bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, characterization and dissolution behavior of calcium-aluminoborate glass wasteforms to immobilize rare-earth oxides
Authors: Kim Miae , Corkhill Claire L. , Hyatt Neil C. , Heo Jong
Published: March 2018

Calcium-aluminoborate (CAB) glasses were developed to sequester new waste compositions made of several rare-earth oxides generated from the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Several important wasteform properties such as waste loading, processability and chemical durability were evaluated. The maximum waste loading of the CAB compositions was determined to be ~56.8 wt%. Viscosity and the electrical conductivity of the CAB melt at 1300 °C were 7.817 Pa·s and 0.4603 S/cm, respectively, which satisfies the conditions for commercial cold-crucible induction melting (CCIM) process. Addition of rare-earth oxides to CAB glasses resulted in dramatic decreases in the elemental releases of B and Ca in aqueous dissolution experiments. Normalized elemental releases from product consistency standard chemical durability test were <3.62·10−5 g·m−2 for Nd, 0.009 g·m−2 for Al, 0.067 g·m−2 for B and 0.073 g·m−2 for Ca (at 90, after 7 days, for SA/V = 2000m−1); all meet European and US regulation limits. After 20 d of dissolution, a hydrated alteration layer of ~ 200-nm-thick, Ca-depleted and Nd-rich, was formed at the surface of CAB glasses with 20 mol% Nd2O3 whereas boehmite [AlO(OH)] secondary crystalline phases were formed in pure CAB glass that contained no Nd2O3.
Identification and DNA annotation of a plasmid isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum
Authors: Lima Daniel C. , Nyberg Lena K. , Westerlund Fredrik , Batistuzzo de Medeiros Silvia R.
Published: March 2018

Chromobacterium violaceumis a ß-proteobacterium found widely worldwide with important biotechnological properties and is associated to lethal sepsis in immune-depressed individuals. In this work, we report the discover, complete sequence and annotation of a plasmid detected inC. violaceumthat has been unnoticed until now. We used DNA single-molecule analysis to confirm that the episome found was a circular molecule and then proceeded with NGS sequencing. After DNA annotation, we found that this extra-chromosomal DNA is probably a defective bacteriophage of approximately 44 kilobases, with 39 ORFs comprising, mostly hypothetical proteins. We also found DNA sequences that ensure proper plasmid replication and partitioning as well as a toxin addiction system. This report sheds light on the biology of this important species, helping us to understand the mechanisms by whichC. violaceumendures to several harsh conditions. This discovery could also be a first step in the development of a DNA manipulation tool in this bacterium.
Local oceanographic variability influences the performance of juvenile abalone under climate change
Authors: Boch C. A. , Micheli F. , AlNajjar M. , Monismith S. G. , Beers J. M. , Bonilla J. C. , Espinoza A. M. , Vazquez-Vera L. , Woodson C. B.
Published: March 2018

Climate change is causing warming, deoxygenation, and acidification of the global ocean. However, manifestation of climate change may vary at local scales due to oceanographic conditions. Variation in stressors, such as high temperature and low oxygen, at local scales may lead to variable biological responses and spatial refuges from climate impacts. We conducted outplant experiments at two locations separated by ~2.5 km and two sites at each location separated by ~200 m in the nearshore of Isla Natividad, Mexico to assess how local ocean conditions (warming and hypoxia) may affect juvenile abalone performance. Here, we show that abalone growth and mortality mapped to variability in stress exposure across sites and locations. These insights indicate that management decisions aimed at maintaining and recovering valuable marine species in the face of climate change need to be informed by local variability in environmental conditions.
The seasonal occupancy and diel behaviour of Antarctic sperm whales revealed by acoustic monitoring
Authors: Miller Brian S. , Miller Elanor J.
Published: March 2018

The seasonal occupancy and diel behaviour of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) was investigated using data from long-term acoustic recorders deployed off east Antarctica. An automated method for investigating acoustic presence of sperm whales was developed, characterised, and applied to multi-year acoustic datasets at three locations. Instead of focusing on the acoustic properties of detected clicks, the method relied solely on the inter-click-interval (ICI) for determining presence within an hour-long recording. Parameters for our classifier were informed by knowledge of typical vocal behaviour of sperm whales. Sperm whales were detected predominantly from Dec-Feb, occasionally in Nov, Mar, Apr, and May, but never in the Austral winter or early spring months. Ice cover was found to have a statistically significant negative effect on sperm whale presence. In ice-free months sperm whales were detected more often during daylight hours and were seldom detected at night, and this effect was also statistically significant. Seasonal presence at the three east Antarctic recording sites were in accord with what has been inferred from 20th century whale catches off western Antarctica and from stomach contents of whales caught off South Africa.
A behavioral approach to shared mapping of peripersonal space between oneself and others
Authors: Teramoto Wataru
Published: March 2018

Recent physiological studies have showed that some visuotactile brain areas respond to other’s peripersonal spaces (PPS) as they would their own. This study investigates this PPS remapping phenomenon in terms of human behavior. Participants placed their left hands on a tabletop screen where visual stimuli were projected. A vibrotactile stimulator was attached to the tip of their index finger. While a white disk approached or receded from the hand in the participant’s near or far space, the participant was instructed to quickly detect a target (vibrotactile stimulation, change in the moving disk’s color or both). When performing this task alone, the participants exhibited shorter detection times when the disk approached the hand in their near space. In contrast, when performing the task with a partner across the table, the participants exhibited shorter detection times both when the disk approached their own hand in their near space and when it approached the partner’s hand in the partner’s near space but the participants’ far space. This phenomenon was also observed when the body parts from which the visual stimuli approached/receded differed between the participant and partner. These results suggest that humans can share PPS representations and/or body-derived attention/arousal mechanisms with others.
Structural basis of interaction between dimeric cyclophilin 1 and Myb1 transcription factor in Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Martin Tesmine , Lou Yuan-Chao , Chou Chun-Chi , Wei Shu-Yi , Sadotra Sushant , Cho Chao-Cheng , Lin Meng-Hsuan , Tai Jung-Hsiang , Hsu Chun-Hua , Chen Chinpan
Published: March 2018

Cyclophilin 1 (TvCyP1), a cyclophilin type peptidyl-prolyl isomerase present in the human parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, interacts with Myb1 and assists in its nuclear translocation. Myb1 regulates the expression of ap65-1 gene that encodes for a disease causing cytoadherence enzyme. Here, we determined the crystal structures of TvCyP1 and its complex with the minimum TvCyP1-binding sequence of Myb1 (Myb1104–111), where TvCyP1 formed a homodimer, unlike other single domain cyclophilins. In the complex structure, one Myb1104–111 peptide was bound to each TvCyP1 protomer, with G106-P107 and Y105 fitting well into the active site and auxiliary S2 pocket, respectively. NMR data further showed that TvCyP1 can catalyze the cis/trans isomerization of P107 in Myb1104–111. Interestingly, in the well-folded Myb1 protein (Myb135–141), the minimum binding sequence adopted a different conformation from that of unstructured Myb1104–111 peptide, that could make P107 binding to the active site of TvCyP1 difficult. However, NMR studies showed that similar to Myb1104–111 peptide, Myb135–141 also interacted with the active site of TvCyP1 and the dynamics of the Myb135–141 residues near P107 was reduced upon interaction. Together, the structure of TvCyP1 and detailed structural insights on TvCyP1-Myb1 interaction provided here could pave the way for newer drugs to treat drug-resistant strains.
Rule-based modelling provides an extendable framework for comparing candidate mechanisms underpinning clathrin polymerisation
Authors: Sorokin Anatoly , Heil Katharina F. , Armstrong J. Douglas , Sorokina Oksana
Published: March 2018

Polymerisation of clathrin is a key process that underlies clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Clathrin-coated vesicles are responsible for cell internalization of external substances required for normal homeostasis and life –sustaining activity. There are several hypotheses describing formation of closed clathrin structures. According to one of the proposed mechanisms cage formation may start from a flat lattice buildup on the cellular membrane, which is later transformed into a curved structure. Creation of the curved surface requires rearrangement of the lattice, induced by additional molecular mechanisms. Different potential mechanisms require a modeling framework that can be easily modified to compare between them. We created an extendable rule-based model that describes polymerisation of clathrin molecules and various scenarios of cage formation. Using Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) we obtained parameter sets describing clathrin pentagon closure and the emergence/production and closure of large-size clathrin cages/vesicles. We were able to demonstrate that the model can reproduce budding of the clathrin cage from an initial flat array.
Longterm Reversal of Severe Visual Loss by Mitochondrial Gene Transfer in a Mouse Model of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Yu Hong , Porciatti Vittorio , Lewin Alfred , Hauswirth William , Guy John
Published: March 2018

In many human disorders mitochondrial dysfunction is central to degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. As these cells do not regenerate, vision is irreversibly lost. Here we show reversal of visual dysfunction by a mitochondrially targeted adeno associated virus in transgenic mice harboring a G11778A mutation in the ND4 subunit of complex I persists longterm and it is associated with reduced loss of RGCs and their axons, improved oxidative phosphorylation, persistence of transferred ND4 DNA and transcription of ND4 mRNA.
Stochastic Modeling of Radiation-induced Dendritic Damage on in silico Mouse Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Cacao Eliedonna , Parihar Vipan K. , Limoli Charles L. , Cucinotta Francis A.
Published: March 2018

Cognitive dysfunction associated with radiotherapy for cancer treatment has been correlated to several factors, one of which is changes to the dendritic morphology of neuronal cells. Alterations in dendritic geometry and branching patterns are often accompanied by deficits that impact learning and memory. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel predictive model of neuronal dendritic damages caused by exposure to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, such as X-rays, γ-rays and high-energy protons. We establishedin silicorepresentations of mouse hippocampal dentate granule cell layer (GCL) and CA1 pyramidal neurons, which are frequently examined in radiation-induced cognitive decrements. Thein silicorepresentations are used in a stochastic model that describes time dependent dendritic damage induced by exposure to low LET radiation. Changes in morphometric parameters, such as total dendritic length, number of branch points and branch number, including the Sholl analysis for single neurons are described by the model. Our model based predictions for different patterns of morphological changes based on energy deposition in dendritic segments (EDDS) will serve as a useful basis to compare specific patterns of morphological alterations caused by EDDS mechanisms.
Nanoscale High-Tc YBCO/GaN Super-Schottky Diode
Authors: Panna Dmitry , Balasubramanian Krishna , Bouscher Shlomi , Wang Yujia , Yu Pu , Chen Xi , Hayat Alex
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate a high-temperature nanoscale super-Schottky diode based on a superconducting tunnel junction of pulsed-laser-deposited YBCO on GaN thin films. A buffer-free direct growth of nanoscale YBCO thin films on heavily doped GaN was performed to realize a direct high-Tc superconductor-semiconductor junction. The junction shows strongly non-linear I-V characteristics, which have practical applications as a low-voltage super-Schottky diode for microwave mixing and detection. The V-shaped differential conductance spectra observed across the junction are characteristic of the c-axis tunneling into a cuprate superconductor with a certain disorder level. This implementation of the super-Schottky diode, supported by the buffer-free direct growth of nanoscale high-Tc thin films on semiconductors, paves the way for practical large-scale fabrication and integration of high-Tc-superconductor devices in future technologies.
Isolation and characterisation of CD9-positive pituitary adult stem/progenitor cells in rats
Authors: Horiguchi Kotaro , Fujiwara Ken , Yoshida Saishu , Nakakura Takashi , Arae Ken , Tsukada Takehiro , Hasegawa Rumi , Takigami Shu , Ohsako Shunji , Yashiro Takashi , Kato Takako , Kato Yukio
Published: March 2018

S100β protein and SOX2-double positive (S100β/SOX2-positive) cells have been suggested to be adult pituitary stem/progenitor cells exhibiting plasticity and multipotency. The aim of the present study was to isolate S100β/SOX2-positive cells from the adult anterior lobes of rats using a specific antibody against a novel membrane marker and to study their characteristics in vitro. We found that cluster of differentiation (CD) 9 is expressed in the majority of adult rat S100β/SOX2-positive cells, and we succeeded in isolating CD9-positive cells using an anti-CD9 antibody with a pluriBead-cascade cell isolation system. Cultivation of these cells showed their capacity to differentiate into endothelial cells via bone morphogenetic protein signalling. By using the anterior lobes of prolactinoma model rats, the localisation of CD9-positive cells was confirmed in the tumour-induced neovascularisation region. Thus, the present study provides novel insights into adult pituitary stem/progenitor cells involved in the vascularisation of the anterior lobe.
MiRNA-142-3p increases radiosensitivity in human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells by inhibiting the expression of CD133
Authors: Yuan Fang , Liu Lu , Lei Yonghong , Hu Yi
Published: March 2018

This study is to explore the molecular regulation mechanism of CD133 which is associated with malignancy and poor prognosis of blood system diseases. CD133+HUCB-MNC (human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells) and CD133−HUCB-MNC were isolated and amplificated from umbilical cord blood, and then were exposed to different doses of radiation and subjected to a clonogenic assay. CCK-8 kit was used to detect cell viability, Annexin V-FITC/PI cell apoptosis detection kit was used for the detection of apoptotic cells and the BrdU assay was performed by flow cytometry. The expression of protein was analyzed by western blots. The profile of miRNA expression in response to radiation was examined and validated by RT-PCR. miR-142-3p inhibited the expression of CD133 in umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells to increase radiosensitivity. CD133+HUCB-MNC cells were more radioresistant compared with CD133−HUCB-MNC cells. CD133+HUCB-MNC cells showed higher p-AKT and p-ERK levels after radiation. And miR-142-3p acted on 3′UTR of CD133 mRNA to inhibit CD133 expression. Moreover, miRNA-142-3p mimic increased radiosensitivity in CD133+HUCB-MNC cells. Our results elucidated a novel regulation pathway in hematopoietic stem cells and suggested a potential therapeutic approach for blood system diseases therapy.
Vertical Transport Control of Electrical Charge Carriers in Insulator/Oxide Semiconductor Hetero-structure
Authors: Lee Jinwon , Yoon Kapsoo , Lim Keon-Hee , Park Jun-Woo , Lee Donggun , Cho Nam-Kwang , Kim Youn Sang
Published: March 2018

The technology for electrical current passing through an insulator thin-film between two electrodes is newly getting spotlights for substantial potentials toward advanced functional devices including a diode and a resistive switching device. However, depending on an electrode-limited conduction mechanisms of the conventional devices, a narrow processing window for a thickness of the insulator thin-film and an inability to control a magnitude and direction of the currents are challenges to overcome. Herein, we report a new approach to enable electrical charge carriers to pass stably through a relatively-thick insulator layer and to control a magnitude and polarity of the currents by applying an oxide semiconductor electrode in a metal/insulator/metal structure. We reveal that the electrical conduction in our devices follows a space charge-limited conduction mechanism which mainly depends on the charge carriers injected from contacts. Therefore, characteristics of the current including a current value and a rectification ratio of input signal are precisely controlled by electrical properties of the oxide semiconductor electrode. The unique current characteristics in metal/insulator/oxide semiconductor structures give extendable inspirations in electronic materials science, even a prominent solution for various technology areas of electronics.
Investigation of GeSn Strain Relaxation and Spontaneous Composition Gradient for Low-Defect and High-Sn Alloy Growth
Authors: Dou Wei , Benamara Mourad , Mosleh Aboozar , Margetis Joe , Grant Perry , Zhou Yiyin , Al-Kabi Sattar , Du Wei , Tolle John , Li Baohua , Mortazavi Mansour , Yu Shui-Qing
Published: March 2018

Recent development of group-IV alloy GeSn indicates its bright future for the application of mid-infrared Si photonics. Relaxed GeSn with high material quality and high Sn composition is highly desirable to cover mid-infrared wavelength. However, its crystal growth remains a great challenge. In this work, a systematic study of GeSn strain relaxation mechanism and its effects on Sn incorporation during the material growth via chemical vapor deposition was conducted. It was discovered that Sn incorporation into Ge lattice sites is limited by high compressive strain rather than historically acknowledged chemical reaction dynamics, which was also confirmed by Gibbs free energy calculation. In-depth material characterizations revealed that: (i) the generation of dislocations at Ge/GeSn interface eases the compressive strain, which offers a favorably increased Sn incorporation; (ii) the formation of dislocation loop near Ge/GeSn interface effectively localizes defects, leading to the subsequent low-defect grown GeSn. Following the discovered growth mechanism, a world-record Sn content of 22.3% was achieved. The experiment result shows that even higher Sn content could be obtained if further continuous growth with the same recipe is conducted. This report offers an essential guidance for the growth of high quality high Sn composition GeSn for future GeSn based optoelectronics.
Spectroelectrochemical study of the AMP-Ag+and ATP-Ag+complexes using silver mesh electrodes
Authors: Fato Tano Patrice , Zhao Li-Jun , Essy Kouadio Fodjo , Li Da-Wei , Long Yi-Tao
Published: March 2018

In this study, electrochemical reaction mechanism of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on a silver mesh was investigated in acetate buffer using spectroelectrochemical technique.
Targeted delivery of tungsten oxide nanoparticles for multifunctional anti-tumor therapy via macrophages
Authors: Zheng Bin , Bai Yang , Chen Hongbin , Pan Huizhuo , Ji Wanying , Gong Xiaoqun , Wu Xiaoli , Wang Hanjie , Chang Jin
Published: March 2018

Tumor-associated macrophages are highly versatile effector cells that have been used to kill tumor cells.
Fabrication and evaluation of hemoglobin-based polydopamine microcapsules as oxygen carriers
Authors: Yu Chunmei , Huang Xin , Qian Dongping , Han Fengfeng , Xu Linyi , Tang Yuejing , Bao Ning , Gu Haiying
Published: March 2018

Polydopamine-hemoglobin (PDA-Hb) microcapsules possess a high oxygen affinity and could bind and release oxygen reversibly as demonstrated by electrochemical methods.
A high-valent di-μ-oxo dimanganese complex covalently anchored in a metal–organic framework as a highly efficient and recoverable water oxidation catalyst
Authors: Zhang Lina , Chen Junying , Fan Ting , Shen Kui , Jiang Miao , Li Yingwei
Published: March 2018

A biomimetic homogeneous catalyst is successfully anchored inside MOFs, exhibiting high activity and reliable durability in the water oxidation reaction.
Carbon dioxide bubble-propelled microengines in carbonated water and beverages
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhu Hong , Qiu Wenxuan , Zhou Yilu , Huang Gaoshan , Mei Yongfeng , Solovev Alexander A.
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate a new type of gaseous fuel for rolled-up tubular Ti/Cr microengine powered by carbon dioxide microbubbles in carbonated water and brewed beverages.
Synthesis, structural characterisation and antiproliferative activity of a new fluorescent 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base–Ru(ii)–curcumin organometallic conjugate
Authors: Shanmugaraju Sankarasekaran , la Cour Poulsen Bjørn , Arisa Tobi , Umadevi Deivasigamani , Dalton Hannah L. , Hawes Chris S. , Estalayo-Adrián Sandra , Savyasachi Aramballi J. , Watson Graeme W. , Williams D. Clive , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: March 2018

Biological investigation of a new Tröger's base–Ru(ii)–curcumin conjugate is described.
Silicon quantum dots with heavily boron and phosphorus codoped shell
Authors: Fujii Minoru , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Kano Shinya
Published: March 2018

Heavily boron and phosphorus codoped silicon quantum dots (QDs) are dispersible in water without organic ligands and exhibit near infrared luminescence. We summarize the fundamental properties and demonstrate the formation of a variety of nanocomposites.
A zwitterionic aluminabenzene–alkylzirconium complex having half-zirconocene structure: synthesis and application for additive-free ethylene polymerization
Authors: Nakamura Taichi , Suzuki Katsunori , Yamashita Makoto
Published: March 2018

An aluminabenzene–alkylzirconium complex having a half-zirconocene structure was synthesized.
Anharmonicity in a double hydrogen transfer reaction studied in a single porphycene molecule on a Cu(110) surface
Authors: Liu S. , Baugh D. , Motobayashi K. , Zhao X. , Levchenko S. V. , Gawinkowski S. , Waluk J. , Grill L. , Persson M. , Kumagai T.
Published: March 2018

A pronounced anharmonicity of the N–H stretching mode in porphycene on Cu(110) is observed in the STM action and conductance spectra. DFT calculations find a strong intermode coupling of the N–H stretching with an in-plane bending mode within porphycene on the surface.
Spectral and energy transfer in Bi3+–Ren+(n= 2, 3, 4) co-doped phosphors: extended optical applications
Authors: Xue Junpeng , Wang Xiangfu , Jeong Jung Hyun , Yan Xiaohong
Published: March 2018

Bismuth with [Xe]4f145d106s26p3electronic configuration is considered as ‘a wonder metal’ due to its diverse oxidation states and multi-type electronic structures.
Room-temperature processed films of colloidal carved rod-shaped nanocrystals of reduced tungsten oxide as interlayers for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Masi Sofia , Mastria Rosanna , Scarfiello Riccardo , Carallo Sonia , Nobile Concetta , Gambino Salvatore , Sibillano Teresa , Giannini Cinzia , Colella Silvia , Listorti Andrea , Cozzoli P. Davide , Rizzo Aurora
Published: March 2018

Colloidal one-dimensional carved nanocrystals of tungsten oxide are successfully integrated into perovskite solar cells by facile solution-cast-only deposition at room temperature.
Comparing ammonia diffusion in NH3-SCR zeolite catalysts: a quasielastic neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: O'Malley A. J. , Sarwar M. , Armstrong J. , Catlow C. R. A. , Silverwood I. P. , York A. P. E. , Hitchcock I.
Published: March 2018

Neutron scattering and simulation studies reveal important consistencies and differences in ammonia mobility in small pore NH3-SCR zeolite catalysts.
Marangoni convection at electrogenerated hydrogen bubbles
Authors: Yang Xuegeng , Baczyzmalski Dominik , Cierpka Christian , Mutschke Gerd , Eckert Kerstin
Published: March 2018

Time-resolved PTV measurements around a hydrogen bubble growing at a Pt micro-electrode show Marangoni convection in the electrolyte.
The halogen effect on the 13C NMR chemical shift in substituted benzenes
Authors: V. Viesser Renan , Ducati Lucas C. , Tormena Cláudio F. , Autschbach Jochen
Published: March 2018

X (F, Cl, Br, I) and R (NH2, NO2) group effects on 13C NMR chemical shifts are explained by π and σ orbitals, respectively.
Terpyridine-based metallosupramolecular constructs: tailored monomers to precise 2D-motifs and 3D-metallocages
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Newkome George R.
Published: March 2018

Comprehensive summary of the recent developments in the growing field of terpyridine-based, discrete metallosupramolecular architectures.
Catalytic peptide assemblies
Authors: Zozulia O. , Dolan M. A. , Korendovych I. V.
Published: March 2018

Peptides can self-assemble to form catalytic aggregates with activities comparable to those of natural enzymes.
Ethane dehydrogenation on pristine and AlOx decorated Pt stepped surfaces
Authors: Peng Guowen , Gerceker Duygu , Kumbhalkar Mrunmayi , Dumesic James A. , Mavrikakis Manos
Published: March 2018

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) alumina overcoating over Pt enhances ethylene production and decreases coke formation in ethane dehydrogenation.
Disordered langasites La3Ga5MO14 : Eu3+ (M = Si, Ge, Ti) as red-emitting LED phosphors
Authors: Reinhardt Annemarie , Zych Aleksander , Köhler Ingo , Albert Barbara
Published: March 2018

Polycrystalline powders of La3Ga5SiO14 (LGSi), La3Ga5GeO14 (LGGe), and La3Ga5TiO14 (LGTi) doped with Eu3+ were studied with respect to their use as luminescent materials in solid state lighting based on light-emitting diodes.
Spontaneous formation of a chiral (Mo2O2S2)2+-based cluster driven by dimeric {Te2O6}-based templates
Authors: Purcell Jamie W. , Long De-Liang , Lee Edward C. , Cronin Leroy , Miras Haralampos N.
Published: March 2018

Utilization of tellurite anion as template, led to the formation of unprecedented oxothiometalate based building blocks and the spontaneous manifestation of chirality.
A unique tetranuclear Ag(i) complex emitting efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence with a remarkably short decay time
Authors: Gan Xue-Min , Yu Rongmin , Chen Xu-Lin , Yang MingXue , Lin Ling , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: March 2018

A novel emissive tetranuclear Ag(i) complex with highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) was successfully prepared and characterized. The significant participation of a metal orbital in the occupied frontier orbitals leads to dominant MLCT emission.
Morphological control of lanthanide ferrocyanides and their highly efficient catalytic degradation performance toward organic dyes under dark ambient conditions
Authors: Wang Shicheng , Gu Minli , Xu Junfeng , Han Lei , Yi Fei-Yan
Published: March 2018

A Ce-prussian blue analogue (CePBA) with various morphologies and different sizes realizes the rapid degradation of a large amount of methylene blue molecules as a heterogeneous and reusable catalyst.
One-of-a-kind: a microporous metal–organic framework capable of adsorptive separation of linear, mono- and di-branched alkane isomers via temperature- and adsorbate-dependent molecular sieving
Authors: Wang Hao , Dong Xinglong , Velasco Ever , Olson David H. , Han Yu , Li Jing
Published: March 2018

Clean separation of linear, monobranched, and dibranched alkanes is achieved using a flexible, microporous metal–organic framework (MOF).
Cycloplatinated(ii) complexes bearing an O,S-heterocyclic ligand: search for anticancer drugs
Authors: Fereidoonnezhad Masood , Ramezani Zahra , Nikravesh Mahshid , Zangeneh Jalalaldin , Golbon Haghighi Mohsen , Faghih Zahra , Notash Behrouz , Shahsavari Hamid R.
Published: March 2018

Cycloplatinated(ii) complexes containing the 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide ligand were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The biological activities of these complexes were also investigated.
Secondary amine salt catalyzed controlled activation of 2-deoxy sugar lactols towards alpha-selective dehydrative glycosylation
Authors: Ghosh Titli , Mukherji Ananya , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Kancharla Pavan K.
Published: March 2018

An organocatalytic alpha-selective dehydrative glycosylation method for the synthesis of 2-deoxyglycosides.
The electrochemical storage mechanism in oxy-hydroxyfluorinated anatase for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Wei , Fukunishi Mika , Morgan Benjamin J. , Borkiewicz Olaf. J. , Pralong Valérie , Maignan Antoine , Groult Henri , Komaba Shinichi , Dambournet Damien
Published: March 2018

Replacing lithium ions with sodium ions as the charge carriers in rechargeable batteries can induce noticeable differences in the electrochemical storage mechanisms.
Copper/amine-catalyzed formal regioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of an α,β-unsaturated O-acetyl oxime with enals
Authors: Xie Ying , Li Yulong , Chen Xun , Liu Yingle , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2018

A novel copper/amine co-catalyzed formal regioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of an O-acyl oxime with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes is developed.
Correction: Spironaphthoxazine switchable dyes for biological imaging
Authors: Xiong Yaoyao , Jentzsch Andreas Vargas , Osterrieth Johannes W. M. , Sezgin Erdinc , Sazanovich Igor V. , Reglinski Katharina , Galiani Silvia , Parker Anthony W. , Eggeling Christian , Anderson Harry L.
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Spironaphthoxazine switchable dyes for biological imaging’ by Yaoyao Xiong et al., Chem. Sci., 2018, 9, 3029–3040.
Near-infrared absorbing non-fullerene acceptors with selenophene as π bridges for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Liang Ziqi , Li Miaomiao , Zhang Xiaomei , Wang Qi , Jiang Yu , Tian Hongkun , Geng Yanhou
Published: March 2018

Two NIR-absorbing non-fullerene acceptors IDT2Se and IDT2Se-4F with selenophene as π bridges displayed high PCEs.
Stanene nanomeshes as anode materials for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Liyuan , Lu Pengfei , Quhe Ruge , Wang Qian , Yang Chuanghua , Guan Pengfei , Yang Kesong
Published: March 2018

A two-dimensional stanene nanomesh is proposed as a promising anode material for Na-ion batteries.
Anchor and activate sulfide with LiTi2(PO4)2.88F0.12 nano spheres for lithium sulfur battery application
Authors: Wang Meiri , Liu Guanxi , Wang Huaiqing , Zhang Hongzhang , Li Xianfeng , Zhang Huamin
Published: March 2018

LiTi2(PO4)2.88F0.12 (LTP-F0.12) is proposed to anchor and activate polysulfide based on its strong interaction with polysulfide and rapid charge transfer behavior.
Conductivity dynamics of metallic-to-insulator transition near room temperature in normal spinel CoFe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Venturini Janio , Zampiva Rubia Y. S. , Piva Diógenes H. , Piva Roger H. , da Cunha João Batista M. , Bergmann Carlos P.
Published: March 2018

Designing a ferrite with dual electrical characteristics: the effect of temperature and site occupancy on the conductivity mechanisms of spinel CoFe2O4.
Bottom-up fabrication of graphene-based conductive polymer carpets for optoelectronics
Authors: Zhang Tao , Rodriguez Raul D. , Amin Ihsan , Gasiorowski Jacek , Rahaman Mahfujur , Sheng Wenbo , Kalbacova Jana , Sheremet Evgeniya , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Jordan Rainer
Published: March 2018

The covalent attachment of a one dimensional (1D) polymer brush onto a two-dimensional (2D) material presents an appealing strategy to fabricate anisotropic polymer membranes, namely “polymer carpets”.
5-aminoisoquinoline improves renal function and fibrosis during recovery phase of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats
Authors: Quesada Andrés , O’Valle Francisco , Montoro-Molina Sebastián , Gómez-Morales Mercedes , Caba-Molina Mercedes , González Juan Francisco , de Gracia María C. , Osuna Antonio , Vargas Félix , Wangensteen Rosemary
Published: March 2018

The aim of the present study is to analyze the effects of 5-aminoisoquinoline (5-AIQ), a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) inhibitor, over renal dysfunction and fibrosis during recovery phase of cisplatin (CisPt)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed in three groups (n=8 each group): control, CisPt, and CisPt + 5-AIQ. Control and CisPt groups received a subcutaneous injection of either saline or 7 mg/kg CisPt, respectively. CisPt + 5-AIQ group received two intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg 5-AIQ 2 h before and 24 h after CisPt treatment. Thirteen days after the treatment, rats were housed in metabolic cages and 24-h urine collection was made. At day 14, CisPt-treated rats showed increased diuresis, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) excretion, glucosuria and sodium fractional excretion (NaFE), and decreased creatinine clearance (CrCl). 5-AIQ significantly increased CrCl and decreased NAG excretion, glucosuria, and NaFE. In plasma, CisPt increased sodium, urea, and creatinine concentrations, while 5-AIQ treatment decreased these variables to the levels of control group. 5-AIQ completely prevented the body weight loss evoked by CisPt treatment. CisPt also induced an increased renal expression of PAR polymer, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and collagen-IV. These variables were decreased in CisPt + 5-AIQ group. Tubular lesions and renal fibrosis were also decreased by 5-AIQ treatment. We conclude that inhibition of PARP1 with 5-AIQ can attenuate long-term nephrotoxic effects associated with the CisPt treatment, preventing renal dysfunction and body weight decrease and ameliorating tubular lesions and collagen deposition.
Image smoothing via a scale‐aware filter and L0 norm
Authors: Huang Weiguo , Bi Wei , Gao Guanqi , Zhang Yong Ping , Zhu Zhongkui
Published: March 2018

It is difficult to preserve diminishing weak structures and edges, and remove complex details simultaneously in the context of image smoothing. While most of existing methods only take either local or global features into consideration, the authors propose two methods taking advantage of both to achieve smoothing, both of which consist of two steps and share the same first step. In the first step, the authors use a scale‐aware approach to generate a guidance image by blurring the small‐scale components in the input image. Such approach, based on the rolling guidance framework with domain transform filter and bilateral filter, can prevent diminishing the corners of the main structures. Subsequently, the authors use the two proposed methods, with the guidance image as input, to remove blurry details. The first method introduces two data fidelity terms into L0 gradient minimisation and removes high‐contrast details, which is a structure‐preserving method. The other method, an edge‐preserving method, uses an adaptive L0 gradient minimisation technique, facilitating the preservation of the weak structures and edges. The smoothing factors in such technique are decide by the corresponding gradient of each pixel of the guidance image. The authors apply both methods to various image processing fields.
Ischämischer und hämorrhagischer Schlaganfall
Authors: Schwert Henning , Bäzner Hansjörg
Published: March 2018

Schlaganfälle können entweder durch den Verschluss eines hirnversorgenden Gefäßes (ischämischer Schlaganfall) oder durch eine intrazerebrale Blutung
(hämorrhagischer Schlaganfall) hervorgerufen werden. Zur Unterscheidung eines hämorrhagischen Schlaganfalls von einem ischämischen Schlaganfall ist eine
Bildgebung mittels Computertomografie (CT) oder Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) erforderlich. Die strikte Trennung von Ischämie und Hämorrhagierisiko wird der
klinischen Problematik häufig nicht gerecht, da das gemeinsame Vorliegen von ischämischen (z. B. im Rahmen massiver mikroangiopathischer Läsionslast) und
hämorrhagischen Ereignissen (ICBs, zerebrale Mikroblutungen) häufig ist. Eingriffe in die Blutgerinnung sind zur Therapie und Vorbeugung ischämischer
Schlaganfälle sinnvoll und geboten, bei hämorrhagischen Ereignissen aber streng kontraindiziert. Daher ist im Vorfeld eine konsequente Abwägung des potentiellen
Nutzens gegenüber möglichen Blutungskomplikationen unabdingbar.
Viel Neues zur Osteoarthrosetherapie
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: March 2018

Mit mehr als 17 000 Teilnehmern wurde die Jahrestagung des American College of Rheumatology (ACR) ihrem Rang als weltgrößtem Fortbildungskongress in der Rheu- matologie wieder einmal gerecht. Unter dem breiten Themenangebot fiel auf, dass es 2017 ungewöhnlich viele Poster bzw. Vorträge zu neuen Therapien der Osteoarthrose in die Late-Breaking-Auswahl schafften.
Effect of HIV and Antiretroviral Treatment on Auditory Functions
Authors: Minhas Ravinder , Iyengar Dhanashree , Thakur Jagdeep , Azad Ramesh
Published: March 2018

Introduction Numerous studies have evaluated auditory functions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients; however, these studies had a few major limitations in terms of methodology as they used mainly evoked audiometry although this method is expensive, time consuming and not widely available. Therefore, we conducted a study in naïve HIV subjects with routine audiometry.

Objective To determine the effect of HIV and of the drugs used to treat it on the auditory functions.

Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in a medical college with 25 naive HIV-seropositive patients for over a year. Pure tone audiometry (250–8,000 Hz) and CD4 T-lymphocyte count were performed at the time of enrollment and 6 months after commencement of highly active antiretroviral treatment.

Results The subjects had increased hearing thresholds at high frequencies (4 KHz and 8KHz) in both ears at the time of enrollment that persisted at the same level (p > 0.05) on follow-up at 6 months. None of the subjects had any other otological symptom during the 6 months of observation. Seven subjects had sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears at 0 and 6 months. These observations did not show any significant difference on Wilcoxon-signed-rank test. Spearman correlation did not find a significant correlation (p > 0.05) between CD4 T-lymphocyte counts and pure tone audiometry during the study.

Conclusion We found high-frequency hearing loss in all subjects with no relation with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and severity of the disease. This study advocates hearing assessment with pure tone audiometry in HIV subjects so that intervention can be initiated in a timely manner.
Percutaneous Transesophageal Gastric Tubes: Indications, Technique, Safety, Efficacy, and Management
Authors: Burns Kevin , Huang Steven
Published: March 2018

Percutaneous transesophageal gastric (PTEG) tube placement is an alternative method of gastric access for feeding or decompression in patients with contraindications to conventional gastrostomy tube placement such as peritoneal carcinomatosis, gastric wall tumors, ascites, or intervening organs. PTEG tube placement is safe with a high technical success rate and it can be placed with supplies available in most interventional radiology departments using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. PTEG tubes are highly efficacious at reducing symptoms in patients with malignant bowel obstruction as an alternative to long-term nasogastric decompression.
CDKL5 Gene-Related Encephalopathy: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, Developmental Prognosis, and Treatment
Authors: Takahashi Yoko , Sumit Parikh , Pestana Knight Elia
Published: March 2018

The cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 gene (CDKL5) plays a crucial role in brain development. Diseases related to mutations in the CDKL5 gene are considered relatively new disorders. Patients with CDKL5-related disease usually present with early-onset refractory epilepsy and severe global developmental delay. Epilepsy is severe and poorly responsive to conventional medical treatment in most of these patients. Other neurological problems include movement disorder, autonomic symptoms, and sleep problems. In addition to neurological problems, patients may have orthopedic and gastrointestinal disease. Arrhythmia and other heart diseases are uncommon, though more information is needed. Management of patients affected with these diseases requires a multidisciplinary team. Seizures in CDKL5-related disease are very refractory, and treatment with antiseizure medications often fails. Some new drugs currently in clinical trials may show benefit. This article reviews the current status of CDKL5 research, highlighting the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, developmental prognosis, and treatment of CDKL5-related diseases, with the goal of increasing disease recognition.
Massive Ileal Bleeding Secondary to a Dieulafoyʼs lesion
Authors: Becq Aymeric , Dray Xavier , Boarini Giulia
Published: March 2018

Dieulafoyʼs lesions are a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. This article presents the case of a young woman presenting with a massive ileal bleeding, secondary to a Dieulafoyʼs lesion. A computed-tomography angiography scan showed an arterial bleeding in the ileum and the diagnosis was confirmed by an emergency peroperative enteroscopy. Surgical treatment was performed. Dieulafoyʼs lesions account for 1 % to 2 % of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and lesions are mostly located in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This case stresses that Dieulafoyʼs lesions can be located in the lower gastrointestinal tract and that in such cases, diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment are often warranted.
Electromagnetic assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection is more efficient than water-jet assisted and conventional ESD in experimental model
Authors: Rodríguez Sánchez Joaquín , Rodríguez Sánchez Eduardo , de la Santa Belda Eva , Olivencia Pilar , Salmoral Luque Rosario , Sánchez Alonso Mónica , Olmedo Camacho José , Redondo Calvo Francisco
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims The adequate visualization of the dissection line, inside the submucosal layer, supposes the main challenging issue in ESD. For this reason, several counter traction methods have been developed focused on overcoming this handicap. One of which, Magnetic anchor guided – ESD (MG-ESD) is an attractive alternative. However, the usefulness of this approach has been scarcely assessed and compared with other ESD strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare three different ESD alternatives in experimental faction.

Methods This was a prospective non-randomized study, in which three different ESD techniques were performed in an ex-vivo gastric porcine model by an endoscopist slight expertise in ESD: conventional ESD, waterjet assisted ESD and MG-ESD. MG-ESD was performed using two different magnets: inner Neodymiun ringed shape magnet attached to the simulated lesions by an endoclip and external electromagnet connected to a Single Output Adjustable 24V/0.3A Power Supply Unit.

Results Forty-six ESD procedures were performed: 24 conventional ESD, 12 waterjet-assisted ESD and 10 MG-ESD. Average size of the simulated lesions was 33.86 mm. No differences in terms of safety and efficacy were registered between the three approaches. Nevertheless, MG-ESD proved to be faster and more efficient than conventional ESD and water-jet assisted ESD (min per cm2 10.85 vs. 7.43 vs. 3,41; P = 0.001).

Conclusions MG-ESD could be a feasible alternative to conventional ESD even at the beginning of the learning curve. Therefore, researches focused on developing appropriate ESD magnetic devices and further comparative studies must be promoted, in order to assess the reliable usefulness of the magnet-assistance in ESD.
Efficacy of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy in the detection of colorectal polyps
Authors: Wada Yoshiki , Fukuda Masayoshi , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Watanabe Mamoru , Fukuma Yumiko , Wada Yoko , Wada Masahiro
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting colorectal adenomas and cancers. Endoscopic surveillance has been shown to be effective for preventing colorectal cancer. Although detection of colorectal polyps at an early stage is important, endoscopic visualization of early neoplasia can be difficult. The Endocuff is a new device that can be attached to the tip of the colonoscope to hold the colonic folds away from the field of view during withdrawal. The aim of this study was to compare the adenoma detection rate (ADR) and the mean number of adenomas detected per patient (MAP) achieved using Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EAC) and standard colonoscopy (SC).

Patients and methods This randomized prospective study was conducted at two academic endoscopy departments in Japan. A total of 447 patients underwent a complete colonoscopic examination between April 2015 and September 2015. The EAC group included 239 patients. The cecal intubation rate, insertion time, withdrawal time, pain score, complications, polyp detection rate (PDR), ADR, the mean number of polyps detected per patient (MPP), and the MAP were assessed.

Results There were no differences between the EAC and SC groups in terms of cecal intubation rate, insertion time, withdrawal time, or pain scores. The PDR in patients increased by about 12 % (61.9 % vs. 49.2 %, P = 0.013) and ADR increased by 15 % (52.5 % vs. 39.2 %, P = 0.001) with the use of the Endocuff. The advanced ADR was higher in the EAC group but no statistically significant difference was found (7.7 % vs. 4.6 %, P = 0.17). Both MPP and MAP were also higher in the EAC group (mean ± SD: 1.33 ± 1.43 vs. 0.83 ± 0.99 per patient; P < 0.01, 1.11 ± 1.41 vs. 0.66 ± 0.99 per patient; P < 0.01, respectively). No major complications occurred.

Conclusions EAC not only enabled a higher ADR but also significantly increased the mean number of adenomas identified per patient, as compared with SC.
Prevalence and echo features of mediastinal lymph nodes in EUS for non-malignant indications: a prospective study in a Southern European Population
Authors: Carmo Joana , Bispo Miguel , Marques Susana , Chagas Cristina
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims Significant heterogeneity in geographic distribution regarding the prevalence of mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN) has been documented in autopsy and computed tomography (CT) studies. Awareness of the local prevalence and characteristics of lymph nodes will be relevant when performing endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for staging of malignant neoplasias. The aims of this study were to document the prevalence and echo features of MLN in patients undergoing EUS for non-malignant extrathoracic disease and to identify predictive factors for the presence of MLN.

Patients and methods A prospective single-center study was performed over 6 months. Mediastinal stations 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 L and 2 were systematically evaluated using a linear echoendoscope in all patients undergoing EUS due to benign extrathoracic pathology and without history of oncologic disease. Demographic, clinical and EUS features of the lymph nodes were analysed.

Results Seventy-five patients were included: male/female 32/43; mean age, 63 years. The majority of patients (72 %) had lymph nodes in at least one mediastinal station and 88 % of these were found in stations 7 or 4 L. Overall, 133 MLN were identified: 19 % were hypoechogenic, 6 % had a short-axis diameter > 10 mm, and 6 % were round. The prevalence of lymph nodes was higher in smokers (83 % vs 64 %, P = 0.024), with a higher average number of lymph nodes per patient in this group (2.1 vs 1.6; P = 0.017). By logistic regression analysis, none of the variables analyzed were independently associated with the presence of MLN.

Conclusion This prospective Portuguese study documented a higher prevalence of MLN than previously reported in Northern Europe, in patients with no evidence of oncologic disease. This higher prevalence may negatively influence the specificity and positive predictive value for malignancy of MLN (N) staging by EUS.