bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size-tunable Synthesis of Silver Nanobelts Using a Polyaniline Derived Polymer as a Template
Authors: Padmanaban Sudakar , Kim Minog , Yoon Sungho
Published: March 2017

Silver nanobelts (AgNBs) have attracted a great interest due to their excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, leading a facile synthesis of these AgNBs in great demand. In here, we are reporting a simple, aqueous phase, size tunable synthesis of smooth surfaced 1D-silver nanobelts using a Polyaniline (PANi) derived polymer at room temperature. The specifically designed PANi polymer, comprising a pendant carboxyl group in the chain, acted as both a reducing agent and template. The resulting Ag nanobelts have more than 10 μm of length, mean width values ranging from 41.1 (11.5) nm to 118.5 (8.8) nm and a mean thickness value of 36.7 (12.5) nm. The UV-Visible spectrum of the AgNBs has shown two Surface Plasmon Resonance peaks at 352 nm and 383 nm.
SWIM: a computational tool to unveiling crucial nodes in complex biological networks
Authors: Paci Paola , Colombo Teresa , Fiscon Giulia , Gurtner Aymone , Pavesi Giulio , Farina Lorenzo
Published: March 2017

SWItchMiner (SWIM) is a wizard-like software implementation of a procedure, previously described, able to extract information contained in complex networks. Specifically, SWIM allows unearthing the existence of a new class of hubs, called “fight-club hubs”, characterized by a marked negative correlation with their first nearest neighbors. Among them, a special subset of genes, called “switch genes”, appears to be characterized by an unusual pattern of intra- and inter-module connections that confers them a crucial topological role, interestingly mirrored by the evidence of their clinic-biological relevance. Here, we applied SWIM to a large panel of cancer datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, in order to highlight switch genes that could be critically associated with the drastic changes in the physiological state of cells or tissues induced by the cancer development. We discovered that switch genes are found in all cancers we studied and they encompass protein coding genes and non-coding RNAs, recovering many known key cancer players but also many new potential biomarkers not yet characterized in cancer context. Furthermore, SWIM is amenable to detect switch genes in different organisms and cell conditions, with the potential to uncover important players in biologically relevant scenarios, including but not limited to human cancer.
Hydatid detection using the near-infrared transmission angular spectra of porous silicon microcavity biosensors
Authors: Li Peng , Jia Zhenhong , Lü Guodong
Published: March 2017

Hydatid, which is a parasitic disease, occurs today in many regions worldwide. Because it can present a serious threat to people’s health, finding a fast, convenient, and economical means of detection is important. This paper proposes a label- and spectrophotometer-free apparatus that uses optical biological detection based on porous silicon microcavities. In this approach, the refractive index change induced by the biological reactions of a sample in a porous silicon microcavity is detected by measuring the change in the incidence angle corresponding to the maximum transmitted intensity of a near-infrared probe laser. This paper reports that the proposed method can achieve the label-free detection of 43 kDa molecular weight hydatid disease antigens with high sensitivity.
A Novel Method for Screening Adenosine Receptor Specific Agonists for Use in Adenosine Drug Development
Authors: Jones Karlie R. , Choi Uimook , Gao Ji-Liang , Thompson Robert D. , Rodman Larry E. , Malech Harry L. , Kang Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2017

Agonists that target the A1, A2A, A2B and A3 adenosine receptors have potential to be potent treatment options for a number of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because each of these adenosine receptors plays a distinct role throughout the body, obtaining highly specific receptor agonists is essential. Of these receptors, the adenosine A2AR and A2BR share many sequence and structural similarities but highly differ in their responses to inflammatory stimuli. Our laboratory, using a combination of specially developed cell lines and calcium release analysis hardware, has created a new and faster method for determining specificity of synthetic adenosine agonist compounds for the A2A and A2B receptors in human cells. A2A receptor expression was effectively removed from K562 cells, resulting in the development of a distinct null line. Using HIV-lentivector and plasmid DNA transfection, we also developed A2A and A2B receptor over-expressing lines. As adenosine is known to cause changes in intracellular calcium levels upon addition to cell culture, calcium release can be determined in these cell lines upon compound addition, providing a functional readout of receptor activation and allowing us to isolate the most specific adenosine agonist compounds.
Dynamic monitoring of membrane nanotubes formation induced by vaccinia virus on a high throughput microfluidic chip
Authors: Xiao Min , Xu Na , Wang Cheng , Pang Dai-Wen , Zhang Zhi-Ling
Published: March 2017

Membrane nanotubes (MNTs) are physical connections for intercellular communication and induced by various viruses. However, the formation of vaccinia virus (VACV)-induced MNTs has never been studied. In this report, VACV-induced MNTs formation process was monitored on a microfluidic chip equipped with a series of side chambers, which protected MNTs from fluidic shear stress. MNTs were formed between susceptible cells and be facilitated by VACV infection through three patterns. The formed MNTs varied with cell migration and virus concentration. The length of MNTs was positively correlated with the distance of cell migration. With increasing virus titer, the peak value of the ratio of MNT-carried cell appeared earlier. The immunofluorescence assay indicated that the rearrangement of actin fibers induced by VACV infection may lead to the formation of MNTs. This study presents evidence for the formation of MNTs induced by virus and helps us to understand the relationship between pathogens and MNTs.
Serum lipid profiles and dyslipidaemia are associated with retinal microvascular changes in children and adolescents
Authors: Xiao Wei , Guo Xinxing , Ding Xiaohu , He Mingguang
Published: March 2017

The present study aims to assess the relationship between serum lipid parameters and retinal microvascular calibres in children and adolescents. A total of 950 participants aged 7 to 19 years were recruited. Central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were measured from digital retinal images. Serological testing was performed to obtain lipid profiles. Dyslipidaemia was defined according to the US national expert panel guideline. After adjusted for age, sex, mean arterial blood pressure, axial length, body mass index and the fellow retinal vascular calibre, no significant association was found between retinal vascular diameters and any lipid parameters (all P > 0.05) in children younger than 12 years. Among the adolescents 12 years and older, increased triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apoB were associated with decrease in CRAE (β = −1.33, −1.83, −1.92 and −7.18, P = 0.031, 0.003, 0.006, and 0.009, respectively). Compared with normolipidemic counterparts, adolescents with dyslipidaemia had significantly narrower retinal arteriolar diameters. No significant relationship between lipid subclass levels and CRVE was revealed in adolescents. The present findings suggest that the elevation of atherogenic lipids in adolescents is closely related to the adverse changes of retinal arterioles. Dyslipidaemia may affect systemic microvasculature from childhood on.
Use of RNA-seq data to identify and validate RT-qPCR reference genes for studying the tomato-Pseudomonas pathosystem
Authors: Pombo Marina A. , Zheng Yi , Fei Zhangjun , Martin Gregory B. , Rosli Hernan G.
Published: March 2017

The agronomical relevant tomato-Pseudomonas syringaepv.tomatopathosystem is widely used to explore and understand the underlying mechanisms of the plant immune response. Transcript abundance estimation, mainly through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), is a common approach employed to investigate the possible role of a candidate gene in certain biological process under study. The accuracy of this technique relies heavily on the selection of adequate reference genes. Initially, genes derived from other techniques (such as Northern blots) were used as reference genes in RT-qPCR experiments, but recent studies in different systems suggest that many of these genes are not stably expressed. The development of high throughput transcriptomic techniques, such as RNA-seq, provides an opportunity for the identification of transcriptionally stable genes that can be adopted as novel and robust reference genes. Here we take advantage of a large set of RNA-seq data originating from tomato leaves infiltrated with different immunity inducers and bacterial strains. We assessed and validated 9 genes that are much more stable than two traditional reference genes. Specifically,ARD2andVIN3were the most stably expressed genes and consequently we propose they be adopted for RT-qPCR experiments involving this pathosystem.
Magnitude-dependent response of osteoblasts regulated by compressive stress
Authors: Shen Xiao-qing , Geng Yuan-ming , Liu Ping , Huang Xiang-yu , Li Shu-yi , Liu Chun-dong , Zhou Zheng , Xu Ping-ping
Published: March 2017

The present study aimed to investigate the role of magnitude in adaptive response of osteoblasts exposed to compressive stress. Murine primary osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to compressive stress (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g/cm2) in 3D culture. Cell viability was evaluated, and expression levels of Runx2, Alp, Ocn, Rankl, and Opg were examined. ALP activity in osteoblasts and TRAP activity in RAW264.7 cells co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells were assayed. Results showed that compressive stress within 5.0 g/cm2 did not influence cell viability. Both osteoblastic and osteoblast-regulated osteoclastic differentiation were enhanced at 2 g/cm2. An increase in stress above 2 g/cm2 did not enhance osteoblastic differentiation further but significantly inhibited osteoblast-regualted osteoclastic differentiation. This study suggested that compressive stress regulates osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation through osteoblasts in a magnitude-dependent manner.
Robust and Elastic Lunar and Martian Structures from 3D-Printed Regolith Inks
Authors: Jakus Adam E. , Koube Katie D. , Geisendorfer Nicholas R. , Shah Ramille N.
Published: March 2017

Here, we present a comprehensive approach for creating robust, elastic, designer Lunar and Martian regolith simulant (LRS and MRS, respectively) architectures using ambient condition, extrusion-based 3D-printing of regolith simulant inks. The LRS and MRS powders are characterized by distinct, highly inhomogeneous morphologies and sizes, where LRS powder particles are highly irregular and jagged and MRS powder particles are rough, but primarily rounded. The inks are synthesized via simple mixing of evaporant, surfactant, and plasticizer solvents, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (30% by solids volume), and regolith simulant powders (70% by solids volume). Both LRS and MRS inks exhibit similar rheological and 3D-printing characteristics, and can be 3D-printed at linear deposition rates of 1–150 mm/s using 300 μm to 1.4 cm-diameter nozzles. The resulting LRS and MRS 3D-printed materials exhibit similar, but distinct internal and external microstructures and material porosity (~20–40%). These microstructures contribute to the rubber-like quasi-static and cyclic mechanical properties of both materials, with young’s moduli ranging from 1.8 to 13.2 MPa and extension to failure exceeding 250% over a range of strain rates (10–1−102 min−1). Finally, we discuss the potential for LRS and MRS ink components to be reclaimed and recycled, as well as be synthesized in resource-limited, extraterrestrial environments.
Chemical Biology of Protein N-Glycosylation
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Lai-Xi
Published: March 2017

Protein N-glycosylation is an active area of research in chemical biology. This chapter highlights several chemical biological approaches to deciphering protein N-glycosylation. These include: the use of specific inhibitors of N-glycan-processing enzymes for controlling N-glycosylation; the design of metabolic and mechanism-based inhibitors for modulating global sialylation and fucosylation of cell-surface glycoproteins and for combating influenza; the exploitation of glycan metabolic engineering for labeling and probing cell-surface glycosylation; and selected chemoenzymatic approaches to glycan remodeling of glycoproteins for making homogeneous glycoproteins. In particular, the ability to produce homogeneous glycoproteins either by the use of specific enzyme inhibitors during recombinant production or by chemoenzymatic glycan remodeling provides exciting opportunities to probe in more details the structure and function of glycoproteins and to develop glycoprotein-based therapeutics.
Chemical Biology of Protein O-Glycosylation
Authors: Chaffey Patrick K. , Chi Lianli , Tan Zhongping
Published: March 2017

Protein glycosylation, the covalent attachment of carbohydrates to amino acid side chains of proteins, is a ubiquitous post-translational modification across all branches of life. Due to many factors, including the vast structural complexity of glycans and the convoluted processes regulating their construction, protein glycosylation is a significantly understudied phenomenon. In particular, the study of protein O-glycosylation is limited because there exists no well-defined consensus sequence for its occurrence and the construction of O-glycosylated proteins in a controlled manner is often difficult. Recent years have seen many advances incorporating an interdisciplinary approach to this problem, and new chemical biology technologies have revealed many important discoveries. This review covers these recent advances with a focus on biosynthetic pathways, in vivo functions and the role of chemical biology in advancing our understanding of this important post-translational modification.
Chemical Biology of O-GlcNAc Glycosylation
Authors: Cox Nathan J. , Meister Thomas R. , Boyce Michael
Published: March 2017

O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a critical intracellular post-translational modification, decorating thousands of nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial proteins. O-GlcNAc governs myriad aspects of cell physiology, including cell-cycle progression, cell metabolism, and cell death, and is essential, as genetic ablation of the O-GlcNAc-cycling enzymes is lethal in mice. Importantly, O-GlcNAc signaling is dysregulated in numerous human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiac arrhythmia. Despite this broad pathophysiological significance, major aspects of O-GlcNAc signaling remain obscure. Moreover, because O-GlcNAc is a rapidly cycling post-translational modification, it can be challenging to study using traditional genetic or cell biological methods alone. In this context, chemical biology has offered a range of powerful tools to advance our understanding of O-GlcNAc in a wide variety of experimental systems. Here, we review the major contributions that chemical methods have made to the study of this vital signaling modification, and we highlight some important outstanding questions in O-GlcNAc biology that may be addressed by future chemical approaches.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of N-Glycans
Authors: Cao Xuefeng , Zhou Jun , Guo Yuxi , Liu Yunpeng , Li Lei , Wang Peng George
Published: March 2017

A major post-translational modification of proteins on cell surfaces is asparagine N-linked glycosylation, which plays critical roles in various biological processes. Over the past decade, efficient strategies for the synthesis of N-glycans have become increasingly attractive because it is highly desired to obtain structurally defined N-glycans in sufficient amounts for structure–function studies. In this respect, chemical synthesis of N-glycans has been well developed and has become the most frequently used approach to generate well-defined N-glycans. However, when synthetic targets are complicated N-glycans and especially N-glycan libraries, the chemical approach still remains challenging, tedious, and time-consuming. More recently, a facile and practical strategy, core synthesis/enzymatic extension (CSEE), has been developed for efficient synthesis of N-glycan libraries with structural diversities, wherein an N-glycan core is first chemically synthesized and further elongated by glycosyltransferases (GTs) to rapidly produce a large number of complex N-glycans. Herein, we provide a concise summary of most recent advances in chemical and chemoenzymatic synthesis of N-glycans.
Probing glycosaminoglycan spectral signatures in live cells and their conditioned media by Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Brézillon S. , Untereiner V. , Mohamed H. T. , Hodin J. , Chatron-Colliet A. , Maquart F.-X. , Sockalingum G. D.
Published: March 2017

GAG profiling in live cells by micro-Raman spectroscopy.
Microfluidic biochip and integrated diffractive optics for bacteria growth control and monitoring
Authors: Goh M. Cynthia , Borisenko Vitali
Published: March 2017

We present a simple and inexpensive method for enabling bacterial cell capture in a 2D array of traps, such that their growth can be monitored under controlled dynamic environments through diffractive optics integrated into a microfluidic chip.
Facile synthesis of nanoporous Li1+xV1−xO2@C composites as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Mei Peng , Pramanik Malay , Lee Jaewoo , Takei Toshiaki , Ide Yusuke , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Kim Jung Ho , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: March 2017

Nanoporous anode materials with composition Li1+xV1−xO2@C have been prepared under mild synthetic conditions for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Fluorescent chemical probes for accurate tumor diagnosis and targeting therapy
Authors: Gao Min , Yu Fabiao , Lv Changjun , Choo Jaebum , Chen Lingxin
Published: March 2017

This review focuses on small molecular ligand-targeted fluorescent imaging probes and fluorescent theranostics, including their design strategies and applications in clinical tumor treatment.
Visualization of transport and fate of nano and micro-scale particles in porous media: modeling coupled effects of ionic strength and size
Authors: Chen Chen , Waller Travis , Walker Sharon L.
Published: March 2017

In this investigation, the single collector removal efficiency (η) of three different size latex nanoparticles (20, 200, 2000 nm) is presented for a 2-D micromodel system.
Design, synthesis, and antiproliferative activities of stapled melittin peptides
Authors: Wu Ye , Han Meng-fei , Liu Chao , Liu Tai-yu , Feng Yu-fei , Zou Yan , Li Bai , Liao Hong-li
Published: March 2017

Melittin is a 26-residue, amphipathic, cell-penetrating, α-helical anti-hepatoma peptide isolated from bee venom.
The molecular mechanism of hPPARα activation
Authors: Tang Bowen , Li Boqun , Qian Yuqin , Ao Mingtao , Guo Kaiqiang , Fang Meijuan , Wu Zhen
Published: March 2017

MD simulations were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of hPPARα activation. 11 key residues favouring binding ligands and the movements of helices and loops playing important roles in inducing the active conformation change of hPPARα were discovered.
A co-solvent hydrolysis strategy for the production of biofuels: process synthesis and technoeconomic analysis
Authors: Won Wangyun , Motagamwala Ali Hussain , Dumesic James A. , Maravelias Christos T.
Published: March 2017

We develop an integrated strategy for the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass.
Concentration gradient driven molecular dynamics: a new method for simulations of membrane permeation and separation
Authors: Ozcan Aydin , Perego Claudio , Salvalaglio Matteo , Parrinello Michele , Yazaydin Ozgur
Published: March 2017

We introduce a new non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method which creates a continuous and steady-state concentration gradient along a membrane.
Copper-catalyzed direct alkylation of heteroarenes
Authors: Theunissen Cédric , Wang Jianjun , Evano Gwilherm
Published: March 2017

An efficient and broadly applicable process is reported for the direct alkylation of heteroarene C–H bonds, based on the copper-catalyzed addition of alkyl radicals generated from activated secondary and tertiary alkyl bromides to a range of arenes, and their benzo-fused derivatives.
Pencil graphite as an elegant electrochemical sensor for separation-free and simultaneous sensing of hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid in fish samples
Authors: Vishnu Nandimalla , Gandhi Mansi , Rajagopal Desikan , Kumar Annamalai Senthil
Published: March 2017

Herein, we report a simple electroanalytical detection method based on ultra-low cost pencil graphite as an elegant sensor for simultaneous and separation-free detection of Hx, X and UA.
Simultaneous combination of MS2 workflows for pesticide multiresidue analysis with LC-QOrbitrap
Authors: Rajski Łukasz , Gómez-Ramos María del Mar , Fernández-Alba Amadeo R.
Published: March 2017

This study describes an evaluation of full-scan MS analysis combined with target and non-target MS2 acquisition along with targeted processing for pesticides in fruit and vegetables.
Programmable self-assembly of water-soluble organo-heterometallic cages [M12M′4L12] using 3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pentane-2,4-dione (H2L)
Authors: Chen Zi-Man , Cui Yu , Jiang Xuan-Feng , Tong Jin , Yu Shu-Yan
Published: March 2017

Organo-heterometallic supramolecular cages are formed from FeIII ions and dimetallic corners arising from a 3-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-4-yl)pentane-2,4-dione ligand by programmable self-assembly.
Visible light-induced heterogeneous Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley-type reduction of an aldehyde group over an organically modified titanium dioxide photocatalyst
Authors: Fukui Makoto , Tanaka Atsuhiro , Hashimoto Keiji , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

An organically modified TiO2 photocatalyst chemoselectively converted benzaldehydes to the corresponding benzyl alcohols under visible light irradiation.
Asymmetric hydrogenation of maleic anhydrides catalyzed by Rh/bisphosphine-thiourea: efficient construction of chiral succinic anhydrides
Authors: Han Zhengyu , Wang Rui , Gu Guoxian , Dong Xiu-Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: March 2017

Asymmetric hydrogenation of various 3-substituted maleic anhydrides catalyzed by Rh/bisphosphine-thiourea (ZhaoPhos) under mild conditions was successfully developed.
Interconnected LiCuVO4networks with in situ Cu generation as high-performance lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Wang Lei , Dong Yifan , Zhao Kangning , Luo Wen , Li Shuo , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2017

Interconnected LiCuVO4networks were synthesized through a facile surfactant-assisted approach.
New insight into binary TiO2@C nanocomposites: the crucial effect of an interfacial microstructure
Authors: Zhuang Jiandong , Tian Qinfen , Liu Qian , Liu Ping , Cui Xiurong , Li Yuqi , Fan Mizi
Published: March 2017

The properties of interfacial bonds and oxygen vacancies as well as their synergistic effects on visible photocatalysis of TiO2@C nanocomposites.
Effect of counterions on the micellization and monolayer behaviour of cationic gemini surfactants
Authors: Islam M. S. , Shortall S. M. , Mekhail G. M. , Callender S. P. , Madkhali O. , Bharwani Z. , Ayyash D. , Kobernyk K. , Wettig S. D.
Published: March 2017

The effect of various inorganic and organic counterions on the aggregation behavior of gemini surfactants was examined to investigate the dominant influence of the anions on their micellization and aggregation behavior.
Distribution of dopant ions around poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) chains: a theoretical study
Authors: Casanovas Jordi , Zanuy David , Alemán Carlos
Published: March 2017

The effect of counterions and multiple polymer chains on the properties and structure of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with ClO4− has been examined using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with periodic boundary conditions (PBCs).
A new precursor to synthesize g-C3N4 with superior visible light absorption for photocatalytic application
Authors: Yuan Saisai , Zhang Qitao , Xu Bin , Liu Sixiao , Wang Jinquan , Xie Ju , Zhang Ming , Ohno Teruhisa
Published: March 2017

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized with a new precursor (thiourea oxide) by a simple one-pot calcination method.
Isocyanide insertion across the Pd–C bond of allenyl and propargyl palladium complexes bearing phosphoquinoline as a spectator ligand. Synthesis of a palladium complex bearing a coordinated cyclobutenyl fragment
Authors: Scattolin Thomas , Visentin Fabiano , Santo Claudio , Bertolasi Valerio , Canovese Luciano
Published: March 2017

A palladium complex bearing a cyclobutenyl group directly coordinated to metal has been obtained as a result of the insertion of an isocyanide across the Pd–C bond.
Coordination abilities of polycyano anions in the solid state: coordination geometries and d–d transition energies of mixed-ligand solvatochromic copper(ii) complexes with B(CN)4, C(CN)3, and N(CN)2 anions
Authors: Lan Xue , Tominaga Takumi , Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: March 2017

Crystal structures and electronic spectra of the adducts of polycyano anions with cationic solvatochromic Cu(ii) complexes were investigated.
Ionothermal synthesis of novel Pb–OH–Cu–X (X = Cl, Br and I) quaternary heterometallic frameworks with tunable optical properties
Authors: Xue Ying-Ying , Zhang Li-Xia , Li Shu-Ni , Jiang Yu-Cheng , Hu Man-Cheng , Zhai Quan-Guo
Published: March 2017

Ionothermal synthesis of novel Pb–OH–Cu–X quaternary heterometallic frameworks exhibiting tunable structures as well as solid-state semiconducting and luminescence properties.
Redox and catalytic properties of biochar-coated zero-valent iron for the removal of nitro explosives and halogenated phenols
Authors: Oh Seok-Young , Seo Yong-Deuk , Ryu Kwang-Sun , Park Da-Jeong , Lee Seung-Hun
Published: March 2017

A novel biochar-coated zero-valent iron [Fe(0)], which was synthesized with rice straw and Fe(0), was applied to remove nitro explosives (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) and halogenated phenols (2,4-dibromophenol and 2,4-difluorophenol) from contaminated waters.
Retracted Article: Mutual effect of U(vi) and Sr(ii) on graphene oxides: evidence from EXAFS and theoretical calculations
Authors: Cheng Wencai , Ding Congcong , Wu Qunyan , Wang Xiangxue , Sun Yubing , Shi Weiqun , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Chai Zhifang , Wang Xiangke
Published: March 2017

The competitive interaction of U(vi) and Sr(ii) on graphene oxides (GOs) was studied by batch techniques, EXAFS analysis and DFT calculations.
Phenolic acetals from lignins of varying compositions via iron(iii) triflate catalysed depolymerisation
Authors: Deuss Peter J. , Lancefield Christopher S. , Narani Anand , de Vries Johannes G. , Westwood Nicholas J. , Barta Katalin
Published: March 2017

A small lignin library was used to study the relationship between the lignin structure and the aromatic product yields during acidolysis.
Oxidation of benzyl alcohol over metal organic frameworks M-BTC (M = Co, Cu, Fe)
Authors: Peng Ling , Wu Shujie , Yang Xiaoyuan , Hu Jing , Fu Xiaoran , Li Min , Bai Lu , Huo Qisheng , Guan Jingqi
Published: March 2017

Co-BTC showed high catalytic activity and selectivity in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with air as the oxidant.
Rational design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of Pan-Raf inhibitors to overcome resistance
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhu Gaoyuan , Zhang Qing , Duan Chunqi , Zhang Yanmin , Zhang Zhimin , Zhou Yujun , Lu Tao , Tang Weifang
Published: March 2017

We describe the design and characterization of a series of pyrimidine scaffolds as Pan-Raf inhibitors, which may overcome the resistance associated with current BRafV600E inhibitors.
Catalytic aerial oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural to furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid over Ni–Pd nanoparticles supported on Mg(OH)2 nanoflakes for the synthesis of furan diesters
Authors: Gupta Kavita , Rai Rohit K. , Singh Sanjay K.
Published: March 2017

Ni–Pd/Mg(OH)2-catalyzed efficient aerial oxidation of 5-HMF to FDCA for the synthesis of furan diesters as potential precursor for application in biomass-derived plastics.
A study on the identification of habitats and determination of sulfur dioxide residue of Radix Astragali by UV-vis-SWNIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Jing Xiaoli , Tang Jie , Liu Yang , Lu Xiaomei , Liang Bing
Published: March 2017

UV-visible-shortwave near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with chemometrics is used first for simple, fast and nondestructive identification of habitat and determination of SO2 residue of Chinese herb medicine.
Exhaled isopropanol: new potential biomarker in diabetic breathomics and its metabolic correlations with acetone
Authors: Li Wenwen , Liu Yong , Liu Yu , Cheng Shouquan , Duan Yixiang
Published: March 2017

Concomitant findings of acetone (ACE) and isopropanol (IPA) in blood and other biological samples have been reported in diabetic decedents and clinic cases, but exhaled IPA has rarely been studied in breath research.
Rapid transformation of transparent conducting films into superhydrophobic conductive films
Authors: Woo Jong Seok , Lee Geon-Woong , Park Soo-Young , Han Joong Tark
Published: March 2017

A smart multifunctional surface of conductive plastics with a superhydrophobic surface can potentially be very useful for electrostatic dissipation, electromagnetic interference shielding, and thin film heater with self-cleaning properties.
Glycerol adsorption on a defected Pt6/Pt(100) substrate: a density functional theory investigation within the D3 van der Waals correction
Authors: Tereshchuk Polina , Amaral Rafael C. , Seminovski Yohanna , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: March 2017

We report an ab initio investigation to obtain an improved atomistic understanding of the adsorption properties of glycerol on a defected Pt6/Pt(100) substrate.
Enhanced temperature stability and exceptionally high electrical contrast of selenium substituted Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change materials
Authors: Koch Christine , Hansen Anna-Lena , Dankwort Torben , Schienke Gerrit , Paulsen Melf , Meyer Dominik , Wimmer Martin , Wuttig Matthias , Kienle Lorenz , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Compared to the pure telluride Ge2Sb2Te5, Ge2Sb2Te4Se (I) and Ge2Sb2Te2Se3 (II) thin films reveal an exceptionally large electrical contrast (increased by factor 100 for compound II) between the amorphous and crystalline phases.
Synthesis and properties of magnetic-optical core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Kwizera Elyahb Allie , Chaffin Elise , Wang Yongmei , Huang Xiaohua
Published: March 2017

This review introduces and discusses synthetic approaches, magnetic and optical properties of iron oxide–gold core–shell nanoparticles in different shapes.
Integration of heterologous 4-hydroxybenzoic acid transport proteins in Rhodobacter sphaeroides for enhancement of coenzyme Q10production
Authors: Qi Feng , Zou Limei , Jiang Xianzhang , Cai Shaoli , Zhang Mingliang , Zhao Xuebing , Huang Jianzhong
Published: March 2017

This work provides a novel genetic engineering strategy that improves uptake of extracellular 4-hydroxybenzoic acid by heterologously expressing the membrane transport protein PcaK inR. sphaeroidesfor enhancement of CoQ10production.
Real-time HPLC-MS reaction progress monitoring using an automated analytical platform
Authors: Malig Thomas C. , Koenig Josh D. B. , Situ Henry , Chehal Navneet K. , Hultin Philip G. , Hein Jason E.
Published: March 2017

Automated sampling and in-line dilution allows both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions to be easily profiled by real-time HPLC-MS.
Two-photon fluorescent probe for revealing drug-induced hepatotoxicity via mapping fluctuation of peroxynitrite
Authors: Li Yong , Xie Xilei , Yang Xiu’e , Li Mengmeng , Jiao Xiaoyun , Sun Yuhui , Wang Xu , Tang Bo
Published: March 2017

A peroxynitrite-specific two-photon fluorescent probe was developed for revealing drug-induced hepatotoxicity using peroxynitrite as a biomarker.
Direct heteroarylation polymerization: guidelines for defect-free conjugated polymers
Authors: Bura Thomas , Beaupré Serge , Légaré Marc-André , Quinn Jesse , Rochette Etienne , Blaskovits J. Terence , Fontaine Frédéric-Georges , Pron Agnieszka , Li Yuning , Leclerc Mario
Published: March 2017

New phosphine-based ligands and DFT calculations for defect-free conjugated polymers by direct (hetero)arylation polymerization (DHAP).
Mixed cation hybrid lead halide perovskites with enhanced performance and stability
Authors: Xu Feng , Zhang Taiyang , Li Ge , Zhao Yixin
Published: March 2017

The mixed cation lead halide perovskite solar cells exhibited improved performance and enhanced stabilities.
Charting the relationship between phase type-surface area-interactions between the constituent atoms and oxygen reduction activity of Pd–Cu nanocatalysts inside fuel cells by in operando high-energy X-ray diffraction
Authors: Maswadeh Yazan , Shan Shiyao , Prasai Binay , Zhao Yinguang , Xie Zhi-Hui , Wu Zhipeng , Luo Jin , Ren Yang , Zhong Chuan-Jian , Petkov Valeri
Published: March 2017

HE-XRD elucidates the link between structural changes of catalysts inside PEMFCs and the performance of PEMFCs.
Pore structure–CO2 adsorption property relations of supported amine materials with multi-pore networks
Authors: Cogswell C. F. , Xie Z. , Wolek A. , Wang Y. , Stavola A. , Finkenaur M. , Gilmore E. , Lanzillotti M. , Choi S.
Published: March 2017

Conventional supported amine adsorbents to date are known to suffer from the trade-off between increasing amine content and decreasing access to amine sites. To address this challenge size selection of loaded amines may be a useful tool.
Facile preparation of pH/reduction dual-responsive prodrug nanohydrogels for tumor-specific intracellular triggered release with enhanced anticancer efficiency
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Jia Xu , Zhao Xubo , Li Jiagen , Liu Peng
Published: March 2017

Facile approach was developed for biocompatible and biodegradable pH/reduction dual-responsive nano-prodrug for tumor specific intracellular triggered release.
On the horseshoe conjecture for maximal distance minimizers
Authors: Cherkashin Danila , Teplitskaya Yana
Published: March 2017

We study the properties of sets Σ having the minimal length (one-dimensional Hausdorff measure) over the class of closed connected sets Σ ⊂ ℝ2 satisfying the inequality maxy∈M dist (y,Σ) ≤ r for a given compact set M ⊂ ℝ2 and some given r > 0. Such sets play the role of shortest possible pipelines arriving at a distance at most r to every point of M, where M is the set of customers of the pipeline. We describe the set of minimizers for M a circumference of radius R > 0 for the case when r < R ∕ 4 .98, thus proving the conjecture of Miranda, Paolini and Stepanov for this particular case. Moreover we show that when M is the boundary of a smooth convex set with minimal radius of curvature R, then every minimizer Σ has similar structure for r < R ∕ 5. Additionaly, we prove a similar statement for local minimizers.
A Novel Route to 2-Arylquinolines: Reductive Cleavage of 2′-Nitroaryl-∆2-isoxazolines
Authors: Lal Mukul , Kamath Prashantha , Viner Russell , Smith Stephen
Published: March 2017

A novel synthetic route for the synthesis of quinolines starting from Δ2-isoxazolines under reductive conditions is reported. The ­reductive cyclization to quinolines is achieved under both metal and metal-free conditions. The reaction proceeds via an intramolecular N–H···O hydrogen bond intermediate, accelerating the reductive cleavage 1000-fold (DFT calculations) in comparison with non-hydrogen bonded system.
Thioether-Catalysed Tandem Synthesis of Furans and Cyclic Ethers or Lactones
Authors: Clark J. , Klaus Verena
Published: March 2017

Acyclic conjugated ynenediones tethered to an alcohol or carboxylic acid are converted into furanyl-substituted cyclic ethers or lactones in a single step by treatment with the tetrahydrothiophene. Modest levels of diastereocontrol can be achieved in some cases where the presence of a substituent on the tether results in the creation of a second stereogenic centre upon formation of the cyclic ether or lactone.
Recent Synthetic Advances on π-Extended Carbon Nanohoops
Authors: Cong Huan , Luan Yi
Published: March 2017

As a part of the ‘bottom-up’ campaign for the precise preparation of carbon nanotubes, the chemical synthesis of carbon nanohoops is observing rapid progress, with a number of milestone achievements, over the past decade. With simple carbon nanohoops (e.g. cycloparaphenylenes) now no longer elusive targets, this Synpacts article highlights latest synthetic advances to further build up nanohoops’ π-systems. Works reviewed herein include the study explaining the unsuccessful Scholl reaction method, the preparation of a carbon nanohoop consisting solely of hexabenzocoronene units, syntheses of π-extended carbon nanohoops employing the ring-closing metathesis method, and the anthracene photodimerization/cycloreversion method for anthracene-incorporated carbon nanohoop synthesis.

1 Introduction

2 Some Latest Syntheses of π-Extended Carbon Nanohoops

3 Conclusion
Can the Induction of Labor with Misoprostol Increase Maternal Blood Loss?
Authors: Souza Paulo César Praciano , Damasceno Karla Santana Azevedo , Alencar Júnior Carlos Augusto , Feitosa Francisco Edson de Lucena , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: March 2017

Purpose To evaluate blood loss during misoprostol-induced vaginal births and during cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction.

Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in 101 pregnant women indicated for labor induction; pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were measured to estimate blood loss during delivery. Labor was induced by administering 25 µg vaginal misoprostol every 6 hours (with a maximum of 6 doses). The control group included 30 patients who spontaneously entered labor, and 30 patients who underwent elective cesarean section. Pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were evaluated using the analysis of variance for repeated measurements, showing the effects of time (pre- and postpartum) and of the group (with and without misoprostol administration).

Results There were significant differences between pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels (p < 0.0001) with regard to misoprostol-induced vaginal deliveries (1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dL), non-induced vaginal deliveries (1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dL), cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction (1.5 ± 1.0 mg/dL), and elective cesarean deliveries (1.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL). However, the differences were proportional between the groups with and without misoprostol administration, for both cesarean (p = 0.6845) and vaginal deliveries (p = 0.2694).

Conclusions Labor induction using misoprostol did not affect blood loss during delivery.
Morphometric Changes of the Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen after Percutaneous Endoscopic Foraminoplasty under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Henmi Tatsuhiko , Terai Tomoya , Nagamachi Akihiro , Sairyo Koichi
Published: March 2017

Background Percutaneous endoscopic diskectomy (PED) for the lumbar spine is a relatively new technique that is becoming more common due to its relatively less invasive nature. However, one possible serious complication is an exiting nerve injury when the cannula of the endoscope is inserted into the neural canal through the intervertebral foramen. A technique to enlarge the intervertebral foramen, called foraminoplasty, was recently established to insert the cannula safely into an appropriate position in the neural canal.

Methods In this study we performed foraminoplasty during PED under local anesthesia on 15 patients. Using computed tomography scans before and after surgery, the morphometric changes of the intervertebral foramen were evaluated. Surgery-related complications were reviewed.

Results There were 13 men and 2 women, 21 to 86 years of age (mean: 47.1 years). Disk levels were 13 cases at L4–L5, one case at L3–L4, and one case at L5–S1. In 50% of the cases, the mean foraminal area significantly increased from 58.6 mm2 before surgery to 88.4 mm2 after surgery (p < 0.05 by paired t test). The diameter of the foramen was increased at all three points: the lower end plate of the superior vertebrae, the disk, and the upper end plate of the inferior vertebrae. The area increased ∼ 1.5 times, especially at the upper end plate of the inferior vertebrae. In all cases, no exiting nerve injury was encountered during PED.

Conclusion Foraminoplasty was an effective method for avoiding exiting nerve root injury during transforaminal PED.
Avulsion of the Femoral Attachment of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee Associated to Complete Tear of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: A Case Report
Authors: Haddad Sleiman , Sallent Andrea , Minguell Joan , Castellet Enric
Published: March 2017

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. Incidence of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries can vary widely. Conservative treatment has shown good clinical outcomes and relatively rapid return to play in both injuries alone. We present the case of a 38-year-old male who presented a combined MCL avulsion injury and PCL tear treated surgically. The PCL was reconstructed using the double-bundle Achilles allograft technique. Within the same surgery, a medial femoral incision was performed to reinsert the avulsion of the bone fragment rotated and distally retracted together with the MCL with bone anchors and Spike Washer. Two years after surgery, the patient enjoyed a 0/140-degree range of motion for flexion/extension. He had returned to sports and was pain-free. In conclusion, femoral avulsion of the MCL associated to PCL injury is a rare and nondescribed injury that, as opposed to most MCL isolated injuries, might benefit from early surgical reconstruction.
Extent of Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Canal after Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Dewanngan Naresh , Parihar Vijay , Ratre Shailendra , Kher Yatin , Bhatele Pushpraj , Yadav Yad
Published: March 2017

Introduction Endoscopic techniques are being used in lumbar disk disease and lumbar canal stenosis to decompress the spinal canal. The present study analyzed pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the lumbar canal.

Material and Methods This was a prospective study of 30 lumbar levels. Patients < 18 years of age with unilateral compression, previous surgery at the same level, and spinal instability were excluded. Endoscopic posterior decompression was used. Pre- and postoperative MRIs of all the patients were performed. Anteroposterior (AP), transverse, interfacet diameter, canal surface area, and height and angle of the lateral recess were measured.

Results Mean ages of male and female patients were 42.1 ± 10.3 and 45.0 ± 9.9 years, respectively. Pathologies were at L4–L5, L5–S1, and L2–L3 levels in 16, 13, and 1 patient, respectively. There was significant improvement in AP diameter (4.75 ± 1.75 mm to 10.33 ± 2.11 mm), interfacet distance (12.70 ± 4.86 mm to 18.92 ± 3.53 mm), and canal surface area (76.45 ± 25.36 mm2 to 187.13 ± 41.04 mm2) after decompression. Significant improvement was noted in mean height and angle of lateral recess after surgery of both sides suggesting that effective decompression of the bilateral canal was possible using a unilateral approach. Most of the patients (90%) showed excellent and good improvement after surgery. Postoperative canal surface area and AP diameter in patients who did not have any pain after surgery or had pain requiring occasional medication was higher compared with patients who continued to complain of pain and required continuous pain medication.

Conclusion Although the number of patients was small with a short follow-up, the endoscopic technique was effective in improving AP diameter, interfacet distance, canal surface area, lateral recess height, and lateral recess angle, suggesting that an endoscopic technique using a unilateral approach is effective in bilateral decompression of neural elements.
Clinical Course of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis and the Effectiveness of Cyclophosphamide Treatment
Authors: Pavone Piero , Falsaperla Raffaele , Ruggieri Martino , Verrotti Alberto , Lubrano Riccardo , Rizzo Renata , Salomone Salomone , Praticò Andrea D.
Published: March 2017

We describe the cases of two unrelated girls, aged 5 and 7, respectively, affected by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) encephalitis. The clinical records of both patients were reviewed retrospectively including family and personal history, clinical findings, laboratory, and neuroradiological examinations, electroencephalogram, and treatment performed during admissions to the unit. In both patients, the clinical course was slow and progressive. Both showed anti-NMDAr antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone was not efficacious in the long term, with several relapses occurring in both patients. Second-line treatment with cyclophosphamide (1 g/m2 once a month) resulted in improvement of symptoms and disappearance of clinical signs that were sustained at 24 months follow-up. Side effects included neutropenia in one patient.
Is the Relationship between Short Interpregnancy Interval and Preterm Birth Related to a Short Cervix?
Authors: Zork N. , Merriam A. , Gyamfi-Bannerman C. , Govindappagari S.
Published: March 2017

Objective Our objective was to determine if the relationship between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and preterm delivery was related to cervical shortening.

Methods This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study designed to assess the relationship between cervical length (CL) and preterm delivery. Multiparous patients, who had transvaginal CLs obtained at 22 to 24 weeks and complete pregnancy outcome data available were included. The women were divided into two groups: Group 1 with an IPI of ≤ 1 year and Group 2 with an IPI of > 1 year. The primary outcome was short cervix (CL < 2.5 cm) at 24 weeks. The secondary outcome was the incidence of preterm delivery < 37 weeks. Interaction between short cervix and IPI was examined in a regression model.

Results There were 155 women in Group 1 and 328 women in Group 2. There was no difference in the incidence of short cervix between groups (10.0% in Group 1 and 12.9% in Group 2, p = 0.35). In a logistic regression model, short IPI and short cervix were independently associated with preterm birth.

Conclusion The relationship between short IPI and preterm birth is not explained by a short cervix. They remain independent risk factors for preterm birth.