bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoacoustic stimulation promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells to enhance the repair of bone defect
Authors: Huang Zebin , Xu Jiankun , Chen Jiebin , Chen Hongjiang , Wang Hailong , Huang Zhonglian , Chen Youbin , Lu Xiaolin , Lu Fushen , Hu Jun
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct photoacoustic (PA) effect on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) which is a key cell source for osteogenesis. As scaffold is also an indispensable element for tissue regeneration, here we firstly fabricated a composited sheet using polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) mixing with graphene oxide (GO). BMSCs were seeded on the PLGA-GO sheets and received PA treatment in vitro for 3, 9 and 15 days, respectively. Then the BMSCs were harvested and subjected to assess alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content and osteopontin (OPN) on 3, 9 and 15 days. For in vivo study, PLGA-GO sheet seeded with BMSCs after in vitro PA stimulation for 9 days were implanted to repair the bone defect established in the femoral mid-shaft of Sprague-Dawley rat. PLGA-GO group with PA pretreatment showed promising outcomes in terms of the expression of ALP, OPN, and calcium content, thus enhanced the repair of bone defect. In conclusion, we have developed an alternative approach to enhance the repair of bone defect by making good use of the beneficial effect of PA.
Epidemiology, pathology and identification of Colletotrichum including a novel species associated with avocado (Persea americana) anthracnose in Israel
Authors: Sharma Gunjan , Maymon Marcel , Freeman Stanley
Published: November 2017

Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species is a major constraint for the shelf-life and marketability of avocado fruits. To date, only C. gloeosporioides sensu lato and C. aenigma have been reported as pathogens affecting avocado in Israel. This study was conducted to identify and characterize Colletotrichum species associated with avocado anthracnose and to determine their survival on different host-structures in Israel. The pathogen survived and over-wintered mainly on fresh and dry leaves, as well as fresh twigs in the orchard. A collection of 538 Colletotrichum isolates used in this study was initially characterized based on morphology and banding patterns generated according to arbitrarily primed PCR to assess the genetic diversity of the fungal populations. Thereafter, based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses involving combinations of ITS, act, ApMat, cal, chs1, gapdh, gs, his3, tub2 gene/markers; eight previously described species (C. aenigma, C. alienum, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides sensu stricto, C. karstii, C. nupharicola, C. siamense, C. theobromicola) and a novel species (C. perseae) were identified, as avocado anthracnose pathogens in Israel; and reconfirmed after pathogenicity assays. Colletotrichum perseae sp. nov. and teleomorph of C. aenigma are described along with comprehensive morphological descriptions and illustrations, for the first time in this study.
Expression of SRY-related HMG Box Transcription Factors (Sox) 2 and 9 in Craniopharyngioma Subtypes and Surrounding Brain Tissue
Authors: Thimsen Vivian , John Nora , Buchfelder Michael , Flitsch Jörg , Fahlbusch Rudolf , Stefanits Harald , Knosp Engelbert , Losa Marco , Buslei Rolf , Hölsken Annett
Published: November 2017

Stem cells have been discovered as key players in the genesis of different neoplasms including craniopharyngioma (CP), a rare tumour entity in the sellar region. Sox2 and Sox9 are well-known stem cell markers involved in pituitary development. In this study we analysed the expression of both transcription factors using immunohistochemistry in a large cohort of 64 adamantinomatous (aCP) and 9 papillary CP (pCP) and quantitative PCR in 26 aCP and 7 pCP. Whereas immunohistochemically Sox2+ cells were verifiable in only five aCP (7.8%) and in 39.1% of the respective surrounding cerebral tissue, pCP specimens appeared always negative. In contrast, Sox9 was detectable in all tumours with a significantly higher expression in aCP compared to pCP (protein, p < 0.0001; mRNA p = 0.0484) This was also true for the respective tumour adjacent CNS where 63 aCP (98.4%) and six pCP (66.7%) showed Sox9+ cells. We further confirmed absence of Sox9 expression in nuclear β-catenin accumulating cells of aCP. Our results point to the conclusion that Sox2 and Sox9, seem to play essential roles not only in the specific formation of aCP, but also in processes involving the cerebral tumour environment, which needs to be illuminated in the future.
Genome-wide identification of long non-coding RNA genes and their association with insecticide resistance and metamorphosis in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Liu Feiling , Guo Dianhao , Yuan Zhuting , Chen Chen , Xiao Huamei
Published: November 2017

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of noncoding RNA >200 bp in length that has essential roles in regulating a variety of biological processes. Here, we constructed a computational pipeline to identify lncRNA genes in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major insect pest of cruciferous vegetables. In total, 3,324 lncRNAs corresponding to 2,475 loci were identified from 13 RNA-Seq datasets, including samples from parasitized, insecticide-resistant strains and different developmental stages. The identified P. xylostella lncRNAs had shorter transcripts and fewer exons than protein-coding genes. Seven out of nine randomly selected lncRNAs were validated by strand-specific RT-PCR. In total, 54–172 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in the insecticide resistant strains, among which one lncRNA was located adjacent to the sodium channel gene. In addition, 63–135 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in different developmental stages, among which three lncRNAs overlapped or were located adjacent to the metamorphosis-associated genes. These lncRNAs were either strongly or weakly co-expressed with their overlapping or neighboring mRNA genes. In summary, we identified thousands of lncRNAs and presented evidence that lncRNAs might have key roles in conferring insecticide resistance and regulating the metamorphosis development in P. xylostella.
Yeast display biopanning identifies human antibodies targeting glioblastoma stem-like cells
Authors: Zorniak Michael , Clark Paul A. , Umlauf Benjamin J. , Cho Yongku , Shusta Eric V. , Kuo John S.
Published: November 2017

Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSC) are hypothesized to evade current therapies and cause tumor recurrence, contributing to poor patient survival. Existing cell surface markers for GSC are developed from embryonic or neural stem cell systems; however, currently available GSC markers are suboptimal in sensitivity and specificity. We hypothesized that the GSC cell surface proteome could be mined with a yeast display antibody library to reveal novel immunophenotypes. We isolated an extensive collection of antibodies that were differentially selective for GSC. A single domain antibody VH-9.7 showed selectivity for five distinct patient-derived GSC lines and visualized orthotopic GBM xenografts in vivo after conjugation with a near-infrared dye. These findings demonstrate a previously unexplored high-throughput strategy for GSC-selective antibody discovery, to aid in GSC isolation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic targeting.
miRNAs in bone tissue correlate to bone mineral density and circulating miRNAs are gender independent in osteoporotic patients
Authors: Kelch Sarah , Balmayor Elizabeth R. , Seeliger Claudine , Vester Helen , Kirschke Jan S. , van Griensven Martijn
Published: November 2017

We previously demonstrated the aberrant expression of nine specific miRNAs in serum from osteoporotic patients. In the present study, we further evaluated the expression of these miRNAs in bone tissue, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts from 28 patients. We hypothesize that miRNA expression in serum from osteoporotic patients may be gender-independent. A further hypothesis is that the miRNA expression in bone could be correlated with BMD values. Moreover, intracellular expression of these osteoporosis-related miRNAs may indicate the role of these molecules during osteoporosis. Our results indeed show that miRNA expression in serum was gender-independent except for miR125b-5p. A correlation with BMD was confirmed for miR-21-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-100-5p and miR125b-5p with linear correlation coefficients r > 0.9. Intracellular studies revealed a simultaneous up-regulation of miR-21-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-100-5p and miR125b-5p in osteoblasts and in osteoclasts. miR-148a-3p up-regulation in cells was specific for osteoporotic osteoclasts. Altogether, miR-21-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-100-5p, and miR-125b-5p showed significant upregulation in serum, tissue and bone cells of osteoporotic patients. All except miR-125b-5p showed gender independent expression and good correlation to BMD values. Our results suggest that these miRNAs may be important for an earlier diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Long-read genome sequence assembly provides insight into ongoing retroviral invasion of the koala germline
Authors: Hobbs Matthew , King Andrew , Salinas Ryan , Chen Zhiliang , Tsangaras Kyriakos , Greenwood Alex D. , Johnson Rebecca N. , Belov Katherine , Wilkins Marc R. , Timms Peter
Published: November 2017

The koala retrovirus (KoRV) is implicated in several diseases affecting the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). KoRV provirus can be present in the genome of koalas as an endogenous retrovirus (present in all cells via germline integration) or as exogenous retrovirus responsible for somatic integrations of proviral KoRV (present in a limited number of cells). This ongoing invasion of the koala germline by KoRV provides a powerful opportunity to assess the viral strategies used by KoRV in an individual. Analysis of a high-quality genome sequence of a single koala revealed 133 KoRV integration sites. Most integrations contain full-length, endogenous provirus; KoRV-A subtype. The second most frequent integrations contain an endogenous recombinant element (recKoRV) in which most of the KoRV protein-coding region has been replaced with an ancient, endogenous retroelement. A third set of integrations, with very low sequence coverage, may represent somatic cell integrations of KoRV-A, KoRV-B and two recently designated additional subgroups, KoRV-D and KoRV-E. KoRV-D and KoRV-E are missing several genes required for viral processing, suggesting they have been transmitted as defective viruses. Our results represent the first comprehensive analyses of KoRV integration and variation in a single animal and provide further insights into the process of retroviral-host species interactions.
mRNAs containing NMD-competent premature termination codons are stabilized and translated under UPF1 depletion
Authors: Kim Won Kyu , Yun SeongJu , Kwon Yujin , You Kwon Tae , Shin Nara , Kim Jiyoon , Kim Hoguen
Published: November 2017

mRNAs containing premature termination codons (PTCs) are rapidly degraded through nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). However, some PTC-containing mRNAs evade NMD, and might generate mutant proteins responsible for various diseases, including cancers. Using PTC-containing human genomic β-globin constructs, we show that a fraction (~30%) of PTC-containing mRNAs expressed from NMD-competent PTC-containing constructs were as stable as their PTC-free counterparts in a steady state. These PTC-containing mRNAs were monosome-enriched and rarely contributed to expression of mutant proteins. Expression of trace amounts of mutant proteins from NMD-competent PTC-containing constructs was not affected by inhibition of eIF4E-dependent translation and such expression was dependent on a continuous influx of newly synthesized PTC-containing mRNAs, indicating that truncated mutant proteins originated primarily in the pioneer round of translation. The generation of mutant proteins was promoted by UPF1 depletion, which induced polysome association of PTC-containing mRNAs, increased eIF4E-bound PTC-containing mRNA levels, and subsequent eIF4E-dependent translation. Our findings suggest that PTC-containing mRNAs are potent and regulatable sources of mutant protein generation.
Non-criticality of interaction network over system’s crises: A percolation analysis
Authors: Shirazi Amir Hossein , Saberi Abbas Ali , Hosseiny Ali , Amirzadeh Ehsan , Toranj Simin Pourya
Published: November 2017

Extraction of interaction networks from multi-variate time-series is one of the topics of broad interest in complex systems. Although this method has a wide range of applications, most of the previous analyses have focused on the pairwise relations. Here we establish the potential of such a method to elicit aggregated behavior of the system by making a connection with the concepts from percolation theory. We study the dynamical interaction networks of a financial market extracted from the correlation network of indices, and build a weighted network. In correspondence with the percolation model, we find that away from financial crises the interaction network behaves like a critical random network of Erdős-Rényi, while close to a financial crisis, our model deviates from the critical random network and behaves differently at different size scales. We perform further analysis to clarify that our observation is not a simple consequence of the growth in correlations over the crises.
Receptor-based NMR Techniques in Drug Discovery
Authors: Sivanandam V. N. , Bernardo-Seisdedos Ganeko , Millet Oscar
Published: November 2017

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy is a highly resolutive method for drug-discovery as it provides information about drug association to a target protein, over a wide range of affinities and with atomic resolution. The binding event affects many NMR observables that are sensitive to the chemical environment and to putative changes in the structure/dynamics upon binding. The versatility and robustness of this technique explains why pharmaceutical and research groups routinely incorporate NMR spectroscopy into their high-throughput ligand screening strategies. In this chapter, we pay attention to the receptor-based NMR experiments that monitor the target protein to quantitatively describe and validate the small-compound binding phenomena.
Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Action: X-ray Crystallography at the Basis of Structure-based and Ligand-based Drug Design
Authors: de Ruyck J. , Roos G. , Krammer E.-M. , Prévost M. , Lensink M. F. , Bouckaert J.
Published: November 2017

Biological systems are recognized for their complexity and diversity and yet we sometimes manage to cure disease via the administration of small chemical drug molecules. At first, active ingredients were found accidentally and at that time there did not seem a need to understand the molecular mechanism of drug functioning. However, the urge to develop new drugs, the discovery of multipurpose characteristics of some drugs, and the necessity to remove unwanted secondary drug effects, incited the pharmaceutical sector to rationalize drug design. This did not deliver success in the years directly following its conception, but it drove the evolution of biochemical and biophysical techniques to enable the characterization of molecular mechanisms of drug action. Functional and structural data generated by biochemists and structural biologists became a valuable input for computational biologists, chemists and bioinformaticians who could extrapolate in silico, based on variations in the structural aspects of the drug molecules and their target. This opened up new avenues with much improved predictive power because of a clearer perception of the role and impact of structural elements in the intrinsic affinity and specificity of the drug for its target. In this chapter, we review how crystal structures can initiate structure-based drug design in general.
Fluorescent Probes in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Ortega-Gutiérrez Silvia
Published: November 2017

Fluorescent probes have received much attention in the chemical and life sciences due to their promising applications in biological labelling, tracking, monitoring, imaging and diagnostics. From the early use of small fluorophores for medical imaging around 50 years ago, the field has experienced a tremendous evolution, incorporating advances from chemistry, nanoscience, materials science and molecular biology. In this regard, the advent of fluorescent proteins for the genetic labelling of molecules and cells and the development of sophisticated biosensors have expanded the number of possible applications. Among them, one area that has clearly benefited from these advances is medicinal chemistry. In this chapter we will summarize the different classes of fluorescent probes as well as their current applications at the different stages of the drug discovery process, in order to illustrate how they have become invaluable tools for addressing essential questions in biomedicine.
Molecular Imaging
Authors: Kubala Eugen , Menzel Marion I. , Feuerecker Benedikt , Glaser Steffen J. , Schwaiger Markus
Published: November 2017

Molecular imaging is a medical and scientific discipline that enables a perturbation-free visualization of functional molecular processes in living organisms. It differs from the conventional imaging techniques by using probes known as biomarkers or tracers that interact physically or chemically with their surroundings and target certain metabolic processes or abnormalities. In this chapter, we want to present a closer look at today's most used and most promising molecular imaging modalities. We focus on modalities based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging combined with hyperpolarized probes, radiotracer-based single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Finally, emerging optical imaging modalities including bioluminescence imaging (BLI), fluorescence imaging (FI) and multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) are also described.
Biosensor applications of graphene-nanocomposites bound oxidoreductive and hydrolytic enzymes
Authors: Husain Qayyum
Published: November 2017

Graphene based nanocomposites have successfully been employed for high yield and stable immobilization of oxidoreductive and hydrolytic enzymes.
Structural analysis of elastically bent organic crystals using in situ indentation and micro-Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mishra Manish Kumar , Mishra Kamini , Syed Asif S. A. , Manimunda Praveena
Published: November 2017

The structural dynamics of two elastically bendable, halogenated N-benzylideneaniline organic crystals were studied using an in situ three-point bending test and Raman spectroscopy.
Imidazole synthesis by transition metal free, base-mediated deaminative coupling of benzylamines and nitriles
Authors: Das Uttam Kumar , Shimon Linda J. W. , Milstein David
Published: November 2017

An unprecedented transition metal free, base-mediated deaminative coupling of benzylamines and nitriles is reported. This protocol provides a practical strategy for the synthesis of 2,4,5-tri-substituted imidazoles with liberation of NH3.
Solvent-controlled synthesis of various Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based metal–organic complexes with excellent capacity for the chromatographic separation of dyes
Authors: Wang Xiu-Li , Song Ge , Lin Hong-Yan , Wang Xiang , Liu Guo-Cheng , Rong Xing
Published: November 2017

A series of Anderson-type POMs-based metal-organic complexes were synthesized in different solvents, which show excellent dye adsorption and chromatographic separation performance in a short time.
Investigations on structural determination of semi-transition-metal borides
Authors: Wang Menglong , Liu Chang , Wen Mao , Li Quan , Ma Yanming
Published: November 2017

The present calculations show a series of semi-transition-metal borides with the long-assumed I4/mcm symmetry are dynamically unstable and I4/m structure is predicted to be both energetically and dynamically stable by freezing the unstable phonon mode.
Substitution of Re7+ into CaMnO3: an efficient free electron generation dopant for tuning of thermoelectric properties
Authors: Shin J. Felix , Niu Hongjun , Alaria Jonathan , Claridge John B. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: November 2017

Highly dense CaMn1−xRexO3 samples containing heptavalent Re7+ exhibited ZT of 0.16(3) at 947 K, which is comparable to the highest values reported for dense B-site doped CaMnO3.
Effects of the SrTiO3 support on visible-light water oxidation with Co3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Okazaki Megumi , Eguchi Miharu , Uchiyama Tomoki , Lu Daling , Kato Hideki , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Kakihana Masato , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: November 2017

SrTiO3 particle as a support material had a strong influence on the formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles, resulting in different photocatalytic activities for visible-light water oxidation (λ > 480 nm).
Quantitative structure–activity relationships for primary aerobic biodegradation of organic chemicals in pristine surface waters: starting points for predicting biodegradation under acclimatization
Authors: Nolte Tom M. , Pinto-Gil Kevin , Hendriks A. Jan , Ragas Ad M. J. , Pastor Manuel
Published: November 2017

Microbial biomass and acclimation can affect the removal of organic chemicals in natural surface waters.
Double anisotropic electrically conductive flexible Janus-typed membranes
Authors: Li Xiaobing , Ma Qianli , Tian Jiao , Xi Xue , Li Dan , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Wang Xinlu , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: November 2017

Novel double anisotropic electrically conductive flexible Janus-typed membranes with tunable electrically conductive anisotropy and enhanced photoluminescence were fabricated by electrospinning.
Optical manipulation of individual strongly absorbing platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Samadi Akbar , Bendix Poul Martin , Oddershede Lene B.
Published: November 2017

Platinum nanoparticles have exceptional absorption in the near infrared (NIR) regime, thus leading to significant local heating. Nevertheless, they can be stably optically trapped in three dimensions by a tightly focused NIR laser beam.
Elemental sulfur mediated 2-substituted benzothiazole formation from 2-aminobenzenethiols and arylacetylenes or styrenes under metal-free conditions
Authors: Li Guozheng , Jiang Jingjing , Zhang Feng , Xiao Fuhong , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: November 2017

2-Substituted-benzothiazole derivatives were selectively prepared from 2-aminothiophenols and arylacetylenes or styrenes using elemental sulfur as the efficient oxidant.
Structure–reactivity correlations of the abnormal Beckmann reaction of dihydrolevoglucosenone oxime
Authors: Alhifthi Amani , Harris Benjamin L. , Goerigk Lars , White Jonathan M. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: November 2017

Structural, spectroscopic and computational studies of a series of oximes reveals ground state structural manifestations relevant to the reaction coordinate for the Beckmann rearrangement (normal Beckmann) and Beckmann fragmentation (abnormal Beckmann).
Fluoride degradable and thermally debondable polyurethane based adhesive
Authors: Babra Tahkur Singh , Trivedi Akash , Warriner Colin N. , Bazin Nicholas , Castiglione Dario , Sivour Clive , Hayes Wayne , Greenland Barnaby W.
Published: November 2017

A polyurethane-based adhesive has been produced that can undergo multiple thermal debonding/bonding cycles and also irreversibly debond through depolymerisation on contact with fluoride ions.
Phosphine-sulfonate-based nickel catalysts: ethylene polymerization and copolymerization with polar-functionalized norbornenes
Authors: Song Guangzhi , Pang Wenmin , Li Weimin , Chen Min , Chen Changle
Published: November 2017

A series of biaryl-based phosphine-sulfonate nickel catalysts are shown to mediate efficient ethylene polymerization and copolymerization with polar-functionalized norbornene comonomers.
Novel cyclodextrin-based pH-sensitive supramolecular host–guest assembly for staining acidic cellular organelles
Authors: Pricope Gabriela , Ursu Elena Laura , Sardaru Monica , Cojocaru Corneliu , Clima Lilia , Marangoci Narcisa , Danac Ramona , Mangalagiu Ionel I. , Simionescu Bogdan C. , Pinteala Mariana , Rotaru Alexandru
Published: November 2017

A novel supramolecular approach for the preparation of new non-toxic systems for staining cellular organelles is described.
SnO2/SnS2 nanotubes for flexible room-temperature NH3 gas sensors
Authors: Li Rui , Jiang Kai , Chen Shuai , Lou Zheng , Huang Tingting , Chen Di , Shen Guozhen
Published: November 2017

Composite SnO2/SnS2 nanotubes were synthesized via an in situ hydrothermal sulfuration process and were used as sensing elements for flexible room-temperature NH3 gas sensors.
Bio-inspired high-performance solid-state supercapacitors with the electrolyte, separator, binder and electrodes entirely from kelp
Authors: Zeng Juan , Wei Lu , Guo Xin
Published: November 2017

Biocompatible and renewable solid-state supercapacitors with all the key components entirely from a single precursor kelp demonstrate outstanding electrochemical performance.
Methylamine lead bromide perovskite/protonated graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposites: interfacial charge carrier dynamics and photocatalysis
Authors: Pu Ying-Chih , Fan Hsiao-Chuan , Liu Tzu-Wei , Chen Jie-Wen
Published: November 2017

An MAPbBr3/p-g-C3N4 nanocomposite has been developed and exhibits remarkable charge separation properties for the photoreduction of p-nitrophenol.
Achieving high specific capacity of lithium-ion battery cathodes by modification with “N–O˙” radicals and oxygen-containing functional groups
Authors: Lu Chengyi , Rooney David W. , Jiang Xiong , Sun Wang , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Jiajun , Sun Kening
Published: November 2017

Enhancing the cathode capacity of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has been one strategy to improve the energy density of batteries for electric vehicle applications, because of the limitation of inorganic cathode capacity.
Tumor-targeted small molecule for dual-modal imaging-guided phototherapy upon near-infrared excitation
Authors: Meng Xiaoqing , Li Wenjun , Sun Zhihong , Zhang Jiali , Zhou Lihua , Deng Guanjun , Gong Ping , Cai Lintao
Published: November 2017

A tumor-targeted small molecule for dual-modal imaging-guided phototherapy upon near-infrared excitation.
Near-infrared absorbance properties of Cu2−xS/SiO2 nanoparticles and their PDMS-based composites
Authors: Kwon Young-Tae , Lim Gyu-Dam , Kim Seil , Ryu Seung Han , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Park Kee-Ryung , Choa Yong-Ho
Published: November 2017

Superb photo-stability and dispersion stability of CuS/SiO2 nanoparticles provide high thermal shielding properties, and the excellent thermal shielding behavior can be applied to a window coating for energy savings.
Pathophysiological changes in the cerebellum and brain stem in a rabbit model after superior petrosal vein sacrifice
Authors: Cheng Lei , Guo Pin , Liao Yi-wei , Zhang Hong-liang , Li Huan-ting , Yuan Xianrui
Published: November 2017

In certain surgical procedures, sacrificing the superior petrosal vein (SPV) is required. Previous studies have reported transient cerebellar edema, venous infarction, or hemorrhage that might occur after sectioning of the SPV. The present study investigated the pathophysiological changes in cerebellum and brain stem after SPV sacrifice. Rabbits were divided into the operation group where the SPV was sacrificed and the control group where the SPV remained intact. Each group was further subdivided into 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h groups which represented the time period from sacrificing of the SPV to killing of the rabbits. The water content (WC), Na+ content, K+ content, and pathophysiological changes in cerebellum and brain stem tissue were measured. In comparison with the control, the WC and Na+ content of cerebellar tissue were increased in the 4, 8, 12, and 24 h operation subgroups (P<0.05), but only increased in the 4-h subgroup of the brain stem tissue (P<0.05). The K+ content of the cerebellar tissue decreased in the 4, 8, 12, and 24 h operation subgroups (P<0.05) but only decreased in the 4-h subgroup of brain stem tissue (P<0.05). Nissl staining and TEM demonstrated that cerebellar edema occurred in the 4, 8, 12, and 24 h operation subgroups but not in the 48- and 72-h subgroups. Brain stem edema occurred in the 4-h operation subgroup. In summary, cerebellum and brain stem edema can be observed at different time points after sacrificing of the SPV in the rabbit model.
Single‐phase bidirectional ac/dc converter for plug‐in electric vehicles with reduced conduction losses
Authors: Singh Ankit Kumar , Pathak Mukesh Kumar
Published: November 2017

Here, a non‐isolated‐based single‐stage integrated bidirectional converter has been proposed for plug‐in electric vehicles, which has the capability to achieve all modes of vehicle operation, i.e. plug‐in charging, propulsion, and regenerative braking. This integrated converter has improved efficiency of 2–2.5% in propulsion boost and regenerative braking buck modes over existing non‐isolated integrated converters which leads to a long run of vehicle and saves the electricity usages. Despite the proposed converter has two inductors, the size of the second inductor is approximately reduced by 35–40% compared with single‐inductor converters. A detailed loss analysis of the proposed converter is investigated in propulsion boost and regenerative buck modes. Further, the design considerations of passive components are presented to achieve continuous conduction operation in each mode as well as low capacitor voltage ripple. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
String level optimisation on grid‐tied solar PV systems to reduce partial shading loss
Authors: Rana Ahsan Sarwar , Nasir Mashood , Khan Hassan Abbas
Published: November 2017

Partial shading, commonly observed in domestic rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) deployments, can be highly detrimental to the performance ratio (PR) of a PV system. Typically, for domestic installations, string‐inverter or module micro‐inverter configurations are deployed. While module level micro‐inverters generally present a better response to non‐uniform distributions of sunlight, they are still less common and therefore, costly in many emerging markets. String‐level implementations, on the other hand, are widely deployed as they are less complex and cost efficient. In this work, the authors present an analytical and simulation framework for improving PR under partial shading conditions through alteration of string connections in a string‐level inverter system. Results show up to 4.6% higher PR in winter months for a 42.24 kWp system installed at Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Hampered binding to blood serum albumin and antimicrobial activity of ibuprofen immobilised on magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4
Authors: Nowak‐Jary Julia , Kozioł Jacek Juliusz
Published: November 2017

Drug distribution in an organism depends largely on the binding degree of drugs with blood serum proteins like albumin. Only free fraction of the drug can induce a therapeutic effect. A different affinity of particular drugs to proteins is also one of the reasons of the occurrence of drug interactions. It was decided to investigate if the immobilisation of some model drugs on ‘magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4 (MNPs)’ would influence their activity and protect from binding to albumin. It was proposed to attach the drugs such as ibuprofen (IB), acetylsalicylic acid and naproxen to the MNPs coated with ‘(3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane’ by electrostatic interaction since carboxyl groups of the drugs can form ionic bonds with amino groups of the silane. The characterisation of morphology of the obtained nanostructures was also carried out. The drug release studies showed very slow diffusion of the drugs from the MNPs surface. It has been demonstrated that IB immobilised on MNPs exhibits high antimicrobial activity even in its low concentration and in the presence of albumin – in contrast to the unattached form of the drug.
Shape effect on the elastic properties of Ag nanocrystals
Authors: Sarkar Sumit , Das Ratan
Published: November 2017

In this work, elastic properties of silver (Ag) nanocrystals have been studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. For this, Ag nanocubes and Ag nanohexapods have been synthesised by chemical reduction method, using ethylene glycol as a reducing agent and poly (vinylpyrrolidone) as a stabilising agent. High‐resolution transmission electron microscope images show that average size of the Ag nanocubes is ∼50 nm, which is almost same as that of Ag nanohexapods. XRD study confirms on matching with Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards file no. 04‐0783 that both the nanocrystals are crystalline with face‐centred cubic structure. From the Williamson–Hall plot, stress–strain (S–S) for both the nanocubes and nanohexapods have been calculated and further a S–S plot shows that elastic properties are shape dependent.
Preparation of rare earth two‐dimensional nano‐thin film using PET as carrier
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Li Junwei , Zhang Min , Zhang Baohang , Li Zhehui , Wang Yuting , Wu Yulong , Zhang Qianjin , Yao Wanxiang
Published: November 2017

A structurally ordered rare earth two‐dimensional nano‐thin film using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as carrier was obtained using the homogeneous precipitation method. Films with different sizes and morphologies were prepared by adjusting reaction temperature, reaction time and concentration of reactant. Microstructures of the films were obtained by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry, and the results showed that the sample revealed the optimal micro‐morphology when it was prepared at 85°C for 24 h with the concentration of Y(NO3)3. 6H2 O, H2NCONH2 and C12H25SO4 Na fixed at 0.01 M, 0.04 M and 7 g/l, respectively. Moreover, uniform, dense and ordered films were successfully prepared over a large area at the gas–liquid surface using PET as carrier.
Oocyte all‐surfaces’ imaging method using micro‐scale rotational flow
Authors: Yalikun Yaxiaer , Aishan Yusufu , Mosha Abulaiti , Sumiyama Kenta , Tanaka Yo
Published: November 2017

In this work, the authors report an all‐surfaces’ image capturing method of a single oocyte that uses micro‐scale rotational flow. Here, the authors used this method gently and indirectly rotated the single pronuclear zygotes (physical properties are similar to those of oocytes) to obtain images of all its surfaces in 0.33 s. The necessary equipment to realise this method consists of only a syringe pump and a microfluidic chip with a single 40 µm diameter orifice. Assessment of viability and quality of oocytes or embryos during the process of intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) and in vitro fertilisation is important for good embryo development. At present, manual morphological evaluation is the most common method to assess viability and quality of oocytes. Usually, during the manual morphological evaluation, the operator is required to manipulate the oocyte to achieve its full surface image. However, manipulation is difficult, even for an experienced operator. Conventional methods using the principles of mechanics, electronics, or magnetism require a complex system. Conventional methods using principles of fluids or optics also have limitations about target size and transparency. Here, a method is proposed and proved of using rotational flow to gently capture and rotate a mouse zygote without using a complex control system and achieved its full surface image in 0.33 s. The method offers a new tool for morphological evaluation of assessment of viability and quality of oocytes.
Mining the Kilo-Degree Survey for solar system objects
Authors: Mahlke M. , Bouy H. , Altieri B. , Verdoes Kleijn G. , Carry B. , Bertin E. , de Jong J. T. A. , Kuijken K. , McFarland J. , Valentijn E.
Published: November 2017

Context. The search for minor bodies in the solar system promises insights into its formation history. Wide imaging surveys offer the opportunity to serendipitously discover and identify these traces of planetary formation and evolution.

Aim. We aim to present a method to acquire position, photometry, and proper motion measurements of solar system objects (SSOs) in surveys using dithered image sequences. The application of this method on the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS) is demonstrated.

Methods. Optical images of 346 deg2 fields of the sky are searched in up to four filters using the AstrOmatic software suite to reduce the pixel to catalog data. The SSOs within the acquired sources are selected based on a set of criteria depending on their number of observation, motion, and size. The Virtual Observatory SkyBoT tool is used to identify known objects.

Results. We observed 20 221 SSO candidates, with an estimated false-positive content of less than 0.05%. Of these SSO candidates, 53.4% are identified by SkyBoT. KiDS can detect previously unknown SSOs because of its depth and coverage at high ecliptic latitude, including parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Thus we expect the large fraction of the 46.6% of unidentified objects to be truly new SSOs.

Conclusions. Our method is applicable to a variety of dithered surveys such as DES, LSST, and Euclid. It offers a quick and easy-to-implement search for SSOs. SkyBoT can then be used to estimate the completeness of the recovered sample.
Guided flows in coronal magnetic flux tubes
Authors: Petralia A. , Reale F. , Testa P.
Published: November 2017

Context. There is evidence that coronal plasma flows break down into fragments and become laminar.

Aims. We investigate this effect by modelling flows confined along magnetic channels.

Methods. We consider a full magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of a solar atmosphere box with a dipole magnetic field. We compare the propagation of a cylindrical flow perfectly aligned with the field to that of another flow with a slight misalignment. We assume a flow speed of 200 km s-1 and an ambient magnetic field of 30 G.

Results. We find that although the aligned flow maintains its cylindrical symmetry while it travels along the magnetic tube, the misaligned one is rapidly squashed on one side, becoming laminar and eventually fragmented because of the interaction and back-reaction of the magnetic field. This model could explain an observation made by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory of erupted fragments that fall back onto the solar surface as thin and elongated strands and end up in a hedge-like configuration.

Conclusions. The initial alignment of plasma flow plays an important role in determining the possible laminar structure and fragmentation of flows while they travel along magnetic channels.
Age of the Fontainebleau sandstones: a tectonic point of view
Authors: Missenard Yves , Parizot Oriane , Barbarand Jocelyn
Published: November 2017

The age of the cementation of the Fontainebleau sandstones, located in the upper part of the Rupelian Fontainebleau Sand Formation and largely outcropping in the south of the center of the Paris Basin, remains a matter of debate: did the silicification occurred at early times during Miocene, following sedimentation, or did it occurred during Quaternary cold climate episodes? In this work, we determined an orthogonal fracture network (main directions N115° ±5° and N025° ±5°) over an area of ∼6000 km2. The fractures are oblique to the adjacent valley orientation and to the quarry working face orientation, discarding a gravitational origin. This tectonic fracturing is superimposed on regional scale antiforms and synforms that may be at least partly controlled by inherited basement faults reactivation during Alpine episodes. The whole Fontainebleau Sand Formation seems to be folded, including the Fontainebleau sandstones. We establish a relative chronology of the various phenomena and propose that silicification at the origin of the Fontainebleau quartzite occurred during early or middle Miocene. Alpine stresses then induced Fontainebleau sand and quartzite folding and fracturing during late Miocene and Pliocene. Finally, the fracture network facilitated fluid circulations and secondary carbonate sandstones or quartzite precipitation probably during Quaternary cold climate episodes.
Easy Access to Isomeric 7-Deazapurine–1,2,3-Triazole Conjugates via SNAr and CuAAC Reactions of 2,6-Diazido-7-deazapurines
Authors: Tumkevicius Sigitas , Bucevicius Jonas , Turks Maris
Published: November 2017

A simple and efficient synthesis of isomeric 7-deazapurine–1,2,3-triazole conjugates with amino substituents from readily available 9-alkyl-2,6-diazido-7-deazapurines has been developed using consecutive CuAAC and regioselective nucleophilic substitution reactions of ­azido and 1,2,3-triazole groups with amines.
Chemoselective Ruthenium-Catalyzed C–O Bond Activation: Orthogonality of Nickel- and Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions for the Synthesis of Polyaryl Fluorenones
Authors: Snieckus Victor , da Frota Livia , Schneider Cédric , de Amorim Mauro , da Silva Alcides
Published: November 2017

Ruthenium-catalyzed C–O bond activation/arylation of methoxy and O-carbamoyl-substituted fluorenones is reported. Established are new reactions of compound 1 (X = H) to aryl (2) and 1,8-diaryl (3) fluorenones. Orthogonal ruthenium-, palladium- and nickel-catalyzed reactions with Suzuki–Miyaura reactions to afford 1,4-diaryl (4) and 1,4,8-triaryl fluorenones (5) are also described. The ready availability of starting methoxy fluorenones by directed ortho and remote metalation tactics confers facility to the presented reactions which may find application in material science areas. DFT calculations have been performed to rationalize the lack of C–H bond reactivity in the ruthenium-catalyzed reaction.
Iodonium-Induced Cyclization of N-Allenylindoles and N-Allenylpyrroles: An Access to Iododihydropyrido[1,2-a]indoles and Dihydroindolizines
Authors: Toullec Patrick , Grandclaudon Charlotte , Michelet Veronique
Published: November 2017

The formation of iodinated dihydropyrido[1,2-a]indoles and dihydroindolizines was achieved by an iodocarbocyclization reaction of N-allenylindoles and N-allenylpyrroles. This transformation proceeded under very mild conditions using N-iodosuccinimide as the electrophilic iodine source to deliver the products via a 6-endo cyclization process. Careful choice of the solvent and concentration were mandatory to obtain the cyclization in good yields.
Familial Hyperparathyroidism – Disorders of Growth and Secretion in Hormone-Secretory Tissue
Authors: Marx Stephen , Lourenco Delmar
Published: November 2017

Six syndromes of familial hyperparathyroidism are compared: 1) Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) expresses primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) beginning at birth with lifelong hypercalcemia. There is nonsuppressed PTH secretion from outwardly normal parathyroid glands. It reflects germline heterozygous mutation in CASR, GNA11, or AP2S1. 2) Neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism is severest of the six syndromes. It requires urgent total parathyroidectomy in infancy. It usually reflects biallelic inactivation of the CASR. 3) Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is most frequently expressed as PHPT with asymmetric enlargement of 3–4 parathyroids. Benign or malignant tumors may occur among 30 other tissues. It is predisposed by germline inactivation of MEN1 or rarely by inactivation of a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, and then termed MEN4. 4) Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A from RET activating mutation rarely presents as familial hyperparathyroidism, because medullary thyroid cancer and pheochromocytoma are more prominent. 5) Hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT) has frequent PHPT and benign jaw tumors. Twenty percent develop parathyroid cancer. It is predisposed by inactivating mutation in CDC73. 6) Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism causes multiple parathyroid tumors. It can be an incomplete expression of FHH, MEN1, HPT-JT or even of relatives without a shared driver mutation. However, in 20% of families it reflects GCM2 activating mutation. Five of the PHPT syndromes reflect overgrowth of parathyroid tissue; in contrast, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia reflects dysregulation of PTH secretion with little or no parathyroid overgrowth. These differences underlie major differences in clinical expression.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Coexisting Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Veit Franziska , Graf Dieter , Momberger Saskia , Helmich-Kapp Brigitte , Ruschenburg Ilka , Peters Anja , Kussmann Jochen , Saeger Wolfgang , Schmidt Kurt , Toetsch Martin , Nestler Kai , Mann Klaus
Published: November 2017

Histological findings often display an association between papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and so differ significantly from follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC). The aim of this interdisciplinary, retrospective study was to evaluate the association of AIT in patients with PTC and FTC and a control group of benign nodular goiters. One hundred thyroidectomies with histologically confirmed differentiated thyroid carcinomas, 67 with PTC and 33 with FTC, were submitted for examination. The two control groups consisted of 60 patients with euthyroid nodular goiter, displaying no signs for malignancy (no surgery) and 100 patients (second control group) with surgery of a benign nodular goiter. Controls were collected to obtain data about the incidence of significantly increased TPOAbs in the first group and of lymphocytic infiltrates (LI) in the second group. High TPOAbs were found in 35% (23/67) of patients with PTC. LI were detected by histology in 48% (32/67) of PTC. Ten patients (10/32) of this group showed the clinical and histological manifestation of a classic AIT with diffuse dense LI as well as diffuse hypoechogeneity in ultrasonography. In 7/32 cases, the histological report described focal dense LI (fAIT) and in 15/32 cases scant scattered LI. AIT and fAIT, together 25% of all PTC (17/67), showed germinal centers and can therefore be characterized as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. In this group, high TPOAb could be detected in 94% (16/17). Scan scattered LI without germinal centers (15/32) do not represent a fAIT, although TPOAb are high in 47% (7/15). The younger age group (<45 years) showed significantly more often high TPOAbs (p<0.023) in comparison with the age-group older than 60 years. In contrast to PTC, only 4/33 (12%) patients with FTC had high TPOAb levels. We conclude that in contrast to benign euthyroid goiters and to FTC, different degrees of LI are often associated with high TPOAb levels and seem to be significantly increased in PTC, particularly prominent in younger age. There is a high coincidence between LI and high TPOAb levels. In the presence of hypoechoic thyroid nodule, signs of thyroid autoimmunity such as the presence of high TPOAbs, lymphocytic infiltration in cytology, and/or characteristic ultrasonic features, are arguments that might favor the decision for surgery if a cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodule is found and focal autonomy is excluded by szintiscan.
On-chip nanofluidic integration of acoustic sensors towards high Q in liquid
Authors: Liang Ji , Liu Zifeng , Zhang Hongxiang , Liu Bohua , Zhang Menglun , Zhang Hao , Pang Wei
Published: November 2017

This paper reports an on-chip acoustic sensor comprising a piston-mode film bulk acoustic resonator and a monolithically integrated nanochannel. The resonator with the channel exhibits a resonance frequency (f) of 2.5 GHz and a quality (Q) factor of 436 in deionized water. The f × Q product is as high as 1.1 × 1012, which is the highest among all the acoustic wave sensors in the liquid phase. The sensor consumes 2 pl liquid volume and thus greatly saves the precious assays in biomedical testing. The Q factor is investigated, and real-time viscosity tests of glucose solution are demonstrated. The highly miniaturized and integrated sensor is capable to be arrayed with readout-circuitry, which opens an avenue for portable applications and lab-on-chip systems.