bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a scientific understanding of the effectiveness, material basis and prescription compatibility of a Chinese herbal formula Dan-hong injection
Authors: Li Panlin , Su Weiwei , Yun Sha , Liao Yiqiu , Liao Yinyin , Liu Hong , Li Peibo , Wang Yonggang , Peng Wei , Yao Hongliang
Published: April 2017

Since traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complex mixture of multiple components, the application of methodologies for evaluating single-components Western medicine in TCM studies may have certain limitations. Appropriate strategies that recognize the integrality of TCM and connect to TCM theories remain to be developed. Here we use multiple unique approaches to study the scientific connotation of a TCM formula Dan-hong injection (DHI) without undermining its prescription integrity. The blood circulation improving and healing promoting effects of DHI were assessed by a qi stagnation blood stasis rat model and a mouse model of laser irradiation induced cerebral microvascular thrombosis. By UFLC-PDA-Triple Q-TOF-MS/MS and relevance analysis between chemical characters and biological effects, 82 chemical constituents and nine core components, whose blood circulation promoting effects were found comparable to that of whole DHI, were successfully identified. What’s more, the rationality of DHI prescription compatibility could be reflected not only in the maximum efficacy of the original ratio, but also in the interactions of compounds from different ingredient herbs, such as complementary activities and facilitating tissues distribution. This study provides scientific evidences in explanation of the clinical benefits of DHI, and also gives a good demonstration for the comprehensive evaluation of other TCM.
Loss of Polycomb Group Protein Pcgf1 Severely Compromises Proper Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Yan Yun , Zhao Wukui , Huang Yikai , Tong Huan , Xia Yin , Jiang Qing , Qin Jinzhong
Published: April 2017

The Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is essential for fate decisions of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Emerging evidence suggests that six major variants of PRC1 complex, defined by the mutually exclusive presence of Pcgf subunit, regulate distinct biological processes, yet very little is known about the mechanism by which each version of PRC1 instructs and maintains cell fate. Here, we disrupted the Pcgf1, also known as Nspc1 and one of six Pcgf paralogs, in mouse ES cells by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We showed that although these mutant cells were viable and retained normal self-renewal, they displayed severe defects in differentiation in vitro. To gain a better understanding of the role of Pcgf1 in transcriptional control of differentiation, we analysed mRNA profiles from Pcgf1 deficient cells using RNA-seq. Interestingly, we found that Pcgf1 positively regulated expression of essential transcription factors involved in ectoderm and mesoderm differentiation, revealing an unexpected function of Pcgf1 in gene activation during ES cell lineage specification. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Pcgf1 deletion caused a decrease in Ring1B and its associated H2AK119ub1 mark binding to target genes. Altogether, our results suggested an unexpected function of Pcgf1 in gene activation during ES cell maintenance.
Olanzapine, but not clozapine, increases glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex of freely moving mice by inhibiting D-aspartate oxidase activity
Authors: Sacchi Silvia , Novellis Vito De , Paolone Giovanna , Nuzzo Tommaso , Iannotta Monica , Belardo Carmela , Squillace Marta , Bolognesi Paolo , Rosini Elena , Motta Zoraide , Frassineti Martina , Bertolino Alessandro , Pollegioni Loredano , Morari Michele , Maione Sabatino , Errico Francesco , Usiello Alessandro
Published: April 2017

D-aspartate levels in the brain are regulated by the catabolic enzyme D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). D-aspartate activates NMDA receptors, and influences brain connectivity and behaviors relevant to schizophrenia in animal models. In addition, recent evidence reported a significant reduction of D-aspartate levels in the post-mortem brain of schizophrenia-affected patients, associated to higher DDO activity. In the present work, microdialysis experiments in freely moving mice revealed that exogenously administered D-aspartate efficiently cross the blood brain barrier and stimulates L-glutamate efflux in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Consistently, D-aspartate was able to evoke L-glutamate release in a preparation of cortical synaptosomes through presynaptic stimulation of NMDA, mGlu5 and AMPA/kainate receptors. In support of a potential therapeutic relevance of D-aspartate metabolism in schizophrenia, in vitro enzymatic assays revealed that the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, differently to clozapine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, bupropion, fluoxetine and amitriptyline, inhibits the human DDO activity. In line with in vitro evidence, chronic systemic administration of olanzapine induces a significant extracellular release of D-aspartate and L-glutamate in the PFC of freely moving mice, which is suppressed in Ddo knockout animals. These results suggest that the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, through the inhibition of DDO activity, increases L-glutamate release in the PFC of treated mice.
Characterization of chiral amino acids from different milk origins using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ion-mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Tian He , Zheng Nan , Li Songli , Zhang Yangdong , Zhao Shengguo , Wen Fang , Wang Jiaqi
Published: April 2017

Milk contains free amino acids (AAs) that play essential roles in maintaining the growth and health of infants, and D-AA isomers are increasingly being recognized as important signalling molecules. However, there are no studies of the different characteristics of chiral AA (C-AA) from different milk origins. Here, UPLC coupled to ion-mobility high-resolution MS (IM-HRMS) was employed to characterize 18 pairs of C-AAs in human, cow, yak, buffalo, goat, and camel milk. The results proved that milk origins can be differentiated based on the D- to L- AA ratio-based projection scores by principal component analysis. The present study gives a deeper understanding of the D- to L- AA ratio underlying the biological functions of different animal milks, and provide a new strategy for the study of AA metabolic pathways.
Changes in SCD gene DNA methylation after bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients are associated with free fatty acids
Authors: Morcillo Sonsoles , Martín-Núñez Gracia Mª , García-Serrano Sara , Gutierrez-Repiso Carolina , Rodriguez-Pacheco Francisca , Valdes Sergio , Gonzalo Montserrat , Rojo-Martinez Gemma , Moreno-Ruiz Francisco J. , Rodriguez-Cañete Alberto , Tinahones Francisco , García-Fuentes Eduardo
Published: April 2017

Stearoyl CoA Desaturase-1 (SCD) is considered as playing an important role in the explanation of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the DNA methylation SCD gene promoter is associated with the metabolic improvement in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery. The study included 120 subjects with morbid obesity who underwent a laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric by-pass (RYGB) and a control group of 30 obese subjects with a similar body mass index (BMI) to that found in morbidly obese subjects six months after RYGB. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and at six months after RYGB. DNA methylation was measured by pyrosequencing technology. DNA methylation levels of the SCD gene promoter were lower in morbidly obese subjects before bariatric surgery but increased after RYGB to levels similar to those found in the control group. Changes of DNA methylation SCD gene were associated with the changes of free fatty acids levels (r = −0.442, p = 0.006) and HOMA-IR (r = −0.249, p = 0.035) after surgery. RYGB produces an increase in the low SCD methylation promoter levels found in morbidly obese subjects. This change of SCD methylation levels is associated with changes in FFA and HOMA-IR.
Genetic dissection of seed oil and protein content and identification of networks associated with oil content in Brassica napus
Authors: Chao Hongbo , Wang Hao , Wang Xiaodong , Guo Liangxing , Gu Jianwei , Zhao Weiguo , Li Baojun , Chen Dengyan , Raboanatahiry Nadia , Li Maoteng
Published: April 2017

High-density linkage maps can improve the precision of QTL localization. A high-density SNP-based linkage map containing 3207 markers covering 3072.7 cM of the Brassica napus genome was constructed in the KenC-8 × N53-2 (KNDH) population. A total of 67 and 38 QTLs for seed oil and protein content were identified with an average confidence interval of 5.26 and 4.38 cM, which could explain up to 22.24% and 27.48% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Thirty-eight associated genomic regions from BSA overlapped with and/or narrowed the SOC-QTLs, further confirming the QTL mapping results based on the high-density linkage map. Potential candidates related to acyl-lipid and seed storage underlying SOC and SPC, respectively, were identified and analyzed, among which six were checked and showed expression differences between the two parents during different embryonic developmental periods. A large primary carbohydrate pathway based on potential candidates underlying SOC- and SPC-QTLs, and interaction networks based on potential candidates underlying SOC-QTLs, was constructed to dissect the complex mechanism based on metabolic and gene regulatory features, respectively. Accurate QTL mapping and potential candidates identified based on high-density linkage map and BSA analyses provide new insights into the complex genetic mechanism of oil and protein accumulation in the seeds of rapeseed.
Sevoflurane decreases self-renewal capacity and causes c-Jun N-terminal kinase–mediated damage of rat fetal neural stem cells
Authors: Yang Zeyong , Lv Jingjing , Li Xingxing , Meng Qiong , Yang Qiling , Ma Wei , Li Yuanhai , Ke Zun Ji
Published: April 2017

Increasing studies have demonstrated that sevoflurane can induce neurotoxicity in the developing brains. JNK normally promotes apoptosis. It was hypothesized that sevoflurane affected the proliferation and differentiation of FNSCs and induced cell apoptosis, which caused the learning and memory deficits via JNK pathway. Sevoflurane at a concentration of 1.2% did not induce damage on the FNSCS. However, concentrations of 2.4% and 4.8% decreased the cell viability, as shown by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and increased apoptosis, as shown by flow cytometry. The 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay demonstrated that 4.8% sevoflurane reduced the proliferation of FNSCs. Compared with the control group, the 4.8% sevoflurane group showed a decrease in the proportion of undifferentiated FNSCs at 6-h exposure; 4.8% sevoflurane could increase the p-JNK/JNK ratio. JNK inhibition by the specific inhibitor SP600125 enhanced partially the cell viability. Cumulatively, 4.8% sevoflurane induced significant damage on FNSCs; it decreased cell proliferation and proportion of undifferentiated cells as well. JNK pathway might play a key role in the decrease in survival of FNSCs induced by an inhaled anesthetic. The present findings might raise the possibility that JNK inhibition has therapeutic potential in protecting FNSCs from the adverse effects of the inhaled anesthetic.
Controlling the exciton lifetime of blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters using a heteroatom-containing pyridoindole donor moiety
Authors: Kim Gyeong Heon , Lampande Raju , Im Joon Beom , Lee Jung Min , Lee Ju Young , Kwon Jang Hyuk
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate a promising molecular design approach to achieve short exciton lifetime, small singlet and triplet energy splitting and high photoluminescence quantum yield in thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for high quantum efficiency and low efficiency roll-off characteristics in OLEDs.
A new possible way of anthracycline cytostatics decontamination
Authors: Štenglová Netíková Irena R. , Slušná Michaela , Tolasz Jakub , Št'astný Martin , Popelka Štěpán , Štengl Václav
Published: April 2017

Cytostatics decontamination based on using an active sorbent of titania, which can adsorb and completely degrade anthracycline anticancer drugs.
Magnetic properties of atomic 3d transition-metal chains on S-vacancy-line templates of monolayer MoS2: effects of substrate and strain
Authors: Li Hongxing , Huang Min , Cao Gengyu
Published: April 2017

The atomic 3d transition metal (V, Cr, Mn and Fe) chains anchored on sulfur vacancy line of monolayer MoS2 show different magnetic behaviors. The magnetic coupling in atomic transition metal chains is mediated by Mo atoms in the vicinity of atomic chains, which is governed by the combination of through-bond and through-space interactions.
Electrochemical sensing and catalysis using Cu3(BTC)2 coating electrodes from Cu(OH)2 films
Authors: Okada Kenji , Sawai Shota , Ikigaki Ken , Tokudome Yasuaki , Falcaro Paolo , Takahashi Masahide
Published: April 2017

Metal–organic framework (MOF) coatings were prepared on gold electrodes through the conversion from Cu(OH)2 nanobelts to Cu3(BTC)2 MOFs.
NMR of molecular endofullerenes dissolved in a nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Kouřil Karel , Wickens Christopher , Meier Benno , Alom Shamim , Gräsvik John , Whitby Richard J. , Levitt Malcolm H.
Published: April 2017

We report the NMR of the molecular endofullerenes H2@C60, H2O@C60 and HF@C60 dissolved in the nematic liquid crystal N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline (MBBA).
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 on graphene supported transition metals – towards single atom catalysts
Authors: He Haiying , Jagvaral Yesukhei
Published: April 2017

Graphene supported single atoms show improved reactivity towards electrochemical CO2 reduction with the best candidates identified for producing CH4 by computational screening.
Cu(iii)triarylcorroles with asymmetric push–pull meso-substitutions: tunable molecular electrochemically catalyzed hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liang Xu , Niu Yingjie , Zhang Qianchong , Mack John , Yi Xiaoyi , Hlatshwayo Zweli , Nyokong Tebello , Li Minzhi , Zhu Weihua
Published: April 2017

The A2B type Cu(iii)triarylcorroles withmeso-aryl push–pull substituents demonstrate that these compounds are highly efficient catalysts for modulating electrocatalyzed hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs).
Metal ion binding by laterally non-symmetric macrobicyclic oxa–aza cryptands
Authors: Bharadwaj Parimal K.
Published: April 2017

Laterally non-symmetric oxa–aza cryptands are versatile supramolecular synthons.
A binder-free wet chemical synthesis approach to decorate nanoflowers of bismuth oxide on Ni-foam for fabricating laboratory scale potential pencil-type asymmetric supercapacitor device
Authors: Shinde N. M. , Xia Qi Xun , Yun Je Moon , Singh Saurabh , Mane Rajaram S. , Kim Kwang-Ho
Published: April 2017

The synthesis and asymmetric supercapacitor application of a bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) electrode consisting of arranged nano-platelets for evolving a flower-type surface appearance on nickel-foam (Bi2O3–Ni–F) are described.
Hydrothermal synthesis of polyaniline intercalated vanadium oxide xerogel hybrid nanocomposites: effective control of morphology and structural characterization
Authors: Kundu Samapti , Satpati Biswarup , Mukherjee Manabendra , Kar Tanusree , Pradhan Swapan Kumar
Published: April 2017

Structural characterization of polyaniline intercalated layered vanadium-oxide xerogel nanocomposites with different morphologies revealed from XRD patterns and FESEM/HRTEM image analyses.
Construction of polycyclic frameworks via a DMAP-catalysed tandem addition–(4 + 2) annulation sequence of δ-acetoxy allenoate
Authors: Ni Chunjie , Yuan Yuejie , Zhang Yuwen , Chen Jiangfei , Wang Dong , Tong Xiaofeng
Published: April 2017

The DMAP-catalyzed addition/(4 + 2) annulation domino reaction of δ-acetoxy allenoate with either salicylaldehyde-derived oxadiene or pyrrolealdehyde-derived oxadiene has been developed, which provides a facile method toward polycyclic frameworks.
Accessing multiple polyethylene grades via a single redox-active olefin polymerization catalyst
Authors: Anderson W. Curtis , Park Sang H. , Brown Lauren A. , Kaiser Jordan M. , Long Brian K.
Published: April 2017

Access to more than one polyethylene grade is realized via utilization of a Ni-based olefin polymerization catalyst bearing a redox-active α-diimine ligand.
Copper-catalyzed direct borylation of alkyl, alkenyl and aryl halides with B(dan)
Authors: Yoshida Hiroto , Takemoto Yuki , Kamio Shintaro , Osaka Itaru , Takaki Ken
Published: April 2017

Copper-catalyzed reaction of organic halides with an unsymmetrical diboron, (pin)B–B(dan), which leads to the direct formation of masked organoboron compounds, is reported.
Concise catalytic asymmetric total syntheses of ancistrocladinium A and its atropdiastereomer
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hee , Cheon Cheol-Hong
Published: April 2017

Asymmetric total syntheses of ancistrocladinium A and its atropdiastereomer were developed through stereospecific Bischler–Napieralski reaction of each of the tertiary amides with triflic anhydride.
Novel π-electron molecular scaffolds: a themed issue
Authors: Haley Michael M. , Martín Nazario , Würthner Frank
Published: April 2017

Novel π-electron molecular scaffolds with exciting properties will bring new discussions and excitement to the chemical community.
Functionalized graphene oxide for anti-VEGF siRNA delivery: preparation, characterization and evaluation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ren Lulu , Zhang Yifan , Cui Chunying , Bi Yanzhao , Ge Xu
Published: April 2017

GO–PLL–SDGR/VEGF-siRNA inhibits tumor growth as a tumor targeting delivery system.
Protective effects of a cocktail of lactic acid bacteria on microcystin-LR-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative damage in BALB/c mice
Authors: Zhao Jichun , Tian Fengwei , Zhai Qixiao , Yu Ruipeng , Zhang Hao , Gu Zhennan , Chen Wei
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mixed lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against microcystin-LR-exposed hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed sequential C–H activation and annulation: access to N-fused heterocycles from arylazoles and α-diazocarbonyl compounds
Authors: Jie Jiyang , Li Haoyi , Wu Songxiao , Chai Qingyu , Wang Haining , Yang Xiaobo
Published: April 2017

Valuable N-fused heterocycles were successfully obtained via Rh(iii)-catalyzed sequential C–H activation and annulation.
Fabrication of BN membranes containing high density of cylindrical pores using an elegant approach
Authors: Marichy C. , Salles V. , Jaurand X. , Etiemble A. , Douillard T. , Faugier-Tovar J. , Cauwet F. , Brioude A.
Published: April 2017

BN membrane with high density of through cylindrical pores is fabricated by combination of ALD and PDC routes. With good quality h-BN walls obtained at 1000 °C, the obtained membrane is a promising candidate for osmotic energy conversion and water filtration applications.
Carbonate Based Ionic Liquid Synthesis (CBILS®): development of the continuous flow method for preparation of ultra-pure ionic liquids
Authors: Kalb Roland S. , Damm Markus , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: April 2017

Development of a new continuous flow method for preparation of ultra-pure ionic liquids; analytical verification includes highly sensitive combustion and solution calorimetry.
The limitation of electrode shape on the operational speed of a carbon nanotube based micro-supercapacitor
Authors: Laszczyk K. U. , Futaba D. N. , Kobashi K. , Hata K. , Yamada T. , Sekiguchi A.
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate the influence of the electrode shape on the operational speed of a micro-supercapacitor.
Highly active, durable and pH-universal hybrid oxide nanocrystals for efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Ahmad Yahia H. , Eid Kamel A. , AlQaradawi Siham Y. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: April 2017

Perovskite oxide Pt–NiMnO3nanocrystals synthesized by a modified citrate-gel approach exhibited a superior catalytic activity and durability towards the oxygen evolution reaction over a wide range of pH values relative to available commercial Pt/C and NiMnO3nanocrystals.
Selective electro- or photo-reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid using a Cu–Zn alloy catalyst
Authors: Yin Ge , Abe Hideki , Kodiyath Rajesh , Ueda Shigenori , Srinivasan Nagarajan , Yamaguchi Akira , Miyauchi Masahiro
Published: April 2017

A copper-and-zinc (Cu–Zn) alloy material was synthesized using a vacuum sealing method, in which evaporated zinc was reacted with copper film or nanoparticles to form a homogeneous Cu–Zn alloy.
An innovative carbon template-induced approach to a graphene-like MnO2nanomesh with enhanced pseudocapacitance performance
Authors: Wang Ziya , Wang Fengping
Published: April 2017

We first propose a sacrificial carbon template-induced method to generate a graphene-like MnO2nanomesh with excellent electrochemical performances.
A titanium-based porous coordination polymer as a catalyst for chemical fixation of CO2
Authors: Du Ya , Yang Haishen , Wan Shun , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2017

We report the synthesis of a porous coordination polymer consisting of titanium alkoxide linkages and its application in gas adsorption/separation and catalytic conversion of CO2 to cyclic carbonates.
Elucidating the origin of oxide ion blocking effects at GDC/SrZr(Y)O3/YSZ interfaces
Authors: Develos-Bagarinao Katherine , Yokokawa Harumi , Kishimoto Haruo , Ishiyama Tomohiro , Yamaji Katsuhiko , Horita Teruhisa
Published: April 2017

Oxide ion blocking effects at interfaces of materials utilized for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are examined.
Can γ-MgH2improve the hydrogen storage properties of magnesium?
Authors: Shen Chaoqi , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: April 2017

Nanosized γ-MgH2was synthesised by electrochemical methods and this led to consecutive and reversible hydrogen uptake and release in magnesium at low temperatures.
Efficient and rapid transformation of high silica CHA zeolite from FAU zeolite in the absence of water
Authors: Xiong Xin , Yuan Dingzhong , Wu Qinming , Chen Fang , Meng Xiangju , Lv Ruihua , Dai Daniel , Maurer Stefan , McGuire Robert , Feyen Mathias , Müller Ulrich , Zhang Weiping , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Bao Xinhe , Gies Hermann , Marler Bernd , De Vos Dirk E. , Kolb Ute , Moini Ahmad , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: April 2017

High quality CHA zeolite catalysts were efficiently synthesized by fast transformation of FAU zeolite in the absence of water.
Graphene-coated copper nanowire networks as a highly stable transparent electrode in harsh environments toward efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Manikandan Arumugam , Lee Ling , Wang Yi-Chung , Chen Chia-Wei , Chen Yu-Ze , Medina Henry , Tseng Jiun-Yi , Wang Zhiming M. , Chueh Yu-Lun
Published: April 2017

Copper nanowire networks (NWs) coated with a graphene layer through a carbon-enclosed chemical vapor deposition technique at a low temperature of 400 °C with a low sheet resistance of 23.2 Ω sq−1 and a high transmittance of 83.4%, which is comparable to typical values of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), as a transparent conducting electrode were demonstrated.
MgCl2/AlCl3electrolytes for reversible Mg deposition/stripping: electrochemical conditioning or not?
Authors: He Shuijian , Luo Jian , Liu T. Leo
Published: April 2017

Water impurity jeopardizes the electrochemical performance of MgCl2/AlCl3electrolytes and accounts for the reported electrochemical conditioning to activate the electrolytes.
Electrospun WNb12O33 nanowires: superior lithium storage capability and their working mechanism
Authors: Yan Lei , Lan Hua , Yu Haoxiang , Qian Shangshu , Cheng Xing , Long Nengbing , Zhang Ruifeng , Shui Miao , Shu Jie
Published: April 2017

Electrospun WNb12O33 nanowires show high-power capability and long-term cycling performance as an anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Hierarchical porous Fe3O4/Co3S4nanosheets as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Du Jing , Zhang Ting , Xing Jiale , Xu Cailing
Published: April 2017

A hierarchical porous Fe3O4/Co3S4nanosheet composite was synthesized and it needed an overpotential of only 270 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2and afforded a small Tafel slope of about 56 mV dec−1.
Redox-mediated conversion of atomically dispersed platinum to sub-nanometer particles
Authors: Lykhach Yaroslava , Figueroba Alberto , Skála Tomáš , Duchoň Tomáš , Tsud Nataliya , Aulická Marie , Neitzel Armin , Veltruská Kateřina , Prince Kevin C. , Matolín Vladimír , Neyman Konstantin M. , Libuda Jörg
Published: April 2017

The concentration of Ce3+ centers in Pt–CeO2 films determines the onset of reduction of atomically dispersed platinum species.
A bacteria-activated photodynamic nanosystem based on polyelectrolyte-coated silica nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Zhiwei , Yan Rong , Wang Jianhao , Wu Hao , Wang Yanhao , Chen Aihong , Shao Shilong , Li Yong-Qiang
Published: April 2017

A novel bacteria-activated photodynamic nanosystem (SiO2/PAH–Ce6) has been reported for selective fluorescence sensing and photodynamic elimination of pathogenic bacteria.
Amino acid-modified chitosan nanoparticles for Cu2+ chelation to suppress CuO nanoparticle cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Yixian , Xu Yiran , Xi Xiangyi , Shrestha Surakshya , Jiang Pengfei , Zhang Wenjing , Gao Changyou
Published: April 2017

Chitosan nanoparticles grafted with amino acids suppress the cytotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles by chelating intracellularly released metal ions and scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species.
A dual-channel responsive near-infrared fluorescent probe for multicolour imaging of cysteine in living cells
Authors: Ye Zhuo , Duan Chong , Hu Qiao , Zhang Yue , Qin Caiqin , Zeng Lintao
Published: April 2017

Aberrant levels of cysteine (Cys) in living cells are closely related to some diseases; thusin situvisualization of intracellular Cys is very helpful for the investigation of physiological and pathological processes.
Fabricating a super stable luminescent chemosensor with multi-stimuli-response to metal ions and small organic molecules through turn-on and turn-off effects
Authors: Yang Yan , Chen Lian , Jiang Feilong , Wan Xiuyan , Yu Muxin , Cao Zhen , Jing Tan , Hong Maochun
Published: April 2017

A multi-stimuli-responsive luminescent Ln-MOF (1), with a combination of exceptionally high thermal, air and chemical stabilities, as a turn-on/turn-off chemosensor for metal ions and small organic molecules is reported.
Highly efficient flexible quantum-dot light emitting diodes with an ITO/Ag/ITO cathode
Authors: Ji Wenyu , Wang Ting , Zhu Bingyan , Zhang Han , Wang Rong , Zhang Dandan , Chen Liezun , Yang Qingyi , Zhang Hanzhuang
Published: April 2017

Flexible quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs) are highly desired due to their advantages of foldability, lightweight, and potential applications in lighting and displays.
An RGH–MOF as a naked eye colorimetric fluorescent sensor for picric acid recognition
Authors: Zhang Yihe , Li Bin , Ma Heping , Zhang Liming , Zhang Wenxiang
Published: April 2017

A novel RGH–MOF system was prepared for ratiometric sensing of picric acid. The color changes can be observed by the naked eye.
An Interactive View of Reading Comprehension: Implications for Assessment
Authors: Wixson Karen K.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This clinical focus article explores further the multidimensional view of reading comprehension put forward by Catts and Kamhi (2017) in this clinical forum and its implications for reading assessment.

Method

It is argued that a multidimensional or interactive view of reading predicts variability in student performance on reading assessments as a function of the interaction among reader, text, and task factors.

Result

Student performance on any given reading assessment should be interpreted in relation to the specific reading demands of the assessment, rather than as a fixed ability that generalizes to any given reading situation.

Conclusion

This view implies a different approach to the use of both summative and classroom assessment than is currently common practice.
Airway inflammation and asthma.
Authors: O'Byrne PM
Published: April 2017

Asthma is currently identified by the presence of characteristic symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea and cough, and by the presence of reversible airway narrowing and/or airway hyperresponsiveness to a variety of inhaled bronchoconstrictor stimuli. Airway inflammation appears to be central to the pathogenesis of all of these clinical manifestations of asthma. There are increased numbers of activated eosinophils and of mast cells in the airways of patients with asthma, even those with mild disease. The presence and survival of these inflammatory cells may be promoted by the presence of increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as GM‐CSF, interleukin(IL)‐3 or IL‐5 in asthmatic airways. These cells have the capacity to release potent bronchoconstrictor mediators such as the cysteinyl leukotrienes, which are responsible, in part at least, for airway narrowing in asthma and for allergen‐g exercise‐ and aspirin‐induced asthma. Other cells, such as a subset of T‐lymphocytes (TH2), may also be important in maintaining the inflammatory cascade through the formation and release of cytokines. Airway structural changes caused by the persisting inflammation, such as airway epithelial damage, or altered smooth muscle function or volume, are likely to be important in the pathogenesis of stable long‐standing airway hyperresponsiveness. Mediators released from the inflammatory cells may be responsible for these changes. Despite the great increase in knowledge about the importance of airway inflammation in the pathogenesis of asthma, the precise sequence of events that leads to the presence of persisting airway inflammatory cells, airway structural changes and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma remains to be clarified.
A Nucleophilic Activation of Carboxylic Acids by Proline: Oxa-Michael Addition to Methyl Vinyl Ketone under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Easwar Srinivasan , Jha Ajit , Inani Heena
Published: April 2017

A serendipitous nucleophilic activation of carboxylic acids by proline helped to achieve a direct hydrocarboxylation of methyl vinyl ketone at 60 °C under solvent-free conditions. A variety of carboxylic acids were used successfully in this oxa-Michael addition, affording useful 4-acyloxy-2-butanones in moderate yields. The reactions are carried out under solvent-free conditions, and the products are isolated in high purity by a simple work-up procedure without any need for column chromatographic purification, imparting a green quotient to the protocol. A heterodimeric non-covalent interaction between the amino acid and the carboxylic acid appears to be the most plausible mechanistic interpretation for the nucleophilic activation; additionally, the possible activation of the Michael acceptor by iminium ion formation presents an interesting case of proline acting as a bifunctional catalyst.
Regioselective Synthesis of [6,6]-Phenyl-C71-Butyric Acid Methyl Esters via Sulfur Ylides for Use in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Ito Takatoshi , Inoue Yuta , Iwasawa Tetsuo , Sumino Shuhei , Matsumoto Fukashi , Iwai Toshiyuki , Moriwaki Kazuyuki , Takao Yuko , Mizuno Takumi , Ohno Toshinobu
Published: April 2017

We herein report the development of a regioselective synthetic route to [70]methanofullerenes, which have potential for application as electron acceptors in solution-processed bulk heterojunction solar cells. Sterically hindered sulfur ylide, generated in situ from their corresponding sulfonium salts in the presence of 1,8-diazabicy­clo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as the base, smoothly reacted with [70]fullerene to afford the α-type [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester ([70]PCBM) in high purity (up to 98%). Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the gram-scale synthesis of [70]PCBM.
Substituent Effects on Carbon Acidity in Aqueous Solution and at Enzyme Active Sites
Authors: Richard John , Amyes Tina
Published: April 2017

Methods are described for the determination of pK
as for weak carbon acids in water. The application of these methods to the determination of the pK
as for a variety of carbon acids including nitriles, imidazolium cations, amino acids, peptides and their derivatives and, α-iminium cations is presented. The substituent effects on the acidity of these different classes of carbon acids are discussed, and the relevance of these results to catalysis of the deprotonation of amino acids by enzymes and by pyridoxal 5′-phosphate is reviewed. The procedure for estimating the pK
a of uridine 5′-phosphate for C-6 deprotonation at the active site of orotidine 5′-phosphate decarboxylase is described, and the effect of a 5-F substituent on carbon acidity of the enzyme-bound substrate is discussed.

1 Introduction

2 The Carbon Acidity of Ethyl Thioacetate

3 The Carbon Acidity of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

4 The Carbon Acidity of Imidazolium Cations

5 The α-Carbon Acidity of Amino Acids, Peptides and Their Derivatives

6 Electrophilic Catalysis of Deprotonation of Amino Acids: The α-Carbon Acidity of Iminium Cations

7 pK
as for Carbon Acids at Enzyme Active Sites

8 Concluding Remarks
Novel Catalytic Three-Component Reaction between a Terminal Alkyne, Sulfonyl Azide, and O-Methyl Oxime
Authors: Khalaj Mehdi , Ghazanfarpour-Darjani Majid , Barat-Seftejani Forugh , Nouri Azita
Published: April 2017

O-Methyl oximes have been employed as nucleophiles in reactions with ketenimines derived from sulfonyl azides and terminal alkynes to form N-alkylidene N′-tosylacetimidamide derivatives. The optimized conditions involved the use of CuPF6 and i-Pr2NEt in MeCN at 65 °C. Both O-methyl aldoximes and ketoximes were tolerated under the optimum conditions.
Intra-articular Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Meta-analysis
Authors: Moskal Joseph , Capps Susan
Published: April 2017

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with an increased need for blood transfusions and thus an increase in risks associated with blood transfusion such as transfusion reactions, infections, fluid overload, and altered mental status. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic medication that can reduce perioperative blood loss in TKA. However, the best method of delivery has not been defined although topical intra-articular TXA (IA-TXA) may have a theoretical advantage as it is applied directly when and where it is needed to control bleeding. Blinded and nonblinded randomized controlled trials and case-controlled trials published since 2010 were found using database searches. Data were extracted and analyzed with the goal of discovering through meta-analysis if IA-TXA reduces blood loss, blood transfusions, and without increasing adverse events, especially thromboembolic events, compared with placebo. Blood loss from suction drains and calculated total blood loss were significantly lower in the IA-TXA group. The frequency of blood transfusion and the number of units of blood transfused were significantly lower in the IA-TXA group. The risk of adverse events was not increased for IA-TXA versus placebo. Topical IA-TXA in primary, unilateral TKA successfully reduces blood loss and the frequency of blood transfusions. In addition, it does not appear to increase the risk of thromboembolic adverse events. There is need for further research to determine the optimal dosage and the preferred delivery system of IA-TXA in TKA.
The Alteration and Significance of Erythropoietin Serum Levels in Preterm Infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Ze Bi , Dai Yi , Zhu Li , Chen Chao
Published: April 2017

Objective This study aims to investigate the changes of serum erythropoietin (EPO) in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after birth.

Method The premature infants were divided into two groups, the first were infants with ROP, and the rest were infants without ROP. The peripheral blood of these infants after birth was collected, aiming to identify the correlation of serum EPO with ROP in the first 8 weeks after birth and before 38 weeks' postconceptual age.

Results A total of 299 infants without ROP and 107 infants with ROP were recruited into our study. It was suggested that serum the EPO level in ROP group was significantly lower than it is in the group without ROP on the 28th day after birth. The median value of serum EPO in the group with and without ROP at day 28 of life were 0.44 mIU/mL and 0.62 mIU/mL, respectively (p = 0.017). These data indicated that there was no significant association between serum EPO and the clinical factors. Multivariate analysis identified only EPO serum level on the 28th day after birth and gestational age as independent predictors of ROP (p was 0.025 and 0.021, respectively).

Conclusion EPO serum level may serve as a surrogate marker for the development of ROP.
Occurrence of Synpolydactyly and Omphalocele in a Fetus with a HOXD13 Mutation
Authors: Radhakrishnan Periyasamy , Nayak Shalini , Pai Muralidhar , Shukla Anju , Girisha Katta
Published: April 2017

Synpolydactyly (SPD) is an autosomal dominant congenital limb disorder due to mutations in HOXD13. It is a phenotypically heterogeneous condition characterized by syndactyly of the third finger (F3), fourth finger (F4) and/or fourth toe (T4), and fifth toe (T5) with variably associated polydactyly. We report on a mother and fetus with SPD. The mother has a novel mutation (c.708_708delC) in the HOXD13 gene that was also seen in the fetus. However, the fetus had congenital omphalocele in addition to SPD that is an association not reported to date. A chromosomal microarray in the fetus was normal. We report a novel mutation in HOXD13 and document co-occurrence of an omphalocele and SPD in a fetus.
Extending magnifying NBI diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia in the stomach: the white opaque substance marker
Authors: Kanemitsu Takao , Yao Kenshi , Nagahama Takashi , Imamura Kentaro , Fujiwara Shoko , Ueki Toshiharu , Chuman Kenta , Tanabe Hiroshi , Atsuko Ota , Iwashita Akinori , Shimokawa Toshio , Uchita Kunihisa , Kanesaka Takashi
Published: April 2017

Background and aims Intestinal metaplasia (IM) of the stomach is associated with an increased risk of differentiated gastric cancer. While it is important to diagnose IM endoscopically, it can be difficult to observe by white-light endoscopy. In magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) of the stomach, a light-blue crest (LBC) is widely known to be a useful marker in the endoscopic diagnosis of IM. However, IM that exhibits only white opaque substance (WOS) without an LBC can also occur. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the presence of WOS on M-NBI of the stomach could serve as a marker of IM in the same way that an LBC does.

Methods The subjects were 40 consecutive patients who underwent M-NBI between July and December 2014. The primary endpoint in this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of M-NBI for histologically observed IM in WOS- and LBC-positive mucosa.

Results The sensitivity and specificity of WOS for histologically diagnosed IM were 50.0 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 40.0 % – 50.0 %) and 100.0 % (95 %CI 85.0 % – 100.0 %), respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity of LBC were 62.5 % (95 %CI 51.1 % – 65.9 %) and 93.8 % (95 %CI 76.7 % – 98.9 %), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of WOS and/or LBC (WOS positive and LBC positive, WOS positive and LBC negative, or WOS negative and LBC positive) for histologically diagnosed IM were 87.5 % (95 %CI 76.9 % – 90.9 %) and 93.8 % (95 %CI 77.9 % – 98.9 %), respectively.

Conclusions LBC and WOS are both useful markers for endoscopic diagnosis of IM. Combining both markers improves the sensitivity.

Clinical trial number: UMINCTR000014453.
Terpenoids from Leaves of Guarea macrophylla Display In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity and Induce Apoptosis In Melanoma Cells
Authors: Conserva Geanne , Girola Natalia , Figueiredo Carlos , Azevedo Ricardo , Mousdell Sasha , Sartorelli Patricia , Soares Marisi , Antar Guilherme , Lago João
Published: April 2017

Guarea macrophylla is a Brazilian plant species that has been used in folk medicine to treat a range of diseases. Our ongoing work focuses on the discovery of new bioactive natural products derived from Brazilian flora. The current study describes the identification of cytotoxic compounds from the EtOH extract of leaves from G. macrophylla using bioactivity-guided fractionation. This approach resulted in the isolation and characterization of four compounds: cycloart-23E-ene-3β,25-diol (1), (23S*,24S*)-dihydroxycicloart-25-en-3-one (2), isopimara-7,15-diene-2α,3β-diol (3), and isopimara-7,15-dien-3β-ol (4), in which 2 and 3 are identified as new derivatives. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of compounds 1–4 against a panel of cancer cell lines and to determine the possible mechanism(s) related to the activity of the compounds on B16F10Nex2 cells. The most active compound 1 induced cytotoxic effects on tumor cells, with IC50 values of 18.3, 52.1, and 58.9 µM against HL-60, HeLa, and B16F10-Nex2 tumor cells, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed in melanoma cells that compound 1 induced several specific apoptotic hallmarks, such as morphological changes in the cell shape structure, nuclear DNA condensation, specific chromatin fragmentation, and disruption in the mitochondrial membrane potential, which are related to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Durability of thermochemical heat storage demonstrated through long-term repetitive CaCl2/H2O reversible reactions
Authors: Kuwata Kazuki , Esaki Takehiro , Yasuda Michitaka , Matsuda Takayuki , Kobayashi Noriyuki , Shiren Yohhei , Aman Yasutomo
Published: April 2017

Thermochemical heat storage is a promising technology for improving thermal energy efficiency. In this study, CaCl2 and H2O were selected as the reactant and working medium, respectively, assuming the utilization of low-grade waste heat. To investigate the durability of the CaCl2/H2O reaction, 1000 repetitive operations were conducted at the same 110 °C charging and discharging temperatures. During the long-term repetitions, a decrease in the average volumetric power density was observed. The peak value in repetitions 901–1000 was 11% lower than the peak value in the initial 50 repetitions. This trend was mainly caused by a decrease in the heat transfer rate; it was observed after the repetitive experiments that reactant particles had moved out of the heat exchanger. Although a decreasing trend in the power density was observed, a peak value of Q = 320 kW/m3 and a conversion ratio of approximately 0.7 were observed in repetitions 901–1000. In addition, approximately 90% of the stored heat was released in all 1000 repetitions. Thus, using long-term repetitions (1000), this study confirmed the durability of the CaCl2/H2O reaction for thermochemical heat storage.
High-resolution Fourier transform emission spectroscopy of the A∼2Πi−X∼2Πi band of the OCS+ ion
Authors: Nakashima Yoshihiro , Harada Kensuke , Tanaka Keiichi , Tanaka Takehiko
Published: April 2017

High resolution Fourier transform emission spectroscopy of the A∼2Πi–X∼2Πi band of the OCS+ ion was performed in the UV region to observe the ν1 (CO stretch) progression bands (υ1 = 0 → 2–5) for both the Ω=3/2 and 1/2 spin components. Accurate molecular constants including the rotational constants, B0 = 0.194 765(13) and 0.187 106(13) cm−1, and the spin-orbit interaction constants, A0 = −381.0(56) and −126.5(56) cm−1, were determined for the X∼2Π and A∼2Π states, respectively, by the simultaneous analysis of the observed progression bands. The CO bond length (rCO = 1.2810 Å) for the A∼2Π state, derived from the rotational constant B0 and Franck-Condon factors, is longer by 0.1756 Å than that (1.1054 Å) for the X∼2Π state, while the CS bond length for the A∼2Π state is shorter by 0.0905 Å than that for the X∼2Π state. Pure rotational transition frequencies in the ground X∼2Π state are predicted, as well as transition frequencies of the ν1 fundamental band, with the present molecular constants.
The relationship between the thermoelectric generator efficiency and the device engineering figure of merit Zd,eng. The maximum efficiency 𝜼max
Authors: Hapenciuc C. L. , Borca-Tasciuc T. , Mihailescu I. N.
Published: April 2017

Thermoelectric materials are used today in thermoelectric devices for heat to electricity(thermoelectric generators-TEG) or electricity to heat(heat pumps) conversion in a large range of applications. In the case of TEGs the final measure of their performance is given by a quantity named the maximum efficiency which shows how much from the heat input is converted into electrical power. Therefore it is of great interest to know correctly how much is the efficiency of a device to can make commercial assessments. The concept of engineering figure of merit, Zeng, and engineering power factor, Peng, were already introduced in the field to quantify the efficiency of a single material under temperature dependent thermoelectric properties, with the mention that the formulas derivation was limited to one leg of the thermoelectric generator. In this paper we propose to extend the concept of engineering figure of merit to a thermoelectric generator by introducing a more general concept of device engineering thermoelectric figure of merit, Zd,eng, which depends on the both TEG materials properties and which shall be the right quantity to be used when we are interested in the evaluation of the efficiency. Also, this work takes into account the electrical contact resistance between the electrodes and thermoelement legs in an attempt to quantify its influence upon the performance of a TEG. Finally, a new formula is proposed for the maximum efficiency of a TEG.
Independent tuning of excitonic emission energy and decay time in single semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Höfer B. , Zhang J. , Wildmann J. , Zallo E. , Trotta R. , Ding F. , Rastelli A. , Schmidt O. G.
Published: April 2017

Independent tuning of emission energy and decay time of neutral excitons confined in single self-assembled In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots is achieved by simultaneously employing vertical electric fields and lateral biaxial strain fields. By locking the emission energy via a closed-loop feedback on the piezoelectric actuator used to control the strain in the quantum dot, we continuously decrease the decay time of an exciton from 1.4 to 0.7 ns. Both perturbations are fully electrically controlled and their combination offers a promising route to engineer the indistinguishability of photons emitted from spatially separated single photon sources.
Optically read displacement detection using phase-modulated diffraction gratings with reduced zeroth-order reflections
Authors: Williams Randall P. , Hord Samuel K. , Hall Neal A.
Published: April 2017

Displacement detection using optical interferometric techniques allows for low minimum detectable displacements which are unmatched by other displacement measurement methods as device sizes are scaled down. The use of diffractive optical elements as beam splitters has proven an effective way to realize miniature and robust optical interferometers. Diffraction gratings commonly used in such applications, however, can generate a zeroth-order reflected beam, which results in reduced sensor performance, packaging limitations, and laser instability. A diffraction grating concept has been designed, fabricated, and tested, which has the effect of reducing the zeroth-order component by imparting a half-wavelength phase shift to a portion of the reflected light. The design criteria for zeroth-order beam elimination are illustrated using a simple model based on phasor arithmetic. The microfabrication process used to prototype gratings is presented, and experimental measurements collected from the prototype are reported. The minimum detectable displacement achievable in sensor applications is found to be 3.6 fm/√Hz, which is comparable to sensors built using more conventional gratings. Finally, comparisons are made between the test results and the simple model predictions.