bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ArcA overexpression induces fermentation and results in enhanced growth rates of E. coli
Authors: Basan Markus , Hui Sheng , Williamson James R.
Published: September 2017

Overflow metabolism in the presence of oxygen occurs at fast growth rates in a wide range of organisms including bacteria, yeast and cancer cells and plays an important role in biotechnology during production of proteins or metabolic compounds. As recently suggested, overflow metabolism can be understood in terms of proteome allocation, since fermentation has lower proteome cost for energy production than respiration. Here, we demonstrate that ArcA overexpression in aerobic conditions, results in downregulation of respiratory pathways and enhanced growth rates on glycolytic substrates of E. coli, coinciding with acetate excretion and increased carbon uptake rates. These results suggest that fermentation enables faster growth and demonstrate that fermentation on many glycolytic carbon sources is not limited by carbon uptake. Hence, these findings are difficult to reconcile with many alternative hypotheses that have been proposed for the origin of overflow metabolism and the growth rate dependence of fermentation and respiration, which are based on limited capacity of respiration or limitations in uptake rates and catabolic pathways. Instead, as suggested by increased lag phases of ArcA overexpression strains, respiratory energy metabolism may be related to a general preparatory response, observed for decreasing growth rates, but with limited advantages for maximizing steady-state growth rate.
Nrf2/HO-1 mediates the neuroprotective effect of mangiferin on early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage by attenuating mitochondria-related apoptosis and neuroinflammation
Authors: Wang Zefeng , Guo Songxue , Wang Junxing , Shen Yuanyuan , Zhang Jianmin , Wu Qun
Published: September 2017

Early brain injury (EBI) is involved in the process of cerebral tissue damage caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and multiple mechanisms, such as apoptosis and inflammation, participate in its development. Mangiferin (MF), a natural C-glucoside xanthone, has been reported to exert beneficial effects against several types of organ injury by influencing various biological progresses. The current study aimed to investigate the potential of MF to protect against EBI following SAH via histological and biological assessments. A rat perforation model of SAH was established, and MF was subsequently administered via intraperitoneal injection at a low and a high dose. High-dose MF significantly lowered the mortality of SAH animals and ameliorated their neurological deficits and brain edema. MF also dose-relatedly attenuated SAH-induced oxidative stress and decreased cortical cell apoptosis by influencing mitochondria-apoptotic proteins. In addition, MF downregulated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was upregulated by MF. The abovementioned findings indicate that MF is neuroprotective against EBI after SAH and Nrf2/HO-1 cascade may play a key role in mediating its effect through regulation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB.
Enabling stop codon read-through translation in bacteria as a probe for amyloid aggregation
Authors: Molina-García Laura , Giraldo Rafael
Published: September 2017

Amyloid aggregation of the eukaryotic translation terminator eRF3/Sup35p, the [PSI+] prion, empowers yeast ribosomes to read-through UGA stop codons. No similar functional prion, skipping a stop codon, has been found in Escherichia coli, a fact possibly due to the efficient back-up systems found in bacteria to rescue non-stop complexes. Here we report that engineering hydrophobic amyloidogenic repeats from a synthetic bacterial prion-like protein (RepA-WH1) into the E. coli releasing factor RF1 promotes its aggregation and enables ribosomes to continue with translation through a premature UAG stop codon located in a β-galactosidase reporter. To our knowledge, intended aggregation of a termination factor is a way to overcome the bacterial translation quality checkpoint that had not been reported so far. We also show the feasibility of using the amyloidogenic RF1 chimeras as a reliable, rapid and cost-effective system to screen for molecules inhibiting intracellular protein amyloidogenesis in vivo, by testing the effect on the chimeras of natural polyphenols with known anti-amyloidogenic properties. Resveratrol exhibits a clear amyloid-solubilizing effect in this assay, showing no toxicity to bacteria or interference with the enzymatic activity of β-galactosidase.
Bumetanide treatment during early development rescues maternal separation-induced susceptibility to stress
Authors: Hu Die , Yu Zhou-Long , Zhang Yan , Han Ying , Zhang Wen , Lu Lin , Shi Jie
Published: September 2017

Stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Early life stress, such as maternal separation, can have long-term effects on the development of the central nervous system and pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. In the present study, we found that maternal separation increased the susceptibility to stress in adolescent rats, increased the expression of Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) on postnatal day 14, and increased the expression of K+/2Cl− cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor subunits on postnatal day 40 in the hippocampus. NKCC1 inhibition by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug bumetanide during the first two postnatal weeks rescued the depressive- and anxiety-like behavior that was induced by maternal separation and decreased the expression of NKCC1, KCC2 and GABAA receptor α1 and β2,3 subunits in the hippocampus. Bumetanide treatment during early development did not adversely affect body weight or normal behaviors in naive rats, or affect serum osmolality in adult rats. These results suggest that bumetanide treatment during early development may prevent the maternal separation-induced susceptibility to stress and impairments in GABAergic transmission in the hippocampus.
Local atmospheric response to warm mesoscale ocean eddies in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Confluence region
Authors: Sugimoto Shusaku , Aono Kenji , Fukui Shin
Published: September 2017

In the extratropical regions, surface winds enhance upward heat release from the ocean to atmosphere, resulting in cold surface ocean: surface ocean temperature is negatively correlated with upward heat flux. However, in the western boundary currents and eddy-rich regions, the warmer surface waters compared to surrounding waters enhance upward heat release–a positive correlation between upward heat release and surface ocean temperature, implying that the ocean drives the atmosphere. The atmospheric response to warm mesoscale ocean eddies with a horizontal extent of a few hundred kilometers remains unclear because of a lack of observations. By conducting regional atmospheric model experiments, we show that, in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Confluence region, wintertime warm eddies heat the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL), and accelerate westerly winds in the near-surface atmosphere via the vertical mixing effect, leading to wind convergence around the eastern edge of eddies. The warm-eddy-induced convergence forms local ascending motion where convective precipitation is enhanced, providing diabatic heating to the atmosphere above MABL. Our results indicate that warm eddies affect not only near-surface atmosphere but also free atmosphere, and possibly synoptic atmospheric variability. A detailed understanding of warm eddy–atmosphere interaction is necessary to improve in weather and climate projections.
Ranibizumab after laser photocoagulation failure in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treatment
Authors: Gotz-Więckowska Anna , Chmielarz-Czarnocińska Anna , Pawlak Marta , Gadzinowski Janusz , Mazela Jan
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical and functional outcomes of the two-stage treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using laser photocoagulation and intravitreal ranibizumab injection. The medical records of 53 eyes of 28 infants treated by conventional laser photocoagulation with deferred intravitreal 0.25 mg/0.025 mL ranibizumab injection were analysed. All patients had at least 11 months of follow-up. In the analysed group, the mean gestational age at birth was 25 weeks and mean birthweight was 790 g. The mean time of laser photocoagulation was 34 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). Ranibizumab injection was performed on average at 37 weeks of PMA. The mean time between interventions was 19 days. Retinal detachment occurred in 12 eyes (22.6%), in three children bilaterally. Visual responses were obtained in 23 of 28 treated children. Our results indicate that ranibizumab injection can be taken into consideration in the selected cases of laser photocoagulation failure. The unsatisfactory results of this study elicited a change in the ROP treatment protocol in our medical centre. The study gives an insight into anatomical and functional outcomes of ROP treatment in the Central and Eastern European population.
Viral outbreaks involve destabilized evolutionary networks: evidence from Ebola, Influenza and Zika
Authors: Aris-Brosou Stéphane , Ibeh Neke , Noël Jessica
Published: September 2017

Recent history has provided us with one pandemic (Influenza A/H1N1) and two severe viral outbreaks (Ebola and Zika). In all three cases, post-hoc analyses have given us deep insights into what triggered these outbreaks, their timing, evolutionary dynamics, and phylogeography, but the genomic characteristics of outbreak viruses are still unclear. To address this outstanding question, we searched for a common denominator between these recent outbreaks, positing that the genome of outbreak viruses is in an unstable evolutionary state, while that of non-outbreak viruses is stabilized by a network of correlated substitutions. Here, we show that during regular epidemics, viral genomes are indeed stabilized by a dense network of weakly correlated sites, and that these networks disappear during pandemics and outbreaks when rates of evolution increase transiently. Post-pandemic, these evolutionary networks are progressively re-established. We finally show that destabilization is not caused by substitutions targeting epitopes, but more likely by changes in the environment sensu lato. Our results prompt for a new interpretation of pandemics as being associated with evolutionary destabilized viruses.
Functional effects of proinflammatory factors present in Sjögren’s syndrome salivary microenvironment in an in vitro model of human salivary gland
Authors: Arce-Franco Mayte , Dominguez-Luis María , Pec Martina K. , Martínez-Gimeno Carlos , Miranda Pablo , Alvarez de la Rosa Diego , Giraldez Teresa , García-Verdugo José María , Machado José David , Díaz-González Federico
Published: September 2017

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy in which the role that the immune response plays in reducing exocrine gland function, including the glandular microenvironment of cytokines, has not been fully understood. Epithelial cells from biopsies of human parotid gland (HPG) were used to establish a model of human salivary glandin vitro. In this model, the functional consequences of several proinflammatory soluble factors present in the pSS glandular microenvironment were assessed. Stimulation with isoproterenol and calcium produced a significant increase in the basal activity of amylase in the HPG cell supernatants. Under these conditions, the presence of TNF-α and CXCL12 increased amylase mRNA cellular abundance, but reduced the amylase activity in the cell-free supernatant in a dose-dependent manner. IL-1β and IFN-γ, but not TGF-β, also diminished amylase secretion by HPG cells. These results suggest that the glandular microenvironment of cytokine, by acting post-transcriptionally, may be responsible, at least in part, for the reduced exocrine function observed in pSS patients. These data may help to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SS, which in turn would facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets for this disorder.
Spatiotemporal dynamics in excitable homogeneous random networks composed of periodically self-sustained oscillation
Authors: Qian Yu , Liu Fei , Yang Keli , Zhang Ge , Yao Chenggui , Ma Jun
Published: September 2017

The collective behaviors of networks are often dependent on the network connections and bifurcation parameters, also the local kinetics plays an important role in contributing the consensus of coupled oscillators. In this paper, we systematically investigate the influence of network structures and system parameters on the spatiotemporal dynamics in excitable homogeneous random networks (EHRNs) composed of periodically self-sustained oscillation (PSO). By using the dominant phase-advanced driving (DPAD) method, the one-dimensional (1D) Winfree loop is exposed as the oscillation source supporting the PSO, and the accurate wave propagation pathways from the oscillation source to the whole network are uncovered. Then, an order parameter is introduced to quantitatively study the influence of network structures and system parameters on the spatiotemporal dynamics of PSO in EHRNs. Distinct results induced by the network structures and the system parameters are observed. Importantly, the corresponding mechanisms are revealed. PSO influenced by the network structures are induced not only by the change of average path length (APL) of network, but also by the invasion of 1D Winfree loop from the outside linking nodes. Moreover, PSO influenced by the system parameters are determined by the excitation threshold and the minimum 1D Winfree loop. Finally, we confirmed that the excitation threshold and the minimum 1D Winfree loop determined PSO will degenerate as the system size is expanded.
High-quality, ecologically sound remediation of acidic soil using bicarbonate-rich swine wastewater
Authors: Qilu Cheng , Xueling Wu , ligen Xu , Hui Lin , Yuhua Zhao , Qifa Zhou
Published: September 2017

The swine industry in China is experiencing a wastewater crisis. In this work, we found that swine wastewaters were particularly high in bicarbonate (1.52–9.25 g/L, mean = 5.68 g/L, n = 42). The high level of bicarbonate may add to the pollution load during discharge. We therefore suggest a new method for bicarbonate-rich wastewater remediation in acidic soil. In our laboratory irrigation experiments, wastewater irrigation efficiently increased the pH and decreased the exchangeable aluminum in the acidic soil. Furthermore, the wastewater method efficiently remediated the entire soil body, while lime application remediated only a portion of the topsoil. Wastewater irrigation also improved soil fertility (e.g., by increasing the phosphorus availability in acid soil).
Total synthesis and functional analysis of microbial signalling molecules
Authors: Leichnitz D. , Raguž L. , Beemelmanns C.
Published: September 2017

Chemical communication is essential for all domains of life.
A highly enantioselective asymmetric Darzens reaction catalysed by proline based efficient organocatalysts for the synthesis of di- and tri-substituted epoxides
Authors: Ashokkumar Veeramanoharan , Siva Ayyanar , Ramaswamy Chidambaram R.
Published: September 2017

A new class of proline based chiral organocatalysts was designed and efficient catalysts for asymmetric Darzens reaction to obtain active di- and tri-substituted epoxides with high yields (up to 97%) and excellent ee's (up to 99%) under mild reaction conditions.
Facile microwave synthesis of ScPO4·2H2O flowerlike superstructures: morphology control, electronic structure and multicolor tunable luminescent properties
Authors: Xu Hualan , Xu Bo , Liu Ran , Li Xinwei , Zhang Siqi , Ouyang Chuying , Zhong Shengliang
Published: September 2017

ScP04·2H2O flowerlike superstructures constructed by well-aligned nanorods were prepared and multicolor tunable emission including white light emission was realized by adjusting the relative doping concentration.
Could the increased structural versatility imposed by non-halogen ligands bring something new for polynuclear superhalogens? A case study on binuclear [Mg2L5]− (L = –OH, –OOH and –OF) anions
Authors: Zhao Ru-Fang , Yu Le , Zhou Fu-Qiang , Li Jin-Feng , Yin Bing
Published: September 2017

A combined ab initio and DFT study is performed in this work to explore the superhalogen properties of polynuclear structures based on the ligands of –OH, –OOH and –OF.
Modification of nitrogen doped carbon for SILP catalyzed hydroformylation of ethylene
Authors: Weiß Alexander , Giese Matthias , Lijewski Martin , Franke Robert , Wasserscheid Peter , Haumann Marco
Published: September 2017

Nitrogen-doped carbon is a new material for SILP catalysts that show improved performance as function of N-content and surface basicity.
Surface chemistry of MgO/SiO2 catalyst during the ethanol catalytic conversion to 1,3-butadiene: in-situ DRIFTS and DFT study
Authors: Taifan William E. , Yan George X. , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: September 2017

1,3-Butadiene is an important commodity chemical and new, selective routes of catalytic synthesis using green feedstocks, such as ethanol, is of interest.
Aqueous chemistry of Ce(iv): estimations using actinide analogues
Authors: Marsac Rémi , Réal Florent , Banik Nidhu Lal , Pédrot Mathieu , Pourret Olivier , Vallet Valérie
Published: September 2017

Quantum chemical calculations and a comparison of cerium(iv)/actinide(iv) justify the estimation of cerium(iv) aqueous speciation using plutonium(iv) as an analogue.
Abnormal site occupancy and high performance in warm WLEDs of a novel red phosphor, NaHF2:Mn4+, synthesized at room temperature
Authors: Xi Luqing , Pan Yuexiao , Zhu Mengmeng , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: September 2017

A novel red phosphor, NaHF2:Mn4+, was obtainedviasubstituting Na+located at the center of the octahedron with Mn4+. This work provides a novel strategy to develop novel Mn4+doped red phosphors with controlled luminescence properties by substituting for alkali metal ions.
Magnetic Janus particles synthesized using droplet micro-magnetofluidic techniques for protein detection
Authors: Varma V. B. , Wu R. G. , Wang Z. P. , Ramanujan R. V.
Published: September 2017

Magnetic droplets on a microfluidic platform can act as micro-robots, providing wireless, remote, and programmable control useful for droplet merging, mixing and synthesis of Janus structures.
An innovative gas sensor system designed from a sensitive nanostructured ZnO for the selective detection of SOx molecules: a density functional theory study
Authors: Abbasi Amirali , Jahanbin Sardroodi Jaber
Published: September 2017

The adsorption behaviors of SOx molecules on pristine and N-doped ZnO nanoparticles were investigated using density functional theory calculations (DFT).
Synthesis and absorption performance of core–shell magnetic polymers for solid phase extraction and detection of glibenclamide in hypoglycemic health products
Authors: Wu Zong-yuan , Li Xiao-yan , Liu Min , Wang Fang , Liu Li , Tan Xue-cai , Lei Fu-hou
Published: September 2017

Synthesis of GO-modified magnetic polymers for fast separation and effective enrichment of trace glibenclamide in hypoglycemic health products.
A transparent CdS@TiO2 nanotextile photoanode with boosted photoelectrocatalytic efficiency and stability
Authors: Liu Long , Hou Huilin , Wang Lin , Xu Rui , Lei Yong , Shen Shaohua , Yang Dongjiang , Yang Weiyou
Published: September 2017

We report the exploration of a CdS@TiO2 nanotextile photoanode with boosted PEC activities, which are superior to those reported for 1D CdS-based counterparts.
Deuteration and tautomeric reactivity of the 1-methyl functionality of free-base dipyrrins
Authors: Groves Brandon R. , Cameron T. Stanley , Thompson Alison
Published: September 2017

Regioselective reactivity of the 1-methyl group of free-base dipyrrins is explored, including discussion of tautomerism to provide exocyclic alkenyl reactivity.
Synthesis of oligonucleotides containing 2-N-heteroarylguanine residues and their effect on duplex/triplex stability
Authors: Inde Takeshi , Masaki Yoshiaki , Maruyama Atsuya , Ito Yu , Makio Naoaki , Miyatake Yuya , Tomori Takahito , Sekine Mitsuo , Seio Kohji
Published: September 2017

Pyridine, pyrimidine, and pyrazine residues were introduced to the amino group of deoxyguanosine to modulate the base pairing properties.
Immobilized enzymes: understanding enzyme – surface interactions at the molecular level
Authors: Hoarau Marie , Badieyan Somayesadat , Marsh E. Neil G.
Published: September 2017

Interactions between immobilized enzymes and supporting surfaces are complex and context-dependent and can significantly alter enzyme structure, stability and activity.
Colorless polyimides derived from 2R,5R,7S,10S-naphthanetetracarboxylic dianhydride
Authors: Hu Xiaofan , Yan Jingling , Wang Yongxia , Mu Hongliang , Wang Zikun , Cheng Haiyang , Zhao Fengyu , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2017

Colorless polyimides with excellent thermal and mechanical properties were developed from 2R,5R,7S,10S-naphthanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, and their properties were systematically compared with those based on 1S,2R,4S,5R-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride.
Mechanistic study of Na-ion diffusion and small polaron formation in Kröhnkite Na2Fe(SO4)2·2H2O based cathode materials
Authors: Watcharatharapong Teeraphat , T-Thienprasert Jiraroj , Barpanda Prabeer , Ahuja Rajeev , Chakraborty Sudip
Published: September 2017

Illustration of Na ion and small hole polaron migration in Kröhnkite based cathode material.
Polybenzimidazole-based mixed membranes with exceptionally high water vapor permeability and selectivity
Authors: Akhtar F. H. , Kumar M. , Villalobos L. F. , Vovusha H. , Shevate R. , Schwingenschlögl U. , Peinemann K.-V.
Published: September 2017

Mixed matrix membranes containing polybenzimidazole and titania-based fillers with different morphologies are fabricated and tested for efficient water vapor/gas separation applications.
The chromatin remodeling Isw1a complex is regulated by SUMOylation
Authors: Shen Qingtang , Beyrouthy Nissrine , Matabishi-Bibi Laura , Dargemont Catherine
Published: September 2017

The ISWI class of proteins consists of a family of chromatin remodeling ATPases that is ubiquitous in eukaryotes and predominantly functions to slide nucleosomes laterally. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Isw1 partners with several non-essential alternative subunits — Ioc2, Ioc3, or Ioc4 — to form two distinct complexes Isw1a and Isw1b. Besides its ATPase domain, Isw1 presents a C-terminal region formed by HAND, SANT, and SLIDE domains responsible for interaction with the Ioc proteins and optimal association of Isw1 to chromatin. Despite diverse studies on the functions of the Isw1-containing complexes, molecular evidence for a regulation of this chromatin remodeling ATPase is still elusive. Results presented here indicate that Isw1 is not only ubiquitylated but also strongly SUMOylated on multiple lysine residues by the redundant Siz1/Siz2 SUMO E3 ligases. However, Isw1 is a poor substrate of the Ulp1 and Ulp2 SUMO proteases, thus resulting in a high level of modification. Extensive site-directed mutagenesis allowed us to identify the major SUMOylation sites and develop a SUMO-defective mutant of Isw1. Using this molecular tool, we show that SUMOylation of Isw1 specifically facilitates and/or stabilizes its interaction with its cofactor Ioc3 and consequently the efficient recruitment of the Isw1–Ioc3 complex onto chromatin. Together these data reveal a new regulatory mechanism for this fascinating remodeling factor.
Regulation of the cell cycle and centrosome biology by deubiquitylases
Authors: Darling Sarah , Fielding Andrew B. , Sabat-Pośpiech Dorota , Prior Ian A. , Coulson Judy M.
Published: September 2017

Post-translational modification of proteins by ubiquitylation is increasingly recognised as a highly complex code that contributes to the regulation of diverse cellular processes. In humans, a family of almost 100 deubiquitylase enzymes (DUBs) are assigned to six subfamilies and many of these DUBs can remove ubiquitin from proteins to reverse signals. Roles for individual DUBs have been delineated within specific cellular processes, including many that are dysregulated in diseases, particularly cancer. As potentially druggable enzymes, disease-associated DUBs are of increasing interest as pharmaceutical targets. The biology, structure and regulation of DUBs have been extensively reviewed elsewhere, so here we focus specifically on roles of DUBs in regulating cell cycle processes in mammalian cells. Over a quarter of all DUBs, representing four different families, have been shown to play roles either in the unidirectional progression of the cell cycle through specific checkpoints, or in the DNA damage response and repair pathways. We catalogue these roles and discuss specific examples. Centrosomes are the major microtubule nucleating centres within a cell and play a key role in forming the bipolar mitotic spindle required to accurately divide genetic material between daughter cells during cell division. To enable this mitotic role, centrosomes undergo a complex replication cycle that is intimately linked to the cell division cycle. Here, we also catalogue and discuss DUBs that have been linked to centrosome replication or function, including centrosome clustering, a mitotic survival strategy unique to cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes.
Chemical content of the circumstellar envelope of the oxygen-rich AGB star R Doradus
Authors: Van de Sande M. , Decin L. , Lombaert R. , Khouri T. , de Koter A. , Wyrowski F. , De Nutte R. , Homan W.
Published: September 2017

Context. The stellar outflows of low- to intermediate-mass stars are characterised by a rich chemistry. Condensation of molecular gas species into dust grains is a key component in a chain of physical processes that leads to the onset of a stellar wind. In order to improve our understanding of the coupling between the micro-scale chemistry and macro-scale dynamics, we need to retrieve the abundance of molecules throughout the outflow.

Aims. Our aim is to determine the radial abundance profile of SiO and HCN throughout the stellar outflow of R Dor, an oxygen-rich AGB star with a low mass-loss rate. SiO is thought to play an essential role in the dust-formation process of oxygen-rich AGB stars. The presence of HCN in an oxygen-rich environment is thought to be due to non-equilibrium chemistry in the inner wind.

Methods. We analysed molecular transitions of CO, SiO, and HCN measured with the APEX telescope and all three instruments on the Herschel Space Observatory, together with data available in the literature. Photometric data and the infrared spectrum measured by ISO-SWS were used to constrain the dust component of the outflow. Using both continuum and line radiative transfer methods, a physical envelope model of both gas and dust was established. We performed an analysis of the SiO and HCN molecular transitions in order to calculate their abundances.

Results. We have obtained an envelope model that describes the dust and the gas in the outflow, and determined the abundance of SiO and HCN throughout the region of the stellar outflow probed by our molecular data. For SiO, we find that the initial abundance lies between 5.5 × 10-5 and 6.0 × 10-5 with respect to H2. The abundance profile is constant up to 60 ± 10 R∗, after which it declines following a Gaussian profile with an e-folding radius of 3.5 ± 0.5 × 1013 cm or 1.4 ± 0.2 R∗. For HCN, we find an initial abundance of 5.0 × 10-7 with respect to H2. The Gaussian profile that describes the decline starts at the stellar surface and has an e-folding radius re of 1.85 ± 0.05 × 1015 cm or 74 ± 2 R∗.

Conclusions. We cannot unambiguously identify the mechanism by which SiO is destroyed at 60 ± 10 R∗. The initial abundances found are higher than previously determined (except for one previous study on SiO), which might be due to the inclusion of higher-J transitions. The difference in abundance for SiO and HCN compared to high mass-loss rate Mira star IK Tau might be due to different pulsation characteristics of the central star and/or a difference in dust condensation physics.
Infektiöse Komplikationen an der PD
Authors: Latus Jörg , Kitterer Daniel
Published: September 2017

In den Anfängen der modernen Peritonealdialyse (PD) war die Peritonitis die gefürchtetste Komplikation 1.
Trotz technischer Verbesserungen spielen infektiöse Komplikationen (PD-assoziierte Peritonitis, Exit- und Tunnelinfektionen) weiterhin eine
wichtige Rolle. Einige „Neuerungen“ der kürzlich erschienenen, aktualisierten ISPD-Guidelines sollen im Folgenden erläutert werden.
Elektromyografie: Analyse von Entladungsfrequenz und -rhythmus
Authors: Schulte-Mattler Wilhelm
Published: September 2017

In der diagnostischen Elektromyographie werden Aktionspotenziale von einzelnen Muskelfasern (pathologische Spontanaktivität) oder Potenziale motorischer Einheiten
beurteilt. Die diagnostische Reichweite der Methode wird verbessert, wenn Entladungsfrequenz und -Rhythmus der Aktionspotenziale analysiert werden. Damit lässt sich zuverlässig Spontanaktivität als pathologisch erkennen, und zentrale von peripherer Lähmung unterscheiden.
Ein Abschied und drei „Neue“
Authors: Buchner Helmut
Published: September 2017

Liebe Leserin, lieber Leser,

nach 12 Jahren engagierter Mitarbeit hat sich Prof. Dr. med. Detlef Claus aus dem Herausgebergremium der Klinischen Neurophysiologie verabschiedet. Mit der Jahrestagung 2017 der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Klinische Neurophysiologie und Funktionelle Bildgebung (DGKN) in Leipzig hat Prof. Claus den Staffelstab des 1. Sekretärs der Gesellschaft an Prof. Witte weitergegeben – nach dessen Wahl durch die Mitgliederversammlung.
BCGitis mit Lungen-, Leber- und Knochenmarksbeteiligung nach Immuntherapie eines Urothelkarzinoms
Authors: Geerdes-Fenge Hilte , Stubbe Franziska , Löbermann Micha , Warnke Philipp , Erbersdobler Andreas , Reisinger Emil
Published: September 2017

Anamnese Ein 77-jähriger Patient mit transurethral reseziertem Urothelkarzinom wurde aufgrund von persistierendem Fieber und progredienter Dyspnoe weiterverlegt, nachdem eine kalkulierte Antibiotikatherapie bei vermutetem Harnwegsinfekt erfolglos war. Die erneute Anamneseerhebung ergab den Hinweis auf eine BCG-Instillation zur Behandlung des nicht muskelinvasiven Urothelkarzinoms am Tag vor dem Auftreten des Fiebers, sodass eine BCGitis vermutet wurde.

Untersuchungen Laborchemisch bestanden Panzytopenie, erhöhte Leberwerte, erhöhtes CRP und Hypoxämie. Im Thorax-CT wurden multiple miliare Herde nachgewiesen, in der Knochenmarkshistologie zeigten sich epitheloidzellige Granulome.

Diagnose M. bovis BCG wurde aus dem Urin und der bronchoalveolären Lavage angezüchtet.

Therapie und Verlauf Unter Therapie mit Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol und initial Prednisolon kam es zur raschen Besserung.

Folgerung Die BCGitis ist eine seltene Komplikation der BCG-Immuntherapie des nicht-muskelinvasiven Blasenkarzinoms.
Emergent dynamics of spatio-temporal chaos in a heterogeneous excitable medium
Authors: Bittihn Philip , Berg Sebastian , Parlitz Ulrich , Luther Stefan
Published: September 2017

Self-organized activation patterns in excitable media such as spiral waves and spatio-temporal chaos underlie dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. While the interaction of single spiral waves with different types of heterogeneity has been studied extensively, the effect of heterogeneity on fully developed spatio-temporal chaos remains poorly understood. We investigate how the complexity and stability properties of spatio-temporal chaos in the Bär–Eiswirth model of excitable media depend on the heterogeneity of the underlying medium. We employ different measures characterizing the chaoticity of the system and find that the spatial arrangement of multiple discrete lower excitability regions has a strong impact on the complexity of the dynamics. Varying the number, shape, and spatial arrangement of the heterogeneities, we observe strong emergent effects ranging from increases in chaoticity to the complete cessation of chaos, contrasting the expectation from the homogeneous behavior. The implications of our findings for the development and treatment of arrhythmias in the heterogeneous cardiac muscle are discussed.
Chlorine dioxide-induced and Congo red-inhibited Marangoni effect on the chlorite-trithionate reaction front
Authors: Liu Yang , Ren Xingfeng , Pan Changwei , Zheng Ting , Yuan Ling , Zheng Juhua , Gao Qingyu
Published: September 2017

Hydrodynamic flows can exert multiple effects on an exothermal autocatalytic reaction, such as buoyancy and the Marangoni convection, which can change the structure and velocity of chemical waves. Here we report that in the chlorite-trithionate reaction, the production and consumption of chlorine dioxide can induce and inhibit Marangoni flow, respectively, leading to different chemo-hydrodynamic patterns. The horizontal propagation of a reaction-diffusion-convection front was investigated with the upper surface open to the air. The Marangoni convection, induced by gaseous chlorine dioxide on the surface, produced from chlorite disproportionation after the proton autocatalysis, has the same effect as the heat convection. When the Marangoni effect is removed by the reaction of chlorine dioxide with the Congo red (CR) indicator, an oscillatory propagation of the front tip is observed under suitable conditions. Replacing CR with bromophenol blue (BPB) distinctly enhanced the floating, resulting in multiple vortexes, owing to the coexistence between BPB and chlorine dioxide. Using the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations coupled with reaction-diffusion and heat conduction equations, we numerically obtain various experimental scenarios of front instability for the exothermic autocatalytic reaction coupled with buoyancy-driven convection and Marangoni convection.
Variation of ionic conductivity in a plastic-crystalline mixture
Authors: Reuter D. , Geiß C. , Lunkenheimer P. , Loidl A.
Published: September 2017

Ionically conducting plastic crystals (PCs) are possible candidates for solid-state electrolytes in energy-storage devices. Interestingly, the admixture of larger molecules to the most prominent molecular PC electrolyte, succinonitrile, was shown to drastically enhance its ionic conductivity. Therefore, binary mixtures seem to be a promising way to tune the conductivity of such solid-state electrolytes. However, to elucidate the general mechanisms of ionic charge transport in plastic crystals and the influence of mixing, a much broader database is needed. In the present work, we investigate mixtures of two well-known plastic-crystalline systems, cyclohexanol and cyclooctanol, to which 1 mol. % of Li ions were added. Applying differential scanning calorimetry and dielectric spectroscopy, we present a thorough investigation of the phase behavior and the ionic and dipolar dynamics of this system. All mixtures reveal plastic-crystalline phases with corresponding orientational glass-transitions. Moreover, their conductivity seems to be dominated by the “revolving-door” mechanism, implying a close coupling between the ionic translational and the molecular reorientational dynamics of the surrounding plastic-crystalline matrix. In contrast to succinonitrile-based mixtures, there is no strong variation of this coupling with the mixing ratio.
Compact advanced extreme-ultraviolet imaging spectrometer for spatiotemporally varying tungsten spectra from fusion plasmas
Authors: Song Inwoo , Seon C. R. , Hong Joohwan , An Y. H. , Barnsley R. , Guirlet R. , Choe Wonho
Published: September 2017

A compact advanced extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectrometer operating in the EUV wavelength range of a few nanometers to measure spatially resolved line emissions from tungsten (W) was developed for studying W transport in fusion plasmas. This system consists of two perpendicularly crossed slits—an entrance aperture and a space-resolved slit—inside a chamber operating as a pinhole, which enables the system to obtain a spatial distribution of line emissions. Moreover, a so-called v-shaped slit was devised to manage the aperture size for measuring the spatial resolution of the system caused by the finite width of the pinhole. A back-illuminated charge-coupled device was used as a detector with 2048 × 512 active pixels, each with dimensions of 13.5 × 13.5 μm2. After the alignment and installation on Korea superconducting tokamak advanced research, the preliminary results were obtained during the 2016 campaign. Several well-known carbon atomic lines in the 2–7 nm range originating from intrinsic carbon impurities were observed and used for wavelength calibration. Further, the time behavior of their spatial distributions is presented.
Density Function Theory Study on Effects of Different Energetic Substituent Groups and Bridge Groups on Performance of Carbon-Linked Ditetrazole 2N-Oxides
Authors: Wu Qiong , Kou Bo , Zhang Ze-wu , Hang Zu-sheng , Zhu Wei-hua
Published: September 2017

Based on the parent tetrazole 2N-oxide, six series of novel carbon-linked ditetrazole 2N-oxides with different energetic substituent groups (-NH2, -N3, -NO2, NF2, -NHNO2) and energetic bridge groups (-CH2-, -CH2−CH2-, -NH-, -N=N-, -NH−NH-) were designed. The overall performance and the effects of different energetic substituent groups and energetic bridge groups on the performance were investigated by density functional theory and electrostatic potential methods. The results showed that most of designed compounds have oxygen balance around zero, high heats of formation, high density, high energy, and acceptable sensitivity, indicating that tetrazole N-oxide is a useful parent energetic compound employed for obtaining high energy compounds, even only combined with some very common energetic substituent groups and bridge groups. Comprehensively considering the effects on energy and sensitivity, the -NO2, -NF2, -NH- and -NH−NH- are appropriate substituent groups for combining tetrozale N-oxide to design new energetic compounds, while -NH2, -N3, -CH2−CH2-, and -N=N- are inappropriate.
Toxicity of Selected Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids on Caenorhabditis elegans: a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Study
Authors: Lu Li-ya , Zhang Ying-jie , Chen Jie-jie , Tong Zhong-hua
Published: September 2017

Due to the large number of ionic liquids (ILs) and their potential environmental risk, assessing the toxicity of ILs by ecotoxicological experiment only is insufficient. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) has been proven to be a quick and effective method to estimate the viscosity, melting points, and even toxicity of ILs. In this work, the LC50 values of 30 imidazolium-based ILs were determined with Caenorhabditis elegans as a model animal. Four suitable molecular descriptors were selected on the basis of genetic function approximation algorithm to construct a QSAR model with an R2 value of 0.938. The predicted lgLC50 in this work are in agreement with the experimental values, indicating that the model has good stability and predictive ability. Our study provides a valuable model to predict the potential toxicity of ILs with different sub-structures to the environment and human health.
Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde over Activated Charcoal Supported Pt/Fe3O4 Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chen Chun , Gong Wan-bing , Song Jie-yao , Su Yan-ping , Zhang Hai-min , Wang Guo-zhong , Zhao Hui-jun
Published: September 2017

A variety of spherical and structured activated charcoal supported Pt/Fe3O4 composites with an average particle size of ∼100 nm have been synthesized by a self-assembly method using the difference of reduction potential between Pt (IV) and Fe (II) precursors as driving force. The formed Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) effectively prevent the aggregation of Pt nanocrystallites and promote the dispersion of Pt NPs on the surface of catalyst, which will be favorable for the exposure of Pt active sites for high-efficient adsorption and contact of substrate and hydrogen donor. The electron-enrichment state of Pt NPs donated by Fe3O4 nanocrystallites is corroborated by XPS measurement, which is responsible for promoting and activating the terminal C=O bond of adsorbed substrate via a vertical configuration. The experimental results show that the activated charcoal supported Pt/Fe3O4 catalyst exhibits 94.8% selectivity towards cinnamyl alcohol by the transfer hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde with Pt loading of 2.46% under the optimum conditions of 120 °C for 6 h, and 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor. Additionally, the present study demonstrates that a high-efficient and recyclable catalyst can be rapidly separated from the mixture due to its natural magnetism upon the application of magnetic field.
γ-Ray Irradiation-Derived MnO/rGO Composites for High Performance Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Ya-li , Jin Hong-chang , Du Zhen-zhen , Ge Xue-wu , Ji Heng-xing
Published: September 2017

We report a γ-ray irradiation reduction method to prepare MnO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite for the anode of lithium ion batteries. γ-Ray irradiation provides a clean way to generate homogeneously dispersed MnO nanoparticles with finely tuned size on rGO surface without the use of surfactant. The MnO/rGO composite enables a fully charge/discharge in 2 min to gain a reversible specific capacity of 546 (mA·h)/g which is 45% higher than the theoretical value of commercial graphite anode.
Intermolecular Interactions in Self-Assembly Process of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate by Vertically Polarized Raman Spectra
Authors: Wang Yu-xi , Lin Ke , Chen Lin , Zhou Xiao-guo , Liu Shi-lin
Published: September 2017

Molecular self-assembly is extremely important in many fields, but the characterization of their corresponding intermolecular interactions is still lacking. The C—H stretching Raman band can reflect the hydrophobic interactions during the self-assembly process of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solutions. However, the Raman spectra in this region are seriously overlapped by the OH stretching band of water. In this work, vertically polarized Raman spectra were used to improve the detection sensitivity of spectra of C—H region for the first time. The spectral results showed that the first critical micelle concentration and the second critical micelle concentration of SDS in water were 8.5 and 69 mmol/L, respectively, which were consistent with the results given by surface tension measurements. Because of the high sensitivity of vertically polarized Raman spectra, the critical micelle concentration of SDS in a relatively high concentration of salt solution could be obtained in our experiment. The two critical concentrations of SDS in 100 mmol/L NaCl solution were recorded to be 1.8 and 16.5 mmol/L, respectively. Through comparing the spectra and surface tension of SDS in water and in NaCl solution, the self-assembly process in bulk phase and at interface were discussed. The interactions among salt ions, SDS and water molecules were also analyzed. These results demonstrated the vertically polarized Raman spectra could be employed to study the self-assembly process of SDS in water.
Theory of Quantum Dissipation in a Class of Non-Gaussian Environments
Authors: Xu Rui-xue , Liu Yang , Zhang Hou-dao , Yan YiJing
Published: September 2017

In this work we construct a novel dissipaton-equation-of-motion (DEOM) theory in quadratic bath coupling environment, based on an extended algebraic statistical quasi-particle approach. To validate the new ingredient of the underlying dissipaton algebra, we derive an extended Zusman equation via a totally different approach. We prove that the new theory, if it starts with the identical setup, constitutes the dynamical resolutions to the extended Zusman equation. Thus, we verify the generalized (non-Gaussian) Wick's theorem with dissipatons-pair added. This new algebraic ingredient enables the dissipaton approach being naturally extended to nonlinear coupling environments. Moreover, it is noticed that, unlike the linear bath coupling case, the influence of a non-Gaussian environment cannot be completely characterized with the linear response theory. The new theory has to take this fact into account. The developed DEOM theory manifests the dynamical interplay between dissipatons and nonlinear bath coupling descriptors that will be specified. Numerical demonstrations will be given with the optical line shapes in quadratic coupling environment.
Kept clinical visits, as scheduled in the first 6 months of antiretroviral treatment, determine long-term treatment outcomes in people living with HIV: a large retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Su Shu , Mao Limin , He Jianmei , Wei Xiuqing , Jing Jun , Chen Xi , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2017

Background
Routine HIV clinical monitoring is vital for people living with HIV (PLHIV) after treatment initiation. The relationship between clinical visits during the first 6 months after initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) and long-term, HIV-related mortality and service retention was investigated. Methods: A retrospective ART observational research database was established based on de-identified data extracted from 6959 records of adult HIV-positive registrants held by Hunan CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) between 2003 and 2013. Results: During the first 6 months of initiation into ART, 2364 (34.0%) of PLHIV had completed four scheduled visits, meeting the Chinese ART clinical monitoring standards. From 6 months onwards (up to 36 months), this group had the lowest HIV-related mortality (4.4%) compared with those who had more or less than four kept visits in the first 6 months [one visit only: adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) = 3.15, 95% CI 2.24–3.88; two visits: AHR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.80–3.01; three visits: AHR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.69–2.05; and >4 visits: AHR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.11–1.72]. Those with less than three kept visits were also at increased risk of cohort loss to follow up (ART discontinuation, prolonged service disengagement or death). A myriad of personal, clinical and social factors are identified to be associated with increased HIV-related mortality and clinical retention. Conclusions: Enabling PLHIV to complete four scheduled clinical visits during the first 6 months of ART initiation, as recommended by the Chinese CDC, is critical.
Optimal deployment of resources for maximizing impact in spreading processes
Authors: Lokhov Andrey Y. , Saad David
Published: September 2017

Significance

Spreading processes play an increasingly important role in marketing, opinion setting, and epidemic modeling. Most existing algorithms for optimal resource allocation in spreading processes are based on topological characteristics of the underlying network and aim to maximize impact at infinite time. Clearly, realistic and efficient real-time allocation policies should consider both network properties and details of the dynamics; additionally, control may be applied only to a restricted set of accessible nodes, and impact should be maximized in a limited time window. We introduce a probabilistic targeting framework that incorporates the dynamics and encompasses previously considered optimization formulations. It is based on a scalable dynamic message-passing approach that allows for the solution of large real-world network instances.
On the origin of shape fluctuations of the cell nucleus
Authors: Chu Fang-Yi , Haley Shannon C. , Zidovska Alexandra
Published: September 2017

Significance

While it is known that the shape and size of the cell nucleus change dramatically during the cell cycle, we find that the cell nucleus also exhibits subtle, but measurable, fast shape fluctuations at seconds. We find that the amplitude of these fluctuations systematically decreases during the cell cycle, thus serving as a reliable cell cycle stage indicator. Our findings show that the nucleus undergoes both thermally and actively driven undulations, the latter caused by forces from chromatin and cytoskeleton. Such undulations might affect gene regulation as well as aid the nuclear transport. Understanding the mechanism behind such undulations could prove critical for illuminating dynamic behavior of the nucleus in health and disease.