bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemostatic nanoparticles increase survival, mitigate neuropathology and alleviate anxiety in a rodent blast trauma model
Authors: Hubbard W. Brad , Lashof-Sullivan Margaret , Greenberg Shaylen , Norris Carly , Eck Joseph , Lavik Erin , VandeVord Pamela
Published: July 2018

Explosions account for 79% of combat related injuries and often lead to polytrauma, a majority of which include blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBI). These injuries lead to internal bleeding in multiple organs and, in the case of bTBI, long term neurological deficits. Currently, there are no treatments for internal bleeding beyond fluid resuscitation and surgery. There is also a dearth of treatments for TBI. We have developed a novel approach using hemostatic nanoparticles that encapsulate an anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone, to stop the bleeding and reduce inflammation after injury. We hypothesize that this will improve not only survival but long term functional outcomes after blast polytrauma. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) hemostatic nanoparticles encapsulating dexamethasone (hDNPs) were fabricated and tested following injury along with appropriate controls. Rats were exposed to a single blast wave using an Advanced Blast Simulator, inducing primary blast lung and bTBI. Survival was elevated in the hDNPs group compared to controls. Elevated anxiety parameters were found in the controls, compared to hDNPs. Histological analysis indicated that apoptosis and blood-brain barrier disruption in the amygdala were significantly increased in the controls compared to the hDNPs and sham groups. Immediate intervention is crucial to mitigate injury mechanisms that contribute to emotional deficits.
Down-regulation of vascular GLP-1 receptor expression in human subjects with obesity
Authors: Kimura Tomohiko , Obata Atsushi , Shimoda Masashi , Shimizu Ikki , da Silva Xavier Gabriela , Okauchi Seizo , Hirukawa Hidenori , Kohara Kenji , Mune Tomoatsu , Moriuchi Saeko , Hiraoka Arudo , Tamura Kentaro , Chikazawa Genta , Ishida Atsuhisa , Yoshitaka Hidenori , Rutter Guy A. , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: July 2018

It has been thought that incretin signaling prevents arteriosclerosis, and very recently anti-arteriosclerotic effects through GLP-1 receptor were finally demonstrated in clinical human study. The purpose of this study was to investigate how vascular GLP-1 receptor expression is influenced in human subjects. First, we evaluated GLP-1 receptor expression in human arteries in immunostaining. Next, we separated the artery into the intima and media, and evaluated gene expression levels of various factors. We divided the subjects into obesity and non-obesity group and compared their expression levels between them. Finally, we evaluated which factors determine vascular GLP-1 receptor expression. GLP-1 receptor expression in intima and media was lower in obesity group compared to non-obesity group which was correlated with the alteration of TCF7L2 expression. Multiple regression analyses showed that BMI was an independent determining factor for GLP-1 receptor expression in the intima and media. Furthermore, using small interfering RNA method and TCF7L2-EGFP adenovirus, we showed that TCF7L2 was involved in GLP-1 receptor expression in human vascular cells. Taken together, vascular GLP-1 receptor and TCF7L2 expression was significantly down-regulated in human subjects with obesity. In addition, it is likely that TCF7L2 functions as a modulator of vascular GLP-1 receptor expression.
Calcium-activated chloride channels clamp odor-evoked spike activity in olfactory receptor neurons
Authors: Zak Joseph D. , Grimaud Julien , Li Rong-Chang , Lin Chih-Chun , Murthy Venkatesh N.
Published: July 2018

The calcium-activated chloride channel anoctamin-2 (Ano2) is thought to amplify transduction currents in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), a hypothesis supported by previous studies in dissociated neurons from Ano2−/− mice. Paradoxically, despite a reduction in transduction currents in Ano2−/− ORNs, their spike output for odor stimuli may be higher. We examined the role of Ano2 in ORNs in their native environment in freely breathing mice by imaging activity in ORN axons as they arrive in the olfactory bulb glomeruli. Odor-evoked responses in ORN axons of Ano2−/− animals were consistently larger for a variety of odorants and concentrations. In an open arena, Ano2−/− animals took longer to approach a localized odor source than Ano2+/+ animals, revealing clear olfactory behavioral deficits. Our studies provide the first in vivo evidence toward an alternative or additional role for Ano2 in the olfactory transduction cascade, where it may serve as a feedback mechanism to clamp ORN spike output.
Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness by swept-source optical coherence tomography in healthy Korean children: Normative data and biometric correlations
Authors: Lee Yoon Pyo , Ju Young-Su , Choi Dong Gyu
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify the normative values of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in healthy Korean children using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and to investigate the correlations of age, refractive error, axial length (AL), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio with GCIPL thickness. Children aged between 3 and 17 who had visited our pediatric ophthalmology clinic were enrolled. Each subject underwent full ophthalmic examinations including RNFL thickness, C/D ratio and GCIPL thickness measurement by SS-OCT as well as AL measurement by partial-coherence interferometry. A total of 254 eyes of 127 children were included. The mean average GCIPL thickness was 71.5 ± 5.35 μm; the thickest sector was the superonasal and the thinnest the inferior. According to multivariate regression analysis, average GCIPL thickness was significantly associated with spherical equivalent and RNFL thickness (P < 0.0001 for both): the higher the myopia or the thinner the RNFL thickness, the thinner the GCIPL thickness. In conclusion, this study provides an SS-OCT-based pediatric normative database of GCIPL thickness that can serve as a reference for early detection and follow-up of glaucoma and optic nerve diseases in children.
Multidrug-resistant Citrobacter freundii ST139 co-producing NDM-1 and CMY-152 from China
Authors: Yang Lang , Li Peihan , Liang Beibei , Hu Xiaofeng , Li Jinhui , Xie Jing , Yang Chaojie , Hao Rongzhang , Wang Ligui , Jia Leili , Li Peng , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin
Published: July 2018

The emergence of carbapenemase-producing Citrobacter freundii poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. Here, we reported a C. freundii strain CWH001 which was resistant to all tested antimicrobials except tetracycline. Whole genome sequencing and analysis were performed. The strain, which belonged to a new sequence type ST139, showed close relationship with other foreign C. freundii strains through phylogenetic analysis. A novel variant of the intrinsic blaCMY gene located on the chromosome was identified and designated as blaCMY-152. Coexistence of blaNDM-1 with qnrS1 was found on a conjugative IncN plasmid, which had a backbone appearing in various plasmids. Other class A ESBL genes (blaVEB-3 and blaTEM-1) were also detected on two different novel plasmids. The emergence of multidrug-resistant C. freundii is of major concern, causing great challenges to the treatment of clinical infections. Great efforts need to be taken for the specific surveillance of this opportunistic pathogen.
Cell-specific pattern of berberine pleiotropic effects on different human cell lines
Authors: Agnarelli Alessandro , Natali Marco , Garcia-Gil Mercedes , Pesi Rossana , Tozzi Maria Grazia , Ippolito Chiara , Bernardini Nunzia , Vignali Robert , Batistoni Renata , Bianucci Anna Maria , Marracci Silvia
Published: July 2018

The natural alkaloid berberine has several pharmacological properties and recently received attention as a potential anticancer agent. In this work, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effect of berberine on glioblastoma U343 and pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 cells. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were used as non-cancer cells. We show that berberine differentially affects cell viability, displaying a higher cytotoxicity on the two cancer cell lines than on HDF. Berberine also affects cell cycle progression, senescence, caspase-3 activity, autophagy and migration in a cell-specific manner. In particular, in HDF it induces cell cycle arrest in G2 and senescence, but not autophagy; in the U343 cells, berberine leads to cell cycle arrest in G2 and induces both senescence and autophagy; in MIA PaCa-2 cells, the alkaloid induces arrest in G1, senescence, autophagy, it increases caspase-3 activity and impairs migration/invasion. As demonstrated by decreased citrate synthase activity, the three cell lines show mitochondrial dysfunction following berberine exposure. Finally, we observed that berberine modulates the expression profile of genes involved in different pathways of tumorigenesis in a cell line-specific manner. These findings have valuable implications for understanding the complex functional interactions between berberine and specific cell types.
Random Matrix Analysis for Gene Interaction Networks in Cancer Cells
Authors: Kikkawa Ayumi
Published: July 2018

Investigations of topological uniqueness of gene interaction networks in cancer cells are essential for understanding the disease. Although cancer is considered to originate from the topological alteration of a huge molecular interaction network in cellular systems, the theoretical study to investigate such complex networks is still insufficient. It is necessary to predict the behavior of a huge complex interaction network from the behavior of a finite size network. Based on the random matrix theory, we study the distribution of the nearest neighbor level spacings P(s) of interaction matrices of gene networks in human cancer cells. The interaction matrices are computed using the Cancer Network Galaxy (TCNG) database which is a repository of gene interactions inferred by a Bayesian network model. 256 NCBI GEO entries regarding gene expressions in human cancer cells have been used for the inference. We observe the Wigner distribution of P(s) when the gene networks are dense networks that have more than ~38,000 edges. In the opposite case, when the networks have smaller numbers of edges, the distribution P(s) becomes the Poisson distribution. We investigate relevance of P(s) both to the sparseness of the networks and to edge frequency factor which is the reliance (likelihood) of the inferred gene interactions.
Tracking aluminium impurities in single crystals of the heavy-fermion superconductor UBe13
Authors: Amon Alfred , Zelenina Iryna , Simon Paul , Bobnar Matej , Naumann Marcel , Svanidze Eteri , Arnold Frank , Borrmann Horst , Burkhardt Ulrich , Schnelle Walter , Hassinger Elena , Leithe-Jasper Andreas , Grin Yuri
Published: July 2018

The influence of Al incorporation on the heavy fermion superconductor UBe13 was investigated to explain the sample dependence of physical properties. Clear evidence for incorporated Al in flux-grown UBe13 single crystals is presented by results from X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray spectroscopy. The increase of the lattice parameter and the concomitant change of the superconducting properties are caused by substitution of Be in the compound by 1–2 at.% Al. The minute amounts of Al in the structure were located by atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy. Specific heat measurements reveal the strong influence of incorporated Al on the physical properties of UBe13. Upon long-term annealing, Al incorporated in single crystals can leave the structure, restoring properties of Al-free polycrystalline UBe13.
Intrasession and Between-Visit Variability of Retinal Vessel Density Values Measured with OCT Angiography in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Czakó Cecília , Sándor Gábor , Ecsedy Mónika , Récsán Zsuzsa , Horváth Hajnalka , Szepessy Zsuzsanna , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Kovács Illés
Published: July 2018

In clinical practice the measurement error of an instrument has special importance in analyzing and interpreting data, and acknowledging limitations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intrasession and between-visit reproducibility of OCT angiography measurements in diabetic patients. A total of 54 eyes of 27 diabetic patients underwent OCT angiography imaging. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and superficial retinal vessel density (VD) at 3 mm were calculated using the AngioAnalytics software. Three consecutive images were acquired at first visit and one image 1 month later. Intrasession and between-visit reproducibility of parameters were characterized by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and coefficient of repeatability (CR) values. We measured excellent (>0.90) ICC values both in intrasession and between-visit comparisons. CV was higher for the FAZ area compared to VD both in intrasession (7.79% vs. 2.87%) and in between-visit (12.33% vs. 2.95%) comparisons. Between-visit CR value for VD was 4.53% (95% CI: 3.72–5.79%). These data suggest that OCT angiography shows excellent repeatability in diabetic patients, indicating that this non-invasive technology might be suitable for longitudinal assessment of microvascular complications.
Chemosensitivity profiling of osteosarcoma tumour cell lines identifies a model of BRCAness
Authors: Holme Harriett , Gulati Aditi , Brough Rachel , Fleuren Emmy D. G. , Bajrami Ilirjana , Campbell James , Chong Irene Y. , Costa-Cabral Sara , Elliott Richard , Fenton Tim , Frankum Jessica , Jones Samuel E. , Menon Malini , Miller Rowan , Pemberton Helen N. , Postel-Vinay Sophie , Rafiq Rumana , Selfe Joanna L. , von Kriegsheim Alex , Munoz Amaya Garcia , Rodriguez Javier , Shipley Janet , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Williamson Chris T. , Ryan Colm J. , Pettitt Stephen , Ashworth Alan , Strauss Sandra J. , Lord Christopher J.
Published: July 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive sarcoma, where novel treatment approaches are required. Genomic studies suggest that a subset of OS, including OS tumour cell lines (TCLs), exhibit genomic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) patterns reminiscent of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutant tumours. This raises the possibility that PARP inhibitors (PARPi), used to treat BRCA1/2 mutant cancers, could be used to target OS. Using high-throughput drug sensitivity screening we generated chemosensitivity profiles for 79 small molecule inhibitors, including three clinical PARPi. Drug screening was performed in 88 tumour cell lines, including 18 OS TCLs. This identified known sensitivity effects in OS TCLs, such as sensitivity to FGFR inhibitors. When compared to BRCA1/2 mutant TCLs, OS TCLs, with the exception of LM7, were PARPi resistant, including those with previously determined BRCAness LoH profiles. Post-screen validation experiments confirmed PARPi sensitivity in LM7 cells as well as a defect in the ability to form nuclear RAD51 foci in response to DNA damage. LM7 provides one OS model for the study of PARPi sensitivity through a potential defect in RAD51-mediated DNA repair. The drug sensitivity dataset we generated in 88 TCLs could also serve as a resource for the study of drug sensitivity effects in OS.
Nickel oxide–polypyrrole nanocomposite electrode materials for electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Morales Daniela V. , Astudillo Catalina N. , Lattach Youssef , Urbano Bruno F. , Pereira Eduardo , Rivas Bernabé L. , Arnaud Josiane , Putaux Jean-Luc , Sirach Selim , Cobo Saioa , Moutet Jean-Claude , Collomb Marie-Noëlle , Fortage Jérôme
Published: July 2018

Electrochemically prepared nickel oxide nanoparticles entrapped into a polymer matrix as efficient material for O2evolution.
Identification of proteins and bacteria based on a metal ion–gold nanocluster sensor array
Authors: Wu Yayan , Wang Bing , Wang Kai , Yan Peng
Published: July 2018

We report a simple fluorescence sensor array based on metal ions–gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) for the identification of proteins. The proposed method can also be used for bacteria sensing.
Transfer of cells with uptaken nanocomposite, magnetite-nanoparticle functionalized capsules with electromagnetic tweezers
Authors: Vidiasheva Irina V. , Abalymov Anatolii A. , Kurochkin Maxim A. , Mayorova Oksana A. , Lomova Maria V. , German Sergey V. , Khalenkow Dmitry N. , Zharkov Mikhail N. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Skirtach Andre G. , Tuchin Valery V. , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: July 2018

Targeted cell delivery via electromagnetic tweezers.
Electrically conductive MEH-PPV:PCL electrospun nanofibres for electrical stimulation of rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Borah Rajiv , Ingavle Ganesh C. , Sandeman Susan R. , Kumar Ashok , Mikhalovsky Sergey
Published: July 2018

Electrically conductive, porous, mechanically strong and bioactive electrospun MEH-PPV:PCL nanofibres with blended and core-sheath formulations for enhanced neurite formation and neurite outgrowth.
[RuII(tpy)(bpy)Cl]+-Catalyzed reduction of carbon dioxide. Mechanistic insights by carbon-13 kinetic isotope effects
Authors: Schneider T. W. , Hren M. T. , Ertem M. Z. , Angeles-Boza A. M.
Published: July 2018

13C kinetic isotope effect determinations combined with DFT calculations provide insight on the CO2 reduction reaction catalyzed by a ruthenium complex.
Palladium-catalyzed C(carbonyl)–C bond cleavage of amides: a facile access to phenylcarbamate derivatives with alcohols
Authors: Yan Xufei , Sun Huihui , Xiang Haifeng , Yu Da-Gang , Luo Daibing , Zhou Xiangge
Published: July 2018

A sulfur-containing auxiliary enabled palladium-catalyzed C(carbonyl)–C bond activation of amides was reported to form phenylcarbamate derivatives with alcohols.
Synthesis of amphiphilic graphitic silver nanoparticles with inherent internal standards: an efficient strategy for reliable quantitative SERS analysis in common fluids
Authors: Song Zhi-Ling , Dai Xin , Li Mengru , Song Zhen , Chen Zhuo , Luo Xiliang
Published: July 2018

An efficient strategy for reliable quantitative SERS analysis in fluids by amphiphilic functionalization of graphitic silver nanoparticles with internal standards.
A plausible model correlates prebiotic peptide synthesis with the primordial genetic code
Authors: Ying Jianxi , Fu Songsen , Li Xin , Feng Liubin , Xu Pengxiang , Liu Yan , Gao Xiang , Zhao Yufen
Published: July 2018

The analogs of 5′-aa-AMPs, namely nucleotide amidates (aa-N-NMPs), obtained under Hadean conditions. B = base.
Ni/graphitic carbon core–shell nanostructure-based light weight elastomeric composites for Ku-band microwave absorption applications
Authors: Saini Lokesh , Patra Manoj Kumar , Dhaka Manoj Kumar , Jani Raj Kumar , Gupta Goutam Kumar , Dixit Ambesh , Vadera Sampat Raj
Published: July 2018

Graphitic carbon-coated Ni metal core nanoparticles with respective reflection loss for different thickness of Ni/C and rubber composites.
Polyamorphism and frustrated crystallization in the acid–base reaction of magnesium potassium phosphate cements
Authors: Viani Alberto , Mácová Petra
Published: July 2018

The kinetics of MgO dissolution explain the amorphous–amorphous transformation and frustrated crystallization of reaction products in Mg-phosphate cements.
Multifunctional nanostructured Co-doped ZnO: Co spatial distribution and correlated magnetic properties
Authors: da Silva Rafael T. , Mesquita Alexandre , de Zevallos Angela O. , Chiaramonte Thalita , Gratens Xavier , Chitta Valmir A. , Morbec Juliana M. , Rahman Gul , García-Suárez Victor M. , Doriguetto Antonio C. , Bernardi Maria I. B. , de Carvalho Hugo B.
Published: July 2018

The correlation between the structural and magnetic properties of nanoparticulated Co-doped ZnO is reported and a kinetic-thermodynamic model for the processes of nucleation and growth of the nanoparticles is proposed.
Binding indirect greenhouse gases OCS and CS2by nitrogen heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs)
Authors: Montero-Campillo M. Merced , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: July 2018

Carbon disulfide (CS2) and carbonyl sulfide (OCS) are indirect greenhouse gases that can be effectively trapped by classical, abnormal and remote nitrogen heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), according to high levelab initiocalculations.
Controlling the redox properties of nickel in NiO/ZrO2 catalysts synthesized by sol–gel
Authors: Valente Jaime S. , Valle-Orta M. , Armendáriz-Herrera Héctor , Quintana-Solórzano R. , del Angel Paz , Ramírez-Salgado J. , Montiel-López J. R.
Published: July 2018

NiO–ZrO2 interaction affects the electronic properties and activity of NiO.
Stimuli-responsive metal–organic supercontainers as synthetic proton receptors
Authors: Sun Cheng-Zhe , Cheng Li-Ji , Qiao Yupu , Zhang Li-Yi , Chen Zhong-Ning , Dai Feng-Rong , Lin Wei , Wang Zhenqiang
Published: July 2018

Functional supercontainers exhibit intriguing H+-dependent fluorescent switching behavior, opening exiting new opportunities for proton modulation in both chemistry and biology.
Dinuclear iminophenoxide copper complexes in rac-lactide polymerisation
Authors: Daneshmand Pargol , Pinon Leena , Schaper Frank
Published: July 2018

Bis(R′-(R′′-iminomethyl)phenoxide) copper complexes closely resemble their iminopyrrolide analogs in structure, reactivity, and in the dinuclear active species. However, while they provide good polymer molecular weight control, they produce only atactic polylactide.
Redox-mediated formation of plutonium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Romanchuk Anna Yu. , Plakhova Tatiana V. , Egorov Alexander V. , Egorova Tolganay B. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Shiryaev Andrey A. , Kalmykov Stepan N.
Published: July 2018

Precipitates formed by the neutralisation of Pu(iii), Pu(iv), Pu(v), and Pu(vi) solutions were characterised by HRTEM, SAXS, and XRD in the suspensions. PuO2nanoparticles uniform in size (typical diameter around 2.5 nm) and phase composition were observed in all cases under equilibrium conditions.
Floating, highly efficient, and scalable graphene membranes for seawater desalination using solar energy
Authors: Li Guijun , Law Wing-Cheung , Chan Kang Cheung
Published: July 2018

Scalable, high efficiency, floating graphene membranes for seawater desalination.
Modular synthesis of (E)-cinnamaldehydes directly from allylarenes via a metal-free DDQ-mediated oxidative process
Authors: Xu Ting-Ting , Jiang Tao-Shan , Han Xiao-Lan , Xu Yuan-Hong , Qiao Jin-Ping
Published: July 2018

A practical route to prepare (E)-cinnamaldehydes and natural products randainal and geranyloxy sinapyl aldehyde has been achieved via a metal-free DDQ-mediated oxidative transformation of allylarenes.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2)-decorated silver indium diselenide (AgInSe2): novel nano-photocatalyst for oxidative dye degradation
Authors: Kshirsagar Anuraj S. , Khanna Pawan K.
Published: July 2018

Novel titanium-dioxide-decorated silver indium diselenide nano-photocatalyst for enhancement in photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency of three different dyes, namely, MB, MO, and RhB.
Exploring the interaction between Salvia miltiorrhiza and α-glucosidase: insights from computational analysis and experimental studies
Authors: Tang Hongjin , Zhao Dongsheng , Xue Zhenglian
Published: July 2018

An integrated approach was used to explore the interaction between Salvia miltiorrhiza and α-glucosidase.
Metal-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts for reduction of carbon dioxide and nitrogen: mechanisms, recent advances and perspective
Authors: Zhou Jun-Hao , Zhang Ya-Wen
Published: July 2018

Recent progress in the development of metal-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts which have been used in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with superior performance is comprehensively and critically reviewed.
Reversible fabrication and self-assembly of a gemini supra-amphiphile driven by dynamic covalent bonds
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Liu Fenglin , Liu Tingting , Chen Jingsi , Xu Shaobo , Zeng Hongbo
Published: July 2018

A smart gemini supra-amphiphile behaving with pH/CO2dual-sensitive hierarchical self-assembly was fabricated under the effect of dynamic covalent bonds.
A new strategy for integrating semiconducting SWCNTs into pseudo-cubic In2O3 heterostructures for solid-state symmetric supercapacitors with a superior stability and specific-capacitance
Authors: Mishra Rajneesh Kumar , Ryu Jae Hyeon , Kwon Hyuck-In , Jin Sung Hun
Published: July 2018

We report a one-step hydrothermal synthesis of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes/pseudocubic In2O3 heterostructures and successfully demonstrate LED lighting by using symmetric solid-state supercapacitors.
Coaxial α-MnSe@N-doped carbon double nanotubes as superior anode materials in Li/Na-ion half/full batteries
Authors: Liu Dai-Huo , Li Wen-Hao , Liang Hao-Jie , Lü Hong-Yan , Guo Jin-Zhi , Wang Jiawei , Wu Xing-Long
Published: July 2018

One-dimensional coaxial double nanotubes consisting of α-MnSe inner tubes and N-doped carbon outer tubes were prepared as anode materials for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries.
Understanding and development of olivine LiCoPO4cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Min , Garcia-Araez Nuria , Hector Andrew L.
Published: July 2018

Understanding and development of olivine LiCoPO4cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries are systematically reviewed.
A cake making strategy to prepare reduced graphene oxide wrapped plant fiber sponges for high-efficiency solar steam generation
Authors: Chen Tingjie , Wang Sha , Wu Zhenzeng , Wang Xiaodong (Alice) , Peng Jian , Wu Binghui , Cui Jingqin , Fang Xiaoliang , Xie Yongqun , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: July 2018

A cake making strategy is developed to prepare reduced graphene oxide wrapped plant fiber sponges for high-efficiency solar steam generation.
Electrospun nanofiber substrates that enhance polar solvent separation from organic compounds in thin-film composites
Authors: Lu Tian-Dan , Chen Bo-Zhi , Wang Jue , Jia Tian-Zhi , Cao Xue-Li , Wang Yong , Xing Weihong , Lau Cher Hon , Sun Shi-Peng
Published: July 2018

A solvent-resistant thin-film composite nanofibrous membrane: high permeance, high rejection in virtue of high porosity and low tortuosity.
Highly durable solid oxide fuel cells: suppressing chemical degradationviarational design of a diffusion-blocking layer
Authors: Lee Seunghwan , Lee Sanghyeok , Kim Hyo-Jin , Choi Sung Min , An Hyegsoon , Park Mi Young , Shin Jisu , Park Jung Hoon , Ahn Junsung , Kim Donghwan , Ji Ho-Il , Kim Hyoungchul , Son Ji-Won , Lee Jong-Ho , Kim Byung-Kook , Lee Hae-Weon , Hong Jongsup , Shin Dongwook , Yoon Kyung Joong
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate a highly reliable diffusion-blocking layer that suppresses detrimental chemical interactions at elevated temperatures.
Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of high-rate FeS2 nanoparticles anchored on graphene for hybrid supercapacitors with ultrahigh energy density
Authors: Sun Zhiqin , Lin Huiming , Zhang Feng , Yang Xue , Jiang He , Wang Qian , Qu Fengyu
Published: July 2018

Benefitting from the high specific capacity (793 C g−1) of the FeS2/graphene anode, an assembled all-solid-state hybrid supercapacitor device based on the FeS2/graphene anode and a Ni(OH)2@Co9S8 cathode achieves an ultrahigh energy density of up to 95.8 W h kg−1 at a power density of 949 W kg−1.
Photo-triggered antibacterial and anticancer activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sivakumar Padmanaban , Lee Minjong , Kim Yoon-Seok , Shim Min Suk
Published: July 2018

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) generate reactive oxygen species and thus induce phototoxicity against bacteria and cancer cells due to their photocatalytic effects under light irradiation. This review introduces and discusses recent research regarding the utilization of ZnO NPs for light-triggered antibacterial and anticancer activities.
Cu MOF-based catalytic sensing for formaldehyde
Authors: Gao Ping , Sun Xiang-Ying , Liu Bin , Lian Hui-Ting , Liu Xin-Qiang , Shen Jiang-Shan
Published: July 2018

Cu-BTC metal–organic frameworks possessing outstanding catalytic activity towards o-phenylenediamine were successfully synthesized to develop a novel catalytic sensing system for detecting gaseous formaldehyde.
Luminescent silicone materials containing Eu3+-complexes for photonic applications
Authors: Manzani Danilo , Nigoghossian Karina , Iastrensk Mariana Felix , Coelho Gabriel Rabelo , dos Santos Molíria Vieira , Maia Lauro June Queiroz , Ribeiro Sidney José Lima , Segatelli Mariana Gava
Published: July 2018

We report the synthesis and investigation of a set of highly red emissive [Eu(tta)3(H2O)2]-doped silicone samples.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of sulfur mustard toxicity on spermatozoa and male fertility
Authors: Beigi Harchegani Asghar , Mirnam Niha Mahdiyeh , Sohrabiyan Milad , Ghatrehsamani Mahdi , Tahmasbpour Eisa , Shahriary Alireza
Published: July 2018

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic compound that can target human spermatozoa. SM induces a wide variety of pathological effects in human reproductive organs, including sexual hormone disturbance, testicular atrophy, impaired spermatogenesis, poor sperm quality, defects in embryo development, childhood physical abnormalities, and severe fertility problems. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of SM action on male reproductive health and human sperm function are unclear. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species and the resulting oxidative stress is likely a significant mechanism of SM action, and could be associated with sperm DNA damage, membrane lipid peroxidation, reduced membrane fluidity, mitochondrial deficiency, apoptosis, and poor sperm quality. In this review, we aim to discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM action on sperm and reproductive health, the significance of OS, and the mechanisms through which SM enhances the infertility rate among SM-exposed individuals.
Specialized ribosomes and the control of translation
Authors: Guo Huili
Published: July 2018

The control of translation is increasingly recognized as a major factor in determining protein levels in the cell. The ribosome — the cellular machine that mediates protein synthesis — is typically seen as a key, but invariant, player in this process. This is because translational control is thought to be mediated by other auxiliary factors while ribosome recruitment is seen as the end-point of regulation. However, recent developments have made it clear that heterogeneous ribosome types can exist in different tissues, and more importantly, that these ribosomes can preferentially translate different subsets of mRNAs. In so doing, heterogeneous ribosomes could be key regulatory players in differentiation and development. Here, we examine current evidence for the existence of different ribosome types and how they might arise. In particular, we will take a close look at the mechanisms through which these ribosomes might mediate selective mRNA translation. We also summarize recently developed techniques/approaches that will aid in our understanding of the functions of such specialized ribosomes.
The aging heart
Authors: Obas Vanessa , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: July 2018

As the elderly segment of the world population increases, it is critical to understand the changes in cardiac structure and function during the normal aging process. In this review, we outline the key molecular pathways and cellular processes that underlie the phenotypic changes in the heart and vasculature that accompany aging. Reduced autophagy, increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, telomere attrition, altered signaling in insulin-like growth factor, growth differentiation factor 11, and 5′- AMP-activated protein kinase pathways are among the key molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac aging. Aging promotes structural and functional changes in the atria, ventricles, valves, myocardium, pericardium, the cardiac conduction system, and the vasculature. We highlight the factors known to accelerate and attenuate the intrinsic aging of the heart and vessels in addition to potential preventive and therapeutic avenues. A greater understanding of the processes involved in cardiac aging may facilitate our ability to mitigate the escalating burden of CVD in older individuals and promote healthy cardiac aging.
Near infrared spectroscopy and star-formation histories of 3 ≤ z ≤ 4 quiescent galaxies
Authors: Schreiber C. , Glazebrook K. , Nanayakkara T. , Kacprzak G. G. , Labbé I. , Oesch P. , Yuan T. , Tran K.-V. , Papovich C. , Spitler L. , Straatman C.
Published: July 2018

We present Keck–MOSFIRE H and K spectra for a sample of 24 candidate quiescent galaxies at 3 < z < 4, identified from their rest-frame UVJ colors and photometric redshifts in the ZFOURGE and 3DHST surveys. With median integration times of one hour in H and five in K, we obtain spectroscopic redshifts for half of the sample, using either Balmer absorption lines or nebular emission lines. We confirm the high accuracy of the photometric redshifts for this spectroscopically-confirmed sample, with a median |Zphot − Zspec|/(1 + Zspec) of 1.2%. Two galaxies turn out to be dusty Hα emitters at lower redshifts (z < 2.5), and these are the only two detected in the sub-mm with ALMA. High equivalent-width [O III] emission is observed in two galaxies, contributing up to 30% of the K-band flux and mimicking the UVJ colors of an old stellar population. This implies a failure rate of only 20% for the UVJ selection at these redshifts. Lastly, Balmer absorption features are identified in four galaxies, among the brightest of the sample, confirming the absence of OB stars. We then modeled the spectra and photometry of all quiescent galaxies with a wide range of star-formation histories. We find specific star-formation rates (sSFR) lower than 0.15 Gyr−1 (a factor of ten below the main sequence) for all but one galaxy, and lower than 0.01 Gyr−1 for half of the sample. These values are consistent with the observed Hβ and [O II] luminosities, and the ALMA non-detections. The implied formation histories reveal that these galaxies have quenched on average 300 Myr prior to being observed, between z  =  3.5 and 5, and that half of their stars were formed by z ∼ 5.5 with a mean SFR ~ 300 M⊙ yr−1. We finally compared the UVJ selection to a selection based instead on the sSFR, as measured from the photometry. We find that galaxies a factor of ten below the main sequence are 40% more numerous than UVJ-selected quiescent galaxies, implying that the UVJ selection is pure but incomplete. Current models fail at reproducing our observations, and underestimate either the number density of quiescent galaxies by more than an order of magnitude, or the duration of their quiescence by a factor two. Overall, these results confirm the existence of an unexpected population of quiescent galaxies at z > 3, and offer the first insights on their formation histories.
Star-planet interactions
Authors: Rao Suvrat , Meynet Georges , Eggenberger Patrick , Haemmerlé Lionel , Privitera Giovanni , Georgy Cyril , Ekström Sylvia , Mordasini Christoph
Published: July 2018

Context. When planets are formed from the protoplanetary disk and after the disk has dissipated, the evolution of their orbits is governed by tidal interactions, friction, and gravitational drag, and also by changes in the mass of the star and planet. These interactions may change the initial distribution of the distances between the planets and their host star by expanding the original orbit, by contracting it (which may cause an engulfment of the planet by the star), or by destroying the planet.

Aims. We study the evolution of the orbit of a planet orbiting its host star under the effects of equilibrium tides, dynamical tides, drag (frictional and gravitational), and stellar mass loss.

Methods. We used the Geneva stellar evolution code to compute the evolution of stars with initial masses of 1 and 1.5 M⊙ with different rotation rates at solar metallicity. The star is evolved from the pre-main-sequence (PMS) up to the tip of the red giant branch. We used these models as input for computing the evolution of the planetary orbits. We explored the effects of changing the planet masses (of 1 Earth mass up to 20 Jupiter masses), the distance between the planet and the star (of 0.015 and more than 3 au), the mass, and the spin of the star. We present results when only the equilibrium tide was accounted for and when both equilibrium and dynamical tides were accounted for. The expression for the dynamical tide is a frequency-averaged dissipation of tidally excited inertial waves, obtained from a piecewise homogeneous two-layer stellar model. Gravity wave damping was neglected.

Results. Dynamical tides in convective zones have a significant effect on planetary orbits only during the PMS phase and only for fast-rotating stars. They have no significant effects during the PMS phase for initially slow-rotating stars and during the red giant branch phase, regardless of the initial rotation. In the plots of initial orbital distance versus planetary mass, we show the regions that lead to engulfment or any significant changes in the orbit. As a result of orbital evolution, a region near the star can become devoid of planets after the PMS phase. We call this zone the planet desert, and its extent depends sensitively on stellar rotation. An examination of the planet distribution as a function of distance to the host star and mass can provide constraints on current computations.
Nature of the energy source powering solar coronal loops driven by nanoflares
Authors: Chitta L. P. , Peter H. , Solanki S. K.
Published: July 2018

Context. Magnetic energy is required to heat the corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun, to millions of degrees.

Aims. We study the nature of the magnetic energy source that is probably responsible for the brightening of coronal loops driven by nanoflares in the cores of solar active regions.

Methods. We consider observations of two active regions (ARs), 11890 and 12234, in which nanoflares have been detected. To this end, we use ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) for coronal loop diagnostics. These images are combined with the co-temporal line-of-sight magnetic field maps from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard SDO to investigate the connection between coronal loops and their magnetic roots in the photosphere.

Results. The core of these ARs exhibit loop brightening in multiple EUV channels of AIA, particularly in its 9.4 nm filter. The HMI magnetic field maps reveal the presence of a complex mixed polarity magnetic field distribution at the base of these loops. We detect the cancellation of photospheric magnetic flux at these locations at a rate of about 1015 Mx s−1. The associated compact coronal brightenings directly above the cancelling magnetic features are indicative of plasma heating due to chromospheric magnetic reconnection.

Conclusions. We suggest that the complex magnetic topology and the evolution of magnetic field, such as flux cancellation in the photosphere and the resulting chromospheric reconnection, can play an important role in energizing active region coronal loops driven by nanoflares. Our estimate of magnetic energy release during flux cancellation in the quiet Sun suggests that chromospheric reconnection can also power the quiet corona.
Schonende Operationstechnik beim Attikcholesteatom vielversprechend
Authors: Diensthuber Marc
Published: July 2018

Presutti L et al. The Impact of the Transcanal Endoscopic Approach and Mastoid Preservation on Recurrence of Primary Acquired Attic Cholesteatoma. Otol Neurotol 2018; 39: 445–450

Die chirurgische Behandlung eines Attikcholesteatoms ist anspruchsvoll und über eine optimale Strategie wird aktuell immer noch diskutiert. Wissenschaftler haben nun untersucht, welche Faktoren einen Einfluss auf postoperative Erkrankungen eines primär erworbenen Attikcholesteatoms haben. Die Autoren nahmen an, dass minimalinvasiv, schleimhautschonende Operationstechniken einen positiven Effekt auf die Ergebnisse in Bezug auf Rezidive haben.
Ökonomische Betrachtung von Genexpressionstests beim Mammakarzinom am Beispiel des Oncotype DX®
Authors: Thiem Helena , Lux Michael P. , Rebscher Herbert , Potempa Christoph
Published: July 2018

Zielsetzung Das Ziel der Übersichtsarbeit ist, die ökonomischen Auswirkungen von Genexpressionstests in der Therapie des frühen, Hormonrezeptor-positiven,
Her2-negativen Mammakarzinoms zur Unterstützung der adjuvanten Therapieentscheidung am Beispiel des Oncotype DX® (ODX) zu erläutern. Im Fokus steht dabei,
inwiefern dieser Genexpressionstest zu Kosteneinsparungen führt und ob er als kosteneffektiv bewertet werden kann.

Methodik In gängigen Literaturdatenbanken wurde eine Literaturrecherche zu gesundheitsökonomischen Analysen des ODX durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse der
eingeschlossenen Publikationen wurden ausgewertet und in einem narrativen Review zusammengefasst. Zusätzlich erfolgte eine separate Betrachtung im Kontext des
deutschen Gesundheitssystems.

Ergebnisse Es konnten insgesamt 28 Arbeiten identifiziert werden, die sich mit der Wirtschaftlichkeit des ODX auseinandersetzen. Darunter waren 18
Kosten-Effektivitäts-Analysen, 5 Budget-Impact-Analysen sowie 5 Reviews. Die eingeschlossenen Kosten-Effektivitätsanalysen bewerteten den Test insgesamt als
kosteneffektiv gegenüber der Regelversorgung, begründet durch ein verbessertes Outcome, eine geringere Anzahl an durchgeführten Chemotherapien, eine geringere
Rezidivrate sowie eine höhere Lebenserwartung der Patientinnen. In Abhängigkeit vom jeweiligen Gesundheitssystem wird dem ODX in den Budget-Impact-Analysen ein
Einsparpotenzial zugesprochen, teilweise kann es jedoch zu (kurzfristigen) Kostensteigerungen aufgrund der Kosten für die Testung kommen. Die Publikationen zur
Wirtschaftlichkeit des ODX im deutschen Versorgungskontext berichten ebenfalls ein Einsparpotenzial.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse lassen sich aufgrund unterschiedlicher monetärer Bewertungen zwar nur eingeschränkt auf das deutsche Gesundheitssystem
übertragen, es kann dennoch davon ausgegangen werden, dass der Einsatz des ODX auch hier im Längsschnitt zu Kosteneinsparungen führen wird. Eine Erstattung von
Genexpressionstests beim frühen Mammakarzinom im Rahmen der Regelversorgung ist demnach unter ökonomischen Gesichtspunkten sinnvoll.
Polymorphisms of the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor- 1 Gene in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Mansfield M W , Stickland M H , Carter A M , Grant P J
Published: July 2018

To identify whether genotype contributes to the difference in PAI-1 levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetic subjects and whether genotype relates to the development of retinopathy, a Hind III restriction fragment length polymorphism and two dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms were studied. In 519 Caucasian diabetic subjects (192 type 1, 327 type 2) and 123 Caucasian control subjects there were no differences in the frequency of the Hind III restriction alleles (type 1 vs type 2 vs control: allele 1 0.397 vs 0.420 vs 0.448; allele 2 0.603 vs 0.580 vs 0.552) nor in the allelic frequency at either dinucleotide repeat sequence. In 86 subjects with no retinopathy at 15 years or more from diagnosis of diabetes and 190 subjects with diabetic retinopathy there was no difference in the frequency of Hind III restriction alleles (retinopathy present vs retinopathy absent: allele 1 0.400 vs 0.467; allele 2 0.600 vs 0.533) nor in the allelic frequencies at either dinucleotide repeat sequence. The results indicate that there is no or minimal influence of the PAI-1 gene on either PAI-1 levels or the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus.
High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment of a Pregnant Patient with an Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Immunological Changes Associated with a Successful Outcome
Authors: Arnout J , Spitz B , Wittevrongel C , Vanrusselt M , Assche A Van , Vermylen J
Published: July 2018

A patient with a history of habitual abortion, deep venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, high titer IgG anticardiolipin antibodies and a clearly positive lupus anticoagulant, was treated during her seventh pregnancy with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) from the third month onwards. Every month, a daily infusion of 400 mg immunoglobulins per kg body weight was given during five consecutive days. The patient’s pregnancy ended preterm with a live birth, delivered by caesarian section because of a placental abruption. The 1070 g (P20-P25) weighing girl was in good health, apart from a bradycardia, due to dysfunction of the atrioventricular conduction.

Each treatment with IVIg resulted in a slight reduction of both anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant levels and in an increase in platelet count. During the six-month observation period, a gradual decline in antiphospholipid antibodies and an increase in platelet count was found. The potential role of anti-idiotypic antibodies, present in the IVIg used for treatment, was studied. In vitro, IVIg were able to reduce the binding of the patient’s anticardiolipin antibodies to cardiolipin coated microtiter plates. The presence of anti-idiotypic antibodies in IVIg was further documented by affinity chromatography and by realtime biospecific interaction analysis (BIA) on a BIA-core instrument. Affinity purified anticardiolipin antibodies were retarded on a column of insolubilized IVIg and a weak interaction was found between IVIg and affinity purified patient antiphospholipid antibodies, coupled to the BIA-core biosensor. In addition, the same technology revealed increased levels of anti-antiphospholipid antibodies in the patient’s plasma following IVIg therapy. The partial and transient reduction of anti-phospholipid antibody levels observed immediately following each treatment course seems compatible with low affinity complexation of idiotype-antiidiotypes, resulting in an accelerated clearance of the autoantibodies. Despite the low affinity for the patient’s idiotypes, the beneficial long term effects observed could be related to an immune regulatory role of these anti-idiotypic antibodies on the synthesis of antiphospholipid antibodies.