bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the gap between measurements and modelling: a cardiovascular functional avatar
Authors: Casas Belén , Lantz Jonas , Viola Federica , Cedersund Gunnar , Bolger Ann F. , Carlhäll Carl-Johan , Karlsson Matts , Ebbers Tino
Published: July 2017

Lumped parameter models of the cardiovascular system have the potential to assist researchers and clinicians to better understand cardiovascular function. The value of such models increases when they are subject specific. However, most approaches to personalize lumped parameter models have thus far required invasive measurements or fall short of being subject specific due to a lack of the necessary clinical data. Here, we propose an approach to personalize parameters in a model of the heart and the systemic circulation using exclusively non-invasive measurements. The personalized model is created using flow data from four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging and cuff pressure measurements in the brachial artery. We term this personalized model the cardiovascular avatar. In our proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the capability of the avatar to reproduce pressures and flows in a group of eight healthy subjects. Both quantitatively and qualitatively, the model-based results agreed well with the pressure and flow measurements obtained in vivo for each subject. This non-invasive and personalized approach can synthesize medical data into clinically relevant indicators of cardiovascular function, and estimate hemodynamic variables that cannot be assessed directly from clinical measurements.
The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal contributes to oxidative stress-mediated deterioration of the ageing oocyte
Authors: Mihalas Bettina P. , De Iuliis Geoffry N. , Redgrove Kate A. , McLaughlin Eileen A. , Nixon Brett
Published: July 2017

An increase in intraovarian reactive oxygen species (ROS) has long been implicated in the decline in oocyte quality associated with maternal ageing. Oxidative stress (OS)-induced lipid peroxidation and the consequent generation of highly electrophilic aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), represents a potential mechanism by which ROS can inflict damage in the ageing oocyte. In this study, we have established that aged oocytes are vulnerable to damage by 4-HNE resulting from increased cytosolic ROS production within the oocyte itself. Further, we demonstrated that the age-related induction of OS can be recapitulated by exposure of germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes to exogenous H2O2. Such treatments stimulated an increase in 4-HNE generation, which remained elevated during in vitro oocyte maturation to metaphase II. Additionally, exposure of GV oocytes to either H2O2 or 4-HNE resulted in decreased meiotic completion, increased spindle abnormalities, chromosome misalignments and aneuploidy. In seeking to account for these data, we revealed that proteins essential for oocyte health and meiotic development, namely α-, β-, and γ-tubulin are vulnerable to adduction via 4-HNE. Importantly, 4-HNE-tubulin adduction, as well as increased aneuploidy rates, were resolved by co-treatment with the antioxidant penicillamine, demonstrating a possible therapeutic mechanism to improve oocyte quality in older females.
Ryanodine receptors are part of the myospryn complex in cardiac muscle
Authors: Benson Matthew A. , Tinsley Caroline L. , Waite Adrian J. , Carlisle Francesca A. , Sweet Steve M. M. , Ehler Elisabeth , George Christopher H. , Lai F. Anthony , Martin-Rendon Enca , Blake Derek J.
Published: July 2017

The Cardiomyopathy–associated gene 5 (Cmya5) encodes myospryn, a large tripartite motif (TRIM)-related protein found predominantly in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Cmya5 is an expression biomarker for a number of diseases affecting striated muscle and may also be a schizophrenia risk gene. To further understand the function of myospryn in striated muscle, we searched for additional myospryn paralogs. Here we identify a novel muscle-expressed TRIM-related protein minispryn, encoded by Fsd2, that has extensive sequence similarity with the C-terminus of myospryn. Cmya5 and Fsd2 appear to have originated by a chromosomal duplication and are found within evolutionarily-conserved gene clusters on different chromosomes. Using immunoaffinity purification and mass spectrometry we show that minispryn co-purifies with myospryn and the major cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) from heart. Accordingly, myospryn, minispryn and RyR2 co-localise at the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum of isolated cardiomyocytes. Myospryn redistributes RyR2 into clusters when co-expressed in heterologous cells whereas minispryn lacks this activity. Together these data suggest a novel role for the myospryn complex in the assembly of ryanodine receptor clusters in striated muscle.
Downregulation of ALAS1 by nicarbazin treatment underlies the reduced synthesis of protoporphyrin IX in shell gland of laying hens
Authors: Samiullah Sami , Roberts Juliet , Wu Shu-Biao
Published: July 2017

Shell colour is an important trait for eggs and an understanding of pigment deposition will assist potential management of egg shell colour loss. We demonstrated that nicarbazin feeding down-regulated ALAS1 and reduced protoporphyrin IX (PP IX) in both shell gland and eggshell, indicating the role of nicarbazin in inhibiting the synthesis of PP IX. Additionally, the expression levels of the genes did not show sequential upregulation in the same order of diurnal time-points (TP) during egg formation. The gene SLC25A38, responsible for transporting glycine from cytoplasm to mitochondria, and the gene ALAS1, encoding rate-limiting enzyme (delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1), had higher expression at 15 hr, as compared with 2, 5 and 23.5 hrs postoviposition. Interestingly, ABCB6, a gene encoding an enzyme responsible for transporting coproporphyrinogen III, showed higher expression level at 2 and 5 hrs. However, the expression of CPOX that converts coproporphyrinogen III to protoporphyrinogen III, and ABCG2 that transports PP IX out from mitochondria did not alter. Nevertheless, mitochondrial count per cell did not show consistent change in response to time-points postoviposition and nicarbazin feeding. The information obtained in the study sheds light on how nicarbazin disrupts the synthesis of PP IX.
Associations of Coffee, Diet Drinks, and Non-Nutritive Sweetener Use with Depression among Populations in Eastern Canada
Authors: Yu Zhijie M. , Parker Louise , Dummer Trevor J. B.
Published: July 2017

Consumption of coffee and diet drinks and the use of non-nutritive sweeteners is commonplace worldwide. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to investigate the associations between coffee consumption and non-nutritive sweetener use and depression among populations in Atlantic Canada. During 2009 to 2013, we recruited 18838 participants aged 35–69 years (5854 men and 12984 women) for the baseline survey of the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health cohort study. Coffee consumption, sweetener use, and major depression were assessed using a set of standardized questionnaires. We utilized multiple logistic regression models to assess the associations of coffee drinking and non-nutritive sweetener use with major depression. Compared with non-coffee drinkers, female participants who drank coffee ≥4 cups/day had an odds ratio of 1.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.64) for major depression with adjustment for sociodemographic and behavioral factors, chronic disease status, and body mass index. We found a significant association between depression and consumption of sweeteners and diet drinks, which was more apparent among women than men. We conclude that heavy coffee drinking and non-nutritive sweetener use were associated with depression among populations in Atlantic Canada. Further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms.
Incremental benefit of late gadolinium cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for risk stratification in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Doesch Christina , Tülümen Erol , Akin Ibrahim , Rudic Boris , Kuschyk Juergen , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Becher Tobias , Budjan Johannes , Smakic Arman , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Borggrefe Martin , Papavassiliu Theano
Published: July 2017

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has a low risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). The ESC clinical risk prediction model estimates the risk of SCD using clinical and echocardiographical parameters without taking into account cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters. Therefore, we compared the CMR characteristics of 149 patients with low, intermediate and high ESC risk scores. In these patients left and right ventricular ejection fraction and volumes were comparable. Patients with a high ESC risk score revealed a significantly higher extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) compared to patients with intermediate or a low risk scores. During follow-up of 4 years an extent of LGE ≥20% identified patients at a higher risk for major adverse cardiac arrhythmic events in the low and intermediate ESC risk group whereas an extent of LGE <20% was associated with a low risk of major adverse cardiac arrhythmic events despite a high ESC risk score ≥6%. Hence, we hypothesize that the extent of fibrosis might be an additional risk marker.
An adaptive image enhancement method for a recirculating aquaculture system
Authors: Zhou Chao , Yang Xinting , Zhang Baihai , Lin Kai , Xu Daming , Guo Qiang , Sun Chuanheng
Published: July 2017

Due to the low and uneven illumination that is typical of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), visible and near infrared (NIR) images collected from RASs always have low brightness and contrast. To resolve this issue, this paper proposes an image enhancement method based on the Multi-Scale Retinex (MSR) algorithm and a greyscale nonlinear transformation. First, the images are processed using the MSR algorithm to eliminate the influence of low and uneven illumination. Then, the normalized incomplete Beta function is used to perform a greyscale nonlinear transformation. The function’s optimal parameters (α and β) are automatically selected by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based on an image contrast measurement function. This adaptive image enhancement method is compared with other classic enhancement methods. The results show that the proposed method greatly improves the image contrast and highlights dark areas, which is helpful during further analysis of these images.
An optical and electrical study of full thermally activated delayed fluorescent white organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Pereira Daniel de Sa , dos Santos Paloma L. , Ward Jonathan S. , Data Przemyslaw , Okazaki Masato , Takeda Youhei , Minakata Satoshi , Bryce Martin R. , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: July 2017

We report on the engineering of full thermally activated delayed fluorescence – based white organic light emitting diodes (W-OLEDs) composed of three emitters (2,7-bis(9,9-dimethyl-acridin-10-yl)-9,9-dimethylthioxanthene-S,S-dioxide (DDMA-TXO2), 2,7-bis(phenoxazin-10-yl)-9,9-dimethylthioxanthene-S,S-dioxide (DPO-TXO2) and 3,11-di(10H-phenoxazin-10-yl)dibenzo[a,j]phenazine (POZ-DBPHZ) in two different hosts. By controlling the device design through the study of the emission of DDMA-TXO2 and DPO-TXO2, the behaviour of POZ-DBPHZ in a device with more than one emitter, and the combination of the three materials, respectively, we show that external quantum efficiencies as high as 16% can be obtained for a structure with a correlated colour temperature close to warm white, together with colour rendering index close to 80. However it is in their performance stability that provides the true breakthrough: at 1000 cd/m2 the efficiencies were still above 10%, which is one of the best for this type of devices.
Aspergillus labruscus sp. nov., a new species of Aspergillus section Nigri discovered in Brazil
Authors: Fungaro Maria Helena P. , Ferranti Larissa S. , Massi Fernanda P. , da Silva Josué J. , Sartori Daniele , Taniwaki Marta H. , Frisvad Jens C. , Iamanaka Beatriz T.
Published: July 2017

A novel fungal species, Aspergillus labruscus sp. nov., has been found in Brazil during an investigation of the fungal species present on the surface of grape berries (Vitis labrusca L.) for use in the production of concentrated grape juice. It seems to be associated to V. labrusca, and has never been recovered from Vitis vinifera. This new species belonging to Aspergillus subgenus Circumdati section Nigri is described here using morphological characters, extrolite profiling, partial sequence data from the BenA and CaM genes, and internal transcribed spacer sequences of ribosomal DNA. Phenotypic and molecular data enabled this novel species to be clearly distinguished from other black aspergilli. A. labruscus sp. nov. is uniseriate, has yellow mycelium, poor sporulation on CYA at 25 °C, abundant salmon to pink sclerotia and rough conidia. Neoxaline and secalonic acid D were consistently produced by isolates in this taxon. The type strain of A. labruscus sp. nov. is CCT 7800 (T) = ITAL 22.223 (T) = IBT 33586 (T).
Host seeking parasitic nematodes use specific odors to assess host resources
Authors: Baiocchi Tiffany , Lee Grant , Choe Dong-Hwan , Dillman Adler R.
Published: July 2017

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are insect parasites used as biological control agents. Free-living infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs employ host-seeking behaviors to locate suitable hosts for infection. We found that EPNs can differentiate between naïve and infected hosts, and that host attractiveness changes over time in a species-specific manner. We used solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify volatile chemical cues that may relay information about a potential host’s infection status and resource availability. Among the chemicals identified from the headspace of infected hosts, 3-Methyl-2-buten-1-ol (prenol) and 3-Hydroxy-2-butanone (AMC) were selected for further behavioral assays due to their temporal correlation with the behavioral changes of IJs towards the infected hosts. Both compounds were repulsive to IJs of Steinernema glaseri and S. riobrave in a dose-dependent manner when applied on an agar substrate. Furthermore, the repulsive effects of prenol were maintained when co-presented with the uninfected host odors, overriding attraction to uninfected hosts. Prenol was attractive to dauers of some free-living nematodes and insect larvae. These data suggest that host-associated chemical cues may have several implications in EPN biology, not only as signals for avoidance and dispersal of conspecifics, but also as attractants for new potential hosts.
A receptor dependent-4D QSAR approach to predict the activity of mutated enzymes
Authors: Kumar R. Pravin , Kulkarni Naveen
Published: July 2017

Screening and selection tools to obtain focused libraries play a key role in successfully engineering enzymes of desired qualities. The quality of screening depends on efficient assays; however, a focused library generated with a priori information plays a major role in effectively identifying the right enzyme. As a proof of concept, for the first time, receptor dependent – 4D Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (RD-4D-QSAR) has been implemented to predict kinetic properties of an enzyme. The novelty of this study is that the mutated enzymes also form a part of the training data set. The mutations were modeled in a serine protease and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to derive enzyme-substrate (E-S) conformations. The E-S conformations were enclosed in a high resolution grid consisting of 156,250 grid points that stores interaction energies to generate QSAR models to predict the enzyme activity. The QSAR predictions showed similar results as reported in the kinetic studies with >80% specificity and >50% sensitivity revealing that the top ranked models unambiguously differentiated enzymes with high and low activity. The interaction energy descriptors of the best QSAR model were used to identify residues responsible for enzymatic activity and substrate specificity.
A self-supporting bimetallic Au@Pt core-shell nanoparticle electrocatalyst for the synergistic enhancement of methanol oxidation
Authors: Tan Changhui , Sun Yinghui , Zheng Jianzhong , Wang Dan , Li Ziyang , Zeng Huajie , Guo Jun , Jing Liqiang , Jiang Lin
Published: July 2017

The morphology of Pt−Au bimetal nanostructures plays an important role in enhancing the catalytic capability, catalytic stability and utilization efficiency of the platinum. We designed and successfully prepared Au@Pt nanoparticles (NPs) through an economical, surfactant-free and efficient method of seed-mediated growth. The Au@Pt NPs displayed electrochemical performances superior to those of commercial Pt/C catalysts because their agglomeration was prevented and exhibited better long-term stability with respect to methanol oxidation in acidic media by efficiently removing intermediates. Among the obtained Au@Pt NPs, Au90@Pt10NPs exhibited the most significantly enhanced catalytic performance for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Their mass and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA)-normalized current densities are approximately 3.9 and 4.6 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C catalysts, respectively. The oxidation current densities of the Au90@Pt10NPs are approximately 1.8 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C catalysts after 4000 s of continuous measurement because the small Pt NPs grown on the surface of the Au90@Pt10NPs were effectively stabilized by the Au metal support. This approach may be a facile method for the synthesis of self-supported bimetallic nanostructures, which is of great significance for the development of high performance electrocatalysts and sensors.
Richer gut microbiota with distinct metabolic profile in HIV infected Elite Controllers
Authors: Vesterbacka Jan , Rivera Javier , Noyan Kajsa , Parera Mariona , Neogi Ujjwal , Calle Malu , Paredes Roger , Sönnerborg Anders , Noguera-Julian Marc , Nowak Piotr
Published: July 2017

Gut microbiota dysbiosis features progressive HIV infection and is a potential target for intervention. Herein, we explored the microbiome of 16 elite controllers (EC), 32 antiretroviral therapy naive progressors and 16 HIV negative controls. We found that the number of observed genera and richness indices in fecal microbiota were significantly higher in EC versus naive. Genera Succinivibrio, Sutterella, Rhizobium, Delftia, Anaerofilum and Oscillospira were more abundant in EC, whereas Blautia and Anaerostipes were depleted. Additionally, carbohydrate metabolism and secondary bile acid synthesis pathway related genes were less represented in EC. Conversely, fatty acid metabolism, PPAR-signalling and lipid biosynthesis proteins pathways were enriched in EC vs naive. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was altered during progressive HIV infection, and inversely associated with microbiota richness. In conclusion, EC have richer gut microbiota than untreated HIV patients, with unique bacterial signatures and a distinct metabolic profile which may contribute to control of HIV.
Mapping the Dynamics of the Glucocorticoid Receptor within the Nuclear Landscape
Authors: Stortz Martin , Presman Diego M. , Bruno Luciana , Annibale Paolo , Dansey Maria V. , Burton Gerardo , Gratton Enrico , Pecci Adali , Levi Valeria
Published: July 2017

The distribution of the transcription machinery among different sub-nuclear domains raises the question on how the architecture of the nucleus modulates the transcriptional response. Here, we used fluorescence fluctuation analyses to quantitatively explore the organization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the interphase nucleus of living cells. We found that this ligand-activated transcription factor diffuses within the nucleus and dynamically interacts with bodies enriched in the coregulator NCoA-2, DNA-dependent foci and chromatin targets. The distribution of the receptor among the nuclear compartments depends on NCoA-2 and the conformation of the receptor as assessed with synthetic ligands and GR mutants with impaired transcriptional abilities. Our results suggest that the partition of the receptor in different nuclear reservoirs ultimately regulates the concentration of receptor available for the interaction with specific targets, and thus has an impact on transcription regulation.
Fermi surface topology and signature of surface Dirac nodes in LaBi
Authors: Singha Ratnadwip , Satpati Biswarup , Mandal Prabhat
Published: July 2017

Novel topological state of matter is one of the rapidly growing fields in condensed matter physics research in recent times. While these materials are fascinating from the aspect of fundamental physics of relativistic particles, their exotic transport properties are equally compelling due to the potential technological applications. Extreme magnetoresistance and ultrahigh carrier mobility are two such major hallmarks of topological materials and often used as primary criteria for identifying new compounds belonging to this class. Recently, LaBi has emerged as a new system, which exhibits the above mentioned properties. However, the topological nature of its band structure remains unresolved. Here, using the magnetotransport and magnetization measurements, we have probed the bulk and surface states of LaBi. Similar to earlier reports, extremely large magnetoresistance and high carrier mobility have been observed with compensated electron and hole density. The Fermi surface properties have been analyzed from both Shubnikov-de Haas and de Haas-van Alphen oscillation techniques. In the magnetization measurement, a prominent paramagnetic singularity has been observed, which demonstrates the non-trivial nature of the surface states in LaBi. Our study unambiguously confirms that LaBi is a three-dimensional topological insulator with possible linear dispersion in the gapped bulk band structure.
Carotid sinus nerve electrical stimulation in conscious rats attenuates systemic inflammation via chemoreceptor activation
Authors: Santos-Almeida Fernanda Machado , Domingos-Souza Gean , Meschiari César A. , Fávaro Laura Campos , Becari Christiane , Castania Jaci A. , Lopes Alexandre , Cunha Thiago M. , Moraes Davi J. A. , Cunha Fernando Q. , Ulloa Luis , Kanashiro Alexandre , Tezini Geisa C. S. V. , Salgado Helio C.
Published: July 2017

Recent studies demonstrated a critical functional connection between the autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic) nervous and the immune systems. The carotid sinus nerve (CSN) conveys electrical signals from the chemoreceptors of the carotid bifurcation to the central nervous system where the stimuli are processed to activate sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent signals. Here, we reported that chemoreflex activation via electrical CSN stimulation, in conscious rats, controls the innate immune response to lipopolysaccharide attenuating the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). By contrast, the chemoreflex stimulation increases the plasma levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). This chemoreflex anti-inflammatory network was abrogated by carotid chemoreceptor denervation and by pharmacological blockade of either sympathetic - propranolol - or parasympathetic - methylatropine – signals. The chemoreflex stimulation as well as the surgical and pharmacological procedures were confirmed by real-time recording of hemodynamic parameters [pulsatile arterial pressure (PAP) and heart rate (HR)]. These results reveal, in conscious animals, a novel mechanism of neuromodulation mediated by the carotid chemoreceptors and involving both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Probing the magnetic profile of diluted magnetic semiconductors using polarized neutron reflectivity
Authors: Luo X. , Tseng L. T. , Lee W. T. , Tan T. T. , Bao N. N. , Liu R. , Ding J. , Li S. , Lauter V. , Yi J. B.
Published: July 2017

Room temperature ferromagnetism has been observed in the Cu doped ZnO films deposited under an oxygen partial pressure of 10−3 and 10−5 torr on Pt (200 nm)/Ti (45 nm)/Si (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Due to the deposition at relatively high temperature (873 K), Cu and Ti atoms diffuse to the surface and interface, which significantly affects the magnetic properties. Depth sensitive polarized neutron reflectometry method provides the details of the composition and magnetization profiles and shows that an accumulation of Cu on the surface leads to an increase in the magnetization near the surface. Our results reveal that the presence of the copper at Zn sites induces ferromagnetism at room temperature, confirming intrinsic ferromagnetism.
High Contrast Far-Field Radiative Thermal Diode
Authors: Ghanekar Alok , Xiao Gang , Zheng Yi
Published: July 2017

We propose a theoretical concept of a far-field radiative thermal rectification device that uses a phase change material to achieve a high degree of asymmetry in radiative heat transfer. The proposed device has a multilayer structure on one side and a blackbody on other side. The multilayer structure consists of transparent thin film of KBr sandwiched between a thin film of VO2 and a reflecting layer of gold. When VO2 is in its insulating phase, the structure is highly reflective due to the two transparent layers on highly reflective gold. When VO2 is in the metallic phase, Fabry-Perot type of resonance occurs and the tri-layer structure acts like a wide-angle antireflection coating achieved by destructive interference of partially reflected waves making it highly absorptive for majority of spectral range of thermal radiation. The proposed structure forms the active part of configuration that acts like a far-field radiative thermal diode. Thermal rectification greater than 11 is obtained for a temperature bias of 20 K, which is the highest rectification ever predicted for far-field radiative diode configurations.
Highly efficient enrichment of N-linked glycopeptides using a hydrophilic covalent-organic framework
Authors: Ma Yu-Fang , Yuan Fang , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Zhou Ying-Lin , Zhang Xin-Xiang
Published: July 2017

A highly specific enrichment method for N-linked glycopeptides was successfully developed using a hydrophilic covalent-organic framework with excellent binding capacity, stability and reusability.
Screening active anti-breast cancer compounds from cortex magnolia officinalis by MCF-7 cell membrane chromatography coupled with UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: He Xiaoshuang , Zhang Ping , Saqib Muhammad , Hou Xiaofang , Wang Sicen
Published: July 2017

MCF-7/CMC-HPLC-MS/MS for screening active anti-breast cancer compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicines.
Laterally functionalized pillar[5]arene: a new building block for covalent self-assembly
Authors: Fu Shuang , An Guo , Sun Hongcheng , Luo Quan , Hou Chunxi , Xu Jiayun , Dong Zeyuan , Liu Junqiu
Published: July 2017

Polymer nanocapsules and 2D-polymer films were successfully constructed by using a novel laterally functionalized pillararene derivative.
A structural study on the excimer state of an isolated benzene dimer using infrared spectroscopy in the skeletal vibration region
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuhiko , Fujii Masaaki
Published: July 2017

IR spectroscopy on an isolated benzene excimer reveals that both the electronic and vibrational excitations are in resonance.
Low temperature conductivity and ion dynamics in silver iodide–silver metaphosphate glasses
Authors: Badr Layla
Published: July 2017

The conduction phenomenon and ion dynamics in xAgI·(1 − x)AgPO3 glasses with x = 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 are studied in the 20 K to 200 K temperature and 10−1 to 106 Hz frequency ranges. At the lowest temperatures, a nearly constant loss behavior, independent of the temperature and composition is attained.
Nonprecious metal phosphides as catalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Lv Yang , Wang Xianbao
Published: July 2017

Inexpensive nonprecious metal phosphides have been extensively investigated as catalysts over the past few years.
Octahedral Yb(iii) complexes embedded in [CoIII(CN)6]-bridged coordination chains: combining sensitized near-infrared fluorescence with slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: Chorazy Szymon , Rams Michał , Wang Junhao , Sieklucka Barbara , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: July 2017

The rare octahedral YbIII complexes formed in the bimetallic Yb–Co chains reveal significant magnetic anisotropy and photoluminescence activity in the near-infrared range.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting of hematite multilayer nanowire photoanodes by tuning the surface state via bottom-up interfacial engineering
Authors: Tang PengYi , Xie HaiBing , Ros Carles , Han LiJuan , Biset-Peiró Martí , He YongMin , Kramer Wesley , Rodríguez Alejandro Pérez , Saucedo Edgardo , Galán-Mascarós José Ramón , Andreu Teresa , Morante Joan Ramon , Arbiol Jordi
Published: July 2017

Tuning the donor density and the surface state density of hematite multilayer nanowire photoanodes.
Effects of titanium oxide nanoparticles on tetracycline accumulation and toxicity in Oryza sativa (L.)
Authors: Ma Chuanxin , Liu Hong , Chen Guangcai , Zhao Qing , Eitzer Brian , Wang Zonghua , Cai Wenjun , Newman Lee A. , White Jason C. , Dhankher Om Parkash , Xing Baoshan
Published: July 2017

TiO2NPs antagonistically alleviated the toxicity of TC to rice seedlings and plant antioxidant defense mechanisms activated by both contaminants.
Seabuckthorn berry polysaccharide protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Xiaohui , Zou Kai , Xie Jiming , Zhao Shimin , Liu Jingran , Liu Huan , Wang Jinling , Wang Yuzhen
Published: July 2017

The berries of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoidesL.) are traditional medicinal foods that have been used by Tibetans and Mongolians for thousands of years.
Mimicking arterial thrombosis in a 3D-printed microfluidic in vitro vascular model based on computed tomography angiography data
Authors: Costa Pedro F. , Albers Hugo J. , Linssen John E. A. , Middelkamp Heleen H. T. , van der Hout Linda , Passier Robert , van den Berg Albert , Malda Jos , van der Meer Andries D.
Published: July 2017

Studying blood clotting in stereolithography 3D-printed microfluidic chips with endothelialised vascular structures.
Micro-engineered perfusable 3D vasculatures for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Menon Nishanth Venugopal , Tay Hui Min , Wee Soon Nan , Li King Ho Holden , Hou Han Wei
Published: July 2017

A novel extracellular matrix patterning technique for engineering 3D biomimetic on-chip vasculatures for cardiovascular studies.
Click chemistry-assisted synthesis of triazolo linked podophyllotoxin conjugates as tubulin polymerization inhibitors
Authors: Vishnuvardhan M. V. P. S. , V. Saidi Reddy , Chandrasekhar Kunta , Lakshma Nayak V. , Sayeed Ibrahim Bin , Alarifi Abdullah , Kamal Ahmed
Published: July 2017

A series of new triazolo linked 4β-amidopodophyllotoxin conjugates (9a–l) were synthesized using click chemistry and evaluated for their antitumor activity.
Characterization of a highly efficient antibiotic-degrading metallo-β-lactamase obtained from an uncultured member of a permafrost community
Authors: Pedroso Marcelo Monteiro , Selleck Christopher , Enculescu Charmaine , Harmer Jeffrey R. , Mitić Nataša , Craig Whitney R. , Helweh Waleed , Hugenholtz Philip , Tyson Gene W. , Tierney David L. , Larrabee James A. , Schenk Gerhard
Published: July 2017

Microorganisms in the permafrost contain a potent mechanism to inactivate antibiotics.
New types of Cu and Ag clusters supported by the pyrrole-based NNN-pincer type ligand
Authors: Jana Oishi , Mani Ganesan
Published: July 2017

While the neutral ligand 2,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)pyrrole gives the dihalide ion bridged binuclear and coordination polymers, its anionic form affords a new type of tetranuclear ‘hourglass’ shaped copper(i) and triangular silver(i) clusters owing to its increased denticity.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: July 2017

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as svetamycin B from a Streptomyces species.
Fabrication and improved photoelectrochemical properties of a transferred GaN-based thin film with InGaN/GaN layers
Authors: Cao Dezhong , Xiao Hongdi , Gao Qingxue , Yang Xiaokun , Luan Caina , Mao Hongzhi , Liu Jianqiang , Liu Xiangdong
Published: July 2017

The mesoporous GaN-based thin films were transferred onto quartz and n-Si substrates. Compared to the film on quartz substrate, the film on n-Si substrate exhibited better photoelectrochemical performance.
Degradable polyesters via ring-opening polymerization of functional valerolactones for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Song Ling , Ding Ai-Xiang , Zhang Ke-Xin , Gong Bing , Lu Zhong-Lin , He Lan
Published: July 2017

Degradable polymers as gene and drug carriers are emerging as one of the most promising types of materials in the biomedical and pharmaceutical areas.
Protein-induced fluorescence enhancement of two-photon excitable water-soluble diketopyrrolopyrroles
Authors: Tang Simon , Ghazvini Zadeh Ebrahim H. , Kim Bosung , Toomey Nikia T. , Bondar Mykhailo V. , Belfield Kevin D.
Published: July 2017

Water soluble diketopyrrolopyrrole one- and two-photon fluorescent probes were prepared in high yield exhibiting fluorescence switch-on upon protein binding.
Rationalising the effects of ionic liquids on a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction
Authors: Hawker Rebecca R. , Wong Michaela J. , Haines Ronald S. , Harper Jason B.
Published: July 2017

The nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and ethanol was examined in a series of ionic liquids across a range of mole fractions.
A mannosylated PEI–CPP hybrid for TRAIL gene targeting delivery for colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Pan Zhenzhen , Kang Xuejia , Zeng Yuaner , Zhang Wenyuan , Peng Huige , Wang Jinyu , Huang Wei , Wang Huiyuan , Shen Youqing , Huang Yongzhuo
Published: July 2017

A mannosylated, bioreducible Man-PEI5k–CPP/pTRAIL system was developed for treating colon cancer.
Self-adaptive hydrogels to mineralization
Authors: Shoaib Tooba , Carmichael Ariel , Corman R. E. , Shen Yun , Nguyen Thanh H. , Ewoldt Randy H. , Espinosa-Marzal Rosa M.
Published: July 2017

The hydrogel rearranges its network in order to accommodate the precipitated minerals and maintain its viscoelasticity.
Entrapment of interfacial nanobubbles on nano-structured surfaces
Authors: Wang Yuliang , Li Xiaolai , Ren Shuai , Tedros Alem Hadush , Yang Lijun , Lohse Detlef
Published: July 2017

The nucleation mechanism of interfacial nanobubbles is revealed on immersed nanostructured hydrophobic surfaces. The result shows that surface nanostructures play a key role in controlling nanobubbles' size, position, and even morphology.
Phenyl and thienyl functionalized imidazolium iodides for highly efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Meirong , Jin Zhitong , Feng Chuanqi , Wang Min , Wang Zhong-Sheng
Published: July 2017

The photovoltaic performance of quasi-solid-state DSSCs depends on the substituent and the substitution site of the imidazolium ring as well.
Hyperbranched polyesters as biodegradable and antibacterial additives
Authors: Bakhshi Hadi , Agarwal Seema
Published: July 2017

Herein, we present novel hyperbranched poly(amino-ester)s functionalized with quaternary ammonium salts.
Sustained subconjunctival delivery of cyclosporine A using thermogelling polymers for glaucoma filtration surgery
Authors: Sun Jianguo , Liu Xi , Lei Yuan , Tang Mingyu , Dai Zhaoxing , Yang Xiaowei , Yu Xiaobo , Yu Lin , Sun Xinghuai , Ding Jiandong
Published: July 2017

We successfully developed a subconjunctival delivery system of CsA using an injectable thermogel to inhibit post-surgical scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery.
Pt–Ni nanoframes functionalized with carbon dots: an emerging class of bio-nanoplatforms
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Mu Lan , Su Yongxiang , Shi Liyi , Feng Xin
Published: July 2017

A sophisticated construction of 3D Pi–Ni nanoframes functionalized with carbon dots used as an emerging class of bio-nanoplatforms for cellular imaging was successfully designed.
Heating-induced negative temperature coefficient effect in conductive graphene/polymer ternary nanocomposites with a segregated and double-percolated structure
Authors: Zhao Shuaiguo , Lou Dandan , Zhan Pengfei , Li Guojie , Dai Kun , Guo Jiang , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Guo Zhanhu
Published: July 2017

A NTC effect has been developed upon heating in a ternary graphene/PA6/UHMWPE composite with a segregated and double-percolated structure.
Excited state properties of non-doped thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters with aggregation-induced emission: a QM/MM study
Authors: Fan Jianzhong , Lin Lili , Wang Chuan-Kui
Published: July 2017

Investigation about the excited state properties to reveal the AIE and TADF mechanisms using a QM/MM method.
Synthesis of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS small-core/thick-shell tetrahedral-shaped quantum dots for blue light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shen Wei , Tang Haiyan , Yang Xiaolei , Cao Zengle , Cheng Tai , Wang Xiaoyong , Tan Zhanao , You Jingbi , Deng Zhengtao
Published: July 2017

Highly fluorescent InP/ZnS small-core/thick-shell quantum dots were synthesized for constructing heavy-metal-free blue quantum dot-light-emitting diodes.
Mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress mediated apoptosis induced by α-Fe2O3nanoparticles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhu Song , Luo Fei , Zhu Bin , Wang Gao-Xue
Published: July 2017

α-Fe2O3-NPs were rapidly internalized inS. cerevisiae, and the accumulated NPs induced cell apoptosis mediated by mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress.
Content‐based bitrate model for perceived compression distortion evaluation of mobile video services
Authors: Honglei Su , Qi Liu , Hao Gong , Xiaohui Wang , Huan Yang , Zhenkuan Pan
Published: July 2017

A novel bitrate model with low complexity is proposed for perceived compression distortion assessment of mobile video with low resolution, which is extremely useful in intermediate network nodes for quality monitoring. Without fully decoding, parameters are extracted by bitstream analysing, such as bitrate, frame type, quantisation parameter, DCT coefficient, motion vector. Bitrate is regarded as an essential parameter meanwhile the bitrate–MOS curve is determined by video content. Respectively, spatial factor is estimated using quantisation parameter and DCT coefficient and temporal factor is estimated using motion vector. Apart from bitrate, the spatial and temporal factors, which reflect the characteristic of video content, are considered in the proposed model to obtain a more accurate evaluation. Experimental results show that the overall performance of proposed model significantly outperforms that of the other five bitrate models in terms of widely used performance criteria, including the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), the Spearman rank‐order correlation coefficient (SROCC), the root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) and the outlier ratio (OR).
Investigation on pulse‐width amplitude modulation‐based single‐phase quasi‐Z‐source photovoltaic inverter
Authors: Liang Weihua , Liu Yushan , Ge Baoming , Abu‐Rub Haitham
Published: July 2017

The pulse‐width amplitude modulation (PWAM) method was proposed for the single‐phase quasi‐Z‐source inverter (qZSI)‐based photovoltaic (PV) power system to reduce quasi‐Z‐source (qZS) impedance values while improving efficiency. The method modified sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation (SPWM) of the qZSI by combining pulse‐amplitude modulation (PAM) and a varied dc‐link voltage envelope was produced. The SPWM worked at low dc‐link voltage, lowering voltage stress and avoiding shoot‐through switching. The PAM worked at the varied dc‐link voltage, reducing the number of switching events. As a result, the power dissipation decreased compared to working at the constant dc‐link voltage. This study further investigates the PWAM‐based single‐phase qZS PV inverter system. An improved topology with control strategy is proposed for its grid‐connected and standalone operation. Design method of impedance parameters is detailed. The performance in boost and buck operation is discussed when the single‐phase qZSI using SPWM and PWAM. Simulation and experimental results verify outstanding features of the PWAM for single‐phase qZSI, and the proposed approach for dual‐mode operation of the PWAM‐based single‐phase qZS PV power system.
Holistic contrast enhancement of carpals ossification sites for skeletal age assessment system
Authors: Kim Meng Liang , Yan Chai Hum , Pingguan‐Murphy Belinda , Mohamad Salim Maheza Irna , Lai Khin Wee
Published: July 2017

Paediatricians often apply bone age assessment to measure the skeletal maturity of children and to predict the future height. These discrepancies are good indicators for diagnosing growth disorders. Normally, left hand skeletal is employed in this assessment. The low quality of ossification sites of carpals deteriorates the paediatrician's visibility in inspecting the pertinent radiographic manifestations. This in turn affects the bone age assessment. Therefore, the quality has to be enhanced before assessing them. Histogram equalisation is one of the contrast enhancement techniques that suit this enhancement. Existing histogram equalisations, however, are confronting with problems in preserving the brightness and details as well as preventing the contrast from being over‐enhanced or under‐enhanced simultaneously. The authors propose the comprehensive histogram equalisation considering all criteria of desired histogram‐equalised image to produce moderately contrast enhanced carpals’ ossification sites. Qualitative results show that the determining features of maturity stages have been emphasised in some of the Pareto optimised image. The improvement for Pareto optimised bi‐histogram equalisation is significant for all stages: 7.16, 12.4, 16.03, 21.21 and 18.51%. The authors conclude that the Pareto optimised images are able to improve the classifier accuracy that estimate the maturity stage of the carpal bones.
Silicon-Based Reagents for Difluoromethylation and Difluoromethylenation Reactions
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Sankarganesh , Prakash G.
Published: July 2017

There have been significant developments in the area of perfluoroalkyl group transfer using silicon reagents, specifically in nucleo­philic trifluoromethylation. The mild and versatile activation conditions bestow significant synthetic prowess to the silicon reagents in the area of fluoroalkylations. Owing to the importance of difluoromethylene (CF2) containing compounds in pharmaceuticals, materials, and agrochemicals, several CF2 group transfer methods using related silicon reagents have been developed and studied in detail. This review summarizes the recent developments and trends in this area.

1 Introduction

2 Trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane (Me3SiCF3)

3 (Difluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2H)

3.1 Nucleophilic Addition

3.2 Nucleophilic Substitution

3.3 Nucleophilic Difluoromethylation of Electron-Deficient Hetero­cycles

3.4 Metal-Mediated Cross Coupling

3.5 Oxidative Coupling of Terminal Alkynes

4 Post-functionalizable Difluoromethyl Transfer Reagents

4.1 (Chlorodifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2Cl)

4.2 (Bromodifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2Br)

4.3 [Difluoro(iodo)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2I)

4.4 [Difluoro(phenylthio)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2SPh)

4.5 [Difluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]trimethylsilane (Me3SiCF2SO2Ph)

4.6 Diethyl [Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phosphonate
[Me3SiCF2P(O)(OEt)2]

4.7 Ethyl Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetate (Me3SiCF2CO2Et)

4.8 Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetamides (Me3SiCF2CONR2)

4.9 Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetonitrile (Me3SiCF2CN)

5 Others

6 Conclusions
Thieme Chemistry Journals Awardees – Where Are They Now? Titanium-Catalyzed Hydroaminoalkylation of Vinylsilanes and a One-Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of 1,4-Benzoazasilines
Authors: Doye Sven , Lühning Lars , Rosien Michael
Published: July 2017

Vinylsilanes undergo intermolecular alkene hydroaminoalkylation with secondary amines in the presence of a titanium mono(aminopyridinato) catalyst to give the branched hydroaminoalkylation products with high regioselectivity. Corresponding reactions of a suitable (2-bromophenyl)vinylsilane combined with a subsequent intramolecular Buchwald–Hartwig amination result in the development of an elegant one-pot procedure for the synthesis of 1,4-benzoazasilines.
Bodenbeläge: Schluss mit Schlingern
Authors: vom Lehn Birgitta
Published: July 2017

Schick soll er aussehen, aber auch robust sein und pflegeleicht. Bei fast keinem anderen Ausstattungsthema ist so viel Kompromissbereitschaft gefragt wie beim Boden. kma spricht mit Experten über die wichtigsten Auswahlkriterien.
Investitionsstau: Helfer in der Not
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: July 2017

Die Finanzmisere der Kommunen gefährdet dringend notwendige Investitionen von Kliniken. Wer im Verdrängungskampf bestehen will, muss attraktiver werden, doch weder öffentliche Mittel noch Eigenkapital reichen aus. Der Weg zu externem Geld ist steinig, aber Finanzinstitute versprechen Lösungen.
Krankenhauslogistik: OP-Materialien just in time
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: July 2017

Prozesse aus der Abteilungshierarchie herauslösen, Digitalisierung vorantreiben und den Robotereinsatz fördern – diese Themen stehen oben auf der Agenda von Krankenhauslogistikern. In Leipzig traf sich die Szene auf der med.Logistica.
Gesundheitspolitik in der EU: Eine Digitale Agenda für Europa
Authors: Steidel Alois G.
Published: July 2017

Europa steht vor einer Epoche von Krisen und Herausforderungen: Globalisierung, demografischer Wandel, Migration und Staatsverschuldung haben langfristige Folgen. Es ist an der Zeit, die Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion zu vollenden und die europäische Erzählung weiter zu denken.
Interview mit Prof. Dr. Peter Löcherbach: „Nicht überall, wo Case Management draufsteht, ist Case Management drin“
Authors: Epping Bernhard
Published: July 2017

Im Interview erklärt der Vorsitzende der Fachgesellschaft für Care und Case Management (DGCC), was nötig ist, um Patienten besser als bislang durch die Sektorengrenzen des hiesigen Gesundheitssystems zu lotsen, welches Potenzial Case Management besitzt und wie die Weiterbildung zum Case Manager abläuft.
Neuer Verband für IT-Standards: Kampf gegen das Schneckentempo
Authors: Thun Sylvia
Published: July 2017

Die Vereine HL7 und IHE Deutschland haben den Spitzenverband IT-Standards im Gesundheitswesen (SITiG) gegründet. Er soll die Politik für die IT-Standards sensibilisieren, schließlich fällt Deutschland international immer weiter ab.
Wärme- und Kälterückgewinnung: Ein Energiespar-Schlaumeier
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: July 2017

Auf Grundlage der gemessenen Abweichungen vom vorgegebenen Soll regelt eine neue Technologie zur Wärme- und Kälterückgewinnung Lüftungsanlagen kontinuierlich optimal ein. Damit sei diese Innovation weit mehr als nur ein Energierecyclingsystem.
Integrierte Versorgung: Positionspapier zur Bundestagswahl 2017
Authors: Spitzer Stefan G.
Published: July 2017

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Integrierte Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen e.V. (DGIV) hat am 1. Juni 2017 ein Positionspapier zur Verbesserung der sektorenübergreifenden Versorgung vorgelegt. Die Hauptpositionen der Erklärung haben wir für Sie zusammengefasst.
Prof. Dr. Hisham Ashour: Eine Herzensangelegenheit: Helfen in der alten Heimat
Authors: Sickinger Nina
Published: July 2017

AUSLÄNDISCHE MITARBEITER BERICHTEN AUS DEUTSCHEN KLINIKEN Prof. Dr. Hisham Ashour, MHBA, stammt aus Ägypten und ist Chefarzt der Frauenklinik und Ärztlicher Direktor am Ev. Krankenhaus Bethanien in Iserlohn. Er kam vor 25 Jahren nach Deutschland, weil er davon überzeugt war, dass das deutsche Gesundheitssystem weltweit am besten ist. Und daran hält er noch heute fest.