bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic treatment with cisplatin induces chemoresistance through the TIP60-mediated Fanconi anemia and homologous recombination repair pathways
Authors: Su Wen-Pin , Ho Yen-Chih , Wu Cheng-Kuei , Hsu Sen-Huei , Shiu Jia-Lin , Huang Jheng-Cheng , Chang Song-Bin , Chiu Wen-Tai , Hung Jan-Jong , Liu Tsung-Lin , Wu Wei-Sheng , Wu Pei-Yu , Su Wu-Chou , Chang Jang-Yang , Liaw Hungjiun
Published: June 2017

The Fanconi anemia pathway in coordination with homologous recombination is essential to repair interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) caused by cisplatin. TIP60 belongs to the MYST family of acetyltransferases and is involved in DNA repair and regulation of gene transcription. Although the physical interaction between the TIP60 and FANCD2 proteins has been identified that is critical for ICL repair, it is still elusive whether TIP60 regulates the expression of FA and HR genes. In this study, we found that the chemoresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, derived from chronic treatment of cisplatin, show elevated expression of TIP60. Furthermore, TIP60 binds to the promoters of FANCD2 and BRCA1 by using the chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and promote the expression of FANCD2 and BRCA1. Importantly, the depletion of TIP60 significantly reduces sister chromatid exchange, a measurement of HR efficiency. The similar results were also shown in the FNACD2-, and BRCA1-deficient cells. Additionally, these TIP60-deficient cells encounter more frequent stalled forks, as well as more DNA double-strand breaks resulting from the collapse of stalled forks. Taken together, our results suggest that TIP60 promotes the expression of FA and HR genes that are important for ICL repair and the chemoresistant phenotype under chronic treatment with cisplatin.
Helium Irradiation and Implantation Effects on the Structure of Amorphous Silicon Oxycarbide
Authors: Su Qing , Inoue Shinsuke , Ishimaru Manabu , Gigax Jonathan , Wang Tianyao , Ding Hepeng , Demkowicz Michael J. , Shao Lin , Nastasi Michael
Published: June 2017

Despite recent interest in amorphous ceramics for a variety of nuclear applications, many details of their structure before and after irradiation/implantation remain unknown. Here we investigated the short-range order of amorphous silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) alloys by using the atomic pair-distribution function (PDF) obtained from electron diffraction. The PDF results show that the structure of SiOC alloys are nearly unchanged after both irradiation up to 30 dpa and He implantation up to 113 at%. TEM characterization shows no sign of crystallization, He bubble or void formation, or segregation in all irradiated samples. Irradiation results in a decreased number of Si-O bonds and an increased number of Si-C and C-O bonds. This study sheds light on the design of radiation-tolerant materials that do not experience helium swelling for advanced nuclear reactor applications.
Proteomic analysis reveals large amounts of decomposition enzymes and major metabolic pathways involved in algicidal process of Trametes versicolor F21a
Authors: Gao Xueyan , Wang Congyan , Dai Wei , Ren Shenrong , Tao Fang , He Xingbing , Han Guomin , Wang Wei
Published: June 2017

A recent algicidal mode indicates that fungal mycelia can wrap and eliminate almost all co-cultivated algal cells within a short time span. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is rarely understood. We applied proteomic analysis to investigate the algicidal process of Trametes versicolor F21a and identified 3,754 fungal proteins. Of these, 30 fungal enzymes with endo- or exoglycosidase activities such as β-1,3-glucanase, α-galactosidase, α-glucosidase, alginate lyase and chondroitin lyase were significantly up-regulated. These proteins belong to Glycoside Hydrolases, Auxiliary Activities, Carbohydrate Esterases and Polysaccharide Lyases, suggesting that these enzymes may degrade lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans and alginic acid of algal cells. Additionally, peptidase, exonuclease, manganese peroxidase and cytochrome c peroxidase, which decompose proteins and DNA or convert other small molecules of algal cells, could be other major decomposition enzymes. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that pyruvate metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways play a critical role in response to adverse environment via increasing energy production to synthesize lytic enzymes or uptake molecules. Carbon metabolism, selenocompound metabolism, sulfur assimilation and metabolism, as well as several amino acid biosynthesis pathways could play vital roles in the synthesis of nutrients required by fungal mycelia.
A Chrysoporthe cubensis enzyme cocktail produced from a low-cost carbon source with high biomass hydrolysis efficiency
Authors: Dutra Thiago Rodrigues , Guimarães Valéria Monteze , Varela Ednilson Mascarenhas , Fialho Lílian da Silva , Milagres Adriane Maria Ferreira , Falkoski Daniel Luciano , Zanuncio José Cola , Rezende Sebastião Tavares de
Published: June 2017

Low cost and high efficiency cellulolytic cocktails can consolidate lignocellulosic ethanol technologies. Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a low cost agro-industrial residue, and its use as a carbon source can reduce the costs of fungi cultivation for enzyme production. Chrysoporthe cubensis grown under solid state fermentation (SSF) with wheat bran has potential to produce efficient enzymatic extracts for SCB saccharification. This fungus was grown under submersed fermentation (SmF) and SSF with in natura SCB, pretreated with acid or alkali and with others carbon sources. In natura SCB induced the highest carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), xylanase, β-xylosidase, α-galactosidase and mannanase activities by C. cubensis under SSF. In natura and washed SCB, inducers of enzyme production under SSF, did not induce high cellulases and hemicellulases production by C. cubensis in SmF. The C. cubensis enzymatic extract produced under SSF with in natura SCB as a carbon source was more efficient for lignocelulolic biomass hydrolysis than extracts produced under SSF with wheat bran and commercial cellulolytic extract. Chrysoporthe cubensis showed high potential for cellulases and hemicellulases production, especially when grown under SSF with in natura SCB as carbon source.
Sirtuin 3 deficiency does not alter host defenses against bacterial and fungal infections
Authors: Ciarlo Eleonora , Heinonen Tytti , Lugrin Jérôme , Acha-Orbea Hans , Le Roy Didier , Auwerx Johan , Roger Thierry
Published: June 2017

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is the main mitochondrial deacetylase. SIRT3 regulates cell metabolism and redox homeostasis, and protects from aging and age-associated pathologies. SIRT3 may drive both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects. SIRT3 deficiency has been reported to promote chronic inflammation-related disorders, but whether SIRT3 impacts on innate immune responses and host defenses against infections remains essentially unknown. This aspect is of primary importance considering the great interest in developing SIRT3-targeted therapies. Using SIRT3 knockout mice, we show that SIRT3 deficiency does not affect immune cell development and microbial ligand-induced proliferation and cytokine production by splenocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Going well along with these observations, SIRT3 deficiency has no major impact on cytokine production, bacterial burden and survival of mice subjected to endotoxemia, Escherichia coli peritonitis, Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia, listeriosis and candidiasis of diverse severity. These data suggest that SIRT3 is not critical to fight infections and support the safety of SIRT3-directed therapies based on SIRT3 activators or inhibitors for treating metabolic, oncologic and neurodegenerative diseases without putting patients at risk of infection.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of CdS decorated CuS microflower-like structures for enhanced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Deng Xiaolong , Wang Chenggang , Yang Hongcen , Shao Minghui , Zhang Shouwei , Wang Xiao , Ding Meng , Huang Jinzhao , Xu Xijin
Published: June 2017

CdS decorated CuS structures have been controllably synthesized through a one-pot hydrothermal method. The morphologies and compositions of the as-prepared samples could be concurrently well controlled by simply tuning the amount of CdCl2 and thiourea. Using this strategy, the morphology of the products experienced from messy to flower-like morphologies with multiple porous densities, together with the phase evolution from pure CuS to the CdS/CuS composites. Serving as a photocatalyst, the samples synthesized with the addition of 1 mmol cadmium chloride and 3 mmol thiourea during synthetic process, showed the best photocatalytic activity, which could reach a maximum photocatalytic efficiency of 93% for methyl orange (MO) photodegradation after 150 min. The possible mechanism for the high photocatalytic efficiency of the sample was proposed by investigating the composition, surface area, structure, and morphology before and after photocatalytic reaction.
OmniGA: Optimized Omnivariate Decision Trees for Generalizable Classification Models
Authors: Magana-Mora Arturo , Bajic Vladimir B.
Published: June 2017

Classification problems from different domains vary in complexity, size, and imbalance of the number of samples from different classes. Although several classification models have been proposed, selecting the right model and parameters for a given classification task to achieve good performance is not trivial. Therefore, there is a constant interest in developing novel robust and efficient models suitable for a great variety of data. Here, we propose OmniGA, a framework for the optimization of omnivariate decision trees based on a parallel genetic algorithm, coupled with deep learning structure and ensemble learning methods. The performance of the OmniGA framework is evaluated on 12 different datasets taken mainly from biomedical problems and compared with the results obtained by several robust and commonly used machine-learning models with optimized parameters. The results show that OmniGA systematically outperformed these models for all the considered datasets, reducing the F1 score error in the range from 100% to 2.25%, compared to the best performing model. This demonstrates that OmniGA produces robust models with improved performance. OmniGA code and datasets are available at www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/omniga/.
Falling Direction can Predict the Mechanism of Recurrent Falls in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Youn Jinyoung , Okuma Yasuyuki , Hwang Minho , Kim Dongyeop , Cho Jin Whan
Published: June 2017

Falls are a common and disabling symptom in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). For prevention, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of falls in PD patients, but the predictors for the possible mechanisms underlying such falls have not been clearly elucidated. In this prospective observational study, we investigated the implications of falling direction to predict the mechanisms of recurrent falls in PD patients. We enrolled 62 recurrent fallers with PD and divided them into two groups according to the main falling directions: 45 PD fallers who fell forward (forward fallers), and 17 PD fallers who fell in the other directions (non-forward fallers). Although there was no difference in demographic data, parkinsonism, or frontal lobe function, forward fallers showed more severe falls and tended to fall during walking or turning, while non-forward fallers usually fell during sitting/standing or turning. Additionally, forward fallers revealed higher score on a freezing of gait (FOG) questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that FOG was associated with falling forward, while balance impairment, akinetic-rigid subtype, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were associated with falling into the other directions. Our results indicate that FOG and balance impairment are two major mechanisms for recurrent falling in PD patients, and falling direction is an important predictor for these mechanisms.
Behavioural responses to potential dispersal cues in two economically important species of cereal-feeding eriophyid mites
Authors: Kiedrowicz Agnieszka , Kuczyński Lechosław , Lewandowski Mariusz , Proctor Heather , Skoracka Anna
Published: June 2017

Passively dispersing organisms should optimise the time and direction of dispersal by employing behaviours that increase their probability of being successfully transported by dispersal agents. We rigorously tested whether two agriculturally important passively-dispersing eriophyoid species, wheat curl mite (WCM) and cereal rust mite (CRM), display behaviours indicating their readiness to depart from current host plants in the presence of potential dispersal cues: wind, an insect vector and presence of a fresh plant. Contrary to our expectations, we found that both species decreased their general activity in the presence of wind. When exposed to wind, WCM (but not CRM) significantly increased behaviour that has previously been considered to facilitate dispersal (in this case, standing vertically). Our study provides the first sound test of the function of what have been interpreted as dispersal-related behaviours of eriophyid mites. The low proportion of WCM exhibiting dispersal behaviour suggests there may be predisposed dispersers and residents in the population. Moreover, we found that WCM was generally more active than CRM, which is likely a contributing factor to its high invasive potential.
Increased Glutamate in Somatosensory Cortex in Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Mak Arthur D. P. , Northoff Georg , Yeung David K. W. , Chu Winnie C. W. , Hui Steve C. N. , Cheung Cynthia , Ching Jessica , Lam Linda , Lee Sing , Wu Justin
Published: June 2017

Functional Dyspepsia-Post-prandial Distress Syndrome (FD-PDS) was associated with mood-related increases in resting activity and lowered activation threshold in the somatosensory cortex (SSC), insula and perigenual anterior cingulate cortex(pgACC) in functional imaging studies. The underlying cortical neurochemical changes are unknown. We performed proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) on 17 consecutive tertiary clinic-recruited psychotropic-naïve Rome III FD-PDS female and 17 age-sex matched healthy controls. Voxels were placed on bilateral pgACC, left insula and SSC. Water-suppressed spectra were acquired using PRESS with short echo time (TE) (T = 24 ms) to separately quantify glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln). Main outcome measure was regional Glu/Cr + PCr. Severity of depression, anxiety, somatization, and dyspepsia were also assessed. We found significantly increased SSC Glu/Cr + PCr in FD-PDS subjects compared to controls. SSC Glu/Cr + PCr correlated significantly with postprandial distress chronicity, dyspeptic symptoms severity and anxiety. The SSC Glu/Cr + PCr - dyspepsia correlations became insignificant after controlling for anxiety but were independent of depression. Gln/Glu ratio, which indicates glial Glu cycling failure, was unchanged. No between-group differences were noted in other regional metabolite concentrations. Our findings suggested enhanced SSC glutamate transmission in FD-PDS that was linked to post-prandial distress chronicity and severity and anxiety.
Effect of soybean protein on blood pressure in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kou Tingyan , Wang Qiuzhen , Cai Jing , Song Jiaqi , Du Baoli , Zhao Kun , Ma Yan , Geng Bo , Zhang Yu , Han Xiaohong , Jiang Menglu , Guo Haiyan , Hu Baocui , Li Zhaoying , Zhai Yaoyao , Zhang Chuan
Published: June 2017

Soy protein intakes ≥25 g d−1significantly decreased SBP and DBP, which may be due to the isoflavones component.
Constructing two dimensional amide porous polymer to promote selective oxidation reactions
Authors: Khatioda Rajiv , Talukdar Dhrubajyoti , Saikia Basanta , Bania Kusum K. , Sarma Bipul
Published: June 2017

Rare example of carboxamide linked 2D COF has been synthesized and applied as robust organic catalyst for selective oxidation reactions with no metal add-ons. The reaction undergoes free radical mechanism aided by the conjugated π-cloud and amide functionality present in the COF.
Luminescent Tb(iii) and Sm(iii) complexes with a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-based tris-aryloxide ligand for high-performance oxygen sensors
Authors: Nakai Hidetaka , Kuyama Masafumi , Seo Juncheol , Goto Takahiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Ogo Seiji
Published: June 2017

This paper presents (i) a high-performance Tb(iii)-based oxygen sensor (1Tb/PS) and (ii) a lanthanide(iii)-based colorimetric luminescent oxygen sensor (1TbSm/PS).
From ethylzinc guanidinate to [Zn10O4]-supertetrahedron
Authors: Leszczyński Michał K. , Justyniak Iwona , Zelga Karolina , Lewiński Janusz
Published: June 2017

The controlled hydrolysis of an ethylzinc guanidinate complex affords an unprecedented cluster containing a [Zn10O4]12+ supertetrahedron core stabilized by the guanidinate ligands.
Consensus structures of the Mo(v) sites of sulfite-oxidizing enzymes derived from variable frequency pulsed EPR spectroscopy, isotopic labelling and DFT calculations
Authors: Enemark John H.
Published: June 2017

The “blocked” form of sulfite oxidase has O-bound sulfite, and only the coordinated and remote O atoms exchange with H217O.
A novel Ta/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate with photocatalytic properties
Authors: Huang Peng , Wu Hai-Yang , Huang Min , Du Meng , Qin Chao , Wang Xin-Long , Su Zhong-Min
Published: June 2017

An unprecedented Ta/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate based on {SiTa3W9O40} building blocks has been isolated, which exhibits photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.
High throughput in vitro and in vivo screening of inland waters of Southern California
Authors: Mehinto A. C. , VanDervort D. R. , Lao W. , He G. , Denison M. S. , Vliet S. M. , Volz D. C. , Mazor R. D. , Maruya K. A.
Published: June 2017

High throughput in vitro and in vivo screening assays were combined to evaluate contaminant impacts on the health of freshwater streams.
Synthesis, molecular modeling and biological evaluation of aza-flavanones as α-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Kasturi Sivaprasad , Surarapu Sujatha , Bathoju Chandra Chary , Uppalanchi Srinivas , Dwivedi Shubham , Perumal Yogeeswari , Sigalapalli Dilep Kumar , Babu Bathini Nagendra , Ethiraj Krishna S. , Anireddy Jaya Shree
Published: June 2017

An efficient acid catalyzed methodology has been employed to synthesize a variety of aza-flavanones and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity is evaluated using acarbose, miglitol and voglibose as reference standards.
Developments of bioorthogonal handle-containing photo-crosslinkers for photoaffinity labeling
Authors: Guo Haijun , Li Zhengqiu
Published: June 2017

“Minimalist” photo-crosslinkers (L3–L6) applied in affinity-based proteome profiling and bioimaging for target identification of small molecules.
Gold–silver alloy semi-nanoshell arrays for label-free plasmonic biosensors
Authors: Russo Valentina , Michieli Niccolo’ , Cesca Tiziana , Scian Carlo , Silvestri Davide , Morpurgo Margherita , Mattei Giovanni
Published: June 2017

The label-free bio-sensing properties of bimetallic Au–Ag semi-nanoshell ordered arrays can be enhanced by tuning their lateral coupling.
Dynamic plasmonic nano-traps for single molecule surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Zhang Yuquan , Shen Junfeng , Xie Zhenwei , Dou Xiujie , Min Changjun , Lei Ting , Liu Jun , Zhu Siwei , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: June 2017

Intense electric fields at the nanoscale are essential for single molecule surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection.
Scrolling up graphene oxide nanosheets assisted by self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols
Authors: Wang Lin , Yang Peng , Liu Yang , Fang Xiangru , Shi Xiaotong , Wu Shiyu , Huang Ling , Li Hai , Huang Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: June 2017

The fabrication of high-quality nanoscrolls of GO on a gold substrate assisted by the self-assembly of alkanethiol monolayers for humidity sensing.
Copper(ii) catalyzed iodine-promoted oxidative cyclization of 2-amino-1,3,5-triazines and chalcones: synthesis of aroylimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazines
Authors: Li Jin Jing , Song Chan , Cui Dong-Mei , Zhang Chen
Published: June 2017

An efficient method for the synthesis of aroylimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazine derivatives based on a copper(ii) catalyzed iodine-promoted reaction of 2-amino-1,3,5-triazines and chalcones is presented.
Isolation and identification ofl/d-lactate-conjugated bufadienolides from toad eggs revealing lactate racemization in amphibians
Authors: Zhou Shiwen , Zheng Qingfei , Huang Xiuyong , Wang Yong , Luo Sifan , Jiang Renwang , Wang Lei , Ye Wencai , Tian Haiyan
Published: June 2017

Three pairs of bufadienolidel/d-lactate epimers (1–6) were isolated from the eggs of the toadBufo bufo gargarizans.
Nitroxide-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers with a pH/temperature dual sensitive stabilizer block
Authors: Qiao X. G. , Dugas P.-Y. , Charleux B. , Lansalot M. , Bourgeat-Lami E.
Published: June 2017

Comb-like P(PEOMA300-co-MAA-co-S)-SG1 macroalkoxyamine terpolymer initiators with dual pH/temperature responsive behavior were synthesized by nitroxide-mediated polymerization and used to control the emulsion polymerization of BMA with a small proportion of styrene.
Construction of flexible and stable near-infrared absorbing polymer films containing nickel-bis(dithiolene) moieties via ligand-exchange post-polymerization modification
Authors: Han Jianhua , Weng Zhihuan , Wu Zuoqiang , Cai Jingwen , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: June 2017

The expected combinational merits of polymeric materials and nickel-bis(dithiolene) complexes are successfully achieved by a ligand-exchange post-polymerization modification method.
A modular approach to highly functionalized 3-sulfonylfurans via conjugate addition of 3-cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones with sodium sulfinates and sequential 5-endo-trig iodocyclization
Authors: Miao Maozhong , Xu Huaping , Luo Yi , Jin Mengchao , Chen Zhengkai , Xu Jianfeng , Ren Hongjun
Published: June 2017

Conjugate addition of 3-cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones with sodium sulfinates and sequential 5-endo-trig iodocyclization to afford valuable 3-sulfonylfurans.
In situ formation of ultrafine CoS2 nanoparticles uniformly encapsulated in N/S-doped carbon polyhedron for advanced sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Han Fei , Lv Tiezheng , Sun Bing , Tang Wen , Zhang Chengzhi , Li Xuanke
Published: June 2017

A dragon fruit-like nanostructure consisting of ultrafine CoS2 nanoparticles uniformly encapsulated in N/S-doped carbon polyhedra exhibits outstanding sodium ion storage performance.
Topological relations and piezoelectric responses of crystal-axis-oriented BaTiO3/CaTiO3 nanocomposites
Authors: Hu Dengwei , Niu Xiaomei , Ma Hao , Zhang Wenxiong , Sewvandi Galhenage A. , Yang Desuo , Wang Xiaoling , Wang Hongshei , Kong Xingang , Feng Qi
Published: June 2017

A 2D mesocrystalline BaTiO3/CaTiO3 nanocomposite can contribute a specific enhancing effect on piezoelectric response by lattice strain at the heteroepitaxial interface.
Influence of pendant 2-[1,2,4]triazol-4-yl-ethylamine and symmetrical bis(pyrazol) ligands on dimensional extension of POM-based compounds
Authors: Tian Aixiang , Ni Huaiping , Ji Xuebin , Tian Yan , Liu Guocheng , Ying Jun
Published: June 2017

By using pendant tea and bis(pyrazole) ligands H2bdpm and H2bhpe, five new Mo8-based compounds have been synthesized. The tea induces low dimensional subunits of 1–3, while the H2bdpm and H2bhpe ligands induce high dimensional structures of 4 and 5.
A Z-scheme magnetic recyclable Ag/AgBr@CoFe2O4photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance for pollutant and bacterial elimination
Authors: Huang Shuquan , Xu Yuanguo , Xie Meng , Liu Qingqing , Xu Hui , Zhao Yan , He Minqiang , Li Huaming
Published: June 2017

A Z-scheme magnetic recyclable Ag/AgBr@CoFe2O4magnetic photocatalysts were preparedviaa simple solvothermal method.
Exploration of polyepoxysuccinic acid as a novel draw solution in the forward osmosis process
Authors: Wang Chen , Gao Baoyu , Zhao Pin , Li Ruihua , Yue Qinyan , Shon Ho Kyong
Published: June 2017

Polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) is a green corrosion scale inhibitor.
l-Glutamine-assisted synthesis of flower-like NiO and ball-flower-like NiO/Ag as an electrochemical sensor for lead(ii) detection
Authors: Mahmoudian M. R. , Basirun W. J. , Zalnezhad E. , Ladan M. , Alias Y.
Published: June 2017

Flower-like NiO (F-NiO) and ball-flower-like NiO/Ag (BF-NiO–Ag) were synthesized in the presence of l-glutamine as an electrochemical sensor for lead(ii) detection.
Prediction of magnetoresistance using a magnetic field and correlation between the magnetic and electrical properties of La0.7Bi0.05Sr0.15Ca0.1Mn1−xInxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) manganite
Authors: Belkahla Arwa , Cherif K. , Dhahri J. , Taibi K. , Hlil E. K.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we have systematically investigated the effect of In doping on the magnetic and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in La0.7Bi0.05Sr0.15Ca0.1Mn1−xInxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) manganite.
Hydrothermal conversion of high-concentrated glycerol to lactic acid catalyzed by bimetallic CuAux (x = 0.01–0.04) nanoparticles and their reaction kinetics
Authors: Shen Lingqin , Zhou Xin , Wang Aili , Yin Hengbo , Yin Haixu , Cui Wanjing
Published: June 2017

Bimetallic CuAux nanoparticles with alloy trend effectively catalyzed high-concentrated glycerol to lactic acid in a NaOH aqueous solution.
Cathodic shift of a photo-potential on a Ta3N5photoanode by post-heating a TiO2passivation layer
Authors: Liu Jie , Luo Wenjun , Zhu Kaijian , Wen Xin , Xiu Fei , Yuan Jiajie , Zou Zhigang , Huang Wei
Published: June 2017

A 90 mV cathodic shift of photo-potential of a Ta3N5photoanode is achieved by increasing the conductivity of a TiO2passivation layer.
Synergistic piezophotocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride)–ZnSnO3 and poly(methyl methacrylate)–ZnSnO3 nanocomposites
Authors: Lin Hung-Ming , Chang Kao-Shuo
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the piezophotocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)– and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–ZnSnO3 (ZTO) nanocomposites.
Controlled in-cell activation of RNA therapeutics using bond-cleaving bio-orthogonal chemistry
Authors: Khan Irfan , Seebald Leah M. , Robertson Neil M. , Yigit Mehmet V. , Royzen Maksim
Published: June 2017

In vitro exogenous activation of siRNA nanodrug using bio-orthogonal de-click chemistry.
Designing graphene-wrapped nanoporous CuCo2O4 hollow spheres electrodes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Kaverlavani S. Kamari , Moosavifard S. E. , Bakouei A.
Published: June 2017

Increasing demand for green energy storage systems, arising from the rapid development of portable electronics, has triggered tremendous research efforts for designing new or high-performance electrodes.
Molybdenum disulfide sphere-based electrochemical aptasensors for protein detection
Authors: Shuai Hong-Lei , Wu Xu , Huang Ke-Jing
Published: June 2017

In this work, we report the development of an ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor for protein detection.
Au@carbon dot nanoconjugates as a dual mode enzyme-free sensing platform for cholesterol
Authors: Priyadarshini Eepsita , Rawat Kamla
Published: June 2017

In this report, we present a novel application of gold–carbon dot nanoconjugates (Au@CDs) of an average size of around 12.6 nm as a sensor for the detection of cholesterol.
Sub‐carrier channel demultiplexing of THz‐wave OFDM signal assisted by optical technology
Authors: Takiguchi K.
Published: June 2017

A real‐time processing method for demultiplexing a high‐speed terahertz (THz)‐wave OFDM signal is proposed and demonstrated. An electrical signal, which is down‐converted from the THz‐wave OFDM signal, is up‐converted into an optical OFDM signal through an optical modulator. Then, the generated optical OFDM signal is demultiplexed into sub‐carrier channels in the optical domain by utilising an integrated‐optic OFDM demultiplexer with discrete Fourier transform function. The processing principle of the method and some preliminary experimental results including BER measurement to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method are reported. A 2 × 10 Gbit/s THz‐wave OFDM signal was demultiplexed into sub‐carrier channels with the method as preliminary investigation.
A Self-Inflating Bag May Cause Hypocapnia in a Rabbit Model of Manual Ventilation Compared to the T-piece Resuscitator
Authors: Mascaretti Renata , Valle Luciana , Rebello Celso , Haddad Luciana
Published: June 2017

Background Manual ventilation is a key aspect that determines the efficiency of neonatal resuscitation and may be performed by specialists using different equipment and professionals.

Objective To compare manual ventilation using T-piece resuscitator and self-inflating bag in an experimental model, with regard to gasometric and respiratory mechanical parameters.

Methods Adult rabbits were submitted to 10 minutes of ventilation with each device operated by three groups of volunteers: physicians, physiotherapists, and nurses. We measured respiratory mechanics throughout the study as well as blood gas before and after ventilation, and we compared professionals' performance on each device.

Results Compared with T-piece, animals ventilated with the self-inflating bag in the nurse group (n = 7) presented a greater minute volume (390 ± 108 vs. 766 ± 410 mL/min, p < 0.05) relative to the physiotherapist group (n = 7, 418 ± 192 vs. 886 ± 787 mL/min), and physician group (n = 7, 438 ± 206 vs. 705 ± 434 mL/min); similar results were found in the nurse, physiotherapist, and physician groups for respiratory alkalosis (7.40 ± 0.11 vs. 7.61 ± 0.02, p < 0.05; 7.37 ± 0.10 vs. 7.52 ± 0.23; and 7.36 ± 0.07 vs. 7.40 ± 0.18 mL/min, respectively), and hypocapnia (32.4 ± 6.9 vs. 23.4 ± 7.5 mm Hg, p < 0.05; 40.4 ± 10.8 vs. 28.0 ± 15.2 mm Hg; and 38.0 ± 13.8 vs. 42.6 ± 18.1 mm Hg, respectively).

Conclusion Self-inflating bag resulted in hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis in the nurse group, and ventilation using a T-piece resulted in a lower tidal and minute volume.
Indications for Invasive Prenatal Testing before and after Noninvasive Prenatal Screening
Authors: Prosen Tracy , Gill Lisa
Published: June 2017

Objective To evaluate changes in indications for genetic testing after introduction of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) into a single center. Pregnancy outcomes and results of testing were evaluated.

Study Design It was a retrospective cohort study. Medical records were reviewed for all invasive testing procedures from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2015. NIPS was introduced in February 1, 2012. Indications were compared before and after that date. Results of genetic testing and pregnancy outcome were also obtained from the medical records where available.

Results A total of 2,066 invasive diagnostic procedures were performed. Significantly fewer invasive procedures were performed per month following introduction of NIPS (23 vs. 13). Indications were less likely to be reported as advanced maternal age (AMA), abnormal genetic screening, and abnormal ultrasound findings following introduction of NIPS (p < 0.0001). No difference was noted for parental chromosome abnormality, risk of single-gene disorder, or prior child with aneuploidy. Tests performed after introduction of NIPS were more likely abnormal (16.3 vs. 27.6%; p < 0.0001).Total number of pregnancy terminations decreased (130 vs. 123); more were terminated after prenatal diagnosis following NIPS introduction (12.9 vs. 30.1%).

Conclusion Since the introduction of NIPS, fewer invasive tests are performed. Indications have changed since NIPS was introduced, becoming less common for AMA, abnormal genetic screening, and abnormal ultrasounds.
Therapiemonitoring beim metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Hinz Stefan
Published: June 2017

Für die Behandlung des metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinoms (mCRPC) stehen aktuell als Therapieoptionen Abirateronacetat, Enzalutamid, Docetaxel, Cabazitaxel und Radium-223 zur Verfügung, wobei die optimale Abfolge in der Therapiesequenz noch unklar ist. Es existieren auch noch keine verlässlichen prädiktiven Biomarker zur Vorhersage des Therapieansprechens und damit zur besseren Patientenselektion. Für das Gesamtüberleben ist entscheidend, dass jeder Patient möglichst alle verfügbaren Therapieoptionen erhält. Dies setzt ein frühzeitiges Erkennen einer Progression als Indikation für einen Therapiewechsel voraus. In diesem Zusammenhang ist die Durchführung eines strukturierten Therapiemonitorings im klinischen Alltag wichtig.
Beeinflussung der Lebensqualität beim metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinom – eine Übersicht
Authors: Miller Kurt
Published: June 2017

Mit dem Auftreten von Metastasen verschlechtert sich zusehends auch die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität von Karzinom-Patienten. Vor allem Fatigue, Schlafstörungen, Knochenschmerzen, Obstipation und andere krankheitsassoziierte Symptome belasten die Betroffenen sehr. Infolge der verbesserten Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und längeren Überlebenszeiten stellen auch Symptomkontrolle und Verbesserung der Lebensqualität wichtige Ziele der Tumortherapie dar. Bei Patienten mit metastasiertem kastrationsresistentem Prostatakarzinom (mCRPC) konnte für Abirateronacetat und Enzalutamid neben der signifikanten Überlebensverlängerung auch ein signifikanter Nutzen hinsichtlich mehrerer Parameter der Lebensqualität gezeigt werden.
Semimembranosus Muscle Injuries In Sport. A Practical MRI use for Prognosis
Authors: Balius Ramon , Bossy Mireia , Pedret Carles , Capdevila Lluís , Alomar Xavier , Heiderscheit Bryan , Rodas Gil
Published: June 2017

The aim of this work was to study semimembranosus musculotendinous injuries (SMMTI) and return to play (RTP). The hypothesis is that some related anatomic variables of the SM could contribute to the prognosis of RTP. The retrospective study was done with 19 athletes who suffered SMMTI from 2010 to 2013 and in whose cases a 3.0T MRI was performed. We evaluated the A, B, C SM regions damaged and calculated the relative length and percentage of cross-sectional area (CSA) affected. We found the correlation of these variables with RTP. The data was regrouped in those cases where the part C of the injury was of interest and those in which the C region was unscathed (pooled parts). We used the Mann-Whitney U test and there was a higher RTP when the injury involved the C part of SM (49.1 days; 95% CI [27.6– 70.6]) compared to non-C-part involvement (27.8 days; 95% CI [19.5–36.0]). The SMMTI with longer RTP typically involves the C part with or without participation of the B part. In daily practice, the appearance on MRI of an altered proximal tendon of the SM indicates that the injury affects the C region and therefore has a longer RTP.
Endocuff-assisted vs. standard colonoscopy in the fecal occult blood test-based UK Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (E-cap study): a randomized trial
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rupam , Chedgy Fergus , Kandiah Kesavan , Fogg Carole , Higgins Bernard , Haysom-Newport Ben , Gadeke Lisa , Thursby-Pelham Fergus , Ellis Richard , Goggin Patrick , Longcroft-Wheaton Gaius , Bhandari Pradeep
Published: June 2017

Background and study aims Up to 25 % colorectal adenomas are missed during colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the endocuff could improve polyp detection in an organized bowel cancer screening program (BCSP).

Patients and methods This parallel group, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial included patients with positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) who were attending for BCSP colonoscopy. The primary outcome was the number of polyps per patient. Secondary outcomes included the number of adenomas per patient, adenoma and polyp detection rates, and withdrawal times.

Results A total of 534 BCSP patients were randomized to endocuff-assisted or standard colonoscopy. The mean age was 67 years and the male to female ratio was 1.8:1. We detected no significant difference in the number of polyps per patient (standard 1.8, endocuff 1.6; P = 0.44), adenomas per patient (standard 1.4, endocuff 1.3; P = 0.54), polyp detection rate (standard 69.8 %, endocuff 70.3 %; P = 0.93), adenoma detection rate (standard 63.0 %, endocuff 60.9 %; P = 0.85), advanced adenoma detection rate (standard 18.5 %, endocuff 16.9 %; P = 0.81), and cancer detection rate (standard 5.7 %, endocuff 5.3 %; P = 0.85). The mean withdrawal time was significantly shorter among patients in the endocuff group compared with the standard colonoscopy group (16.9 vs. 19.5 minutes; P < 0.005). The endocuff had to be removed in 17/266 patients (6.4 %) because of inability to pass through the sigmoid colon.

Conclusions This study did not find improved polyp or adenoma detection with endocuff-assisted colonoscopy in the FOBT-positive BCSP population. A shorter withdrawal time with endocuff may reflect improved views and stability provided by the endocuff.

Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02529007).
Strategy and technology in telecoms: Digicel withdraws IPO
Authors: Golding Paul , Tennant Vanesa M.
Published: June 2017

Taking advantage of the deregulation in telecommunications sector in the Caribbean, Digicel entered the Jamaican market in 2001. Digicel quickly usurped the dominance of the incumbent, Cable and Wireless – in the mobile segment of the market – using a strategy of affordable phones and a user-friendly approach to mass marketing. This strategy was used to enter other small underdeveloped markets in the Caribbean and Central America and thus challenge the incumbent by competing aggressively on price. In 2014, Digicel commenced a strategic change, with an evolution from a pure mobile services company to becoming a communications and entertainment provider. Price competition in its most lucrative segment (mobile) saw revenue plummet; the competition from non-traditional players and the existing competitor C&W strategic acquisition of a leading cable/internet provider forced the change in strategy. Digicel's founder and chairman, Dennis O'Brien, raised equity by issuing an initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). O'Brien surprised observers when he canceled the IPO days before the shares were to be listed on the NYSE. This created a strategic conundrum for O'Brien, which was exacerbated when it was announced that Liberty Global, had agreed to acquire Cable and Wireless Communications plc (CWC), the C&W parent company, for US$8.2B (The Gleaner: Liberty Global to Acquire CWC in a US$8.2b deal). O'Brien's expansion strategy was now in jeopardy. The market was evolving rapidly, the IPO that was required to fund the new strategy was aborted, and its main competitor was now awash with cash. Digicel needed to pivot quickly, but how?
Modulating the size of ZnO nanorods on SiO2 substrates by incorporating reduced graphene oxide into the seed layer solution
Authors: Yu Tzu-Yi , Wei Min Ruei , Weng Chen Yuan , Su Wei Ming , Lu Chien Cheng , Chen Yu Tzu , Chen Hsiang
Published: June 2017

In this research, reduced graphene oxide was incorporated into the ZnO seed layer to modulate the rod diameter of ZnO nanorods (NRs) during solgel/hydrothermal growth. To characterize the reduced graphene oxide incorporated ZnO NRs, multiple material analysis techniques including field-emission scanning electron microscopy, surface contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence were used to explore distinct properties of these size modulatable NRs. Results indicate ZnO NRs with smaller diameters could be observed with more reduced graphene oxide added into the ZnO seed layer. Furthermore, better crystallinity, higher hydrophobicity and lower defect concentration could be obtained with more amount of reduced graphene oxide added into the ZnO seed layer. The modulatable reduced graphene oxide-incorporated ZnO NRs growth is promising for future ZnO NRs based nanodevice applications.
Reflection of circularly polarized light and the effect of particle distribution on circular dichroism in evaporation induced self-assembled cellulose nanocrystal thin films
Authors: Hewson D. , Vukusic P. , Eichhorn S. J.
Published: June 2017

Evaporation induced self-assembled (EISA) thin films of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have shown great potential for displaying structural colour across the visible spectrum. They are believed primarily to reflect left handed circularly polarised (LCP) light due to their natural tendency to form structures comprising left handed chirality. Accordingly the fabrication of homogenously coloured CNC thin films is challenging. Deposition of solid material towards the edge of a dried droplet, via the coffee-stain effect, is one such difficulty in achieving homogenous colour across CNC films. These effects are most easily observed in films prepared from droplets where observable reflection of visible light is localised around the edge of the dry film. We report here, the observation of both left and right hand circularly polarised (LCP/RCP) light in reflection from distinct separate regions of CNC EISA thin films and we elucidate how these reflections are dependent on the distribution of CNC material within the EISA thin film. Optical models of reflection are presented which are based on structures revealed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of film cross sections. We have also employed spectroscopic characterisation techniques to evaluate the distribution of solid CNC material within a selection of CNC EISA thin films and we have correlated this distribution with polarised light spectra collected from each film. We conclude that film regions from which RCP light was reflected were associated with lower CNC concentrations and thicker film regions.
A particle-core model for inhomogeneous and mismatched charged particle beams
Authors: Nunes R. P.
Published: June 2017

This work presents a particle-core model for an inhomogeneous and mismatched nonneutral charged particle beam. The beam is azimuthally symmetric, initially cold, and is confined by an external constant magnetic field inside a cylindrical conducting pipe. The core description is based on a previous developed Lagrangian approach. The relaxation time and the phase-space topology of the particle-core model is in reasonable agreement with full self-consistent N-particle beam numerical simulations.
Surface-segregation-induced phase separation in epitaxial Au/Co nanoparticles: Formation and stability of core-shell structures
Authors: Sato Kazuhisa , Matsushima Yuta , Konno Toyohiko J.
Published: June 2017

We have studied formation and stability of core-shell structures in epitaxial Au/Co nanoparticles (NPs) by using atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. As the particle size reduces, number of NPs having Au-shell increases and their frequency of occurrence reached 65%. Au segregation proceeds during particle growth at 520 K. The core-shell structure formation is particle size-dependent; the critical diameter dividing the Au-shell and the Co-shell structures is about 11 nm, below which the Au-shell is stable. After annealing at 800 K for 3.6 ks, Au-shell NPs were conserved while the Co-shell NPs changed to two-phase structures with a planar interface separating Au and Co. There is a local energy minimum where the Co-shell NP is metastable in the as-deposited state. A simple model based on surface and interfacial energies suggests stability of Au-shell structures. Surface-segregation-induced phase separation in small NPs, due to low surface free energy of Au, will be responsible for the Au-shell formation.
The confinement effect in spherical inhomogeneous quantum dots and stability of excitons
Authors: Benhaddou F. , Zorkani I. , Jorio A.
Published: June 2017

We investigate in this work the quantum confinement effect of exciton in spherical inhomogeneous quantum dots IQDs. The spherical core is enveloped by two shells. The inner shell is a semiconductor characterized by a small band-gap. The core and the outer shell are the same semiconductor characterized by a large band-gap. So there is a significant gap-offset creating a deep potential well where the excitons are localized and strongly confined. We have adopted the Ritz variational method to calculate numerically the excitonic ground state energy and its binding energy in the strong, moderate and low confinement regimes. The results show that the Ritz variational method is in good agreement with the perturbation method in strong confinement. There is a double confinement effect and dual control. The calculation checks the effective Rydberg R* at the asymptotic limit of bulk semiconductor when the thickness takes very large values. The excitonic binding energy increases, Thus giving the excitons a high stability even at ambient temperature. These nanosystems are promising in several applications: lighting, detection, biological labeling and quantum computing.
Increased high molecular weight adiponectin, but decreased total adiponectin and kisspeptin, in central precocious puberty compared with aged-matched prepubertal girls
Authors: Sitticharoon Chantacha , Sukharomana Maynart , Likitmaskul Supawadee , Churintaraphan Malika , Maikaew Pailin
Published: June 2017

The aim of the present study was to compare serum leptin, kisspeptin, total adiponectin, high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels between girls with central precocious puberty (CPP; n = 26, 7–9.5 years old) and age-matched controls (n = 29) including or excluding obese girls. Leptin and NPY levels were comparable between CPP and control girls. Kisspeptin levels were lower in the CPP than control group, and were positively correlated with oestrogen in the control group and with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the CPP group. Kisspeptin levels were negatively correlated with FSH and LH in the CPP group. Total adiponectin levels were lower in CPP than control girls, and were negatively correlated with Tanner stage and body mass index, but positively correlated with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index in the control group. HMW adiponectin was higher in the CPP than control group, and was positively correlated with Tanner stage and LH in all girls. Total adiponectin had a strong positive correlation with HMW adiponectin in the CPP group (r = 0.915) compared with the control group (r = 0.371). In conclusion, kisspeptin may be associated with increased oestrogen in prepubertal girls, but with increased blood pressure in girls with CPP. In girls entering puberty, HMW adiponectin was increased and associated with reproductive parameters. Based on these observations, HMW adiponectin probably plays an essential role in the initiation of puberty and is a candidate marker for the prediction of CPP.