bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The anterior complex: A visual mnemonic to aid in identification of normal structures
Authors: Ranzini Angela C.
Published: April 2017

The anterior complex of the fetal brain is a group of structures that are important to evaluate during the routine anatomic survey to exclude several serious brain malformations. These structures include the cavum septum pellucidum, anterior horns, interhemispheric fissure, callosal sulcus, and corpus callosum. The relationship between these structures is easily remembered with the presented visual cartoon. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:477–479, 2017
The Photostability of Two Optical Materials Based on Perylene Diimide Substituted by Different Aromatic Groups at the Bay Area
Authors: He Junjie , Li Song , Zeng Heping
Published: April 2017

The perylene diimide substituented by thiophene rings at bay area shows photoactivity and can be used as a photo sensor, but another one substituented by mestylene groups is photostable. The single crystal of 1,7‐mesitylene perylene diimide was obtained. X‐ray diffraction data of the crystal revealed that the plane of the perylene core was hardly twisted by introduction of mesitylene groups. These mestylene groups are like clips maintaining the planarity of the perylene core. Density functional theory calculation was applied to study the difference of photophysical and photochemical properties. The discovery is valuable for design guidance of perylene diimides.
Spectral Characteristic and Preliminary Anticancer Activity in vitro of Selected Rhodanine‐3‐carboxylic Acids Derivatives
Authors: Stawoska Iwona , Tejchman Waldemar , Mazuryk Olga , Lyčka Antonín , Nowak‐Sliwinska Patrycja , Żesławska Ewa , Nitek Wojciech , Kania Agnieszka
Published: April 2017

Selected rhodanine‐3‐carboxylic acids derivatives were synthesized to determine the influence of the structure and the length of the linker between the carboxyl group and the nitrogen atom (N‐3) in the 2‐thioxo‐4‐thiazolidinone ring on their activity, monitored via interactions with human serum albumin. Based on fluorescence studies, we concluded that the length of the linker has a limited impact on these interactions. Additionally, we proposed the static mechanism of quenching for all the tested compounds. These derivatives seem to possess an anticancer activity in the nanomolar range with 3 as the most potent compound in both A2780 and A2780cisR cell lines.
Multifractality of Canadian precipitation and streamflow
Authors: Tan Xuezhi , Gan Thian Yew
Published: April 2017

The detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and multifractal DFA, which can detect nonstationarities of time series with trends, were applied to study long‐term persistence (LTP) and multifractal behaviour of 100 stations of daily precipitation and 145 stations of streamflow time series of Canada. Results show that all precipitation time series showed LTP at both small and large time scales, while streamflow time series generally showed nonstationary behaviour at small time scales and LTP at large time scales. The significant multifractal behaviour of Canadian precipitation and streamflow data can be accurately described by the universal multifractal model and the modified multiplicative cascade model. Precipitation over central Canada showed stronger multifractality than that of western and eastern Canada, while multifractality of streamflow data is less spatially homogeneous. The multifractal strength of precipitation is generally smaller than that of streamflow. Eleven (9) out of 100 precipitation stations showed positive (negative) temporal trends in parameters derived using the universal multifractal model, and about half of the stations whose streamflow data exhibited statistically significant abrupt change points showed a weakening or strengthening in the multifractal strength moving from the pre‐change to the post‐change periods. Differences in the multifractal strength between Canadian precipitation and streamflow data suggest that the persistence of streamflow was not only because streamflow is more autocorrelated than precipitation but also it is more consistently affected by human activities such as streamflow regulation.
A comprehensive evaluation between the efficiency of different treatments in modifying the properties and behavior of magnesium alloys as degradable biomaterials
Authors: Homayun B. , Afshar A.
Published: April 2017

The addition of alloying elements to magnesium leads to microstructural refinement and improves its properties. However, this strategy is accompanied by another concurrent phenomenon − that is − intergranular segregation and the formation of secondary phases in grain boundaries, deteriorating the properties. In this work, the efficacy of two main factors on modifying the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg‐4Zn‐1Al‐0.2Ca alloy was investigated separately: 1) dissolution of secondary phases; and 2) grain refinement. Based on the results, heat treatment of the as‐cast alloy can increase the UTS from 174.4 to 213.2 MPa, decrease the corrosion current density from 81 to 49 μA/cm2, and enhance the polarization resistance from 1410 to 1780 Ω cm2. While, the UTS of the as‐rolled sample increased to 355 MPa, its corrosion current density decreased to 11 μA/cm2, and its polarization resistance improved to 2078 Ω cm2, indicating that compared to dissolution heat treatment, microstructural refinement plays a considerably more effective role in modifying the alloy's behavior. Cytotoxicity and cell adhesion studies also implied on the biosafety of this material in vitro.
Effect of praseodymium and erbium additions on solidification characteristics, microstructure and mechanical properties of as–cast ZRE1 magnesium alloy
Authors: Ahmad R. , Sheggaf Z.M. , Asmael M.B.A.
Published: April 2017

In this research, computer‐aided cooling curve thermal analysis, microstructure analysis, hardness measurements, and tensile test were performed to investigate the effect of praseodymium (Pr) and erbium (Er) additions on as‐cast ZRE1 magnesium (Mg) alloys. Results from the cooling curve and microstructure analysis showed that praseodymium and erbium altered the grain size of the alloys. Thermal analysis result demonstrated an increased solidification rate with praseodymium and erbium additions. Furthermore, the grain size was reduced by approximately 16 % and 15 % with the addition of praseodymium and erbium, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results showed that praseodymium combined with the original second phase and formed Mg−Zn‐Pr−Ce, and erbium dissolved into the α‐Mg matrix. Both additives improved the hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the ZRE1 magnesium alloy.
Weld strength in solid–state recycling of aluminum chips
Authors: Shamsudin S. , Lajis M.A. , Zhong Z.W. , Ahmad A. , Wagiman A.
Published: April 2017

In solid‐state recycling, chip morphology related parameters such as size fraction, surface topography and geometry are important factors in resulting final bond strength. Analyzing deformation parameters together with chip morphology can provide an insight of which factors are very crucial to mechanical performance of the recycled chips. This work investigates the effect of chip morphology and in particular chip roughness and surface area on the weld strength of direct recycled aluminum chips. The influence of these factors were compared with the influences of temperature and pressure. Full factorial design with center point analysis was adopted to rank the factors effects. The chips of AA6061 were cold compacted at 10 tonnes and subsequently hot forged through the dog bone shape‐die at different operating regimes. The elastic and plastic behavior and ultimate tensile strength of the hot‐pressed samples were analyzed and compared. It was found that temperature and pressure are more important to be controlled rather than the chip morphology. Low chip roughness incorporated with high temperature revealed a very significant influence over the weld strength attainment. Regardless of the chip roughness, the bond strength can still be maximized when other deformation factors were controlled within the minimum specified limit.
Mechanical properties of recycled aluminium chip reinforced with alumina (Al2O3) particle
Authors: Lajis M.A. , Ahmad A. , Yusuf N.K. , Azami A.H. , Wagiman A.
Published: April 2017

Metal matrix composites spur the possibility of advancing typical monolithic material properties. Offering great strength, lightweight and being able to withstand high temperatures are the main behaviours of the metal matrix composite. To that extent, many practitioners in either automotive or aerospace industries employed metal matrix composite in most of the critical parts. Forming metal matrix composite via solid state processing is considered innovative, as most of the metal matrix composite forming process took place either in liquid or gaseous processing. This paper studied in varying alumina amount from 1 to 5 wt % that had been introduced to recycled aluminium chip employing hot press forging. Aluminium chip was obtained by milling AA6061‐T6 bulk to a certain parameter. The medium size chips were cleaned, dried and mixed with alumina particles before being poured into a closed‐die mould. The main responses investigated were ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure. Out of all fractions, 2 wt % of alumina ousted the other by significantly strengthening the composite and ductility, slightly better than the standard value. Further addition of alumina would enhance the composite strength, but in contrary, it also could threaten the material performance.
Finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus motor neuron disease syndrome: A novel motor neuron disorder?
Authors: Delva Aline , Thakore Nimish , Pioro Erik P. , Poesen Koen , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel , Meijer Inge A. , Rucker Janet C. , Kissel John T. , Van Damme Philip
Published: April 2017

ABSTACT

Introduction: Disturbances of eye movements are infrequently encountered in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) or motor neuropathies, and there is no known syndrome that combines progressive muscle weakness with downbeat nystagmus. Methods: To describe the core clinical features of a syndrome of MND associated with downbeat nystagmus, clinical features were collected from 6 patients. Results: All patients had slowly progressive muscle weakness and wasting in combination with downbeat nystagmus, which was clinically most obvious in downward and lateral gaze. Onset was in the second to fourth decade with finger extension weakness, progressing to other distal and sometimes more proximal muscles. Visual complaints were not always present. Electrodiagnostic testing showed signs of regional motor axonal loss in all patients. Discussion: The etiology of this syndrome remains elusive. Because finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus are the discriminating clinical features of this MND, we propose the name FEWDON‐MND syndrome. Muscle Nerve 56: 1164–1168, 2017
Mental illness in bariatric surgery: A cohort study from the PORTAL network
Authors: Fisher David , Coleman Karen J. , Arterburn David E. , Fischer Heidi , Yamamoto Ayae , Young Deborah R. , Sherwood Nancy E. , Trinacty Connie Mah , Lewis Kristina H.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To compare bariatric surgery outcomes according to preoperative mental illness category.

Methods

Electronic health record data from several US healthcare systems were used to compare outcomes of four groups of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2012 and 2013. These included the following: people with (1) no mental illness, (2) mild‐to‐moderate depression or anxiety, (3) severe depression or anxiety, and (4) bipolar, psychosis, or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Groups were compared on weight loss trajectory using generalized estimating equations using B‐spline bases and on all‐cause emergency department visits and hospital days using zero‐inflated Poisson and negative binomial regression up to 2 years after surgery. Models were adjusted for demographic and health covariates, including baseline healthcare use.

Results

Among 8,192 patients, mean age was 44.3 (10.7) years, 79.9% were female, and 45.6% were white. Fifty‐seven percent had preoperative mental illness. There were no differences between groups for weight loss, but patients with preoperative severe depression or anxiety or bipolar, psychosis, or schizophrenia spectrum disorders had higher follow‐up levels of emergency department visits and hospital days compared to those with no mental illness.

Conclusions

In this multicenter study, mental illness was not associated with differential weight loss after bariatric surgery, but additional research could focus on reducing acute care use among these patients.
Clear cell sarcoma of kidney involving a horseshoe kidney and harboring EGFR internal tandem duplication
Authors: Santiago Teresa , Clay Michael R. , Azzato Elizabeth , Newman Scott , Fernandez‐Pineda Israel , Nichols Kim E. , Zhang Jinghui , Downing James R. , Davidoff Andrew , Brennan Rachel C. , Ellison David W.
Published: April 2017

Clear cell sarcoma of kidney (CCSK) is a rare renal malignancy, previously unreported in horseshoe kidney (HSK). B‐cell lymphoma 6 corepressor (BCOR) gene internal tandem duplication (ITD) was identified as a recurrent somatic alteration in approximately 85% of CCSKs. This and the YWHAE–NUTM2B/E fusion, the second most common recurrent molecular alteration in CCSK (10%), are considered to be mutually exclusive. However, there is a subset of CCSKs that do not harbor either the BCOR‐ITD or YWHAE–NUTM2 translocation and lack known molecular alterations. Herein, we report the first case of CCSK arising in HSK and harboring epidermal growth factor receptor ITD.
Lenalidomide‐induced eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Toma Andrew , Rapoport Aaron P. , Burke Allen , Sachdeva Ashutosh
Published: April 2017

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell dyscrasia accounting for 10% of haematologic malignancies. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug analogous to thalidomide that is approved for use in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, and in combination with dexamethasone for refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma. Lenalidomide is preferred to thalidomide because of reduced toxicity, and pulmonary side effects are considered rare. We present, to our knowledge, an unusual and first reported case of a patient with relapsed multiple myeloma who received lenalidomide after autologous stem cell transplant, then developed eosinophilic pneumonia presenting as dyspnoea, peripheral eosinophilia, and bilateral pulmonary opacities. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was negative for infection, and transbronchial lung biopsies showed eosinophilic pneumonia. After discontinuation of lenalidomide and initiation of prednisone therapy, his dyspnoea improved and eosinophilia resolved; however, symptoms recurred when the drug was restarted at a lower dose, confirming its causative role. In the absence of infection, clinicians should always bear in mind drug toxicity in the differential diagnosis of patients receiving lenalidomide and related agents.
Counteracting Blueshift Optical Absorption and Maximizing Photon Harvest in Carbon Nitride Nanosheet Photocatalyst
Authors: Rahman Mohammad , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: April 2017

Blueshift of optical absorption and corresponding widening of the bandgap is a fundamental problem with 2D carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNS). An additional problem is low quantum yields (<9%) due to higher loss of absorbed photons. These problems impose a significant restriction to photocatalytic performance of CNNS. Therefore, the synthesis of narrow bandgap CNNS with high quantum efficiency is of pressing research importance. This contribution reports melem‐derived narrow bandgap CNNS with a record‐low bandgap of 2.45 eV. The narrowing in bandgap comes with improved optical absorption and use of visible‐light photons together with excellent charge transport dynamics. This is demonstrated by a record high hydrogen evolution rate of 863 µmol h−1 with apparent quantum efficiency of 16% at 420 nm.
Advanced Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: What Determines Our Choices?
Authors: Dai Zhengfei , Mani Ulaganathan , Tan Hui Teng , Yan Qingyu
Published: April 2017

Among the various energy solutions, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) play an important role in the process of the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. However, the necessity to replace lithium with cheaper alternatives due to its scarcity has recently attracted great interest to developing sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Hence, the discovery and development of suitable cathode materials that exhibit high specific capacity, good cycling stability, and high energy density are actively pursued. Today's SIB technology continues to be driven by the performance of the cathode materials. Here, recent advancements made regarding the cathode of SIBs are summarized, covering some of the fundamental aspects of SIBs, synthetic protocols, and characteristics of existing and prospective cathode materials used for SIBs. Furthermore, some of the latest achievements in the fabrication of cathode materials, as a practical demonstration on their viability, are also discussed. With better understanding of these topics, the rationales behind their enhanced electrochemical performances are revealed and explained. Last but not least, imminent challenges and future prospects are also included to provide some insights into the possible development of advanced cathode materials for SIBs.
Modern Politics and Government
Authors: Ball Alan , Peters B. Guy
Published: April 2017

This substantially revised 7th edition of a classic text includes a new chapter on globalization and regionalization and broader coverage of democratic politics, interests and movements; of the media; of social and cultural influences on political behaviour and of public management. It has been systematically revised and updated throughout in the accessible down-to-earth style that has made it such a popular student choice for over 30 years.
Case Studies in Relational Research
Authors: Loewenthal Del
Published: April 2017

Carrying out research is becoming increasingly important in counselling and psychotherapy. In a unique approach to relational research, Del Loewenthal offers students and practitioners the opportunity to develop their research skills through real situations.
The Zenith of European Monarchy and its Elites
Authors: Henshall Nicholas
Published: April 2017

By the mid-sevententh century several European monarchies were collapsing. Focusing on a key elite bonding strategy, this new survey shows how monarchs resolved to work with, rather than against, their elites. Nicholas Henshall's synthesis offers an argument for the coherence of the period - as the height of European monarchy and its elites.
Current progresses of 3D bioprinting based tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Wang Xiu‐Jie
Published: April 2017

Background

The shortage of available organs for transplantation is the major obstacle hindering the application of regenerative medicine, and has also become the desperate problem faced by more and more patients nowadays. The recent development and application of 3D printing technique in biological research (bioprinting) has revolutionized the tissue engineering methods, and become a promising solution for tissue regeneration.

Results

In this review, we summarize the current application of bioprinting in producing tissues and organoids, and discuss the future directions and challenges of 3D bioprinting.

Conclusions

Currently, 3D bioprinting is capable to generate patient‐specialized bone, cartilage, blood vascular network, hepatic unit and other simple components/tissues, yet pure cell‐based functional organs are still desired.
Metaphor Wars
Authors: Gibbs, Jr Raymond W.
Published: April 2017

The study of metaphor is now firmly established as a central topic within cognitive science and the humanities. We marvel at the creative dexterity of gifted speakers and writers for their special talents in both thinking about certain ideas in new ways, and communicating these thoughts in vivid, poetic forms. Yet metaphors may not only be special communicative devices, but a fundamental part of everyday cognition in the form of 'conceptual metaphors'. An enormous body of empirical evidence from cognitive linguistics and related disciplines has emerged detailing how conceptual metaphors underlie significant aspects of language, thought, cultural and expressive action. Despite its influence and popularity, there have been major criticisms of conceptual metaphor. This book offers an evaluation of the arguments and empirical evidence for and against conceptual metaphors, much of which scholars on both sides of the wars fail to properly acknowledge.
Commentary on Thomas Aquinas's Virtue Ethics
Authors: Budziszewski J.
Published: April 2017

Although St Thomas Aquinas famously claimed that his Summa Theologiae was written for 'beginners', contemporary readers find it unusually difficult. Now, amid a surge of interest in virtue ethics J. Budziszewski clarifies and analyzes the text's challenging arguments about the moral, intellectual, and spiritual virtues, with a spotlight on the virtue of justice. In what might be the first contemporary commentary on Aquinas's virtue ethics, he juxtaposes the original text with paraphrase and detailed discussion, guiding us through its complex arguments and classical rhetorical figures. Keeping an eye on contemporary philosophical issues, he contextualizes one of the greatest virtue theorists in history and brings Aquinas into the interdisciplinary debates of today. His brisk and clear style illuminates the most crucial of Aquinas' writings on moral character and guides us through the labyrinth of this difficult but pivotal work.
Grassroots Activism and the Evolution of Transitional Justice
Authors: Kovras Iosif
Published: April 2017

The families of the disappeared have long struggled to uncover the truth about their missing relatives. In so doing, their mobilization has shaped central transitional justice norms and institutions, as this ground-breaking work demonstrates. Kovras combines a new global database with the systematic analysis of four challenging case studies - Lebanon, Cyprus, South Africa and Chile - each representative of a different approach to transitional justice. These studies reveal how variations in transitional justice policies addressing the disappeared occur: explaining why victims' groups in some countries are caught in silence, while others bring perpetrators to account. Conceiving of transitional justice as a dynamic process, Kovras traces the different phases of truth recovery in post-transitional societies, giving substance not only to the 'why' but also the 'when' and 'how' of this kind of campaign against impunity. This book is essential reading for all those interested in the development of transitional justice and human rights.
Letting off steam: Interim constitutions as a safety valve to the pressure-cooker of transitions in conflict-affected states?
Authors: RODRIGUES CHARMAINE
Published: April 2017

Recent years have seen considerably more attention being given to constitution-making as a field of deliberate study and practice, particularly with regard to the challenges and opportunities posed by constitution-making in conflict-affected states. A consequence of this work has been a more explicit recognition of the interconnectedness of peace processes and constitutional processes as mechanisms of political settlement. Within this context, this article argues for the more deliberate use of interim constitutions as a peacebuilding mechanism with potential to be effective in highly divided contexts in grounding a more inclusive and sustainable political settlement. This article argues that while interim constitutions are indeed commonly found in conflict-affected contexts, their use appears ad hoc and their design poorly conceived. The article reflects upon the potential strengths and weaknesses offered by interim constitutions in fragile and conflict-affected states. Reflecting on both the existing scholarship and the author’s own practical field experience, the article concludes that if a more modest and realistic approach to what constitution-making can achieve in fragile and conflict-affected states is coupled with more attention to design, interim constitutions can provide space and time to undertake more comprehensive discussions regarding the longer-term settlements.
Clomazone and Starter Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects on Growth and Yield of Hybrid and Inbred Rice Cultivars
Authors: Golden Bobby R. , Lawrence Benjamin H. , Bond Jason A. , Edwards H. Matthew , Walker Timothy W.
Published: April 2017

Cultivar and/or application of early-season (starter) nitrogen (N) fertilizer may influence rice tolerance to clomazone. Field studies were conducted to compare the response of hybrid and inbred rice cultivars to applications of clomazone and starter N fertilizer treatments. The inbred cultivar ‘Cocodrie’ and the hybrid cultivar ‘XL723’ were treated with clomazone at 0, 420, or 672 g ai ha−1immediately after seeding, and starter N fertilizer was applied at 0 or 24 kg N ha−1when rice reached the two-leaf growth stage. Pooled across clomazone rates and starter N fertilizer treatments, height of Cocodrie 1 week after emergence (WAE) was greater than that of XL723 in 1 of 3 yr. The difference in height between Cocodrie and XL723 resulted from greater clomazone injury 1 WAE on XL723 compared with Cocodrie. No differences in rice height 3 WAE were detected between Cocodrie and XL723 in 2 of 3 yr. when data were pooled across clomazone rates and starter N fertilizer treatments. Injury 3 WAE was similar for Cocodrie across the 3 yr., but injury on XL723 was greater in 1 of 3 yr. Rough rice yield was lower in plots treated with either rate of clomazone where no starter N fertilizer treatment was applied; however, in plots receiving a starter N fertilizer treatment, no effect of clomazone rate on rough rice yield was observed. Clomazone rate did not influence rough rice yield of Cocodrie in any single yr., but rough rice yields of XL723 were lower in plots receiving clomazone compared with plots that received no clomazone in 1 of 3 yr. Therefore, differential susceptibility to clomazone between Cocodrie and XL723 exists based on early-season response and rough rice yield. Starter N fertilizer treatments were beneficial for overcoming yield reductions due to clomazone injury.
The Trichodesmium consortium: conserved heterotrophic co-occurrence and genomic signatures of potential interactions
Authors: Lee Michael D , Walworth Nathan G , McParland Erin L , Fu Fei-Xue , Mincer Tracy J , Levine Naomi M , Hutchins David A , Webb Eric A
Published: April 2017

The nitrogen (N)-fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium is globally distributed in warm, oligotrophic oceans, where it contributes a substantial proportion of new N and fuels primary production. These photoautotrophs form macroscopic colonies that serve as relatively nutrient-rich substrates that are colonized by many other organisms. The nature of these associations may modulate ocean N and carbon (C) cycling, and can offer insights into marine co-evolutionary mechanisms. Here we integrate multiple omics-based and experimental approaches to investigate Trichodesmium-associated bacterial consortia in both laboratory cultures and natural environmental samples. These efforts have identified the conserved presence of a species of Gammaproteobacteria (Alteromonas macleodii), and enabled the assembly of a near-complete, representative genome. Interorganismal comparative genomics between A. macleodii and Trichodesmium reveal potential interactions that may contribute to the maintenance of this association involving iron and phosphorus acquisition, vitamin B12 exchange, small C compound catabolism, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species. These results identify what may be a keystone organism within Trichodesmium consortia and support the idea that functional selection has a major role in structuring associated microbial communities. These interactions, along with likely many others, may facilitate Trichodesmium’s unique open-ocean lifestyle, and could have broad implications for oligotrophic ecosystems and elemental cycling.
Synthesis of extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by oxidative tandem spirocyclization and 1,2-aryl migration
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Xu Zhanqiang , Si Weili , Oniwa Kazuaki , Bao Ming , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Jin Tienan
Published: April 2017

The extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received significant interdisciplinary attention due to their semiconducting applications in diverse organic electronics as well as intriguing structural interests of well-defined graphene segments. Herein, a highly efficient oxidative spirocyclization and 1,2-aryl migration tandem synthetic method for the construction of extended polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been developed. The CuCl-catalyst/PhCO3tBu or DDQ oxidation system in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid enables the selective single-electron oxidation to take place preferentially at the more electron-rich alkene moiety of o-biphenylyl-substituted methylenefluorenes, giving rise to the subsequent tandem process. A variety of structurally diverse extended PAHs including functionalized dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes, benzo[f]naphtho[1,2-s]picene, hexabenzo[a,c,fg,j,l,op]tetracene, tetrabenzo[a,c,f,m]phenanthro[9,10-k]tetraphene, tetrabenzo[a,c,f,k]phenanthro[9,10-m]tetraphene, tetrabenzo[a,c,f,o]phenanthro[9,10-m]picene and S-type helicene have been readily synthesized.
Understanding and designing magnetoelectric heterostructures guided by computation: progresses, remaining questions, and perspectives
Authors: Hu Jia-Mian , Duan Chun-Gang , Nan Ce-Wen , Chen Long-Qing
Published: April 2017

Magnetoelectric composites and heterostructures integrate magnetic and dielectric materials to produce new functionalities, e.g., magnetoelectric responses that are absent in each of the constituent materials but emerge through the coupling between magnetic order in the magnetic material and electric order in the dielectric material. The magnetoelectric coupling in these composites and heterostructures is typically achieved through the exchange of magnetic, electric, or/and elastic energy across the interfaces between the different constituent materials, and the coupling effect is measured by the degree of conversion between magnetic and electric energy in the absence of an electric current. The strength of magnetoelectric coupling can be tailored by choosing suited materials for each constituent and by geometrical and microstructural designs. In this article, we discuss recent progresses on the understanding of magnetoelectric coupling mechanisms and the design of magnetoelectric heterostructures guided by theory and computation. We outline a number of unsolved issues concerning magnetoelectric heterostructures. We compile a relatively comprehensive experimental dataset on the magnetoelecric coupling coefficients in both bulk and thin-film magnetoelectric composites and offer a perspective on the data-driven computational design of magnetoelectric composites at the mesoscale microstructure level.
Crowding-facilitated macromolecular transport in attractive micropost arrays
Authors: Chien Fan-Tso , Lin Po-Keng , Chien Wei , Hung Cheng-Hsiang , Yu Ming-Hung , Chou Chia-Fu , Chen Yeng-Long
Published: April 2017

Our study of DNA dynamics in weakly attractive nanofabricated post arrays revealed crowding enhances polymer transport, contrary to hindered transport in repulsive medium. The coupling of DNA diffusion and adsorption to the microposts results in more frequent cross-post hopping and increased long-term diffusivity with increased crowding density. We performed Langevin dynamics simulations and found maximum long-term diffusivity in post arrays with gap sizes comparable to the polymer radius of gyration. We found that macromolecular transport in weakly attractive post arrays is faster than in non-attractive dense medium. Furthermore, we employed hidden Markov analysis to determine the transition of macromolecular adsorption-desorption on posts and hopping between posts. The apparent free energy barriers are comparable to theoretical estimates determined from polymer conformational fluctuations.
A novel microfluidic 3D platform for culturing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells: comparison with in vitro cultures and in vivo xenografts
Authors: Beer Meike , Kuppalu Nirmala , Stefanini Matteo , Becker Holger , Schulz Ingo , Manoli Sagar , Schuette Julia , Schmees Christian , Casazza Armando , Stelzle Martin , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: April 2017

The integration of microfluidics and cell biology has reached a significant milestone with the development of “organ-on-chips”, smart technological platforms that, once applied to the study of human diseases, such as cancer, might ultimately contribute to design personalised treatments and hence improve health outcomes. This paper reports that the combination of microfluidics and dielectrophoresis (DEP) allows to culture different pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) human cell lines into a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) chamber (HepaChip®), enriched by the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein collagen. We show that PDAC cells cultured into the HepaChip® (1) are vital and grow, provided they properly attach to collagen; (2) show morphological appearance and growth characteristics closer to those of cells grown as spheroids than as classical 2 dimensional (2D) in vitro cultures. Finally, preliminary experiments show that PDAC cells respond to high doses of Cisplatin perfused through the chip. Overall, the present microfluidic platform could be exploited in the future for a personalised approach to PDAC.
Saccharomyces boulardii Administration Changes Gut Microbiota and Attenuates D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Yu Lei , Zhao Xue-ke , Cheng Ming-liang , Yang Guo-zhen , Wang Bi , Liu Hua-juan , Hu Ya-xin , Zhu Li-li , Zhang Shuai , Xiao Zi-wen , Liu Yong-mei , Zhang Bao-fang , Mu Mao
Published: April 2017

Growing evidence has shown that gut microbiome is a key factor involved in liver health. Therefore, gut microbiota modulation with probiotic bacteria, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, constitutes a promising therapy for hepatosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of S. boulardii on D-Galactosamine-induced liver injury in mice. Liver function test and histopathological analysis both suggested that the liver injury can be effectively attenuated by S. boulardii administration. In the meantime, S. boulardii induced dramatic changes in the gut microbial composition. At the phylum level, we found that S. boulardii significantly increased in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, and decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, which may explain the hepatic protective effects of S. boulardii. Taken together, our results demonstrated that S. boulardii administration could change the gut microbiota in mice and alleviate acute liver failure, indicating a potential protective and therapeutic role of S. boulardii.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical activities for water oxidation and phenol degradation on WO3 nanoplates by transferring electrons and trapping holes
Authors: Sun Liqun , Wang Yuying , Raziq Fazal , Qu Yang , Bai Linlu , Jing Liqiang
Published: April 2017

It is highly desired to improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of nanosized WO3 by artificially modulating the photogenerated electrons and holes simultaneously. Herein, WO3 nanoplates have been successfully prepared by a simple one-pot two-phase separated hydrolysis-solvothermal method, and then co-modified with RGO and phosphate acid successively by wet chemical processes. Subsequently, the as-prepared WO3-based nanoplates were immobilized on the conductive glasses to explore the PEC activities for both water oxidation to evolve O2 and phenol degradation. It is clearly demonstrated that the co-modified WO3 nanoplates exhibit significantly improved PEC activities compared with pristine WO3, especially for that with the amount-optimized modifiers by ca. 6-time enhancement. Mainly based on the evaluated hydroxyl radical amounts produced and the electrochemical impedance spectra, it is suggested that the improved PEC activities are attributed to the greatly enhanced photogenerated charge separation after chemically modification with RGO and phosphate groups to WO3, respectively by transferring electrons as the collectors and trapping holes via the formed negative field after phosphate disassociation. This work provides a feasible synthetic strategy to improve the photoactivities of nanosized WO3 for energy production and environmental remediation.
Ocean currents modify the coupling between climate change and biogeographical shifts
Authors: García Molinos J. , Burrows M. T. , Poloczanska E. S.
Published: April 2017

Biogeographical shifts are a ubiquitous global response to climate change. However, observed shifts across taxa and geographical locations are highly variable and only partially attributable to climatic conditions. Such variable outcomes result from the interaction between local climatic changes and other abiotic and biotic factors operating across species ranges. Among them, external directional forces such as ocean and air currents influence the dispersal of nearly all marine and many terrestrial organisms. Here, using a global meta-dataset of observed range shifts of marine species, we show that incorporating directional agreement between flow and climate significantly increases the proportion of explained variance. We propose a simple metric that measures the degrees of directional agreement of ocean (or air) currents with thermal gradients and considers the effects of directional forces in predictions of climate-driven range shifts. Ocean flows are found to both facilitate and hinder shifts depending on their directional agreement with spatial gradients of temperature. Further, effects are shaped by the locations of shifts in the range (trailing, leading or centroid) and taxonomic identity of species. These results support the global effects of climatic changes on distribution shifts and stress the importance of framing climate expectations in reference to other non-climatic interacting factors.
Metformin disrupts malignant behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma via a novel signaling involving Late SV40 factor/Aurora-A
Authors: Chen Chang-Han , Tsai Hsin-Ting , Chuang Hui-Ching , Shiu Li-Yen , Su Li-Jen , Chiu Tai-Jan , Luo Sheng-Dean , Fang Fu-Min , Huang Chao-Cheng , Chien Chih-Yen
Published: April 2017

Conventional therapeutic processes in patient with OSCC are associated with several unfavorable effects leading to patients with poor survival rate. Metformin has been shown to protect against a variety of specific diseases, including cancer. However, the precise roles and mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of metformin on OSCC remain elusive. In the current study, in vitro and xenograft model experiments revealed that metformin inhibited growth and metastasis of oral cancer cells. Importantly, metformin-restrained tumorigenesis of oral cancer was accompanied with strong decrease of both Aurora-A and Late SV40 Factor (LSF) expressions. Furthermore, LSF contributed to Aurora-A-elicited malignancy behaviors of oral cancer via binding to the promoter region of Aurora-A. A significant correlation was observed between LSF and Aurora-A levels in a cohort of specimens of oral cancer. These findings showed that a novel LSF/Aurora-A-signaling inhibition supports the rationale of using metformin as potential OSCC therapeutics.
Picomolar Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide using Enzyme-free Inorganic Nanoparticle-based Sensor
Authors: Neal Craig J. , Gupta Ankur , Barkam Swetha , Saraf Shashank , Das Soumen , Cho Hyoung J. , Seal Sudipta
Published: April 2017

A philosophical shift has occurred in the field of biomedical sciences from treatment of late-stage disease symptoms to early detection and prevention. Ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) have been demonstrated to neutralize free radical chemical species associated with many life-threatening disease states such as cancers and neurodegenerative diseases by undergoing redox changes (Ce3+  ↔ Ce4+). Herein, we investigate the electrochemical response of multi-valent CNPs in presence of hydrogen peroxide and demonstrate an enzyme-free CNP-based biosensor capable of ultra-low (limit of quantitation: 0.1 pM) detection. Several preparations of CNPs with varying Ce3+:Ce4+ are produced and are analyzed by electrochemical methods. We find that an increasing magnitude of response in cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry correlates with increasing Ce4+ relative to Ce3+ and utilize this finding in the design of the sensor platform. The sensor retains sensitivity across a range of pH’s and temperatures, wherein enzyme-based sensors will not function, and in blood serum: reflecting selectivity and robustness as a potential implantable biomedical device.
The conidial mucilage, natural film coatings, is involved in environmental adaptability and pathogenicity of Hirsutella satumaensis Aoki
Authors: Qu Jiaojiao , Zou Xiao , Yu Jianping , Zhou Yeming
Published: April 2017

The Hirsutella genus is very special asexually-reproducing pathogens of insects by reduced sporulation, host specificity and spores covered by a thick mucilage layer. However, the ecological function of conidial mucilage remains elusive. In this study, the possible ecological role of conidial mucilage from the entomopathogenic fungus Hirsutella satumaensis was functionally investigated through tolerance, adherence and insect bioassays involving aerial conidia (AC) and mucilage-free conidia (MFC). Measurements of hydrophobicity using microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH) indicated that mucilage is main contributor to the surface hydrophobicity of AC. When subjected in tolerance assays to extreme temperatures, high chemical pressure, extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation and cold stress, AC produced more colonies, exhibited higher conidiation and germination percentages than those of MFC. In adhesion assays, MFC displayed an approximately 40% reduction in adherence to locust, dragonfly cuticle and onion epidermis when washed with 0.05% Tween 20. Similarly, Galleria mellonella and Plutella xylostella larvae infected with mucilage-producing AC experienced a relatively higher mortality rate. Our findings suggest that mucilage is critical to the ecological adaptability of H. satumaensis, where it plays positive roles on maintenance of spore surface hydrophobicity, enhancement of spore resistance to extreme environments and strengthening of spore adhesion and host pathogenicity.
One-year daily consumption of buttermilk drink containing lutein-enriched egg-yolks does not affect endothelial function in fasting and postprandial state
Authors: van der Made Sanne M. , Berendschot Tos T. J. M. , Kijlstra Aize , Plat Jogchum
Published: April 2017

Previous results have shown that one-year daily consumption of a lutein-enriched egg yolk containing dairy drink did not significantly affect fasting serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults with early signs of macular degeneration. The current study further substantiates these findings with parameters reflecting endothelial function. Additionally, we extend our observations from the fasting to the postprandial situation. Subjects participated in a 1-y randomized placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial. 52 subjects were included in the active (Egg) group and 49 in the control (Con) group. Changes in postprandial biochemistry (triacylglycerol (TAG), glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA)) following a mixed meal and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) analyses were evaluated at the start and after one year intervention. Postprandial glycemic and lipemic responses before the intervention as well as the differences in postprandial responses after one-year intervention were comparable between the Egg and the Con group. Fasting FMD was comparable between the groups before the intervention started and at the end of intervention. Additionally, the change in FMD following a mixed meal was comparable between the groups. To conclude, one-year consumption of a lutein-enriched egg yolk incorporated in a dairy drink has no effect on postprandial lipid and glucose metabolism or endothelial function.
Oxidation of protein-bound methionine in Photofrin-photodynamic therapy-treated human tumor cells explored by methionine-containing peptide enrichment and quantitative proteomics approach
Authors: Hsieh Ya-Ju , Chien Kun-Yi , Yang I-Fang , Lee I-Neng , Wu Chia-Chun , Huang Tung-Yung , Yu Jau-Song
Published: April 2017

In Photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT), cell fate can be modulated by the subcellular location of Photofrin. PDT triggers oxidative damage to target cells, including the methionine (Met) oxidation of proteins. Here, we developed a new Met-containing peptide enrichment protocol combined with SILAC-based quantitative proteomics, and used this approach to explore the global Met oxidation changes of proteins in PDT-treated epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells preloaded with Photofrin at the plasma membrane, ER/Golgi, or ubiquitously. We identified 431 Met-peptides corresponding to 302 proteins that underwent severe oxidation upon PDT and observed overrepresentation of proteins related to the cell surface, plasma membrane, ER, Golgi, and endosome under all three conditions. The most frequently oxidized Met-peptide sequence was “QAMXXMM-E/G/M-S/G-A/G/F-XG”. We also identified several hundred potential Photofrin-binding proteins using affinity purification coupled with LC-MS/MS, and confirmed the bindings of EGFR and cathepsin D with Photofrin. The enzyme activities of both proteins were significantly reduced by Photofrin-PDT. Our results shed light on the global and site-specific changes in Met-peptide oxidation among cells undergoing Photofrin-PDT-mediated oxidative stress originating from distinct subcellular sites, and suggest numerous potential Photofrin-binding proteins. These findings provide new insight into the molecular targets through which Photofrin-PDT has diverse effects on target cells.
Global patterns of phosphatase activity in natural soils
Authors: Margalef O. , Sardans J. , Fernández-Martínez M. , Molowny-Horas R. , Janssens I. A. , Ciais P. , Goll D. , Richter A. , Obersteiner M. , Asensio D. , Peñuelas J.
Published: April 2017

Soil phosphatase levels strongly control the biotic pathways of phosphorus (P), an essential element for life, which is often limiting in terrestrial ecosystems. We investigated the influence of climatic and soil traits on phosphatase activity in terrestrial systems using metadata analysis from published studies. This is the first analysis of global measurements of phosphatase in natural soils. Our results suggest that organic P (Porg), rather than available P, is the most important P fraction in predicting phosphatase activity. Structural equation modeling using soil total nitrogen (TN), mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, thermal amplitude and total soil carbon as most available predictor variables explained up to 50% of the spatial variance in phosphatase activity. In this analysis, Porgcould not be tested and among the rest of available variables, TN was the most important factor explaining the observed spatial gradients in phosphatase activity. On the other hand, phosphatase activity was also found to be associated with climatic conditions and soil type across different biomes worldwide. The close association among different predictors like Porg, TN and precipitation suggest that P recycling is driven by a broad scale pattern of ecosystem productivity capacity.