bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3,3′‐Diindolylmethane Enhances Glucose Uptake Through Activation of Insulin Signaling in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Choi Kyeong‐Mi , Yoo Hwan‐Soo
Published: May 2018

Objective

Indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables, and its metabolite 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM) reduce body mass and serum glucose levels in high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese mice. This study aimed to determine whether I3C or DIM could increase glucose uptake via enhanced insulin sensitivity in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, as well as the mechanism involved.

Methods

3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were differentiated by using a mixture of adipogenic inducers, including a suboptimal concentration of insulin.

Results

DIM, but not I3C, increased adipocyte differentiation through upregulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α. DIM also enhanced glucose uptake by increasing expression of glucose transporter 4 in adipocytes. This was associated with DIM‐enhanced phosphorylation of the signaling intermediates Akt, insulin receptor substrate‐1, and insulin receptor early in differentiation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DIM may improve insulin sensitivity through the activation of the insulin signaling pathway, leading to enhanced glucose uptake.
Barriers to implementing classroom management and behavior support plans: An exploratory investigation
Authors: Collier‐Meek Melissa A. , Sanetti Lisa M. H. , Boyle Ashley M.
Published: May 2018

Teachers are responsible for delivering classroom‐management plans and behavior support plans; however, many struggle to implement them consistently. Low levels of treatment integrity may be the result of various implementation barriers. No study has been conducted to examine teachers’ experience of these barriers within the context of specific interventions. This exploratory study involves the analysis of barriers reported during implementation planning by 33 teachers responsible for delivering classroom‐management plans or behavior support plans. Teachers most frequently indicate struggling to respond to problem behaviors and manage competing responsibilities. Strategies suggested to ameliorate barriers most frequently include re‐teaching the intervention and scheduling implementation.
Theoretical investigation on the excited state intramolecular proton coupled charge transfer phenomenon for a novel fluorophore
Authors: Yin Hang , Shi Ying
Published: May 2018

We theoretically investigate the excited state behaviors of the novel fluorophore tetraphenylethene‐2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (TPE‐HBT), which was designed based on the intersection of TPE and HBT, using density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods. Compared with previous experimental results about fluorescence peaks, our calculated results are in good agreement with experimental data, which further confirms that the theoretical level we used is reasonable. Furthermore, our results confirm that the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process happens upon photoexcitation, which is distinctly monitored by the infrared spectra and the potential energy curves. In addition, the calculation of highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital reveals that the electron density change of proton acceptor because of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process in the S1 state induces the ESIPT. Moreover, the transition density matrix is worked out to facilitate deeper insight into the ESIPT coupled ICT process. It is hoped that the present work not only elaborates the ESIPT coupled ICT phenomenon and corresponding mechanisms for the TPE‐HBT but also may be helpful to design and develop new materials and applications involved in TPE‐HBT systems in future.
Permeability and thermal properties of PDMS/LDPE multilayer composite membranes
Authors: Shahidi Kazem , Rodrigue Denis
Published: May 2018

This work reports on the preparation and properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) multilayer composite polymer membranes (MCPM) for gas separation applications. The membranes were produced by combining sequential coating with melt‐extrusion/salt leaching techniques. In particular, the gas sorption and permeation properties at different pressure (40–90 psig) and temperature (27–55 °C) are reported with morphology and thermogravimetric properties. The results show that a 20 μm PDMS layer was able to penetrate the microporous LDPE surface layer substrate leading to improved interfacial adhesion. Based on the different gases (CO2, CH4, and C3H8) solubility, permeability, and diffusivity obtained, these membranes are seen as good candidates for industrial gas separations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1045–1052
Crius: A novel fragment‐based algorithm of de novo substrate prediction for enzymes
Authors: Yao Zhiqiang , Jiang Shuiqin , Zhang Lujia , Gao Bei , He Xiao , Zhang John Z. H. , Wei Dongzhi
Published: May 2018

The study of enzyme substrate specificity is vital for developing potential applications of enzymes. However, the routine experimental procedures require lot of resources in the discovery of novel substrates. This article reports an in silico structure‐based algorithm called Crius, which predicts substrates for enzyme. The results of this fragment‐based algorithm show good agreements between the simulated and experimental substrate specificities, using a lipase from Candida antarctica (CALB), a nitrilase from Cyanobacterium syechocystis sp. PCC6803 (Nit6803), and an aldo‐keto reductase from Gluconobacter oxydans (Gox0644). This opens new prospects of developing computer algorithms that can effectively predict substrates for an enzyme.
Sample size determination and treatment screening in two‐stage phase II clinical trials via ROC curve
Authors: Huang Wong‐Shian , Chang Yuan‐chin Ivan
Published: May 2018

In pharmaceutical‐related research, we usually use clinical trials methods to identify valuable treatments and compare their efficacy with that of a standard control therapy. Although clinical trials are essential for ensuring the efficacy and postmarketing safety of a drug, conducting clinical trials is usually costly and time‐consuming. Moreover, to allocate patients to the little therapeutic effect treatments is inappropriate due to the ethical and cost imperative. Hence, there are several 2‐stage designs in the literature where, for reducing cost and shortening duration of trials, they use the conditional power obtained from interim analysis results to appraise whether we should continue the lower efficacious treatments in the next stage. However, there is a lack of discussion about the influential impacts on the conditional power of a trial at the design stage in the literature. In this article, we calculate the optimal conditional power via the receiver operating characteristic curve method to assess the impacts on the quality of a 2‐stage design with multiple treatments and propose an optimal design using the minimum expected sample size for choosing the best or promising treatment(s) among several treatments under an optimal conditional power constraint. In this paper, we provide tables of the 2‐stage design subject to optimal conditional power for various combinations of design parameters and use an example to illustrate our methods.
Natural actives for wound healing: A review
Authors: Artem Ataide Janaína , Caramori Cefali Letícia , Machado Croisfelt Fernanda , Arruda Martins Shimojo Andréa , Oliveira‐Nascimento Laura , Gava Mazzola Priscila
Published: May 2018

Nature has been a source of medicinal treatments for thousands of years, with the use of plants as prototypes for drug development and for the extraction of active compounds. Skin injuries occur regularly in everyday life, and the human skin has the ability to promote repair spontaneously under healthy conditions. However, some intrinsic and external factors may interfere with skins' natural ability, leading to nonhealing lesions and chronic wounds, which directly affect health and quality of life. Thus, attention should be given to this health problem, using an appropriated management when necessary. In this scenario, phytotherapy may be an option for cutaneous wound treatment, although further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of plants. This article reviews traditionally used natural actives for wound healing, highlighting their characteristics and mode of action.
Ecosystem‐based environmental flow assessment in a Greek regulated river with the use of 2D hydrodynamic habitat modelling
Authors: Theodoropoulos C. , Skoulikidis N. , Rutschmann P. , Stamou A.
Published: May 2018

Despite the long‐term research on the use of hydraulic‐hydrodynamic habitat models (HHMs) for predicting the response of aquatic biota to habitat alteration, their practical application in model‐based environmental flow assessments (EFAs) has been limited due to reasons mainly associated with cost‐effectiveness, time‐efficiency, required expertise, and availability of hydroecological information. In this study, we demonstrate a cost‐effective and time‐efficient application of a benthic‐invertebrate, two‐dimensional, fuzzy rule‐based EFA in a 277‐m long reach in the downstream route of a regulated river in western Greece. Apart from developing ecosystem‐based environmental flow (eflow) scenarios, we highlight the valuable features of HHMs, comment on their disadvantages, and propose working solutions to overcome them. The results of the study show that the hydrology‐based eflow of 0.2 m3/s, initially proposed by the managing authorities, is not sufficient to ensure the long‐term functionality of the downstream benthic communities, as the ecosystem‐based eflow ranged between 0.6 and 2 m3/s. As social resilience relies heavily on ecological resilience, ecosystem‐based approaches can ensure the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. This study demonstrates, inter alia, that HHMs‐based EFAs can be implemented cost‐effectively and time‐efficiently to serve as an accurate scientific basis for water managers and stakeholders, in search of the fine balance between anthropogenic water demand and long‐term ecosystem integrity and functionality.
Aligning South Africa's National Development Plan with the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals: Guidelines from the Policy Coherence for Development movement
Authors: Fourie Willem
Published: May 2018

Sustainable development depends on coherence between the development policies of recipients and the providers of development assistance. Yet achieving coherence is difficult. This paper examines the extent to which the Policy Coherence for Development movement offers guidelines for aligning national development priorities with global development priorities. This qualitative paper focuses on alignment between South Africa's National Development and its Medium‐Term Strategic Frameworks and the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. Based on an analysis of policy documents and peer‐reviewed research on the Policy Coherence for Development movement, it is argued that five guidelines might be of relevance for South Africa, namely (i) prioritizing political buy‐in, (ii) safeguarding country ownership of development priorities, (iii) using and improving existing institutional structures and processes, (iv) stimulating cooperation across government departments by using an issue‐based approach and (v) including a long‐term and transnational perspective when considering policy impacts.
Independence screening for high dimensional nonlinear additive ODE models with applications to dynamic gene regulatory networks
Authors: Xue Hongqi , Wu Shuang , Wu Yichao , Ramirez Idarraga Juan C. , Wu Hulin
Published: May 2018

Mechanism‐driven low‐dimensional ordinary differential equation (ODE) models are often used to model viral dynamics at cellular levels and epidemics of infectious diseases. However, low‐dimensional mechanism‐based ODE models are limited for modeling infectious diseases at molecular levels such as transcriptomic or proteomic levels, which is critical to understand pathogenesis of diseases. Although linear ODE models have been proposed for gene regulatory networks (GRNs), nonlinear regulations are common in GRNs. The reconstruction of large‐scale nonlinear networks from time‐course gene expression data remains an unresolved issue. Here, we use high‐dimensional nonlinear additive ODEs to model GRNs and propose a 4‐step procedure to efficiently perform variable selection for nonlinear ODEs. To tackle the challenge of high dimensionality, we couple the 2‐stage smoothing‐based estimation method for ODEs and a nonlinear independence screening method to perform variable selection for the nonlinear ODE models. We have shown that our method possesses the sure screening property and it can handle problems with non‐polynomial dimensionality. Numerical performance of the proposed method is illustrated with simulated data and a real data example for identifying the dynamic GRN of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Influence of biological factors on hematological and serum biochemistry values in captive Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins in Pingtung, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shih‐Yu , Tsai Yi‐Lun , Lin Suen‐Chuain , Wu Yeong‐Huey , Liao Ming‐Huei , Chang Ching‐Dong , Li Tsung‐Hsien , Ho Hsiao‐Kuang
Published: May 2018

Hematology and serum biochemistry reference values are essential for health evaluation and disease diagnosis in penguins. However, there are currently no published physiological values for captive Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Chinstrap penguins (P. antarcticus), nor for wild or captive Macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus). The present study is the first investigation regarding hematology and serum biochemistry reference values for captive Adélie, Gentoo (P. papua), Chinstrap, and Macaroni penguins in Asia. Fixed effect models for repeated measure were applied to determine the influence of penguin species, age, gender, and age‐gender interaction on each blood parameter. Hematology and serum biochemical data from 122 apparently healthy penguins (24 Adélie, 38 Chinstrap, 46 Gentoo, and 14 Macaroni) were collected between 2009 and 2014. The effects of penguin species were observed for most blood parameters, except total bilirubin, creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, and potassium ion (K+). Values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), heterophil, ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (H/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and chloride ion (Cl‐) had significant positive correlation with age, while significant negative correlation with age was observed in total red blood cells (RBCs), lymphocytes, thrombocytes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), CK, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and plasma iron. Compared to male penguins, females had lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) but higher calcium ion (Ca2+) values. As for age‐gender interaction, significant positive correlation was shown in MCHC and K+, and the reverse was true in H/L ratio.
Experimental study and modelling of unsteady aerodynamic forces and moment on flat plate in high amplitude pitch ramp motion
Authors: Yu Yuelong , Amandolese Xavier , Fan Chengwei , Liu Yingzheng
Published: May 2018

This paper examines the unsteady lift, drag and moment coefficients experienced by a thin airfoil in high-amplitude pitch ramp motion. Experiments have been carried out in a wind tunnel at moderate Reynolds number ($Re\approx 1.45\times 10^{4}$), using a rigid flat-plate model. Forces and moments have been measured for reduced pitch rates ranging from 0.01 to 0.18, four maximum pitch angles ($30^{\circ },45^{\circ },60^{\circ },90^{\circ }$) and different pivot axis locations between the leading and the trailing edge. Results confirm that for reduced pitch rates lower than 0.03, the unsteady aerodynamics is limited to a stall delay effect. For higher pitch rates, the unsteady response is dominated by a buildup of the circulation, which increases with the pitch rate and the absolute distance between the pivot axis and the $3/4$-chord location. This circulatory effect induces an overshoot in the normal force and moment coefficients, which is slightly reduced for a flat plate with a finite aspect ratio close to 8 in comparison with the two-dimensional configuration. A new time-dependent model has been tested for both the normal force and moment coefficients. It is mainly based on the superposition of step responses, using the Wagner function and a time-varying input that accounts for the nonlinear variation of the steady aerodynamics, the pivot point location and an additional circulation which depends on the pitch rate. When compared with experiments, it gives satisfactory results for $0^{\circ }$ to $90^{\circ }$ pitch ramp motion and captures the main effect of reduced pitch rate and pivot point location.
Coalescence of diffusively growing gas bubbles
Authors: Moreno Soto Álvaro , Maddalena Tom , Fraters Arjan , van der Meer Devaraj , Lohse Detlef
Published: May 2018

Under slightly supersaturated conditions, bubbles need many minutes to grow due to the low gas diffusivity in liquids. When coalescence occurs, the fact that the bubbles have diffusively grown on top of a surface allows for control with precision of the location and the timing at which the coalescence takes place. Numerous coalescences of two$\text{CO}_{2}$microbubbles in water are recorded at a frame rate of${\sim}65\,000~\text{fps}$. The evolution of the coalescing process is analysed in detail, differentiating among three phases: neck formation, wave propagation along the bubble surface and bubble detachment. First of all, the formation of the collapsing neck between both bubbles is compared to a capillary–inertial theoretical model. Afterwards, the propagating deformation along the surface is characterised measuring its evolution, velocity and dominant wavelength. Once bubbles coalesce, the perturbing waves and the final shape of the new bubble breaks the equilibrium between buoyancy and capillary forces. Consequently, the coalesced bubble detaches and rises due to buoyancy, oscillating with its natural Minnaert frequency. In addition to the experiments, a boundary integral code has been used to obtain numerical results of the coalescence under similar conditions, showing excellent agreement with the experimental data.
Production of monodisperse microbubbles avoiding microfluidics
Authors: Quintero Enrique S. , Evangelio A. , Gordillo J. M.
Published: May 2018

Here we report the production of monodisperse microbubbles by taking advantage of the large values of both the pressure gradients and of the local velocities existing at the leading edge of airfoils in relative motion with a liquid. It is shown here that the scaling laws for the bubbling frequencies and the bubble diameters are identical to those found in microfluidics. Therefore, the metre-sized geometry presented here is a feasible candidate to circumvent the inherent problems of using micron-sized geometries in real applications – namely, wettability, the low productivity and the clogging of the microchannels by particles or other impurities.
TRANSFORMATIONS ON DENSITY OPERATORS PRESERVING GENERALISED ENTROPY OF A CONVEX COMBINATION
Authors: GAÁL MARCELL , NAGY GERGŐ
Published: May 2018

We aim to characterise those transformations on the set of density operators (which are the mathematical representatives of the states in quantum information theory) that preserve a so-called generalised entropy ofonefixed convex combination of operators. The characterisation strengthens a recent result of Karder and Petek where the preservation of the same quantity was assumed forallconvex combinations.
Writing about Workers, Reflecting on Dictatorship and Neoliberalism: Chilean Labor History and the Pinochet Dictatorship
Authors: Vergara Ángela
Published: May 2018

This article explores the trajectory of Chilean labor history and its recent efforts to study workers’ experiences under the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship (1973–1990). Influenced by the impact of dictatorship on Chilean society as well as global historiographical debates, Labor Studies became an interdisciplinary and transnational field in Chile. This article focuses on the different academic traditions that have intersected with and contributed to the study of workers’ experiences under the dictatorship. It considers the multiple origins of New Labor Studies and includes the social history of both rural and urban movements, labor sociology, feminist historiography, and transnational history. It also looks at the multiple debates taking place in Chile and in other parts of the world. Bringing them together offers the opportunity to see the intersections, collaborations, and influences that have made the study of Chilean workers a dynamic field.
Can’t Make it Better nor Worse
Authors: Pargent Florian , Hilbert Sven , Eichhorn Kathryn , Bühner Markus
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Some of the most popular psychological questionnaires violate general rules of item construction: precise, positively keyed items without negations, multiple aspects of content, absolute statements, or vague quantifiers. To investigate if following these rules results in more desirable psychometric properties, 1,733 participants completed online either the original NEO Five-Factor Inventory, an “improved” version whose items follow the rules of item construction, or a “deteriorated” version whose items strongly violate these rules. We compared reliability estimates, item-total correlations, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) model fit, and fit to the partial credit model between the three versions. Neither of the manipulations resulted in considerable or consistent effects on any of the psychometric indices. Our results question the ability of standard analyses in test construction to distinguish good items from bad ones, as well as the effectiveness of general rules of item construction. To increase the reproducibility of psychological science, more focus should be laid on improving psychological measures.
Harry W. Green II (1940–2017)
Authors: Burnley Pamela , Chen Wang-Ping , Dobrzhinetskaya Larissa , Jin Zhen-Min , Jung Haemyeong , Liebermann Robert , Martins-Green Manuela , Schubnel Alexandre , Wang Yanbin , Zhang Junfeng
Published: May 2018

By keenly probing mantle rheology, interactions of deformations and phase transitions, and microscopic features, he made major contributions to petrology, mineralogy, and earthquake science.
Ionospheric Response to the Solar Eclipse of 21 August 2017 in Millstone Hill (42N) Observations
Authors: Goncharenko Larisa P. , Erickson Philip J. , Zhang Shun‐Rong , Galkin Ivan , Coster Anthea J. , Jonah Olusegun F.
Published: May 2018

This study examines the ionospheric changes associated with the solar eclipse of 21 August 2017. The effects associated with the passage of the eclipse shadow were observed more than 1,000 km away from the totality at midlatitudes using the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar and digisonde. There was a 30–40% decrease in electron density, a 100‐ to 220‐K decrease in electron temperature, and a 50‐ to 140‐K decrease in ion temperature. Surprisingly, the greatest decrease in electron density occurred above 200 km. The most unexpected effect was a large 20‐ to 40‐m/s upward vertical drift observed in the topside ionosphere right after the local maximum obscuration. We suggest that this drift led to a posteclipse increase in the topside electron density.
Epithelial cell-derived cytokines CST3 and GDF15 as potential therapeutics for pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kim Young-Im , Shin Hyun-Woo , Chun Yang-Sook , Cho Chung-Hyun , Koh Jaemoon , Chung Doo Hyun , Park Jong-Wan
Published: May 2018

While wound healing is completed, the epithelium functions to normalize the interstitial context by eliminating fibroblasts excited during matrix reconstruction. If not, tissues undergo pathologic fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal and hardly curable disorder. We here tried to identify epithelium-derived cytokines capable of ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis. Human lung fibroblasts were inactivated in epithelial cell-conditioned media. Cystatin C (CST3) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) were found to be enriched in the conditioned media and to inhibit the growth and activation of lung fibroblasts by inactivating the TGF–Smad pathway. In mouse and human lungs with interstitial fibrosis, CST3 and GDF15 expressions were markedly reduced, and the restoration of these cytokines alleviated the fibrotic changes in mouse lungs. These results suggest that CST3 and GDF15 are bona fide regulators to prevent excessive proliferation and activation of fibroblasts in injured lungs. These cytokines could be potential therapeutics for ameliorating interstitial lung fibrosis.
SMPD3 deficiency perturbs neuronal proteostasis and causes progressive cognitive impairment
Authors: Stoffel Wilhelm , Jenke Britta , Schmidt-Soltau Inga , Binczek Erika , Brodesser Susanne , Hammels Ina
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Neutral sphingomyelinase smpd3 is most abundantly expressed in neurons of brain. The function of SMPD3 has remained elusive. Here, we report a pathogenetic nexus between absence of SMPD3 in the Golgi compartment (GC) of neurons of the smpd3-/- mouse brain, inhibition of Golgi vesicular protein transport and progressive cognitive impairment. Absence of SMPD3 activity in the Golgi sphingomyelin cycle impedes remodeling of the lipid bilayer, essential for budding and multivesicular body formation. Importantly, we show that inhibition of the Golgi vesicular protein transport causes accumulation of neurotoxic proteins APP, Aβ and phosphorylated Tau, dysproteostasis, unfolded protein response, and apoptosis, which ultimately manifests in progressive cognitive decline, similar to the pathognomonic signatures of familial and sporadic forms of Alzheimer´s disease. This discovery might contribute to the search for other primary pathogenic mechanisms, which link perturbed lipid bilayer structures and protein processing and transport in the neuronal Golgi compartment and neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits.
Sema7A/PlxnCl signaling triggers activity-dependent olfactory synapse formation
Authors: Inoue Nobuko , Nishizumi Hirofumi , Naritsuka Hiromi , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Sakano Hitoshi
Published: May 2018

In mammals, neural circuits are formed based on a genetic program and further refined by neuronal activity during the neonatal period. We report that in the mouse olfactory system, the glomerular map is not merely refined but newly connected to second-order neurons by odorant-receptor-derived neuronal activity. Here, we analyzed a pair of molecules, Sema7A, expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in an activity-dependent manner, and PlxnC1, localized to dendrites of mitral/tufted (M/T) cells in the first week after birth. In Sema7A or PlxnC1 knockout (KO) mice, initiation of synapse formation and dendrite selection of M/T cells were perturbed. Reconstitution and rescue experiments demonstrated that Sema7A–PlxnC1 interaction is essential to form the post-synaptic assembly. Pharmacological blocking experiments indicated that synaptic transmission triggers primary dendrite selection by synaptic competition. We conclude that Sema7A signaling is key to inducing activity-dependent post-synapse events and dendrite selection in M/T-cells during the neonatal period.
Human Cortex Spheroid with a Functional Blood Brain Barrier for High-Throughput Neurotoxicity Screening and Disease Modeling
Authors: Nzou Goodwell , Wicks R. T. , Wicks E. E. , Seale S. A. , Sane C. H. , Chen A. , Murphy S. V. , Jackson J. D. , Atala A. J.
Published: May 2018

The integral selectivity characteristic of the blood brain barrier (BBB) limits therapeutic options for many neurologic diseases and disorders. Currently, very little is known about the mechanisms that govern the dynamic nature of the BBB. Recent reports have focused on the development and application of human brain organoids developed from neuro-progenitor cells. While these models provide an excellent platform to study the effects of disease and genetic aberrances on brain development, they may not model the microvasculature and BBB of the adult human cortex. To date, mostin vitroBBB models utilize endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. We report a 3D spheroid model of the BBB comprising all major cell types, including neurons, microglia and oligodendrocytes, to recapitulate more closely normal human brain tissue. Spheroids show expression of tight junctions, adherens junctions, adherens junction-associated proteins and cell specific markers. Functional assessment using MPTP, MPP+ and mercury chloride indicate charge selectivity through the barrier. Junctional protein distribution was altered under hypoxic conditions. Our spheroid model may have potential applications in drug discovery, disease modeling, neurotoxicity and cytotoxicity testing.
Author Correction: Determinants of Quantitative Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Metrics in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Tang Fang Yao , Ng Danny S. , Lam Alexander , Luk Fiona , Wong Raymond , Chan Carmen , Mohamed Shaheeda , Fong Angie , Lok Jerry , Tso Tiffany , Lai Frank , Brelen Marten , Wong Tien Y. , Tham Clement C. , Cheung Carol Y.
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
The amino acid selected for generating mutant TbpB antigens defective in binding transferrin can compromise the in vivo protective capacity
Authors: Guizzo João Antônio , Chaudhuri Somshukla , Prigol Simone Ramos , Yu Rong-hua , Dazzi Cláudia Cerutti , Balbinott Natalia , Frandoloso Gabriela Paraboni , Kreutz Luiz Carlos , Frandoloso Rafael , Schryvers Anthony Bernard
Published: May 2018

Haemophilus parasuis is the causative agent of the Glässer’s disease (GD), one of the most important bacterial diseases that affect young pigs worldwide. GD prevention based on vaccination is a major concern due to the limited cross-protection conferred by the inactivated whole cell vaccines used currently. In this study, vaccines based on two mutant recombinant proteins derived from transferrin binding protein B of H. parasuis (Y167A-TbpB and W176A-TbpB) were formulated and evaluated in terms of protection against lethal challenge using a serovar 7 (SV7) H. parasuis in a high susceptibility pig model. Our results showed that H. parasuis strain 174 (SV7) is highly virulent in conventional and colostrum-deprived pigs. The Y167A-TbpB and W176A-TbpB antigens were immunogenic in pigs, however, differences in terms of antigenicity and functional immune response were observed. In regard to protection, animals immunized with Y167A-TbpB antigen displayed 80% survival whereas the W176A-TbpB protein was not protective. In conjunction with previous studies, our results demonstrate, (a) the importance of testing engineered antigens in an in vivo pig challenge model, and, (b) that the Y167A-TbpB antigen is a promising antigen for developing a broad-spectrum vaccine against H. parasuis infection.
Identification of a unique Radical SAM methyltransferase required for the sp3-C-methylation of an arginine residue of methyl-coenzyme M reductase
Authors: Deobald Darja , Adrian Lorenz , Schöne Christian , Rother Michael , Layer Gunhild
Published: May 2018

The biological formation of methane (methanogenesis) is a globally important process, which is exploited in biogas technology, but also contributes to global warming through the release of a potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. The last and methane-releasing step of methanogenesis is catalysed by the enzyme methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR), which carries several exceptional posttranslational amino acid modifications. Among these, a 5-C-(S)-methylarginine is located close to the active site of the enzyme. Here, we show that a unique Radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) methyltransferase is required for the methylation of the arginine residue. The gene encoding the methyltransferase is currently annotated as “methanogenesis marker 10” whose function was unknown until now. The deletion of the methyltransferase gene ma4551 in Methanosarcina acetivorans WWM1 leads to the production of an active MCR lacking the C-5-methylation of the respective arginine residue. The growth behaviour of the corresponding M. acetivorans mutant strain and the biophysical characterization of the isolated MCR indicate that the methylated arginine is important for MCR stability under stress conditions.
DRP-1-mediated apoptosis induces muscle degeneration in dystrophin mutants
Authors: Scholtes Charlotte , Bellemin Stéphanie , Martin Edwige , Carre-Pierrat Maïté , Mollereau Bertrand , Gieseler Kathrin , Walter Ludivine
Published: May 2018

Mitochondria are double-membrane subcellular organelles with highly conserved metabolic functions including ATP production. Mitochondria shapes change continually through the combined actions of fission and fusion events rendering mitochondrial network very dynamic. Mitochondria are largely implicated in pathologies and mitochondrial dynamics is often disrupted upon muscle degeneration in various models. Currently, the exact roles of mitochondria in the molecular mechanisms that lead to muscle degeneration remain poorly understood. Here we report a role for DRP-1 in regulating apoptosis induced by dystrophin-dependent muscle degeneration. We found that: (i) dystrophin-dependent muscle degeneration was accompanied by a drastic increase in mitochondrial fragmentation that can be rescued by genetic manipulations of mitochondrial dynamics (ii) the loss of function of the fission gene drp-1 or the overexpression of the fusion genes eat-3 and fzo-1 provoked a reduction of muscle degeneration and an improved mobility of dystrophin mutant worms (iii) the functions of DRP-1 in apoptosis and of others apoptosis executors are important for dystrophin-dependent muscle cell death (iv) DRP-1-mediated apoptosis is also likely to induce age-dependent loss of muscle cell. Collectively, our findings point toward a mechanism involving mitochondrial dynamics to respond to trigger(s) of muscle degeneration via apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Chemical formation of soft metal electrodes for flexible and wearable electronics
Authors: Wang Dongrui , Zhang Yaokang , Lu Xi , Ma Zhijun , Xie Chuan , Zheng Zijian
Published: May 2018

Efficient chemical approaches to fabricating soft metal electrodes aiming at wearable electronics are summarized and reviewed.
Diversion of a thioglycoligase for the synthesis of 1-O-acyl arabinofuranoses
Authors: Pavic Quentin , Tranchimand Sylvain , Lemiègre Loïc , Legentil Laurent
Published: May 2018

An arabinofuranosylhydrolase from the GH51 family was transformed into an acyl transferase by mutation of the catalytic acid/base amino acid.
Electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution integrated with organic oxidation
Authors: You Bo , Han Guanqun , Sun Yujie
Published: May 2018

We have summarized the recent progress in electrocatalytic and photocatalytic water splitting integrated with organic oxidation for efficient H2 generation, which features no formation of explosive H2/O2 mixtures and reactive oxygen species, higher efficiency compared to conventional water splitting and potential co-production of value-added organic products.
Electron transfer-induced reduction of organic halides with amines
Authors: Fukuyama Takahide , Fujita Yuki , Miyoshi Hayato , Ryu Ilhyong , Kao Shih-Chieh , Wu Yen-Ku
Published: May 2018

UV light-induced reduction of vinyl and aryl halides with triethylamine proceeded smoothly to give the corresponding reduced products. High temperature heating also caused the reduction and DABCO also served as a good reducing reagent.
Highly-active oxygen evolution electrocatalyzed by an Fe-doped NiCr2O4 nanoparticle film
Authors: Zhao Jinxiu , Li Xianghong , Cui Guanwei , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2018

An Fe-doped NiCr2O4 nanoparticle film on Ni foam (Fe–NiCr2O4/NF) acts as a durable water oxidation electrocatalyst with superior activity, needing an overpotential of 318 mV to drive 500 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Photocatalytic acylarylation of unactivated alkenes with diaryliodonium salts toward indanones and related compounds
Authors: Chen Yongtao , Shu Chenyun , Luo Fang , Xiao Xiaohui , Zhu Gangguo
Published: May 2018

A photocatalytic acylarylation of unactivated alkenes using diaryliodonium salts is described, giving 2-benzyl indanones and related compounds in promising yields with excellent diastereoselectivity.
Abnormal sergeants-and-soldiers effects of poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s enabling discrimination of one-carbon homologous n-alkanes through a highly sensitive solvent-dependent helix inversion
Authors: Nagata Yuuya , Nishikawa Tsuyoshi , Suginome Michinori
Published: May 2018

Abnormal sergeants-and-soldiers enabled the discrimination of a single methylene group.
Synchrotron X-ray diffraction characterization of the inheritance of GaN homoepitaxial thin films grown on selective growth substrates
Authors: Lou Yanfang , Song Chulho , Chen Yanna , Kumara Loku Singgappulige Rosantha , Palina Natalia , Seo Okkyun , Hiroi Satoshi , Kajiwara Kentaro , Hoshino Masato , Uesugi Kentaro , Irokawa Yoshihiro , Nabatame Toshihide , Koide Yasuo , Sakata Osami
Published: May 2018

The structural characteristics of a selective growth GaN substrate were inherited from an Al2O3 substrate and then transferred to homoepitaxial thin films.
Simultaneous enhancement of photoluminescence and afterglow luminescence through Bi3+ co-doping in the Sr3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+ phosphor
Authors: Xie Wei , Zou Changwei , Li Songquan , Sun Jianhui , Kang Fengwen , Sun Guohuan
Published: May 2018

In this work, the Sr3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+ and Sr3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+,Bi3+ phosphors are synthesized by high temperature solid state reactions.
Quantitative description of 1H SQ and DQ coherences for the hydroxyl disorder within hydrous ringwoodite
Authors: Grüninger Helen , Schmutzler Adrian , Siegel Renée , Armstrong Katherine , Frost Daniel J. , Senker Jürgen
Published: May 2018

MD DFT simulations were used to model the OH disorder within ringwoodite and describe its influence using on 1H NMR observables.
Adsorption of alcohols and hydrocarbons on nonstoichiometric cementite{010} surfaces
Authors: Muñoz Ramo David , Jenkins Stephen J.
Published: May 2018

We investigate the adsorption of several organic molecules on a nonstoichiometric {010} surface of Fe3C (cementite) by means of density functional theory calculations with van der Waals corrections.
Microsolvated complexes of ibuprofen as revealed by high-resolution rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Pinacho P. , Krin A. , Pérez C. , Zinn S. , López J. C. , Blanco S. , Schnell M.
Published: May 2018

Four conformers of microsolvated ibuprofen have been characterized using high-resolution microwave spectroscopy.
High-temperature thermoelectric transport behavior of the Al/γ-Al2O3interface: impact of electron and phonon scattering at nanoscale metal–ceramic contacts
Authors: Samanta Pabitra Narayan , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: May 2018

Thermoelectric transport properties of the Al/γ-Al2O3interface have been assessed from the ballistic electron and phonon transmission at the nanoscale contacts.
Using 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts to determine cyclic peptide conformations: a combined molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics approach
Authors: Nguyen Q. Nhu N. , Schwochert Joshua , Tantillo Dean J. , Lokey R. Scott
Published: May 2018

Conformational analysis from NMR and density-functional prediction of low-energy ensembles (CANDLE), a new approach for determining solution structures.
Insights into the complex interaction between hydrophilic nanoparticles and ionic surfactants at the liquid/air interface
Authors: Jin Jingyu , Li Xiaoyan , Geng Jiafeng , Jing Dengwei
Published: May 2018

The effect of interaction between hydrophilic nanoparticles and ionic surfactants on the liquid/air interfacial properties has been investigated, and a possible mechanism has also been proposed.
DNA triplex structure, thermodynamics, and destabilisation: insight from molecular simulations
Authors: Boehm Belinda J. , Whidborne Charles , Button Alexander L. , Pukala Tara L. , Huang David M.
Published: May 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to elucidate the structure and thermodynamics of DNA triplexes associated with the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), as well as complexes of these triplexes with the small molecule netropsin, which is known to destabilise triplexes.
Correction: Extended visible to near-infrared harvesting of earth-abundant FeS2–TiO2 heterostructures for highly active photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Kuo Tsung-Rong , Liao Hsiang-Ju , Chen Yu-Ting , Wei Chuan-Yu , Chang Chia-Che , Chen Yi-Chia , Chang Yi-Hsuan , Lin Jou-Chun , Lee Yi-Cheng , Wen Cheng-Yen , Li Shao-Sian , Lin Kung-Hsuan , Wang Di-Yan
Published: May 2018

Correction for ‘Extended visible to near-infrared harvesting of earth-abundant FeS2–TiO2 heterostructures for highly active photocatalytic hydrogen evolution’ by Tsung-Rong Kuo et al., Green Chem., 2018, 20, 1640–1647.
Competition between hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds: a structural study
Authors: Gamekkanda Janaka C. , Sinha Abhijeet S. , Desper John , Đaković Marijana , Aakeröy Christer B.
Published: May 2018

O–H hydrogen-bond donors and R–CC–I halogen-bond donors are close competitors for suitable acceptor sites in solid-state assembly.
A3-Type star stilbene and cyanostilbene molecules: synthesis, fluorescence properties and bio-imaging application
Authors: Gopinath A. , Ramamurthy K. , Subaraja Mamangam , Selvaraju Chellappan , Nasar A. Sultan
Published: May 2018

In this article, we report star-like stilbene and cyanostilbene molecules exhibiting strong fluorescence, ICT and AIE properties. Star cyanostilbene was found to be an excellent fluorophore for bio-imaging application.
Synthesis of Fe3O4 nanobead-functionalized 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfonic acid supported by an ion-imprinted biopolymer as a recognition site for Al3+ ions: estimation in human serum and water samples
Authors: El-Wekil Mohamed M. , Ali Hassan Refat H. , Marzouk Adel A. , Ali Ramadan
Published: May 2018

A selective and sensitive approach for the analysis of Al3+ in real samples using solid phase extraction combined with an ion imprinting biopolymer strategy.
A gold-nanoparticle stoppered [2]rotaxane
Authors: Ulfkjær Anne , Nielsen Frederik W. , Al-Kerdi Hana , Ruβ Tamara , Nielsen Zaki K. , Ulstrup Jens , Sun Lanlan , Moth-Poulsen Kasper , Zhang Jingdong , Pittelkow Michael
Published: May 2018

A gold-nanoparticle stoppered [2]rotaxane based on a stable pseudo-rotaxane featuring an electroactive ferrocene rod encapsulated in a cucurbit[7]uril macrocycle is described.
An autonomous tumor-targeted nanoprodrug for reactive oxygen species-activatable dual-cytochrome c/doxorubicin antitumor therapy
Authors: Pei Yuxia , Li Menghuan , Hou Yanhua , Hu Yan , Chu Guangyu , Dai Liangliang , Li Ke , Xing Yuxin , Tao Bailong , Yu Yonglin , Xue Chencheng , He Ye , Luo Zhong , Cai Kaiyong
Published: May 2018

Cytochrome c/doxorubicin dual therapy triggered by the high level of reactive oxygen species in tumor tissues.
Correction: A computational exploration of the crystal energy and charge-carrier mobility landscapes of the chiral [6]helicene molecule
Authors: Rice Beth , LeBlanc Luc M. , Otero-de-la-Roza Alberto , Fuchter Matthew J. , Johnson Erin R. , Nelson Jenny , Jelfs Kim E.
Published: May 2018

Correction for ‘A computational exploration of the crystal energy and charge-carrier mobility landscapes of the chiral [6]helicene molecule’ by Beth Rice et al., Nanoscale, 2018, 10, 1865–1876.
Highly efficient strategies toward sustainable monomers and polymers derived from fatty acids via tetramethylguanidine promoted esterification
Authors: Zhou Jiangjun , Wu Mang , Peng Qiang , Jiang Feng , Pan Haowei , Wang Baoxia , Liu Shengquan , Wang Zhongkai
Published: May 2018

Three efficient strategies were developed to transform fatty acids into mono-functional monomers and thermoplastic polymers by using 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine promoted esterification.
A bilayered nanoshell for durable protection of single yeast cells against multiple, simultaneous hostile stimuli
Authors: Jiang Nan , Ying Guo-Liang , Yetisen Ali K. , Montelongo Yunuen , Shen Ling , Xiao Yu-Xuan , Busscher Henk J. , Yang Xiao-Yu , Su Bao-Lian
Published: May 2018

A bilayered nanoshell is used to encapsulate a single cell for high stability after hostile stimulation.
Kinetic and entropy solutions of quasilinear impulsive hyperbolic equations
Authors: Kuznetsov Ivan
Published: May 2018

In the present paper we deal with kinetic and entropy solutions of quasilinear impulsive hyperbolic equations. The genuine nonlinearity condition enables to prove the existence of one-sided traces of these solutions on fixed-time hyperplanes. The latter fact provides the impulsive condition. This type of equations can be used in the fluctuating hydrodynamics.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and its Association with the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome, and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Namazi Nazli , Larijani Bagher , Azadbakht Leila
Published: May 2018

Findings from previous studies on the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and the risk of chronic diseases and mortality have been inconsistent. We aimed to summarize studies on the association of the DII and the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and mortality in a systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed a systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases for relevant studies written in English and published until 31 December 2017. Studies that reported the relative risk (RR), odd ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) for the most pro-inflammatory versus the most anti-inflammatory diets were included. Finally, 17 studies [CVD (n=6), MetS (n=5), mortality (n=6)] were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Findings indicated a trend toward a positive relationship between the DII and the risk for CVD (pooled RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.60; I2: 28.6%, p=0.21), all-cause mortality (pooled HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.35; I2: 72.6%, p=0.003), CVD mortality (pooled HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57; I2: 74.0%, p=0.009) and cancer mortality (pooled HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.53; I2: 62.5%, p=0.03). However, no significant association was found between the DII and the risk for MetS (pooled RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.24; I2: 32.6%, p=0.20). Although in the current meta-analysis the most pro-inflammatory diet versus the most anti-inflammatory diet was not associated with the risk of MetS, we observed a substantial association between the DII and the risk for CVD and all types of mortality. However, further cohort studies in different populations are needed to clarify this association.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Six-Membered Cyclic Sulfamides via
Palladium-Catalyzed Alkene Carboamination Reactions
Authors: Wolfe John , Garlets Zachary
Published: May 2018

The asymmetric synthesis of six-membered cyclic sulfamides via palladium-catalyzed alkene carboamination reactions of N-homo­allylsulfamides with aryl halides is described. High levels of enantio­selectivity were obtained with a catalyst composed of Pd2dba3 and (S)-Siphos-PE.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclopentene-Fused Tetrahydroquinolines via N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Domino Reactions
Authors: Zhao Long , Li Sun , Wang Lei , Yu Shun , Raabe Gerhard , Enders Dieter
Published: May 2018

A new strategy for the N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of cyclopentene-fused tetrahydroquinoline derivatives has been developed. The one-pot organocatalytic domino protocol allows a direct entry to the characteristic cyclopenta[c]tetrahydroquinoline core of many alkaloids and some potential drugs employing readily available quinolinone and enal substrates in good domino yields and stereoselectivities.