bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of small heat shock proteins in exosomes from patients with gynecologic cancers
Authors: Wyciszkiewicz Aleksandra , Kalinowska-Łyszczarz Alicja , Nowakowski Błażej , Kaźmierczak Kamila , Osztynowicz Krystyna , Michalak Sławomir
Published: July 2019

Small Heat shock proteins (sHsp) are a group of chaperone proteins. Under conditions of stress, the expression of sHsp is increased. Therefore, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune-mediated disorders and cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze sHsp expression in exosomes from patients with gynecologic cancers and correlate these results with markers of cytotoxic immune response. The study group included patients with ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and patients with endometriosis. The levels of sHsps and cytotoxic markers were analyzed in serum, peritoneal fluid and exosomes using ELISA method. We found the highest levels of sHsp in exosomes from patients with ovarian cancer, but they were also elevated in patients with endometrial cancer and endometriosis. Moreover, we identified the presence of small Hsps in serum and peritoneal fluid in all study groups, but again the highest level was in patients with ovarian cancer. Small Hsps expression levels were positively correlated with markers of cytotoxic immune response.
In vitro and ex vivo evaluation of the biological performance of sclerosing foams
Authors: Bottaro Elisabetta , Paterson Jemma A. J. , Quercia Luciano , Zhang Xunli , Hill Martyn , Patel Venisha A. , Jones Stephen A. , Lewis Andrew L. , Millar Timothy M. , Carugo Dario
Published: July 2019

Since the first reports on foam sclerotherapy, multiple studies have been conducted to determine the physical properties and behavior of foams, but relatively little is known about their biological effects on the endothelial cells lining the vessel wall. Moreover, a systematic comparison of the biological performance of foams produced with different methods has not been carried out yet. Herein, a 2D in vitro method was developed to compare efficacy of commercially available polidocanol injectable foam (PEM, Varithena) and physician-compounded foams (PCFs). Endothelial cell attachment upon treatment with foam was quantified as an indicator of therapeutic efficacy, and was correlated with foam physical characteristics and administration conditions. An ex vivo method was also developed to establish the disruption and permeabilisation of the endothelium caused by sclerosing agents. It relied on the quantitation of extravasated bovine serum albumin conjugated to Evans Blue, as an indicator of endothelial permeability. In our series of comparisons, PEM presented a greater overall efficacy compared to PCFs, across the different biological models, which was attributed to its drainage dynamics and gas formulation. This is consistent with earlier studies that indicated superior physical cohesiveness of PEM compared to PCFs.
In vivo ultrasound-switchable fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yao Tingfeng , Yu Shuai , Liu Yang , Yuan Baohong
Published: July 2019

The conventional fluorescence imaging has limited spatial resolution in centimeter-deep tissue because of the tissue’s high scattering property. Ultrasound-switchable fluorescence (USF) imaging, a new imaging technique, was recently proposed to realize high-resolution fluorescence imaging in centimeter-deep tissue. However, in vivo USF imaging has not been achieved so far because of the lack of stable near-infrared contrast agents in a biological environment and the lack of data about their biodistributions. In this study, for the first time, we achieved in vivo USF imaging successfully in mice with high resolution. USF imaging in porcine heart tissue and mouse breast tumor via local injections were studied and demonstrated. In vivo and ex vivo USF imaging of the mouse spleen via intravenous injections was also successfully achieved. The results showed that the USF contrast agent adopted in this study was very stable in a biological environment, and it was mainly accumulated into the spleen of the mice. By comparing the results of CT imaging and the results of USF imaging, the accuracy of USF imaging was proved.
Seafloor hydrothermal activity along mid-ocean ridge with strong melt supply: study from segment 27, southwest Indian ridge
Authors: Yue Xihe , Li Huaiming , Ren Jianye , Tao Chunhui , Zhou Jianping , Wang Yuan , Lü Xiaoxia
Published: July 2019

Continuous tow investigations have shown that the present vent field inventory along fast to intermediate spreading ridges may be underestimated by at least 3–6 times, while the limited towed line investigations of venting sites along slow to ultra-slow spreading ridges make it impossible to determine their distribution. The Chinese Dayang cruise has conducted detailed towed line surveys of hydrothermal activity on segment 27 of the ultra-slow spreading southwest Indian ridge in 2015. The results have identified as many as 9 hydrothermal fields along 85-km-long segment, including one confirmed hydrothermal field, three inferred hydrothermal fields and five suspected fields. Hydrothermal activities are not only limited along-axis but also found approximately 10 km away from the axis. These vent fields are likely powered by a seismically identified axial magma chamber, including melt migration along normal faults to flank areas. The calculated hydrothermal activity frequency on segment 27 is approximately 3.6–8 times higher than that calculated from the Interridge database, suggesting that careful system exploration can reveal more hydrothermal activities even on ultra-slow spreading ridges effected by hotspot.
Polyvinylidene fluoride/sulfonated graphene oxide blend membrane coated with polypyrrole/platinum electrode for ionic polymer metal composite actuator applications
Authors: Inamuddin  , Abbas Kashmery Heba
Published: July 2019

A polyvinylidene fluoride, sulfonated graphene oxide composite membrane coated with polypyrrole (Ppy) and platinum metal (Pt) was fabricated. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis was done to analyze the functional groups present in the composite material. Deposition of PPy/Pt electrode and surface morphology of PVDF/SGO/Pt/PPy was confirmed by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images. The capacity of ion exchange and proton conductivity (PC) of PVDF/SGO/Pt/PPy were 1.4 meq g−1 of dry ion exchanger and 4.251 × 10−2 S cm−1, respectively. A two-link flexible manipulator based on the fabricated ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) membranes was also developed where the electromechanical behaviour of a polymer-based actuator provides an important step in robotics applications.
A Rationally Designed Humanized Antibody Selective for Amyloid Beta Oligomers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gibbs Ebrima , Silverman Judith M. , Zhao Beibei , Peng Xubiao , Wang Jing , Wellington Cheryl L. , Mackenzie Ian R. , Plotkin Steven S. , Kaplan Johanne M. , Cashman Neil R.
Published: July 2019

Advances in the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suggest that pathogenesis is not directly related to plaque burden, but rather to soluble toxic amyloid-beta oligomers (AßO). Therapeutic antibodies targeting Aß monomers and/or plaque have shown limited efficacy and dose-limiting adverse events in clinical trials. These findings suggest that antibodies capable of selectively neutralizing toxic AßO may achieve improved efficacy and safety. To this end, we generated monoclonal antibodies against a conformational Aß epitope predicted by computational modeling to be presented on toxic AßO but not monomers or fibrils. The resulting lead antibody, PMN310, showed the desired AßO-selective binding profile. In vitro, PMN310 inhibited AßO propagation and toxicity. In vivo, PMN310 prevented AßO-induced loss of memory formation and reduced synaptic loss and inflammation. A humanized version (huPMN310) compared favorably to other Aß-directed antibodies showing a lack of adverse event-associated binding to Aß deposits in AD brains, and greater selective binding to AßO-enriched AD brain fractions that contain synaptotoxic Aß species. Systemic administration of huPMN310 in mice resulted in brain exposure and kinetics comparable to those of other therapeutic human monoclonal antibodies. Greater selectivity for AßO and the potential to safely administer high doses of huPMN310 are expected to result in enhanced safety and therapeutic potency.
Geometric morphometrics for the study of facial expressions in non-human animals, using the domestic cat as an exemplar
Authors: Finka Lauren R. , Luna Stelio P. , Brondani Juliana T. , Tzimiropoulos Yorgos , McDonagh John , Farnworth Mark J. , Ruta Marcello , Mills Daniel S.
Published: July 2019

Facial expression is a common channel for the communication of emotion. However, in the case of non-human animals, the analytical methods used to quantify facial expressions can be subjective, relying heavily on extrapolation from human-based systems. Here, we demonstrate how geometric morphometrics can be applied in order to overcome these problems. We used this approach to identify and quantify changes in facial shape associated with pain in a non-human animal species. Our method accommodates individual variability, species-specific facial anatomy, and postural effects. Facial images were captured at four different time points during ovariohysterectomy of domestic short haired cats (n = 29), with time points corresponding to varying intensities of pain. Images were annotated using landmarks specifically chosen for their relationship with underlying musculature, and relevance to cat-specific facial action units. Landmark data were subjected to normalisation before Principal Components (PCs) were extracted to identify key sources of facial shape variation, relative to pain intensity. A significant relationship between PC scores and a well-validated composite measure of post-operative pain in cats (UNESP-Botucatu MCPS tool) was evident, demonstrating good convergent validity between our geometric face model, and other metrics of pain detection. This study lays the foundation for the automatic, objective detection of emotional expressions in a range of non-human animal species.
Recovery of haemal lordosis in Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)
Authors: Fragkoulis Stefanos , Printzi Alice , Geladakis George , Katribouzas Nikos , Koumoundouros George
Published: July 2019

Haemal lordosis is a frequent abnormality of the vertebral column. It has been recorded to develop in different finfish species, during the hatchery rearing phase. Under certain conditions, this abnormality reaches a high prevalence and severity degree, with significant effects on the external morphology of the fish. We show that haemal lordosis recovers during the on-growing of Gilthead seabream in sea cages. At the end of the hatchery phase, 1700 seabream juveniles were tagged electronically and examined for the presence of haemal lordosis. Subsequently, their morphology was examined periodically up to the end of the on-growing period. We found that the prevalence of fish with a lordotic external morphology decreased during the studied period by approximately 50%. Interestingly, 27% of the recovered fish presented a completely normal vertebral column. Geometric morphometric analysis showed no significant differences in the body shape between the fish with a recovered normal phenotype and the fish that were normal since the beginning of the on-growing period. Our results provide the first evidence for the recovery of lordosis during the growth of fish. A mechanism with multiple levels of remodeling of abnormal bones is suggested.
Investigations on the adhesion of new composites for restoring cervical lesions using energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Roman Alexandra , Stratul Stefan Ioan , Rusu Darian , Boariu Marius , Soanca Andrada , Balazsi Robert , Suciu Maria , Moldovan Mărioara , Bulboacă Adriana Elena
Published: July 2019

Restoration of noncarious cervical lesions with resin composites is one of the treatment options, but the retention of the restorations located at the crown-root junction is still a cause of clinical concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesive properties of three experimental resin composites and two commercial materials used to restore cavities prepared on extracted teeth as well as to determine the relative elemental composition of these materials. We tested the null hypothesis, which considered that the adhesive behaviours of different resin composites did not differ. The microleakage test using tracers showed that all tested materials exhibited some degree of dentinal microleakage, although they all had good dentinal adhesion. The results failed to reject the null hypothesis. The scanning electron microscopy revealed completely adapted adhesive interfaces underneath the restorations along with well-developed hybrid layers depending on the adhesive system. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis analyses showed that the restorative materials have similar chemical compositions, with some differences between the samples from the same material. The results support the implementation of experimental resins in clinical settings.
Neural responses to action contingency error in different cortical areas are attributable to forward prediction or sensory processing
Authors: Kikuchi Tatsuo , Sugiura Motoaki , Yamamoto Yuki , Sasaki Yukako , Hanawa Sugiko , Sakuma Atsushi , Matsumoto Kazunori , Matsuoka Hiroo , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: July 2019

The contingency of sensory feedback to one’s actions is essential for the sense of agency, and experimental violation of this contingency is a standard paradigm in the neuroscience of self-awareness and schizophrenia. However, neural responses to this violation have arbitrarily been interpreted either as activation of the system generating forward prediction (agency-error account) or decreased suppression of processing of predictable input (prediction-error account). In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, the regions responsive to auditory contingency errors were examined if they exhibited responses to an isolated auditory stimulus and to passive-contingency delay, which the prediction-error account expects. These responses were observed only in the auditory association cortex in the right superior temporal gyrus. Several multimodal and motor-association cortices did not exhibit these responses, suggesting their relevance to the agency-error account. Thus, we formulated the coexistence and dissociation of two accounts in neural contingency-error responses.
Multiple Pleomorphic Tetramers of Thermostable Direct Hemolysin from Grimontia hollisae in Exerting Hemolysis and Membrane Binding
Authors: Wang Yu-Kuo , Huang Sheng-Cih , Chang Chin-Yuan , Huang Wan-Ting , Liao Man-Jun , Yip Bak-Sau , Chou Feng-Pai , Li Thomas Tien-Hsiung , Wu Tung-Kung
Published: July 2019

Oligomerization of protein into specific quaternary structures plays important biological functions, including regulation of gene expression, enzymes activity, and cell–cell interactions. Here, we report the determination of two crystal structures of the Grimontia hollisae (formally described as Vibrio hollisae) thermostable direct hemolysin (Gh–TDH), a pore-forming toxin. The toxin crystalized in the same space group of P21212, but with two different crystal packing patterns, each revealing three consistent tetrameric oligomerization forms called Oligomer–I, –II, and –III. A central pore with comparable depth of ~50 Å but differing in shape and size was observed in all determined toxin tetrameric oligomers. A common motif of a toxin dimer was found in all determined structures, suggesting a plausible minimum functional unit within the tetrameric structure in cell membrane binding and possible hemolytic activity. Our results show that bacterial toxins may form a single or highly symmetric oligomerization state when exerting their biological functions. The dynamic nature of multiple symmetric oligomers formed upon release of the toxin may open a niche for bacteria survival in harsh living environments.
Monitoring of system conditioning after blank injections in untargeted UPLC-MS metabolomic analysis
Authors: Martínez-Sena Teresa , Luongo Giovanna , Sanjuan-Herráez Daniel , Castell José V. , Vento Máximo , Quintás Guillermo , Kuligowski Julia
Published: July 2019

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) is widely used for untargeted metabolomics in biomedical research. To optimize the quality and precision of UPLC-MS metabolomic analysis, evaluation of blank samples for the elimination of background features is required. Although blanks are usually run either at the beginning or at the end of a sequence of samples, a systematic analysis of their effect of the instrument performance has not been properly documented. Using the analysis of two common bio-fluids (plasma and urine), we describe how the injection of blank samples within a sequence of samples may affect both the chromatographic and MS detection performance depending on several factors, including the sample matrix and the physicochemical properties of the metabolites of interest. The analysis of blanks and post-blank conditioning samples using t-tests, PCA and guided-PCA provides useful information for the elimination of background UPLC-MS features, the identification of column carry over and the selection of the number of samples required to achieve a stable performance.
Community analysis of gut microbiota in hornets, the largest eusocial wasps, Vespa mandarinia and V. simillima
Authors: Suenami Shota , Konishi Nobu Masaru , Miyazaki Ryo
Published: July 2019

Gut microbiota are important for various aspects of host physiology, and its composition is generally influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic contexts of the host. Social bee gut microbiota composition is simple and highly stable hypothesized to be due to their unique food habit and social interactions. Here, we focused on hornets, the largest of the eusocial wasps – Vespa mandarinia and V. simillima. Unlike the well-studied honey bees, adult hornets are generally herbivorous but also hunt insects for broods, a unique behavior which could influence their gut microbiota. Analysis of the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the two species have simple gut microbiota, composed of seven or eight consistently maintained ‘core’ operational taxonomic units (OTUs). While the two Vespa species shared some OTUs, the structures of their gut communities differed. Phylogenetic analysis indicated association of core OTUs with host diet. Intriguingly, prey honey bee gut microbes were detected in the V. simillima gut (and to a lesser extent in V. mandarinia), suggesting migration of microorganisms from the prey gut. This is the first report uncovering gut microbiome in hornets, giving additional insight into how food habit affects gut microbiota of social insects.
Association between Copy Number Variation and Response to Social Skills Training in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tammimies Kristiina , Li Danyang , Rabkina Ielyzaveta , Stamouli Sofia , Becker Martin , Nicolaou Veronika , Berggren Steve , Coco Christina , Falkmer Torbjörn , Jonsson Ulf , Choque-Olsson Nora , Bölte Sven
Published: July 2019

Challenges in social communication and interaction are core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for which social skills group training (SSGT) is a commonly used intervention. SSGT has shown modest and heterogeneous effects. One of the major genetic risk factors in ASD is rare copy number variation (CNV). However, limited information exists whether CNV profiles could be used to aid intervention decisions. Here, we analyzed the rare genic CNV carrier status for 207 children, of which 105 received SSGT and 102 standard care as part of a randomized clinical trial for SSGT. We found that being a carrier of rare genic CNV did not have an impact on the SSGT outcome measured by the parent-report Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). However, when stratifying by pathogenicity and size of the CNVs, we identified that carriers of clinically significant and large genic CNVs (>500 kb) showed inferior SRS outcomes at post-intervention (P = 0.047 and P = 0.036, respectively) and follow-up (P = 0.008 and P = 0.072, respectively) when adjusting for standard care effects. Our study provides preliminary evidence that carriers of clinically significant and large genic CNVs might not benefit as much from SSGT as non-carriers. Our results indicate that genetic information might help guide the modifications of interventions in ASD.
Evaluation of an Electro-Pneumatic Device for Artificial Capillary Pulse Generation used in a Prospective Study in Animals for Surgical Neck Wound Healing
Authors: Foltyn J. , Proto A. , Oczka D. , Halfar R. , Klinkovsky T. , Skoloudik L. , Cerny M. , Chrobok V. , Ryska A. , Radochova V. , Litschmannova M. , Penhaker M. , Mejzlik J.
Published: July 2019

The paper examines the development and testing of an electro-pneumatic device for wound healing therapy after surgery in the neck area. The device generates air pressure values in a miniaturized cuff using electronic circuitry to drive an electro-valve and air compressor. The device works in two distinct modes: continuous pressure mode and pulsating pressure mode. The pressure value setting can vary from 3 to 11 mmHg, and the pulsating pressure mode’s operating frequency range is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 Hz. Laboratory measurements were conducted to evaluate the device’s correct functioning in both continuous and pulsating pressure modes. A four-day prospective study with animals (n = 10) was also conducted to evaluate neck wound healing therapy using the electro-pneumatic device. Out of the twelve histological parameters analysed to reveal the differences between the experimental and control wounds, only one demonstrated a significant difference. Out of the ten animals treated with the device, three showed a significant difference in terms of benefit after therapy. We can therefore conclude that the device potentially improves the wound healing process in the neck area if the pre-set air pressure value does not exceed 8 mmHg.
Contribution of New Adenomatous Polyposis Predisposition Genes in an Unexplained Attenuated Spanish Cohort by Multigene Panel Testing
Authors: Lorca Víctor , Rueda Daniel , Martín-Morales Lorena , Fernández-Aceñero María Jesús , Grolleman Judith , Poves Carmen , Llovet Patricia , Tapial Sandra , García-Barberán Vanesa , Sanz Julián , Pérez-Segura Pedro , de Voer Richarda M. , Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , de la Hoya Miguel , Caldés Trinidad , Garre Pilar
Published: July 2019

Attenuated adenomatous polyposis (AAP) is a heterogeneous syndrome in terms of clinical manifestations, heritability and etiology of the disease. Genetic heterogeneity and low penetrance alleles are probably the best explanation for this variability. Certainly, it is known that APC and MUTYH are high penetrance predisposition genes for adenomatous polyposis, but they only account for 5–10% of AAP. Other new predisposition genes, such as POLE, POLD1, NTHL1, AXIN2 or MSH3, have been recently described and have been associated with AAP, but their relative contribution is still not well defined. In order to evaluate the genetic predisposition to AAP in a hospital based population, germline DNAs from 158 AAP subjects were screened for genetic variants in the coding regions and intron-exon boundaries of seven associated genes through a next-generation sequencing (NGS) custom gene panel. Splicing, segregation studies, somatic mutational screening and RNA quantitative expression assays were conducted for selected variants. In four of the probands the adenoma susceptibility could be explained by actionable mutations in APC or MUTYH, and one other patient was a double carrier of two truncating variants in both POLE and NTHL1. Furthermore, 16 additional patients harbored uncertain significance variants in the remaining tested genes. This report gives information about the contribution of the newly described adenomatous polyposis predisposition genes in a Spanish attenuated polyposis cohort. Our results highly support the convenience of NGS multigene panels for attenuated polyposis genetic screening and reveals POLE frameshift variants as a plausible susceptibility mechanism for AAP.
Forest understories controlled the soil organic carbon stock during the fallow period in African tropical forest: a 13C analysis
Authors: Sugihara Soh , Shibata Makoto , Mvondo Ze Antoine D. , Tanaka Haruo , Kosaki Takashi , Funakawa Shinya
Published: July 2019

Soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics after slash-burn agriculture are poorly understood in African tropical forest, though recent studies have revealed C4 grass invasion as a forest understory influences SOC dynamics after deforestation. This study aimed to quantify the relative SOC contribution of C4 and C3 plants separately through the sequential fallow periods of forest (cropland, or 4–7, 20–30, or >50 years of fallow forest) in the tropical forest of eastern Cameroon. We evaluated the SOC stock and natural 13C abundance for each layer. The SOC stock was largest in 4–7 years fallow forest (136.6 ± 8.8 Mg C ha−1; 100 cm depth, and C4:C3 = 58:42), and decreased with increasing fallow period. SOC from C4 plants was larger in the 4–7 and 20–30 years fallow forests (57.2–60.4 ± 5.8 Mg C ha−1; 100 cm depth), while it clearly decreased in >50 years fallow forest (35.0 ± 4.1 Mg C ha−1; 100 cm depth), resulting in the smallest SOC in this mature forest (106.4 ± 12.9 Mg C ha−1; 100 cm depth). These findings indicate that C4 grass understories contributed to the SOC restoration during early fallow succession in the tropical forest of eastern Cameroon.
New insights into solvent-induced structural changes of 13C labelled metal–organic frameworks by solid state NMR
Authors: Rauche Marcus , Ehrling Sebastian , Krause Simon , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Brunner Eike
Published: July 2019

The proposed 13C isotope-labelling scheme enables the in-depth analysis of site-specific host–guest interactions and adsorption complexes formed in MOFs.
Core–shell structures with metallic silver as nucleation agent of low expansion phases in BaO/SrO/ZnO/SiO2 glasses
Authors: Thieme Christian , Kracker Michael , Thieme Katrin , Patzig Christian , Höche Thomas , Rüssel Christian
Published: July 2019

The role of silver as a nucleating agent in BaO/SrO/ZnO/SiO2 glasses is studied with a range of microstructure-characterization techniques, such as scanning transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
Scanning probe microscopy for real-space observations of local chemical reactions induced by a localized surface plasmon
Authors: Kazuma Emiko , Kim Yousoo
Published: July 2019

Scanning probe microscopy techniques providing mechanistic insights into chemical reactions induced by localized surface plasmon on the basis of real-space observations.
Dissociative ionization dynamics of dielectric gas C3F7CN
Authors: Ranković M. , Chalabala J. , Zawadzki M. , Kočišek J. , Slavíček P. , Fedor J.
Published: July 2019

Fluoronitrile C3F7CN is a promising candidate for the replacement of SF6 dielectric gas in high-voltage insulation.
Surface reconstructions and premelting of the (100) CaF2surface
Authors: Faraji Somayeh , Ghasemi S. Alireza , Parsaeifard Behnam , Goedecker Stefan
Published: July 2019

The (100) surface of CaF2exhibits a large number of nearly degenerate surface reconstructions as well as superionicity.
Electron transfer reactions in sub-porphyrin–naphthyldiimide dyads
Authors: Küçüköz Betül , Adinarayana B. , Osuka Atsuhiro , Albinsson Bo
Published: July 2019

A series of donor–acceptor compounds based on a sub-porphyrin (SubP) as an electron donor and naphthyldiimide (NDI) as an acceptor has been designed, synthesized and investigated by time-resolved emission and transient absorption measurements.
Coupling non-thermal plasma with Ni catalysts supported on BETA zeolite for catalytic CO2 methanation
Authors: Chen Huanhao , Mu Yibing , Shao Yan , Chansai Sarayute , Xu Shaojun , Stere Cristina E. , Xiang Huan , Zhang Rongxin , Jiao Yilai , Hardacre Christopher , Fan Xiaolei
Published: July 2019

Non-thermal plasma activation promotes CO2 conversion over Ni catalysts supported on BETA zeolite via multiple reaction mechanisms.
Drastic change in selectivity caused by addition of oxygen to the hydrogen stream for the hydrogenation of nitrite in water over a supported platinum catalyst
Authors: Hirayama Jun , Yasuda Kei-ichiro , Misu Sayaka , Otomo Ryoichi , Kamiya Yuichi
Published: July 2019

Product drastically changed from NH3 to N2 when O2 was added to the H2 stream for the hydrogenation of NO2− with H2 in water over Pt/Al2O3.
31P NMR study of the activated radioprotection mechanism of octylphenyl-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) and analogues
Authors: Horne Gregory P. , Kiddle James J. , Zarzana Christopher A. , Rae Cathy , Peller Julie R. , Cook Andrew R. , Mezyk Stephen P. , Mincher Bruce J.
Published: July 2019

Complexation of nitric acid by ligands containing conjugated aromatic phosphine oxide functionalities affords activated radioprotection through quenching n-dodecane excited states originating from gamma radiolysis.
Facile synthesis of 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles by reacting a ruthenium acetylide complex with trimethylsilyl azide
Authors: Chang Chao-Wan , Cheng Ming-Chuan , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Peng Shie-Ming
Published: July 2019

Synthesis of a series of 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles by reacting a ruthenium acetylide complex with TMSN3 and the alkylation of thus formed tetrazolates.
Stabilization of a monolayer tellurene phase at CdTe interfaces
Authors: Paulauskas Tadas , Sen Fatih G. , Sun Ce , Longo Paolo , Zhang Yuan , Hla Saw Wai , Chan Maria K. Y. , Kim Moon J. , Klie Robert F.
Published: July 2019

A monolayer tellurene phase is created between two CdTe crystalsviawafer bonding.
A two-dimensional assembly of ultrafine cobalt oxide nanocrystallites anchored on single-layer Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with enhanced lithium storage for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Sun Xuan , Tan Ke , Liu Yang , Zhang Jinyang , Denis Dienguila Kionga , Zaman Fakhr uz , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: July 2019

A two-dimensional assembly of ultrafine Co3O4 nanocrystallites anchored on single-layer Ti3C2Tx nanosheets was smartly synthesized, and it exhibited superior lithium storage properties as competitive anodes for Li-ion batteries.
Highly fluorescent Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots for macrophage labeling and Cu2+ ion sensing
Authors: Guan Qingwen , Ma Junfei , Yang Wenjing , Zhang Rui , Zhang Xiaojie , Dong Xiaoxiao , Fan Yuting , Cai Lulu , Cao Yi , Zhang Yilin , Li Neng , Xu Quan
Published: July 2019

Quantum dots, derived from two-dimensional (2D) materials, have shown promise in bioimaging, sensing and photothermal applications, and in white light emitting devices (WLEDs).
Direct synthesis of highly functionalized furans from donor–acceptor cyclopropanes via DBU-mediated ring expansion reactions
Authors: Su Zhenjie , Xie Zengyang , Wang Shan , Luo Naili , Wang Cunde
Published: July 2019

Multisubstituted furan derivatives were synthesized effectively using the DBU-mediated, unprecedented formal ring expansion reactions of 2-acyl-3-arylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarbonitriles.
A highly efficient Baby Spinach-based minimal modified sensor (BSMS) for nucleic acid analysis
Authors: Soni Rashi , Sharma Deepti , Krishna A. Murali , Sathiri Jagadeesh , Sharma Ashwani
Published: July 2019

A Baby Spinach aptamer based minimal-modified sensor (BSMS) detects nucleic acids of potentially any length with high selectivity and specificity, and shows 2.5-fold more fluorescence enhancement compared to the parent aptamer.
Rate-based approach for controlling the mechanical properties of ‘thiol–ene’ hydrogels formed with visible light
Authors: Wiley Katherine L. , Ovadia Elisa M. , Calo Christopher J. , Huber Rebecca E. , Kloxin April M.
Published: July 2019

Visible light was used as a tool to control hydrogel mechanical properties via defect formation, and subsequently dangling end defects generated with this approach were reacted for temporal stiffening.
Electrochemical oxidation induced selective tyrosine bioconjugation for the modification of biomolecules
Authors: Song Chunlan , Liu Kun , Wang Zhongjie , Ding Bo , Wang Shengchun , Weng Yue , Chiang Chien-Wei , Lei Aiwen
Published: July 2019

This electrochemical bioconjugation reaction provides an efficient modification of biomolecules with high chemo- and site-selectivity under mild conditions.
Nanoscale electrostatic gating of molecular transport through nuclear pore complexes as probed by scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Pathirathna Pavithra , Balla Ryan J. , Meng Guanqun , Wei Zemeng , Amemiya Shigeru
Published: July 2019

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) uses positive residues of amino acids to electrostatically regulate molecular transport through the peripheral route.
Anthracene-based mechanophores for compression-activated fluorescence in polymeric networks
Authors: Kabb Christopher P. , O'Bryan Christopher S. , Morley Cameron D. , Angelini Thomas E. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: July 2019

The recent attention given to functionalities that respond to mechanical force has led to a deeper understanding of force transduction and mechanical wear in polymeric materials.
Visible-light-mediated deuteration of silanes with deuterium oxide
Authors: Zhou Rong , Li Jiesheng , Cheo Han Wen , Chua Rachel , Zhan Gu , Hou Zhaomin , Wu Jie
Published: July 2019

An unprecedented visible-light-mediated metal-free deuteration of hydrosilanes using D2O as a deuterium source was developed.
The effect of the liquid layer thickness on the dissolution of immersed surface droplets
Authors: Xie Qingguang , Harting Jens
Published: July 2019

We investigate, both numerically and theoretically, the effect of the thickness of the surrounding liquid layer on the lifetime of dissolving surface droplets.
Expression of RRBP1 in epithelial ovarian cancer and its clinical significance
Authors: Ma Jing , Ren Sujing , Ding Jing , Liu Shuang , Zhu Jiaqi , Ma Rong , Meng Fanling
Published: July 2019

Hematopoietic pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor (PBX)-interacting protein (RRBP1) has been shown to participate in various aspects of malignancies. The clinical significance of RRBP1 and its involvement in the epithelial ovarian cancer have yet to be studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of RRBP1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its relationship with clinical characteristics and prognosis. We evaluated the mRNA and protein expression levels of RRBP1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (n=45). Immunohistochemistry and data analysis were used to examine the relationship between the expression level of RRBP1 and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. RRBP1 was highly expressed in EOC (P<0.001). The specimens were obtained from 108 patients undergoing surgery to treat epithelial ovarian cancer. RRBP1 expression was obviously related to Federation International of Gynecologie and Obstetrigue (FIGO) stage (P<0.001), histological grade (P=0.021), histological type (P=0.004), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.012) but was not related to patient age (P=0.385) or preoperative carbohydrate antigen125 (CA125) level (P=0.238). Univariate analysis showed that the prognosis of the epithelial ovarian cancer patients was related to the age of the patients, the FIGO stage, and the expression level of RRBP1 (P<0.05). Patients with higher RRBP1 expression had significantly worse overall survival (OS) (P=0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.001). Multivariate survival analysis proved that RRBP1 was an independent predictor of OS (P=0.003) and DFS (P<0.001). RRBP1 plays an important role in predicting the prognosis of EOC. These results show that RRBP1 is a potential target for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.
Soluble ST2 promotes oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiac fibroblasts: an in vitro and in vivo study in aortic stenosis
Authors: Matilla Lara , Ibarrola Jaime , Arrieta Vanessa , Garcia-Peña Amaia , Martinez-Martinez Ernesto , Sádaba Rafael , Alvarez Virginia , Navarro Adela , Fernández-Celis Amaya , Gainza Alicia , Santamaría Enrique , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Rossignol Patrick , López-Andrés Natalia
Published: July 2019

Background: Soluble ST2 (interleukin 1 receptor-like 1) (sST2) is involved in inflammatory diseases and increased in heart failure (HF). We herein investigated sST2 effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in human cardiac fibroblasts and its pathological role in human aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results: Using proteomics and immunodetection approaches, we have identified that sST2 down-regulated mitofusin-1 (MFN-1), a protein involved in mitochondrial fusion, in human cardiac fibroblasts. In parallel, sST2 increased nitrotyrosine, protein oxidation and peroxide production. Moreover, sST2 enhanced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL-2). Pharmacological inhibition of transcriptional factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB) restored MFN-1 levels and improved oxidative status and inflammation in cardiac fibroblasts. Mito-Tempo, a mitochondria-specific superoxide scavenger, as well as Resveratrol, a general antioxidant, attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation induced by sST2. In myocardial biopsies from 26 AS patients, sST2 up-regulation paralleled a decrease in MFN-1. Cardiac sST2 inversely correlated with MFN-1 levels and positively associated with IL-6 and CCL-2 in myocardial biopsies from AS patients.

Conclusions: sST2 affected mitochondrial fusion in human cardiac fibroblasts, increasing oxidative stress production and inflammatory markers secretion. The blockade of NFκB or mitochondrial reactive oxygen species restored MFN-1 expression, improving oxidative stress status and reducing inflammatory markers secretion. In human AS, cardiac sST2 levels associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study reveals a new pathogenic pathway by which sST2 promotes oxidative stress and inflammation contributing to cardiac damage.
Network modeling of single-cell omics data: challenges, opportunities, and progresses
Authors: Blencowe Montgomery , Arneson Douglas , Ding Jessica , Chen Yen-Wei , Saleem Zara , Yang Xia
Published: July 2019

Single-cell multi-omics technologies are rapidly evolving, prompting both methodological advances and biological discoveries at an unprecedented speed. Gene regulatory network modeling has been used as a powerful approach to elucidate the complex molecular interactions underlying biological processes and systems, yet its application in single-cell omics data modeling has been met with unique challenges and opportunities. In this review, we discuss these challenges and opportunities, and offer an overview of the recent development of network modeling approaches designed to capture dynamic networks, within-cell networks, and cell–cell interaction or communication networks. Finally, we outline the remaining gaps in single-cell gene network modeling and the outlooks of the field moving forward.
Synthesis of 2-[(5-Amino-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)sulfanyl]acetic Acid Esters: One-Pot Assembly from Propargyl Amines, Isothiocyanates, and Alkyl­ 2-Bromoacetates
Authors: Tarasova Olga A. , Nedolya Nina A. , Albanov Alexander I. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: July 2019

2-[(5-Amino-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)sulfanyl]acetic acid esters have been synthesized in up to 77% yield by the one-pot reaction of lithiated propargylamines with isothiocyanates followed by sequential treatment with t-BuOK–DMSO and alkyl 2-bromoacetates. The process occurs through the initial formation of the thiophene core, followed by its recyclization into the pyrrole nucleus at a higher temperature (ca. 45–60 °C).
Technical Obstacles for Low-Volume Surgeons in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Harato Kengo , Kobayashi Shu , Toyoda Takashi , Hasegawa Takayuki , Tsukimura Yasunori , Niki Yasuo
Published: July 2019

A longer surgical time will lead to postoperative complications in orthopaedic surgery. According to previous reports, surgeon volume affects a surgical time in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, little attention has been paid to difference of a surgical time between high- and low-volume surgeons in ACL reconstruction. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the surgical time for both high- and low-volume surgeons and to clarify technical obstacles as well as the important technique to reduce the surgical time in ACL reconstruction. A total of 103 knees in 103 patients with ACL tear were enrolled. All the procedures were performed by 13 different surgeons. The surgeons were divided into two surgeon groups (high- and low-volume groups) based on the number of annual cases. The operative technique was divided into the same five steps to perform comparisons of step-by-step surgical time between the surgeon groups of different volumes. The statistical comparison was done between high- and low-volume groups in terms of surgical time in each step. Total operation times were 87.8 ± 17.6 and 129.9 ± 42.9 minutes in high- and low-volume group, respectively. Low-volume surgeons took much time in tendon harvesting and bone tunnel creation using arthroscopy. Low-volume surgeons took more time for primary ACL reconstruction, especially in tendon harvesting, compared with high-volume surgeons. Tendon harvesting was extremely important, as well as bone tunnel creation, for low-volume surgeons to reduce surgical time in primary ACL reconstruction.
Preoperative Estimated Width of the Patellar Tendon for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Gupta Sunny , Bartolozzi Arthur R. , Miller Lawrence , Morgan Craig , Anyangwe Victor , Cavinatto Leonardo
Published: July 2019

This study aims to compare the actual patellar tendon width with the skin and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements and to describe a more accurate method to predict the actual patellar tendon width before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).Thirty-nine patients undergoing primary ACLR were identified. Patients with patellar tendon width of less than 30 mm by skin or MRI measurements were excluded from the study. The actual patellar tendon width was measured as an intraoperative reading taken after surgical exposure. Mean difference between the skin and actual measurement and mean difference between the MRI and actual measurement was calculated. Paired t-test was run to determine any significant differences. A difference was also calculated between the actual measurement and the average sum of skin and MRI measurements for each patient. Skin thickness was compared to Δ (Δ = preincision skin measurement of patellar tendon width minus postincision actual measurement) by Spearman's correlation test. Mean difference between skin and actual measurements was 2.5 mm, with p = 0.001. Mean difference between MRI and actual measurement was −2.7 mm with p = 0.001. However, the mean difference between the actual and the average sum of skin and MRI measurements was 0.13 mm with p = 0.76. The Pearson's correlation coefficient, r
s, between average sum of skin and MRI measurements and the actual measurement was 0.6 with p = 0.001. There was no correlation found between the skin thickness and Δ∙. This study indicates that there is a significant difference between the actual patellar tendon width and the measurement of the tendon taken using a ruler on the skin or using MRI image software. However, the average sum of skin and MRI measurements, which is not significantly different from the actual width, can accurately predict the actual patellar tendon width before ACLR. The study reflects level IV evidence.
Polynomial tau-functions of BKP and DKP hierarchies
Authors: Kac Victor , van de Leur Johan
Published: July 2019

We construct all polynomial tau-functions of the BKP, DKP, and MDKP hierarches.
DFT+U in Dudarev’s formulation with corrected interactions between the electrons with opposite spins: The form of Hamiltonian, calculation of forces, and bandgap adjustments
Authors: Shishkin M. , Sato H.
Published: July 2019

Hubbard corrected density functional theory (DFT) methods, such as the DFT+U approach in Dudarev’s approximation, are widely used for the description of energetics and electronic structure of strongly correlated materials, providing higher level of accuracy than local DFT calculations (e.g., local density approximation or generalized gradient approximation). However, the DFT+U method in Dudarev’s formulation limits the introduced corrections to interactions between the electrons within the same spin channel, whereas interactions between the electrons with opposite spins are still treated using local DFT functional (e.g., Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof). In recent years, the need for correction of these interactions between the electrons with opposite spins has been recognized and additional terms have been added to the Hubbard term to reflect it. Although such extended DFT+U functionals have been proposed, the form of respective Hamiltonian operator, defined as a total energy derivative over density with appropriate treatment of double counting corrections due to additional Hubbard terms, has not been explicitly presented. In this work, we provide an expression for such a type of Hamiltonian, which contains the respective double counting correction contributions. This formulation also allows evaluation of atomic forces, using computational settings discussed herein. In addition, we also introduce adjustments for too narrow theoretical bandgaps, using scissor operator technique. This allows for a greater level of corrections of energetics and magnetic properties of studied transition metal compounds, avoiding possible unphysical overlap between occupied and unoccupied electronic bands.
The interplay between drift and electrical measurement in conduction atomic force microscopy
Authors: Ranjan A. , Pey K. L. , O’Shea S. J.
Published: July 2019

In Conduction Atomic Force Microscopy (CAFM), it is sometimes required to monitor electrical data at a single location over an extended period of time. However, thermal drift of the microscope will cause the tip to move with respect to the sample and thus limit the collection of data. We investigate a method to prolong the time a tip dwells at a location by choosing the AFM cantilever to have small spring constants in the lateral directions. The basis of the approach is that the tip can only move (or slip) once the lateral forces caused by drift overcome the friction force pinning the tip to the surface. We demonstrate the effect experimentally using platinum wire tips and diamond coated tips on SiO2 and HfO2 dielectric films. Simultaneous measurement of the current flow and lateral force signals show that the onset of tip slipping correlates with the beginning of a decrease in the measured current flow, and the onset of slip is prolonged for blunt tips or cantilevers having soft lateral spring constants. The approach not only provides a way to improve the CAFM method for time dependent measurements but also assists in interpreting CAFM data in the presence of drift.