bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of Monolayer‐Functionalized H‐Terminated Silicon Surfaces: A Review
Authors: Veerbeek Janneke , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: March 2017

Silicon is an attractive semiconductor material for wide‐ranging applications, from electronics and sensing to solar cells. Functionalization of H‐terminated silicon surfaces with molecular monolayers can be used to tune the properties of the material toward a desired application. Several applications require the removal of the, often insulating, silicon oxide between the silicon surface and a monolayer, thus precluding the more conventional silane‐based chemistry. Here, the applications of monolayer‐functionalized silicon surfaces are surveyed starting from H‐terminated silicon. The oxide‐free routes available for Si–C, Si–N, Si–O–C, and Si–S bond formation are described, of which the most commonly used techniques include hydrosilylation and a chlorination/alkylation route onto H‐terminated silicon. Applications are subdivided into the areas of surface passivation, electronics, doping, optics, biomedical devices, and sensors. Overall, these methods provide great prospects for the development of stabilized silicon micro‐/nanosystems with engineered functionalities.
Las limitaciones al financiamiento bancario de las Pymes de alta tecnología
Authors: Guercio M. Belén , Martinez Lisana Martinez B. , Vigier Hernán
Published: March 2017

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el efecto del grado de intensidad tecnológica asociado a las Pymes en el acceso al financiamiento. Por lo tanto, se estima un modelo Logit ordenado considerando un conjunto de variables independientes como el tamaño de la empresa, la antigüedad, la capacidad exportadora y la intensidad tecnológica asociada al sector. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la intensidad tecnológica de la empresa resulta ser la variable que más impacta en la probabilidad de financiarse en el sector bancario. Esta conclusión es relevante para Argentina, dado que, a diferencia de otros países emergentes, las empresas no cuentan con instrumentos alternativos al financiamiento bancario que se adapten a las características propias de las Pymes de alta tecnología.
Differential medial temporal lobe morphometric predictors of item‐ and relational‐encoded memories in healthy individuals and in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gomar Jesus J. , Ragland J. Daniel , Uluğ Aziz M. , Sousa Amber , Huey Edward D. , Conejero‐Goldberg Concepcion , Davies Peter , Goldberg Terry E.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Episodic memory processes are supported by different subregions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL). In contrast to a unitary model of memory recognition supported solely by the hippocampus, a current model suggests that item encoding engages perirhinal cortex, whereas relational encoding engages parahippocampal cortex and the hippocampus. However, this model has not been examined in the context of aging, neurodegeneration, and MTL morphometrics.

Methods

Forty‐four healthy subjects (HSs) and 18 cognitively impaired subjects (nine mild cognitive impairment [MCI] and nine Alzheimer's disease [AD] patients) were assessed with the relational and item‐specific encoding task (RISE) and underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging. The RISE assessed the differential contribution of relational and item‐specific memory. FreeSurfer was used to obtain measures of cortical thickness of MTL regions and hippocampus volume.

Results

Memory accuracies for both item and relational memory were significantly better in the HS group than in the MCI/AD group. In MCI/AD group, relational memory was disproportionately impaired. In HSs, hierarchical regressions demonstrated that memory was predicted by perirhinal thickness after item encoding, and by hippocampus volume after relational encoding (both at trend level) and significantly by parahippocampal thickness at associative recognition. The same brain morphometry profiles predicted memory accuracy in MCI/AD, although more robustly perirhinal thickness for item encoding (R2 = 0.31) and hippocampal volume and parahippocampal thickness for relational encoding (R2 = 0.31).

Discussion

Our results supported a model of episodic memory in which item‐specific encoding was associated with greater perirhinal cortical thickness, while relational encoding was associated with parahippocampal thickness and hippocampus volume. We identified these relationships not only in HSs but also in individuals with MCI and AD. In the subjects with cognitive impairment, reductions in hippocampal volume and impairments in relational memory were especially prominent.
Public Health and Disasters: An Emerging Translational and Implementation Science, Not “Lessons Learned”
Authors: Koenig Kristi L. , Schultz Carl H. , Gould Runnerstrom Miryha , Ogunseitan Oladele A.
Published: March 2017

Disaster Medicine is a relatively new multidisciplinary field of science with clear public health implications as it focuses on improving outcomes for populations rather than for individual patients. As with any other scientific discipline, the goal of public health and disaster research is to create new knowledge and transfer evidence-based data to improve public health. The phrase “lessons learned” has crept into the disaster lexicon but must be permanently erased as it has no place in the scientific method. The second edition of Koenig and Schultz’s Disaster Medicine: Comprehensive Principles & Practice adds to the growing knowledge base of this emerging specialty and explains why “lessons learned” should be discarded from the associated vocabulary. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:610–611)
Taking the Ambiguity Out of Subtle and Interpersonal Workplace Discrimination
Authors: Marshburn Christopher K. , Harrington Nicole T. , Ruggs Enrica N.
Published: March 2017

In their target article, Jones, Arena, Nittrouer, Alonso, and Lindsey (2017) make a compelling argument that discrimination may be best conceptualized continuously rather than categorically with respect to dimensions of subtlety, formality, and intentionality. We agree that such a framework can help capture the multifaceted nature of discrimination. The authors note that subtle and interpersonal discrimination, in particular, are difficult to address through formal organizational policy. In the workplace, subtle and often interpersonal discrimination can be overlooked or attributed to misunderstanding and, thus, may go unpunished (Dovidio & Gaertner, 2004).
Using Situational Judgment Tests To Study Subtle Discrimination
Authors: Sturdivant Manasia , Yibass Semret , Abraham Elsheba , Hauenstein Neil M. A.
Published: March 2017

Jones, Arena, Nittrouer, Alonso, and Lindsey (2017) present an expansive overview of microaggressive behaviors, with specific emphasis on the work place. Their overview includes the dimensionality of microaggressions (subtlety, formality, and intentionality), the dynamic and cyclical nature of a microaggressive culture, and the multitude of perspectives from which to view microaggressions (target, perpetrator, bystander, and ally). For any empirical study, researchers are faced with the challenge that microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination often motivated by unconscious biases. As a result of this lack of personal insight, perpetrators and bystanders are likely to attribute microaggressive behaviors to nondiscriminatory reasons (i.e., defensive rationalizations). Furthermore, even if perpetrators and bystanders have insights into their bigotry, they are most likely socially astute enough to deny their bigotry through defensive rationalizations. Jones et al. (2017) provided many examples of microaggression research but did not directly address the methodological challenges. The purpose of the current commentary is to argue that situational judgment tests (SJTs) have great potential for the study of microaggressions within the Jones et al. (2017) framework.
Reduced Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi parasitic loads in humans exposed to Lutzomyia longipalpis bites in the Amazon region of Brazil
Authors: LAURENTI MÁRCIA DALASTRA , CHAVES LUIS FERNANDO , TOMOKANE THAÍSE YUMIE , ABBASI IBRAHIM , WARBURG ALON , SILVEIRA FERNANDO TOBIAS
Published: March 2017

We performed a cross-sectional survey in humans to evaluate Lutzomyia longipalpis, i.e. sand fly vector, bite exposure association with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi infection in Bujarú municipality, Northern Brazil, an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. In recruited individuals, which were stratified by sex and age, we measured L. (L.) i. chagasi parasitic loads with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), exposure to sand fly bites with an anti-saliva immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and performed immunological diagnostic tests, in order to evaluate the association between exposure to sand fly bites, and infection. The prevalence increased from 11% when using immunological diagnostic tests to 28% when using qPCR, being around that value for all age classes, but children below 5 years (40%) and people over 60 years (15%). The association between PCR-based L. (L.) i. chagasi prevalence and saliva exposure was convex, reflecting the fact that at both high and low saliva exposure the PCR-based L. (L.) i. chagasi prevalence decreases. This scenario indicates that low sand fly exposure is likely associated with low parasite transmission, while high anti-saliva prevalence, i.e. a large sand fly bite exposure could be associated with anti-Leishmania protective immune mechanisms driven by vector saliva and/or increased parasite exposure.
Pauline Traditions and the Rabbis: Three Case Studies
Authors: Rosen-Zvi Ishay
Published: March 2017

The comparative study of Paul and the rabbis, an interest of students of the New Testament ever since Christian Hebraism, radically changed in the second half of the twentieth century. If “the study of relations between Judaism and early Christianity, perhaps more than any other area of modern scholarship, has felt the impact of World War II and its aftermath,” then, within this, Pauline scholarship has felt this impact the most. Various post-Holocaust studies read Paul not only in connection to early Judaism but specifically to rabbinic Judaism, which they saw as the epitome of both halakhic and Midrashic discourses. Turning to Tannaitic and Amoraic literatures expressed an urgent need to recontextualize Paul as part of traditional Judaism.
Before Hegel and Beyond Kant: Risto Saarinen'sRecognition and Religion
Authors: Smith Suzanne E.
Published: March 2017

When religious tolerance appears in the literature on ecumenicism, religious pluralism, and other modes of peaceful coexistence, it is frequently juxtaposed with the words “beyond,” “more than,” and “is not enough.” To be sure, it is generally conceded in these contexts, tolerance is an improvement on intolerance, and, relatively speaking, then, a fine thing, as far it goes. For many, however, it does not go very far. “Religious tolerance,” we are told, “however virtuous, does nothing to remove our ignorance of one another.” It is thought to lack strenuousness, and hence, to be unsuited for modern moral conflicts, which tend increasingly toward the polarity characteristic of war: “Tolerance, especially of the knee-jerk variety. . . works as long as people can slink off by themselves, avoiding contact, and never facing up to what they truly believe.” No one says, “I am fighting for [fill in the blank] with all the toleration I can muster.”
Biochemical composition and function of jelly masses ofMarphysa gravelyi(Polychaeta: Eunicidae) from Pulicat Lake, India
Authors: Malathi E. , Collette M Juliana , Priscilla A Lyndsay
Published: March 2017

Eggs ofMarphysa gravelyiare spawned in gelatinous masses and the developing larvae are harboured in them until they are ready to undergo settlement. In order to understand the function of the jelly mass, morphometric, histochemical, biochemical and antimicrobial analyses were performed. The observations indicate the fibrous jelly mass is composed of carbohydrate, protein and lipid, and size is correlated to number of eggs present within. Extracts from the jelly mass ofMarphysa gravelyiexhibit inhibitory activity againstEscherichia coli, Vibrio vulnificusandCandida albicansbut no activity was seen against seven other microorganisms tested. The results show that the function of the jelly mass is to nourish the developing embryos, protect against desiccation and predation from macrofauna, and most importantly prevent the dispersal of the juveniles from the desirable habitat.
Serpulid communities from two marine caves in the Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Sanfilippo Rossana , Rosso Antonietta , Guido Adriano , Gerovasileiou Vasilis
Published: March 2017

This paper is a first detailed contribution to the knowledge of serpulid diversity from marine caves of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 27 taxa were recorded in two submerged caves of Lesvos Island, in the Aegean Sea. A clear trend of variability was observed with serpulid abundance, specifically that of sciaphilic and deep-sea species, increasing inwards while the number of taxa and species diversity did not change significantly across the two caves. In the innermost sectors of the studied caves two types of bioconstructions were observed: (a) ‘coiled doughnuts’ ofProtula, recorded for the first time in Mediterranean caves; and (b) ‘biostalactites’ mainly consisting of skeletal metazoans recorded for the first time from the eastern Mediterranean. The results of the present study revealed new faunal elements and type of bioconstructions for the Mediterranean marine caves, showing that several aspects of their communities are still poorly known and deserve to be further investigated.
Returns to research and outreach for integrated pest management of western flower thrips infesting French bean and tomato in Kenya
Authors: Mujuka E.A. , Affognon H. , Muriithi B.W. , Subramanian S. , Irungu P. , Mburu J.
Published: March 2017

Thrips,Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande), is a major invasive pest that causes extensive yield losses in French bean and tomato in Kenya. Thrips management is based on the application of pesticides. In addition to increased environmental risks associated with pesticides, frequent use of these chemicals increases production costs and pesticide resistance. Furthermore, exports are restricted due to non-compliance to maximum residue levels in important consumer export markets, especially the European Union (EU). This study was conducted to estimate the potential benefits of the effectiveness of theicipe-developed strategy for control of western flower thrips before dissemination of the technology in Kenya, using the economic surplus model. We calculated the benefit–cost ratio, the Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) using Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA). Assuming a maximum conservative adoption rate of 1% and a 10% discount rate for the base deterministic scenario, the NPV of the research was estimated at US$2.2 million, with an IRR of 23% and a BCR of 2.46. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the NPV, IRR and BCR increased at an increasing rate as adoption rates increased. However, as elasticities of supply and demand increased, the NPV, IRR and BCR increased at a decreasing rate. The findings demonstrate that farmers from developing countries can gain when they obtain access to suitable pest management innovations such as integrated pest management technologies. Consequently, investment in IPM technologies for suppression of western flower thrips should be enhanced.
Including Ozone Complexities in Climate Change Projections
Authors: Bane Brendan
Published: March 2017

A simplified view of ozone chemistry can cause climate models to overestimate the response of jet streams to increasing greenhouse gases.
Explaining Why Some Paleomagnetic Results Fail
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: March 2017

Reordering of mineral crystal lattice structures during laboratory heating may explain the frequent need to reject results of experiments that estimate the intensity of Earth's past magnetic fields.
PTENβ is an alternatively translated isoform of PTEN that regulates rDNA transcription
Authors: Liang Hui , Chen Xi , Yin Qi , Ruan Danhui , Zhao Xuyang , Zhang Cong , McNutt Michael A. , Yin Yuxin
Published: March 2017

PTEN is a critical tumour suppressor that is frequently mutated in human cancer. We have previously identified a CUG initiated PTEN isoform designated PTENα, which functions in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here we report the identification of another N-terminal extended PTEN isoform, designated PTENβ. PTENβ translation is initiated from an AUU codon upstream of and in-frame with the AUG initiation sequence for canonical PTEN. We show that the Kozak context and a downstream hairpin structure are critical for this alternative initiation. PTENβ localizes predominantly in the nucleolus, and physically associates with and dephosphorylates nucleolin, which is a multifunctional nucleolar phosphoprotein. Disruption of PTENβ alters rDNA transcription and promotes ribosomal biogenesis, and this effect can be reversed by re-introduction of PTENβ. Our data show that PTENβ regulates pre-rRNA synthesis and cellular proliferation. These results demonstrate the complexity of the PTEN protein family and the diversity of its functions.
Padé resummation of many-body perturbation theories
Authors: Pavlyukh Y.
Published: March 2017

In a typical scenario the diagrammatic many-body perturbation theory generates asymptotic series. Despite non-convergence, the asymptotic expansions are useful when truncated to a finite number of terms. This is the reason for the popularity of leading-order methods such as the GW approximation in condensed matter, molecular and atomic physics. Appropriate truncation order required for the accurate description of strongly correlated materials is, however, not known a priori. Here an efficient method based on the Padé approximation is introduced for the regularization of perturbative series allowing to perform higher-order self-consistent calculations and to make quantitative predictions on the convergence of many-body perturbation theories. The theory is extended towards excited states where the Wick theorem is not directly applicable. Focusing on the plasmon-assisted photoemission from graphene, we treat diagrammatically electrons coupled to the excited state plasmons and predict new spectral features that can be observed in the time-resolved measurements.
A simple technique to overcome self-focusing, filamentation, supercontinuum generation, aberrations, depth dependence and waveguide interface roughness using fs laser processing
Authors: Lapointe Jerome , Kashyap Raman
Published: March 2017

Several detrimental effects limit the use of ultrafast lasers in multi-photon processing and the direct manufacture of integrated photonics devices, not least, dispersion, aberrations, depth dependence, undesirable ablation at a surface, limited depth of writing, nonlinear optical effects such as supercontinuum generation and filamentation due to Kerr self-focusing. We show that all these effects can be significantly reduced if not eliminated using two coherent, ultrafast laser-beams through a single lens - which we call the Dual-Beam technique. Simulations and experimental measurements at the focus are used to understand how the Dual-Beam technique can mitigate these problems. The high peak laser intensity is only formed at the aberration-free tightly localised focal spot, simultaneously, suppressing unwanted nonlinear side effects for any intensity or processing depth. Therefore, we believe this simple and innovative technique makes the fs laser capable of much more at even higher intensities than previously possible, allowing applications in multi-photon processing, bio-medical imaging, laser surgery of cells, tissue and in ophthalmology, along with laser writing of waveguides.
Fidelity of classwide-resistant HIV-2 reverse transcriptase and differential contribution of K65R to the accuracy of HIV-1 and HIV-2 reverse transcriptases
Authors: Álvarez Mar , Sebastián-Martín Alba , García-Marquina Guillermo , Menéndez-Arias Luis
Published: March 2017

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors constitute the backbone of current therapies against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and type 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2, respectively). However, mutational pathways leading to the development of nucleoside analogue resistance are different in both types of HIV. In HIV-2, resistance to all approved nucleoside analogues is conferred by the combination of RT substitutions K65R, Q151M and M184V. Nucleotide incorporation kinetic analyses of mutant and wild-type (WT) HIV-2 RTs show that the triple-mutant has decreased catalytic efficiency due to the presence of M184V. Although similar effects were previously reported for equivalent mutations in HIV-1 RT, the HIV-2 enzymes were catalytically less efficient. Interestingly, in highly divergent HIV-1 RTs, K65R confers several-fold increased accuracy of DNA synthesis. We have determined the intrinsic fidelity of DNA synthesis of WT HIV-2 RT and mutants K65R and K65R/Q151M/M184V. Our results show that those changes in HIV-2 RT have a relatively small impact on nucleotide selectivity. Furthermore, we found that there were less than two-fold differences in error rates obtained with forward mutation assays using mutant and WT HIV-2 RTs. A different conformation of the β3-β4 hairpin loop in HIV-1 and HIV-2 RTs could probably explain the differential effects of K65R.
Loss of chromosome Y leads to down regulation of KDM5D and KDM6C epigenetic modifiers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Arseneault Madeleine , Monlong Jean , Vasudev Naveen S. , Laskar Ruhina S. , Safisamghabadi Maryam , Harnden Patricia , Egevad Lars , Nourbehesht Nazanin , Panichnantakul Pudchalaluck , Holcatova Ivana , Brisuda Antonin , Janout Vladimir , Kollarova Helena , Foretova Lenka , Navratilova Marie , Mates Dana , Jinga Viorel , Zaridze David , Mukeria Anush , Jandaghi Pouria , Brennan Paul , Brazma Alvis , Tost Jorg , Scelo Ghislaine , Banks Rosamonde E. , Lathrop Mark , Bourque Guillaume , Riazalhosseini Yasser
Published: March 2017

Recent genomic studies of sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have uncovered novel driver genes and pathways. Given the unequal incidence rates among men and women (male:female incidence ratio approaches 2:1), we compared the genome-wide distribution of the chromosomal abnormalities in both sexes. We observed a higher frequency for the somatic recurrent chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs) of autosomes in male subjects, whereas somatic loss of chromosome X was detected exclusively in female patients (17.1%). Furthermore, somatic loss of chromosome Y (LOY) was detected in about 40% of male subjects, while mosaic LOY was detected in DNA isolated from peripheral blood in 9.6% of them, and was the only recurrent CNV in constitutional DNA samples. LOY in constitutional DNA, but not in tumor DNA was associated with older age. Amongst Y-linked genes that were downregulated due to LOY, KDM5D and KDM6C epigenetic modifiers have functionally-similar X-linked homologs whose deficiency is involved in ccRCC progression. Our findings establish somatic LOY as a highly recurrent genetic defect in ccRCC that leads to downregulation of hitherto unsuspected epigenetic factors, and suggest that different mechanisms may underlie the somatic and mosaic LOY observed in tumors and peripheral blood, respectively.
Multiple H+ sensors mediate the extracellular acidification-induced [Ca2+]i elevation in cultured rat ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hu Yuan-Lang , Mi Xue , Huang Chao , Wang Hui-Fang , Song Jian-Ren , Shu Qing , Ni Lan , Chen Jian-Guo , Wang Fang , Hu Zhuang-Li
Published: March 2017

Acidosis has been known to cause “Ca2+ transients”, however, the mechanism is still uncertain. Here, we demonstrated that multiple H+ sensors, such as ASICs, TRPV1 and proton-sensing G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in extracellular acidification-induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) elevation. By using calcium imaging measures, we observed that both ASIC and TRPV1 channels inhibitors suppressed the [Ca2+]i elevation induced by extracellular acidosis in cultured rat cardiac myocytes. Then, both channels mRNA and proteins were identified by RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. ASIC-like and TRPV1-like currents were induced by extracellular acidification, suggesting that functional ASIC and TRPV1 channels jointly mediated extracellular calcium entry. Furthermore, either pre-exhaustion of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ with thapsigargin or IP3 receptor blocker 2-APB or PLC inhibitor U73122 significantly attenuated the elevation of [Ca2+]i, indicating that the intracellular Ca2+ stores and the PLC-IP3 signaling also contributed to the acidosis-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i. By using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we identified that ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) might be another main component in acidosis-induced release of [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that multiple H+-sensitive receptors are involved in “Ca2+ transients” induced by acidosis in the heart.
Elevated miR-130a/miR130b/miR-152 expression reduces intracellular ATP levels in the pancreatic beta cell
Authors: Ofori Jones K. , Salunkhe Vishal A. , Bagge Annika , Vishnu Neelanjan , Nagao Mototsugu , Mulder Hindrik , Wollheim Claes B. , Eliasson Lena , Esguerra Jonathan L. S.
Published: March 2017

MicroRNAs have emerged as important players of gene regulation with significant impact in diverse disease processes. In type-2 diabetes, in which impaired insulin secretion is a major factor in disease progression, dysregulated microRNA expression in the insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cell has been widely-implicated. Here, we show that miR-130a-3p, miR-130b-3p, and miR-152-3p levels are elevated in the pancreatic islets of hyperglycaemic donors, corroborating previous findings about their upregulation in the islets of type-2 diabetes model Goto-Kakizaki rats. We demonstrated negative regulatory effects of the three microRNAs on pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha (PDHA1) and on glucokinase (GCK) proteins, which are both involved in ATP production. Consequently, we found both proteins to be downregulated in the Goto-Kakizaki rat islets, while GCK mRNA expression showed reduced trend in the islets of type-2 diabetes donors. Overexpression of any of the three microRNAs in the insulin-secreting INS-1 832/13 cell line resulted in altered dynamics of intracellular ATP/ADP ratio ultimately perturbing fundamental ATP-requiring beta cell processes such as glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, insulin biosynthesis and processing. The data further strengthen the wide-ranging influence of microRNAs in pancreatic beta cell function, and hence their potential as therapeutic targets in type-2 diabetes.
Bioreactor mechanically guided 3D mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis using a biocompatible novel thermo-reversible methylcellulose-based hydrogel
Authors: Cochis A. , Grad S. , Stoddart M. J. , Farè S. , Altomare L. , Azzimonti B. , Alini M. , Rimondini L.
Published: March 2017

Autologous chondrocyte implantation for cartilage repair represents a challenge because strongly limited by chondrocytes’ poor expansion capacity in vitro. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into chondrocytes, while mechanical loading has been proposed as alternative strategy to induce chondrogenesis excluding the use of exogenous factors. Moreover, MSC supporting material selection is fundamental to allow for an active interaction with cells. Here, we tested a novel thermo-reversible hydrogel composed of 8% w/v methylcellulose (MC) in a 0.05 M Na2SO4 solution. MC hydrogel was obtained by dispersion technique and its thermo-reversibility, mechanical properties, degradation and swelling were investigated, demonstrating a solution-gelation transition between 34 and 37 °C and a low bulk degradation (<20%) after 1 month. The lack of any hydrogel-derived immunoreaction was demonstrated in vivo by mice subcutaneous implantation. To induce in vitro chondrogenesis, MSCs were seeded into MC solution retained within a porous polyurethane (PU) matrix. PU-MC composites were subjected to a combination of compression and shear forces for 21 days in a custom made bioreactor. Mechanical stimulation led to a significant increase in chondrogenic gene expression, while histological analysis detected sulphated glycosaminoglycans and collagen II only in loaded specimens, confirming MC hydrogel suitability to support load induced MSCs chondrogenesis.
Brain anatomy alterations associated with Social Networking Site (SNS) addiction
Authors: He Qinghua , Turel Ofir , Bechara Antoine
Published: March 2017

This study relies on knowledge regarding the neuroplasticity of dual-system components that govern addiction and excessive behavior and suggests that alterations in the grey matter volumes, i.e., brain morphology, of specific regions of interest are associated with technology-related addictions. Using voxel based morphometry (VBM) applied to structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of twenty social network site (SNS) users with varying degrees of SNS addiction, we show that SNS addiction is associated with a presumably more efficient impulsive brain system, manifested through reduced grey matter volumes in the amygdala bilaterally (but not with structural differences in the Nucleus Accumbens). In this regard, SNS addiction is similar in terms of brain anatomy alterations to other (substance, gambling etc.) addictions. We also show that in contrast to other addictions in which the anterior-/ mid- cingulate cortex is impaired and fails to support the needed inhibition, which manifests through reduced grey matter volumes, this region is presumed to be healthy in our sample and its grey matter volume is positively correlated with one’s level of SNS addiction. These findings portray an anatomical morphology model of SNS addiction and point to brain morphology similarities and differences between technology addictions and substance and gambling addictions.
Injections through skin colonized with Staphylococcus aureus biofilm introduce contamination despite standard antimicrobial preparation procedures
Authors: Wang Yi , Leng Valery , Patel Viraj , Phillips K. Scott
Published: March 2017

While surgical site preparation has been extensively studied, there is little information about resistance of skin microbiota in the biofilm form to antimicrobial decontamination, and there are no quantitative models to study how biofilm might be transferred into sterile tissue/implant materials during injections for joint spine and tendon, aspiration biopsies and dermal fillers (DF). In this work, we develop twoin vitromodels to simulate the process of skin preparation and DF injection using pig skin and SimSkin (silicone) materials, respectively. Using the pig skin model, we tested three of the most common skin preparation wipes (alcohol, chlorhexidine and povidone iodine) and found that during wiping they reduced the biofilm bacterial burden ofS. aureus(CFU cm−2) by three logs with no statistically significant differences between wipes. Using the SimSkin model, we found that transfer of viable bacteria increased with needle diameter for 30G, 25G and 18G needles. Transfer incidence decreased as injection depth was increased from 1 mm to 3 mm. Serial puncture and linear threading injection styles had similar transfer incidence, whereas fanning significantly increased transfer incidence. The results show that contamination of DF during injection is a risk that can be reduced by modifying skin prep and injection practices.
Akt targeting as a strategy to boost chemotherapy efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer through metabolism suppression
Authors: Le Grand Marion , Berges Raphael , Pasquier Eddy , Montero Marie-Pierre , Borge Laurence , Carrier Alice , Vasseur Sophie , Bourgarel Veronique , Buric Duje , André Nicolas , Braguer Diane , Carré Manon
Published: March 2017

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer development, mediated by genetic and epigenetic alterations that may be pharmacologically targeted. Among oncogenes, the kinase Akt is commonly overexpressed in tumors and favors glycolysis, providing a rationale for using Akt inhibitors. Here, we addressed the question of whether and how inhibiting Akt activity could improve therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that represents more than 80% of all lung cancer cases. First, we demonstrated that Akt inhibitors interacted synergistically with Microtubule-Targeting Agents (MTAs) and specifically in cancer cell lines, including those resistant to chemotherapy agents and anti-EGFR targeted therapies. In vivo, we further revealed that the chronic administration of low-doses of paclitaxel - i.e. metronomic scheduling - and the anti-Akt perifosine was the most efficient and the best tolerated treatment against NSCLC. Regarding drug mechanism of action, perifosine potentiated the pro-apoptotic effects of paclitaxel, independently of cell cycle arrest, and combining paclitaxel/perifosine resulted in a sustained suppression of glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism. This study points out that targeting cancer cell bioenergetics may represent a novel therapeutic avenue in NSCLC, and provides a strong foundation for future clinical trials of metronomic MTAs combined with Akt inhibitors.
TRPM8 in the negative regulation of TNFα expression during cold stress
Authors: Wang Xin-Pei , Yu Xuan , Yan Xiao-Jin , Lei Fan , Chai Yu-Shuang , Jiang Jing-Fei , Yuan Zhi-Yi , Xing Dong-Ming , Du Li-Jun
Published: March 2017

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-8 (TRPM8) reportedly plays a fundamental role in a variety of processes including cold sensation, thermoregulation, pain transduction and tumorigenesis. However, the role of TRPM8 in inflammation under cold conditions is not well known. Since cooling allows the convergence of primary injury and injury-induced inflammation, we hypothesized that the mechanism of the protective effects of cooling might be related to TRPM8. We therefore investigated the involvement of TRPM8 activation in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that TRPM8 expression in the mouse hypothalamus was upregulated when the ambient temperature decreased; simultaneously, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) was downregulated. The inhibitory effect of TRPM8 on TNFα was mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Specifically, cold stress stimulated the expression of TRPM8, which promoted the interaction of TRPM8 and NFκB, thereby suppressing NFκB nuclear localization. This suppression consequently led to the inhibition of TNFα gene transcription. The present data suggest a possible theoretical foundation for the anti-inflammatory role of TRPM8 activation, providing an experimental basis that could contribute to the advancement of cooling therapy for trauma patients.
Microstructure formation and interface characteristics of directionally solidified TiAl-Si alloys in alumina crucibles with a new Y2O3 skull-aided technology
Authors: Fan Jianglei , Liu Jianxiu , Wu Shen , Tian Shuxia , Gao Hongxia , Wang Shengyong , Guo Jingjie , Wang Xiao
Published: March 2017

The microstructure evolution and interface characteristics of a directionally solidified Ti-43Al-3Si (at.%) alloy in an alumina (Al2O3) crucible with new Y2O3 skull-aided technology were investigated. The Y2O3-skull that is in contact with the TiAl-melt is relatively stable, which results in a more controlled reaction between the skull and the melt than in the case of an Al2O3 crucible is used. A thin reaction layer was formed between the mould and the melt through mutual diffusion. The layer thickness increased with increasing reaction time. The thickness of this layer was less than 80 μm for reaction times up to 5800 s. Y2O3 particles were not found in the specimen because the mould coating was prepared with fine Y2O3 powder without a binder, which prevented the Y2O3 particles splitting from the coating as a consequence of thermal physical erosion. The oxygen content of the TiAl-alloy increased with increasing reaction time. The total oxygen content of the solidified specimen was less than that of the specimen solidified in the Al2O3 crucibles. This new Y2O3 skull-aided technology is expected to improve the surface quality of TiAl-alloys and reduce the reaction between the crucible/mould and molten TiAl alloys during directional solidification processing with longer contact times.
Integrated DNA and RNA extraction using magnetic beads from viral pathogens causing acute respiratory infections
Authors: He Hui , Li Rongqun , Chen Yi , Pan Ping , Tong Wenjuan , Dong Xueyan , Chen Yueming , Yu Daojun
Published: March 2017

Current extraction methods often extract DNA and RNA separately, and few methods are capable of co-extracting DNA and RNA from sputum. We established a nucleic acid co-extraction method from sputum based on magnetic beads and optimized the method by evaluating influencing factors, such as the guanidinium thiocyanate (GTC) and dithiothreitol (DTT) concentrations, magnetic bead amount, incubation temperature, lysis buffer pH and RNA carrier type. The feasibility of the simultaneous nucleic acid co-extraction method was evaluated by amplifying DNA and RNA viruses from a single clinical specimen with a multiplex RT-qPCR method. Both DNA and RNA were most efficiently extracted when the GTC and DTT concentrations were 2.0 M and 80 mM, respectively, 20 μl magnetic beads were added, the incubation temperature was 80 °C, the pH was 8 or 9, and RNA carrier A was used. Therefore, we established a simple method to extract nucleic acids from two important respiratory viruses compared with other commercial kits. This magnetic beads-based co-extraction method for sputum followed by a multiplex RT-qPCR can rapidly and precisely detect DNA and RNA viruses from a single clinical specimen and has many advantages, such as decreased time, low cost, and a lack of harmful chemicals.
Non-equimolar discrete compounds in binary chiral systems of organic substances
Authors: Kotelnikova Elena N. , Isakov Anton I. , Lorenz Heike
Published: March 2017

1 : 3 and 1 : 2 discrete compounds are verified in two chiral systems and discussed with respect to known cases in the literature.
Light-induced confinement of electrons in stacked distorted graphene layers – a (TD-)DFT study
Authors: Olejniczak A. , Cichy B. , Radosinski L. , Strek W.
Published: March 2017

We propose a model of light emission from locally interacting stacked graphene layers after intense continuous wave laser excitation due to the light-induced sp2 to sp3 hybridization change.
Surface chemistry of group IB metals and related oxides
Authors: Huang Weixin , Sun Guanghui , Cao Tian
Published: March 2017

Catalytic surface chemistry of IB metals are reviewed with an attempt to bridge model catalysts and powder catalysts.
Laminin-coated nerve guidance conduits based on poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) fibers and yarns for promoting Schwann cells’ proliferation and migration
Authors: Wu Tong , Li Dandan , Wang Yuanfei , Sun Binbin , Li Dawei , Morsi Yosry , El-Hamshary Hany , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Mo Xiumei
Published: March 2017

A laminin-coated and yarn-encapsulated PLGA nerve guidance conduit for Schwann cells’ proliferation and migration.
Highly durable photochromic radical complexes having no steric protections of radicals
Authors: Kobayashi Yoichi , Mishima Yasuhiro , Mutoh Katsuya , Abe Jiro
Published: March 2017

Durable radical-dissociation type photochromic reactions are demonstrated without the steric protections of the radicals.
A backbone design principle for covalent organic frameworks: the impact of weakly interacting units on CO2 adsorption
Authors: Zhai Lipeng , Huang Ning , Xu Hong , Chen Qiuhong , Jiang Donglin
Published: March 2017

Integration of a building block that interacts only weakly with CO2 to the backbone of covalent organic frameworks reveals profound collective effects on facilitating CO2 uptake and separation.
Photophysics of a copper phenanthroline elucidated by trajectory and wavepacket-based quantum dynamics: a synergetic approach
Authors: Capano G. , Penfold T. J. , Chergui M. , Tavernelli I.
Published: March 2017

On-the-fly excited state molecular dynamics is a valuable method for studying non-equilibrium processes in excited states and is beginning to emerge as a mature approach much like its ground state counterparts.
The origin of the measured chemical shift of 129Xe in UiO-66 and UiO-67 revealed by DFT investigations
Authors: Trepte Kai , Schaber Jana , Schwalbe Sebastian , Drache Franziska , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Kortus Jens , Brunner Eike , Seifert Gotthard
Published: March 2017

The NMR chemical shift of the xenon isotope 129Xe inside the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO-66 and UiO-67 (UiO – University of Oslo) has been investigated both with density functional theory (DFT) and in situ high-pressure 129Xe NMR measurements.
The effect of Sb-surfactant on GaInP CuPtB type ordering: assessment through dark field TEM and aberration corrected HAADF imaging
Authors: Coll C. , Barrigón E. , López-Conesa L. , Rebled J. , Barrutia L. , Rey-Stolle I. , Estradé S. , Algora C. , Peiró F.
Published: March 2017

Characterization of GaInP:Sb samples by dark field TEM and aberration corrected HAADF imaging combined with HAADF simulations.
Effect of the apical ligand on the geometry and magnetic properties of copper(ii)/mesoxalate trinuclear units
Authors: Gil-Hernández B. , Calahorro A. J. , Gili P. , Sanchiz J.
Published: March 2017

The Cu⋯X distance and the bridging mode of the apical ligand determine the nature of the magnetic coupling.
Strength, character, and directionality of halogen bonds involving cationic halogen bond donors
Authors: Riley Kevin E. , Tran Khanh-An
Published: March 2017

Halogen bonds involving cationic halogen bond donors and anionic halogen bond acceptors have recently been recognized as being important in stabilizing the crystal structures of many salts. Theoretical characterization of these types of interactions, most importantly in terms of their directionality, has been limited. Here we generate high-quality symmetry adapted perturbation theory potential energy curves of a H3N–CC–Br+⋯Cl− model system in order to characterize halogen bonds involving charged species, in terms of contributions from electrostatics, exchange, induction, and dispersion, with special emphasis on analyzing contributions that are most responsible for the directionality of these interactions. It is found that, as in the case of neutral halogen bonds, exchange forces are important contributors to the directionality of charged halogen bonds, however, it is also found that induction effects, which contribute little to the stability and directionality of neutral halogen bonds, play a large role in the directionality of halogen bonds involving charged species. Potential energy curves based on the ωB97X-D/def2-TZVP/C-PCM method, which includes an implicit solvation model in order to mimic the effects of the crystal medium, are produced for both the H3N–CC–Br+⋯Cl− model system and for the 4-bromoanilinium⋯Cl− dimer, which is based on the real 4-bromoanilinium chloride salt, whose crystal structure has been determined experimentally. It is found that, within a crystal-like medium, charged halogen bond are significantly weaker than in the gas phase, having optimum interaction energies up to approximately −20 kcal mol−1.
Nanowire Y-junction formation during self-faceting on high-index GaAs substrates
Authors: Méndez-Camacho R. , López-López M. , Méndez-García V. H. , Valdez-Pérez D. , Ortega E. , Benitez A. , Ponce A. , Cruz-Hernández E.
Published: March 2017

In this contribution, we report on the observation of high-order and bi-dimensional surface mechanisms that allows the self-assembling of an alternating array of straight and bifurcated nanowires.
Voltage-stabilised elastomers with increased relative permittivity and high electrical breakdown strength by means of phase separating binary copolymer blends of silicone elastomers
Authors: Hisyam A Razak Aliff , Yu Liyun , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: March 2017

Increased electro-mechanical properties of silicone-based dielectric elastomers are achieved by means of the addition of so-called voltage-stabilisers prepared from PDMS–PPMS copolymers.
Hydrothermal preparation of nitrogen, boron co-doped curved graphene nanoribbons with high dopant amounts for high-performance lithium sulfur battery cathodes
Authors: Chen Liang , Feng Jianrui , Zhou Haihui , Fu Chaopeng , Wang Guichang , Yang Liming , Xu Chenxi , Chen Zhongxue , Yang Wenji , Kuang Yafei
Published: March 2017

The synergistical effect of N and B co-doping endows NBCGNs with optimized structure and greatly enhanced electrochemical performance.
Crystal structure, ferroelectricity and polar order in a Ba4R2Zr4Nb6O30 (R = La, Nd, Sm) tetragonal tungsten bronze new system
Authors: Feng Wen Bin , Zhu Xiao Li , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: March 2017

A Pb-free ferroelectric new system Ba4R2Zr4Nb6O30 (R = La, Nd, Sm) with a filled tetragonal tungsten bronze structure and unique properties has been synthesized and characterized.
Electric-field-induced widely tunable direct and indirect band gaps in hBN/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Li Quan , Xu Liang , Luo Kai-Wu , Li Xiao-Fei , Huang Wei-Qing , Wang Ling-Ling , Yu Ya-Bin
Published: March 2017

Discovery of a special γ-band (an interfacial state) opens new opportunities to tune the band gaps of hBN/MoS2 vdW heterostructures.
Synthesis, structure and piezo-/ferroelectric properties of a novel bismuth-containing ternary complex perovskite solid solution
Authors: Liu Zenghui , Paterson Alisa R. , Wu Hua , Gao Pan , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: March 2017

A novel ternary solid solution has been synthesized by solid state reaction in the form of ceramics with compositions across the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). It exhibits high-performance piezo-/ferroelectric properties whose underlying physical and chemical mechanisms are investigated.
Enhanced moisture barrier performance for ALD-encapsulated OLEDs by introducing an organic protective layer
Authors: Wang Lei , Ruan Chongpeng , Li Min , Zou Jianhua , Tao Hong , Peng Junbiao , Xu Miao
Published: March 2017

The bi-layered inorganic/organic of AMO + CYTOP has superior water vapor transmission rate as 1.05 × 10−6 g m−2 day−1 at 60 °C and 100% R.H., and the encapsulated OLEDs device produces no black spots under harsh environment at 85 °C & 85% R.H. for 250 h.