bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of wire fretting on the corrosion resistance of common medical alloys
Authors: Siddiqui Danyal A. , Sivan Shiril , Weaver Jason D. , Di Prima Matthew
Published: September 2016

Metallic medical devices such as intravascular stents can undergo fretting damage in vivo that might increase their susceptibility to pitting corrosion. As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration has recommended that such devices be evaluated for corrosion resistance after the devices have been fatigue tested in situations where significant micromotion can lead to fretting damage. Three common alloys that cardiovascular implants are made from [MP35N cobalt chromium (MP35N), electropolished nitinol (EP NiTi), and 316LVM stainless steel (316LVM)] were selected for this study. In order to evaluate the effect of wire fretting on the pitting corrosion susceptibility of these medical alloys, small and large fretting scar conditions of each alloy fretting against itself, and the other alloys in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C were tested per ASTM F2129 and compared against as received or PBS immersed control specimens. Although the general trend observed was that fretting damage significantly lowered the rest potential (Er) of these specimens (p < 0.01), fretting damage had no significant effect on the breakdown potential (Eb, p > 0.05) and hence did not affect the susceptibility to pitting corrosion. In summary, our results demonstrate that fretting damage in PBS alone is not sufficient to cause increased susceptibility to pitting corrosion in the three common alloys investigated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2487–2494, 2017.
Role of Protein Kinase G and Reactive Oxygen Species in the Regulation of Podocyte Function in Health and Disease
Authors: Piwkowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2016

Podocytes and their foot processes form an important cellular layer of the glomerular barrier involved in the regulation of glomerular permeability. Disturbing the function of podocytes plays a central role in the development of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Retraction of the podocyte foot processes that form slit diaphragms is a common feature of proteinuria; although, the correlation between these events in not well understood. Notably, it is unclear whether podocyte foot processes are able to regulate slit diaphragm permeability and glomerular ultrafiltration. The occurrence of reactive oxygen species generation, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia characterizes early stages of type 2 diabetes. Protein kinase G type I alpha (PKGIα) is an intracellular target for vasorelaxant factors. It is activated in both cGMP‐dependent and cGMP‐independent manners. Recently, we demonstrated a relationship between oxidative stress, PKGIα activation, actin reorganization, and changes in the permeability of the filtration barrier. This review discusses how redox imbalance affects both the activity of PKGIα and PKGI‐dependent signaling pathways in podocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 691–697, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging in identifying the vascular and avascular zones of human meniscus
Authors: Guo Tan , Chen Juan , Wu Bing , Zheng Dandan , Jiao Sheng , Song Yan , Chen Min
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To investigate the hypothesis that the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging may depict microcirculation of meniscus and the perfusion changes in meniscal disorder.

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients received diffusion‐weighted MRI with multiple b‐values ranging from 0 to 400 s/mm2. The four horns of the menisci were divided into normal, degenerated, and torn groups. IVIM parameters including perfusion fraction (f), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*), true diffusion coefficient (D), and the product of f and D* (f D*) of normal meniscal red zone and white zone were derived and compared for microcirculation changes of normal, degenerated, and torn posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PMM). The parameters between red and white zones among the groups were compared. Significant differences were considered when P < 0.05.

Results

Mean f and fD* were significantly higher in the red zone than those in the white zone for the normal four meniscal horns (P < 0.05), whereas D* (P = 0.882, 0.011, 0.593, and 0.33) and D (P = 0.186, 0.099, 0.767, and 0.041) did not significantly differ between the two zones. Among the normal, degenerated, and torn PMM, f was observed to be lower in the red zone of torn horns as compared to the normal horns (P = 0.013). D*, fD*, and D did not exhibit statistically significant difference among different groups (P = 0.353, 0.661, and 0.327, respectively).

Conclusion

This hypothesis driven work shows that IVIM imaging is able to depict microcirculation of meniscus and the perfusion changes in meniscal disorder.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1090–1096
Balloon dilation of sinus ostia in the Department of Defense: Diagnoses, actual indications, and outcomes
Authors: Laury Adrienne M. , Bowe Sarah N. , Stramiello Joshua , McMains Kevin C.
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the primary diagnoses for which balloon catheter dilation (BCD) of sinus ostia is being employed in a profit‐blind health care system, the Department of Defense.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

From January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, 319 consecutive patient charts were reviewed for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD‐9) diagnoses, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) defined by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS), preoperative Lund‐Mackay scores, nasal endoscopy findings, sinuses dilated, postoperative outcomes, and complications.

Results

Of the 319 patients identified, 217 had sufficient documentation to be included. A CRS ICD‐9 code was applied in 182 of 217 (83.9%) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis in 12 of 217 (5.6%). Only 50.5% of CRS patient charts met criteria using EPOS guidelines. In contrast, 39.6% met the ICD‐9 criteria for atypical facial pain. Patients with Lund‐Mackay scores ≤ 4 were reviewed for number of sinuses dilated. Eighty‐eight of 123 patients (71.5%) had sinuses dilated that were free from opacification/mucosal edema on preoperative imaging.

Conclusions

Balloon dilation of sinus ostia has an expanding role in treating sinus disease. In the studied population, BCD is often utilized for alternate indications for which there is currently no evidence of efficacy. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this technology in treating these alternate indications.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:544–549, 2017
Risk factors for unplanned readmission following head and neck microvascular reconstruction: Results from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, 2011–2014
Authors: Garg Ravi K. , Wieland Aaron M. , Hartig Gregory K. , Poore Samuel O.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Unplanned readmissions are associated with decreased healthcare quality and increased costs. This nationwide study examines causes for unplanned readmission among head and neck cancer patients undergoing immediate microsurgical reconstruction.

Methods

Patients undergoing head and neck tumor resection with microsurgical reconstruction were identified in the 2011–2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Clinical characteristics and complications were compared among patients who did and did not undergo unplanned readmission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Database search revealed 1,063 patients, 94 (8.8%) of whom had unplanned readmissions. Readmitted patients had significantly higher ASA scores (14.9% vs.7.3% ASA class 4 patients; P = 0.03) and significantly higher rates of disseminated cancer (14.9% vs.7.1%; P = 0.01), laryngopharyngectomy (17.0% vs.6.9%; P = 0.0005), deep wound infection (22.3% vs.2.4%; P < 0.0001), wound dehiscence (19.1% vs.3.3%; P < 0.0001), and blood transfusion within 72 h of surgery (44.7% vs.32.6%; P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression revealed deep wound infection (OR = 8.65, P < 0.0001) and wound dehiscence (OR = 3.69, P = 0.0004) to be independent predictors of unplanned readmission.

Conclusions

Deep wound infection and wound dehiscence were independent predictors of unplanned readmission among head and neck cancer patients undergoing immediate microsurgical reconstruction. Institutions should focus efforts on improving wound surveillance, outpatient strategies for wound care, and optimization of discharge planning for this complex patient population.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions of a model derived from the 1‐D Keller–Segel model on the half line
Authors: Shi Renkun
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we are interested in a model derived from the 1‐D Keller‐Segel model on the half line x >  as follows:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4189:mma4189-math-0001
where l is a constant. Under the conserved boundary condition, we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions. We prove that the problem is always globally and classically solvable when the initial data is small, and moreover, we obtain the decay rates of solutions. The paper mainly deals with the case of l > 0. In this case, the solution to the problem tends to a conserved stationary solution in an exponential decay rate, which is a very different result from the case of l < 0. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid Simulation of Low Temperature Plasmas: A Brief Tutorial
Authors: Economou Demetre J.
Published: September 2016

Modeling and simulation of low temperature plasmas is widely accepted as a useful tool from both physics and plasma reactor design points of view. Of the modeling approaches,hybridmodels strive to combine the predictability ofkineticmodels with the lower computational burden offluidmodels. This paper presents a brief tutorial of hybrid plasma modeling and representative simulation results using hybrid models. Whenever possible, these results are compared to kinetic and/or fluid simulations as well as experimental data.
Therapeutic challenges posed by critical drug–drug interactions in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jordan Cameron L. , Noah Terry L. , Henry Marianna M.
Published: September 2016

This review seeks to re‐introduce cystic fibrosis (CF) clinicians to the pharmacology of drug–drug interactions among medications commonly used in CF and provide a framework for understanding these interactions among medications outside the scope of this discussion. We here focus on drugs impacted by the cytochrome P‐450 (CYP450) enzyme system and on interactions involving antimicrobials, psychotropic medications, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators. Particular attention is needed when prescribing rifampin, azole antifungals and the CFTR modulators, ivacaftor, and lumacaftor/ivacaftor, in combination with other medications. The complexities of these interactions provide a strong rationale for case management by pharmacists and pharmacologists as a routine part of CF care. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S61–S70. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hexagonal boron nitride as a cationic diffusion barrier to form a graded band gap perovskite heterostructure
Authors: Ergen Onur , Gilbert Stephen Matthew , Turner Sally J. , Zettl Alex
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate a new technique to produce graded bandgap organohalide perovskite heterostructures using hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) as a cationic separator. With this technique, we successfully deposit CH3NH3PbI3−xBrx on CH3NH3SnI3 without cation mixing.
From Iran: Does Improvement in Corporate Environmental Performance Affect Corporate Risk Taking?
Authors: Khairollahi Farshid , Shahveisi Farhad , Vafaei Alireza , Alipour Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Superior corporate environmental performance (CEP) has become essential to the competitive advantage and financial success of businesses. However, the main reasons managers pay attention to environmental performance are improved reputation in the capital market and profitability, as well as reductions in operating costs and risks. This article describes the findings of a study that examines the relationship between CEP, using a reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as a measure, and corporate risk taking. In addition to indicating a significant negative relationship between CEP and firm risk, the study results also show that a 1% improvement of CEP decreases corporate risk by 3%.
Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in Mobile Health: Key Components and Design Principles for Ongoing Health Behavior Support
Authors: Nahum-Shani Inbal , Smith Shawna N , Spring Bonnie J , Collins Linda M , Witkiewitz Katie , Tewari Ambuj , Murphy Susan A
Published: September 2016

Background

The just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) is an intervention design aiming to provide the right type/amount of support, at the right time, by adapting to an individual’s changing internal and contextual state. The availability of increasingly powerful mobile and sensing technologies underpins the use of JITAIs to support health behavior, as in such a setting an individual’s state can change rapidly, unexpectedly, and in his/her natural environment.

Purpose

Despite the increasing use and appeal of JITAIs, a major gap exists between the growing technological capabilities for delivering JITAIs and research on the development and evaluation of these interventions. Many JITAIs have been developed with minimal use of empirical evidence, theory, or accepted treatment guidelines. Here, we take an essential first step towards bridging this gap.

Methods

Building on health behavior theories and the extant literature on JITAIs, we clarify the scientific motivation for JITAIs, define their fundamental components, and highlight design principles related to these components. Examples of JITAIs from various domains of health behavior research are used for illustration.

Conclusions

As we enter a new era of technological capacity for delivering JITAIs, it is critical that researchers develop sophisticated and nuanced health behavior theories capable of guiding the construction of such interventions. Particular attention has to be given to better understanding the implications of providing timely and ecologically sound support for intervention adherence and retention
Cervical Spinal Cord and Dorsal Nerve Root Stimulation for Neuropathic Upper Limb Pain
Authors: Levine Adrian B. , Parrent Andrew G. , MacDougall Keith W.
Published: September 2016

Background:Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established treatment for chronic neuropathic pain in the lower limbs. Upper limb pain comprises a significant proportion of neuropathic pain patients, but is often difficult to target specifically and consistently with paresthesias. We hypothesized that the use of dorsal nerve root stimulation (DNRS), as an option along with SCS, would help us better relieve pain in these patients.Methods:All 35 patients trialed with spinal stimulation for upper limb pain between July 1, 2011, and October 31, 2013, were included. We performed permanent implantation in 23/35 patients based on a visual analogue scale pain score decrease of ≥50% during trial stimulation.Results:Both the SCS and DNRS groups had significant improvements in average visual analogue scale pain scores at 12 months compared with baseline, and the majority of patients in both groups obtained ≥50% pain relief. The majority of patients in both groups were able to reduce their opioid use, and on average had improvements in Short Form-36 quality of life scores. Complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusions:Treatment with SCS or DNRS provides meaningful long-term relief of chronic neuropathic pain in the upper limbs.
Texture-driven elastohydrodynamic bouncing
Authors: Chastel Thibault , Gondret Philippe , Mongruel Anne
Published: September 2016

We investigate in detail the dynamics of bouncing of a fluid-immersed solid sphere onto a textured wall at moderate Reynolds and Stokes numbers. Using high-frequency interferometric measurements, the dynamics of the sphere is resolved in time and space, before, during and after collision with the wall. The critical Stokes number for bouncing is shown to be significantly influenced by the geometry of the texture, i.e. the surface fraction and the height of the micro-pillars. A modified Hertz model is developed to take into account the influence of this texture geometry on the collision dynamics. The predicted scaling for the collision time and penetration depth of the sphere into the textured wall is found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
First Status Report on Radiocarbon Sample Preparation Techniques at the A.E. Lalonde AMS Laboratory (Ottawa, Canada)
Authors: Crann Carley A , Murseli Sarah , St-Jean Gilles , Zhao Xiaolei , Clark Ian D , Kieser William E
Published: September 2016

The A.E. Lalonde accelerator mass spectrometer (3MV, HVEE) was commissioned in early 2014 at the University of Ottawa (Canada). The radiocarbon sample preparation laboratory spent the better part of 2014 undertaking a quality control program, establishing pretreatment protocols, and streamlining sample processing. In the fall of 2014, the first unknown samples were accepted and in the first year of operation well over 1000 targets (~60% unknowns) were analyzed. Here, we present an overview of sample processing protocols and results from routinely measured standards, reference, and blank materials.
Chronic Daily Headache in Children and Adolescents: A Multi-Faceted Syndrome
Authors: Seshia Shashi S. , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Abu-Arafeh Ishaq , Hershey Andrew D. , Guidetti Vincenzo , Winner Paul , Wöber-Bingöl Çiçek
Published: September 2016

Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a multi-faceted, often complex pain syndrome in children and adolescents. Chronic daily headache may be primary or secondary. Chronic migraine and chronic tension-type are the most frequent subtypes. Chronic daily headache is co-morbid with adverse life events, anxiety and depressive disorders, possibly with other psychiatric disorders, other pain syndromes and sleep disorders; these conditions contribute to initiating and maintaining CDH. Hence, early management of episodic headache and treatment of associated conditions are crucial to prevention. There is evidence for the benefit of psychological therapies, principally relaxation and cognitive behavioral, and promising information on acupuncture for CDH. Data on drug treatment are based primarily on open label studies. The controversies surrounding CDH are discussed and proposals for improvement presented. The multifaceted nature of CDH makes it a good candidate for a multi-axial classification system. Such an approach should facilitate biopsychosocial management and enhance consistency in clinical research.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Acute Cerebrovascular Ischemia
Authors: Mohammad Askar , Ghani Usman , Schwindt Brenda , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Statins have been shown to increase endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, there is no similar study that has been done on the patients recovering from cerebrovascular disease. We present the largest prospective study of statin therapy on EPC levels of patients recovering from stroke.

Method:

Our study subjects were treated with rosuvastatin (10 mg/day) over a period of 12 weeks. Blood was collected from these patients periodically and EPC levels were measured along with other biochemical parameters.

Results and Conclusions:

Our study shows that rosuvastatin treatment significantly reduces the low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the patients over the 12 weeks. However, we did not find any corresponding changes in the EPC levels during this time period. Earlier reports indicated that statin use could increase EPC proliferation. Our research, however, indicates that the in-vivo effects of rosuvastatin are not similar to those of previous reports. There may be several reasons for this lack of congruence between these two studies, including age of the study population, predominantly low high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in our subjects and effects from other concomitant medications.
Telestroke in Northern Alberta: A Two Year Experience with Remote Hospitals
Authors: Khan Khurshid , Shuaib Ashfaq , Whittaker Tammy , Saqqur Maher , Jeerakathil Thomas , Butcher Ken , Crumley Patrick
Published: September 2016

Background:

Thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke is usually performed in comprehensive stroke centres. Lack of stroke expertise in remote small hospitals may preclude thrombolysis. Telemedicine allows such management opportunities in distant hospitals.

Methods:

We report our experience in managing acute stroke over a two-year time period with telestroke. The University of Alberta Hospital acted as the ‘hub’ and seven remote hospitals as ‘spoke’. The neurologist at the ‘hub’ provided stroke expertise to the local physician using either a two-way video link or telephone. Cranial CT scans were transmitted to ‘hub’. Education sessions were held before the initiation of the program.

Results:

Of 210 patients 44 (21%) received thrombolysis at the ‘spoke’ sites. In 34/44 (77%) two-way video link was available while in 10/44 (23%) telephone was used. Five (11.4%) patients experienced intracranial hemorrhage after thrombolysis, 2 (4.5%) were symptomatic. Favorable (mRS=0-1) outcome at three months was 16/40 (40%) and mortality was 9/40 (22.5%). Four patients were lost to follow-up. There was no significant three months outcome difference between two-way video link and telephone consultation (P = 0.689). Over two years the number of acute stroke transfers decreased from 144 to 15 at one of the ‘spoke’ sites, a 92.5% decline.

Conclusion:

It is possible to successfully treat patients with acute ischemic stroke at remote sites through videoconferencing or telephone consultation. Telestroke can also lead to a significant reduction in the number of patients requiring transfer to a tertiary care centre.
CTA Source Images as a Predictor of Final Infarct Volume are Time-Dependent
Authors: Blacquiere Dylan , Bussière Miguel , Lum Cheemun , Dowlatshahi Dar
Published: September 2016

Avascularity on CT angiography source images (CTASI) may better predict final infarct volume in acute stroke as compared to early ischemic changes on non-contract CT. These CTASI findings may represent infarct core and help determine the extent of salvageable tissue. However, the extent of avascularity on CTASI may overestimate infarct volume if transit of contrast is prolonged due to proximal artery occlusion. We present a case where CT-perfusion (CTP) and time-resolved CT-angiography (CTA) identified salvageable tissue thought to be infarcted on CTASI.
Effective Riemann mappings of multiply connected domains and Riemann surfaces
Authors: RETTINGER ROBERT
Published: September 2016

We give new proofs of effective versions of the Riemann mapping theorem, its extension to multiply connected domains and the uniformization on Riemann surfaces. Astonishingly, in the presented proofs, we need barely more than computational compactness and the classical results.
MONOTONE OPERATORS AND THE PROXIMAL POINT ALGORITHM IN COMPLETE CAT(0) METRIC SPACES
Authors: KHATIBZADEH HADI , RANJBAR SAJAD
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we generalize monotone operators, their resolvents and the proximal point algorithm to complete CAT(0) spaces. We study some properties of monotone operators and their resolvents. We show that the sequence generated by the inexact proximal point algorithm $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}$-converges to a zero of the monotone operator in complete CAT(0) spaces. A strong convergence (convergence in metric) result is also presented. Finally, we consider two important special cases of monotone operators and we prove that they satisfy the range condition (see Section 4 for the definition), which guarantees the existence of the sequence generated by the proximal point algorithm.
What Drives Variation in the Ionosphere's Electron Density?
Authors: Knizhnik Kalman
Published: September 2016

The long-term trend in the electron density of the ionospheric F layer may be natural, not man-made.
Measurement of bound states in the continuum by a detector embedded in a photonic crystal
Authors: Gansch Roman , Kalchmair Stefan , Genevet Patrice , Zederbauer Tobias , Detz Hermann , Andrews Aaron M , Schrenk Werner , Capasso Federico , Lončar Marko , Strasser Gottfried
Published: September 2016

We directly measure optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) by embedding a photodetector into a photonic crystal slab. The BICs observed in our experiment are the result of accidental phase matching between incident, reflected and in-plane waves at seemingly random wave vectors in the photonic band structure. Our measurements were confirmed through a rigorously coupled-wave analysis simulation in conjunction with temporal coupled mode theory. Polarization mixing between photonic crystal slab modes was observed and described using a plane wave expansion simulation. The ability to probe the field intensity inside the photonic crystal and thereby to directly measure BICs represents a milestone in the development of integrated opto-electronic devices based on BICs.
Hazardous thunderstorm intensification over Lake Victoria
Authors: Thiery Wim , Davin Edouard L. , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Bedka Kristopher , Lhermitte Stef , van Lipzig Nicole P. M.
Published: September 2016

Weather extremes have harmful impacts on communities around Lake Victoria, where thousands of fishermen die every year because of intense night-time thunderstorms. Yet how these thunderstorms will evolve in a future warmer climate is still unknown. Here we show that Lake Victoria is projected to be a hotspot of future extreme precipitation intensification by using new satellite-based observations, a high-resolution climate projection for the African Great Lakes and coarser-scale ensemble projections. Land precipitation on the previous day exerts a control on night-time occurrence of extremes on the lake by enhancing atmospheric convergence (74%) and moisture availability (26%). The future increase in extremes over Lake Victoria is about twice as large relative to surrounding land under a high-emission scenario, as only over-lake moisture advection is high enough to sustain Clausius–Clapeyron scaling. Our results highlight a major hazard associated with climate change over East Africa and underline the need for high-resolution projections to assess local climate change.
Disparate acidification and calcium carbonate desaturation of deep and shallow waters of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Luo Yiming , Boudreau Bernard P. , Mucci Alfonso
Published: September 2016

The Arctic Ocean is acidifying from absorption of man-made CO2. Current predictive models of that acidification focus on surface waters, and their results argue that deep waters will acidify by downward penetration from the surface. Here we show, with an alternative model, the rapid, near simultaneous, acidification of both surface and deep waters, a prediction supported by current, but limited, saturation data. Whereas Arctic surface water responds directly by atmospheric CO2 uptake, deeper waters will be influenced strongly by intrusion of mid-depth, pre-acidified, Atlantic Ocean water. With unabated CO2 emissions, surface waters will become undersaturated with respect to aragonite by 2105 AD and could remain so for ∼600 years. In deep waters, the aragonite saturation horizon will rise, reaching the base of the surface mixed layer by 2140 AD and likely remaining there for over a millennium. The survival of aragonite-secreting organisms is consequently threatened on long timescales.
A bead-based western for high-throughput cellular signal transduction analyses
Authors: Treindl Fridolin , Ruprecht Benjamin , Beiter Yvonne , Schultz Silke , Döttinger Anette , Staebler Annette , Joos Thomas O. , Kling Simon , Poetz Oliver , Fehm Tanja , Neubauer Hans , Kuster Bernhard , Templin Markus F.
Published: September 2016

Dissecting cellular signalling requires the analysis of large number of proteins. The DigiWest approach we describe here transfers the western blot to a bead-based microarray platform. By combining gel-based protein separation with immobilization on microspheres, hundreds of replicas of the initial blot are created, thus enabling the comprehensive analysis of limited material, such as cells collected by laser capture microdissection, and extending traditional western blotting to reach proteomic scales. The combination of molecular weight resolution, sensitivity and signal linearity on an automated platform enables the rapid quantification of hundreds of specific proteins and protein modifications in complex samples. This high-throughput western blot approach allowed us to identify and characterize alterations in cellular signal transduction that occur during the development of resistance to the kinase inhibitor Lapatinib, revealing major changes in the activation state of Ephrin-mediated signalling and a central role for p53-controlled processes.
Two-dimensional flow nanometry of biological nanoparticles for accurate determination of their size and emission intensity
Authors: Block Stephan , Fast Björn Johansson , Lundgren Anders , Zhdanov Vladimir P. , Höök Fredrik
Published: September 2016

Biological nanoparticles (BNPs) are of high interest due to their key role in various biological processes and use as biomarkers. BNP size and composition are decisive for their functions, but simultaneous determination of both properties with high accuracy remains challenging. Optical microscopy allows precise determination of fluorescence/scattering intensity, but not the size of individual BNPs. The latter is better determined by tracking their random motion in bulk, but the limited illumination volume for tracking this motion impedes reliable intensity determination. Here, we show that by attaching BNPs to a supported lipid bilayer, subjecting them to hydrodynamic flows and tracking their motion via surface-sensitive optical imaging enable determination of their diffusion coefficients and flow-induced drifts, from which accurate quantification of both BNP size and emission intensity can be made. For vesicles, the accuracy of this approach is demonstrated by resolving the expected radius-squared dependence of their fluorescence intensity for radii down to 15 nm.
Faceted interfaces: a key feature to quantitative understanding of transformation morphology
Authors: Zhang Wen-Zheng , Gu Xin-Fu , Dai Fu-Zhi
Published: September 2016

Faceted interfaces are a typical key feature of the morphology of many microstructures generated from solid-state phase transformations. Interpretation, prediction and simulation of this faceted morphology remain a challenge, especially for systems where irrational orientation relationships (ORs) between two phases and irrational interface orientations (IOs) are preferred. In terms of structural singularities, this work suggests an integrated framework, which possibly encompasses all candidates of faceted interfaces. The structural singularities are identified from a matching pattern, a dislocation structure and/or a ledge structure. The resultant singular interfaces have discrete IOs, described with low-index g’s (rational orientations) and/or Δg’s (either rational or irrational orientations). Various existing models are grouped according to their determined results regarding the OR and IO, and the links between the models are clarified in the integrated framework. Elimination of defect types as far as possible in a dominant singular interface often exerts a central restriction on the OR. An irrational IO is usually due to the elimination of dislocations in one direction, i.e., an O-line interface. Analytical methods using both three-dimensional and two-dimensional models for quantitative determinations of O-line interfaces are reviewed, and a detailed example showing the calculation for an irrational interface is given. The association between structural singularities and local energy minima is verified by atomistic calculations of interfacial energies in fcc/bcc alloys where it is found that the calculated equilibrium cross-sections are in a good agreement with observations from selected alloys.
Multipath Effects in Millimetre-Wave Wireless Communication using Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing
Authors: Yan Yan , Li Long , Xie Guodong , Bao Changjing , Liao Peicheng , Huang Hao , Ren Yongxiong , Ahmed Nisar , Zhao Zhe , Wang Zhe , Ashrafi Nima , Ashrafi Solyman , Talwar Shilpa , Sajuyigbe Soji , Tur Moshe , Molisch Andreas F. , Willner Alan E.
Published: September 2016

Electromagnetic waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been used for mode division multiplexing in free-space communication systems to increase both the capacity and the spectral efficiency. In the case of conventional wireless communication links using non-OAM beams, multipath effects caused by beam spreading and reflection from the surrounding objects affect the system performance. This paper presents the results of analysis, simulations, and measurements of multipath effects in a millimetre-wave communication link using OAM multiplexing at 28 GHz. Multipath-induced intra- and inter-channel crosstalk, which are caused by specular reflection from a plane parallel to the propagation path, are analysed and measured. Both the simulation and the experimental results show that an OAM channel with a high OAM number ℓ tends to suffer from both strong intra-channel crosstalk and strong inter-channel crosstalk with other OAM channels. Results of the analysis show that this observation can be explained on the basis of both the properties of OAM beam divergence and the filtering effect at the receiver, which is associated with the spiral wavefront of OAM beams.
Erratum: Detecting a hierarchical genetic population structure via Multi-InDel markers on the X chromosome
Authors: Fan Guang Yao , Ye Yi , Hou Yi Ping
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 32178; published online: 18 August 2016; updated: 23 September 2016 In this Article, Yi Ye is incorrectly listed as being affiliated with the ‘The Center for Forensic Science Research, Department of Public Security Technology, Railway Police College, Zhengzhou 450053, China’.
Downregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor and nuclear factor-κB by sirtuin 1 contributes to renoprotection in unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Yang Shao-Yu , Lin Shuei-Liong , Chen Yung-Ming , Wu Vin-Cent , Yang Wei-Shiung , Wu Kwan-Dun
Published: September 2016

Activation of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting that Sirt1 may prevent tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In this study, we explored changes in the expression of Sirt1 in the kidneys of UUO-treated rats and evaluated the effects of Sirt1 activation or inhibition on renal pathology and mediators of UUO pathogenesis, especially angiotensin II and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, in rats and rat renal fibroblasts. Sirt1 expression increased in the obstructed kidney but not in the contralateral kidney and was mainly detected in tubulointerstitial cells. Resveratrol, a Sirt1 activator, decreased UUO-induced inflammation and fibrosis, while sirtinol, a Sirt1 inhibitor, enhanced UUO-induced inflammation. UUO increased renal angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), NF-κB, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and fibronectin expression. Resveratrol attenuated these UUO-induced changes, whereas sirtinol enhanced them, with the exception of fibronectin. In renal fibroblasts, Sirt1 overexpression reduced AT1R and NF-κB levels, while Sirt1 knockdown had the opposite effects. Sirtinol increased the levels of AT1R, NF-κB, MCP-1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), while resveratrol reduced AT1R levels. Our results suggested that Sirt1 inhibited AT1R and NF-κB expression in renal fibroblasts and that these mechanisms may play roles in alleviating UUO-induced damages.
Novel and Neuroprotective Tetranortriterpenoids from Chinese Mangrove Xylocarpus granatum Koenig
Authors: Zhou Zhen-Fang , Kurtán Tibor , Mándi Attila , Gu Yu-Cheng , Yao Li-Gong , Xin Guo-Rong , Li Xu-Wen , Guo Yue-Wei
Published: September 2016

Eight new tetranortriterpenoids (1–8) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of the Chinese mangrove plantXylocarpus granatum, together with four related known ones (9–12). The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 9-epixylogranatin A (1) was determined by time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations of the solution conformers. Xylogranatumin A (2) represents the first example of the 9, 10-secolimonoid with an unprecedented oxygen-bridged B ring (2,7-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]-heptane). All the isolates were evaluated for thein vitroneuroprotective activity, both compounds 11 and 12 displayed moderate effects against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells at the concentration of 10μM, with an increase in cell viability of 12.0% and 11.6%, respectively.
Origin of multi-level switching and telegraphic noise in organic nanocomposite memory devices
Authors: Song Younggul , Jeong Hyunhak , Chung Seungjun , Ahn Geun Ho , Kim Tae-Young , Jang Jingon , Yoo Daekyoung , Jeong Heejun , Javey Ali , Lee Takhee
Published: September 2016

The origin of negative differential resistance (NDR) and its derivative intermediate resistive states (IRSs) of nanocomposite memory systems have not been clearly analyzed for the past decade. To address this issue, we investigate the current fluctuations of organic nanocomposite memory devices with NDR and the IRSs under various temperature conditions. The 1/f noise scaling behaviors at various temperature conditions in the IRSs and telegraphic noise in NDR indicate the localized current pathways in the organic nanocomposite layers for each IRS. The clearly observed telegraphic noise with a long characteristic time in NDR at low temperature indicates that the localized current pathways for the IRSs are attributed to trapping/de-trapping at the deep trap levels in NDR. This study will be useful for the development and tuning of multi-bit storable organic nanocomposite memory device systems.
Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor contributes to the establishment of intestinal microbial community structure in mice
Authors: Murray Iain A. , Nichols Robert G. , Zhang Limin , Patterson Andrew D. , Perdew Gary H.
Published: September 2016

Environmental and genetic factors represent key components in the establishment/maintenance of the intestinal microbiota. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is emerging as a pleiotropic factor, modulating pathways beyond its established role as a xenobiotic sensor. The AHR is known to regulate immune surveillance within the intestine through retention of intraepithelial lymphocytes, functional redistribution of Th17/Treg balance. Consequently, environmental/genetic manipulation of AHR activity likely influences host-microbe homeostasis. Utilizing C57BL6/J Ahr−/+ and Ahr−/− co-housed littermates followed by 18 days of genotypic segregation, we examined the influence of AHR expression upon intestinal microbe composition/functionality and host physiology. 16S sequencing/quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed significant changes in phyla abundance, particularly Verrucomicrobia together with segmented filamentous bacteria and an increase in species diversity in Ahr−/− mice following genotypic segregation. Metagenomics/metabolomics indicate microbial composition is associated with functional shifts in bacterial metabolism. Analysis identified Ahr−/−-dependent increases in ileal gene expression, indicating increased inflammatory tone. Transfer of Ahr−/− microbiota to wild-type germ-free mice recapitulated the increase Verrucomicrobia and inflammatory tone, indicating Ahr−/−-microbial dependence. These data suggest a role for the AHR in influencing the community structure of the intestinal microbiota.
Predicted structure of a Minus-C OBP from Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) suggests an intermediate structure in evolution of OBPs
Authors: Zheng Zhi-Chuan , Li Dong-Zhen , Zhou Aiming , Yi Shan-Cheng , Liu Hao , Wang Man-Qun
Published: September 2016

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) transport hydrophobic odorants from the environment to odorant receptors and play an important role in specific recognition of volatiles. Here, we expressed and purified a minus-C OBP, BhorOBPm2, fromBatocera horsfieldi, a major pest ofPopolus, to determine its binding characteristics with 58 candidate volatiles using a fluorescence competition-binding assay. We showed that BhorOBPm2 exhibited high binding affinity with chain volatiles and that ligands were selected based on chain length. In order to elucidate the binding mechanism, homology modeling and molecular-docking experiments were performed to investigate interactions between BhorOBPm2 and volatiles. The predicted structure with only two disulfide bonds showed one continuous channel for ligand binding, similar to classic OBPs AgamOBP1 and CquiOBP1. Unexpectedly, we observed a larger binding pocket for BhorOBPm2 and broader specificity for ligands than classic OBPs due to the expansive flexibility of BhorOBPm2 resulting from a lack of disulfide bonds. These findings suggested that BhorOBPm2 might present an intermediate structure in the evolution of OBPs. Furthermore, we designed two mutant proteins to simulate and verify functions of the C-terminal region. The changes in binding affinity observed here indicated a novel action differing from that of the “lid” described in previous studies.
N-doped graphene layers encapsulated NiFe alloy nanoparticles derived from MOFs with superior electrochemical performance for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Feng Yi , Yu Xin-Yao , Paik Ungyu
Published: September 2016

Water splitting, an efficient approach for hydrogen production, is often hindered by unfavorable kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In order to reduce the overpotential, noble metal oxides-based electrocatalysts like RuO2 and IrO2 are usually utilized. However, due to their scarcity, the development of cost-effective non-precious OER electrocatalysts with high efficiency and good stability is urgently required. Herein, we report a facile one-step annealing of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) strategy to synthesize N-doped graphene layers encapsulated NiFe alloy nanoparticles (NiFe@C). Through tuning the nanoparticle size and calcination temperature, NiFe@C with an average size of around 16 nm obtained at 700 °C exhibits superior OER performance with an overpotential of only 281 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and high durability. The facile synthesis method and excellent electrochemical performance show great potential of NiFe@C in replacing the precious metal-based electrocatalysts in the OER.
Key clinical beam parameters for nanoparticle-mediated radiation dose amplification
Authors: Detappe Alexandre , Kunjachan Sijumon , Drané Pascal , Kotb Shady , Myronakis Marios , Biancur Douglas E. , Ireland Thomas , Wagar Matthew , Lux Francois , Tillement Olivier , Berbeco Ross
Published: September 2016

As nanoparticle solutions move towards human clinical trials in radiation therapy, the influence of key clinical beam parameters on therapeutic efficacy must be considered. In this study, we have investigated the clinical radiation therapy delivery variables that may significantly affect nanoparticle-mediated radiation dose amplification. We found a benefit for situations which increased the proportion of low energy photons in the incident beam. Most notably, “unflattened” photon beams from a clinical linear accelerator results in improved outcomes relative to conventional “flat” beams. This is measured by significant DNA damage, tumor growth suppression, and overall improvement in survival in a pancreatic tumor model. These results, obtained in a clinical setting, clearly demonstrate the influence and importance of radiation therapy parameters that will impact clinical radiation dose amplification with nanoparticles.
The UPR inducer DPP23 inhibits the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by targeting the Akt–IKK–NF-κB–MMP-9 axis
Authors: Shin Soon Young , Kim Chang Gun , Jung You Jung , Lim Yoongho , Lee Young Han
Published: September 2016

(E)-3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DPP23) is a synthetic polyphenol derivative that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells through the unfolded protein response pathway. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of DPP23 on tumour invasion and metastasis. Here, we show that DPP23 inhibited tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced motility, F-actin formation, and the invasive capability of MDA-MB-231 cells. DPP23 inhibited NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 expression at the transcriptional level. Akt is involved in the activation of IKK, an upstream regulator of NF-κB. DPP23 inhibited IKK and Akt, and knockdown of Akt2 significantly inhibited TNFα-induced IKK phosphorylation. We found that DPP23 bound to the catalytic domain of Akt2, as revealed by an in silico molecular docking analysis. These results suggest that DPP23 prevents TNFα-induced invasion of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting Akt–IKK–NF-κB axis-mediated MMP-9 gene expression. In addition, DPP23 attenuated experimental liver metastasis in a syngenic intrasplenic transplantation model using 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cells. Collectively, these results suggest that DPP23 could be used as a potential platform for the prevention of invasion and metastasis of early-stage breast cancer or as an adjuvant for chemo/radiotherapy.
CIBZ Regulates Mesodermal and Cardiac Differentiation of by Suppressing T and Mesp1 Expression in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Kotoku Tomomi , Kosaka Koji , Nishio Miki , Ishida Yasumasa , Kawaichi Masashi , Matsuda Eishou
Published: September 2016

The molecular mechanisms underlying mesodermal and cardiac specification from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are not fully understood. Here, we showed that the BTB domain-containing zinc finger protein CIBZ is expressed in mouse ESCs but is dramatically downregulated during ESC differentiation. CIBZ deletion in ESCs induced specification toward mesoderm phenotypes and their differentiation into cardiomyocytes, whereas overexpression of CIBZ delayed these processes. During ESC differentiation, CIBZ loss-and-gain-of-function data indicate that CIBZ negatively regulates the expressions of Brachyury (T) and Mesp1, the key transcriptional factors responsible for the specification of mammalian mesoderm and cardiac progenitors, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that CIBZ binds to T and Mesp1 promoters in undifferentiated ESCs and luciferase assays indicate that CIBZ suppresses T and Mesp1 promoters. These findings demonstrate that CIBZ is a novel regulator of mesodermal and cardiac differentiation of ESCs and suggest that CIBZ-mediated cardiac differentiation depends on the regulation of these two genes.
The influence of solution environment on the nucleation kinetics and crystallisability of para-aminobenzoic acid
Authors: Turner T. D. , Corzo D. M. C. , Toroz D. , Curtis A. , Dos Santos M. M. , Hammond R. B. , Lai X. , Roberts K. J.
Published: September 2016

The influence of solvent on the solution thermodynamics, nucleation-kinetics and crystal growth of alpha para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) crystallising from supersaturated solutions, is examined through analysis of the metastable zone width.
Pure hydrocarbon host materials based on spirofluorene with excellent performances for green phosphorescent light-emitting devices
Authors: Tian Guojian , Jiang Yongxin , Wu Panpan , Huang Jinhai , Zou Qi , Wang Qiaochun , Mu Haichuan , Su Jianhua
Published: September 2016

Four novel pure hydrocarbon spirofluorene-based compounds were fully investigated for green electrophosphorescent devices.