bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrograde thrombendarterectomy vs. ilio-femoral bypass in unilateral iliac TASC C and D lesions
Authors: Töpel Ingolf , Wiesner Matthias , Uhl Christian , Betz Thomas , Steinbauer Markus G.
Published: June 2015

Background: To compare short and long term results of retrograde Thrombendarterectomy (rTEA) and ilio-femoral Bypass (IFBP) to treat iliac TASC C and D lesions. Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis of 108 patients treated at a single vascular center by either rTEA (n = 42) or IFBP (n = 66) over a period of 4 years. Results: Both methods did not significantly differ in 30-day (rTEA 0 % vs IFBP 2 %) or long-term mortality (rTEA 24 % vs IFBP 30 % at 4 years) with a median follow-up of 46 months. There were no procedure related deaths. Patency was similar for both groups (rTEA 93 % vs IFBP 98 % at 30 days; rTEA 83 % vs 92 % IFBP at 4 years). We could not find a significant difference in limb salvage rates (rTEA 93 % vs IFBP 100 % at 30 days and at 4 years). The incidence of prolonged lymphorrhea was significantly higher in the IFBP group (rTEA 0 % vs IFBP 21 %). In 4 IFBP patients a prosthetic graft infection occurred. Conclusions: Regarding short and long term results operative procedures as rTEA and IFBP still represent the gold standard in the treatment of TASC C and D lesions of the external iliac artery especially in patients with additional lesions in the common femoral and profundal femoral artery. Taking into account certain anatomical characteristics (heavily calcified lesions, narrow external iliac arteries or very tortuous iliac segments) and individual local conditions (prior vascular procedures involving the femoral bifurcation) the single incision retrograde approach to the EIA with rTEA may have advantages over IFBP, especially concerning postoperative complications like lymphorrhea and graft infection.
Hypothenar hammer syndrome
Authors: Schröttle Angelika , Czihal Michael , Lottspeich Christian , Kuhlencordt Peter , Nowak Dennis , Hoffmann Ulrich
Published: June 2015

The diagnosis of hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) should be considered in the case of hand ischemia in people who occupationally or recreationally use the hypothenar region literally as a hammer. Routine diagnostics should consist of physical examination including Allens test, acral plethysmography and duplex sonography. According to the prevailing opinion angiography remains the «gold standard test» for establishing the diagnosis of HHS. Early diagnosis allows more effective therapeutic strategies and is important to prevent long-term negative medical sequelae. Several basic principles apply to all patients, for example hand protection and smoking cessation. The optimal treatment options, particularly the indication for surgery, remain controversial due to a lack of sound data from case series or prospective randomized trials.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis plus anticoagulation versus anticoagulation alone in the treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis - a meta-analysis
Authors: Du Guo-Cheng , Zhang Mao-Chun , Zhao Ji-Chun
Published: June 2015

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) plus anticoagulation with anticoagulation alone in patients with lower-extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients and methods: We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to October, 2014. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies comparing the clinical outcomes between additional CDT and anticoagulation alone were included. The primary outcomes were postthrombotic syndrome and major bleeding complications. The secondary outcomes included the iliofemoral patency rate, deep venous function, mortality, pulmonary embolism, and recurrent DVT. Results: Three RCTs and 3 non-randomized studies were included. Compared with standard anticoagulation treatment, additional CDT was associated with a significantly higher rate of complete lysis within 30 days (OR = 91; 95 % CI 19.28 to 429.46), a higher rate of 6-month patency (OR = 5.77; 95 % CI 1.99 to 16.73), a lower rate of postthrombotic syndrome (OR = 0.4; 95 % CI 0.19 to 0.96), and a lower rate of venous obstruction (OR = 0.20; 95 % CI 0.09 to 0.44). More major bleeding episodes occurred in the CDT group (Peto OR 2.0; 95 % CI 1.62 to 2.62). CDT was not found to reduce mortality, pulmonary embolism, or recurrent DVT. Conclusions: Additional CDT therapy appeared to be more effective than standard anticoagulation treatment in improving the venous patency and preventing venous obstruction and postthrombotic syndrome. Caution should be taken when performing CDT given the increased risk of major bleeding. However, no evidence supported benefits of CDT in reducing mortality, recurrent DVT, or pulmonary embolism.
De novo mutations in PLXND1 and REV3L cause Möbius syndrome
Authors: Tomas-Roca Laura , Tsaalbi-Shtylik Anastasia , Jansen Jacob G. , Singh Manvendra K. , Epstein Jonathan A. , Altunoglu Umut , Verzijl Harriette , Soria Laura , van Beusekom Ellen , Roscioli Tony , Iqbal Zafar , Gilissen Christian , Hoischen Alexander , de Brouwer Arjan P. M. , Erasmus Corrie , Schubert Dirk , Brunner Han , Pérez Aytés Antonio , Marin Faustino , Aroca Pilar , Kayserili Hülya , Carta Arturo , de Wind Niels , Padberg George W. , van Bokhoven Hans
Published: June 2015

Möbius syndrome (MBS) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by paralysis of the facial nerves and variable other congenital anomalies. The aetiology of this syndrome has been enigmatic since the initial descriptions by von Graefe in 1880 and by Möbius in 1888, and it has been debated for decades whether MBS has a genetic or a non-genetic aetiology. Here, we report de novo mutations affecting two genes, PLXND1 and REV3L in MBS patients. PLXND1 and REV3L represent totally unrelated pathways involved in hindbrain development: neural migration and DNA translesion synthesis, essential for the replication of endogenously damaged DNA, respectively. Interestingly, analysis of Plxnd1 and Rev3l mutant mice shows that disruption of these separate pathways converge at the facial branchiomotor nucleus, affecting either motoneuron migration or proliferation. The finding that PLXND1 and REV3L mutations are responsible for a proportion of MBS patients suggests that de novo mutations in other genes might account for other MBS patients.
TCF12 is mutated in anaplastic oligodendroglioma
Authors: Labreche Karim , Simeonova Iva , Kamoun Aurélie , Gleize Vincent , Chubb Daniel , Letouzé Eric , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Dobbins Sara E. , Elarouci Nabila , Ducray Francois , de Reyniès Aurélien , Zelenika Diana , Wardell Christopher P. , Frampton Mathew , Saulnier Olivier , Pastinen Tomi , Hallout Sabrina , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Dehais Caroline , Idbaih Ahmed , Mokhtari Karima , Delattre Jean-Yves , Huillard Emmanuelle , Mark Lathrop G. , Sanson Marc , Houlston Richard S. ,   POLA Network, Adam Clovis , Andraud Marie , Aubriot-Lorton Marie-Hélène , Bauchet Luc , Beauchesne Patrick , Blechet Claire , Campone Mario , Carpentier Antoine , Carpentier Catherine , Carpiuc Ioana , Chenard Marie-Pierre , Chiforeanu Danchristian , Chinot Olivier , Cohen-Moyal Elisabeth , Colin Philippe , Dam-Hieu Phong , Desenclos Christine , Desse Nicolas , Dhermain Frederic , Diebold Marie-Danièle , Eimer Sandrine , Faillot Thierry , Fesneau Mélanie , Fontaine Denys , Gaillard Stéphane , Gauchotte Guillaume , Gaultier Claude , Ghiringhelli Francois , Godard Joel , Marcel Gueye Edouard , Sebastien Guillamo Jean , Hamdi-Elouadhani Selma , Honnorat Jerome , Louis Kemeny Jean , Khallil Toufik , Jouvet Anne , Labrousse Francois , Langlois Olivier , Laquerriere Annie , Lechapt-Zalcman Emmanuelle , Le Guérinel Caroline , Levillain Pierre-Marie , Loiseau Hugues , Loussouarn Delphine , Maurage Claude-Alain , Menei Philippe , Janette Motsuo Fotso Marie , Noel Georges , Parker Fabrice , Peoc’h Michel , Polivka Marc , Quintin-Roué Isabelle , Ramirez Carole , Ricard Damien , Richard Pomone , Rigau Valérie , Rousseau Audrey , Runavot Gwenaelle , Sevestre Henri , Christine Tortel Marie , Uro-Coste Emmanuelle , Burel-Vandenbos Fanny , Vauleon Elodie , Viennet Gabriel , Villa Chiara , Wager Michel
Published: June 2015

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) are rare primary brain tumours that are generally incurable, with heterogeneous prognosis and few treatment targets identified. Most oligodendrogliomas have chromosomes 1p/19q co-deletion and an IDH mutation. Here we analysed 51 AO by whole-exome sequencing, identifying previously reported frequent somatic mutations in CIC and FUBP1. We also identified recurrent mutations in TCF12 and in an additional series of 83 AO. Overall, 7.5% of AO are mutated for TCF12, which encodes an oligodendrocyte-related transcription factor. Eighty percent of TCF12 mutations identified were in either the bHLH domain, which is important for TCF12 function as a transcription factor, or were frameshift mutations leading to TCF12 truncated for this domain. We show that these mutations compromise TCF12 transcriptional activity and are associated with a more aggressive tumour type. Our analysis provides further insights into the unique and shared pathways driving AO.
WASH and Tsg101/ALIX-dependent diversion of stress-internalized EGFR from the canonical endocytic pathway
Authors: Tomas Alejandra , Vaughan Simon O. , Burgoyne Thomas , Sorkin Alexander , Hartley John A. , Hochhauser Daniel , Futter Clare E.
Published: June 2015

Stress exposure triggers ligand-independent EGF receptor (EGFR) endocytosis, but its post-endocytic fate and role in regulating signalling are unclear. We show that the p38 MAP kinase-dependent, EGFR tyrosine kinase (TK)-independent EGFR internalization induced by ultraviolet light C (UVC) or the cancer therapeutic cisplatin, is followed by diversion from the canonical endocytic pathway. Instead of lysosomal degradation or plasma membrane recycling, EGFR accumulates in a subset of LBPA-rich perinuclear multivesicular bodies (MVBs) distinct from those carrying EGF-stimulated EGFR. Stress-internalized EGFR co-segregates with exogenously expressed pre-melanosomal markers OA1 and fibrillar PMEL, following early endosomal sorting by the actin polymerization-promoting WASH complex. Stress-internalized EGFR is retained intracellularly by continued p38 activity in a mechanism involving ubiquitin-independent, ESCRT/ALIX-dependent incorporation onto intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) of MVBs. In contrast to the internalization-independent EGF-stimulated activation, UVC/cisplatin-triggered EGFR activation depends on EGFR internalization and intracellular retention. EGFR signalling from this MVB subpopulation delays apoptosis and might contribute to chemoresistance.
Noncontact friction via capillary shear interaction at nanoscale
Authors: Lee Manhee , Kim Bongsu , Kim Jongwoo , Jhe Wonho
Published: June 2015

Friction in an ambient condition involves highly nonlinear interactions of capillary force, induced by the capillary-condensed water nanobridges between contact or noncontact asperities of two sliding surfaces. Since the real contact area of sliding solids is much smaller than the apparent contact area, the nanobridges formed on the distant asperities can contribute significantly to the overall friction. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the water nanobridges mediate the ‘noncontact’ friction, which helps narrow the gap between our knowledge of friction on the microscopic and macroscopic scales. Here we show, by using noncontact dynamic force spectroscopy, the single capillary bridge generates noncontact friction via its shear interaction. The pinning–depinning dynamics of the nanobridge’s contact line produces nonviscous damping, which occurs even without normal load and dominates the capillary-induced hydrodynamic damping. The novel nanofriction mechanism may provide a deeper microscopic view of macroscopic friction in air where numerous asperities exist.
Morphological plasticity of the coral skeleton under CO2-driven seawater acidification
Authors: Tambutté E. , Venn A. A. , Holcomb M. , Segonds N. , Techer N. , Zoccola D. , Allemand D. , Tambutté S.
Published: June 2015

Ocean acidification causes corals to calcify at reduced rates, but current understanding of the underlying processes is limited. Here, we conduct a mechanistic study into how seawater acidification alters skeletal growth of the coralStylophora pistillata. Reductions in colony calcification rates are manifested as increases in skeletal porosity at lower pH, while linear extension of skeletons remains unchanged. Inspection of the microstructure of skeletons and measurements of pH at the site of calcification indicate that dissolution is not responsible for changes in skeletal porosity. Instead, changes occur by enlargement of corallite-calyxes and thinning of associated skeletal elements, constituting a modification in skeleton architecture. We also detect increases in the organic matrix protein content of skeletons formed under lower pH. Overall, our study reveals that seawater acidification not only causes decreases in calcification, but can also cause morphological change of the coral skeleton to a more porous and potentially fragile phenotype.
A Weyl Fermion semimetal with surface Fermi arcs in the transition metal monopnictide TaAs class
Authors: Huang Shin-Ming , Xu Su-Yang , Belopolski Ilya , Lee Chi-Cheng , Chang Guoqing , Wang BaoKai , Alidoust Nasser , Bian Guang , Neupane Madhab , Zhang Chenglong , Jia Shuang , Bansil Arun , Lin Hsin , Hasan M. Zahid
Published: June 2015

Weyl fermions are massless chiral fermions that play an important role in quantum field theory but have never been observed as fundamental particles. A Weyl semimetal is an unusual crystal that hosts Weyl fermions as quasiparticle excitations and features Fermi arcs on its surface. Such a semimetal not only provides a condensed matter realization of the anomalies in quantum field theories but also demonstrates the topological classification beyond the gapped topological insulators. Here, we identify a topological Weyl semimetal state in the transition metal monopnictide materials class. Our first-principles calculations on TaAs reveal its bulk Weyl fermion cones and surface Fermi arcs. Our results show that in the TaAs-type materials the Weyl semimetal state does not depend on fine-tuning of chemical composition or magnetic order, which opens the door for the experimental realization of Weyl semimetals and Fermi arc surface states in real materials.
Fundamental differences between glassy dynamics in two and three dimensions
Authors: Flenner Elijah , Szamel Grzegorz
Published: June 2015

The two-dimensional freezing transition is very different from its three-dimensional counterpart. In contrast, the glass transition is usually assumed to have similar characteristics in two and three dimensions. Using computer simulations, here we show that glassy dynamics in supercooled two- and three-dimensional fluids are fundamentally different. Specifically, transient localization of particles on approaching the glass transition is absent in two dimensions, whereas it is very pronounced in three dimensions. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the relaxation time of orientational correlations is decoupled from that of the translational relaxation time in two dimensions but not in three dimensions. Last, the relationships between the characteristic size of dynamically heterogeneous regions and the relaxation time are very different in two and three dimensions. These results strongly suggest that the glass transition in two dimensions is different than in three dimensions.
Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis alters stress-associated behaviour and neuropeptide gene expression in the amygdala-hippocampus network of mice
Authors: Reichmann Florian , Hassan Ahmed Mostafa , Farzi Aitak , Jain Piyush , Schuligoi Rufina , Holzer Peter
Published: June 2015

Psychological stress causes disease exacerbation and relapses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Since studies on stress processing during visceral inflammation are lacking, we investigated the effects of experimental colitis as well as psychological stress on neurochemical and neuroendocrine changes as well as behaviour in mice. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and water avoidance stress (WAS) were used as mouse models of colitis and mild psychological stress, respectively. We measured WAS-associated behaviour, gene expression and proinflammatory cytokine levels within the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus as well as plasma levels of cytokines and corticosterone in male C57BL/6N mice. Animals with DSS-induced colitis presented with prolonged immobility during the WAS session, which was associated with brain region-dependent alterations of neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY receptor Y1, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), CRH receptor 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression. Furthermore, the combination of DSS and WAS increased interleukin-6 and growth regulated oncogene-α levels in the brain. Altered gut-brain signalling in the course of DSS-induced colitis is thought to cause the observed distinct gene expression changes in the limbic system and the aberrant molecular and behavioural stress responses. These findings provide new insights into the effects of stress during IBD.
High incidence of functional ion-channel abnormalities in a consecutive Long QT cohort with novel missense genetic variants of unknown significance
Authors: Steffensen Annette Buur , Refaat Marwan M. , David Jens-Peter , Mujezinovic Amer , Calloe Kirstine , Wojciak Julianne , Nussbaum Robert L. , Scheinman Melvin M. , Schmitt Nicole
Published: June 2015

The Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder characterized by a prolongation of the QT interval and a propensity to ventricular tachyarrhythmias, which may lead to syncope, cardiac arrest, or sudden death. Our objective was to (1) determine the incidence of variants with unknown significance (VUS) in a cohort of consecutive LQTS patients and (2) to determine the percentage of those with novel missense VUS that have demonstrable functional channel abnormalities from a single referral center. We performed genetic screening of candidate genes in 39 probands with a diagnosis of LQTS to identify mutations and variants. Seven variants of unknown significance were identified, six were missense variants and one was a splice site variant. We investigated the six novel missense VUS in five patients; three missense variants in KCNQ1 (L236R, W379R, Y522S) and three missense variants in KCNH2 (R35W, S620G, V491I). We employed two-electrode voltage-clamp experiments in Xenopus laevis oocytes and confocal imaging to characterize the novel missense mutations functionally. We revealed electrophysiological and trafficking loss-of-function phenotypes. This report emphasizes the frequency of adverse channel function in patients with LQTS and the importance of heterologous studies to define channel function.
Tungsten Ditelluride: a layered semimetal
Authors: Lee Chia-Hui , Silva Eduardo Cruz , Calderin Lazaro , Nguyen Minh An T. , Hollander Matthew J. , Bersch Brian , Mallouk Thomas E. , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: June 2015

Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) is a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) with physical and electronic properties that make it attractive for a variety of electronic applications. Although WTe2 has been studied for decades, its structure and electronic properties have only recently been correctly described. We experimentally and theoretically investigate the structure, dynamics and electronic properties of WTe2 and verify that WTe2 has its minimum energy configuration in a distorted 1T structure (Td structure), which results in metallic-like transport. Our findings unambiguously confirm the metallic nature of WTe2, introduce new information about the Raman modes of Td-WTe2 and demonstrate that Td-WTe2 is readily oxidized via environmental exposure. Finally, these findings confirm that, in its thermodynamically favored Td form, the utilization of WTe2 in electronic device architectures such as field effect transistors may need to be reevaluated.
Plasmonic silver quantum dots coupled with hierarchical TiO2 nanotube arrays photoelectrodes for efficient visible-light photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lian Zichao , Wang Wenchao , Xiao Shuning , Li Xin , Cui Yingying , Zhang Dieqing , Li Guisheng , Li Hexing
Published: June 2015

A plasmonic Ag/TiO2 photocatalytic composite was designed by selecting Ag quantum dots (Ag QDs) to act as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) photosensitizer for driving the visible-light driven photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Vertically oriented hierarchical TiO2 nanotube arrays (H-TiO2-NTAs) with macroporous structure were prepared through a two-step method based on electrochemical anodization. Subsequently, Ag QDs, with tunable size (1.3-21.0 nm), could be uniformly deposited on the H-TiO2 NTAs by current pulsing approach. The unique structure of the as-obtained photoelectrodes greatly improved the photoelectric conversion efficiency. The as-obtained Ag/H-TiO2-NTAs exhibited strong visible-light absorption capability, high photocurrent density and enhanced photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity toward photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The enhancement in the photoelectric conversion efficiency and activity was ascribed to the synergistic effects of silver and the unique hierarchical structures of TiO2 nanotube arrays, strong SPR effect and anti-shielding effect of ultrafine Ag QDs.
Synergetic effect of metal nickel and graphene as a cocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via dye sensitization
Authors: Zhang Weiying , Li Yuexiang , Zeng Xianping , Peng Shaoqin
Published: June 2015

Exploiting new, low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is important to resolve the energy crisis and environment pollution. In this work, graphene decorated with Ni nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via one-pot reduction using graphene oxide (GO, the obtained composite was denoted as GN) as a precursor. The as-prepared composite GN exhibits much better electrocatalytic and dye-sensitized HER activities than single Ni and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), namely, a great synergetic effect of RGO and Ni for HER. The coupling of metal Ni with the defect carbons of RGO plays a key role in the synergetic effect. The structure of GN composites is another key factor to the synergetic effect. The highest apparent quantum yield (AQY) for dye-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution at 470 nm reaches 30.3% under the optimal conditions.
Reconstruction of pulse noisy images via stochastic resonance
Authors: Han Jing , Liu Hongjun , Sun Qibing , Huang Nan
Published: June 2015

We investigate a practical technology for reconstructing nanosecond pulse noisy images via stochastic resonance, which is based on the modulation instability. A theoretical model of this method for optical pulse signal is built to effectively recover the pulse image. The nanosecond noise-hidden images grow at the expense of noise during the stochastic resonance process in a photorefractive medium. The properties of output images are mainly determined by the input signal-to-noise intensity ratio, the applied voltage across the medium and the correlation length of noise background. A high cross-correlation gain is obtained by optimizing these parameters. This provides a potential method for detecting low-level or hidden pulse images in various imaging applications.
Vitamin D3 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced placental inflammation through reinforcing interaction between vitamin D receptor and nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit
Authors: Chen Yuan-Hua , Yu Zhen , Fu Lin , Wang Hua , Chen Xue , Zhang Cheng , Lv Zheng-Mei , Xu De-Xiang
Published: June 2015

It is increasingly recognized that vitamin D3 (VitD3) has an anti-inflammatory activity. The present study investigated the effects of maternal VitD3 supplementation during pregnancy on LPS-induced placental inflammation and fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). All pregnant mice except controls were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (100 μg/kg) daily from gestational day (GD)15–17. In VitD3 + LPS group, pregnant mice were orally administered with VitD3 (25 μg/kg) before LPS injection. As expected, maternal LPS exposure caused placental inflammation and fetal IUGR. Interestingly, pretreatment with VitD3 repressed placental inflammation and protected against LPS-induced fetal IUGR. Further analysis showed that pretreatment with VitD3, which activated placental vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling, specifically suppressed LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and significantly blocked nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit in trophoblast gaint cells of the labyrinth layer. Conversely, LPS, which activated placental NF-κB signaling, suppressed placental VDR activation and its target gene expression. Moreover, VitD3 reinforced physical interaction between placental VDR and NF-κB p65 subunit. The further study demonstrates that VitD3 inhibits placental NF-κB signaling in VDR-dependent manner. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for VitD3-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, the present study provides evidence for roles of VDR as a key regulator of placental inflammation.
Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure for 28 days affects glucose homeostasis and induces insulin hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Yan Shengmin , Zhang Hongxia , Zheng Fei , Sheng Nan , Guo Xuejiang , Dai Jiayin
Published: June 2015

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in many applications due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics. Because of the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, concern has arisen about the roles of environmental pollutants in such diseases. Earlier epidemiologic studies showed a potential association between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and glucose metabolism, but how PFOA influences glucose homeostasis is still unknown. Here, we report on the modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serine/threonine protein kinase (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway in the livers of mice after 28 d of exposure to PFOA. Compared with normal mice, PFOA exposure significantly decreased the expression of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) protein and affected the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the liver. Tolerance tests further indicated that PFOA exposure induced higher insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in mice. Biochemical analysis revealed that PFOA exposure reduced hepatic glycogen synthesis, which might be attributed to gluconeogenesis inhibition. The levels of several circulating proteins were altered after PFOA exposure, including proteins potentially related to diabetes and liver disease. Our results suggest that PFOA affected glucose metabolism and induced insulin hypersensitivity in mice.
Effective D-A-D type chromophore of fumaronitrile-core and terminal alkylated bithiophene for solution-processed small molecule organic solar cells
Authors: Nazim M. , Ameen Sadia , Seo Hyung-Kee , Shin Hyung Shik
Published: June 2015

A new and novel organic π-conjugated chromophore (named as RCNR) based on fumaronitrile-core acceptor and terminal alkylated bithiophene was designed, synthesized and utilized as an electron-donor material for the solution-processed fabrication of bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) small molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs). The synthesized organic chromophore exhibited a broad absorption peak near green region and strong emission peak due to the presence of strong electron-withdrawing nature of two nitrile (–CN) groups of fumaronitrile acceptor. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of –5.82 eV and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level of –3.54 eV were estimated for RCNR due to the strong electron-accepting tendency of –CN groups. The fabricated SMOSC devices with RCNR:PC60BM (1:3, w/w) active layer exhibited the reasonable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ~2.69% with high short-circuit current density (JSC) of ~9.68 mA/cm2 and open circuit voltage (VOC) of ~0.79 V.
Robustness of Rashba and Dirac Fermions against Strong Disorder
Authors: Di Sante Domenico , Barone Paolo , Plekhanov Evgeny , Ciuchi Sergio , Picozzi Silvia
Published: June 2015

By addressing the interplay between substitutional disorder and spin-orbit-coupling in chalcogenide alloys, we predict a strong robustness of spectral features at the Fermi energy. Indeed, supplementing our state of the art first-principles calculations with modeling analysis, we show that the disorder self-energy is vanishingly small close to the band gap, thus i) allowing for bulk Rashba-like spin splitting to be observed in ferroelectric alloys by means of Angle Resolved PhotoEmission Spectroscopy and ii) protecting the band-character inversion related to the topological transition in recently discovered Topological Crystalline Insulators. Such a protection against strong disorder, which we demonstrate to be general for three dimensional Dirac systems, has potential and valuable implications for novel technologies, as spintronics and/or spinorbitronics.
Thermal and UV Hydrosilylation of Alcohol-Based Bifunctional Alkynes on Si (111) surfaces: How surface radicals influence surface bond formation
Authors: Khung Y. L. , Ngalim S. H. , Scaccabarozi A. , Narducci D.
Published: June 2015

Using two different hydrosilylation methods, low temperature thermal and UV initiation, silicon (111) hydrogenated surfaces were functionalized in presence of an OH-terminated alkyne, a CF3-terminated alkyne and a mixed equimolar ratio of the two alkynes. XPS studies revealed that in the absence of premeditated surface radical through low temperature hydrosilylation, the surface grafting proceeded to form a Si-O-C linkage via nucleophilic reaction through the OH group of the alkyne. This led to a small increase in surface roughness as well as an increase in hydrophobicity and this effect was attributed to the surficial etching of silicon to form nanosize pores (~1–3 nm) by residual water/oxygen as a result of changes to surface polarity from the grafting. Furthermore in the radical-free thermal environment, a mix in equimolar of these two short alkynes can achieve a high contact angle of ~102°, comparable to long alkyl chains grafting reported in literature although surface roughness was relatively mild (rms = ~1 nm). On the other hand, UV initiation on silicon totally reversed the chemical linkages to predominantly Si-C without further compromising the surface roughness, highlighting the importance of surface radicals determining the reactivity of the silicon surface to the selected alkynes.
Climate induces seasonality in pneumococcal transmission
Authors: Numminen Elina , Chewapreecha Claire , Turner Claudia , Goldblatt David , Nosten Francois , Bentley Stephen D. , Turner Paul , Corander Jukka
Published: June 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant human pathogen and a leading cause of infant mortality in developing countries. Considerable global variation in the pneumococcal carriage prevalence has been observed and the ecological factors contributing to it are not yet fully understood. We use data from a cohort of infants in Asia to study the effects of climatic conditions on both acquisition and clearance rates of the bacterium, finding significantly higher transmissibility during the cooler and drier months. Conversely, the length of a colonization period is unaffected by the season. Independent carriage data from studies conducted on the African and North American continents suggest similar effects of the climate on the prevalence of this bacterium, which further validates the obtained results. Further studies could be important to replicate the findings and explain the mechanistic role of cooler and dry air in the physiological response to nasopharyngeal acquisition of the pneumococcus.
Abscisic acid induces ectopic outgrowth in epidermal cells through cortical microtubule reorganization in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Takatani Shogo , Hirayama Takashi , Hashimoto Takashi , Takahashi Taku , Motose Hiroyasu
Published: June 2015

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates seed maturation, germination and various stress responses in plants. The roles of ABA in cellular growth and morphogenesis, however, remain to be explored. Here, we report that ABA induces the ectopic outgrowth of epidermal cells in Arabidopsis thaliana. Seedlings of A. thaliana germinated and grown in the presence of ABA developed ectopic protrusions in the epidermal cells of hypocotyls, petioles and cotyledons. One protrusion was formed in the middle of each epidermal cell. In the hypocotyl epidermis, two types of cell files are arranged alternately into non-stoma cell files and stoma cell files, ectopic protrusions being restricted to the non-stoma cell files. This suggests the presence of a difference in the degree of sensitivity to ABA or in the capacity of cells to form protrusions between the two cell files. The ectopic outgrowth was suppressed in ABA insensitive mutants, whereas it was enhanced in ABA hypersensitive mutants. Interestingly, ABA-induced ectopic outgrowth was also suppressed in mutants in which microtubule organization was compromised. Furthermore, cortical microtubules were disorganized and depolymerized by the ABA treatment. These results suggest that ABA signaling induces ectopic outgrowth in epidermal cells through microtubule reorganization.
Surface modification of microparticles causes differential uptake responses in normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cells
Authors: Patiño Tania , Soriano Jorge , Barrios Lleonard , Ibáñez Elena , Nogués Carme
Published: June 2015

The use of micro- and nanodevices as multifunctional systems for biomedical applications has experienced an exponential growth during the past decades. Although a large number of studies have focused on the design and fabrication of new micro- and nanosystems capable of developing multiple functions, a deeper understanding of their interaction with cells is required. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of different microparticle surfaces on their interaction with normal and tumoral human breast epithelial cell lines. For this, AlexaFluor488 IgG functionalized polystyrene microparticles (3 μm) were coated with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) at two different molecular weights, 25 and 750 kDa. The effect of microparticle surface properties on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and endocytic pathways were assessed for both normal and tumoral cell lines. Results showed a differential response between the two cell lines regarding uptake efficiency and mechanisms of endocytosis, highlighting the potential role of microparticle surface tunning for specific cell targeting.
Brillouin scattering in multi-core optical fibers for sensing applications
Authors: Mizuno Yosuke , Hayashi Neisei , Tanaka Hiroki , Wada Yuji , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: June 2015

We measure the Brillouin gain spectra in two cores (the central core and one of the outer cores) of a ~3-m-long, silica-based, 7-core multi-core fiber (MCF) with incident light of 1.55 μm wavelength and investigate the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) and its dependence on strain and temperature. The BFSs of both the cores are ~10.92 GHz and the strain- and temperature-dependence coefficients of the BFS in the central core are 484.8 MHz/% and 1.08 MHz/°C, respectively, whereas those in the outer core are 516.9 MHz/% and 1.03 MHz/°C. All of these values are not largely different from those in a silica single-mode fiber, which is expected because the cores are basically composed of the same material (silica). We then analyze the difference in structural deformation between the two cores when strain is applied to the fiber and show that it does not explain the difference in the BFS dependence of strain in this case. The future prospect on distributed strain and temperature sensing based on Brillouin scattering in MCFs is finally presented.
Monolithic Magneto-Optical Nanocomposites of Barium Hexaferrite Platelets in PMMA
Authors: Ferk Gregor , Krajnc Peter , Hamler Anton , Mertelj Alenka , Cebollada Federico , Drofenik Miha , Lisjak Darja
Published: June 2015

The incorporation of magnetic barium hexaferrite nanoparticles in a transparent polymer matrix of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is reported for the first time. The barium hexaferrite nanoplatelets doped with Sc3+, i.e., BaSc0.5Fe11.5O12 (BaHF), having diameters in the range 20 to 130 nm and thicknesses of approximately 5 nm, are synthesized hydrothermally and stabilized in 1-butanol with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. This method enables the preparation of monolithic nanocomposites by admixing the BaHF suspension into a liquid monomer, followed by in-situ, bulk free-radical polymerization. The PMMA retains its transparency for loadings of BaHF nanoparticles up to 0.27 wt.%, meaning that magnetically and optically anisotropic, monolithic nanocomposites can be synthesized when the polymerization is carried out in a magnetic field. The excellent dispersion of the magnetic nanoparticles, coupled with a reasonable control over the magnetic properties achieved in this investigation, is encouraging for the magneto-optical applications of these materials.
Introduction: The Five Ws of Pharmaceutical Green Chemistry
Authors: Manley Julie B.
Published: June 2015

Who? What? When? Where? Why? The Five Ws commonly used in journalism to assure clear communication are applied in this chapter to lay the foundation for green chemistry integration in drug discovery. Chemistry, innovation, and a mission to improve lives are the core of the pharmaceutical business. Green chemistry brings these together with a positive impact on the bottom line and the environment, meeting the needs of the business today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A review of these questions will provide the reader with an understanding that green chemistry is an innovative and scientific approach to sustainability justifying its broad implementation throughout the pharmaceutical industry and its supply chain.
The Business Case for Green Chemistry in Drug Discovery
Authors: Fortunak Joseph M. D. , Emeje Martins O. , Kammendi Harriet , Tilahun Ermias L. , Wang Xiang S.
Published: June 2015

The global pharmaceutical industry is widely viewed as inefficient and unable to provide medicines for the entire global population. Greening the pharmaceutical industry is important for attaining sustainability and assuring the wide availability of new medicines essential for human health. Green chemistry techniques that are environmentally friendly and reduce cost are important. Additional approaches that improve the efficiency of drug discovery are also green, by virtue of improving the business efficiency of the industry as a whole. These approaches include in silico techniques for improving the success rate of drugs in development. New synthetic methodologies that reduce the cost of drug synthesis, improve access to drug candidate molecules, and introduce important structural diversity into drug discovery also meet green criteria. Drug targeting of the active site is important for improving success rates for drugs in development and minimizing the effective doses of drugs. Reverse pharmacology, based on traditional knowledge, is a strikingly different approach to drug discovery. Reverse pharmacology can also be very efficient and effective for discovering new medicines.
[11C]CO2 to [11C]CO conversion mediated by [11C]silanes: a novel route for [11C]carbonylation reactions
Authors: Taddei Carlotta , Bongarzone Salvatore , Haji Dheere Abdul Karim , Gee Antony D.
Published: June 2015

A novel chemical methodology is described for the conversion of [11C]CO2 to [11C]CO via silane derivatives. The released [11C]CO is used for radiosynthetic applications.
Origin of the facet dependence in the hydrogenation catalysis of olefins: experiment and theory
Authors: Zhao Xiaojing , Zhao Yun , Fu Gang , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: June 2015

The origin of the facet-dependent hydrogenation catalysis of olefins on Pd nanocrystals with different facet exposure was investigated by both experiment and theory.
Organocatalytic asymmetric reaction of indol-2-yl carbinols with enamides: synthesis of chiral 2-indole-substituted 1,1-diarylalkanes
Authors: Liu Chao-You , Han Fu-She
Published: June 2015

The chiral phosphoramide-catalyzed asymmetric reaction of indol-2-yl carbinols with enamides is presented.
Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular Mizoroki–Heck reaction for construction of a chiral quaternary carbon center
Authors: Zhang Qing-Song , Wan Shi-Li , Chen Di , Ding Chang-Hua , Hou Xue-Long
Published: June 2015

The construction of a quaternary carbon center via Pd-catalyzed intermolecular Mizoroki–Heck reaction was realized in excellent enantioselectivity.
A chiral phosphoric acid catalyst for asymmetric construction of 1,3-dioxanes
Authors: Matsumoto Akira , Asano Keisuke , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: June 2015

A chiral phosphoric acid catalyst enabled enantioselective 1,3-dioxane construction, useful for polyketide motif synthesis,viaa hemiacetalization/intramolecular oxy-Michael addition cascade.
Circularly polarized luminescence under near-UV excitation and structural elucidation of a Eu complex
Authors: Zinna Francesco , Resta Claudio , Abbate Sergio , Castiglioni Ettore , Longhi Giovanna , Mineo Placido , Di Bari Lorenzo
Published: June 2015

A diketonate based on carvone provides a chiral Eu complex with high circularly polarized luminescence in the solid state.
Energy transfer and spectroscopic characterization of a perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) hexamer
Authors: Long Saran , Wang Yingying , Vdović Silvije , Zhou Meng , Yan Linyin , Niu Yingli , Guo Qianjin , Xia Andong
Published: June 2015

Two different interactions in a PDI-hexamer, a strong interaction in face-to-face dimers and a weak interaction between the separated dimers, are investigated.
Timescales of N–H bond dissociation in pyrrole: a nonadiabatic dynamics study
Authors: Sapunar Marin , Ponzi Aurora , Chaiwongwattana Sermsiri , Mališ Momir , Prlj Antonio , Decleva Piero , Došlić Nađa
Published: June 2015

The excitation wavelength dependent photodynamics of pyrrole are investigated by surface-hopping nonadiabatic dynamics simulations. The results are explained in terms of correct Rydberg–valence interaction in the lowest B2 state.
Optical absorption of warped nanographenes tuned by five- and seven-membered carbon rings
Authors: Wang Xinqin , Yu Shengping , Lou Zhaoyang , Zeng Qun , Yang Mingli
Published: June 2015

The optical absorption spectra of warped nanographene can be tuned with the number and location of seven-membered carbon rings.
Effect of the chloride ion as a hole scavenger on the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 in an aqueous solution over Ni–Al layered double hydroxides
Authors: Iguchi Shoji , Teramura Kentaro , Hosokawa Saburo , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: June 2015

The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO using a Ni–Al LDH photocatalyst in an aqueous solution of NaCl was investigated. HClO was produced as an oxidation product of Cl− under photoirradiation.
Sensor targets
Authors: Chang Christopher J. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , James Tony D.
Published: June 2015

Guest editors Christopher J. Chang, Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson and Tony D. James introduce the Sensor Targets issue of Chemical Society Reviews
A novel green-emitting phosphor Ba2Gd2Si4O13:Eu2+ for near UV-pumped light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhou Hongpeng , Wang Qingping , Jiang Mingsong , Jiang Xingxing , Jin Ye
Published: June 2015

Upon the 365 nm excitation, the novel green-emitting phosphor Ba2Gd2Si4O13:Eu2+ possessed excellent thermal stability. Its luminescence properties indicate that it is a potential candidate for ultraviolet LEDs.
Correction: Iminoborylene complexes: evaluation of synthetic routes towards BN-allenylidenes and unexpected reactivity towards carbodiimides
Authors: Niemeyer J. , Kelly M. J. , Riddlestone I. M. , Vidovic D. , Aldridge S.
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Iminoborylene complexes: evaluation of synthetic routes towards BN-allenylidenes and unexpected reactivity towards carbodiimides’ by J. Niemeyer et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5dt00131e.
Synthesis of novel 1-substituted triazole linked 1,2-benzothiazine 1,1-dioxido propenone derivatives as potent anti-inflammatory agents and inhibitors of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation
Authors: Gannarapu Malla Reddy , Vasamsetti Sathish Babu , Punna Nagender , Kotamraju Srigiridhar , Banda Narsaiah
Published: June 2015

Compounds12g,12iand12lmodulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting monocyte differentiation.
A novel nickel-catalyzed synthesis of thioesters, esters and amides from aryl iodides in the presence of chromium hexacarbonyl
Authors: Iranpoor Nasser , Firouzabadi Habib , Etemadi-Davan Elham , Nematollahi Arash , Firouzi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2015

Aryl iodides undergo NiCl2-catalyzed carbon–heteroatom bond formation and carbonyl group insertion using thiol, alcohol, and amine nucleophiles with Cr(CO)6.
Charge-sensitive fluorescent nanosensors created from nanodiamonds
Authors: Petrakova V. , Rehor I. , Stursa J. , Ledvina M. , Nesladek M. , Cigler P.
Published: June 2015

Direct optical detection of charge changes caused by noncovalent chemical events in the vicinity of the nanodiamond surface was achieved. This finding opens new possibilities for construction of biocompatible and extremely photostable two-color fluorescent (bio)nanosensors.
The role of amorphous precursors in the crystallization of La and Nd carbonates
Authors: Vallina Beatriz , Rodriguez-Blanco Juan Diego , Brown Andrew P. , Blanco Jesus A. , Benning Liane G.
Published: June 2015

Rare-earth carbonates can be formed from poorly-ordered nanoparticulate metastable precursors with highly variable lifetimes and crystallization pathways depending on the composition and temperature.
Novel in situ-foaming materials derived from a naphthalene-based poly(arylene ether ketone) containing thermally labile groups
Authors: Qi Duo , Zhao Chengji , Zhang Liyuan , Li Xuefeng , Li Guibin , Na Hui
Published: June 2015

A novel in situ-foaming material was prepared from a naphthalene-based poly(arylene ether ketone) by grafting with thermally-labile tert-butyloxycarbonyl which can decompose and in situ generate gases.
The first report on phosphonate-based homopolymers combining both chelating and thermosensitive properties of gadolinium: synthesis and evaluation
Authors: Gomes Rodrigues Donatien , Dacheux Nicolas , Pellet-Rostaing Stéphane , Faur Catherine , Bouyer Denis , Monge Sophie
Published: June 2015

Original thermoresponsive poly(acrylamide) bearing valuable carbamoylmethylphosphonate moieties was prepared for gadolinium sorption.
Iron(ii) complexes of 4-sulfanyl-, 4-sulfinyl- and 4-sulfonyl-2,6-dipyrazolylpyridine ligands. A subtle interplay between spin-crossover and crystallographic phase changes
Authors: Kershaw Cook Laurence J. , Kulmaczewski Rafal , Barrett Simon A. , Halcrow Malcolm A.
Published: June 2015

The compound shown exhibits an abrupt thermal spin-transition, with an accompanying crystallographic phase change at slightly lower temperature which is visible as a shoulder on the susceptibility curve.
A high performance electrochemical biosensor based on Cu2O–carbon dots for selective and sensitive determination of dopamine in human serum
Authors: Huang Qitong , Lin Xiaofeng , Lin Changqing , Zhang Yong , Hu Shirong , Wei Chan
Published: June 2015

A green and facile method was developed by synthesizing a cuprous oxide–carbon dots/Nafion (Cu2O–CDs/NF) composite film for highly sensitive and reliable determination of dopamine (DA).
Fabrication and design of a toxic gas sensor based on polyaniline/titanium dioxide nanocomposite film by layer-by-layer self-assembly
Authors: Cui Shaoqing , Wang Jun , Wang Xinlei
Published: June 2015

A QCM gas sensor was fabricated by a self-assembly approach with ultrathin nanocomposite PANI/TiO2. It was demonstrated to be sensitive to toxic gases (10 ppm) and to be effective in shelf-life evaluation.