bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco-evolutionary dynamics in a contemporary human population
Authors: Pelletier Fanie , Pigeon Gabriel , Bergeron Patrick , Mayer Francine M. , Boisvert Mireille , Réale Denis , Milot Emmanuel
Published: July 2017

Recent studies of the joint dynamics of ecological and evolutionary processes show that changes in genotype or phenotype distributions can affect population, community and ecosystem processes. Such eco-evolutionary dynamics are likely to occur in modern humans and may influence population dynamics. Here, we study contributions to population growth from detailed genealogical records of a contemporary human population. We show that evolutionary changes in women’s age at first reproduction can affect population growth: 15.9% of variation in individual contribution to population growth over 108 years is explained by mean age at first reproduction and at least one-third of this variation (6.1%) is attributed to the genetic basis of this trait, which showed an evolutionary response to selection during the period studied. Our study suggests that eco-evolutionary processes have modulated the growth of contemporary human populations.
Interactome and reciprocal activation of pathways in topical mesenchymal stem cells and the recipient cerebral cortex following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lam Ping K. , Wang Kevin K. W. , Lo Anthony W. I. , Tong Cindy S. W. , Ching Don W. C. , Wong Kenneth , Yang Zhihui , Kong Themis , Lo Kin K. Y. , Choy Richard K. W. , Lai Paul B. S. , Wong George K. C. , Poon Wai S.
Published: July 2017

In this study, GFP-MSCs were topically applied to the surface of cerebral cortex within 1 hour of experimental TBI. No treatment was given to the control group. Three days after topical application, the MSCs homed to the injured parenchyma and improved the neurological function. Topical MSCs triggered earlier astrocytosis and reactive microglia. TBI penumbra and hippocampus had higher cellular proliferation. Apoptosis was suppressed at hippocampus at 1 week and reduced neuronal damaged was found in the penumbral at day 14 apoptosis. Proteolytic neuronal injury biomarkers (alphaII-spectrin breakdown products, SBDPs) and glial cell injury biomarker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-breakdown product (GBDPs) in injured cortex were also attenuated by MSCs. In the penumbra, six genes related to axongenesis (Erbb2); growth factors (Artn, Ptn); cytokine (IL3); cell cycle (Hdac4); and notch signaling (Hes1) were up-regulated three days after MSC transplant. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that 7,943 genes were differentially expressed and 94 signaling pathways were activated in the topical MSCs transplanted onto the cortex of brain injured rats with TBI. In conclusion, topical application offers a direct and efficient delivery of MSCs to the brain.
Surface Interactions between Gold Nanoparticles and Biochar
Authors: Uchimiya Minori , Pignatello Joseph J. , White Jason C. , Hu Szu-Lung , Ferreira Paulo J.
Published: July 2017

Engineered nanomaterials are directly applied to the agricultural soils as a part of pesticide/fertilize formulations or sludge/manure amendments. No prior reports are available to understand the surface interactions between gold nanoparticles (nAu) and soil components, including the charcoal black carbon (biochar). Retention of citrate-capped nAu on 300–700 °C pecan shell biochars occurred rapidly and irreversibly even at neutral pH where retention was less favorable. Uniform organic (primarily citrate ligands) layer on nAu was observable by TEM, and was preserved after the retention by biochar, which resulted in the aggregation or alignment along the edges of multisheets composing biochar. Retention of nAu was (i) greater on biochars than a sandy loam soil, (ii) greater at higher ionic strength and lower pH, and (iii) pyrolysis temperature-dependent: 500 < 700 ≪ 300 °C at pH 3. Collectively, carboxyl-enriched 300 °C biochar likely formed strong hydrogen bonds with the citrate layer of nAu. The charge transfer between the conduction band of nAu and π* continuum of polyaromatic sheets is likely to dominate on 700 °C biochar. Surface area-normalized retention of nAu on biochars was several orders of magnitude higher than negatively charged hydroxyl-bearing environmental surfaces, indicating the importance of black carbon in the environmental fate of engineered nanomaterials.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 15.8 million men aged 15–49 years in rural China from 2010 to 2014
Authors: He Yuan , Pan An , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Ying , Xu Jihong , Zhang Ya , Liu Dujia , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Peng Zuoqi , Hu Frank B. , Ma Xu
Published: July 2017

Obesity has been increasing worldwide. Data on obesity status among men of reproductive age are scarce. This study aimed to assess the national prevalence and trend of overweight and obesity among reproductive-age men in rural China. In the nationwide population-based study, data were obtained from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in rural China from 2010 to 2014. Weight and height were measured in 16 161 982 men aged 15–49 years and their female partners (15 997 739 participants aged 15–49 years) before conception, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. We found that the prevalence of combined overweight and obesity among men was 33.8% (33.7–33.9%) according to Chinese criteria (BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2), the corresponding rates of obesity were 6.3% (6.2–6.4%; BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2), respectively. The prevalence varied in different ethnic groups, geographic regions, age, education and GDP levels, and increasing trend was observed over the 5-year study period. In addition, 45.8% of couples had at least one of them as overweight or obesity. About one third of men aged 15–49 years before conception in rural China are overweight or obese. Overweight/obesity clusters in families, which highlights the importance of family involvement of early prevention of obesity in China.
Somatic mutations in ZFHX4 gene are associated with poor overall survival of Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Qing Tao , Zhu Sibo , Suo Chen , Zhang Lei , Zheng Yuanting , Shi Leming
Published: July 2017

Recent genome-sequencing studies have revealed dozens of genes frequently mutated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but few genes are associated with patients’ clinical outcomes. Novel prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed in the clinic. We collected both somatic mutations and clinical information of 442 Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients from four published studies. Survival analysis was performed to reveal the clinical significance of the mutated genes. Dysregulation of the mutated genes was observed from public gene-expression data sets and its effects on cell migration and invasion were investigated with siRNA-mediated silencing. Our integrated analysis revealed 26 genes significantly and frequently mutated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Importantly, mutations in ZFHX4, SPHKAP, NRXN1, KIAA1109, DNAH5 and KCNH7 were associated with poor survival. In addition, ZFHX4 was overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to normal controls, and knockdown of ZFHX4 in vitro significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mutations in ZFHX4 were strongly associated with poor prognosis and the down-regulation of ZFHX4 inhibits the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Further investigation is warranted to confirm the prognostic values of ZFHX4 in a prospective study.
Limited role of sessile acidophiles in pyrite oxidation below redox potential of 650 mV
Authors: Liu Chang , Jia Yan , Sun Heyun , Tan Qiaoyi , Niu Xiaopeng , Leng Xuekun , Ruan Renman
Published: July 2017

Pyrite oxidation by mixed mesophilic acidophiles was conducted under conditions of controlled and non-controlled redox potential to investigate the role of sessile microbes in pyrite oxidation. Microbes attached on pyrite surfaces by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and their high coverage rate was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The dissolution of pyrite was negligible if the redox potential was controlled below 650 mV (near the rest potential of pyrite), even though the bacteria were highly active and a high coverage rate was observed on pyrite surfaces. However, with un-controlled redox potential the rate of pyrite oxidation increased greatly with an increasing redox potential. This study demonstrates that sessile microbes play a limited role in pyrite oxidation at a redox potential below 650 mV, and highlight the importance of solution redox potential for pyrite oxidation. This has implications for acid mine drainage control and pyrite oxidation control in biometallurgy practice.
Pet-directed speech draws adult dogs’ attention more efficiently than Adult-directed speech
Authors: Jeannin Sarah , Gilbert Caroline , Amy Mathieu , Leboucher Gérard
Published: July 2017

Humans speak to dogs using a special speech register called Pet-Directed Speech (PDS) which is very similar to Infant-Directed Speech (IDS) used by parents when talking to young infants. These two type of speech share prosodic features that are distinct from the typical Adult-Directed Speech (ADS): a high pitched voice and an increased pitch variation. So far, only one study has investigated the effect of PDS on dogs’ attention. We video recorded 44 adult pet dogs and 19 puppies when listening to the same phrase enounced either in ADS or in PDS or in IDS. The phrases were previously recorded and were broadcasted via a loudspeaker placed in front of the dog. The total gaze duration of the dogs toward the loudspeaker, was used as a proxy of attention. Results show that adult dogs are significantly more attentive to PDS than to ADS and that their attention significantly increases along with the rise of the fundamental frequency of human’ speech. It is likely that the exaggerated prosody of PDS is used by owners as an ostensive cue for dogs that facilitates the effectiveness of their communication, and should represent an evolutionarily determined adaptation that benefits the regulation and maintenance of their relationships.
Key Role for the Organic Anion Transporters, OAT1 and OAT3, in the in vivo Handling of Uremic Toxins and Solutes
Authors: Wu Wei , Bush Kevin T. , Nigam Sanjay K.
Published: July 2017

In vitro data indicates that the kidney proximal tubule (PT) transporters of uremic toxins and solutes (e.g., indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol sulfate, kynurenine, creatinine, urate) include two “drug” transporters of the organic anion transporter (OAT) family: OAT1 (SLC22A6, originally NKT) and OAT3 (SLC22A8). Here, we have examined new and prior metabolomics data from the Oat1KO and Oat3KO, as well as newly obtained metabolomics data from a “chemical double” knockout (Oat3KO plus probenecid). This gives a picture of the in vivo roles of OAT1 and OAT3 in the regulation of the uremic solutes and supports the centrality of these “drug” transporters in independently and synergistically regulating uremic metabolism. We demonstrate a key in vivo role for OAT1 and/or OAT3 in the handling of over 35 uremic toxins and solutes, including those derived from the gut microbiome (e.g., CMPF, phenylsulfate, indole-3-acetic acid). Although it is not clear whether trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is directly transported, the Oat3KO had elevated plasma levels of TMAO, which is associated with cardiovascular morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). As described in the Remote Sensing and Signaling (RSS) Hypothesis, many of these molecules are involved in interorgan and interorganismal communication, suggesting that uremia is, at least in part, a disorder of RSS.
Potassium as a pluripotency-associated element identified through inorganic element profiling in human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Lin Victor J. T. , Zolekar Ashwini , Shi Yi , Koneru Bhuvaneswari , Dimitrijevich Slobodan , Di Pasqua Anthony J. , Wang Yu-Chieh
Published: July 2017

Despite their well-known function in maintaining normal cell physiology, how inorganic elements are relevant to cellular pluripotency and differentiation in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has yet to be systematically explored. Using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we analyzed the inorganic components of human cells with isogenic backgrounds in distinct states of cellular pluripotency. The elemental profiles revealed that the potassium content of human cells significantly differs when their cellular pluripotency changes. Pharmacological treatment that alters cell membrane permeability to potassium affected the maintenance and establishment of cellular pluripotency via multiple mechanisms inbona fidehPSCs and reprogrammed cells. Collectively, we report that potassium is a pluripotency-associated inorganic element in human cells and provide novel insights into the manipulation of cellular pluripotency in hPSCs by regulating intracellular potassium.
G-protein coupled receptor 64 is required for decidualization of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Yoo Jung-Yoon , Ahn Jong Il , Kim Tae Hoon , Yu Sungryul , Ahn Ji Yeon , Lim Jeong Mook , Jeong Jae-Wook
Published: July 2017

Although GPR64 has an important role for male fertility, its physiological roles in the female reproductive system are still unknown. In the present study, immunohistochemical analysis reveals a spatiotemporal expression of GPR64 in the uterus during early pregnancy. Observation of remarkable induction of GPR64 expression in uterine decidual cells points to its potential physiological significance on decidualization. The decidualization of uterine stromal cells is a key event in implantation. Progesterone (P4) signaling is crucial for the decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells for successful pregnancy. Therefore, we examined ovarian steroid hormone regulation of GPR64 expression in the murine uterus. P4 induced GPR64 expression in the epithelial and stromal cells of the uterus in ovariectomized wild-type mice, but not in PRKO mice. ChIP analysis confirmed that PGR proteins were recruited on progesterone response element of Gpr64 gene in the uteri of wild-type mice treated with P4. Furthermore, the expression of GPR64 was increased in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) during in vitro decidualization. Interestingly, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of GPR64 in hESCs remarkably reduced decidualization. These results suggest that Gpr64 has a crucial role in the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells.
Two Bombyx mori acetylcholinesterase genes influence motor control and development in different ways
Authors: Ye Xinhai , Yang Liwen , Stanley David , Li Fei , Fang Qi
Published: July 2017

Among its other biological roles, acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7), encoded by two ace in most insects, catalyses the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby terminating synaptic transmission. ace1 encodes the synaptic enzyme and ace2 has other essential actions in many insect species, such as Chilo suppressalis and Plutella xylostella. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been domesticated for more than two thousand years and its aces have no history of pesticide exposure. Here, we investigated the functional differences between two ace genes, BmAce1 and BmAce2, in the silkworm. qPCR analysis indicated that BmAce1 is highly expressed in muscle and BmAce2 is more ubiquitously expressed among tissues and enriched in the head. Both genes were separately suppressed using chemically synthesized siRNAs. The mRNA abundance of the two ace genes was significantly reduced to about 13% – 75% of the control levels after siRNA injection. The AChE activities were decreased to 32% to 85% of control levels. Silencing BmAce2 resulted in about 26% mortality, faster and higher than the 20% in the siBmAce1-treated group. Silencing BmAce1 impacted motor control and development to a greater extent than silencing BmAce2, although both treatment groups suffered motor disability, slowed development and reduced cocoons. Both genes have essential, differing biological significance.
Universality of the Phytophthora mating hormones and diversity of their production profile
Authors: Tomura Tomohiko , Molli Shylaja D. , Murata Ryo , Ojika Makoto
Published: July 2017

Sexual reproduction of the plant pest Phytophthora is regulated by two mating hormones α1 and α2, which are acyclic oxygenated diterpenes first isolated from P. nicotianae A1 and A2 mating types, respectively. A previous report suggested the universality of these factors within this genus. To confirm this concept, we investigated 80 strains (19 species) of Phytophthora and a related genus, not only for the responsiveness to mating hormones but also for their productivity. The results indicated that among the 55 heterothallic strains, 24 (44%) responded to a mating hormone and 40 (73%) produced one or both hormones. These findings demonstrate the interspecies universality of mating hormones within the genus Phytophthora. Hormone productivity was found to be highly diverse and dependent on the strains used. Although the A2 mating type has been regarded as the α2 producer, 19 (59%) of the 32 A2-type strains produced both the hormones and two A2-type strains exclusively produced α1 in high yields. These results indicate that hormone biosynthesis in Phytophthora is universal but highly diverse and complex, and varies with culture conditions, providing us valuable information for future studies on the mechanism of mating hormone biosynthesis of Phytophthora.
In vitro imaging of bacteria using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose micro positron emission tomography
Authors: Heuker Marjolein , Sijbesma Jürgen W. A. , Aguilar Suárez Rocío , de Jong Johan R. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Luurtsema Gert , Elsinga Philip H. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , van Dam Gooitzen M. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , van Oosten Marleen
Published: July 2017

Positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) can be applied to detect infection and inflammation. However, it was so far not known to what extent bacterial pathogens may contribute to the PET signal. Therefore, we investigated whether clinical isolates of frequently encountered bacterial pathogens take up 18F-FDG in vitro, and whether FDG inhibits bacterial growth as previously shown for 2-deoxy-glucose. 22 isolates of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens implicated in fever and inflammation were incubated with 18F-FDG and uptake of 18F-FDG was assessed by gamma-counting and µPET imaging. Possible growth inhibition by FDG was assayed with Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The results show that all tested isolates accumulated 18F-FDG actively. Further, 18F-FDG uptake was hampered in B. subtilis pts mutants impaired in glucose uptake. FDG inhibited growth of S. aureus and B. subtilis only to minor extents, and this effect was abrogated by pts mutations in B. subtilis. These observations imply that bacteria may contribute to the signals observed in FDG-PET infection imaging in vivo. Active bacterial FDG uptake is corroborated by the fact that the B. subtilis phosphotransferase system is needed for 18F-FDG uptake, while pts mutations protect against growth inhibition by FDG.
Revealing the influence of Cyano in Anchoring Groups of Organic Dyes on Adsorption Stability and Photovoltaic Properties for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Wei-Chieh , Nachimuthu Santhanamoorthi , Jiang Jyh-Chiang
Published: July 2017

Determining an ideal adsorption configuration for a dye on the semiconductor surface is an important task in improving the overall efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, we present a detailed investigation of different adsorption configurations of designed model dyes on TiO2 anatase (101) surface using first principles methods. Particularly, we aimed to investigate the influence of cyano group in the anchoring part of dye on its adsorption stability and the overall photovoltaic properties such as open circuit voltage, electron injection ability to the surface. Our results indicate that the inclusion of cyano group increases the stability of adsorption only when it adsorbs via CN with the surface and it decreases the photovoltaic properties when it does not involve in binding. In addition, we also considered full dyes based on the results of model dyes and investigated the different strength of acceptor abilities on stability and electron injection ability. Among the various adsorption configurations considered here, the bidentate bridging mode (A3) is more appropriate one which has higher electron injection ability, larger VOC value and more importantly it has higher dye loading on the surface.
Matched computed tomography segmentation and demographic data for oropharyngeal cancer radiomics challenges
Authors:   MICCAI/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Quantitative Imaging Working Group, Elhalawani Hesham , Mohamed Abdallah S.R. , White Aubrey L. , Zafereo James , Wong Andrew J. , Berends Joel E. , AboHashem Shady , Williams Bowman , Aymard Jeremy M. , Kanwar Aasheesh , Perni Subha , Rock Crosby D. , Cooksey Luke , Campbell Shauna , Ding Yao , Lai Stephen Y. , Marai Elisabeta G. , Vock David , Canahuate Guadalupe M. , Freymann John , Farahani Keyvan , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Fuller Clifton D.
Published: July 2017

Cancers arising from the oropharynx have become increasingly more studied in the past few years, as they are now epidemic domestically. These tumors are treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy, and have local recurrence as a primary mode of clinical failure. Recent data suggest that ‘radiomics’, or extraction of image texture analysis to generate mineable quantitative data from medical images, can reflect phenotypes for various cancers. Several groups have shown that developed radiomic signatures, in head and neck cancers, can be correlated with survival outcomes. This data descriptor defines a repository for head and neck radiomic challenges, executed via a Kaggle in Class platform, in partnership with the MICCAI society 2016 annual meeting.These public challenges were designed to leverage radiomics and/or machine learning workflows to discriminate HPV phenotype in one challenge (HPV status challenge) and to identify patients who will develop a local recurrence in the primary tumor volume in the second one (Local recurrence prediction challenge) in a segmented, clinically curated anonymized oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) data set.
A web platform for landuse, climate, demography, hydrology and beach erosion in the Black Sea catchment
Authors: Lehmann Anthony , Guigoz Yaniss , Ray Nicolas , Mancosu Emanuele , Abbaspour Karim C. , Rouholahnejad Freund Elham , Allenbach Karin , De Bono Andrea , Fasel Marc , Gago-Silva Ana , Bär Roger , Lacroix Pierre , Giuliani Gregory
Published: July 2017

The Black Sea catchment (BSC) is facing important demographic, climatic and landuse changes that may increase pollution, vulnerability and scarcity of water resources, as well as beach erosion through sea level rise. Limited access to reliable time-series monitoring data from environmental, statistical, and socio-economical sources is a major barrier to policy development and decision-making. To address these issues, a web-based platform was developed to enable discovery and access to key environmental information for the region. This platform covers: landuse, climate, and demographic scenarios; hydrology and related water vulnerability and scarcity; as well as beach erosion. Each data set has been obtained with state-of-the-art modelling tools from available monitoring data using appropriate validation methods. These analyses were conducted using global and regional data sets. The data sets are intended for national to regional assessments, for instance for prioritizing environmental protection projects and investments. Together they form a unique set of information, which lay out future plausible change scenarios for the BSC, both for scientific and policy purposes.
Production and evolution of a ScFv antibody for immunoassay of residual phenothiazine drugs in meat based on computational simulation
Authors: Shi Fang Shu , Zhang Lei , Xia Wan Qiu , Liu Jing , Zhang Hui Cai , Wang Jian Ping
Published: July 2017

Production and directional evolution of a ScFv antibody based on computational simulation for immunoassay of phenothiazines in meat.
A paper/polymer hybrid CD-like microfluidic SpinChip integrated with DNA-functionalized graphene oxide nanosensors for multiplex qLAMP detection
Authors: Dou Maowei , Sanjay Sharma T. , Dominguez Delfina C. , Zhan Sihui , Li XiuJun
Published: July 2017

A polymer/paper hybrid microfluidic SpinChip integrated with DNA probe-functionalized GO nanosensors was developed for simple and effective multiplex quantitative LAMP (μ-mqLAMP) detection.
Reaction–diffusion with stochastic decay rates
Authors: Lapeyre G. John , Dentz Marco
Published: July 2017

Microscopic physical and chemical fluctuations in a reaction–diffusion system lead to anomalous chemical kinetics and transport on the mesoscopic scale. Emergent non-Markovian effects lead to power-law reaction times and localization of reacting species.
The borazine dimer: the case of a dihydrogen bond competing with a classical hydrogen bond
Authors: Verma Kanupriya , Viswanathan K. S.
Published: July 2017

A dihydrogen bonded structure for the borazine dimer. The first experimental report in a system other than a metal hydride.
Correction: A critical comparison of coarse-grained structure-based approaches and atomic models of protein folding
Authors: Hu Jie , Chen Tao , Wang Moye , Chan Hue Sun , Zhang Zhuqing
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘A critical comparison of coarse-grained structure-based approaches and atomic models of protein folding’ by Jie Hu et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 13629–13639.
Kinetic characterisation of a dye decolourising peroxidase from Streptomyces lividans: new insight into the mechanism of anthraquinone dye decolourisation
Authors: Chaplin Amanda K. , Wilson Michael T. , Worrall Jonathan A. R.
Published: July 2017

A dye decolourising haem peroxidase fromStreptomyces lividansdecolourises the anthraquinone dye RB19 through a disproportionation mechanism.
A cobalt–nitrosyl complex with a hindered hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate coligand: detailed electronic structure, and reactivity towards dioxygen
Authors: Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Soma Shoko , Kurihara Haruka , Dong Hai T. , Bilodeau Max , Lehnert Nicolai
Published: July 2017

The cobalt–nitrosyl complex[Co(NO)(L3)]is supported by a highly hindered tridentate nitrogen ligand, hydrotris(3-tertiary butyl-5-isopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate (denoted as L3−), and shows a linear Co–N–O unit.
Integrated sudomotor axon reflex sweat stimulation for continuous sweat analyte analysis with individuals at rest
Authors: Sonner Zachary , Wilder Eliza , Gaillard Trudy , Kasting Gerald , Heikenfeld Jason
Published: July 2017

Eccrine sweat has rapidly emerged as a non-invasive, ergonomic, and rich source of chemical analytes with numerous technological demonstrations now showing the ability for continuous electrochemical sensing.
Recent advances in combretastatin based derivatives and prodrugs as antimitotic agents
Authors: Seddigi Zaki S. , Malik M. Shaheer , Saraswati A Prasanth , Ahmed Saleh A. , Babalghith Ahmed O. , Lamfon Hawazen A. , Kamal Ahmed
Published: July 2017

The dynamic and crucial role of tubulin in different cellular functions rendered it a promising target in anticancer drug development.
Porphyrin stacks as an efficient molecular glue to induce chirality in hetero-component calixarene–porphyrin assemblies
Authors: D’Urso Alessandro , Marino Nino , Gaeta Massimiliano , Rizzo Maria Silvia , Cristaldi Domenico Andrea , Fragalà Maria Elena , Pappalardo Sebastiano , Gattuso Giuseppe , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Pisagatti Ilenia , Purrello Roberto
Published: July 2017

Porphyrins act as a sort of “molecular glue” in directional self-assembly of water-soluble multi-component porphyrin–calixarene architectures, allowing transfer of chirality to the supramolecular level.
Targeting a cell wall biosynthesis hot spot
Authors: Müller Anna , Klöckner Anna , Schneider Tanja
Published: July 2017

History points to the bacterial cell wall biosynthetic network as a very effective target for antibiotic intervention, and numerous natural product inhibitors have been discovered.
Synthesis of trifluoromethylated pyrazolidines by [3 + 2] cycloaddition
Authors: Peng Xiansha , Huang Danfeng , Wang Ke-Hu , Wang Yalin , Wang Juanjuan , Su Yingpeng , Hu Yulai
Published: July 2017

[3 + 2] cycloaddition between trifluoromethylated N-acylhydrazones and nitroolefins in the presence of potassium hydroxide and Bu4NI is developed to afford potentially bioactive trifluoromethylated pyrazolidines.
One-pot electrochemical preparation of copper species immobilized poly(o-aminophenol)/MWCNT composite with excellent electrocatalytic activity for use as an H2O2 sensor
Authors: Barathi Palani , Thirumalraj Balamurugan , Chen Shen-Ming , Subramania A.
Published: July 2017

Redox activity of copper species immobilized poly(o-aminophenol)/multi-walled carbon nanotube for direct electrocatalysis towards detection of H2O2.
Copper(ii) catalyzed domino synthesis of quinoline derivatives from arylamines and alkynes
Authors: Dai Huimin , Li Chun-Xiao , Yu Chao , Wang Zihao , Yan Hong , Lu Changsheng
Published: July 2017

An open-flask copper(ii) catalyzed quinoline synthesis by anilines and electron-deficient alkynes at room temperature has been developed.
Tyramine functionalization of poly(glycerol sebacate) increases the elasticity of the polymer
Authors: Ding Xiaochu , Wu Yen-Lin , Gao Jin , Wells Albin , Lee Kee-Won , Wang Yadong
Published: July 2017

Tyramine-functionalized PGS shows strong physical interactions that make the material more elastic to recover from large deformations.
Nano-scale clustering of integrin-binding ligands regulates endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and endothelialization rate: novel materials for small diameter vascular graft applications
Authors: Karimi Fatemeh , McKenzie Thomas G. , O'Connor Andrea J. , Qiao Greg G. , Heath Daniel E.
Published: July 2017

Blood contacting devices are commonly used in today's medical landscape.
Facile in situ synthesis of stable luminescent organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite nanoparticles in a polymer matrix
Authors: Xi Lifei , Boothroyd Chris B. , Salim Teddy , Borghardt Sven , Lam Yeng Ming , Kardynał Beata E.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a simple in situ approach for controlled synthesis of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite NPs in polymer matrix.
Rational design and characterization of novel phosphorescent rhenium(i) complexes for extremely high-efficiency organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhao Guang-Wei , Hu Yong-Xu , Zhao Jin-Hui , Dong Yan , Zhou Li , Lv Yan-Li , Chi Hai-Jun , Su Zisheng
Published: July 2017

Novel highly-emitting neutral tricarbonyl Re(i) complexes have been developed and used as dopants in OLEDs, which exhibited the highest EL performances compared to the Re(i)-based OLEDs reported so far.
Robust photonic microparticles comprising cholesteric liquid crystals for anti-forgery materials
Authors: Seo Hyeon Jin , Lee Sang Seok , Noh Jieun , Ka Jae-Won , Won Jong Chan , Park Cheolmin , Kim Shin-Hyun , Kim Yun Ho
Published: July 2017

Mechanically stable photonic micro particles based on polymerized cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) and its self-assembled patterns for anti-forgery applications.
Role of glycosylation in nucleating protein folding and stability
Authors: Jayaprakash Nisha Grandhi , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: July 2017

Glycosylation constitutes one of the most common, ubiquitous and complex forms of post-translational modification. It commences with the synthesis of the protein and plays a significant role in deciding its folded state, oligomerization and thus its function. Recent studies have demonstrated that N-linked glycans help proteins to fold as the stability and folding kinetics are altered with the removal of the glycans from them. Several studies have shown that it alters not only the thermodynamic stability but also the structural features of the folded proteins modulating their interactions and functions. Their inhibition and perturbations have been implicated in diseases from diabetes to degenerative disorders. The intent of this review is to provide insight into the recent advancements in the general understanding on the aspect of glycosylation driven stability of proteins that is imperative to their function and finally their role in health and disease states.
Targeting the hepatocyte growth factor/Met pathway in cancer
Authors: De Silva Dinuka M. , Roy Arpita , Kato Takashi , Cecchi Fabiola , Lee Young H. , Matsumoto Kunio , Bottaro Donald P.
Published: July 2017

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced activation of its cell surface receptor, the Met tyrosine kinase, drives mitogenesis, motogenesis and morphogenesis in a wide spectrum of target cell types and embryologic, developmental and homeostatic contexts. Typical paracrine HGF/Met signaling is regulated by HGF activation at target cell surfaces, HGF binding-induced receptor activation, internalization and degradation. Despite these controls, HGF/Met signaling contributes to oncogenesis, tumor angiogenesis and invasiveness, and tumor metastasis in many types of cancer, leading to the rapid growth of pathway-targeted anticancer drug development programs. We review here HGF and Met structure and function, basic properties of HGF/Met pathway antagonists now in clinical development, and recent clinical trial results. Presently, the main challenges facing the effective use of HGF/Met-targeted antagonists for cancer treatment include optimal patient selection, diagnostic and pharmacodynamic biomarker development, and the identification and testing of effective therapy combinations. The wealth of basic information, analytical reagents and model systems available regarding normal and oncogenic HGF/Met signaling will continue to be invaluable in meeting these challenges and moving expeditiously toward more effective cancer treatment.
Thieme Chemistry Journals Awardees: Where Are They Now? One-Pot Synthesis of Versatile Buckle Units for Click Chemistry: 4,8-Diazacyclononynes (DACNs)
Authors: Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Aoyama Shin , Kawasaki Yuuya , Kashiwagi Takeru , Seto Yuki , Ni Runyan , Mitsuda Naoto
Published: July 2017

Newly designed buckle units for copper-free click chemistry: 4,8-diazacyclononynes (DACNs) were efficiently synthesized with a one-pot procedure from commercially available 2-butyne-1,4-diol. The synthesized DACNs possess versatile connectors for the introduction of functional units and exhibit high click reactivity.
Typhoid Fever with Acute Pancreatitis in a Five-Year-Old Child
Authors: Majumdar Sumit , Chakrabartty Subroto , Chakravarti Swati , Roy Soumya
Published: July 2017

Typhoid fever is very common in children, with abdominal pain occurring in 21% of patients. The occurrence of acute pancreatitis in typhoid is a rare complication, especially in preschool children. Knowledge of this condition is necessary for proper management, as well as to avoid unnecessary laparotomy. In this article, we describe the case of a 5-year-old girl who was diagnosed with this condition. She was managed conservatively with ceftriaxone and supportive measures, following which she had a completely recovery.
Verordnungen außerhalb des Regelfalls – Ab jetzt Klarheit
Authors: Stamm Anja
Published: July 2017

Die Verordnungsmöglichkeiten außerhalb des Regelfalls sorgen immer wieder für Verwirrungen – bei Ärzten, Patienten und Therapeuten. Im Sinne des Gesetzgebers ist das nicht. Er möchte, dass Patienten ausreichend, zweckmäßig und wirtschaftlich mit Heilmitteln versorgt werden. ergopraxis erklärt die Unterschiede der vier Optionen, bei denen die Verordnungsmenge nicht vom Heilmittelkatalog abhängt.
Lese- und/oder Rechtschreibstörung – „Heute schreipe ich richtik gut“
Authors: Kuhn Christine , Mehringer Hannah , Brem Silvia
Published: July 2017

Eine Lese-/Rechtschreibstörung (LRS) führt bei Kindern häufig zu schulischem Misserfolg, ruft ein negatives Selbstkonzept hervor und oft auch psychische Erkrankungen. Erfahren Sie mehr über die LRS und die Empfehlungen aktueller Leitlinien.
Potential von Arbeitsunfähigkeits-Daten zur tagesgenauen Bestimmung des Krankheitsbeginns in
GKV-Routinedaten
Authors: Horenkamp-Sonntag Dirk , Linder Roland , Engel Susanne , Schneider Udo , Verheyen Frank
Published: July 2017

Zielsetzung In der Versorgungsforschung ist der exakte Zeitpunkt des Krankheitsbeginns relevant, z. B. zur Messung der
Leitlinienadhärenz. Bei akutem nicht-spezifischen Rückenschmerz sollte in den ersten sechs Wochen keine Bildgebung erfolgen. Da ambulant nur
auf Quartalsebene dokumentiert wird, wurde die Nutzbarkeit von tagesgenauen Informationen zur Arbeitsunfähigkeit (AU) untersucht.

Methodik Am Beispiel Rückenschmerzen (ICD M54) wurde mit TK-Routinedaten analysiert, bei wie vielen Versicherten eine potentiell
nicht-indizierte radiologische Bildgebung erfolgte. Anstelle der ambulanten Diagnosen wurde auf tagesgenaue AU-Daten fokussiert.

Ergebnis Im Zeitraum 2011–2012 hatten 444 946 Versicherte erstmalig eine AU (M54). In 89,2% der Fälle lagen Rückenschmerzen
verursachende Erkrankungen vor. Erstmalig aufgetretene akute nicht-spezifische Rückenschmerzen hatten 2 155 Versicherte. Erfolgte eine
radiologische Diagnostik, war diese in 28,7% der Fälle zu früh.

Schlussfolgerung In Abhängigkeit von der medizinischen Indikation können die Analysemöglichkeiten durch tagesgenaue ICD-Diagnosen aus
den AU-Daten erweitert werden. Diese Erkenntnisse lassen sich für Hochrechnungen auf Populationen nutzen, bei denen nicht durchgängig auf
AU-Diagnosen zurückgegriffen werden kann.
Patients’ Knowledge about Prescribed Antipsychotics and
Medication Adherence in Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Nagai Nobuhiro , Tani Hideaki , Suzuki Takefumi , Ikai Saeko , Gerretsen Philip , Mimura Masaru , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: July 2017

Introduction Data on the knowledge about antipsychotic medications
prescribed in patients with schizophrenia are very limited. Moreover, it
remains unclear how patients’ knowledge about prescribed
antipsychotics affects medication adherence.

Methods ighty-one Japanese outpatients with schizophrenia according
to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, were
included. Patients’ knowledge of the primary antipsychotics
prescribed to them in terms of therapeutic effects, type, and implicated
neurotransmitters was assessed with a multiple-choice questionnaire
developed for this study. Medication possession ratios (MPRs) were compared
between patients who answered correctly and those who did not in each
category.

Results The percentages of subjects who answered correctly regarding
antipsychotic effects, type, and implicated neurotransmitters were low at
30.9%, 30.9%, and 7.4%, respectively. No differences
were found in MPRs between subjects who answered correctly and those who did
not.

Discussion Our preliminary results indicate that patients lack
knowledge about their antipsychotic medications. More concerning, they
suggest that knowledge about prescribed antipsychotics may not directly
translate into actual medication adherence in patients with
schizophrenia.
Perceptions and law enforcement of illegal and legal wolf killing in Norway: organized crime or folk crime?
Authors: Sollund Ragnhild
Published: July 2017

On 20 April 2015, five men were convicted in a Norwegian court for breaching the penal law, namely for attempting to reduce the natural population of a protected endangered species on 15 February 2014. One was also charged with having killed a wolf on 14 March 2014. The sentences were the strictest ever imposed for similar crimes in Norway, with 20 months’ imprisonment for the main offender, partly because they were charged with organized crime—an aggravating circumstance. The verdict was appealed and a new conviction made on 5 April 2016, where the prison sentences for the five convicted men were considerably reduced, the strictest from 20 to 9 months, and with the law applied differently. The state appealed the decision from the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court [Høyesterett], concerning the application of law, and there four of the men were again found guilty of attempting to reduce the population of an endangered species. These verdicts invite discussion of how such crimes should be perceived-as serious organized crime or as “folk crimes”. This article argues that either way such acts should be regarded as theriocides that breach the Animal Welfare Act and its statement that animals have intrinsic value, and further that they cannot be viewed in isolation but must be seen in the context of state policy towards large predators. The crimes are thus discussed from a green criminology perspective, concentrating on seeing these theriocides as crimes, not “only” harms.
Growth during recovery evidences the waterlogging tolerance of forage grasses
Authors: Ploschuk R. A. , Grimoldi A. A. , Ploschuk E. L. , Striker G. G.
Published: July 2017

Waterlogging is a stress of increasing importance for pastures as a consequence of global climate change. We evaluated the impact of waterlogging on four forage grasses with alleged differential tolerance, emphasising not only responses during the stress but also their reported ability to recover from it. To do this, 42-day plants of Dactylis glomerata, Bromus catharticus, Festuca arundinacea and Phalaris aquatica were subjected to 15-day waterlogging, followed by a subsequent 15-day recovery period. Shoot and root growth (i.e. RGR) during both periods, in addition to net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance rates during waterlogging were assessed. Sensitivity exhibited by D. glomerata and B. catharticus during waterlogging was related to growth arrest of roots – but not of shoots – along with a progressive fall in stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis. The injury during waterlogging preceded a negligible growth of shoots and roots, only evident during recovery in both species. By contrast, P. aquatica exhibited unaltered root RGR and promoted shoot RGR with no impact on leaf gas exchange during waterlogging; whereas F. arundinacea showed intermediate tolerance as root RGR was reduced during waterlogging, with stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis and shoot RGR remaining unaffected. These latter two species fully regained shoot and root RGR during recovery. So, P. aquatica and F. arundinacea seem more suitable for prone-to-flood lowlands, whereas to be conclusive about waterlogging tolerance, it is necessary to examine plant recovery as shown in D. glomerata and B. catharticus.
Physiological and biochemical responses of Festuca sinensis seedlings to temperature and soil moisture stress
Authors: Wang Jian-Jun , Lin Wei-Hu , Zhao Yan-Ting , Meng Cheng , Ma An-Wei , Xue Long-Hai , Kuang Yu , Tian Pei
Published: July 2017

The interaction effects between temperature and soil moisture on Festuca sinensis Keng ex E.B.Alexeev were analysed to determine how F. sinensis responds to these environmental conditions. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under simulated growth conditions with four soil moisture contents (80, 65, 50 and 35% relative saturation moisture content) and three temperature conditions (15, 20 and 25°C). Physiological (relative water content and root activity) and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll, peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble protein, soluble sugar and free proline) were evaluated at the seedling stage. Results showed that with a decrease in soil water content, the POD activities, MDA content, soluble protein content, soluble sugar content and free proline content of plants under the 15°C and 20°C treatments initially decreased and then increased, whereas they increased with a decrease of soil water content at 25°C. The relative water contents of plants under the three temperature treatments decreased with a decreasing soil moisture content, but then increased temperature significantly reduced the relative water content of the seedlings under low soil water content. The chlorophyll contents of plants under the 25°C treatment decreased with a decrease of soil moisture content, but those of plants under the 15°C and 20°C treatments initially increased and then decreased. The root activities of plants under the 15°C and 20°C treatments increased with a decreasing soil moisture content; however, those of plants under the 25°C treatment initially increased and then decreased. Thus, results indicated that changes of temperature and soil moisture content had significant and complicated effects on the physiological-biochemical characteristics of F. sinensis; the conditions of 20°C and 65% RSMC had positive effects on F. sinensis seedling growth and the appropriate drought stress could promote the growth of seedling roots under the three different temperature conditions. In conclusion, F. sinensis seedlings could adapt to certain changes in the ecological environment by regulating their physiological and biochemical reactions.
Limits of Brazil’s Forest Code as a means to end illegal deforestation
Authors: Azevedo Andrea A. , Rajão Raoni , Costa Marcelo A. , Stabile Marcelo C. C. , Macedo Marcia N. , dos Reis Tiago N. P. , Alencar Ane , Soares-Filho Britaldo S. , Pacheco Rayane
Published: July 2017

Significance

Brazil’s new Forest Code has the potential to halt illegal deforestation in the country’s native forests and savannas through implementation of a federal land registry—along with powerful tools that facilitate enforcement and give landowners a pathway to restoring or compensating their “forest deficits.” This study suggests that these tools fall short of their promise. Although landowners in eastern Amazonia have been motivated to join state land registries, many continue to deforest and few have restored their illegally cleared areas. Results indicate that the economic benefits of full compliance with the Forest Code remain scant. To end deforestation, Brazil must realign its financial and policy incentives to encourage this outcome. The fate of the country’s forests hangs in the balance.
Inhibition of acute lethal pulmonary inflammation by the IDO–AhR pathway
Authors: Lee Soung-Min , Park Ha Young , Suh Young-Sill , Yoon Eun Hye , Kim Juyang , Jang Won Hee , Lee Won-Sik , Park Sae-Gwang , Choi Il-Whan , Choi Inhak , Kang Sun-Woo , Yun Hwayoung , Teshima Takanori , Kwon Byungsuk , Seo Su-Kil
Published: July 2017

Significance

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of tryptophan and plays critical roles in immune regulation to avoid severe immunopathology. We demonstrate that IFN-γ signaling in lung parenchyma prevents idiopathic pneumonia syndrome by inducing IDO expression; inhibition of deacetylation of STAT3 potentiates IDO expression induced by IL-6 in an IFN-γ–independent manner; inhibition of IDO expression by immunosuppressants can be reversed by a histone deacetylase inhibitor; and finally,
l
-kynurenine acts on lung epithelial cells and CD4
+
T cells through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to suppress their inflammatory activities. Our results indicate that proinflammatory IFN-γ and IL-6 expressed within a short time range early after pulmonary inflammation is indispensable in protecting the lung from devastating immunopathology.
Endogenous orienting in the archer fish
Authors: Saban William , Sekely Liora , Klein Raymond M. , Gabay Shai
Published: July 2017

Significance

Volitional orienting, most commonly explored in humans using the classic Posner endogenous cuing task, is often linked to neocortical regions. We applied this task in a species lacking a neocortex (i.e., archer fish). Our study provides a demonstration of facilitation and inhibition of return as a result of a purely endogenous (centrally presented, informative, and symbolic) cue. The results have major implications for our understanding of the evolution of orienting (reflexive and volitional), and for the paradigms used to study “volitional” processes.