bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common variants at 2q11.2, 8q21.3, and 11q13.2 are associated with major mood disorders
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Wang Lu , Wang Chuang , Yuan Ti-Fei , Zhou Dongsheng , Zheng Fanfan , Li Lingyi , Grigoroiu-Serbanescu Maria , Ikeda Masashi , Iwata Nakao , Takahashi Atsushi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Kubo Michiaki , Preisig Martin , Kutalik Zoltán , Castelao Enrique , Pistis Giorgio , Amin Najaf , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Forstner Andreas J. , Strohmaier Jana , Hecker Julian , Schulze Thomas G. , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Reif Andreas , Mitchell Philip B. , Martin Nicholas G. , Schofield Peter R. , Cichon Sven , Nöthen Markus M. , Chang Hong , Luo Xiong-Jian , Fang Yiru , Yao Yong-Gang , Zhang Chen , Rietschel Marcella , Li Ming ,   Advanced Collaborative Study of Mood Disorder (COSMO) Team, MooDS Bipolar Consortium
Published: December 2017

Bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are primary major mood disorders. Recent studies suggest that they share certain psychopathological features and common risk genes, but unraveling the full genetic architecture underlying the risk of major mood disorders remains an important scientific task. The public genome-wide association study (GWAS) data sets offer the opportunity to examine this topic by utilizing large amounts of combined genetic data, which should ultimately allow a better understanding of the onset and development of these illnesses. Genome-wide meta-analysis was performed by combining two GWAS data sets on BPD and MDD (19,637 cases and 18,083 controls), followed by replication analyses for the loci of interest in independent 12,364 cases and 76,633 controls from additional samples that were not included in the two GWAS data sets. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10791889 at 11q13.2 was significant in both discovery and replication samples. When combining all samples, this SNP and multiple other SNPs at 2q11.2 (rs717454), 8q21.3 (rs10103191), and 11q13.2 (rs2167457) exhibited genome-wide significant association with major mood disorders. The SNPs in 2q11.2 and 8q21.3 were novel risk SNPs that were not previously reported, and SNPs at 11q13.2 were in high LD with potential BPD risk SNPs implicated in a previous GWAS. The genome-wide significant loci at 2q11.2 and 11q13.2 exhibited strong effects on the mRNA expression of certain nearby genes in cerebellum. In conclusion, we have identified several novel loci associated with major mood disorders, adding further support for shared genetic risk between BPD and MDD. Our study highlights the necessity and importance of mining public data sets to explore risk genes for complex diseases such as mood disorders.
A general pharmacodynamic interaction model identifies perpetrators and victims in drug interactions
Authors: Wicha Sebastian G. , Chen Chunli , Clewe Oskar , Simonsson Ulrika S. H.
Published: December 2017

Assessment of pharmacodynamic (PD) drug interactions is a cornerstone of the development of combination drug therapies. To guide this venture, we derive a general pharmacodynamic interaction (GPDI) model for ≥2 interacting drugs that is compatible with common additivity criteria. We propose a PD interaction to be quantifiable as multidirectional shifts in drug efficacy or potency and explicate the drugs’ role as victim, perpetrator or even both at the same time. We evaluate the GPDI model against conventional approaches in a data set of 200 combination experiments in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: 22% interact additively, a minority of the interactions (11%) are bidirectional antagonistic or synergistic, whereas the majority (67%) are monodirectional, i.e., asymmetric with distinct perpetrators and victims, which is not classifiable by conventional methods. The GPDI model excellently reflects the observed interaction data, and hence represents an attractive approach for quantitative assessment of novel combination therapies along the drug development process.
Ezh2 phosphorylation state determines its capacity to maintain CD8+ T memory precursors for antitumor immunity
Authors: He Shan , Liu Yongnian , Meng Lijun , Sun Hongxing , Wang Ying , Ji Yun , Purushe Janaki , Chen Pan , Li Changhong , Madzo Jozef , Issa Jean-Pierre , Soboloff Jonathan , Reshef Ran , Moore Bethany , Gattinoni Luca , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2017

Memory T cells sustain effector T-cell production while self-renewing in reaction to persistent antigen; yet, excessive expansion reduces memory potential and impairs antitumor immunity. Epigenetic mechanisms are thought to be important for balancing effector and memory differentiation; however, the epigenetic regulator(s) underpinning this process remains unknown. Herein, we show that the histone methyltransferase Ezh2 controls CD8+ T memory precursor formation and antitumor activity. Ezh2 activates Id3 while silencing Id2, Prdm1 and Eomes, promoting the expansion of memory precursor cells and their differentiation into functional memory cells. Akt activation phosphorylates Ezh2 and decreases its control of these transcriptional programs, causing enhanced effector differentiation at the expense of T memory precursors. Engineering T cells with an Akt-insensitive Ezh2 mutant markedly improves their memory potential and capability of controlling tumor growth compared to transiently inhibiting Akt. These findings establish Akt-mediated phosphorylation of Ezh2 as a critical target to potentiate antitumor immunotherapeutic strategies.
IL-33 is induced in undifferentiated, non-dividing esophageal epithelial cells in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Travers J. , Rochman M. , Caldwell J. M. , Besse J. A. , Miracle C. E. , Rothenberg M. E.
Published: December 2017

The molecular and cellular etiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an emerging tissue-specific allergic disease, involves dysregulated gene expression in esophageal epithelial cells. Herein, we assessed the esophageal expression of IL-33, an epithelium-derived alarmin cytokine, in patients with EoE. IL-33 protein was markedly overexpressed within the nuclei of a subpopulation of basal layer esophageal epithelial cells in patients with active EoE compared to control individuals. IL-33 exhibited dynamic expression as levels normalized upon EoE remission. IL-33–positive basal epithelial cells expressed E-cadherin and the undifferentiated epithelial cell markers keratin 5 and 14 but not the differentiation marker keratin 4. Moreover, the IL-33–positive epithelial cells expressed the epithelial progenitor markers p75 and p63 and lacked the proliferation markers Ki67 and phospho-histone H3. Additionally, the IL-33–positive cells had low expression of PCNA. IL-33 expression was detected in ex vivo–cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells in a subpopulation of cells lacking expression of proliferation markers. Collectively, we report that IL-33 expression is induced in an undifferentiated, non-dividing esophageal epithelial cell population in patients with active EoE.
SHP2 associates with nuclear localization of STAT3: significance in progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Yan , Wang Jie , Cao Fuao , Jiang Hailong , Li An , Li Jianzhong , Qiu Lei , Shen Hao , Chang Wenjun , Zhou Chuanxiang , Pan Yamin , Lu Yiming
Published: December 2017

Tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, encoded by PTPN11, has been implicated in many physiologic and pathologic processes in neoplastic progression. However, controversies are emerging from many studies, indicating SHP2 has a dual role in different types of tumors. We aimed to explore the role of SHP2 in progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). SHP2 inhibited CRC cell proliferation and migration, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 was negatively regulated by SHP2 in CRC. SHP2 and nuclear STAT3 were examined in 270 CRC tissues. SHP2 was significantly correlated with nuclear STAT3 (Spearman’s rho = −0.408, P ≤ 0.001). Based on Cox regression analysis, patients with high levels of SHP2 and low levels of nuclear STAT3 had longer disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR, 0.362; 95% CI, 0.165–0.794) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR, 0.447; 95% CI, 0.227–0.877). Further, low levels of SHP2 and high levels of nuclear STAT3 were independently associated with adverse outcomes in the whole cohort (DFS; HR, 2.353; 95% CI, 1.199–4.619). These results suggest that combination of SHP2 and nuclear STAT3 is a strong prognostic predictor in CRC.
Parallelogram based approach for in vivo dose estimation of genotoxic metabolites in humans with relevance to reduction of animal experiments
Authors: Motwani Hitesh V. , Frostne Cecilia , Törnqvist Margareta
Published: December 2017

When employing metabolism studies of genotoxic compounds/metabolites and cancer tests for risk estimation, low exposure doses in humans are roughly extrapolated from high exposure doses in animals. An improvement is to measure the in vivo dose, i.e. area under concentration-time curve (AUC), of the causative genotoxic agent. In the present work, we propose and evaluate a parallelogram based approach for estimation of the AUC of genotoxic metabolites that incorporates in vitro metabolic data and existing knowledge from published in vivo data on hemoglobin (Hb) adduct levels, using glycidamide (GA) as a case study compound that is the genotoxic metabolite of acrylamide (AA). The estimated value of AUC of GA per AUC of AA from the parallelogram approach vs. that from Hb adduct levels measured in vivo were in good agreement; 0.087 vs. 0.23 in human and 1.4 vs. 0.53 in rat, respectively. The described parallelogram approach is simple, and can be useful to provide an approximate estimation of the AUC of metabolites in humans at low exposure levels for which sensitive methods for analyzing the metabolites are not available, as well as aid in reduction of animal experiments for metabolism studies that are to be used for cancer risk assessment.
Immune microenvironment of experimental rat C6 gliomas resembles human glioblastomas
Authors: Gieryng Anna , Pszczolkowska Dominika , Bocian Katarzyna , Dabrowski Michal , Rajan Wenson David , Kloss Michal , Mieczkowski Jakub , Kaminska Bozena
Published: December 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor, with ineffective anti-tumor responses and a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatments. GBM immune microenvironment is heterogenous  and activation of specific immune populations in GBM is not fully characterized. Reliable animal models are critical for defining mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity. First we analyzed the immune subpopulations present in rat C6 gliomas. Using flow cytometry we determined kinetics of infiltration of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes into glioma-bearing brains. We found significant increases of the amoeboid, pro-tumorigenic microglia/macrophages, T helper (Th) and T regulatory (Treg) cells in tumor-bearing brains, and rare infiltrating T cytotoxic (Tc) cells. Transcriptomic analyses of glioma-bearing hemispheres revealed overexpression of invasion and immunosuppression-related genes, reflecting the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Microglia, sorted as CD11b+CD45low cells from gliomas, displayed the pro-invasive and immunosuppressive type of activation. Accumulation of Th and Treg cells combined with the reduced presence of Tc lymphocytes in rat gliomas may result in the lack of effective anti–tumor responses. Transcriptional profiles of CD11b+ cells and composition of immune infiltrates in C6 gliomas indicate that rat C6 gliomas employ similar immune system evasion strategies as human GBMs.
The celecoxib derivatives AR-12 and AR-14 induce autophagy and clear prion-infected cells from prions
Authors: Abdulrahman Basant A. , Abdelaziz Dalia , Thapa Simrika , Lu Li , Jain Shubha , Gilch Sabine , Proniuk Stefan , Zukiwski Alexander , Schatzl Hermann M.
Published: December 2017

Prion diseases are fatal infectious neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals. The autocatalytic conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the pathologic isoform PrPSc is a key feature in prion pathogenesis. AR-12 is an IND-approved derivative of celecoxib that demonstrated preclinical activity against several microbial diseases. Recently, AR-12 has been shown to facilitate clearance of misfolded proteins. The latter proposes AR-12 to be a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we investigated the role of AR-12 and its derivatives in controlling prion infection. We tested AR-12 in prion infected neuronal and non-neuronal cell lines. Immunoblotting and confocal microscopy results showed that AR-12 and its analogue AR-14 reduced PrPSc levels after only 72 hours of treatment. Furthermore, infected cells were cured of PrPSc after exposure of AR-12 or AR-14 for only two weeks. We partially attribute the influence of the AR compounds on prion propagation to autophagy stimulation, in line with our previous findings that drug-induced stimulation of autophagy has anti-prion effects in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, this study demonstrates that AR-12 and the AR-14 analogue are potential new therapeutic agents for prion diseases and possibly protein misfolding disorders involving prion-like mechanisms.
Fractal analysis of collision cascades in pulsed-ion-beam-irradiated solids
Authors: Wallace J. B. , Aji L. B. Bayu , Shao L. , Kucheyev S. O.
Published: December 2017

The buildup of radiation damage in ion-irradiated crystals often depends on the spatial distribution of atomic displacements within collision cascades. Although collision cascades have previously been described as fractals, the correlation of their fractal parameters with experimental observations of radiation damage buildup remains elusive. Here, we use a pulsed-ion-beam method to study defect interaction dynamics in 3C-SiC irradiated at 100 °C with ions of different masses. These data, together with results of previous studies of SiC and Si, are analyzed with a model of radiation damage formation which accounts for the fractal nature of collision cascades. Our emphasis is on the extraction of the effective defect diffusion length from pulsed beam measurements. Results show that, for both Si and SiC, collision cascades are mass fractals with fractal dimensions in the range of ~1–2, depending on ion mass, energy, and the depth from the sample surface. Within our fractal model, the effective defect diffusion length is ~10 nm for SiC and ~20 nm for Si, and it decreases with increasing cascade density. These results demonstrate a general method by which the fractal nature of collision cascades can be used to explain experimental observations and predict material’s response to radiation.
Hybrid splicing minigene and antisense oligonucleotides as efficient tools to determine functional protein/RNA interactions
Authors: Cywoniuk Piotr , Taylor Katarzyna , Sznajder Łukasz J. , Sobczak Krzysztof
Published: December 2017

Alternative splicing is a complex process that provides a high diversity of proteins from a limited number of protein-coding genes. It is governed by multiple regulatory factors, including RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), that bind to specific RNA sequences embedded in a specific structure. The ability to predict RNA-binding regions recognized by RBPs using whole-transcriptome approaches can deliver a multitude of data, including false-positive hits. Therefore, validation of the global results is indispensable. Here, we report the development of an efficient and rapid approach based on a modular hybrid minigene combined with antisense oligonucleotides to enable verification of functional RBP-binding sites within intronic and exonic sequences of regulated pre-mRNA. This approach also provides valuable information regarding the regulatory properties of pre-mRNA, including the RNA secondary structure context. We also show that the developed approach can be used to effectively identify or better characterize the inhibitory properties of potential therapeutic agents for myotonic dystrophy, which is caused by sequestration of specific RBPs, known as muscleblind-like proteins, by mutated RNA with expanded CUG repeats.
Ecosystem respiration and its components in a rainfed spring maize cropland in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Gao Xiang , Mei Xurong , Gu Fengxue , Hao Weiping , Li Haoru , Gong Daozhi
Published: December 2017

We estimated ecosystem respiration (Re) and its components in a rainfed spring maize field in the Loess Plateau, China, during the growing seasons of 2012, 2013, and 2014 using measurements of eddy covariance and soil respiration (Rs). The multi-factor equation, which included photosynthetic active radiation, 5-cm soil temperature, 10-cm soil water content, and green leaf area index (GLAI), had goodness-of-fit values of between 0.81 and 0.94 for Re, autotrophic respiration (Ra), and above-ground autotrophic respiration (Raa), and goodness-of-fit values of between 0.50 and 0.67 for Rs, below-ground autotrophic respiration (Rab), and heterotrophic respiration (Rh). The highly significant linear correlations between gross primary production (GPP) and Re and its components indicate that GPP had a strong influence on Re and its components. The growing season Re was dominated by Ra (64–71%), which in turn was dominated by Raa (63–73%). Although Rs was mainly made up of Rh (56–61%), Rs resembled Rab more closely than Rh. The relationships between GLAI and Ra/Re and between GLAI and Rab/Rs were described by logarithmic equations with goodness-of-fit values of between 0.88 and 0.89 and between 0.77 and 0.84, respectively, indicating that GLAI controlled Ra/Re and Rab/Rs.
Anti-corrosion performance of the synergistic properties of benzenecarbonitrile and 5-bromovanillin on 1018 carbon steel in HCl environment
Authors: Loto Roland Tolulope
Published: December 2017

The synergistic properties of the combined admixture of benzenecarbonitrile and 5-bromovanillin (BNV) on the corrosion resistance of 1018 carbon steel in 1 M HCl was analysed with potentiodynamic polarization technique, weight loss method, micro-analytical studies and ATF-FTIR spectroscopy. Results obtained show the admixed organic compound was effective with optimal corrosion inhibition values of 99.33% and 90.34% at 1.25% BNV concentration from both electrochemical methods due to the effective inhibition action and passivation characteristics of the protonated inhibitor molecules in the acid solution. Primary amines, stretch alkyl halides and C-H triple bond functional groups of the molecules were observed to actively adsorb during the corrosion inhibition reaction from ATF-FTIR spectroscopic analysis. Calculations from thermodynamic evaluation confirmed cationic adsorption mechanism to be chemisorption obeying the Langmuir and Frumkin adsorption isotherm. Micro-analytical observations of the inhibited carbon steel morphology significantly contrast the unprotected steel due to visible surface deterioration and presence of micro/macro-pits. The organic derivatives showed mixed type inhibition reactions.
Superior non-enzymatic glucose sensing properties of Ag-/Au-NiCo2O4 nanosheets with insight from electronic structure simulations
Authors: Naik Kusha Kumar , Gangan Abhijeet , Chakraborty Brahmananda , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: December 2017

Ag-/Au-NiCo2O4 nanosheets were synthesized by a facile electrodeposition approach on conducting Ni foam, and their non-enzymatic glucose sensing performance was investigated.
Dissecting the dissociation patterns of fucosylated glycopeptides undergoing CID: a case study in improving automated glycopeptide analysis scoring algorithms
Authors: Lakbub Jude C. , Su Xiaomeng , Hua David , Go Eden P. , Desaire Heather
Published: December 2017

Glycopeptide analysis scoring algorithms are less effective at identifying fucosylated glycopeptides.
Free-standing single-crystalline NiFe-hydroxide nanoflake arrays: a self-activated and robust electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Zheng Yao , Wang Zhenyu , Lu Zhouguang , Vasileff Anthony , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: December 2017

A strategy for engineering single-crystalline nanoarrays is presented as an effective way to manipulate the catalytic activity and operational stability of NiFe-hydroxide.
Oriented UiO-66 thin films through solution shearing
Authors: Ghorbanpour Arian , Huelsenbeck Luke D. , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Giri Gaurav
Published: December 2017

Here, we discuss the fabrication of oriented films of UiO-66 crystals via the solution shearing based deposition of the crystal suspension over functionalized silicon substrates.
Analyses of trajectory on-the-fly based on the global reaction route map
Authors: Tsutsumi Takuro , Harabuchi Yu , Ono Yuriko , Maeda Satoshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: December 2017

A methodology to analyze a trajectory on-the-fly (TOF) based on a global reaction route map consisting of intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) pathways is proposed.
Theoretical study on photo-induced processes of 1-methyl-3-(N-(1,8-naphthalimidyl)ethyl)imidazolium halide species: an application of constrained density functional theory
Authors: Otsuka Takao , Sumita Masato , Izawa Hironori , Morihashi Kenji
Published: December 2017

Inter-molecular charge transfer (SET) and intra-molecular charge transfer (SM1) excited states are involved in the photo-induced processes of 1-methyl-3-(N-(1,8-naphthalimidyl)ethyl)imidazolium halide.
Chemical signaling involved in plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Chagas Fernanda Oliveira , Pessotti Rita de Cassia , Caraballo-Rodríguez Andrés Mauricio , Pupo Mônica Tallarico
Published: December 2017

Plant and microorganisms actively communicate through chemical entities.
The synthesis of a monodisperse quaternary ferrite (FeCoCrO4) from the hot injection thermolysis of the single source precursor [CrCoFeO(O2CtBu)6(HO2CtBu)3]
Authors: Abdulwahab Khadijat O. , Malik Mohammad A. , O'Brien Paul , Vitorica-Yrezabal Iñigo J. , Timco Grigore A. , Tuna Floriana , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: December 2017

Monodisperse cobalt chromium ferrite (FeCoCrO4) nanoparticles have been synthesised using the trimetallic pivalate cluster [CrCoFeO(O2CtBu)6(HO2CtBu)3].
Evaluating parameter availability for physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in zebrafish
Authors: Khazaee Manoochehr , Ng Carla A.
Published: December 2017

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are considered useful tools to describe the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics.
How to judge whether QSAR/read-across predictions can be trusted: a novel approach for establishing a model's applicability domain
Authors: Gajewicz A.
Published: December 2017

Probability-oriented distance-based approach (ADProbDist) for determining the nano-QSAR/read-across model's applicability domain where true and reliable predictions can be expected.
Silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP) retention and release in partially saturated soil: column experiments and modelling
Authors: Yecheskel Yinon , Dror Ishai , Berkowitz Brian
Published: December 2017

Transport of Ag-NPs in partially saturated soil exhibits different patterns comparing sand and soil under saturated and partially saturated, conditions.
Synergistic effects in Fe nanoparticles doped with ppm levels of (Pd + Ni). A new catalyst for sustainable nitro group reductions
Authors: Pang Haobo , Gallou Fabrice , Sohn Hyuntae , Camacho-Bunquin Jeffrey , Delferro Massimiliano , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: December 2017

A synergistic effect has been uncovered between ppm levels of Pd and Ni embedded within iron nanoparticles that leads to selective catalytic reductions of nitro-containing aromatics in water.
Visible-light-mediated dehydrogenative cross-coupling between terminal alkynes and aldehydes by employing a supramolecular polymeric ensemble of PBI derivative
Authors: Kataria Meenal , Deol Harnimarta , Singh Gurpreet , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: December 2017

A supramolecular polymer of PBI derivative and ZnO NPs exhibits remarkable efficiency in direct dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction for the synthesis of ynones under photocatalytic conditions.
A novel ESIPT-based fluorescent chemodosimeter for Hg2+ detection and its application in live-cell imaging
Authors: Huang Jing , Chen Bo , Zhou Baocheng , Han Yifeng
Published: December 2017

A novel ESIPT-based fluorescent chemodosimeter for the detection of Hg2+ has been rationally designed and developed.
Concise total synthesis of (+)-asperazine A and (+)-pestalazine B
Authors: Nelson Brandon M. , Loach Richard P. , Schiesser Stefan , Movassaghi Mohammad
Published: December 2017

The highly convergent total synthesis of dimeric diketopiperazine alkaloids (+)-asperazine A and (+)-pestalazine B is described.
Significantly improved energy density of BaTiO3 nanocomposites by accurate interfacial tailoring using a novel rigid-fluoro-polymer
Authors: Chen Sheng , Lv Xuguang , Han Xianghui , Luo Hang , Bowen Chris R. , Zhang Dou
Published: December 2017

This work presents a novel approach to precisely tailor the interfacial layer thicknesses of BaTiO3 by modulating the polymerization degree of a rigid liquid-crystalline fluoro-polymer to investigate the interfacial thickness effect on the dielectric behavior of polymer nanocomposites.
Arabidopsis thalianaSKP1 interacting protein 11 (At2g02870) negatively regulates the release of green leaf volatiles
Authors: Naeem-ul-Hassan Muhammad , Zainal Zamri , Kiat Chew Jin , Monfared Hossein Hosseini , Ismail Ismanizan
Published: December 2017

AtSKIP11, a kelch-repeat containing F-box protein fromArabidopsis thaliana, negatively regulates the HPL pathway and can serve as a potential molecular switch for the biosynthesis of green leaf volatiles.
Photo-triggered enzymatic degradation of biodegradable polymers
Authors: Kikkawa Yoshihiro , Tanaka Satoko , Norikane Yasuo
Published: December 2017

Control over the initiation of enzymatic degradation of biodegradable polymers was demonstrated by tuning the solid-molten state of a surface coated azo-compound with light irradiation.
Insights into energy-efficient and eco-friendly sealing of anodic aluminum oxide film holes with alkaline earth metal salts
Authors: Wei Hongyang , Chen Dongchu , Hu Huawen , Chang Menglei , Ye Xiufang , Wang Meifeng
Published: December 2017

In this study, the impact of various sealing conditions on the quality of the sealed anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film is systematically investigated, leading us to gain insights into sealing the AAO film in an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way.
Synthesis of silver nanoplate based two-dimension plasmonic platform from 25 nm to 40 μm: growth mechanism and optical characteristic investigationin situ
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yang , Zhou Huan-Li , Shan Feng , Xue Xiao-Mei , Su Dan , Liu Yi-Ran , Chen Yu-Zhang , Wu Jing-Yuan , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2017

We show high-purity synthesis, structural engineering andin situoptical investigation of a 2D plasmonic platform using huge silver nanoplates.
Separation of saturated fatty acids and fatty acid methyl esters with epoxy nanofiltration membranes
Authors: Gilmer Chad M. , Zvokel Christian , Vick Alexandra , Bowden Ned B.
Published: December 2017

Epoxy nanofiltration membranes are used to achieve separation of fatty acid methyl esters with selectivities up to 100 : 1.
Dissociation reaction of B2H6 on TiN surfaces during atomic layer deposition: first-principles study
Authors: Park Hwanyeol , Lee Sungwoo , Kim Ho Jun , Yoon Euijoon , Lee Gun-Do
Published: December 2017

In the fabrication process of memory devices, a void-free tungsten (W) gate process with good conformability is very important for improving the conductivity of the W gate, leading to enhancement of device performance.
Bioorthogonal pro-metabolites for profiling short chain fatty acylation
Authors: Sinclair Wilson R. , Shrimp Jonathan H. , Zengeya Thomas T. , Kulkarni Rhushikesh A. , Garlick Julie M. , Luecke Hans , Worth Andrew J. , Blair Ian A. , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Meier Jordan L.
Published: December 2017

A systematically designed panel of biorthogonal pro-metabolites was synthesized and evaluated as agents for tracing cellular short chain fatty acylation.
Cyanide-metal framework derived CoMoO4/Co3O4 hollow porous octahedrons as advanced anodes for high performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Yingying , Wang Yue , Shen Xiaoping , Cai Rong , Yang Hongxun , Xu Keqiang , Yuan Aihua , Ji Zhenyuan
Published: December 2017

In this work, CoMoO4/Co3O4 hollow porous octahedrons are synthesized by thermal conversion of a cyanide-metal framework (CMF) compound of Co2[Mo(CN)8]·xH2O.
Surface modification: activation and deactivation of osteogenic differentiation based on detachable growth factor protein
Authors: Guan Zhen-Yu , Chen Yi-Kai , Wu Chih-Yu , Wu Shinn-Chih , Yu Jiashing , Chen Hsien-Yeh
Published: December 2017

An advanced interface is modified by using a detachable poly-para-xylylene coating to immobilize BMP-2 with a mechanism to subsequently detach the BMP-2 at a programmable time point of interest, and the associated osteogenesis is controlled via an activated or deactivated activity.
MiR-29a: a potential therapeutic target and promising biomarker in tumors
Authors: Wang Jin-yan , Zhang Qian , Wang Dan-dan , Yan Wei , Sha Huan-huan , Zhao Jian-hua , Yang Su-jin , Zhang He-da , Hou Jun-chen , Xu Han-zi , He Yun-jie , Hu Jia-hua , Zhong Shan-liang , Tang Jin-hai
Published: December 2017

MiRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, were recognized to be associated with the incidence and development of diverse neoplasms. MiRNAs were small non-coding RNAs that could regulate post-transcriptional level by binding to 3′-UTR of target mRNAs. Amongst which, miR-29a was demonstrated that it had significant impact on oncogenicity in various neoplasms through binding to critical genes which enhanced or inhibited the progression of cancers. MiR-29a participated in kinds of physiological and pathological processes, including virus replication, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, fibrosis, angiogenesis, tumorigenicity, metastasis, drug-resistance, and so on. According to its sufficient sensitivity and specificity, many studies showed that miR-29a might serve as a potential therapeutic target and promising biomarker in various tumors. In this review, we discussed the functions of miR-29a and its potential application in the diagnosis, treatment and stages of carcinoma, which could provide additional insight to develop a novel therapeutic strategy.
The Listening and Spoken Language Data Repository: Design and Project Overview
Authors: Bradham Tamala S. , Fonnesbeck Christopher , Toll Alice , Hecht Barbara F.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the Listening and Spoken Language Data Repository (LSL-DR) was to address a critical need for a systemwide outcome data–monitoring program for the development of listening and spoken language skills in highly specialized educational programs for children with hearing loss highlighted in Goal 3b of the 2007 Joint Committee on Infant Hearing position statement supplement.

Method

The LSL-DR is a multicenter, international data repository for recording and tracking the demographics and longitudinal outcomes achieved by children who have hearing loss who are enrolled in private, specialized programs focused on supporting listening and spoken language development. Since 2010, annual speech-language-hearing outcomes have been prospectively obtained by qualified clinicians and teachers across 48 programs in 4 countries.

Results

The LSL-DR has been successfully implemented, bringing together the data collection efforts of these programs to create a large and diverse data repository of 5,748 children with hearing loss.

Conclusion

Due to the size and diversity of the population, the range of assessments entered, and the demographic information collected, the LSL-DR will provide an unparalleled opportunity to examine the factors that influence the development of listening in spoken language in this population.
Wideband rectangular dielectric resonator antenna for low‐profile applications
Authors: Abedian Mohammad , Oraizi Homayoon , Abdul Rahim Sharul Kamal , Danesh Shadi , Ramli Muhammad Ridduan , Jamaluddin Mohamad Haizal
Published: December 2017

A new wideband low‐profile omni‐directional dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented. By joining back‐to‐back two thin identical rectangular high‐permittivity dielectric resonators (DRs) and feeding the arrangement with a microstrip feed line inserted in‐between the DRs, an impedance bandwidth covering the frequency range from 4.78 to 12.32 GHz, or ∼88.2%, is achieved. Importantly, the measured results show that the proposed low‐profile DRA also provides a stable omni‐directional radiation pattern with low cross‐polarisation. The proposed antenna size is 12 × 24 × 2 mm3 or ∼0.191λ0 × 0.384λ0 × 0.032λ0 at 4.8 GHz.
Thermal analysis and reliability evaluation of cascaded H‐bridge MLPVI for grid‐connected applications
Authors: Ranjith Kumar Gatla , Zhu Guo Rong , Lu Jianghua , Chen Wei , Li Bo
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, great progress has been made in the development of multilevel inverters (MLIs) in grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, because of the advantages such as reduced voltage stress on the power semiconductor switches and having higher efficiency. Since the multilevel PV inverter (MLPVI) has been a critical part within the failures of a PV energy system, so it becomes important to predict the lifetime of the components and the MLPVI system. In this paper, a five‐level modular cascaded H‐bridge MLI is analyzed based on grid‐connected application for PV energy system, and an independent dc‐link voltage controller for each H‐bridge is implemented by taking the reference value generated from the maximum power point tracking algorithm of each PV module. The loss and thermal distributions of the different power devices in the MLPVI system are investigated and illustrated for various pulse‐width modulation (PWM) controllers. The junction temperature and power losses of the components in the MLPVI are simulated by MATLAB/Simulink and Piecewise Linear Electrical Circuit Simulation (PLECS) blockset, which validate the theoretical analysis. The reliability of the MLPVI is evaluated using parts stress method. It shows that the MLPVI has a good reliability when phase shift PWM control technique is used.
Use of Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Malignancy: Clinical Practice Experience in a Single Institution and Literature Review
Authors: Rago Anna , Papa Andrea , Meo Federica , Attena Emilio , Golino Paolo , D'Onofrio Antonio , Nigro Gerardo , Russo Vincenzo
Published: December 2017

This observational study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with malignancy. A total of 76 patients (mean age: 73.2 ± 8.9; 28 females) with AF and malignancy treated with NOAC were included in the analysis. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 3.2 ± 1.2 and 2.2 ± 0.9, respectively. The study population was taking dabigatran 150 mg (25%) twice daily (BID), apixaban 5 mg BID (25%), dabigatran 110 mg BID (24%), rivaroxaban 20 mg (18%) once a day (OD), rivaroxaban 15 mg OD (5%), or apixaban 2.5 mg OD (3%). NOAC therapy began, on average, 248 ± 238 days before malignancy diagnosis for an average duration of 1,000 ± 289 days. Stroke, transient ischemic attack, major and minor bleeding events, other adverse effects, and major cardiovascular complications during the follow-up period were collected. In our study population, no patients experienced thromboembolic events during therapy with any NOAC. We recorded a low global incidence of major bleeding (3.9%) with a mean annual incidence of 1.4%. No hemorrhagic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed. Only nine patients (11.8%) experienced minor bleeding. According to our data, anticoagulation therapy with NOACs seems to be an effective and safe treatment strategy for nonvalvular AF patients with malignancy.
Arthroscopic Reduction-Association of the Scapholunate with an Absorbable Screw
Authors: Ferrão Ana , Alves Sandra , Caetano Ruben , Teixeira Frederico , Jorge João
Published: December 2017

Background The treatment of chronic scapholunate instability is yet a controversial topic. Arthroscopic reduction-association scapholunate technique is a minimally invasive option in which a stable pseudoarthrosis at the scapholunate joint is obtained, allowing some degree of movement while maintaining the normal alignment of the wrist. The purpose of this study was to review the results of arthroscopic reduction-association scapholunate with an absorbable screw.

Methods We retrospectively evaluated patients with dynamic or static, but reducible, chronic scapholunate instability who underwent arthroscopic reduction-association scapholunate between 2012 and 2015. An absorbable headless compression screw was used in the technique.

Results A total of 33 patients (21 males, 12 females) were included. Average follow-up time was 17 months. At final follow-up, the average postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 18 (range, 8–46). The average postoperative grip strength was 30 kg, 73% of the uninjured side. The average extension-palmar flexion arc was 112 degrees, 79% of the uninjured side. The scapholunate angle decreased from 70 degrees preoperatively to 52 degrees postoperatively. In the cases of static lesion, the scapholunate interval decreased from 4.1 mm preoperatively to 2.8 mm at final follow-up. One patient had a breakage of the screw at 4 months, four developed a complex regional pain syndrome, one had a prominence of the screw at the waist of the scaphoid, and four maintained symptoms of instability. From these 10 patients, 5 were submitted to revision surgery.

Conclusion The arthroscopic reduction-association technique is capable of maintaining the reduction of the scapholunate joint and of improving symptoms, while preserving range-of-motion. The use of an absorbable screw is an option in this technique, and may diminish screw-related complications.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Intracranial Hemorrhages in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Bashir Rani , Vayalthrikkovil Sakeer , Espinoza Liza , Irvine Leigh , Scott James , Mohammad Khorshid
Published: December 2017

Introduction The risk factors of intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) in the context of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and related interventions are unclear.

Objective This article examines the prevalence and risk factors associated with ICH in neonates with HIE.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of neonates with HIE in Southern Alberta. ICH (subdural [SDH], subarachnoid [SAH], intraventricular [IVH], intraparenchymal [IPH]) were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Perinatal and neonatal characteristics were examined. Relation of hemorrhages with hypoxic changes on MRI and HIE stages were assessed.

Results Number of HIE patients, n = 157; brain MRI was done in 138 infants; median gestation, 40 weeks; and cooled = 103 (66%). Prevalence of SDH, IPH, IVH, and SAH were 47, 22, 11, and 10 (34.1%, 15.9%, 7.8%, 7.2%), respectively. There was no significant increase in hemorrhage with mode of delivery, seizures, hypo/hypercarbia, severe thrombocytopenia, or deranged coagulation. All hemorrhages increased with higher HIE stage, regardless of the HIE severity in MRI. Adjusting for HIE staging, cooling, and gestation, IPH was observed more in infants who received inotropes (odds ratio [OR], 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20, 9.20).

Conclusion SDH followed by IPH were the most common ICH. Thrombocytopenia and deranged coagulation did not increase risk of hemorrhages in HIE. Our study was not powered to determine the impact of inotrope use on the risk of IPH.
Puestow Procedure for the Management of Pediatric Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Hodgman Erica , Megison Steve , Murphy Joseph
Published: December 2017

Objective Recurrent pancreatitis significantly impacts childhood development and quality of life. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy of the Puestow procedure.

Materials and Methods After obtaining the Institutional Review Board approval, we reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent lateral pancreaticojejunostomy from January 1999 to January 2014. Statistical analysis was performed using paired Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test as appropriate.

Results During the 15-year study period, 13 patients underwent a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy for chronic pancreatitis. The most common causes of pancreatitis were hereditary (n = 5) or obstructive (n = 5); pancreas divisum (n = 2), one iatrogenic stricture, one idiopathic stricture, and one unresectable pancreatic head mass); two patients had idiopathic disease, and one case was drug-induced. Six patients had failed management with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and pancreatic duct stenting. Preoperatively, the median body mass index (BMI) percentile-for-age was 61.0% (range 11.0–99.0%). Median age at operation was 12.8 years (range 7.7–16.7). There were no deaths, four patients developed postoperative ileus, and one patient developed an intra-abdominal abscess, which resolved with antibiotics. Median postoperative length of stay was 7 days (range 5–15).

Two patients were lost to follow-up; median follow-up for the remaining 12 patients was 35.5 months (range 4.9–131.2). Four patients were readmitted within 90 days: three due to abdominal pain which were not recurrences of pancreatitis, and one due to complications of chemotherapy. Postoperatively, there was no change in the average BMI percentile-for-age (p = 0.64). Seven patients reported resolution or significant improvement in their abdominal pain symptoms at the time of last follow-up. Patients with obstructive causes of pancreatitis were not more likely to experience relief than those with nonobstructive causes (42.9 vs. 80.0%, p = 0.29).

Conclusion In our experience, lateral pancreaticojejunostomy results in durable improvement or resolution of abdominal pain symptoms in nearly 60% of patients with chronic pancreatitis regardless of etiology.
Single- and double-tunnel endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection for large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Zhai Yaqi , Chai Ningli , Linghu Enqiang , Li Huikai , Feng Xiuxue
Published: December 2017

Background and study aim Single-tunnel endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) has shown promising preliminary efficacy for large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SESCNs). This study reports the outcomes of both single- and double-tunnel ESTD for large SESCNs, and compares the efficiency of the two techniques for treating circumferential SESCNs.

Patients and methods 46 patients with large SESCNs underwent ESTD at a single hospital between October 2011 and March 2016. Relevant clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results For all patients, the en bloc and R0 resection rates were 95.7 % and 82.6 %, respectively. Perforation and cardiac mucosal laceration were detected in 2.2 % (1/46) and 6.5 % (3/46) of the procedures, respectively. Postoperative stenosis occurred in 12 patients (26.1 %). Of the 18 patients with circumferential lesions, those who received a double-tunnel ESTD procedure (n = 6) underwent dissection faster than those who had a single-tunnel ESTD procedure (n = 12) (0.32 vs. 0.12 cm2/min; P = 0.02).

Conclusion ESTD was effective for large SESCNs. The double-tunnel ESTD appeared to decrease operative time compared with single-tunnel ESTD for circumferential lesions.
Do We Need Plant Food Supplements? A Critical Examination of Quality, Safety, Efficacy, and Necessity for a New Regulatory Framework
Authors: Abdel-Tawab Mona
Published: December 2017

Given the expanding market of plant food supplements (PFSs) not undergoing any pre-marketing authorization, the overall quality, safety and efficacy of PFSs were subjected to a critical examination. Although many high-quality PFSs exist on the legal market, quality concerns are in general justified. Besides economic adulteration, active ingredients dramatically differing from label claims and among products were reported in several studies. In addition, PFSs sold via the Internet may be intentionally adulterated with undeclared prescription drugs. Compared to PFSs with only one single herb, PFSs containing herbal mixtures were more involved in moderate and severe clinical courses. Although prohibited by regulation, misleading labels on PFSs are common. Above all, only vague evidence for the efficacy of PFSs exists. Notwithstanding the unproven efficacy and insufficient safety assessment, PFSs represent a relevant source for consumers to get access to herbal preparations in the United States and meanwhile also in Europe, as launching of licensed/registered European herbal medicinal products (HMPs) has steadily decreased. However, being non-vitamin, non-mineral products, PFSs are neither food nor drugs. In terms of protecting public health and providing the consumer with high-quality, effective, and safe PFSs, possibilities are shown how to deal with the many challenges of PFSs. Last but not least, suggestions are made for assigning PFSs a separate regulatory category being less regulated compared to HMPs but more strictly regulated compared to food laws including implementation of good manufacturing practices and a scientific pre-marketing review process by an expert commission.
32.5.3.2 Enol Ethers (Update 2017)
Authors: Bartels F. , Zimmer R. , Christmann M.
Published: December 2017

In this chapter, recent methods for the preparation and elaboration of enol ethers are summarized. In addition to updates on classical methods, recently developed metal-catalyzed procedures are presented. The relevance of these methods is also demonstrated in the context of natural product synthesis.
40.1.1.5.2.4 The Mannich Reaction (Update 2017)
Authors: Schneider C. , Sickert M.
Published: December 2017

The Mannich reaction, one of the most fundamental C—C bond-forming reactions, is more than 100 years old and yet is still fascinating. This chapter is an update to the earlier Science of Synthesis contribution (Section 40.1.1.5.2) describing methods for the asymmetric synthesis of highly versatile β-amino carbonyl compounds and derivatives via Mannich reaction. This review predominantly focuses on recent developments in catalytic enantioselective and diastereoselective processes of direct, indirect, and vinylogous Mannich reactions using both metal-based catalysts as well as organocatalysts.
1.3.2 Domino Metathesis Reactions Involving Carbonyls
Authors: Renata H. , Engle K. M.
Published: December 2017

This review describes different methods to perform net carbonyl–alkene metathesis. Reactions of this type generally involve domino transformations employing organometallic reagents. Different conditions and procedures are surveyed and strategic applications of carbonyl–alkene metathesis in the synthesis of natural products are highlighted.
1.4.1 Peroxy Radical Additions
Authors: Hu X. , Maimone T. J.
Published: December 2017

In this chapter, radical addition reactions involving peroxy radical intermediates are reviewed. These transformations typically generate a carbon radical intermediate which then reacts with molecular oxygen forming a peroxy radical species. Following peroxy radical cyclization, various endoperoxide rings are constructed. Two major classes of reactions are discussed: (1) radical additions to alkenes and quenching with molecular oxygen, and (2) radical formation from the opening of cyclopropanes and incorporation of molecular oxygen. Various methods for radical initiation that are compatible with the presence of molecular oxygen are described.
1.4.3 Tandem Radical Processes
Authors: Parker K. A.
Published: December 2017

This review presents selected examples of regio- and stereospecific domino radical reactions developed in the context of total synthesis studies. The underlying strategies demonstrate the variety of connectivity patterns that can be generated by cascades of intra- and intermolecular bond-forming steps.