bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Corrigendum: A liposomal Gd contrast agent does not cross the mouse placental barrier
Authors: Shetty Anil N. , Pautler Robia , Ghaghada Ketan , Rendon David , Gao Haijun , Starosolski Zbigniew , Bhavane Rohan , Patel Chandreshkumar , Annapragada Ananth , Yallampalli Chandrasekhar , Lee Wesley
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 27863; published online: 14 June 2016; updated: 21 February 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Ketan Ghaghada, which was incorrectly given as Ketan Ghagahda. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Aurora A regulates expression of AR-V7 in models of castrate resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Jones Dominic , Noble Martin , Wedge Steve R. , Robson Craig N. , Gaughan Luke
Published: February 2017

Androgen receptor variants (AR-Vs) provide a mechanism of therapy evasion in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), yet mechanisms of regulation remain largely unknown. Here we investigate the role of Aurora A kinase on AR-Vs in models of CRPC and show depletion of Aurora A reduces AR-V target gene expression. Importantly, knockdown of Aurora A reconfigures splicing of AR pre-mRNA to discriminately down-regulate synthesis of AR-V transcripts, including AR-V7, without effecting full-length AR mRNA; and as a consequence, AR-V-driven proliferation and survival of CRPC cells is markedly reduced. Critically, these effects are reproduced by Aurora A inhibition. We show that Aurora A levels increase in advanced disease and AURKA is an AR-V target gene demonstrating a positive feedback mechanism of androgenic signalling in CRPC. In all, our data suggests that Aurora A plays a pivotal role in regulation of AR-V7 expression and represents a new therapeutic target in CRPC.
A new basal sauropodiform dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Wang Ya-Ming , You Hai-Lu , Wang Tao
Published: February 2017

The Lufeng Formation in Lufeng Basin of Yunnan Province, southwestern China preserves one of the richest terrestrial Lower Jurassic vertebrate faunas globally, especially for its basal sauropodomorphs, such as Lufengosaurus and Yunnanosaurus. Here we report a new taxon, Xingxiulong chengi gen. et sp. nov. represented by three partial skeletons with overlapping elements. Xingxiulong possesses a number of autapomorphies, such as transversely expanded plate-like summit on top of the neural spine of posterior dorsal vertebrae, four sacral vertebrae, robust scapula, and elongated pubic plate approximately 40% of the total length of the pubis. Phylogenetic analysis resolves Xingxiulong as a basal member of Sauropodiformes, and together with another two Lufeng basal sauropodiforms Jingshanosaurus and Yunnanosaurus, they represent the basalmost lineages of this clade, indicating its Asian origin. Although being relatively primitive, Xingxiulong displays some derived features normally occurred in advanced sauropodiforms including sauropods, such as a four sacral-sacrum, a robust scapula, and a pubis with elongated pubic plate. The discovery of Xingxiulong increases the diversity of basal sauropodomorphs from the Lufeng Formation and indicates a more complicated scenario in the early evolution of sauropodiforms.
A Jurassic stem pleurodire sheds light on the functional origin of neck retraction in turtles
Authors: Anquetin Jérémy , Tong Haiyan , Claude Julien
Published: February 2017

Modern turtles are composed of two monophyletic groups, notably diagnosed by divergent neck retraction mechanisms. Pleurodires (side-necked turtles) bend their neck sideways and protect their head under the anterior margin of the carapace. Cryptodires (hidden-necked turtles) withdraw their neck and head in the vertical plane between the shoulder girdles. These two mechanisms of neck retraction appeared independently in the two lineages and are usually assumed to have evolved for protective reasons. Here we describe the neck ofPlatychelys oberndorferi, a Late Jurassic early stem pleurodire, and find remarkable convergent morphological and functional similarities with modern cryptodires. Partial vertical neck retraction in this taxon is interpreted to have enabled fast forward projection of the head during underwater prey capture and offers a likely explanation to the functional origin of neck retraction in modern cryptodires. Complete head withdrawal for protection may therefore have resulted from an exaptation in that group.
Microcin PDI regulation and proteolytic cleavage are unique among known microcins
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Orfe Lisa H. , Liu Jinxin , Lu Shao-Yeh , Besser Thomas E. , Call Douglas R.
Published: February 2017

Microcin PDI inhibits a diversity of pathogenic Escherichia coli through the action of an effector protein, McpM. In this study we demonstrated that expression of the inhibitory phenotype is induced under low osmolarity conditions and expression is primarily controlled by the EnvZ/OmpR two-component regulatory system. Functional, mutagenesis and complementation experiments were used to empirically demonstrate that EnvZ is required for the inhibitory phenotype and that regulation of mcpM is dependent on binding of the phosphorylated OmpR to the mcpM promoter region. The phosphorylated OmpR may recognize three different binding sites within this promoter region. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the McpM precursor peptide includes two leader peptides that undergo sequential cleavage at positions G17/G18 and G35/A36 during export through the type I secretion system. Competition assays showed that both cleaved products are required for the PDI phenotype although we could not distinguish loss of function from loss of secretion in these assays. McpM has four cysteines within the mature peptide and site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that the first two cysteines are necessary for McpM to inhibit susceptible cells. Together these data combined with previous work indicate that MccPDI is unique amongst the microcins that have been described to date.
Phylogenetic analysis of eukaryotic NEET proteins uncovers a link between a key gene duplication event and the evolution of vertebrates
Authors: Inupakutika Madhuri A. , Sengupta Soham , Nechushtai Rachel , Jennings Patricia A. , Onuchic Jose’ N. , Azad Rajeev K. , Padilla Pamela , Mittler Ron
Published: February 2017

NEET proteins belong to a unique family of iron-sulfur proteins in which the 2Fe-2S cluster is coordinated by a CDGSH domain that is followed by the “NEET” motif. They are involved in the regulation of iron and reactive oxygen metabolism, and have been associated with the progression of diabetes, cancer, aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their important biological functions, the evolution and diversification of eukaryotic NEET proteins are largely unknown. Here we used the three members of the human NEET protein family (CISD1, mitoNEET; CISD2, NAF-1 or Miner 1; and CISD3, Miner2) as our guides to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of eukaryotic NEET proteins and their evolution. Our findings identified the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum’s CISD proteins as the closest to the ancient archetype of eukaryotic NEET proteins. We further identified CISD3 homologs in fungi that were previously reported not to contain any NEET proteins, and revealed that plants lack homolog(s) of CISD3. Furthermore, our study suggests that the mammalian NEET proteins, mitoNEET (CISD1) and NAF-1 (CISD2), emerged via gene duplication around the origin of vertebrates. Our findings provide new insights into the classification and expansion of the NEET protein family, as well as offer clues to the diverged functions of the human mitoNEET and NAF-1 proteins.
The tiered-evaluation of the effects of transgenic cry1c rice on Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, a main predator of Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Han Yu , Ma Fugang , Nawaz Muhammad , Wang Yu , Cai Wanlun , Zhao Jing , He Yueping , Hua Hongxia , Zou Yulan
Published: February 2017

T1C-19, a newly developed transgenic cry1C rice line, expresses cry1C under the control of the maize ubiquitin promoter, and is highly resistant to lepidopteran pests of rice. Cyrtorhinus lividipennis is the major predator of the eggs and young nymphs of Nilaparvata lugens, which is the main non-target sap-sucking insect pest of Bt rice. C. lividipennis may be exposed to Cry1C protein, thus biosafety evaluations of transgenic cry1C rice on C. lividipennis should be conducted before the commercialization of T1C-19. In the current study, we tested the direct toxicity of elevated doses of Cry1C to C. lividipennis, effects of T1C-19 on the life-table parameters of C. lividipennis via preying planthoppers, and effects of T1C-19 on the population density and dynamics in rice fields. No detrimental effects on development, survival, female ratio and body weight of C. lividipennis were caused by direct exposure to elevated doses of the Cry1C protein or prey-mediated exposure to realistic doses of the protein. The population density and dynamics did not significantly differ between C. lividipennis in T1C-19 and non-transgenic rice fields. Thus, transgenic cry1C rice had no negative effects on C. lividipennis. This is the first report of the effects of transgenic cry1C rice on C. lividipennis.
ALD5, PAD1, ATF1 and ATF2 facilitate the catabolism of coniferyl aldehyde, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Adeboye Peter Temitope , Bettiga Maurizio , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: February 2017

The ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to catabolize phenolic compounds remains to be fully elucidated. Conversion of coniferyl aldehyde, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid by S. cerevisiae under aerobic conditions was previously reported. A conversion pathway was also proposed. In the present study, possible enzymes involved in the reported conversion were investigated. Aldehyde dehydrogenase Ald5, phenylacrylic acid decarboxylase Pad1, and alcohol acetyltransferases Atf1 and Atf2, were hypothesised to be involved. Corresponding genes for the four enzymes were overexpressed in a S. cerevisiae strain named APT_1. The ability of APT_1 to tolerate and convert the three phenolic compounds was tested. APT_1 was also compared to strains B_CALD heterologously expressing coniferyl aldehyde dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas, and an ald5Δ strain, all previously reported. APT_1 exhibited the fastest conversion of coniferyl aldehyde, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid. Using the intermediates and conversion products of each compound, the catabolic route of coniferyl aldehyde, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid in S. cerevisiae was studied in greater detail.
FocusHeuristics – expression-data-driven network optimization and disease gene prediction
Authors: Ernst Mathias , Du Yang , Warsow Gregor , Hamed Mohamed , Endlich Nicole , Endlich Karlhans , Murua Escobar Hugo , Sklarz Lisa-Madeleine , Sender Sina , Junghanß Christian , Möller Steffen , Fuellen Georg , Struckmann Stephan
Published: February 2017

To identify genes contributing to disease phenotypes remains a challenge for bioinformatics. Static knowledge on biological networks is often combined with the dynamics observed in gene expression levels over disease development, to find markers for diagnostics and therapy, and also putative disease-modulatory drug targets and drugs. The basis of current methods ranges from a focus on expression-levels (Limma) to concentrating on network characteristics (PageRank, HITS/Authority Score), and both (DeMAND, Local Radiality). We present an integrative approach (the FocusHeuristics) that is thoroughly evaluated based on public expression data and molecular disease characteristics provided by DisGeNet. The FocusHeuristics combines three scores, i.e. the log fold change and another two, based on the sum and difference of log fold changes of genes/proteins linked in a network. A gene is kept when one of the scores to which it contributes is above a threshold. Our FocusHeuristics is both, a predictor for gene-disease-association and a bioinformatics method to reduce biological networks to their disease-relevant parts, by highlighting the dynamics observed in expression data. The FocusHeuristics is slightly, but significantly better than other methods by its more successful identification of disease-associated genes measured by AUC, and it delivers mechanistic explanations for its choice of genes.
Protective Effect of 17β-Estradiol Upon Hippocampal Spine Density and Cognitive Function in an Animal Model of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhang Quanguang , Zhang Wenli , Li Ning , Dai Yongxin , Tu Jingyi , Yang Fang , Brann Darrell W. , Wang Ruimin
Published: February 2017

The current study examined whether the steroid hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2) can exert long-lasting beneficial effects upon axonal health, synaptic plasticity, dementia-related amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein expression, and hippocampal-dependent cognitive function in an animal model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and vascular dementia (VaD). Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and VaD was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Low dose E2 administered for the first 3-months after BCCAO exerted long-lasting beneficial effects, including significant neuroprotection of hippocampal CA1 neurons and preservation of hippocampal-dependent cognitive function when examined at 6-months after BCCAO. E2 treatment also prevented BCCAO-induced damage to hippocampal myelin sheaths and oligodendrocytes, enhanced expression of the synaptic proteins synaptophysin and PSD95 in the hippocampus, and prevented BCCAO-induced loss of total and mushroom dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region. Furthermore, E2-treatment also reduced BCCAO induction of dementia-related proteins expression such as p-tau (PHF1), total ubiquitin, and Aβ1-42, when examined at 6 m after BCCAO. Taken as a whole, the results suggest that low-dose E2 replacement might be a potentially promising therapeutic modality to attenuate or block negative neurological consequences of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and VaD.
Risk of Pleural Recurrence in Early Stage Lung Cancer Patients after Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ting , Luo Lili , Zhou Qinghua
Published: February 2017

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNB) are widely used for the diagnosis of a peripheral pulmonary nodules, but the risk of pleural recurrence in lung cancer patients remains undetermined. Our meta-analysis aims to answer the question whether PTNB strategy increases the risk of recurrence. PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to January 9, 2016. A total of 1242 patients from 5 studies were included. The results showed that PTNB does not increase risk of total recurrence (Odds Ratio,0.78; 95% CI, 0.53 to 1.15) or pleural recurrence (Odds Ratio,1.58; 95% CI, 0.41 to 6.12) compared with non-PTNB strategies in early stage lung cancer patients. Subgroup analysis showed that PTNB was associated with increased pleural recurrence (Odds Ratio, 10.76; 95% CI, 2.92 to 39.70) in patients with sub-pleural lesions but not in patients without sub-pleural lesions (Odds Ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.24 to 3.89). In conclusion, PTNB should not be recommended in lung cancer patients with sub-pleural lesions. However, PTNB is recommendable to use in other patients without sub-pleural lesions to whom pathological diagnosis is necessary, especially in patients with relevant comorbidities.
A new primitive Neornithischian dinosaur from the Jurassic of Patagonia with gut contents
Authors: Salgado Leonardo , Canudo José I. , Garrido Alberto C. , Moreno-Azanza Miguel , Martínez Leandro C. A. , Coria Rodolfo A. , Gasca José M.
Published: February 2017

We describe a new species of an ornithischian dinosaur, Isaberrysaura mollensis gen. et sp. nov. The specimen, consisting in an almost complete skull and incomplete postcranium was collected from the marine-deltaic deposits of the Los Molles Formation (Toarcian-Bajocian), being the first reported dinosaur for this unit, one of the oldest from Neuquén Basin, and the first neornithischian dinosaur known from the Jurassic of South America. Despite showing a general stegosaurian appearance, the extensive phylogenetic analysis carried out depicts Isaberrysaura mollensis gen. et sp. nov. as a basal ornithopod, suggesting that both Thyreophora and neornithischians could have achieved significant convergent features. The specimen was preserved articulated and with some of its gut content place in the middle-posterior part of the thoracic cavity. Such stomach content was identified as seeds, most of them belonging to the Cycadales group. This finding reveals a possible and unexpected role of this ornithischian species as seed-dispersal agent.
Focal adhesion kinase activity is required for actomyosin contractility-based invasion of cells into dense 3D matrices
Authors: Mierke Claudia T. , Fischer Tony , Puder Stefanie , Kunschmann Tom , Soetje Birga , Ziegler Wolfgang H.
Published: February 2017

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates the dynamics of integrin-based cell adhesions important for motility. FAK’s activity regulation is involved in stress-sensing and focal-adhesion turnover. The effect of FAK on 3D migration and cellular mechanics is unclear. We analyzed FAK knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts and cells expressing a kinase-dead FAK mutant, R454-FAK, in comparison to FAK wild-type cells. FAK knock-out and FAKR454/R454cells invade dense 3D matrices less efficiently. These results are supported by FAK knock-down in wild-type fibroblasts and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells showing reduced invasiveness. Pharmacological interventions indicate that in 3D matrices, cells deficient in FAK or kinase-activity behave similarly to wild-type cells treated with inhibitors of Src-activity or actomyosin-contractility. Using magnetic tweezers experiments, FAKR454/R454cells are shown to be softer and exhibit impaired adhesion to fibronectin and collagen, which is consistent with their reduced 3D invasiveness. In line with this, FAKR454/R454cells cannot contract the matrix in contrast to FAK wild-type cells. Finally, our findings demonstrate that active FAK facilitates 3D matrix invasion through increased cellular stiffness and transmission of actomyosin-dependent contractile force in dense 3D extracellular matrices.
Correction: Corrigendum: Inter-individual variability and modeling of electrical activity: a possible new approach to explore cardiac safety?
Authors: Le Guennec Jean-Yves , Thireau Jérôme , Ouillé Aude , Roussel Julien , Roy Jérôme , Richard Serge , Richard Sylvain , Martel Eric , Champéroux Pascal
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37948; published online: 30 November 2016; updated: 16 February 2017 This Article contains an error in the plot for Verapamil in Figure 5, where the red and black lines representing simulations of human ventricular action potentials under control conditions and in the presence of the drugs have been inverted.
Using DNA metabarcoding to investigate honey bee foraging reveals limited flower use despite high floral availability
Authors: de Vere Natasha , Jones Laura E. , Gilmore Tegan , Moscrop Jake , Lowe Abigail , Smith Dan , Hegarty Matthew J. , Creer Simon , Ford Col R.
Published: February 2017

Understanding which flowers honey bees (Apis mellifera) use for forage can help us to provide suitable plants for healthy honey bee colonies. Accordingly, honey DNA metabarcoding provides a valuable tool for investigating pollen and nectar collection. We investigated early season (April and May) floral choice by honey bees provided with a very high diversity of flowering plants within the National Botanic Garden of Wales. There was a close correspondence between the phenology of flowering and the detection of plants within the honey. Within the study area there were 437 genera of plants in flower during April and May, but only 11% of these were used. Thirty-nine plant taxa were recorded from three hives but only ten at greater than 1%. All three colonies used the same core set of native or near-native plants, typically found in hedgerows and woodlands. The major plants were supplemented with a range of horticultural species, with more variation in plant choice between the honey bee colonies. We conclude that during the spring, honey bees need access to native hedgerows and woodlands to provide major plants for foraging. Gardens provide supplementary flowers that may increase the nutritional diversity of the honey bee diet.
Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine Xinmailong’s protection against heart failure in pressure-overloaded mice and cultured cardiomyocytes
Authors: Qi Jianyong , Yu Juan , Tan Yafang , Chen Renshan , Xu Wen , Chen Yanfen , Lu Jun , Liu Qin , Wu Jiashin , Gu Weiwang , Zhang Minzhou
Published: February 2017

Patients with heart failure (HF) have high mortality and mobility. Xinmailong (XML) injection, a Chinese Medicine, is clinically effective in treating HF. However, the mechanism of XML’s effectiveness on HF was unclear, and thus, was the target of the present study. We created a mouse model of pressure-overload-induced HF with transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery and compared among 4 study groups: SHAM (n = 10), TAC (n = 12), MET (metoprolol, positive drug treatment, n = 7) and XML (XML treatment, n = 14). Dynamic changes in cardiac structure and function were evaluated with echocardiography in vivo. In addition, H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, GSK3β and protein expression of GATA4 in nucleus were detected with Western blot experiment. The results showed that XML reduced diastolic thickness of left ventricular posterior wall, increased ejection fraction and fraction shortening, so as to inhibit HF at 2 weeks after TAC. Moreover, XML inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT and GSK3β, subsequently inhibiting protein expression of GATA4 in nucleus (P < 0.001). Together, our data demonstrated that XML inhibited the TAC-induced HF via inactivating the ERK1/2, AKT/GSK3β, and GATA4 signaling pathway.
Association of fronto-temporal function with cognitive ability in schizophrenia
Authors: Pu Shenghong , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Itakura Masashi , Iwata Masaaki , Nagata Izumi , Kaneko Koichi
Published: February 2017

Deficits in neuropsychological performance are common in schizophrenia, but their relationship with the fronto-temporal functional abnormalities associated with this condition remains unclear. We explored the relationship between neuropsychological performance as measured using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) and the Social Cognition Screening Questionnaire theory of mind (ToM) subscale and fronto-temporal function in 23 patients with schizophrenia and 23 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs), using 52-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Regional hemodynamic changes were significantly smaller in the schizophrenia group than in the HCs group in the ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex and the anterior part of the temporal cortex (VLPFC/aTC) and dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex and frontopolar cortex (DLPFC/FPC) regions. To dissect the effect of variance in BACS cognitive domains from the relationship between ToM function and fronto-temporal function, we performed additional partial correlation analyses between ToM and NIRS data, using BACS composite score as a control variable. The correlation between ToM and NIRS data remained significant only in the DLPFC/FPC region. This finding is important to models of recovery, as it suggests that intervention programs focusing on enhancing fronto-temporal function may have a greater impact on social and occupational outcomes than traditional rehabilitation programs focusing on neuropsychological performance.
Synthesis of Pt/K2CO3/MgAlOx–reduced graphene oxide hybrids as promising NOx storage–reduction catalysts with superior catalytic performance
Authors: Mei Xueyi , Yan Qinghua , Lu Peng , Wang Junya , Cui Yuhan , Nie Yu , Umar Ahmad , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2017

Pt/K2CO3/MgAlOx–reduced graphene oxide (Pt/K/MgAlOx–rGO) hybrids were synthesized, characterized and tested as a promising NOx storage and reduction (NSR) catalyst. Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were grown on rGO via in situ hydrothermal crystallization. The structure and morphology of samples were thoroughly characterized using various techniques. Isothermal NOx adsorption tests indicated that MgAlOx–rGO hybrid exhibited better NOx trapping performance than MgAlOx, from 0.44 to 0.61 mmol · g−1, which can be attributed to the enhanced particle dispersion and stabilization. In addition, a series of MgAlOx–rGO loaded with 2 wt% Pt and different loadings (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) of K2CO3 (denoted as Pt/K/MgAlOx–rGO) were obtained by sequential impregnation. The influence of 5% H2O on the NOx storage capacity of MgAlOx–rGO loaded with 2 wt% Pt and 10% K2CO3 (2Pt/10 K/MgAlOx–rGO) catalyst was also evaluated. In all, the 2Pt/10 K/MgAlOx–rGO catalyst not only exhibited high thermal stability and NOx storage capacity of 1.12 mmol · g−1, but also possessed excellent H2O resistance and lean–rich cycling performance, with an overall 78.4% of NOx removal. This work provided a new scheme for the preparation of highly dispersed MgAlOx–rGO hybrid based NSR catalysts.
Biomaterials and computation: a strategic alliance to investigate emergent responses of neural cells
Authors: Sergi Pier Nicola , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta Ada
Published: February 2017

Synergistic use of biomaterials and computation allows to identify and unravel neural cell responses.
{Ru(CO)x}-Core complexes with benzimidazole ligands: synthesis, X-ray structure and evaluation of anticancer activity in vivo
Authors: Tamasi Gabriella , Merlino Antonello , Scaletti Federica , Heffeter Petra , Legin Anton A. , Jakupec Michael A. , Berger Walter , Messori Luigi , Keppler Bernhard K. , Cini Renzo
Published: February 2017

fac-[RuII(CO)3Cl2(MBI)] and -[RuII(CO)3Cl2(DMBI)] are CO-releasing materials able to link histidines of proteins, and the latter showed antitumor effects in murine colon cancer.
Radical anion and dianion salts of titanyl macrocycles with acceptor substituents or an extended π-system
Authors: Faraonov Maxim A. , Konarev Dmitri V. , Fatalov Alexey M. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: February 2017

Crystalline anionic salts of titanyl macrocycles: (PPN+)2{OTiIV(PcCl84−)}2−(1), (PPN+){OTiIV(Nc˙3−)}˙−·solv (2) and (PPN+)2{OTiIV(AceTPrzPz4−)}2−·solv (see figure,3) have been obtained and their optical and magnetic properties are studied.
Prediction of acute toxicity of emerging contaminants on the water flea Daphnia magna by Ant Colony Optimization–Support Vector Machine QSTR models
Authors: Aalizadeh Reza , von der Ohe Peter C. , Thomaidis Nikolaos S.
Published: February 2017

Prediction of acute toxicity towardsDaphnia magnausing Ant Colony Optimization–Support Vector Machine QSTR models.
Functional sugar-based polymers and nanostructures comprised of degradable poly(d-glucose carbonate)s
Authors: Su Lu , Khan Sarosh , Fan Jingwei , Lin Yen-Nan , Wang Hai , Gustafson Tiffany P. , Zhang Fuwu , Wooley Karen L.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the synthesis and aqueous solution-state assembly of functional degradable poly(d-glucose carbonate)s, derived from renewable sources, with practical utility in biomedical applications.
Interface engineering of an AlNO/AlGaN/GaN MIS diode induced by PEALD alternate insertion of AlN in Al2O3
Authors: Wang Qian , Cheng Xinhong , Zheng Li , Shen Lingyan , Li Jingjie , Zhang Dongliang , Qian Ru , Yu Yuehui
Published: February 2017

In this paper, AlNO nano-films have been deposited on an AlGaN/GaN heterojunction by alternating growth of AlN and Al2O3 using plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD).
Cf/C–SiC–MoSi2 composites with good ablation performance prepared via a two-step hydrothermal method
Authors: Bai Zhe , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng , Ouyang Haibo , Su Jinbu , Li Cuiyan , Fu Ao
Published: February 2017

Cf/C–SiC–MoSi2 composites were prepared via a simple hydrothermal method.
Design, synthesis, antibacterial and insecticidal activities of novel N-phenylpyrazole fraxinellone hybrid compounds
Authors: Guo Yong , Wang Xiaoguang , Qu Lailiang , Xu Shengnan , Zhao Yi , Xie Ruoqian , Huang Mengxing , Zhang Yanbing
Published: February 2017

A series of 20 novelN-phenylpyrazole fraxinellone hybrid compounds were prepared and evaluated for their antibacterial and insecticidal activities.
Rapidly fabricating large-scale plasmonic silver nanosphere arrays with sub-20 nm gap on Si-pyramids by inverted annealing for highly sensitive SERS detection
Authors: Wang Yujin , Yang Yang , Sun Yu , Quan Baogang , Li Yunlong , Gu Changzhi , Li Junjie
Published: February 2017

An inverted annealing method is developed to fabricate rapidly plasmonic silver nanosphere arrays with sub-20 nm gaps for highly sensitive SERS detection.
Correction: Charge transport mechanisms in sol–gel grown La0.7Pb0.3MnO3/LaAlO3 manganite films
Authors: Vaghela Eesh , Keshvani M. J. , Gadani Keval , Joshi Zalak , Boricha Hetal , Asokan K. , Venkateshwarlu D. , Ganesan V. , Shah N. A. , Solanki P. S.
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘Charge transport mechanisms in sol–gel grown La0.7Pb0.3MnO3/LaAlO3 manganite films’ by Eesh Vaghela et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6cp07730g.
Superiority of boron, nitrogen and iron ternary doped carbonized graphene oxide-based catalysts for oxygen reduction in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Cao Chun , Wei Liling , Wang Gang , Shen Jianquan
Published: February 2017

High-active and cost-effective ORR catalyst was made from metal–polymer network, in which the coexistence of N–Fex–C, B–N and Fe3O4/Fe3C alloys can significantly facilitate the ORR activity and improve the electricity generation performance in microbial fuel cells.
Recent advances in organocatalytic enantioselective transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Faísca Phillips Ana Maria , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: February 2017

Robust, environmentally friendly reductants enable highly enantioselective reactions in the presence of chiral catalysts.
Oxygen tolerant photopolymerization for ultralow volumes
Authors: Yeow Jonathan , Chapman Robert , Xu Jiangtao , Boyer Cyrille
Published: February 2017

A benchtop approach is developed for the synthesis of various polymeric architectures using an aqueous Reversible Addition–Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) photopolymerization technique.
Solvent-free macrocyclisation by nucleophile-mediated oxa-Michael addition polymerisation of divinyl sulfone and alcohols
Authors: Strasser Simone , Wappl Christina , Slugovc Christian
Published: February 2017

Divinyl sulfone and di- or multifunctional alcohols quantitatively react within minutes under solvent-less conditions upon addition of 4-dimethylaminopyridine.
Ring-opening polymerization of ethylene carbonate: comprehensive structural elucidation by 1D & 2D-NMR techniques, and selectivity analysis
Authors: Abdul-Karim Rubina , Hameed Abdul , Malik Muhammad Imran
Published: February 2017

Meticulous structural elucidation and selectivity analysis of poly(ethylene ether carbonate) by multi-dimensional NMR.
Can sodium silicates affect collagen structure during tanning? Insights from small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ingham Bridget , Leveneur Jérôme , Cheong Soshan , Yao Yin , Clarke David J. , Holmes Geoff , Kennedy John , Prabakar Sujay
Published: February 2017

Sodium silicates can pseudo-stabilize collagen molecules during leather processing by preventing collagen molecules from undergoing conformational changes due to the silica coating on the fibrils.
RNA splicing in human disease and in the clinic
Authors: Baralle Diana , Buratti Emanuele
Published: February 2017

Defects at the level of the pre-mRNA splicing process represent a major cause of human disease. Approximately 15–50% of all human disease mutations have been shown to alter functioning of basic and auxiliary splicing elements. These elements are required to ensure proper processing of pre-mRNA splicing molecules, with their disruption leading to misprocessing of the pre-mRNA molecule and disease. The splicing process is a complex process, with much still to be uncovered before we are able to accurately predict whether a reported genomic sequence variant (GV) represents a splicing-associated disease mutation or a harmless polymorphism. Furthermore, even when a mutation is correctly identified as affecting the splicing process, there still remains the difficulty of providing an exact evaluation of the potential impact on disease onset, severity and duration. In this review, we provide a brief overview of splicing diagnostic methodologies, from in silico bioinformatics approaches to wet lab in vitro and in vivo systems to evaluate splicing efficiencies. In particular, we provide an overview of how the latest developments in high-throughput sequencing can be applied to the clinic, and are already changing clinical approaches.
Useful Effects of Melatonin in Peripheral Nerve Injury and Development of the Nervous System
Authors: Uyanikgil Yigit , Cavusoglu Turker , Kılıc Kubilay , Yigitturk Gurkan , Celik Servet , Tubbs Richard , Turgut Mehmet
Published: February 2017

This review summarizes the role of melatonin (MLT) in defense against toxic-free radicals and its novel effects in the development of the nervous system, and the effect of endogenously produced and exogenously administered MLT in reducing the degree of tissue and nerve injuries. MLT was recently reported to be an effective free radical scavenger and antioxidant. Since endogenous MLT levels fall significantly in senility, these findings imply that the loss of this antioxidant could contribute to the incidence or severity of some age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the high efficacy of MLT in overcoming much of the injury not only to the peripheral nerve but also to other organs, clinical trials for this purpose should be seriously considered.
Adiposity Indexes as Phenotype-Specific Markers of Preclinical Metabolic Alterations and Cardiovascular Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mario Fernanda , Graff Scheila , Spritzer Poli
Published: February 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women of reproductive age. 2 PCOS phenotypes (classic and ovulatory) are currently recognized as the most prevalent, with important differences in terms of cardiometabolic features. We studied the performance of different adiposity indexes to predict preclinical metabolic alterations and cardiovascular risk in 234 women with PCOS (173 with classic and 61 with ovulatory PCOS) and 129 controls. Performance of waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, conicity index, lipid accumulation product, and visceral adiposity index was assessed based on HOMA-IR ≥ 3.8 as reference standard for screening preclinical metabolic alterations and cardiovascular risk factors in each group. Lipid accumulation product had the best accuracy for classic PCOS, and visceral adiposity index had the best accuracy for ovulatory PCOS. By applying the cutoff point of lipid accumulation product<34, we identified a subgroup of patients without cardiometabolic alterations (P<0.05) in the group with classic PCOS, a population at higher risk for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance. In ovulatory PCOS, visceral adiposity index ≥ 1.32 was capable of detecting women with significantly higher blood pressure and less favorable glycemic and lipid variables as compared to ovulatory PCOS with lower visceral adiposity index (P<0.05). These results suggest LAP ≥ 34 as the best marker for classic PCOS, and VAI ≥ 1.32 for ovulatory PCOS women. Both indexes can be easily calculated with measures obtained in routine clinical practice and may be useful to detect cardiometabolic risk and secure early interventions.
Evaluation von lieferengpassinduzierten Arzneimittelumstellungen in 59 deutschen Krankenhäusern – eine Multicenterstudie
Authors: Kellermann Anita , Fischer Martina , Bernard Rudolf , Berndt Georg , Brüggmann Jörg , Müller Markus , Tydecks Eva , Gnadt Mirjam , Lipowsky Cornelia , Dombert Wolfgang , Reh Jürgen , Mitzner Karen , Nusser-Rothermundt Elfriede , Krammer Birgit , Friedrich Klaus , Riedel Rainer
Published: February 2017

Zielsetzung Lieferengpässe bzw. die Nichtlieferfähigkeit von Arzneimitteln durch pharmazeutische Unternehmen haben sich in den letzten Jahren zunehmend auch in Deutschland manifestiert. Dadurch kommt es zu immer mehr ungeplanten Arzneimittelumstellungen aufgrund eines Lieferengpasses (AaL) in deutschen Krankenhausapotheken. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Evaluation der Arzneimittelversorgungssituation in den versorgten Krankenhäusern.

Methodik Dokumentation der durchgeführten (un-)geplanten Arzneimittelumstellungen (AU) für ein Jahr im Rahmen einer prospektiven Multicenterstudie in 13 deutschen Krankenhausapotheken, die 59 Klinken (entspricht 4,2 % der Plankrankenhäuser und Hochschulkliniken, Basis 2013) versorgen. Die AaL wurden nach Anzahl und Art der Arzneimittelumstellungen analysiert.

Ergebnisse Im Beobachtungszeitrum 2013 wurden 1048 AU gemeldet. Davon waren 331 (31,6 %) ungeplante AaL. 717 (68,4 %) AU wurden aufgrund von Arzneimittel-Strategie-Entscheidungen geplant durchgeführt. 239 nicht lieferfähige Handelspräparate lösten in den 13 teilnehmenden Krankenhausapotheken 331 AaL aus. 127 (38,4 %) dieser AaL erfolgten im ersten Halbjahr und 204 (61,6 %) AaL im zweiten Halbjahr.

Schlussfolgerung 31,6 % der AU waren durch einen Lieferengpass bedingt und mussten ungeplant zur Sicherstellung der Patientenversorgung erfolgen. Mit einem Anteil von 61,6 % der AaL im zweiten Halbjahr zeigt sich eine deutliche Verschärfung der Lieferengpasssituation im Jahresverlauf. AU führen zu zusätzlichen Prozessänderungen, einem erhöhten Arbeitsaufwand im Klinikalltag und bedingen ein vermeidbares Fehlerrisiko. Demzufolge sollten im Interesse der Patientensicherheit auch geplante AU mit Bedacht durchgeführt werden, um so bewährte Prozessabläufe in der Patientenroutineversorgung zu gewährleisten. Da nur die Arzneimittelengpässe dokumentiert wurden, die in einer AU resultierten, ist davon auszugehen, dass die Zahl der tatsächlich nicht lieferfähigen Arzneimittel wesentlich höher liegt. Auffallend ist der Umfang der nichtlieferfähigen generischen Arzneimittel mit 84,2 % der AaL.
Relative intensity noise of temperature-stable, energy-efficient 980 nm VCSELs
Authors: Li Hui , Wolf Philip , Lott James A. , Bimberg Dieter
Published: February 2017

The relative intensity noise (RIN) of temperature-stable, energy-efficient oxide confined vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been investigated. Low energy consumption data transmission is achieved by using small oxide-aperture diameter VCSELs biased at small currents. We demonstrate that energy efficiency is not in conflict with our VCSELs’ RIN characteristics. The experimental results indicate that small oxide-aperture diameter VCSELs, which are most suitable for energy-efficient, temperature-stable operation, exhibit lower laser RIN due to less mode competition inside the smaller optical cavity volume. Our energy-efficient VCSELs fulfill the RIN requirements of the 32G Fibre Channel standard.
Techno-economic viability analysis of fixed-tilt and two axis tracking stand-alone photovoltaic power system for Indian bio-climatic classification zones
Authors: Bhakta S. , Mukherjee V.
Published: February 2017

This study examines the viability analysis of fixed-tilt and two axis tracking stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) power systems for electrical power generation in bio-climatic classification zones of the northeastern (NE) states of India where many remote villages are still un-electrified. Grid extension is not possible in many zones of the NE states of India because of the mountainous terrain. Therefore, as an alternative for un-electrified remote villages, the usage of stand-alone PV power systems may mitigate the power shortage problem. Based on the simulation model, the techno-economic analysis is carried out by using 22 years' of satellite-based monthly average solar radiation and temperature data. The typical load profile is also assumed for the purpose of analysis, which replicates the electrical appliances used by the end-users. The optimal fixed-tilt and optimal tracking PV system configuration along with optimal cost of energy (COE) is also obtained. The COE is found to be 0.383–0.497 $/kWh for the fixed-tilt PV system, and the same for the tracking PV system is obtained in the range of 0.523–0.732 $/kWh. From the fixed-tilt and tracking PV system, the monthly average electrical power, monthly average excess electrical power, monthly average unmet electrical load, monthly average inverter power, battery state of charge, and battery input power over the year are detailed, analyzed, and compared. Moreover, the capacity factor obtained in the case of a fixed-tilt PV system lies within the range of 14.2%–17.7% and the same is 17.6%–22.7% for the tracking PV system. Also, the findings of this study reveal detailed information regarding techno-economic and performance analysis of fixed-tilt and tracking PV power systems, which may help policy makers or investors to develop PV technology for the NE states of India.
Blood clot detection using magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Khurshid Hafsa , Friedman Bruce , Berwin Brent , Shi Yipeng , Ness Dylan B. , Weaver John B.
Published: February 2017

Deep vein thrombosis, the development of blood clots in the peripheral veins, is a very serious, life threatening condition that is prevalent in the elderly. To deliver proper treatment that enhances the survival rate, it is very important to detect thrombi early and at the point of care. We explored the ability of magnetic particle spectroscopy (MSB) to detect thrombus via specific binding of aptamer functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with the blood clot. MSB uses the harmonics produced by nanoparticles in an alternating magnetic field to measure the rotational freedom and, therefore, the bound state of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles’ relaxation time for Brownian rotation increases when bound [A.M. Rauwerdink and J. B. Weaver, Appl. Phys. Lett. 96, 1 (2010)]. The relaxation time can therefore be used to characterize the nanoparticle binding to thrombin in the blood clot. For longer relaxation times, the approach to saturation is more gradual reducing the higher harmonics and the harmonic ratio. The harmonic ratios of nanoparticles conjugated with anti-thrombin aptamers (ATP) decrease significantly over time with blood clot present in the sample medium, compared with nanoparticles without ATP. Moreover, the blood clot removed from the sample medium produced a significant MSB signal, indicating the nanoparticles are immobilized on the clot. Our results show that MSB could be a very useful non-invasive, quick tool to detect blood clots at the point of care so proper treatment can be used to reduce the risks inherent in deep vein thrombosis.
The big stuck in state capability
Authors: Andrews Matt , Pritchett Lant , Woolcock Michael
Published: February 2017

Many developing countries and organizations within them are mired in a “big stuck,” or what we will call a “capability trap”: they cannot perform the tasks asked of them, and doing the same thing day after day is not improving the situation; indeed, it is usually only making things worse. We offer examples of this in the current chapter and use empirics to show that most governments seem especially prone to continued failure, even after decades of efforts to build state capability. We argue that this (and other) evidence suggests the need for deep reflection on past efforts to build state capability, and perhaps even dramatic changes to the way this is done in the future. This discussion lays a foundation for the rest of the book, which offers a diagnosis of the causes of “capability traps” in development and a strategy to escape such traps, using problem-driven iterative adaptation (PDIA).
The challenge of building (real) state capability for implementation
Authors: Andrews Matt , Pritchett Lant , Woolcock Michael
Published: February 2017

Efforts to build state capability often involve highly designed, best-practice solutions that have worked in some places and are expected to work everywhere. These sometimes work, especially when the treatment addresses problems in the policy context. Where problems are different, however, the treatment is isomorphic mimicry—it looks good but will not solve festering problems. Development organizations often ignore this, however, and offer the same solution repeatedly—hoping for different outcomes but imposing a capability trap on the policy context, which needs a new diagnosis and prescription. In some countries the treatment has a worse impact, fostering premature load bearing—where the context cannot handle what is prescribed. How can development experts identify where they will have such negative impacts, and where they need to do development differently? This chapter addresses such question, and introduces an approach to building state capability in the latter contexts, called problem-driven iterative adaptation.
Coevolution with pollinating resin midges led to resin-filled nurseries in the androecia, gynoecia and tepals of Kadsura (Schisandraceae)
Authors: Luo Shi-Xiao , Liu Ting-Ting , Cui Fei , Yang Zi-Yin , Hu Xiao-Ying , Renner Susanne S
Published: February 2017

Background and Aims Resin is a defence against herbivores and a floral reward in a few African and South American species whose bee pollinators collect it for nest construction. Here we describe a new role for floral resin from the Asian genus Kadsura (Schisandraceae). Kadsura tepals tightly cover a globe formed by carpels (in females) or near-fused stamens with fleshy connectives (in male flowers of most, but not all species).

Methods We carried out field observations at four sites in China and used pollinator behavioural assays, chemical analyses and time-calibrated insect and plant phylogenies to investigate the specificity of the interactions and their relationship to floral structure.

Key Results Nocturnal resin midges (Resseliella, Cecidomyiidae) walk around on the flowers’ sexual organs to oviposit, thereby transferring pollen and wounding tissues. The larvae then develop in resin-filled chambers. Male and female floral scents are dominated by α-pinene, while the resinous exudate is dominated by caryophyllene. As revealed by barcoding of multiple midge larvae per flower species, the mutualisms are species specific and appear to have evolved over the past 6–9 million years.

Conclusions Resin feeding, not pollen or ovule feeding, by midge larvae explains the abundant Kadsura exudates, highlighting the poorly known world of nocturnal flower–fly interactions.