bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single-channel mechanism for pharmacological potentiation of GluN1/GluN2A NMDA receptors
Authors: Chopra Divyan A. , Sapkota Kiran , Irvine Mark W. , Fang Guangyu , Jane David E. , Monaghan Daniel T. , Dravid Shashank M.
Published: July 2017

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) contribute to several neuropathological processes. Novel positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of NMDARs have recently been identified but their effects on NMDAR gating remain largely unknown. To this end, we tested the effect of a newly developed molecule UBP684 on GluN1/GluN2A receptors. We found that UBP684 potentiated the whole-cell currents observed under perforated-patch conditions and slowed receptor deactivation. At the single channel level, UBP684 produced a dramatic reduction in long shut times and a robust increase in mean open time. These changes were similar to those produced by NMDAR mutants in which the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) are locked in the closed clamshell conformation by incorporating a disulfide bridge. Since the locked glutamate-binding clefts primarily contributes to receptor efficacy these results suggests that UBP684 binding may induce switch in conformation similar to glutamate LBD locked state. Consistent with this prediction UBP684 displayed greater potentiation of NMDARs with only the GluN1 LBD locked compared to NMDARs with only the GluN2 LBD locked. Docking studies suggest that UBP684 binds to the GluN1 and GluN2 LBD interface supporting its potential ability in stabilizing the LBD closed conformation. Together these studies identify a novel pharmacological mechanism of facilitating the function of NMDARs.
Hypothermia Prevents Retinal Damage Generated by Optic Nerve Trauma in the Rat
Authors: Rey-Funes Manuel , Larrayoz Ignacio M. , Contartese Daniela S. , Soliño Manuel , Sarotto Anibal , Bustelo Martín , Bruno Martín , Dorfman Verónica B. , Loidl César F. , Martínez Alfredo
Published: July 2017

Ocular and periocular traumatisms may result in loss of vision. Hypothermia provides a beneficial intervention for brain and heart conditions and, here, we study whether hypothermia can prevent retinal damage caused by traumatic neuropathy. Intraorbital optic nerve crush (IONC) or sham manipulation was applied to male rats. Some animals were subjected to hypothermia (8 °C) for 3 h following surgery. Thirty days later, animals were subjected to electroretinography and behavioral tests. IONC treatment resulted in amplitude reduction of the b-wave and oscillatory potentials of the electroretinogram, whereas the hypothermic treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reversed this process. Using a descending method of limits in a two-choice visual task apparatus, we demonstrated that hypothermia significantly (p < 0.001) preserved visual acuity. Furthermore, IONC-treated rats had a lower (p < 0.0001) number of retinal ganglion cells and a higher (p < 0.0001) number of TUNEL-positive cells than sham-operated controls. These numbers were significantly (p < 0.0001) corrected by hypothermic treatment. There was a significant (p < 0.001) increase of RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) and of BCL2 (p < 0.01) mRNA expression in the eyes exposed to hypothermia. In conclusion, hypothermia constitutes an efficacious treatment for traumatic vision-impairing conditions, and the cold-shock protein pathway may be involved in mediating the beneficial effects shown in the retina.
Mitigation of a nitrate reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and anaerobic biocorrosion using ciprofloxacin enhanced by D-tyrosine
Authors: Jia Ru , Yang Dongqing , Xu Dake , Gu Tingyue
Published: July 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a ubiquitous microbe. It can form recalcitrant biofilms in clinical and industrial settings. PA biofilms cause infections in patients. They also cause biocorrosion of medical implants. In this work, D-tyrosine (D-tyr) was investigated as an antimicrobial enhancer for ciprofloxacin (CIP) against a wild-type PA biofilm (strain PAO1) on C1018 carbon steel in a strictly anaerobic condition. Seven-day biofilm prevention test results demonstrated that 2 ppm (w/w) D-tyr enhanced 30 ppm CIP by achieving extra 2-log sessile cell reduction compared with the 30 ppm CIP alone treatment. The cocktail of 30 ppm CIP + 2 ppm D-tyr achieved similar efficacy as the 80 ppm CIP alone treatment in the biofilm prevention test. Results also indicated that the enhanced antimicrobial treatment reduced weight loss and pitting corrosion. In the 3-hour biofilm removal test, the cocktail of 80 ppm CIP + 5 ppm D-tyr achieved extra 1.5-log reduction in sessile cell count compared with the 80 ppm CIP alone treatment. The cocktail of 80 ppm CIP + 5 ppm D-tyr achieved better efficacy than the 150 ppm CIP alone treatment in the biofilm removal test.
The enzymatic epimerization of deoxynivalenol by Devosia mutans proceeds through the formation of 3-keto-DON intermediate
Authors: Hassan Yousef I. , He Jian Wei , Perilla Norma , Tang KaiJie , Karlovsky Petr , Zhou Ting
Published: July 2017

The enzymatic detoxification of deoxynivalenol (DON) is a promising mitigation strategy for addressing this mycotoxin contamination of cereal grains. A recently described bacterium, Devosia mutans 17-2-E-8, capable of transforming DON into its non-toxic stereoisomer 3-epi-DON, holds promise for the development of such applications. Earlier observations suggested that DON epimerization proceeds via a two-step catalysis with 3-keto-DON as an intermediate. The results of this study indicate that NADPH is required for DON epimerization by cell-free protein extracts of D. mutans, while high concentrations of glucose and sucrose have a suppressive effect. Chemically synthesized 3-keto-DON incubated with D. mutans protein fractions enriched by ammonium sulfate precipitation at 35–55% saturation selectively reduced 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON, but fell short of supporting the complete epimerization of DON. In addition, seven Devosia species investigated for DON epimerization were all able to reduce 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON, but only a few were capable of epimerizing DON. The above observations collectively confirm that the enzymes responsible for the oxidation of DON to 3-keto-DON are physically separate from those involved in 3-keto-DON reduction to 3-epi-DON. The enzymatic nature of DON epimerization suggests that the process could be used to develop genetically engineered crops or microorganisms, ultimately reducing foodborne exposure of consumers and farm animals to DON.
Xylapeptide A, an Antibacterial Cyclopentapeptide with an Uncommon L-Pipecolinic Acid Moiety from the Associated Fungus Xylaria sp. (GDG-102)
Authors: Xu Wei-Feng , Hou Xue-Mei , Yao Fei-Hua , Zheng Na , Li Jun , Wang Chang-Yun , Yang Rui-Yun , Shao Chang-Lun
Published: July 2017

Two new cyclopentapeptides, xylapeptide A (1) with an uncommon L-pipecolinic acid moiety, and xylapeptide B (2) having a common L-proline residue were identified from an associated fungus Xylaria sp. isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Sophora tonkinensis. Their planar structures were elucidated by a comprehensive analysis of NMR and MS spectroscopic spectra. The absolute configurations were determined by Marfey’s method and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (Cu Kα) analysis. Xylapeptide A (1) is the first example of cyclopentapeptide with L-Pip of terrestrial origin and showed strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and B. cereus with MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL.
Identification of reference genes for qRT-PCR in granulosa cells of healthy women and polycystic ovarian syndrome patients
Authors: Lv Yue , Zhao Shi Gang , Lu Gang , Leung Chi Kwan , Xiong Zhi Qiang , Su Xian Wei , Ma Jin Long , Chan Wai Yee , Liu Hong Bin
Published: July 2017

Comparative gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR is commonly used to detect differentially expressed genes in studies of PCOS pathology. Impaired GC function is strongly associated with PCOS pathogenesis, and a growing body of studies has been dedicated to identifying differentially expressed genes in GCs in PCOS patients and healthy women by qRT-PCR. It is necessary to validate the expression stability of the selected reference genes across the tested samples for target gene expression normalization. We examined the variability and stability of expression of the 15 commonly used reference genes in GCs from 44 PCOS patients and 45 healthy women using the GeNorm, BestKeeper, and NormFinder statistical algorithms. We combined the rankings of the three programs to produce a final ranking based on the geometric means of their stability scores. We found thatHPRT1,RPLP0, andHMBSout of 15 examined commonly used reference genes are stably expressed in GCs in both controls and PCOS patients and can be used for normalization in gene expression profiling by qRT-PCR. Future gene-expression studies should consider using these reference genes in GCs in PCOS patients for more accurate quantitation of target gene expression and data interpretation.
Cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules: increased diagnostic performance with combination of US TI-RADS and a new scoring system
Authors: He Ya-Ping , Xu Hui-Xiong , Zhao Chong-Ke , Sun Li-Ping , Li Xiao-Long , Yue Wen-Wen , Guo Le-Hang , Wang Dan , Ren Wei-Wei , Wang Qiao , Qu Shen
Published: July 2017

To investigate the diagnostic performance of combination of ultrasound (US) thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) and a new US scoring system for diagnosing thyroid nodules (TNs) with indeterminate results (Bethesda categories III, IV and V) on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. 453 patients with 453 cytologically indeterminate TNs were included in this study. Multivariate analyses were performed to construct the scoring system. The diagnostic performances of TI-RADS and the combined method were evaluated and compared. Multivariate analyses revealed that marked hypoechogenicity, taller than wide shape and absence of halo sign were independent predictors for malignancy in cytologically indeterminate TNs. Scoring system was thereafter defined as follows: risk score (RS) = 3.2 x (if marked hypoechogenicity) + 2.8 x (if taller than wide shape) + 1.3 x (if absence of halo sign). Compared with TI-RADS alone, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value (PPV) of the combined method increased significantly with 0.731 versus 0.569, 48.5% versus 14.1%, 76.2% versus 62.3%, and 70.9% versus 59.9%, respectively (all P < 0.05). The combination of TI-RADS and new US scoring system showed superior diagnostic performances in predicting malignant TNs with indeterminate FNA cytology results in comparison with TI-RADS alone.
Image Cytometric Analysis of Algal Spores for Evaluation of Antifouling Activities of Biocidal Agents
Authors: Il Koo Bon , Lee Yun-Soo , Seo Mintae , Seok Choi Hyung , Leng Seah Geok , Nam Taegu , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: July 2017

Chemical biocides have been widely used as marine antifouling agents, but their environmental toxicity impose regulatory restriction on their use. Although various surrogate antifouling biocides have been introduced, their comparative effectiveness has not been well investigated partly due to the difficulty of quantitative evaluation of their antifouling activity. Here we report an image cytometric method to quantitatively analyze the antifouling activities of seven commercial biocides using Ulva prolifera as a target organism, which is known to be a dominant marine species causing soft fouling. The number of spores settled on a substrate is determined through image analysis using the intrinsic fluorescence of chlorophylls in the spores. Pre-determined sets of size and shape of spores allow for the precise determination of the number of settled spores. The effects of biocide concentration and combination of different biocides on the spore settlement are examined. No significant morphological changes of Ulva spores are observed, but the amount of adhesive pad materials is appreciably decreased in the presence of biocides. It is revealed that the growth rate of Ulva is not directly correlated with the antifouling activities against the settlement of Ulva spores. This work suggests that image cytometric analysis is a very convenient, fast-processable method to directly analyze the antifouling effects of biocides and coating materials.
Development of Series of Affinity Tags in Streptomyces
Authors: Mao Xu-Ming , Sun Ning , Zheng Yang , Li Yong-Quan
Published: July 2017

Streptomycesare of great biological and industrial significance due to their complex morphological development and ability to produce numerous secondary metabolites. However, the intrinsic biochemical mechanisms underlying morphogenesis and secondary metabolism are rarely revealed, partially because of the limited availability of the biochemical tools inStreptomyces. Here we provided series of integrative vectors with various affinity tags, including single tags 3×FLAG, 3×HA, 3×Strep-tag II, 18×His, 13×Myc, and dual tags, all of which were driven from a strong constitutive promoterermEp*. Using a sigma factor SigT fromS. coelicoloras a model, we successfully expressed and immuno-detected SigT fused with all tags. Moreover, after SigT was N-terminally tagged with 3×FLAG and C-terminally tagged with 18×His, we isolated SigT-interactive proteins from theS. coelicolorlysate based on the tandem affinity purification (TAP). Particularly, among the proteins purified, the SigT cognate anti-sigma factor RstA ranked the top with the most total independent spectra. These data suggested the feasibility of these affinity tags inStreptomyces, which will be widely employed to explore the biochemical mechanisms to further understand the dynamic and elaborate regulation in this genus.
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibition Protected against Angiotensin II-induced Adventitial Remodeling
Authors: Zhou Chi , Huang Jin , Li Qing , Nie Jiali , Xu Xizhen , Wang Dao Wen
Published: July 2017

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), the metabolites of cytochrome P450 epoxygenases derived from arachidonic acid, exert important biological activities in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) hydrolyzes EETs to less biologically active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. However, the effects of sEH inhibition on adventitial remodeling remain inconclusive. In this study, the adventitial remodeling model was established by continuous Ang II infusion for 2 weeks in C57BL/6 J mice, before which sEH inhibitor 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU) was administered by gavage. Adventitial remodeling was evaluated by histological analysis, western blot, immunofluorescent staining, calcium imaging, CCK-8 and transwell assay. Results showed that Ang II infusion significantly induced vessel wall thickening, collagen deposition, and overexpression of α-SMA and PCNA in aortic adventitia, respectively. Interestingly, these injuries were attenuated by TPPU administration. Additionally, TPPU pretreatment overtly prevented Ang II-induced primary adventitial fibroblasts activation, characterized by differentiation, proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis via Ca2+-calcineurin/NFATc3 signaling pathway in vitro. In summary, our results suggest that inhibition of sEH could be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat adventitial remodeling related disorders.
The research infrastructure of Chinese foundations, a database for Chinese civil society studies
Authors: Ma Ji , Wang Qun , Dong Chao , Li Huafang
Published: July 2017

This paper provides technical details and user guidance on the Research Infrastructure of Chinese Foundations (RICF), a database of Chinese foundations, civil society, and social development in general. The structure of the RICF is deliberately designed and normalized according to the Three Normal Forms. The database schema consists of three major themes: foundations’ basic organizational profile (i.e., basic profile, board member, supervisor, staff, and related party tables), program information (i.e., program information, major program, program relationship, and major recipient tables), and financial information (i.e., financial position, financial activities, cash flow, activity overview, and large donation tables). The RICF’s data quality can be measured by four criteria: data source reputation and credibility, completeness, accuracy, and timeliness. Data records are properly versioned, allowing verification and replication for research purposes.
A comprehensive data set of lake surface water temperature over the Tibetan Plateau derived from MODIS LST products 2001–2015
Authors: Wan Wei , Li Huan , Xie Hongjie , Hong Yang , Long Di , Zhao Limin , Han Zhongying , Cui Yaokui , Liu Baojian , Wang Cunguang , Yang Wenting
Published: July 2017

Lake surface water temperature (LSWT) is sensitive to long-term changes in thermal structure of lakes and regional air temperature. In the context of global climate change, recent studies showed a significant warming trend of LSWT based on investigating 291 lakes (71% are large lakes, ≥50 km2 each) globally. However, further efforts are needed to examine variation in LSWT at finer regional spatial and temporal scales. The Tibetan Plateau (TP), known as ‘the Roof of the World’ and ‘Asia’s water towers’, exerts large influences on and is sensitive to regional and even global climates. Aiming to examine detailed changing patterns and potential driven mechanisms for temperature variations of lakes across the TP region, this paper presents the first comprehensive data set of 15-year (2001–2015) nighttime and daytime LSWT for 374 lakes (≥10 km2 each), using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Land Surface Temperature (LST) products as well as four lake boundary shapefiles (i.e., 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2014) derived from Landsat/CBERS/GaoFen-1 satellite images. The data set itself reveals significant information on LSWT and its changes over the TP and is an indispensable variable for numerous applications related to climate change, water budget analysis (particularly lake evaporation), water storage changes, glacier melting and permafrost degradation, etc.
Screening and identification of natural ligands of tyrosinase from Pueraria lobata Ohwi by a combination of ultrafiltration and LC-MS
Authors: Zhang Ge , Guo Xiu-Han , Wang Shi-Sheng , Li Yue-Qing , Li Guang-Zhe , Zhao Wei-Jie
Published: July 2017

Ultrafiltration combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS) is an efficient affinity-based method to screen potential ligands of biomacromolecules from natural sources.
Hill kinetics as a noise filter: the role of transcription factor autoregulation in gene cascades
Authors: Ochab-Marcinek Anna , Jędrak Jakub , Tabaka Marcin
Published: July 2017

Multiple genes under control of a single, self-regulating regulator can exhibit different (binary or graded) responses to the same signal.
Density functional theory study on the metal–support interaction between a Au9 cluster and an anatase TiO2(001) surface
Authors: Jiang Zong-You , Zhao Zong-Yan
Published: July 2017

The microstructure and electronic structure of three different Au9 isomers loaded on anatase TiO2(001) surface were studied. The adsorption energy of Au9 2D configuration is larger than that of 3D configuration, owing to the stronger interactions with more adsorption sites.
Supported two- and three-dimensional vanadium oxide species on the surface of β-SiC
Authors: Carrero Carlos A. , Burt Samuel P. , Huang Fangying , Venegas Juan M. , Love Alyssa M. , Mueller Philipp , Zhu Hao , Grant Joseph T. , Mathison Ricardo , Hanraham Michael P. , Rossini Aaron , Ball Madelyn , Dumesic James , Hermans Ive
Published: July 2017

Dispersing two-dimensional VOx species on β-SiC offers a new approach to scale up propane ODH.
Synthesis and characterization of single-crystalline Bi2O2SiO3 nanosheets with exposed {001} facets
Authors: Ding Shuoping , Xiong Xuyang , Liu Xiufan , Shi Yiqiu , Jiang Qingqing , Hu Juncheng
Published: July 2017

Bismuth oxide silicate (Bi2O2SiO3) single-crystalline nanosheets with exposed {001} facets were synthesized for the first time via a facile one-step CTAB-assisted hydrothermal method in the presence of NaOH.
Magnetic circular dichroism and density functional theory studies of electronic structure and bonding in cobalt(ii)–N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Iannuzzi Theresa E. , Gao Yafei , Baker Tessa M. , Deng Liang , Neidig Michael L.
Published: July 2017

The combination of simple cobalt salts and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands has been highly effective in C–H functionalization, hydroarylation and cross-coupling catalysis, though displaying a strong dependence on the identity of the NHC ligand.
pH-Driven preparation of two related platinum(ii) complexes exhibiting distinct cytotoxic properties
Authors: Molas Saborit Jordi , Caubet Amparo , Brissos Rosa F. , Korrodi-Gregório Luís , Pérez-Tomás Ricardo , Martínez Manuel , Gamez Patrick
Published: July 2017

A distinct cytotoxic/DNA interaction behaviour has been observed for a pair of aqua/hydroxido/chlorido equilibrium related PtII complex structures. The equilibrium is shifted between {PtII(NN)} and {PtII(NNO)} cores as a function of pCl and pH.
A Cd(ii)-based MOF as a photosensitive Schottky diode: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Halder Shibashis , Dey Arka , Bhattacharjee Aradhita , Ortega-Castro Joaquín , Frontera Antonio , Ray Partha Pratim , Roy Partha
Published: July 2017

A Cd(ii) based 2D MOF shows photosensitive Schottky diode character. Light of a certain wavelength changes some bond lengths within the MOF. This leads to the reduction in the energy needed for the allowed electronic transition showing enhanced current conduction.
N-Heterocyclic carbene adducts of the heavier group 15 tribromides. Normal to abnormal isomerism and bromide ion abstraction
Authors: Waters Jordan B. , Chen Qien , Everitt Thomas A. , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: July 2017

The reactivity of the heavier group 15 tribromides, SbBr3 and BiBr3, towards 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr) is described.
Comparison of air samplers for determination of isocyanic acid and applicability for work environment exposure assessment
Authors: Jankowski Mikolaj Jan , Olsen Raymond , Thomassen Yngvar , Molander Paal
Published: July 2017

This study presents the applicability of three different sampling methods for isocyanic acid (ICA) in workroom air, followed by a field assessment using a chemosorbtive denuder sampler.
Structure-optimized dihydropyranoindole derivative GIBH-LRA002 potentially reactivated viral latency in primary CD4+ T lymphocytes of chronic HIV-1 patients
Authors: Yang Qing , Ding Yuyang , Feng Fengling , Pan Enxiang , Fan Xiaozhen , Ma Xiuchang , Chen Ling , Zhao Junling , Sun Caijun
Published: July 2017

Based on structure modification and a high-throughput Jurkat-Lat cell screening model, we found that GIBH-LRA002 effectively reactivated the latent proviruses but without inducing systemic activation, making this compound attractive for potentially treating HIV-1 infection.
Oligoanilines as a suppressor of polysulfide shuttling in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Chang Chi-Hao , Chung Sheng-Heng , Han Pauline , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: July 2017

Amine-capped aniline trimer (ACAT) with a strong interaction with polysulfides (LiPS) facilitates the formation of bulky ACAT–LiPS complexes, which are then size-selectively sieved and stabilized within the cathode in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Reversible solid-state thermochromism of a 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite structure based on iodoplumbate and 2-aminomethyl-pyridine
Authors: Yu Hui , Wei ZhenHong , Hao YanHuan , Liang ZhiWen , Fu ZhengJiang , Cai Hu
Published: July 2017

An organic–inorganic hybrid solid [(PyCH2NH3)6][Pb5I22]·3H2O with a 2D inorganic layer exhibited a reversible color change from orange to red at 80 °C in the solid state.
Scale-dependent rotational diffusion of nanoparticles in polymer solutions
Authors: Maldonado-Camargo Lorena , Yang Chuncheng , Rinaldi Carlos
Published: July 2017

It is shown that the rotational diffusivity of nanoparticles in polymer solutions spanning the dilute to semi-dilute regimes deviates from the predictions of the Stokes–Einstein (SE) relationship, and that this deviation can be explained by the existence of a polymer depletion layer with the viscosity of the bath solvent.
Real-time atomic scale observation of void formation and anisotropic growth in II–VI semiconducting ribbons
Authors: Huang Xing , Jones Travis , Fan Hua , Willinger Marc-Georg
Published: July 2017

Void formation and anisotropic growth in ZnS ribbons have been studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy.
Carbon nanofiber high frequency nanomechanical resonators
Authors: Lee Jaesung , Kaul Anupama B. , Feng Philip X.-L.
Published: July 2017

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesized using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process are investigated as a new class of building blocks for high-frequency vibrating nanomechanical resonators.
Detection of methylation on dsDNA using nanopores in a MoS2 membrane
Authors: Shim Jiwook , Banerjee Shouvik , Qiu Hu , Smithe Kirby K. H. , Estrada David , Bello Julian , Pop Eric , Schulten Klaus , Bashir Rashid
Published: July 2017

Methylation in DNA has been shown to be a reliable diagnostic biomarker for carcinogenesis.
WSe2 few layers with enzyme mimic activity for high-sensitive and high-selective visual detection of glucose
Authors: Chen T. M. , Wu X. J. , Wang J. X. , Yang G. W.
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate that WSe2 nanosheets possess intrinsic enzyme mimic activity, and a platform of WSe2 nanosheets was constructed to detect glucose concentration, which showed high-sensitive and high-selective.
Ionic selectivity and filtration from fragmented dehydration in multilayer graphene nanopores
Authors: Sahu Subin , Zwolak Michael
Published: July 2017

Graphene layering gives an additional “knob” to tune nanopore ion selectivity and exclusion due to dehydration.
Tumor-targeted nanoprobes for enhanced multimodal imaging and synergistic photothermal therapy: core–shell and dumbbell Gd-tailored gold nanorods
Authors: Yin Jinchang , Chen Deqi , Wu Shuangshuang , Li Chaorui , Liu Lizhi , Shao Yuanzhi
Published: July 2017

Core–shell and dumbbell Gd-based nanoparticle-tailored gold nanorods were designed for combining magnetic resonance luminescence multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy.
Efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting on ultrasmall defect-rich TaOx nanoclusters enhanced by size-selected Pt nanocluster promoters
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Thomas Joseph Palathinkal , Heinig Nina , Abd-Ellah Marwa , Rahman Md Anisur , Leung Kam Tong
Published: July 2017

Water splitting performance of metal oxide nanocluster photocatalysts can be greatly enhanced by size-selected nanocluster promoters.
Nanoscale steady-state temperature gradients within polymer nanocomposites undergoing continuous-wave photothermal heating from gold nanorods
Authors: Maity Somsubhra , Wu Wei-Chen , Tracy Joseph B. , Clarke Laura I. , Bochinski Jason R.
Published: July 2017

Anisotropically-shaped metal nanoparticles act as nanoscale heatersviaexcitation of a localized surface plasmon resonance, utilizing a photothermal effect which converts the optical energy into local heat.
A facile I2-catalyzed synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via sp3 C–H functionalization of azaarenes and evaluation of anticancer activity
Authors: Mani Geeta Sai , Shaik Siddiq Pasha , Tangella Yellaiah , Bale Swarna , Godugu Chandraiah , Kamal Ahmed
Published: July 2017

A three component synthetic protocol has been developed for the synthesis of medicinally important imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via the iodine-catalyzed oxidative amination of benzylic C–H bonds of azaarenes. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-cancer activity.
Chemical optimization of macrocyclic HIV-1 inactivators for improving potency and increasing the structural diversity at the triazole ring
Authors: Rashad Adel A. , Acharya Kriti , Haftl Ann , Aneja Rachna , Dick Alexej , Holmes Andrew P. , Chaiken Irwin
Published: July 2017

HIV-1 entry inhibition remains an urgent need for AIDS drug discovery. cPTs belong to a class of entry inhibitors that block Env binding to cellular receptors and trigger Env-gp120 shedding.
Enzyme-instructed self-assembly with photo-responses for the photo-regulation of cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Zhengquan , Xie Xian , Yi Qikun , Yin Wencui , Kadi Adnan A. , Li Jinbo , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2017

Enzyme-instructed self-assembly was regulated by photo-irradiation to turn on the fluorescence as well as to induce a disassembly process.
Multifunctional porous Tröger's base polymers with tetraphenylethene units: CO2adsorption, luminescence and sensing properties
Authors: Cui Yuanzheng , Liu Yuchuan , Liu Jiancong , Du Jianfeng , Yu Yue , Wang Shun , Liang Zhiqiang , Yu Jihong
Published: July 2017

A luminescent porous Tröger's base polymer with a tetraphenylethene unit was synthesized. It shows selective adsorption for CO2and luminescent sensing abilities for Cu2+ions and picric acid.
Polyetheramine (PEA): a versatile platform to tailor the properties of hydrogels via H-bonding interactions
Authors: Zhang Changxu , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Xinhui , Shi Zixing , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Tian Ming
Published: July 2017

Hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties, fast pH response and reshaping ability were prepared by dual H-bonding interactions.
Phenyl acrylate is a versatile monomer for the synthesis of acrylic diblock copolymer nano-objects via polymerization-induced self-assembly
Authors: Canning S. L. , Cunningham V. J. , Ratcliffe L. P. D. , Armes S. P.
Published: July 2017

Poly(phenyl acrylate) has a sufficiently high glass transition temperature to enable TEM studies of the morphology of diblock copolymer nano-objects prepared using three different polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) formulations.
Synthesis and application of stilbenoid phenothiazine dendrimers as additives for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ravivarma Mahalingam , Satheeshkumar Chinnadurai , Ganesan Shanmugam , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: July 2017

In DSSCs, the solar energy conversion reaches a maximum of 7.3% while using a phenothiazine dendrimer as an additive.
Investigation on the effect of known potent S. aureus NorA efflux pump inhibitors on the staphylococcal biofilm formation
Authors: Sabatini Stefano , Piccioni Miranda , Felicetti Tommaso , De Marco Stefania , Manfroni Giuseppe , Pagiotti Rita , Nocchetti Morena , Cecchetti Violetta , Pietrella Donatella
Published: July 2017

The emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms has triggered the impending need of developing effective antibacterial strategies.
On the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in 1 M HCl with a pyridinium-ionic liquid: chemical, thermodynamic, kinetic and electrochemical studies
Authors: Ben Aoun Sami
Published: July 2017

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of 1-hexylpyridinium bromide for carbon steel in molar hydrochloric acid has been investigated by gravimetric, linear polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques.
Computational assignments of lattice vibrations of ice Ic
Authors: Yuan Zhen-Yu , Zhang Peng , Yao Shu-kai , Lu Ying-Bo , Yang Hao-Zhi , Luo Hui-Wen , Zhao Zeng-Ji
Published: July 2017

Herein,viathe first-principles density functional theory, CASTEP code, we investigated the 15 vibrational normal modes of ferroelectric hydrogen-ordered phase of ice Ic and the two peaks of hydrogen bond are clarified.
Protic salt-based nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon for simultaneous electrochemical detection of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii)
Authors: Qin Danfeng , Xu Ruiyu , Shen Hangjia , Mamat Xamxikamar , Wang Le , Gao Shanshuang , Wang Ying , Yalikun Nuerbiya , Wagberg Thomas , Zhang Shiguo , yuan Qunhui , Li Yongtao , Hu Guangzhi
Published: July 2017

Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (NMC) derived from a single small-molecule protic salt (p-phenylenediamine bisulfate) is used for sensing toxic heavy metal ions.
Synthetic studies en route to the first total synthesis of a naturally occurring quinone from Acorus gramineus, iso-merrilliaquinone, iso-magnoshinin and 2-epi-3,4-dihydro magnoshinin
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Das Oindreela , Kaurav Manvendra Singh , Khan Tabrez
Published: July 2017

An elegant Diels–Alder based approach has been demonstrated for the first racemic total synthesis of gramineusquinone B, iso-merrilliaquinone, iso-magnoshinin and 2-epi-3,4-dihydro magnoshinin.
Preparation of low density amorphous poly(aryletherketone) foams and the study of influence factors of the cell morphology
Authors: Zhao Jiyong , Wang Zhipeng , Wang Honghua , Zhou Guangyuan
Published: July 2017

Low-density amorphous PAEK foams were prepared and the influencing factors were studied in detail.
Surfactant-assisted solvothermal synthesis of NiCo2O4 as an anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yehua , Wu Xianwen , Wang Suliang , Wang Wenqi , Xiang Yanhong , Dai Chunhui , Liu Zhixiong , He Zeqiang , Wu Xianming
Published: July 2017

The as-prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles through microemulsion-solvothermal growth and subsequent calcination in air exhibits excellent rate performance and cyclic stability.
Facile synthesis of Au/Pd nano-dogbones and their plasmon-enhanced visible-to-NIR light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Yin Yueyue , Yang Yong , Zhang Liangzhu , Li Yongsheng , Li Zhiyuan , Lei Weiwei , Ma Yunfeng , Huang Zhengren
Published: July 2017

Au/Pd nano-dogbones are efficient for hydrogen production from formic acid under visible-to-NIR light irradiation.
The superior desorption properties of MgCl2-added ammonia borane compared to MgF2-added systems—the unexpected role of MgCl2 interacting with [NH3] units
Authors: Ding Xiaoli , Feng Jingjing , Xia Tianlai , Yuan Xiaomin , Liu Dongming , Li Yongtao , Zhang Qingan
Published: July 2017

MgCl2 unexpectedly interacts with [NH3] units in NH3BH3, analogous to the amine complex of Mg(NH3)xCl2, resulting in superior desorption.
Enhanced hydrogen storage properties of a dual-cation (Li+, Mg2+) borohydride and its dehydrogenation mechanism
Authors: Zhang Liuting , Zheng Jiaguang , Xiao Xuezhang , Fan Xiulin , Huang Xu , Yang Xinlin , Chen Lixin
Published: July 2017

The dehydrogenation temperature and kinetics of LiBH4 could be significantly modified by altering the χp of Li ions.
Deciphering chemical bonding in BnHn2−(n = 2–17): flexible multicenter bonding
Authors: Shen Yan-Fang , Xu Chang , Cheng Long-Jiu
Published: July 2017

Deciphering flexible multicenter bonding incloso-borane dianions BnHn2−.
pH-Responsive nanoparticles based on ibuprofen prodrug as drug carriers for inhibition of primary tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Wei Zeliang , Ma Limei , Xu Yao , Xing Zhihua , Niu Hai , Wang Haibo , Huang Wen
Published: July 2017

Cancer metastases represent a major determinant of mortality in patients with cancer.
Association of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase1 rs7214723 polymorphism with lung cancer risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Da , Zhong Fangming , Chen Ye
Published: July 2017

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CAMK) kinase1 (CAMKK1) could specifically recognize and activate CAMK I and IV. Furthermore, the activation of CAMK showed positive correlation in proliferation of lung cancer (LC). In addition, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified rs7214723 (E375G) in the CAMKK1 gene as a susceptibility locus for LC in the U.K. population. Therefore, we conducted a case–control study involving 320 LC patients and 320 controls to validate this conclusion in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using a custom-by-design 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Scan™ Kit. Our results indicated that the individuals with CC genotype of rs7214723 polymorphism had the higher risk of LC than those who carried TT genotype. Moreover, CAMKK1 rs7214723 polymorphism showed positive correlation with the elevated risk of LC in the allelic model and recessive model, but not in the dominant model. Stratified analysis further confirmed this significant association in male groups and smokers. In conclusion, CAMKK1 rs7214723 polymorphism may be associated with the increased risk of LC. However, larger studies with more diverse ethnic populations are needed to confirm these results.
CX3CR1 modulates the anti-inflammatory activity of hepatic dendritic cells in response to acute liver injury
Authors: Sutti Salvatore , Heymann Felix , Bruzzì Stefania , Peusquens Julia , Trautwein Christian , Albano Emanuele , Tacke Frank
Published: July 2017

The chemokine fractalkine (C–X3–C motif chemokine ligand 1, CX3CL1) and its receptor (C–X3–C motif chemokine receptor 1, CX3CR1) are known to mediate leukocyte chemotaxis, adhesion, and survival. In the liver, CX3CR1 is expressed on multiple cell types including monocytes and dendritic cells. However, the function of CX3CR1 on hepatic dendritic cells (HDCs) is still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of CX3CR1 on mouse HDCs during homeostasis and following acute liver injury. At homeostasis, CX3CR1 expression was detected amongst CD11b+/CD103− type 2 myeloid HDCs (mHDCs) and these cells were characterized by the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10). Mice treatment with the hepatotoxic agent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) up-regulated liver IL-10 expression and stimulated the expansion of CX3CR1+ mHDCs which also showed a more mature phenotype. The absence of CX3CR1 in naïve CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice specifically reduced the CD11b+/IL-10+ mHDCs as compared with CX3CR1-proficient animals (CX3CR1+/gfp). Following CCl4 poisoning, the liver recruitment and maturation of CD11b+ mHDCs was significantly attenuated in CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice. Furthermore, these mice suffered more severe hepatic injury and inflammation than CX3CR1+/gfp mice and showed a delated recovery from liver damage. Such a worsening of liver injury in CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice was associated with an impaired up-regulation of hepatic IL-10 expression and a lower number of IL-10 producing CD11b+ mHDCs. Consistently, IL-10 inactivation enhanced hepatic injury and inflammation in CX3CR1+/gfp mice receiving CCl4. Altogether, these data indicate a novel role of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in liver type 2 mHDC functions, pointing out the importance of CX3CR1 in promoting IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory actions of HDCs.
An adaptive nonmonotone trust region method based on a modified scalar approximation of the Hessian in the successive quadratic subproblems
Authors: Rezaee Saeed , Babaie-Kafaki Saman
Published: July 2017

Based on a modified secant equation, we propose a scalar approximation of the Hessian to be used in the trust region subproblem. Then, we suggest an adaptive nonmonotone trust region algorithm with a simple quadratic model. Under proper conditions, it is briefly shown that the proposed algorithm is globally and locally superlinearly convergent. Numerical experiments are done on a set of unconstrained optimization test problems of the CUTEr collection, using the Dolan-Moré performance profile. They demonstrate efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Numerical solution for the performance characteristics of the M/M/C/K retrial queue with negative customers and exponential abandonments by using value extrapolation method
Authors: Nesrine Zidani , Spiteri Pierre , Djellab Natalia
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with a retrial queueing system M/M/C/K with exponential abandonment at which positive and negative primary customers arrive according to Poisson processes. This model is of practical interest: it permits to analyze the performance in call centers or multiprocessor computer systems. For model under study, we find the ergodicity condition and also the approximate solution by applying Value Extrapolation method which includes solving of some algebraic system of equations. To this end, we have resolved the algebraic system in question by different numerical methods. We present also numerical results to analyze the system performance.
Lewis Acid Mediated Cyclizations: Diastereoselective Synthesis of Six- to Eight-Membered Substituted Cyclic Ethers
Authors: Ghosh Arun , Tomaine Anthony , Cantwell Kelsey
Published: July 2017

Cyclic ethers are widely abundant in natural products. Cyclic ether templates are also utilized in drug design and medicinal chemistry. Although the synthetic processes for this class of compounds have been studied extensively with respect to five- and six-membered rings, medium-sized cyclic ethers are synthetically more challenging due to a variety of factors. Herein, we report our results on the Lewis acid catalyzed synthesis of medium-sized cyclic ethers in a diastereoselective manner.
Factors Associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Sano Fumikazu , Ohyama Tetsuo , Sugita Kanji , Aihara Masao , Kanemura Hideaki
Published: July 2017

The relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) in children is not well understood. Patients with FLE between 6 and 15 years of age were studied. Scores on the ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) were obtained at baseline. Behavioral changes were evaluated using the ADHD-RS scores at 6, 12, and 24 months after seizure onset. Perseverative errors of Nelson (PEN) scales on WCST were also evaluated at same time periods. The relationships between clinical manifestations and neuropsychological disturbances were analyzed. In 34 patients, the ADHD-RS score at 24 months after onset was most strongly associated with the presence of status epilepticus (SE, p = 0.004, β = 0.490) followed by seizure frequency (p = 0.021, β = 0.382). The increase in ADHD-RS score was most strongly associated with seizure frequency (p < 0.001, β = 0.635). The PEN score on WCST at 24 months was most strongly associated with seizure frequency (p = 0.001, β = 0.724). The increase in PEN score on WCST was most strongly associated with seizure frequency (p = 0.001, β = 0.872). The only clinical factor associated with both the ADHD-RS and the PEN scores on the WCST was seizure frequency. Seizure frequency may be correlated with risk for ADHD in children with FLE.
Pitfalls in Diagnosis of Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Triana Junco Paloma , Sánchez Galán Alba , Prieto Gerardo , Ramos Esther , Muñoz Romo Martha , Gómez Cervantes Manuel , Hernández Francisco , Martínez Leopoldo , López Santamaría Manuel , Dore Mariela
Published: July 2017

Aim The onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients younger than the age of 5 years is rare. Moreover, when there is exclusive colonic inflammation, diagnosis can be challenging. Our aim was to describe the difficulties and pitfalls in the diagnosis of early-onset IBD (eoIBD) and their repercussions in treatment decisions.

Patients and Methods Patients with eoIBD (Crohn's disease [CD], ulcerative, and unclassified colitis) treated at our center between 1990 and 2016 were studied retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, medical, and surgical treatment data were analyzed.

Results A total of 19 patients were diagnosed with eoIBD at 21 (1–46) months of age. Bloody diarrhea, growth failure, and abdominal pain were present in 90, 42, and 16%, respectively. After 9 (1–62) months from the onset, patients were classified as ulcerative colitis (nine), CD (two), and unclassified colitis (eight). Unresponsiveness to medical treatment was observed in 10 and prompted surgical assessment. A partial colectomy was performed in one, and nine underwent a total colectomy (one end stoma and eight ileoanal anastomosis [IAA]). At least one surgical complication occurred in 80% and ultimately six patients with an IAA required an end stoma. Overtime, final diagnosis of 5 out of the 10 surgical patients changed due to biopsy findings, unresponsiveness to medical treatment, or extraintestinal and perianal manifestations. After a 12-year (1–22) follow-up, 57.9% of the diagnoses of all patients were modified.

Conclusion EoIBD poses a challenge due to ambiguous presentation and absence of specific diagnostic tests. Surgical evaluation is often needed and surgeons must be mindful of possible initial misdiagnosis, in addition to short- and long-term outcomes before deciding aggressive surgical measures as well as intestinal reconstruction.
Suspensory Tethers and Critical Point Membrane Displacement in Endolymphatic Hydrops
Authors: Pender Daniel
Published: July 2017

Introduction Grossly displaced membranes are characteristic of endolymphatic hydrops. The process whereby physiological membrane displacement becomes pathological may be mediated by stress, but the membrane biomechanics underlying this transition are unclear.

Objective This study seeks to determine the role of suspensory tethers during pressure-induced membrane displacement in the generation of the membranous lesions seen in this disease entity using a biomechanical model approach.

Methods The location of membrane suspensory tethers was identified histologically. The influence of tethers on model membrane configuration during displacement was assessed graphically. The relationship of membrane configuration during displacement to curvature radius was quantified trigonometrically. The relationship of curvature radius to stress susceptibility was determined mathematically. The net effect of suspensory tethers on membrane stress levels for various degrees of membrane distention and displacement was then calculated numerically.

Results In the inferior labyrinth, suspensory tethers are found to occur on the membranes' boundaries. Such tethering is found to impose a biphasic effect on membrane curvature with increasing degrees of displacement. As a consequence, tensile stress susceptibility is found to decline with initial membrane displacement to a critical point nadir beyond which stress then increases monotonically. No such effect was found for the superior labyrinth.

Conclusion Boundary tethers in the inferior labyrinth are associated with significant tensile stress reductions until a critical point of membrane displacement is reached. Displacements short of the critical point may be physiological and even reversible, whereas such displacements beyond the critical point are apt to be overtly hydropic and irreversible.
Vermeidung unbeabsichtigter perioperativer Hypothermie: ein Leitfaden
Authors: Iden Timo , Höcker Jan
Published: July 2017

Die unbeabsichtigte perioperative Hypothermie (Körperkerntemperatur < 36 °C) ist ein potenziell komplikationsträchtiges, schwerwiegendes Ereignis: Sie führt zu einer erhöhten Inzidenz an Wundinfektionen und vermehrten Blutverlusten/Transfusionsbedarf. Dieser Beitrag thematisiert die praktische Umsetzung der AWMF-S3-Leitlinie „Vermeidung von perioperativer Hypothermie“ von 2014 1. Er soll als Leitfaden für die tägliche klinische Arbeit dienen.
Verstehen statt fachsimpeln
Authors: Uhl Birgit Beatrix
Published: July 2017

Wie gelingen die Phasen der Bezugspflege? Damit Patienten bereit sind,
sich selbst zu reflektieren, ressourcenorientiert zu denken und zu handeln,
benötigen sie vor allem Empathie von Seiten der Pflegenden. Aufbauend auf dem
RokoKom-Konzept und dem Pflegemodell nach Marie-Luise Friedemann stellt unsere
Autorin anhand eines Fallbeispiels dar, wie eine tragfähige Beziehung gestaltet
werden kann, in der der Patient sich verstanden und angenommen fühlt.
Zertifizierung des Qualitätsmanagements nach DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
Authors: Enders Christian , Lang Gabriele , Lang Gerhard , Werner Jens
Published: July 2017

Sinnvoll genutztes Qualitätsmanagement verbessert die Strukturen, Prozesse und Ergebnisse von Organisationen verschiedenster Art. Viele Praxen und Kliniken lassen ihr vorhandenes Qualitätsmanagementsystem gemäß ISO 9001 zertifizieren, u. a. um das eigene Qualitätsmanagementsystem zu überprüfen oder um ein Zeugnis gegenüber Dritten zu erhalten. Die neueste Version ISO 9001:2015 enthält einige Veränderungen; sowohl strukturell als auch inhaltlich. Diesen Veränderungen kann mit vertretbarem Aufwand entsprochen werden. Eine Zertifizierung nach ISO 9001:2015 stellt einen Mehrwert für die eigene Organisation dar, diese Vorteile sind aber oft nicht direkt messbar.