bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kindesmisshandlung bei Pflegekindern
Authors: Ehrenberg Daniela , Lohaus Arnold , Konrad Kerstin , Heinrichs Nina
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Pflegekinder erleben signifikant mehr Misshandlung und Vernachlässigung als andere Kinder und leiden häufiger unter deren langfristigen Auswirkungen. Methode: In dem vom BMBF geförderten Forschungsprojekt GROW&TREAT wurden 94 Pflegekinder hinsichtlich der Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Misshandlungsformen auf ihre Entwicklung untersucht. Als Vergleichsstichprobe dienten 157 in der Herkunftsfamilie lebende Kinder ohne bekannte Misshandlungserfahrung. Mithilfe standardisierter Verfahren wurden emotionale und Verhaltensprobleme, die Beziehungsgestaltung zwischen den Kindern und ihren (Pflege–) Eltern, sowie die kognitive Entwicklung der Kinder erfasst. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen wie erwartet, dass Pflegekinder eine ungünstigere Entwicklung aufweisen und dass unterschiedliche Misshandlungsformen spezifische Auswirkungen auf die kognitive Entwicklung der Kinder haben. Diskussion: Die Limitationen der Studie und Implikationen für weitere Forschungsansätze werden kritisch reflektiert.
Constraints on Scale Lengths of Equatorial Electrojet and Counter Electrojet Phenomena From the Indian Sector
Authors: Archana R. K. , Phani Chandrasekhar N. , Arora Kusumita , Nagarajan Nandini
Published: July 2018

The present study investigates the longitudinal variability of equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and counter electrojet (CEJ) phenomena using concurrent data from three equatorial and low‐latitude paired stations/sites at 5°, 15°, and 20° longitudinal separation in the Indian sector: (i) Minicoy (72°E, dip latitude 01.32°) and Alibag (72°E, dip latitude 14.06°), (ii) Vencode (77°E, dip latitude 01.02°) and Hyderabad (77°E, dip latitude12.34°), and (iii) Campbell Bay (93°E, dip latitude −0.79°) and Nabagram (93°E, dip latitude 06.79°). The observations, over a period of 12 months, at 72°E and 77°E, and 10 months at 93°E, for the year 2015, reflect the variability in both amplitude and occurrence phenomena at close spatial scales. Significant day‐to‐day variability of EEJ and CEJ is observed, with increasing spatial separation. The closely spaced sites, MNC and VEN, show expected similarity but present striking differences in certain monthly averaged patterns. Concurrent observations from three longitudes reveal increasing EEJ amplitudes from west to east and a new observation of increasing CEJ amplitudes from east to west. From these longitudinal trends, we confirm that EEJ strengths are controlled by the large‐scale DE3 nonmigrating tide. A marked difference in CEJ amplitude between MNC and VEN suggests that scale lengths of CEJ and EEJ are different, and we infer that CEJ are primarily generated by short‐scale length variations in the middle atmosphere caused by localized interactions of planetary and gravity waves and are also influenced by the DE3 nonmigrating tide.
TheM7 2016 Kumamoto, Japan, Earthquake: 3‐D Deformation Along the Fault and Within the Damage Zone Constrained From Differential Lidar Topography
Authors: Scott Chelsea P. , Arrowsmith J Ramon , Nissen Edwin , Lajoie Lia , Maruyama Tadashi , Chiba Tatsuro
Published: July 2018

Three‐dimensional near‐fault coseismic deformation fields from high‐resolution differential topography provide new information on the behavior of the shallow fault zone in large surface‐rupturing earthquakes. Our work focuses on the 16 April 2016Mw7.0 Kumamoto, Japan, earthquake, which ruptured ~40 km of the Futagawa‐Hinagu Fault Zone on Kyushu Island with an oblique strike‐slip mechanism and surface offset exceeding 2 m. Our differential lidar analysis constrains the structural style of strain accommodation along the primary fault trace and the surrounding damage zone. We show that 36 ± 29% and 62 ± 32% of the horizontal and vertical deformation, respectively, was accommodated off the principal fault trace. The horizontal strains of up to 0.03 suggest that the approximate elastic strain limit was exceeded over a ~250 m width in many locations along the rupture. The inelastic deformation of the fault volume produced the observed distributed deformation at the Earth's surface. We demonstrate a novel approach for calculating 3‐D displacement uncertainties, indicating errors of centimeters to a few decimeters for displacements computed over 50 m horizontal windows. Errors correlate with land cover and relief, with flatter agricultural land associated with the highest displacement uncertainty. These advances provide a framework for future analyses of shallow earthquake behavior using differential topography.
p38 MAPK pathway and its interaction with TRF2 in cisplatin induced chemotherapeutic response in head and neck cancer
Authors: Roy Shomereeta , Roy Souvick , Kar Madhabananda , Thakur Shweta , Akhter Yusuf , Kumar Amit , Delogu Francesco , Padhi Swatishree , Saha Arka , Banerjee Birendranath
Published: July 2018

TRF2 is a telomere binding protein, a component of the shelterin complex that plays a major role in maintaining the integrity of the genome. TRF2 is over-expressed in a number of human cancers including Head and Neck cancer and might play a key role in tumor initiation and development. p38 MAPK signaling pathway is strongly activated in response to various environmental and cellular stresses and thus overexpressed in most of the Head and Neck cancer cases. In this study, we investigated potential interactions of TRF2 with p38 in HNSCC cells and patient samples. Using in silico experiments, we identified interface polar residue Asp-354 of p38 and Arg-492, Arg-496 of TRF2 as protein–protein interaction hotspots. In addition to these interactions, Arg-49 residue of p38 was also found to interact with Glu-456 of TRF2. A detailed understanding of how phosphorylated and unphosphorylated state of p38 protein can influence the stability, specificity and to some extent a conformational change of p38-TRF2 binding is presented. Silencing of TRF2 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p38 in HNSCC cells which was confirmed by western blot, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation and alternatively inhibiting p38 using p38 inhibitor (SB 203580) decreased the expression of TRF2 in HNSCC cells. Furthermore, we checked the effect of TRF2 silencing and p38 inhibition in cisplatin induced chemosensitivity of SCC-131 cells. TRF2 silencing and p38 inhibition chemosensitize HNSCC cells to cisplatin. Thus, targeting TRF2 in combinatorial therapeutics can be a treatment modality for Head and Neck cancer which involves inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.
A full utilization of rice husk to evaluate phytochemical bioactivities and prepare cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Yue , Guo Xinbo , Liu Yu , Fang Zhiqiang , Zhang Mingwei , Zhang Ruifen , You Lijun , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: July 2018

Rice husks (RHs) as an agro-waste generated from rice production, while its application is limited. This study was designed to introduce a full utilization of rice husks, which extracted the phytochemical at first and then produced cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as the use of the residue. Furthermore, the phytochemicals extracted from rice husk was identified and its biological activity, including antioxidant activity, cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and antiproliferative activity, had been detected as well. Results showed the bound fraction of rice husk had higher antioxidant than common fruit and grain. Free fraction of rice husk deserved to have further analysis in antiproliferative activity due to its low cytotoxicity. The CNCs produced by residue was using delignification process and acid hydrolysis treatments. The chemical composition of the residue obtained after phytochemical extraction was determined. CNCs morphological investigation was performed using an optical microscope and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our strategy is to achieve a comprehensive utilization of rice husks with both economy and environment benefits.
High Levels of Glyphosate Resistance in Conyza canadensis from Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Sites in Ohio and Iowa
Authors: Beres Zachery T. , Ernst Emily E. , Ackley Bruce A. , Loux Mark M. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Snow Allison A.
Published: July 2018

Glyphosate is an important herbicide worldwide, but its efficacy has been compromised where weed species have evolved glyphosate resistance. To better understand evolutionary outcomes of continued and strong selection from glyphosate exposure, we characterized variation in resistance in self-pollinating Conyza canadensis (horseweed) in Ohio and Iowa, where glyphosate resistance was first reported in 2002 and 2011, respectively. In 2015, we collected seeds from a total of 74 maternal plants (biotypes) from no-till soybean fields vs. non-agricultural sites in each state, using one representative plant per site. Young plants from each biotype were sprayed with glyphosate rates of 0x, 1x (840 g ae ha−1), 8x, 20x, or 40x. Resistant biotypes with at least 80% survival at each dosage were designated as R1 (1x), R2 (8x), R3 (20x), or R4 (40x). Nearly all Ohio agricultural biotypes were R4, as were 62% of biotypes from the non-agricultural sites. In Iowa, R4 biotypes were clustered in the southeastern soybean fields, where no-till agriculture is more common, and 45% of non-agricultural biotypes were R1–R4. Our results show that resistance levels to glyphosate can be very high (at least 40x) in both states, and that non-agricultural sites likely serve as a refuge for glyphosate-resistant biotypes.
Angiotropism and extravascular migratory metastasis in cutaneous and uveal melanoma progression in a zebrafish model
Authors: Fornabaio Giulia , Barnhill Raymond L. , Lugassy Claire , Bentolila Laurent A. , Cassoux Nathalie , Roman-Roman Sergio , Alsafadi Samar , Del Bene Filippo
Published: July 2018

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer with a propensity for distant metastasis to various organs. In contrast, melanoma arising in pigmented uveal layers of the eye metastasizes mostly in the liver. The mechanisms of these metastases, which are ultimately resistant to therapy, are still unclear. Metastasis via intravascular dissemination of tumour cells is widely accepted as a central paradigm. However, we have previously described an alternative mode of tumour dissemination, extravascular migratory metastasis, based on clinical and experimental data. This mechanism is characterised by the interaction of cancer cells with the abluminal vascular surface, which defines angiotropism. Here, we employed our 3D co-culture approach to monitor cutaneous and uveal human melanoma cells dynamics in presence of vascular tubules. Using time-lapse microscopy, we evaluated angiotropism, the migration of tumour cells along vascular tubules and the morphological changes occurring during these processes. Cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells were injected in zebrafish embryos in order to develop xenografts. Employing in vivo imaging coupled with 3D reconstruction, we monitored the interactions between cancer cells and the external surface of zebrafish vessels. Overall, our results indicate that cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells spread similarly along the abluminal vascular surfaces, in vitro and in vivo.
Occupational radiation exposure and glaucoma and macular degeneration in the US radiologic technologists
Authors: Little Mark P. , Kitahara Cari M. , Cahoon Elizabeth K. , Bernier Marie-Odile , Velazquez-Kronen Raquel , Doody Michele M. , Borrego David , Miller Jeremy S. , Alexander Bruce H. , Simon Steven L. , Preston Dale L. , Meyer Craig , Linet Martha S. , Hamada Nobuyuki
Published: July 2018

There are well-documented associations of glaucoma with high-dose radiation exposure, but only a single study suggesting risk of glaucoma, and less conclusively macular degeneration, associated with moderate-dose exposure. We assessed risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration associated with occupational eye-lens radiation dose, using participants from the US Radiologic Technologists Study, followed from the date of surveys in 1994–1998, 2003–2005 to the earliest of diagnosis of glaucoma or macular degeneration, cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer, or date of last survey (2012–2014). We excluded those with baseline disease or previous radiotherapy history. Cox proportional hazards models with age as timescale were used. There were 1631 cases of newly self-reported doctor-diagnosed cases of glaucoma and 1331 of macular degeneration among 69,568 and 69,969 eligible subjects, respectively. Estimated mean cumulative eye-lens absorbed dose from occupational radiation exposures was 0.058 Gy. The excess relative risk/Gy for glaucoma was −0.57 (95% CI −1.46, 0.60,p = 0.304) and for macular degeneration was 0.32 (95% CI −0.32, 1.27,p = 0.381), suggesting that there is no appreciable risk for either endpoint associated with low-dose and low dose-rate radiation exposure. Since this is the first examination of glaucoma and macular degeneration associated with low-dose radiation exposure, this result needs to be replicated in other low-dose studies.
Loss-of-function mutations of SCN10A encoding NaV1.8 α subunit of voltage-gated sodium channel in patients with human kidney stone disease
Authors: Nettuwakul Choochai , Praditsap Oranud , Sawasdee Nunghathai , Rungroj Nanyawan , Ruamyod Katesirin , Watanapa Wattana B. , Junking Mutita , Sangnual Sittideth , Sritippayawan Suchai , Cheunsuchon Boonyarit , Chuawattana Duangporn , Rojsatapong Santi , Chaowagul Wipada , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D. , Waxman Stephen G. , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai
Published: July 2018

Human kidney stone disease (KSD) causes significant morbidity and public health burden worldwide. The etiology of KSD is heterogeneous, ranging from monogenic defects to complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. However, the genetic defects causing KSD in the majority of affected families are still unknown. Here, we report the discovery of mutations of SCN10A, encoding NaV1.8 α subunit of voltage-gated sodium channel, in families with KSD. The region on chromosome 3 where SCN10A locates was initially identified in a large family with KSD by genome-wide linkage analysis and exome sequencing. Two mutations (p.N909K and p.K1809R) in the same allele of SCN10A co-segregated with KSD in the affected family. Additional mutation (p.V1149M) of SCN10A was identified in another affected family, strongly supporting the causal role of SCN10A for KSD. The amino acids at these three positions, N909, K1809, and V1149, are highly conserved in vertebrate evolution, indicating their structural and functional significances. NaV1.8 α subunit mRNA and protein were found to express in human kidney tissues. The mutant proteins expressed in cultured cells were unstable and causing reduced current density as analyzed by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Thus, loss-of-function mutations of SCN10A were associated with KSD in the families studied.
Structural analyses of FERM domain-mediated membrane localization of FARP1
Authors: Kuo Yi-Chun , He Xiaojing , Coleman Andrew J. , Chen Yu-Ju , Dasari Pranathi , Liou Jen , Biederer Thomas , Zhang Xuewu
Published: July 2018

FARP1 is a multi-domain protein that is involved in regulating neuronal development through interacting with cell surface proteins such as class A Plexins and SynCAM 1. The N-terminal FERM domain in FARP1 is known to both promote membrane localization and mediate these protein interactions, for which the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we determined the crystal structures of the FERM domain of FARP1 from zebrafish, and those of FARP2 (a close homolog of FARP1) from mouse and zebrafish. These FERM domains adopt the three-leaved clover fold that is typical of all FERM domains. Our structures reveal a positively charged surface patch that is highly conserved in the FERM domain of FARP1 and FARP2. In vitro lipid-binding experiments showed that the FARP1 FERM domain binds specifically to several types of phospholipid, which is dependent on the positively charged surface patch. We further determined through cell-based analyses that this surface patch on the FERM domain underlies the localization of FARP1 to the plasma membrane, and that FERM domain interactions recruit it to postsynaptic sites in neurons.
Demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing the incidence of ankle fractures, a national population-based survey of 512187 individuals
Authors: Liu Song , Zhu Yanbin , Chen Wei , Wang Lin , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhang Yingze
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to investigate the population-based incidence rate of ankle fracture and associated risk factors in China. All the data on ankle fractures were available from the China National Fracture Survey (CNFS) conducted between January and May in 2015. All eligible household members were sampled from 8 provinces, 24 urban cities and 24 rural counties in China, using stratified random sampling and the probability proportional to size method. Questionnaires were sent to every participant for data collection and quality control was accomplished by our quality control team members. A total of 512187 valid questionnaires were collected and relevant data were abstracted and analyzed. One hundred and ninety patients sustained 193 ankle fractures in 2014, indicating the incidence rate was 37.1 (95% CI, 31.8–42.4)/100,000 person-year. Alcohol consumption, living alone and average sleep time <7 h/d were identified as independent risk factors for ankle fracture in both males and females. Previous history of fracture was identified as significant risk factor of ankle fracture in females but not in males. Therefore, specific public health policies focusing on decreasing alcohol consumption and encouraging individuals to obtain sufficient sleep should be implemented. Individuals living alone should focus more on healthcare, especially in those with previous fracture.
Bridging the scales in high-throughput dielectrophoretic (bio-)particle separation in porous media
Authors: Pesch Georg R. , Lorenz Malte , Sachdev Shaurya , Salameh Samir , Du Fei , Baune Michael , Boukany Pouyan E. , Thöming Jorg
Published: July 2018

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a versatile technique for the solution of difficult (bio-)particle separation tasks based on size and material. Particle motion by DEP requires a highly inhomogeneous electric field. Thus, the throughput of classical DEP devices is limited by restrictions on the channel size to achieve large enough gradients. Here, we investigate dielectrophoretic filtration, in which channel size and separation performance are decoupled because particles are trapped at induced field maxima in a porous separation matrix. By simulating microfluidic model porous media, we derive design rules for DEP filters and verify them using model particles (polystyrene) and biological cells (S. cerevisiae, yeast). Further, we bridge the throughput gap by separating yeast in an alumina sponge and show that the design rules are equally applicable in real porous media at high throughput. While maintaining almost 100% efficiency, we process up to 9 mL min−1, several orders of magnitude more than most state-of-the-art DEP applications. Our microfluidic approach provides new insight into trapping dynamics in porous media, which even can be applied in real sponges. These results pave the way toward high-throughput retention, which is capable of solving existing problems such as cell separation in liquid biopsy or precious metal recovery.
Multilayered Plasmonic Heterostructure of Gold and Titania Nanoparticles for Solar Fuel Production
Authors: Kim Jeonga , Son Ho Yeon , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: July 2018

Solar fuel production via photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has attracted great attention as an approach to storing solar energy. However, a wide range of light-harvesting materials is unstable when exposed to light and oxidative conditions. Here we report a robust, multilayered plasmonic heterostructure for water oxidation using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as light-harvesting materials via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The multilayered heterostructure is fabricated using layer-by-layer self-assembly of AuNPs and TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs). Plasmon-induced hot electrons are transferred from AuNPs to TNPs over the Au/TiO2 Schottky barrier, resulting in charge separation of hot carriers. Plasmonic photoanodes for water oxidation are completed by incorporating a Co-based oxygen-evolving catalyst on the multilayered heterostructure to scavenge hot holes. Light absorption capability and PEC properties of the photoanodes are investigated as a function of the number of AuNP/TNP bilayers. The PEC properties exhibits dependence on the number of the bilayers, which is affected by charge transport within the multilayered heterostructures. Photocurrent density and decrease in impedance by irradiation indicates significant photoactivity by LSPR excitation.
Photosynthesis of subtropical forest species from different successional status in relation to foliar nutrients and phosphorus fractions
Authors: Zhang Guihua , Zhang Lingling , Wen Dazhi
Published: July 2018

The ecophysiological linkages of leaf nutrients to photosynthesis in subtropical forests along succession remain elusive. We measured photosynthetic parameters (Amax, Vcmax, Jmax, PPUE), leaf phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), foliar P fractions and LMA from 24 species (pioneer, generalist, and climax). Amax was significantly related to N and P for the pooled data, while significant relationship between Amax and P was only found in climax species. The mixed-effect model including variables (N, P, and SLA or LMA) for predicting Vcmax and Jmax best fitted but varied remarkably across succession. Climax species had higher N: P ratios, indicating an increasing P limitation at later succession stage; photosynthesis, however, did not show stronger P than N limitations across all species. Nevertheless, climax species appeared to increase nucleic acid P allocation and residual P utilization for growth, thereby reducing the overall demand for P. Our results indicate that the scaling of photosynthesis with other functional traits could not be uniform across succession, growth variables (e.g. photosynthesis) and species trait identity (e.g. successional strategy) should be considered in combination with N: P ratio when we investigate P limitation in subtropical forests, and variations in P allocation state further influencing photosynthetic rates and P-use efficiency.
Improving the structure-function relationship in glaucomatous and normative eyes by incorporating photoreceptor layer thickness
Authors: Matsuura Masato , Fujino Yuri , Kanamoto Takashi , Murata Hiroshi , Yanagisawa Mieko , Hirasawa Kazunori , Inoue Tatsuya , Shoji Nobuyuki , Inoue Kenji , Yamagami Junkichi , Asaoka Ryo
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the structure-function relationship in glaucomatous and normative eyes is improved by considering photoreceptor layer thickness. Humphrey 10-2 visual fields (VF) and optical coherence tomography were carried out in 615 eyes of 391 subjects, including 100 eyes of 53 healthy controls and 515 eyes of 338 glaucoma patients. The relationship between mean VF sensitivity and the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) was analyzed using linear mixed models, by glaucoma status and degree of myopia. The structure-function relationship was also analyzed by supplementing the RNFL and GCL + IPL thickness with the thicknesses of: (i) the inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer (INL + OPL); (ii) the outer nuclear layer and inner segment of photoreceptor layer (ONL + ISL); (iii) the outer segment layer of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (OSL + RPE). The model included total thickness of RNFL, GCL + IPL and OSL + RPE was highly more optimal than the model that only included the total thickness of RNFL and GCL + IPL, in all subsets of eyes by glaucoma status and degree of myopia.
Prediction Models of Cognitive Trajectories in Patients with Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lee Jin San , Cho Seong-Kyung , Kim Hee Jin , Kim Yeo Jin , Park Key-Chung , Lockhart Samuel N. , Na Duk L. , Kim Changsoo , Seo Sang Won
Published: July 2018

To evaluate prediction models of cognitive trajectories in patients with nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (naMCI) using group-based trajectory analysis, we evaluated 121 patients with naMCI who underwent at least their first three yearly assessments. Group-based trajectory models were used to classify cognitive trajectories based on Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes scores over four years in patients with naMCI. A total of 22 patients (18.2%) were classified into the “fast-decliners” group, while 99 patients (81.8%) were classified into the “slow-decliners” group. The mean age was higher in the fast-decliners than in the slow-decliners (p = 0.037). Compared to the slow-decliners, the fast-decliners were more frequently impaired in the domains of language (p = 0.038) and frontal/executive functions (p = 0.042), and had more frequent multiple-domain cognitive impairment (p = 0.006) on baseline neuropsychological tests. The rate of conversion to dementia was significantly higher in the fast-decliners than in the slow-decliners (86.4% vs. 10.1%, p < 0.001). Our findings showed that there are indeed distinct patterns of cognitive trajectories in patients with naMCI. Close observation of naMCI patients’ baseline demographic and clinical profiles in clinical settings may help identify individuals at greatest risk for dementia.
Engineering Topological Surface State of Cr-doped Bi2Se3 under external electric field
Authors: Zhang Jian-Min , Lian Ruqian , Yang Yanmin , Xu Guigui , Zhong Kehua , Huang Zhigao
Published: July 2018

External electric field control of topological surface states (SSs) is significant for the next generation of condensed matter research and topological quantum devices. Here, we present a first-principles study of the SSs in the magnetic topological insulator (MTI) Cr-doped Bi2Se3 under external electric field. The charge transfer, electric potential, band structure and magnetism of the pure and Cr doped Bi2Se3 film have been investigated. It is found that the competition between charge transfer and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) will lead to an electrically tunable band gap in Bi2Se3 film under external electric field. As Cr atom doped, the charge transfer of Bi2Se3 film under external electric field obviously decreases. Remarkably, the band gap of Cr doped Bi2Se3 film can be greatly engineered by the external electric field due to its special band structure. Furthermore, magnetic coupling of Cr-doped Bi2Se3 could be even mediated via the control of electric field. It is demonstrated that external electric field plays an important role on the electronic and magnetic properties of Cr-doped Bi2Se3 film. Our results may promote the development of electronic and spintronic applications of magnetic topological insulator.
A protein@metal–organic framework nanocomposite for pH-triggered anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Liang Zuozhong , Yang Zhiyuan , Yuan Haitao , Wang Chun , Qi Jing , Liu Kaiqiang , Cao Rui , Zheng Haoquan
Published: July 2018

We have synthesized a core@shell nanocomposite using biocompatible bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the core and a pH-sensitive metal–organic framework (MOF) as the shell.
N2O emission and bacterial community dynamics during realization of the partial nitrification process
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Ni Shou-Qing , Guo Wenshan , Wang Zhibin , Ahmad Hafiz Adeel , Gao Baoyu , Fang Xu
Published: July 2018

In this study, greenhouse gas emissions and microbial community succession during the realization of the partial nitrification (PN) process were studied.
Factorial design analysis of parameters for the sorption-enhanced steam reforming of ethanol in a circulating fluidized bed riser using CFD
Authors: Phuakpunk Kiattikhoon , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon , Putivisutisak Sompong , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: July 2018

The sorption-enhanced steam reforming of ethanol (SESRE) has recently been reported as a novel process for hydrogen (H2) production.
Silver nanoparticles in complex media: an easy procedure to discriminate between metallic silver nanoparticles, reprecipitated silver chloride, and dissolved silver species
Authors: Loza Kateryna , Epple Matthias
Published: July 2018

Dissolved ionic silver species and reprecipitated silver chloride are quantified as products of the oxidative dissolution of silver nanoparticles.
Incorporation of fluorescent quantum dots for 3D printing and additive manufacturing applications
Authors: Brubaker Cole D. , Frecker Talitha M. , McBride James R. , Reid Kemar R. , Jennings G. Kane , Rosenthal Sandra J. , Adams Douglas E.
Published: July 2018

3D printing of cadmium sulfur selenide quantum dot functionalized materials compatible with fused deposition modeling type processes and applications.
Combined effects of carriers charge mobility and electrodes work function on the performances of polymer/fullerene P3HT:PCBM based organic photovoltaic solar cell
Authors: Erray Meriem , Hanine Mounir , Boufounas El-Mahjoub , El Amrani Aumeur
Published: July 2018

This paper reports a study on the effect of different parameters such as charge carriers mobility, electrodes work function, energy gap, series as well as shunt resistances on the performances of an organic photovoltaic cell based on polymer/fullerene P3HT: PCBM. Thus, numerical simulations have been investigated on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT: PCBM/LiF/Al structure with Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Structures the simulation one dimension (AMPS-1D) and General-Purpose Photovoltaic Device Model (GPVDM) softwares. The results show that the optimum efficiency is obtained for electron and hole motility values of 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1and 2 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Moreover, we reported that the ohmic contact for both anode and cathode electrodes of the investigated device remains very important to get the maximum efficiency. Furthermore, when the gap energy increases, the efficiency is considerably improved, and reach's a value of about 5.421%. In addition, in this present work, the complimentary between the both softwares AMPS and GPVDM is also well illustrated as an original modeling approach to investigate the performances of organic photovoltaic cells.
Thrombin Stimulates Expression of Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Activator lnhibitor Type 1 in Cultured Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Wojta Johann , Gallicchio Marisa , Zoellner Hans , Hufnagl Peter , Last Karena , Filonzi Enrico L , Binder Bernd R , Hamilton John A , McGrath Katherine
Published: July 2018

The effect of thrombin on the fibrinolytic potential of human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) in culture was studied. SMC of different origin responded to thrombin treatment with a dose and time dependent increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) levels in both cell lysates and conditioned media with maximum effects achieved at 10-20 IU/ml thrombin. PAI-1 antigen levels also increased in the extracellular matrix of thrombin treated SMC. PAI-2 levels in cell lysates of such SMC were not affected by thrombin. The effect was restricted to active thrombin, since DFP-thrombin and thrombin treated with hirudin showed no increasing effect on t-PA and PAI-1 levels in SMC.

Enzymatically active thrombin also caused a four-fold increase in specific PAI-1 mRNA and a three-fold increase in t-PA mRNA.

Furthermore we demonstrated the presence of high and low affinity binding sites for thrombin on the surface of SMC with a K
D = 4.3 × 10−10 M and 9.0 × 104 sites per cell and a KD = 0.6 × 10−8 M and 5.8 × 105 sites per cell respectively.

Thrombin could come in contact with SMC in case of vascular injury or following gap formation between endothelial cells. Our data support the idea that besides its known proliferative effect for SMC, thrombin could also modulate their fibrinolytic system.
Bio-Immunoassay for Staphylokinase in Blood
Authors: Lijnen H R , Beelen V , Declerck P J , Collen D
Published: July 2018

A bio-immunoassay (BIA) for the determination of staphy-lokinase (STA) activity in a plasma milieu has been developed. MA-7H11, a murine monoclonal antibody raised against STA, which has a high affinity for STA but does not interfere with the complex formation between plasmin(ogen) and STA or with plasminogen activation by STA, was coated on microtiter plates at a concentration of 4 μg/ml. STA-containing samples were incubated overnight at 4° C and, after extensive washing, bound STA was quantitated by incubation with plasminogen (final concentration 0.5 μM) for 1 h at 37°C, followed by determination of generated plasmin from the absorbance at 405 nm 10 min after addition of the chromogenic substrate S-2403 (final concentration 0.3 mM). Calibration curves constructed with natural (STAN) or recombinant (STAR) STA were linear between approximately 1 and 10 nM, with a lower detection limit of ≤ 1 nM in buffer and in plasma of the human, baboon or hamster.

Following bolus injection of STAR in hamsters, the disposition rate of STAR activity from plasma, determined with the BIA correlated very well (r = 0.98) with that of STAR-related antigen determined by ELISA, indicating that STAR is cleared in a functionally active form. The initial half-life was about 2 min, as determined with both methods. Following continuous intravenous infusion over 1 h in baboons, the plasma clearance of STAR activity, determined from the infusion rate and the steady-state plasma level of STAR activity, ranged between 45 and 62 ml/min for doses of STAR between 0.063 and 0.250 mg/kg.
Detection of Antiphospholipid Antibodies by Flow Cytometry: Rapid Detection of Antibody Isotype and Phospholipid Specificity
Authors: Stewart M W , Etches W S , Russell A S , Percy J S , Johnston C A , Chew C K , Gordon P A
Published: July 2018

Laboratory diagnosis of antiphospholipid antibodies is important in patients with clinical features of the antiphospholipid syndrome, such as thrombosis and fetal loss. We have developed a novel method for the detection of antiphospholipid antibodies using flow cytometry. Anionic phospholipids cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol are coated onto polystyrene beads of different sizes, allowing detection and semiquantitation of their respective phospholipid antibody isotypes. The results of the flow cytometric method closely correlate those of the standardised anticardiolipin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), but the method is quicker and is versatile in its ability to detect IgG, IgM and IgA antibody isotypes at the same time. The method promises to be useful in evaluating the significance of phospholipid specificity and antibody isotypes in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome.
Antithrombotic Effects of Synthetic Pentasaccharide with High Affinity for Plasma Antithrombin III in Non-Human Primates
Authors: Cadroy Yves , Hanson Stephen R , Harker Laurence A
Published: July 2018

The pentasaccharide (PS) comprising the minimal heparin structure capable of binding with antithrombin III (ATIII) and exhibiting anti-factor Xa (anti-fXa) activity in plasma without producing detectable antithrombin activity, has been evaluated for its relative antithrombotic and antihemostatic effects in a baboon model combining both platelet-rich and fibrin-rich thrombosis. Thrombosis was produced in a two-component thrombogenic device incorporated into an exteriorized femoral arteriovenous (AV) shunt in baboons; the proximal component constituted a segment of collagen-coated tubing and induced platelet-rich arterial-type thrombus, while the distal component consisted of an expanded chamber producing static and disturbed flow and initiated fibrin-rich venous-type thrombosis. Thrombus formation was measured as the deposition of 111In-platelets and the accumulation of 125I-fibrin. PS was administered intravenously to maintain plasma anti-fXa activity at three different levels: a) low dose (LD) 0.3 ± 0.1 U/ml; b) intermediate dose (ID) 0.6 ± 0.1 U/ml; and c) high dose (HD) 5.6 ± 0.4 U/ml.

In untreated Controls, thrombus formed rapidly, reaching a plateau by 40 min of 2.3 ± 0.2 × 109 platelets and 0.62 ± 0.04 mg fibrin deposited on the collagen segments, and 1.9 ±0.4 × 109 platelets and 3.3 ± 0.4 mg fibrin accumulated in the chambers. PS at HD abolished the formation of fibrin-rich thrombus in the chambers and decreased platelet-rich thrombus on collagen by half (p <0.01), while the ID reduced fibrin-rich thrombus in the chambers by about half (p <0.01) but had no effect on platelet-rich thrombus forming on the segments of collagen-coated tubing (p >0.5). Despite its lack of antithrombin activity, PS also decreased plasma fibrinopeptide A levels in a dose-response manner. However, PS had no effect on platelet hemostatic function in vivo, as measured by template bleeding time (BT) determinations (p >0.5). Despite the ability of PS-ATIII complex to inactivate soluble fXa, the complex lacked significant inhibitory activity for fXa immobilized to thrombus formed in vivo. Thus, PS-dependent inactivation of soluble fXa produces antithrombotic effects, primarily for venous-type thrombosis, that are equipotent to Standard heparin on a gravimetric basis, but more sparing of platelet hemostatic function.
In Vivo Inhibition of Acute Platelet-Dependent Thrombosis in a Baboon Model by BAY U3405, a Thromboxane A2-Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Kotzé H F , Lamprecht S , Badenhorst P N , van Wyk V , Roodt J P , Alexander K
Published: July 2018

Bay U3405 is a thromboxane A2 (TxA2)-receptor antagonist that inhibits the binding of TxA2 to its target cells. The aim of this study was to determine if Bay U3405 could be used to inhibit arterial thrombosis. A thrombogenic de vice, consisting of uncrimped Dacron vascular graft material (0.5 cm2) built into the wall of silicone rubber tubing with 4 mm inside diameter, was exposed to native flowing blood under arterial blood flow conditions (100-140 ml/min) by interposing the devices as extension segments into permanent femoral arteriovenous shunts implanted in baboons. Thrombus formation was quantified in vivo by measuring the deposition of 111In-labelled platelets onto the graft material with a scintillation camera. In six baboons, a bolus injection of Bay U3405, calculated to attain an initial plasma concentration of 300 ng/ml, reduced the maximum thrombus formation measured over a 2 h study period. Platelet deposition was reduced by 33 ± 14% (SD) at 2 h as compared to control studies done in the same baboons. The accumulation of additional platelets onto a thrombus that was allowed to form for 1 h, was reduced by 58 ± 28% at 2 h. Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to ADP, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) were not affected by the treatment. Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to collagen was markedly inhibited for 2 h after treatment. The results demonstrated that selective blocking of the TxA2-receptor on platelets reduced platelet-dependent thrombus formation and the accumulation of additional platelets in a freshly formed thrombus. This may provide a viable approach for preventing excessive thrombus formation in patients undergoing arterial reconstructive surgery.
Variability over Time of Haemostatic and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients Suffering from Angina Pectoris
Authors: Pyke Stephen D M , Thompson Simon G , Buchwalsky Rainer , Kienast Jochen ,   on behalf of the ECAT Angina Pectoris Study Group
Published: July 2018

The variability of haemostatic factor measurements in patients presenting with angina pectoris is investigated. In all, 219 middle aged patients (almost all men) provided repeat measurements 2.5 years apart on a battery of haemostatic and haematological tests and other cardiovascular risk factors. Correlations between repeat measurements were lower than might be expected in a healthy population, reflecting a relatively large degree of variability within individuals over time. The highest correlations observed for haemostatic factors were for von Willebrand factor related antigen (r = 0.48) and fibrinogen (r = 0.45). The correlations were generally lower amongst patients who had undergone coronary surgery or angioplasty between the two measurements. We conclude that the underlying relationship of fibrinogen to coronary risk must be much greater than is generally appreciated, since even single measurements are found to be important predictors of risk, despite only moderate stability over time. The very low correlations for β-thromboglobulin (r = 0.10) and platelet factor 4 (r = 0.03) which were observed in this study casts doubt on their potential usefulness as predictors of long-term cardiovascular risk.
Correlation of Plasma Protein C Levels with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Conlan Maureen G , Folsom Aaron R , Finch Andrea , Davis C E , Sorlie Paul , Wu Kenneth K ,   For the ARIC Study Investigators
Published: July 2018

To evaluate the association of plasma protein C levels with constitutional, socioeconomic, life-style and biochemical factors important in cardiovascular diseases, we measured protein C levels in 12,290 middle aged (45-64 years) subjects participating in the ARIC study. Protein C levels had a normal distribution with a mean value of 3.17 fig/ml. They were higher in women than men and in whites than blacks; higher in postmenopausal women and further increased by hormonal supplements. The age influence was inconsistent and was considered to be inconsequential. Protein C levels were positively correlated with body mass index, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and negatively associated with cigarette smoking. These factors should be taken into consideration when establishing normal protein C levels and when analyzing the relation between protein C and arterial and venous thrombotic disorders.
Endotoxin-Induced Tissue Factor in Human Monocytes is Dependent upon Protein Kinase C Activation
Authors: Ternisien C , Ramani M , Ollivier V , Khechai F , Vu T , Hakim J , de Prost D
Published: July 2018

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane receptor which, in association with factors VII and Vila, activates factor IX and X, thereby activating the coagulation protease cascades. In response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) monocytes transcribe, synthesize and express TF on their surface. We investigated whether LPS-induced TF in human monocytes is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) activation. The PKC agonists phorbol 12- myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PdBu) were both potent inducers of TF in human monocytes, whereas 4 alpha-12, 13 didecanoate (4 a-Pdd) had no such effect. Both LPS- and PMA-induced TF activity were inhibited, in a concentration dependent manner, by three different PKC inhibitors: H7, staurosporine and calphostin C. TF antigen determination confirmed that LPS-induced cell-surface TF protein levels decreased in parallel to TF functional activity under staurosporine treatment. Moreover, Northern blot analysis of total RNA from LPS- or PMA-stimulated monocytes showed a concentration-dependent decrease in TF mRNA levels in response to H7 and staurosporine. The decay rate of LPS-induced TF mRNA evaluated after the arrest of transcription by actinomycin D was not affected by the addition of staurosporine, suggesting that its inhibitory effect occurred at a transcriptional level. We conclude that LPS-induced production of TF and its mRNA by human monocytes are dependent on PKC activation.
A Significant Portion of the Aequorin Luminescent Signal from Stimulated Human and Rabbit Platelets is Due to Exposure of the Aequorin to Calcium in the Suspending Medium
Authors: Vickers John D , Perry Dennis W
Published: July 2018

We have examined in unstimulated and thrombin-stimulated human and rabbit platelets the localization and behavior of aequorin loaded by a variety of published methods. When platelets were suspended at 37° C in Tyrode-albumin medium containing 2 mM Ca2+ and apyrase, we found with all preparations that total aequorin revealed by addition of Triton X-100 decreased by more than 50% over one hour. Incubation in the presence of 5 mM EGTA followed by addition of Ca2+ to restore the concentration to 2 mM showed that some aequorin had entered the medium; subsequent addition of Triton X-100 showed that the increase in aequorin in the medium matched the decrease in aequorin in the platelets, such that total aequorin remained unchanged. However, comparison of aequorin in platelets incubated in media with and without Ca2+ showed a larger decrease in platelets incubated in the presence of Ca2+; this finding may indicate the presence of an intracellular pool of Ca2+ which is more dependent on external Ca2+. Stimulation of platelets with thrombin in the presence of EGTA resulted in a smaller luminescent signal than in the presence of Ca2+. Subsequent addition of Ca2+ to 2 mM in the platelet suspension that originally contained EGTA or to its supemate (after centrifugation of the platelet suspension), resulted in a larger luminescent signal compared with controls, indicating that stimulation of the platelets had increased loss of the aequorin into the medium. Together, these results indicate that a portion of the aequorin luminescent signal in stimulated platelets suspended in the presence of Ca2+ is due to loss of aequorin into the medium and thus results obtained under these conditions must be regarded with caution. The signal in platelets suspended in the absence of Ca2+ does appear to arise from aequorin inside the platelets.
Different Roles of Prostaglandins in Thromboembolic Processes in Arterioles and Venules In Vivo
Authors: Egbrink Mirjam G A oude , Tangelder Geert-Jan , Slaaf Dick W , Reneman Robert S
Published: July 2018

The involvement of prostaglandins in thromboembolic processes, as induced by wall puncture, was studied in rabbit mesenteric arterioles and venules using intravital videomicroscopy. Inhibition of prostaglandin formation with aspirin (100 mg/kg, i. v.) significantly increased in arterioles duration of embolization (from 91 to 200 s) and number of emboli produced (from 4 to 8.5 per vessel), while rate of embolus production was not influenced. In venules, aspirin only influenced embolization rate (a significant decrease from one embolus/14 s to one/23 s). Specific blockade of TXA2-receptors by sulotroban (30 mg/kg, i. v) only influenced the arteriolar reaction: it significantly decreased embolization duration (from 560 to 218 s) and number of emboli produced (from 23 to 10 emboli per vessel), without affecting embolization rate. These findings indicate that both platelet activating and inhibiting prostaglandins play a more important role in thromboembolism in arterioles than in venules; this suggests a difference in prostaglandin synthetic capacity between arteriolar and venular endothelium.