. , Wang Y. , Chang H. , Zhang P. , Yao S. , Lu C. , Rao W. , Liu J.
Published: May 2018

Compared to liquid metal (LM) microdroplets based thermally conductive materials (micro-LM-THEMs), nano LM-THEMs (nLM-THEMs) presents a more stable electric insulating property even upon stress, achieving ~50-fold thermal conductivity over base polymer.
Switch on fluorescence probe for the selective determination of lisinopril in pharmaceutical formulations: application to content uniformity testing
Authors: Mohammed Fatma F. , Badr El-Din Khalid M. , Derayea, Sayed M.
Published: May 2018

Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, was selectively determined in pharmaceutical products through switch on the fluorescence of fluorescamine.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic decarboxylative coupling between cyclic α-amino acids and diverse C–H nucleophiles with low catalyst loading
Authors: Guo Jing , Xie Ying , Wu Qiao-Lei , Zeng Wen-Tian , Chan Albert S. C. , Weng Jiang , Lu Gui
Published: May 2018

An aerobic decarboxylative cross-coupling of α-amino acids was realized using 1 mol% Cu2(OH)2CO3 catalyst under ligand free conditions.
Fabrication of a superhydrophobic mesh based on PDMS/SiO2 nanoparticles/PVDF microparticles/KH-550 by one-step dip-coating method
Authors: Luo Zhonglin , Li Yan , Duan Cong , Wang Biaobing
Published: May 2018

The preparation of a superhydrophobic PDMS/SiO2/PVDF/KH-550 mesh and its multiple applications.
Electrical and SERS detection of disulfide-mediated dimerization in single-molecule benzene-1,4-dithiol junctions
Authors: Zheng Jueting , Liu Junyang , Zhuo Yijing , Li Ruihao , Jin Xi , Yang Yang , Chen Zhao-Bin , Shi Jia , Xiao Zongyuan , Hong Wenjing , Tian Zhong-qun
Published: May 2018

Electrical and in situ SERS characterization of the benzene-1,4-dithiol (BDT) junction suggested that dimerization of BDT contributed to the low conductance.
Intense near-infrared-II luminescence from NaCeF4:Er/Yb nanoprobes forin vitrobioassay andin vivobioimaging
Authors: Lei Xialian , Li Renfu , Tu Datao , Shang Xiaoying , Liu Yan , You Wenwu , Sun Caixia , Zhang Fan , Chen Xueyuan
Published: May 2018

We report the controlled synthesis of monodisperse NaCeF4:Er/Yb nanoprobes that exhibit intense NIR-II emission forin vitrobioassay andin vivobioimaging.
Electron transfer in an acidophilic bacterium: interaction between a diheme cytochrome and a cupredoxin
Authors: Wang X. , Roger M. , Clément R. , Lecomte S. , Biaso F. , Abriata L. A. , Mansuelle P. , Mazurenko I. , Giudici-Orticoni M. T. , Lojou E. , Ilbert M.
Published: May 2018

Electrochemical studies of diheme cytochrome/cupredoxin complexes provide new insights into the electron transfer pathway in an acidophilic bacterium.
Light-driven hydrogen evolution catalyzed by a cobaloxime catalyst incorporated in a MIL-101(Cr) metal–organic framework
Authors: Roy Souvik , Bhunia Asamanjoy , Schuth Nils , Haumann Michael , Ott Sascha
Published: May 2018

A cobaloxime H2 evolution catalyst with a hydroxo-functionalized pyridine ligand was immobilized in a chromium terephthalate metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-101(Cr), to construct a MOF-catalyst hybrid which displays good photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.
Partial wetting of thin solid sheets under tension
Authors: Davidovitch Benny , Vella Dominic
Published: May 2018

We consider the equilibrium of liquid droplets sitting on thin elastic sheets that are subject to a boundary tension and/or are clamped at their edge. We study the geometrical–mechanical interplay through which the capillary force exerted by the droplet at the contact line modifies a pre-existing stress within the sheet, and characterize the parameter regimes in which this effect is large (non-perturbative) or small (perturbative).
Coacervation of dynamic covalent surfactants with polyacrylamides: properties and applications
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Wang Hua , Wang Yilin
Published: May 2018

Coacervation of cationic dynamic covalent surfactants with polyacrylamides and their application in extracting and releasing anionic dyes in water.
Environmentally sustainable, fluorine-free and waterproof breathable PDMS/PS nanofibrous membranes for carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Lin Yi-Feng , Wang Wen-Wen , Chang Chia-Yu
Published: May 2018

The as-prepared PDMS/PS nanofibrous membranes exhibited durability and reusability in the CO2absorption process for membrane contactor applications.
Rapid thermal annealing of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin films by intense pulsed light with aid of diiodomethane additive
Authors: Ankireddy Krishnamraju , Ghahremani Amir H. , Martin Blake , Gupta Gautam , Druffel Thad
Published: May 2018

Perovskite thin films are thermally annealed using a rapid intense pulsed light technique enabled by an alkyl halide that collectively improves device performance when processed in ambient conditions.
A green and facile strategy for the low-temperature and rapid synthesis of Li2S@PC–CNT cathodes with high Li2S content for advanced Li–S batteries
Authors: Liang Sheng , Xia Yang , Liang Chu , Gan Yongping , Huang Hui , Zhang Jun , Tao Xinyong , Sun Wei , Han Weiqiang , Zhang Wenkui
Published: May 2018

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is considered as a promising lithium storage material because of its high theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mA h g−1.
Photocatalytic glycerol oxidation on AuxCu–CuS@TiO2 plasmonic heterostructures
Authors: Guo L. , Sun Q. , Marcus K. , Hao Y. , Deng J. , Bi K. , Yang Y.
Published: May 2018

A novel AuxCu–CuS@TiO2 heterostructured catalyst with a periodic nanoporous morphology, exhibiting a plasmon-enhanced glycerol oxidation, was developed.
High performance MnO@C microcages with a hierarchical structure and tunable carbon shell for efficient and durable lithium storage
Authors: Hou Chuanxin , Tai Zhixin , Zhao Lanling , Zhai Yanjie , Hou Yue , Fan Yuqi , Dang Feng , Wang Jun , Liu Huakun
Published: May 2018

MnO@C microcages with robust sponge-like internal structure exhibit excellent Li-storage performance, holding favorable commercial potential as anodes for Li-ion batteries.
Clinical utility of decarboxylation prothrombin combined with α-fetoprotein for diagnosing primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fu Jun , Li Yanyan , Li Zhanzhan , Li Na
Published: May 2018

We conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate clinical utility of decarboxylation prothrombin combined with α-fetoprotein (AFP) for diagnosing primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Systematical searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wangfang databases. The bivariate random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary area under the curve (AUC). Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. For decarboxylation prothrombin, the overall pooled parameters are as follows: sensitivity: 79% (95% confidence interval (CI): 74–84%), specificity: 91% (95%CI: 87–93%), PLR: 8.42 (95%CI: 5.79–12.23), negative likelihood ratio (NLR): 0.23 (95%CI: 0.17–0.30), DOR: 37.09 (95%CI: 21.37–64.36), summary AUC: 0.92 (95%CI: 0.89–0.94); for combined diagnostic, the overall pooled parameters were as follows: sensitivity: 91% (95%CI: 85–95%), specificity: 83% (95%CI: 74–89%), PLR: 5.26 (95%CI: 3.53–7.83), NLR: 0.11 (95%CI: 0.07–0.18), DOR: 47.14 (95%CI: 30.09–73.85), summary AUC: 0.94 (95%CI: 0.91–0.95). The serum decarboxylation prothrombin showed a relatively higher diagnostic specificity for primary HCC and decarboxylation prothrombin combined with AFP exhibited can improve sensitivity for HCC than any of the biomarkers alone.
Steroid receptor coactivator-1 interacts with NF-κB to increase VEGFC levels in human thyroid cancer
Authors: Gao Bo , Guo Lingji , Luo Donglin , Jiang Yan , Zhao Jianjie , Mao Chengyi , Xu Yan
Published: May 2018

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, and has a high incidence of lymphatic metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) is essential for development of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic metastases during carcinogenesis. Steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) interacts with nuclear receptors and transcription factors to promote tumor proliferation and metastasis. However, the correlation between SRC-1 and VEGFC levels in the lymphatic metastases of thyroid cancer remains unclear. We analyzed 20-paired specimens of thyroid cancer tissue and normal thyroid tissue and found increased levels of SRC-1 and VEGFC proteins in 13/20 and 15/20 thyroid cancer specimens, respectively, when compared with those levels in specimens of normal thyroid tissue. A high level of SRC-1 expression was positively correlated with VEGFC and lymphatic endothelial cell marker LYVE-1 expression. Papillary thyroid carcinoma cell line TPC-1 displayed high levels of SRC-1 and VEGFC expression and was selected for stable knockdown of SRC-1 in vitro. Inhibition of SRC-1 significantly reduced the VEGFC levels in TPC-1 cells. We found that SRC-1 binds to transcription factor NF-kB (p50/p65), and that this coactivation complex directly promoted VEGFC transcription, which could be abrogated by SRC-1 knockdown. Up-regulated NF-kB signaling was also confirmed in thyroid cancer tissues. In vivo studies showed that SRC-1 knockdown restricted tumor growth, reduced the numbers of LYVE-1-positive lymphatic vessels, and decreased the levels of VEGFC in tumor tissues. These results suggest a tumorigenic role for SRC-1 in thyroid cancer via its ability to regulate VEGFC expression.
Piperine functions as a tumor suppressor for human ovarian tumor growth via activation of JNK/p38 MAPK-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway
Authors: Si Lihui , Yang Ruiqi , Lin Ruixin , Yang Shuli
Published: May 2018

Piperine, a kind of natural alkaloid found in the fruit of black (Piper nigrum Linn) and long (Piper longum Linn), has shown antitumor activities toward various cancer cell lines. However, the antitumor effects of Piperine on ovarian cancer and the underlying mechanism are not fully elucidated. Our result showed that Piperine reduced the cell viability of A2780 cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner, but has not any effect on normal ovarian cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that Piperine suppressed cells proliferation via induction of apoptosis, which was followed by release of mitochondrial cytochrome c to cytosol, activation of caspase-3 and -9, as well as cleaved PARP. Moreover, Western blot results confirmed that Piperine (8, 16, and 20 μM) decreased phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK in A2780 cells. In addition, caspase-3 inhibitor (Z-DEVD-FMK), caspase-9 inhibitor (Z-LEDH-FMK), JNK-inhibitor (SP600125), or p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) could abate the apoptosis induced by Piperine (20 μM) treatment, while caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD- FMK) exhibited no inhibitory effect on the induction of apoptosis in A2780 cells. These results provide the first evidence for the anticancer potential of Piperine in ovarian cancer cells, partially via JNK/p38 MAPK-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Exosomes and cardiovascular cell–cell communication
Authors: Poe Adam J. , Knowlton Anne A.
Published: May 2018

Exosomes have become an important player in intercellular signaling. These lipid microvesicles can stably transfer miRNA, protein, and other molecules between cells and circulate throughout the body. Exosomes are released by almost all cell types and are present in most if not all biological fluids. The biologically active cargo carried by exosomes can alter the phenotype of recipient cells. Exosomes increasingly are recognized as having an important role in the progression and treatment of cardiac disease states. Injured cardiac cells can release exosomes with important pathological effects on surrounding tissue, in addition to effecting other organs. But of equal interest is the possible benefit(s) conferred by exosomes released from stem cells for use in treatment and possible repair of cardiac damage.