bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gating mechanisms underlying deactivation slowing by two KCNQ1 atrial fibrillation mutations
Authors: Peng Gary , Barro-Soria Rene , Sampson Kevin J. , Larsson H. Peter , Kass Robert S.
Published: April 2017

KCNQ1 is a voltage-gated potassium channel that is modulated by the beta-subunit KCNE1 to generate IKs, the slow delayed rectifier current, which plays a critical role in repolarizing the cardiac action potential. Two KCNQ1 gain-of-function mutations that cause a genetic form of atrial fibrillation, S140G and V141M, drastically slow IKs deactivation. However, the underlying gating alterations remain unknown. Voltage clamp fluorometry (VCF) allows simultaneous measurement of voltage sensor movement and current through the channel pore. Here, we use VCF and kinetic modeling to determine the effects of mutations on channel voltage-dependent gating. We show that in the absence of KCNE1, S140G, but not V141M, directly slows voltage sensor movement, which indirectly slows current deactivation. In the presence of KCNE1, both S140G and V141M slow pore closing and alter voltage sensor-pore coupling, thereby slowing current deactivation. Our results suggest that KCNE1 can mediate changes in pore movement and voltage sensor-pore coupling to slow IKs deactivation and provide a key step toward developing mechanism-based therapies.
A tamB homolog is involved in maintenance of cell envelope integrity and stress resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Yu Jiangliu , Li Tao , Dai Shang , Weng Yulan , Li Jiulong , Li Qinghao , Xu Hong , Hua Yuejin , Tian Bing
Published: April 2017

The translocation and assembly module (TAM) in bacteria consists of TamA and TamB that form a complex to control the transport and secretion of outer membrane proteins. Herein, we demonstrated that the DR_1462-DR_1461-DR_1460 gene loci on chromosome 1 of Deinococcus radiodurans, which lacks tamA homologs, is a tamB homolog (DR_146T) with two tamB motifs and a DUF490 motif. Mutation of DR_146T resulted in cell envelope peeling and a decrease in resistance to shear stress and osmotic pressure, as well as an increase in oxidative stress resistance, consistent with the phenotype of a surface layer (S-layer) protein SlpA (DR_2577) mutant, demonstrating the involvement of DR_146T in maintenance of cell envelope integrity. The 123 kDa SlpA was absent and only its fragments were present in the cell envelope of DR_146T mutant, suggesting that DR_146T might be involved in maintenance of the S-layer. A mutant lacking the DUF490 motif displayed only a slight alteration in phenotype compared with the wild type, suggesting DUF490 is less important than tamB motif for the function of DR_146T. These findings enhance our understanding of the properties of the multilayered envelope in extremophilic D. radiodurans, as well as the diversity and functions of TAMs in bacteria.
Two-band and pauli-limiting effects on the upper critical field of 112-type iron pnictide superconductors
Authors: Xing Xiangzhuo , Zhou Wei , Wang Jinhua , Zhu Zengwei , Zhang Yufeng , Zhou Nan , Qian Bin , Xu Xiaofeng , Shi Zhixiang
Published: April 2017

The temperature dependence of upper critical field μ0Hc2 of Ca0.83La0.17FeAs2 and Ca0.8La0.2Fe0.98Co0.02As2 single crystals are investigated by measuring the resistivity for the inter-plane (H//c) and in-plane (H//ab) directions in magnetic fields up to 60 T. It is found that μ0Hc2(T) of both crystals for H//c presents a sublinear temperature dependence with decreasing temperature, whereas the curve of μ0Hc2(T) for H//ab has a convex curvature and gradually tends to saturate at low temperatures. μ0Hc2(T) in both crystals deviates from the conventional Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg (WHH) theoretical model without considering spin paramagnetic effect for H//c and H//ab directions. Detailed analyses show that the behavior of μ0Hc2(T) in 112-type Iron-based superconductors (IBSs) is similar to that of most IBSs. Two-band model is required to fully reproduce the behavior of μ0Hc2(T) for H//c, while the effect of spin paramagnetic effect is responsible for the behavior of μ0Hc2(T) for H//ab.
Multiple Mechanisms are Involved in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension-Induced Renal Injury and Interstitial Fibrosis
Authors: Wei Shi-Yao , Wang Yu-Xiao , Zhang Qing-Fang , Zhao Shi-Lei , Diao Tian-Tian , Li Jian-Si , Qi Wen-Rui , He Yi-Xin , Guo Xin-Yu , Zhang Man-Zhu , Chen Jian-Yu , Wang Xiao-Ting , Wei Qiu-Ju , Wang Yu , Li Bing
Published: April 2017

Salt-sensitive hypertension (SSHT) leads to kidney interstitial fibrosis. However, the potential mechanisms leading to renal fibrosis have not been well investigated. In present study, Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats were divided into three groups: normal salt diet (DSN), high salt diet (DSH) and high salt diet treated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (DSH + HCTZ). A significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed 3 weeks after initiating the high salt diet, and marked histological alterations were observed in DSH rats. DSH rats showed obvious podocyte injury, peritubular capillary (PTC) loss, macrophage infiltration, and changes in apoptosis and cell proliferation. Moreover, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was significantly activated in DSH rats. However, HCTZ administration attenuated these changes with decreased SBP. In addition, increased renal and urinary Wnt4 expression was detected with time in DSH rats and was closely correlated with histopathological alterations. Furthermore, these alterations were also confirmed by clinical study. In conclusion, the present study provides novel insight into the mechanisms related to PTC loss, macrophage infiltration and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in SSHT-induced renal injury and fibrosis. Therefore, multi-target therapeutic strategies may be the most effective in preventing these pathological processes. Moreover, urinary Wnt4 may be a noninvasive biomarker for monitoring renal injury after hypertension.
Project Loon based augmentation for global ionospheric modeling over Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Wang Cheng , Shi Chuang , Zhang Hongping
Published: April 2017

Global ionospheric products of vertical total electron content (VTEC) derived from GNSS measurements may have low accuracy over oceans and southern latitudes where there are not rich observations. Project Loon provides a great opportunity to enhance the measurements over those areas. In this contribution, a simulation of Project Loon based augmentation for global ionospheric modeling is performed by using the international reference ionosphere (IRI) which could simulate VTEC measurements for the balloons. The performance of the enhanced method based on simulation of Project Loon is investigated by comparing with VTEC maps from Ionosphere Associate Analysis Centers (IAACs) as well as IGS final GIMs. The comparison indicates that there is a better consistency between the VTEC maps by the enhanced method and IGS final GIMs. Also, obvious improvements of RMS maps in GIMs for the middle latitudes and southern latitudes are enabled by the augmentation of Project Loon. Additionally, JASON data are used to validate the specific improvement of the VTEC maps. The results show that the performance of VTEC maps is improved slightly, especially in southern latitudes. It is possible that the VTEC maps could be improved significantly by using real GPS measurements from balloons of Project Loon in the near future.
Dark trions and biexcitons in WS2 and WSe2 made bright by e-e scattering
Authors: Danovich Mark , Zólyomi Viktor , Fal’ko Vladimir I.
Published: April 2017

The direct band gap character and large spin-orbit splitting of the valence band edges (at the K and K’ valleys) in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides have put these two-dimensional materials under the spot-light of intense experimental and theoretical studies. In particular, for Tungsten dichalcogenides it has been found that the sign of spin splitting of conduction band edges makes ground state excitons radiatively inactive (dark) due to spin and momentum mismatch between the constituent electron and hole. One might similarly assume that the ground states of charged excitons and biexcitons in these monolayers are also dark. Here, we show that the intervalley (K ⇆ K′) electron-electron scattering mixes bright and dark states of these complexes, and estimate the radiative lifetimes in the ground states of these “semi-dark” trions and biexcitons to be ~10 ps, and analyse how these complexes appear in the temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of WS2 and WSe2 monolayers.
Erratum: Potential microbial contamination during sampling of permafrost soil assessed by tracers
Authors: Bang-Andreasen Toke , Schostag Morten , Priemé Anders , Elberling Bo , Jacobsen Carsten S.
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43338; published online: 23 February 2017; updated: 06 April 2017 The original HTML version of this Article contained formatting errors in the “Gravimetric water (ice) content (%)” row. The correct Table appears below. This error has been corrected in the HTML version of the Article; the PDF version was correct at the time of publication.
Correction: Corrigendum: New insights into the intracellular distribution pattern of cationic amphiphilic drugs
Authors: Vater Magdalena , Möckl Leonhard , Gormanns Vanessa , Fademrecht Carsten Schultz , Mallmann Anna M. , Ziegart-Sadowska Karolina , Zaba Monika , Frevert Marie L. , Bräuchle Christoph , Holsboer Florian , Rein Theo , Schmidt Ulrike , Kirmeier Thomas
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 44277; published online: 10 March 2017; updated: 06 April 2017. The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “NeuroNova gGmbH, Munich provided financial support between 2011 and 2016 aiming at The investigation of novel molecular mechanisms of antidepressants at cellular level”.
Integrating uniform design and response surface methodology to optimize thiacloprid suspension
Authors: Li Bei-xing , Wang Wei-chang , Zhang Xian-peng , Zhang Da-xia , Mu Wei , Liu Feng
Published: April 2017

A model 25% suspension concentrate (SC) of thiacloprid was adopted to evaluate an integrative approach of uniform design and response surface methodology. Tersperse2700, PE1601, xanthan gum and veegum were the four experimental factors, and the aqueous separation ratio and viscosity were the two dependent variables. Linear and quadratic polynomial models of stepwise regression and partial least squares were adopted to test the fit of the experimental data. Verification tests revealed satisfactory agreement between the experimental and predicted data. The measured values for the aqueous separation ratio and viscosity were 3.45% and 278.8 mPa·s, respectively, and the relative errors of the predicted values were 9.57% and 2.65%, respectively (prepared under the proposed conditions). Comprehensive benefits could also be obtained by appropriately adjusting the amount of certain adjuvants based on practical requirements. Integrating uniform design and response surface methodology is an effective strategy for optimizing SC formulas.
Incidence and factors associated with mortality in 2,476 patients with variant angina in Korea
Authors: Kim Hack-Lyoung , Kim Jayeun , Kim Hyun Joo , Lim Woo-Hyun , Lee Jin Yong
Published: April 2017

This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of mortality in 2,476 patients with variant angina (VA) using the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort between 2004 and 2011. The risk factors of all-cause and cardiac mortality were investigated using Cox proportional hazards model. Most patients (69.5%) were less than 65 years and 42.9% were women. During the median follow-up duration of 4.9 years, there were 178 (7.2%) and 95 (3.8%) cases of all-cause and cardiac mortality, respectively. Older age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, poor medication adherence, low household income and tertiary teaching hospitals were independent predictors for all-cause mortality, while older age, hypertension, low household income and tertiary teaching hospitals were independent predictors for cardiac mortality. In conclusion, our findings suggest that traditional risk factor control and continued medication are important to improve VA outcomes, and that household income-level factors should be considered in the assessment of risk of VA patients.
Epidemiology and outcome analysis of 6325 burn patients: a five-year retrospective study in a major burn center in Southwest China
Authors: Li Haisheng , Yao Zhihui , Tan Jianglin , Zhou Junyi , Li Yi , Wu Jun , Luo Gaoxing
Published: April 2017

Burns are a major cause of injury worldwide. We investigated the epidemiology and outcomes of burn patients in a major burn center in southwest China between 2011 and 2015 to provide guidance for burn prevention. Of the 6,325 included burn patients, 66.8% were male and 34.7% were 0 ~ 6 years old. The incidence of burns peaked in autumn. Scald was the most common cause of burns, which was predominant in patients aged 0 ~ 6 years. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) of burns was 13.4%, and patients with burns ≤10% TBSA comprised 64.1% of all cases. Patients with full-thickness burns accounted for 40.1% of all patients and 81.0% of operated patients; these burns were primarily caused by flame (34.8%), scald (21.0%), and electricity (20.4%). Fifty-six deaths occurred (mortality 0.9%), and risk factors included full-thickness burns, larger TBSA and older age. The median length of stay was 17 days, and major risk factors included more operations, better outcomes and larger TBSA. Our data showed that closer attention should be paid to children under 6 years old, males, incidents in autumn and scald burns to prevent burn injuries. Furthermore, individualized burn prevention and treatment measures based on related risk factors should be adopted.
High transition frequencies of dynamic functional connectivity states in the creative brain
Authors: Li Junchao , Zhang Delong , Liang Aiying , Liang Bishan , Wang Zengjian , Cai Yuxuan , Gao Mengxia , Gao Zhenni , Chang Song , Jiao Bingqing , Huang Ruiwang , Liu Ming
Published: April 2017

Creativity is thought to require the flexible reconfiguration of multiple brain regions that interact in transient and complex communication patterns. In contrast to prior emphases on searching for specific regions or networks associated with creative performance, we focused on exploring the association between the reconfiguration of dynamic functional connectivity states and creative ability. We hypothesized that a high frequency of dynamic functional connectivity state transitions will be associated with creative ability. To test this hypothesis, we recruited a high-creative group (HCG) and a low-creative group (LCG) of participants and collected resting-state fMRI (R-fMRI) data and Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) scores from each participant. By combining an independent component analysis with a dynamic network analysis approach, we discovered the HCG had more frequent transitions between dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) states than the LCG. Moreover, a confirmatory analysis using multiplication of temporal derivatives also indicated that there were more frequent dFC state transitions in the HCG. Taken together, these results provided empirical evidence for a linkage between the flexible reconfiguration of dynamic functional connectivity states and creative ability. These findings have the potential to provide new insights into the neural basis of creativity.
The proposed biosynthesis of procyanidins by the comparative chemical analysis of five Camellia species using LC-MS
Authors: Zhang Liang , Tai Yuling , Wang Yijun , Meng Qilu , Yang Yunqiu , Zhang Shihua , Yang Hua , Zhang Zhengzhu , Li Daxiang , Wan Xiaochun
Published: April 2017

The genus Camellia (C.) contains many species, including C. sinensis, C. assamica, and C. taliensis, C. gymnogyna and C. tachangensis. The polyphenols of C. sinensis and C. assamica are flavan-3-ols monomers and their dimers and trimmers. However, the biosynthesis of procyanidins in Camellia genus remains unclear. In the present study, a comparative chemical analysis of flavan-3-ols, flavan-3-ols glycoside and procyanidins was conducted by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography diode array detection coupled with triple-quadrupole mass-spectrometry (LC-DAD-QQQ-MS). The results showed that C. tachangensis had a significant higher contents of (-)-epicatechin (EC) and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) compared with C. sinensis (p < 0.001). By contrast, higher levels of galloylated catechins were detected in C. sinensis. LC-DAD-MS/MS indicated that the main secondary metabolites of C. tachangensis were non-galloylated catechins, procyanidin dimers and trimers. Furthermore, (-)-epicatechin glucose (EC-glucose) and (-)-epigallocatechin glucose (EGC-glucose) were also abundant in C. tachangensis. A correlation analysis of EC-glucose and procyanidins dimers was conducted in five Camellia species. The levels of EC-glucose were closely related to the procyanidin dimers content. Thus, it was suggested that EC-glucose might be an important substrate for the biosynthesis of procyanidins.
Survival benefit of surgery to patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Miao-Fen , Chen Ping-Tsung , Lu Ming- Shian , Lee Chuan-Pin , Chen Wen-Cheng
Published: April 2017

To assess if surgery provided survival benefit to patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we performed a retrospective review of 1230 patients who were newly diagnosed with stage T2-T4 esophageal SCC from 2007 to 2014 in our hospital. There were greater than 70% of patients with age under 65 years, and more than 85% were stage T3-T4 at the time of diagnosis. The median survival time was 1.06 year (95% CI 0.99–1.1 yrs). Survival analyses showed that survival time was significantly associated with age, T stage, clinical lymph node involvement and treatment modality (surgery versus definite chemoradiotherapy). Surgery still possessed a powerful impact on overall survival by multivariable analysis. Death risk of patients treated with curative surgery was significantly lower than those with definite chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, for patients of stage T3N(+) and T4, surgery combined with (neo-)adjuvant treatment were significantly associated with higher survival rate than surgery alone or definite chemoradiotherapy. In conclusion, the patients who undergo surgery were significantly associated longer survival, therefore, curative resection should be considered for esophageal cancer patients who are medically fit for surgery. Moreover, combined with (neo-)adjuvant treatment is recommended for surgically resectable stage T3-T4 esophageal SCC.
NOX4 Regulates CCR2 and CCL2 mRNA Stability in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Sasaki Yu , Dehnad Ali , Fish Sarah , Sato Ai , Jiang Joy , Tian Jijing , Schröder Kathrin , Brandes Ralf , Török Natalie J.
Published: April 2017

Recruitment of inflammatory cells is a major feature of alcoholic liver injury however; the signals and cellular sources regulating this are not well defined. C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) is expressed by active hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and is a key monocyte recruitment signal. Activated HSC are also important sources of hydrogen peroxide resulting from the activation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). As the role of this NOX in early alcoholic liver injury has not been addressed, we studied NOX4-mediated regulation of CCR2/CCL2 mRNA stability. NOX4 mRNA was significantly induced in patients with alcoholic liver injury, and was co-localized with αSMA-expressing activated HSC. We generated HSC-specific NOX4 KO mice and these were pair-fed on alcohol diet. Lipid peroxidation have not changed significantly however, the expression of CCR2, CCL2, Ly6C, TNFα, and IL-6 was significantly reduced in NOX4HSCKO compared to fl/fl mice. NOX4 promoter was induced in HSC by acetaldehyde treatment, and NOX4 has significantly increased mRNA half-life of CCR2 and CCL2 in conjunction with Ser221 phosphorylation and cytoplasmic shuttling of HuR. In conclusion, NOX4 is induced in early alcoholic liver injury and regulates CCR2/CCL2 mRNA stability thereby promoting recruitment of inflammatory cells and production of proinflammatory cytokines.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 2 Negatively Regulates NK Cell Differentiation by Inhibiting JAK2 Activity
Authors: Kim Won Sam , Kim Mi Jeong , Kim Dong Oh , Byun Jae-Eun , Huy Hangsak , Song Hae Young , Park Young-Jun , Kim Tae-Don , Yoon Suk Ran , Choi Eun-Ji , Jung Haiyoung , Choi Inpyo
Published: April 2017

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of cytokine responses. Although recent reports have shown regulatory roles for SOCS proteins in innate and adaptive immunity, their roles in natural killer (NK) cell development are largely unknown. Here, we show that SOCS2 is involved in NK cell development. SOCS2−/− mice showed a high frequency of NK cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Knockdown of SOCS2 was associated with enhanced differentiation of NK cells in vitro, and the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into congenic mice resulted in enhanced differentiation in SOCS2−/− HSCs. We found that SOCS2 could inhibit Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) activity and JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathways via direct interaction with JAK2. Furthermore, SOCS2−/− mice showed a reduction in lung metastases and an increase in survival following melanoma challenge. Overall, our findings suggest that SOCS2 negatively regulates the development of NK cells by inhibiting JAK2 activity via direct interaction.
Room-temperature subnanosecond waveguide lasers in Nd:YVO4 Q-switched by phase-change VO2: A comparison with 2D materials
Authors: Nie Weijie , Li Rang , Cheng Chen , Chen Yanxue , Lu Qingming , Romero Carolina , Vázquez de Aldana Javier R. , Hao Xiaotao , Chen Feng
Published: April 2017

We report on room-temperature subnanosecond waveguide laser operation at 1064 nm in a Nd:YVO4 crystal waveguide through Q-switching of phase-change nanomaterial vanadium dioxide (VO2). The unique feature of VO2 nanomaterial from the insulating to metallic phases offers low-saturation-intensity nonlinear absorptions of light for subnanosecond pulse generation. The low-loss waveguide is fabricated by using the femtosecond laser writing with depressed cladding geometry. Under optical pump at 808 nm, efficient pulsed laser has been achieved in the Nd:YVO4 waveguide, reaching minimum pulse duration of 690 ps and maximum output average power of 66.7 mW. To compare the Q-switched laser performances by VO2 saturable absorber with those based on two-dimensional materials, the 1064-nm laser pulses have been realized in the same waveguide platform with either graphene or transition metal dichalcogenide (in this work, WS2) coated mirror. The results on 2D material Q-switched waveguide lasers have shown that the shortest pulses are with 22-ns duration, whilst the maximum output average powers reach ~161.9 mW. This work shows the obvious difference on the lasing properties based on phase-change material and 2D materials, and suggests potential applications of VO2 as low-cost saturable absorber for subnanosecond laser generation.
Simple modification of basic dyes with bulky & symmetric WCAs for improving their solubilities in organic solvents without color change
Authors: Kim Jeong Yun , Hwang Tae Gyu , Woo Sung Wun , Lee Jae Moon , Namgoong Jin Woong , Yuk Sim Bum , Chung Sei-won , Kim Jae Pil
Published: April 2017

A simple and easy solubility enhancement of basic dyes was performed with bulky and symmetric weakly coordinating anions (WCAs). The WCAs decreased the ionic character of the dyes by broadening the partial charge distribution and causing a screening effect on the ionic bonding. This new modification with WCAs has advantages in that it has no influence on the optical properties of the dyes. The solubilities of unmodified and modified dyes were tested in several organic solvents. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the dyes were measured. Color films were prepared with the dyes and their color loci were analyzed to evaluate the optical properties. By the modification with WCAs, commercial basic dyes showed sufficient solubilities for be applied to various applications while preserving their superior optical properties.
Cytosolic co-delivery of miRNA-34a and docetaxel with core-shell nanocarriers via caveolae-mediated pathway for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Xin , Lv Yaqi , Xin Xiaofei , Qin Chao , Han Xiaopeng , Yang Lei , He Wei , Yin Lifang
Published: April 2017

Co-delivery of microRNAs and chemotherapeutic drugs into tumor cells is an attractive strategy for synergetic breast cancer therapy due to their complementary mechanisms. In this work, a core-shell nanocarrier coated by cationic albumin was developed to simultaneously deliver miRNA-34a and docetaxel (DTX) into breast cancer cells for improved therapeutic effect. The co-delivery nanocarriers showed a spherical morphology with an average particle size of 183.9 nm, and they efficiently protected miRNA-34a from degradation by RNase and serum. Importantly, the nanocarriers entered the cytosol via a caveolae-mediated pathway without entrapment in endosomes/lysosomes, thus improving the utilization of the cargo.In vitro,the co-delivery nanocarriers suppressed the expression of anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-2 at both transcription and protein levels, inhibited tumor cell migration and efficiently induced cell apoptosis and cytotoxicity.In vivo, the co-delivery nanocarriers prolonged the blood circulation of DTX, enhanced tumor accumulation of the cargo and significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in 4T1-tumor bearing mice models. Taken together, the present nanocarrier co-loading with DTX and miRNA-34a is a new nanoplatform for the combination of insoluble drugs and gene/protein drugs and provides a promising strategy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Cytotoxicity of TiO2nanoparticles toward Escherichia coli in an aquatic environment: effects of nanoparticle structural oxygen deficiency and aqueous salinity
Authors: Qin Yu-kun , Guo Xing-pan , Tou Fei-yun , Pan Hui , Feng Jing-nan , Xu Jie , Chen Bo , Liu Min , Yang Yi
Published: April 2017

TiO2-OD NPs are more phototoxic than their precursors, and both phases of TiO2showed higher cytotoxicity at elevated aqueous salinities.
The analysis of hot spots in large scale fluidized bed reactors
Authors: Jia Zhao , Zhang Chenxi , Cai Dali , Blair Elena , Qian Weizhong , Wei Fei
Published: April 2017

The fluidized Prater number, βf, is introduced into fluidized beds to estimate the temperature gradient.
Non-sticky and antimicrobial zwitterionic nanocomposite dressings for infected chronic wounds
Authors: Huang Kang-Ting , Fang Yun-Lung , Hsieh Pai-Shan , Li Chun-Chang , Dai Niann-Tzyy , Huang Chun-Jen
Published: April 2017

Zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine acrylamide) (pSBAA)-based nanocomposite hydrogels can have high potential for the treatment of infected chronic wounds.
A facile and surfactant-free route for nanomanufacturing of tailored ternary nanoalloys as superior oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts
Authors: Hu Sheng , Cheng Kangming , Ribeiro Erick L. , Park Kiman , Khomami Bamin , Mukherjee Dibyendu
Published: April 2017

Laser ablation synthesis in solution-galvanic replacement reaction (LASiS-GRR) enables tuning of elemental ratios and bonding properties for Pt based ternary nanoalloys as ORR electrocatalysts.
The living anionic polymerization of activated aziridines: a systematic study of reaction conditions and kinetics
Authors: Rieger Elisabeth , Gleede Tassilo , Weber Katja , Manhart Angelika , Wagner Manfred , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: April 2017

The living anionic polymerization of sulfonyl aziridines is systematically studied by variation of solvents, temperatures, gegenions, and novel initiators.
Ferrimagnetic half-metallic properties of Cr/Fe δ doped MoS2monolayer
Authors: Xie M. D. , Tan C. G. , Zhou Pan , Lin J. G. , Sun L. Z.
Published: April 2017

From first-principles calculations, Cr/Fe δ-type doping effectively modulates electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer MoS2. Compared with ferromagnetic half-metallic Fe δ-type doped MoS2, Cr and Fe alternately δ-type codoped MoS2is ferrimagnetic and half-metallic.
Size- and composition-controlled Pt–Sn bimetallic nanoparticles prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Ramachandran Ranjith K. , Filez Matthias , Dendooven Jolien , Galvita Vladimir V. , Poelman Hilde , Solano Eduardo , Fonda Emiliano , Marin Guy B. , Detavernier Christophe
Published: April 2017

An atomic layer deposition (ALD) based recipe is demonstrated for the fully-tailored synthesis of Pt–Sn bimetallic nanoparticles.
Integration of G-quadruplex and DNA-templated Ag NCs for nonarithmetic information processing
Authors: Gao Ru-Ru , Yao Tian-Ming , Lv Xiao-Yan , Zhu Yan-Yan , Zhang Yi-Wei , Shi Shuo
Published: April 2017

We constructed a series of label-free and multi-output logic circuits using G-quadruplex and DNA-templated Ag NCs.
Negative-carbon drop-in transport fuels produced via catalytic hydropyrolysis of woody biomass with CO2capture and storage
Authors: Meerman Johannes C. , Larson Eric D.
Published: April 2017

“Drop-in” biofuels with negative GHG emissionsviacatalytic hydropyrolysis with CCS show attractive economics under moderate climate policy.
A simple and efficient hydrogen production-storage hybrid system (Co/TiO2) for synchronized hydrogen photogeneration with uptake
Authors: Yang Yurong , Gao Peng , Wang Ying , Sha Linna , Ren Xiaochen , Zhang Jianjiao , Yang Piaoping , Wu Tingting , Chen Yujin , Li Xiaobo
Published: April 2017

A Co/TiO2 catalyst system efficiently synchronizes hydrogen photogeneration and storage in water at room temperature.
Effect of position-specific single-point mutations and biophysical characterization of amyloidogenic peptide fragments identified from lattice corneal dystrophy patients
Authors: Anandalakshmi Venkatraman , Murugan Elavazhagan , Leng Eunice Goh Tze , Ting Lim Wei , Chaurasia Shyam S. , Yamazaki Toshio , Nagashima Toshio , George Benjamin Lawrence , Peh Gary Swee Lim , Pervushin Konstantin , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: April 2017

Corneal stromal dystrophies are a group of genetic disorders that may be caused by mutations in the transforming growth factor β-induced (TGFBI) gene which results in the aggregation and deposition of mutant proteins in various layers of the cornea. The type of amino acid substitution dictates the age of onset, anatomical location of the deposits, morphological features of deposits (amyloid, amorphous powder or a mixture of both forms) and the severity of disease presentation. It has been suggested that abnormal turnover and aberrant proteolytic processing of the mutant proteins result in the accumulation of insoluble protein deposits. Using mass spectrometry, we identified increased abundance of a 32 amino acid-long peptide in the 4th fasciclin-like domain-1 (FAS-1) domain of transforming growth factor β-induced protein (amino acid 611–642) in the amyloid deposits of the patients with lattice corneal dystrophies (LCD). In vitro studies demonstrated that the peptide readily formed amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions. Clinically relevant substitution (M619K, N622K, N622H, G623R and H626R) of the truncated peptide resulted in profound changes in the kinetics of amyloid formation, thermal stability of the amyloid fibrils and cytotoxicity of fibrillar aggregates, depending on the position and the type of the amino acid substitution. The results suggest that reduction in the overall net charge, nature and position of cationic residue substitution determines the amyloid aggregation propensity and thermal stability of amyloid fibrils.
Reading Comprehension Deficits in Adolescents: Addressing Underlying Language Abilities
Authors: Nippold Marilyn A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss reading comprehension deficits in adolescents in relation to their word reading skills and lexical and syntactic development. Although reading comprehension strategies (e.g., “Find the main idea”) are often recommended, it is argued that before these can be effective, students' underlying language deficits should be addressed.

Method

Data from a longitudinal study are analyzed to determine the relationship between reading comprehension, word reading, and lexical and syntactic development in adolescents.

Results

The findings indicate that poor reading comprehension in adolescents is predicted by concurrent deficits in word reading ability, lexical development, and syntactic development.

Conclusion

When poor comprehension is accompanied by deficits in word reading ability and/or lexical and syntactic development, intervention should target the underlying areas of deficiency. Studies designed to improve reading comprehension in adolescents are needed.
Reduction of NEP variations for terahertz detectors using Schottky barrier diodes in CMOS
Authors: Kim D.Y. , O Kenneth K.
Published: April 2017

Variations of low‐frequency noise including flicker and Lorentzian spectra are the dominant source of variation of noise equivalent power (NEP) for terahertz detectors using diode‐connected N‐type MOS (NMOS) transistors. The low‐frequency noise of Schottky diodes fabricated in the same CMOS process as the NMOS detectors are dominated by generation and recombination noise. At 1 MHz modulation frequency, the noise of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) and its variation are ∼2× lower than those of diode‐connected NMOS transistors. It should be possible to reduce the variation of NEP by ∼2× using Schottky diode detectors modulated at 1 MHz.
Balanced ring hybrid with arbitrary power division ratio
Authors: Xu Kai , Shi Jin , Lu Jianpeng , Zhang Wei , Chen Jian‐Xin
Published: April 2017

A balanced ring hybrid with arbitrary power division ratio is proposed. By embedding four half‐wavelength microstrip lines in the traditional single‐ended ring hybrid, the functions of differential‐mode power division, common‐mode suppression, arbitrary power division ratio and port isolation can be achieved at the same time. Higher power division ratio also can be obtained compared with traditional single‐ended design for the achievable maximum characteristic impedance of 120 Ω. A simplified analysis process is proposed by making the balanced port equivalent to a new single‐ended port. To verify the theoretical prediction, one prototype with a power division ratio of 4 : 1 and a size of 0.59 × 0.56λg (λg is the guided wavelength at the centre frequency) is measured and compared with the reported designs. The measured results exhibit the minimum insertion loss of ∼0.2 dB and the operating bandwidth for |SddAA| < −15 dB of 20.9%.
Actuator fault diagnosis of singular delayed LPV systems with inexact measured parameters via PI unknown input observer
Authors: Hassanabadi Amir Hossein , Shafiee Masoud , Puig Vicenc
Published: April 2017

In this study, actuator fault diagnosis of singular delayed linear parameter varying (SDLPV) systems is considered. The considered system has a time‐varying state delay and its matrices are dependent on some parameters that are measurable online. It is assumed that the measured parameters are inexact due to the existence of noise in real situations. The system with inexact measured parameters is converted to an uncertain system. Actuator fault diagnosis is carried out based on fault size estimation. For this purpose, the system is transformed to a polytopic representation and then a polytopic proportional integral unknown input observer (PI‐UIO) is designed. The proposed observer provides simultaneous state and actuator fault estimation while attenuating, in the sense, the effects of input disturbance, output noise and the uncertainty caused by inexact measured parameters. The design procedure of PI‐UIO is formulated as a convex optimisation problem with a set of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) constraints in the vertices of the parameter domain, guaranteeing robust exponential convergence of the PI‐UIO. The efficiency of the proposed method is illustrated with an electrical circuit example modelled as an SDLPV system.
The potentials and challenges of electron microscopy in the study of atomic chains
Authors: Banhart Florian , Torre Alessandro La , Romdhane Ferdaous Ben , Cretu Ovidiu
Published: April 2017

The article is a brief review on the potential of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the investigation of atom chains which are the paradigm of a strictly one-dimensional material. After the progress of TEM in the study of new two-dimensional materials, microscopy of free-standing one-dimensional structures is a new challenge with its inherent potentials and difficulties. In-situ experiments in the TEM allowed, for the first time, to generate isolated atomic chains consisting of metals, carbon or boron nitride. Besides having delivered a solid proof for the existence of atomic chains, in-situ TEM studies also enabled us to measure the electrical properties of these fundamental linear structures. While ballistic quantum conductivity is observed in chains of metal atoms, electrical transport in chains of sp1-hybridized carbon is limited by resonant states and reflections at the contacts. Although substantial progress has been made in recent TEM studies of atom chains, fundamental questions have to be answered, concerning the structural stability of the chains, bonding states at the contacts, and the suitability for applications in nanotechnology.
The Impact of Integrated Evaluation of Hemodynamics on Management of Preterm Infants with Late-Onset Compromised Systemic Circulation
Authors: Amer Reem , Kalash Reem , Seshia Mary , Elsayed Yasser
Published: April 2017

Objectives To study the impact of integrated evaluation of hemodynamics (IEH), using targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE), cerebral regional tissue oxygenation (crRTO), and fractional oxygen extraction (FOE), using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the management of infants with late-onset compromised systemic circulation (LCSC), and evaluation of the hemodynamic characteristics.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study comparing infants with LCSC who underwent IEH (April 2014 to May 2016) with an earlier EPOCH who did not undergo IEH (January 2012 to March 2014). The primary outcome was the time to recovery.

Results Total 43 infants were included; 18 infants underwent IEH with a median (IQR) 2 (1–3) assessments per infant. The time to recovery was shorter in IEH group with a median (IQR) 28 hours (15–62) compared with non-IEH group 96 hours (30–160). Autoregulation was compromised in 50%, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was low in 67%.

Conclusion IEH was associated with shorter time to recovery in infants with LCSC.
Direct observation of shear piezoelectricity in poly-l-lactic acid nanowires
Authors: Smith Michael , Calahorra Yonatan , Jing Qingshen , Kar-Narayan Sohini
Published: April 2017

Piezoelectric polymers are capable of interconverting mechanical and electrical energy, and are therefore candidate materials for biomedical applications such as sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. In particular, nanowires of these materials are attractive as they can be unclamped, flexible and sensitive to small vibrations. Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) nanowires have been investigated for their use in biological applications, but their piezoelectric properties have never been fully characterised, even though macroscopic films and fibres have been shown to exhibit shear piezoelectricity. This piezoelectric mode is particularly interesting for in vivo applications where shear forces are especially relevant, and is similar to what has been observed in natural materials such as bone and DNA. Here, using piezo-response force microscopy (PFM), we report the first direct observation of shear piezoelectricity in highly crystalline and oriented PLLA nanowires grown by a novel template-wetting method. Our results are validated using finite-element simulations and numerical analysis, which importantly and more generally allow for accurate interpretation of PFM signals in soft nanostructured materials. Our work opens up the possibility for the development of biocompatible and sustainable piezoelectric nanogenerators and sensors based on polymer nanowires.
Coaxial collisions of a vortex ring and a sphere in an inviscid incompressible fluid
Authors: Felderhof B. U.
Published: April 2017

The dynamics of a circular thin vortex ring and a sphere moving along the symmetry axis of the ring in an inviscid incompressible fluid is studied on the basis of Euler’s equations of motion. The equations of motion for the position and radius of the vortex ring and those for the position and velocity of the sphere are coupled by hydrodynamic interactions. The equations are cast in Hamiltonian form, from which it is seen that total energy and momentum are conserved. The four Hamiltonian equations of motion are solved numerically for a variety of initial conditions.
Negative capacitance in ZnO1-xChx (Ch = S, Se, Te): Role of localized charge recombination
Authors: Mazumder Nilesh , Mandal Prasanta , Roy Rajarshi , Ghorai Uttam Kumar , Saha Subhajit , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate negative capacitance (NC) dispersion in ZnO by doping lesser electronegative chalcogen (Ch = S, Se, Te) elements at the oxygen (O)-site. Approximately 4.00 ± 0.15 atomic percentage of ChO× is obtained from Rietveld refinement. Using ab initio and dielectric spectroscopy, the tailoring of charge localization around dopants and consequent charge recombination are observed to have a systematic dependence on the stabilization of NC. With the increase of dopant electronegativity difference from SO× to TeO×, the low frequency (<100 Hz) dispersion of NC gradually extends to a larger frequency under lower external bias. Universal Debye response is found to govern the NC dispersion with calculated relaxation time indicating to trap mediated charge recombination.
Integrin-mediated traction force enhances paxillin molecular associations and adhesion dynamics that increase the invasiveness of tumor cells into a three-dimensional extracellular matrix
Authors: Mekhdjian Armen H. , Kai FuiBoon , Rubashkin Matthew G. , Prahl Louis S. , Przybyla Laralynne M. , McGregor Alexandra L. , Bell Emily S. , Barnes J. Matthew , DuFort Christopher C. , Ou Guanqing , Chang Alice C. , Cassereau Luke , Tan Steven J. , Pickup Michael W. , Lakins Jonathan N. , Ye Xin , Davidson Michael W. , Lammerding Jan , Odde David J. , Dunn Alexander R. , Weaver Valerie M.
Published: April 2017

Metastasis requires tumor cells to navigate through a stiff stroma and squeeze through confined microenvironments. Whether tumors exploit unique biophysical properties to metastasize remains unclear. Data show that invading mammary tumor cells, when cultured in a stiffened three-dimensional extracellular matrix that recapitulates the primary tumor stroma, adopt a basal-like phenotype. Metastatic tumor cells and basal-like tumor cells exert higher integrin-mediated traction forces at the bulk and molecular levels, consistent with a motor-clutch model in which motors and clutches are both increased. Basal-like nonmalignant mammary epithelial cells also display an altered integrin adhesion molecular organization at the nanoscale and recruit a suite of paxillin-associated proteins implicated in invasion and metastasis. Phosphorylation of paxillin by Src family kinases, which regulates adhesion turnover, is similarly enhanced in the metastatic and basal-like tumor cells, fostered by a stiff matrix, and critical for tumor cell invasion in our assays. Bioinformatics reveals an unappreciated relationship between Src kinases, paxillin, and survival of breast cancer patients. Thus adoption of the basal-like adhesion phenotype may favor the recruitment of molecules that facilitate tumor metastasis to integrin-based adhesions. Analysis of the physical properties of tumor cells and integrin adhesion composition in biopsies may be predictive of patient outcome.
Awareness, Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Western Nepal
Authors: Neupane Dinesh , Shrestha Archana , Mishra Shiva Raj , Bloch Joakim , Christensen Bo , McLachlan Craig S , Karki Arjun , Kallestrup Per
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a significant contributor to cardiovascular and renal diseases. In low-income settings like Nepal, there are few epidemiological studies assessing hypertension burden. Thus, the purpose was to determine prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Nepal.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in semi-urban area of western Nepal among randomly selected participants, aged between 25 and 65 years. Systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP of ≥90 mm Hg and/or taking current antihypertensive medicine defined as hypertension.

RESULTS

Study included 2,815 participants, 1,844 were women. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 28%. Of the study participants, 17% were daily smokers, 12% harmful alcohol drinkers, 90% consuming low levels of fruit and/or vegetable, and 7% reported low physical activity. Among hypertensive participants, 46% were aware of their preexisting hypertension, 31% were on hypertensive medication, and 15% met BP control targets. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06; 1.08), higher body mass index (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06; 1.12), men (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.25; 2.14), harmful alcohol intake (Or: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.73; 3.51), family history of hypertension (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.14; 1.76), and diabetes (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.30; 3.33) were independently associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertension was found high in western Nepal. A number of risk factors were identified as possible drivers of this burden. Thus, there is an urgent need to address modifiable risk factors in semi-urban settings of western Nepal.
GARN2: coarse-grained prediction of 3D structure of large RNA molecules by regret minimization
Authors: Boudard Mélanie , Barth Dominique , Bernauer Julie , Denise Alain , Cohen Johanne
Published: April 2017

Motivation

Predicting the 3D structure of RNA molecules is a key feature towards predicting their functions. Methods which work at atomic or nucleotide level are not suitable for large molecules. In these cases, coarse-grained prediction methods aim to predict a shape which could be refined later by using more precise methods on smaller parts of the molecule.

Results

We developed a complete method for sampling 3D RNA structure at a coarse-grained model, taking a secondary structure as input. One of the novelties of our method is that a second step extracts two best possible structures close to the native, from a set of possible structures. Although our method benefits from the first version of GARN, some of the main features on GARN2 are very different. GARN2 is much faster than the previous version and than the well-known methods of the state-of-art. Our experiments show that GARN2 can also provide better structures than the other state-of-the-art methods.

Availability and implementation

GARN2 is written in Java. It is freely distributed and available at http://garn.lri.fr/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.