bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wafer-scale integration of sacrificial nanofluidic chips for detecting and manipulating single DNA molecules
Authors: Wang Chao , Nam Sung-Wook , Cotte John M. , Jahnes Christopher V. , Colgan Evan G. , Bruce Robert L. , Brink Markus , Lofaro Michael F. , Patel Jyotica V. , Gignac Lynne M. , Joseph Eric A. , Rao Satyavolu Papa , Stolovitzky Gustavo , Polonsky Stanislav , Lin Qinghuang
Published: January 2017

Wafer-scale fabrication of complex nanofluidic systems with integrated electronics is essential to realizing ubiquitous, compact, reliable, high-sensitivity and low-cost biomolecular sensors. Here we report a scalable fabrication strategy capable of producing nanofluidic chips with complex designs and down to single-digit nanometre dimensions over 200 mm wafer scale. Compatible with semiconductor industry standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor logic circuit fabrication processes, this strategy extracts a patterned sacrificial silicon layer through hundreds of millions of nanoscale vent holes on each chip by gas-phase Xenon difluoride etching. Using single-molecule fluorescence imaging, we demonstrate these sacrificial nanofluidic chips can function to controllably and completely stretch lambda DNA in a two-dimensional nanofluidic network comprising channels and pillars. The flexible nanofluidic structure design, wafer-scale fabrication, single-digit nanometre channels, reliable fluidic sealing and low thermal budget make our strategy a potentially universal approach to integrating functional planar nanofluidic systems with logic circuits for lab-on-a-chip applications.
Adiponectin/adiponectin receptor in disease and aging
Authors: Iwabu Masato , Okada-Iwabu Miki , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: January 2017

Adipocytes are not merely organs for energy conservation but endocrine organs secreting a wide array of physiologically active substances, i.e., adipokines. Of these adipokines, adiponectin is known to exert anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic effects via adiponectin receptors (AdipoR)s, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. Adiponectin has also recently been shown to regulate longevity signaling thus prolonging lifespan. Therefore, the strategy for activating adiponectin/AdipoR signaling pathways are expected to provide a solid basis for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related diseases such as the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as for ensuring healthy longevity in humans.
Nephro-toxic effects of intraperitoneally injected EGCG in diabetic mice: involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Rasheed Nora O. Abdel , Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Abdallah Dalaal M. , El-Sayeh Bahia M.
Published: January 2017

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been studied for its beneficial effects. However, some case reports have associated EGCG supplementation with hepato-toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the possible nephro-toxic effects of EGCG in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin (150 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected in mice for diabetes induction. EGCG (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was then given for 4 days. The administration of EGCG to diabetic mice caused 60% mortality with no death recorded in other groups. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and blood urea nitrogen. Animals were then sacrificed and kidneys were rapidly excised for estimation of oxidative stress markers (NADPH oxidase, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heat shock protein 90, hemeoxygenase-1), as well as inflammatory markers (nuclear factor kappa-B and tumor necrosis factor-α). Administration of EGCG to diabetic mice showed significant elevation in serum cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, marked increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory states in addition to marked over expression of active caspase-3. Histopathological examination confirmed EGCG induced renal damage in diabetic mice. In conclusion, despite of its well known favorable effects, EGCG could paradoxically exhibit nephro-toxic effect in the presence of diabetes.
Improvement of hemodynamic performance using novel helical flow vena cava filter design
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Peng , Deng Xiaoyan , Fan Yubo , Xing Yubin , Xing Ning
Published: January 2017

We propose a vena cava filter in which helical flow is created in the filter’s working zone to minimize filter blockage by trapped clots and facilitate the lysis of trapped clots. To validate this new design, we compared five helical flow inducers with different thread pitches in terms of blood flow patterns in the filter. The vena cava was reconstructed based on computed tomography images. Both the numerical simulation and in vitro experiment revealed that the helical flow inducer can effectively create a helical flow in the vessel, thereby subduing the filter structure’s adverse disruption to blood flow, and increasing flow-induced shear stress in the filter center. In addition, the smaller thread pitch helical flow inducer reduced the oscillating shear index and relative residence time on the vessel wall. Moreover, we observed that the helical flow inducer in the vena cava could induce flow rotation both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In conclusion, the new design of the filter with the smaller thread pitch inducer is advantageous over the traditional filter in terms of improving local hemodynamics, which may reduce thrombosis build-up after deployment.
Optical coherence tomography angiography microvascular findings in macular edema due to central and branch retinal vein occlusions
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Toto Lisa , Di Antonio Luca , Borrelli Enrico , Senatore Alfonso , Di Nicola Marta , Di Martino Giuseppe , Ciancaglini Marco , Carpineto Paolo
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) complicated by macular edema (ME). Sixty eyes of 60 patients with CRVO or BRVO and ME and 40 healthy subjects underwent measurements of superficial and deep foveal and parafoveal vessel density (FVD, PFVD) and choricapillary density using OCTA at baseline and 60 days after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IVDEX). FVD and PFVD of the superficial plexus were not significantly lower in CRVO group compared to the controls while in the BRVO group overall PFVD were significantly lower compared to control group (p < 0.001). Overall PFVD of the deep plexus was significantly lower in CRVO and BRVO groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). FVD and overall PFVD of choriocapillaris were significantly reduced compared to controls in CRVO group (p < 0.001) and PFVD of choriocapillaris was significantly reduced compared to controls in the affected hemi fields in BRVO groups (p < 0.001). OCTA showed vessel density reduction in BRVO and CRVO with main involvement of the deep retinal plexus compared to the superficial retinal plexus due to ischemia that did not recover after intravitreal dexamethasone implant.
MerR and ChrR mediate blue light induced photo-oxidative stress response at the transcriptional level in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Tardu Mehmet , Bulut Selma , Kavakli Ibrahim Halil
Published: January 2017

Blue light (BL) is a major environmental factor that affects the physiology, behavior, and infectivity of bacteria as it contributes to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) while increasing photo-oxidative stress in cells. However, precise photo-oxidative response mechanism in non-phototrophic bacteria is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of BL in Vibrio cholerae by using genetics and transcriptome profiling. Genome-wide analysis revealed that transcription of 6.3% of V. cholerae genes were regulated by BL. We further showed that BL enhances ROS production, which is generated through the oxidative phosphorylation. To understand signaling mechanisms, we generated several knockouts and analyzed their transcriptome under BL exposure. Studies with a double-knockout confirm an anti-sigma factor (ChrR) and putative metalloregulatory-like protein (MerR) are responsible for the genome-wide regulation to BL response in V. cholerae. Collectively, these results demonstrate that MerR-like proteins, in addition to ChrR, are required for V. cholerae to mount an appropriate response against photo-oxidative stress induced by BL. Outside its natural host, V. cholerae can survive for extended periods in natural aquatic environments. Therefore, the regulation of light response for V. cholerae may be a critical cellular process for its survival in these environments.
Non-pathogenic tissue-resident CD8+ T cells uniquely accumulate in the brains of lupus-prone mice
Authors: Morawski Peter A. , Qi Chen-Feng , Bolland Silvia
Published: January 2017

Severe lupus often includes psychiatric and neurological sequelae, although the cellular contributors to CNS disease remain poorly defined. Using intravascular staining to discriminate tissue-localized from blood-borne cells, we find substantial accumulation of CD8+T cells relative to other lymphocytes in brain tissue, which correlates with lupus disease and limited neuropathology. This is in contrast to all other affected organs, where infiltrating CD4+cells are predominant. Brain-infiltrating CD8+T cells represent an activated subset of those found in the periphery, having a resident-memory phenotype (CD69+CD122−PD1+CD44+CD62L−) and expressing adhesion molecules (VLA-4+LFA-1+) complementary to activated brain endothelium. Remarkably, infiltrating CD8+T cells do not cause tissue damage in lupus-prone mice, as genetic ablation of these cells via β2 m deficiency does not reverse neuropathology, but exacerbates disease both in the brain and globally despite decreased serum IgG levels. Thus, lupus-associated inflammation disrupts the blood-brain barrier in a discriminating way biased in favor of non-pathogenic CD8+T cells relative to other infiltrating leukocytes, perhaps preventing further tissue damage in such a sensitive organ.
Amplification of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation associated with the onset of the industrial-era warming
Authors: Moore G. W. K. , Halfar J. , Majeed H. , Adey W. , Kronz A.
Published: January 2017

North Atlantic sea surface temperatures experience variability with a periodicity of 60–80 years that is known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). It has a profound imprint on the global climate system that results in a number of high value societal impacts. However the industrial period, i.e. the middle of the 19th century onwards, contains only two full cycles of the AMO making it difficult to fully characterize this oscillation and its impact on the climate system. As a result, there is a clear need to identify paleoclimate records extending into the pre-industrial period that contain an expression of the AMO. This is especially true for extratropical marine paleoclimate proxies where such expressions are currently unavailable. Here we present an annually resolved coralline algal time series from the northwest Atlantic Ocean that exhibits multidecadal variability extending back six centuries. The time series contains a statistically significant trend towards higher values, i.e. warmer conditions, beginning in the 19th century that coincided with an increase in the time series’ multidecadal power. We argue that these changes are associated with a regional climate reorganization involving an amplification of the AMO that coincided with onset of the industrial-era warming.
MicroRNA-34 directly targets pair-rule genes and cytoskeleton component in the honey bee
Authors: Freitas Flávia C. P. , Pires Camilla V. , Claudianos Charles , Cristino Alexandre S. , Simões Zilá L. P.
Published: January 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of developmental processes, such as cell fate determination and differentiation. Previous studies showed Dicer knockdown in honeybee embryos disrupt the processing of functional mature miRNAs and impairs embryo patterning. Here we investigated the expression profiles of miRNAs in honeybee embryogenesis and the role of the highly conserved miR-34-5p in the regulation of genes involved in insect segmentation. A total of 221 miRNAs were expressed in honey bee embryogenesis among which 97 mature miRNA sequences have not been observed before. Interestingly, we observed a switch in dominance between the 5-prime and 3-prime arm of some miRNAs in different embryonic stages; however, most miRNAs present one dominant arm across all stages of embryogenesis. Our genome-wide analysis of putative miRNA-target networks and functional pathways indicates miR-34-5p is one of the most conserved and connected miRNAs associated with the regulation of genes involved in embryonic patterning and development. In addition, we experimentally validated that miR-34-5p directly interacts to regulatory elements in the 3′-untranslated regions of pair-rule (even-skipped, hairy, fushi-tarazu transcription factor 1) and cytoskeleton (actin5C) genes. Our study suggests that miR-34-5p may regulate the expression of pair-rule and cytoskeleton genes during early development and control insect segmentation.
Metal-Insulator Transition of strained SmNiO3 Thin Films: Structural, Electrical and Optical Properties
Authors: Torriss B. , Margot J. , Chaker M.
Published: January 2017

Samarium nickelate (SmNiO3) thin films were successfully synthesized on LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed-laser deposition. The Mott metal-insulator (MI) transition of the thin films is sensitive to epitaxial strain and strain relaxation. Once the strain changes from compressive to tensile, the transition temperature of the SmNiO3 samples shifts to slightly higher values. The optical conductivity reveals the strong dependence of the Drude spectral weight on the strain relaxation. Actually, compressive strain broadens the bandwidth. In contrast, tensile strain causes the effective number of free carriers to reduce which is consistent with the d-band narrowing.
The clinically approved antiviral drug sofosbuvir inhibits Zika virus replication
Authors: Sacramento Carolina Q. , de Melo Gabrielle R. , de Freitas Caroline S. , Rocha Natasha , Hoelz Lucas Villas Bôas , Miranda Milene , Fintelman-Rodrigues Natalia , Marttorelli Andressa , Ferreira André C. , Barbosa-Lima Giselle , Abrantes Juliana L. , Vieira Yasmine Rangel , Bastos Mônica M. , de Mello Volotão Eduardo , Nunes Estevão Portela , Tschoeke Diogo A. , Leomil Luciana , Loiola Erick Correia , Trindade Pablo , Rehen Stevens K. , Bozza Fernando A. , Bozza Patrícia T. , Boechat Nubia , Thompson Fabiano L. , de Filippis Ana M. B. , Brüning Karin , Souza Thiago Moreno L.
Published: January 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family, along with other agents of clinical significance such as dengue (DENV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. Since ZIKV causes neurological disorders during fetal development and in adulthood, antiviral drugs are necessary. Sofosbuvir is clinically approved for use against HCV and targets the protein that is most conserved among the members of the Flaviviridae family, the viral RNA polymerase. Indeed, we found that sofosbuvir inhibits ZIKV RNA polymerase, targeting conserved amino acid residues. Sofosbuvir inhibited ZIKV replication in different cellular systems, such as hepatoma (Huh-7) cells, neuroblastoma (SH-Sy5y) cells, neural stem cells (NSC) and brain organoids. In addition to the direct inhibition of the viral RNA polymerase, we observed that sofosbuvir also induced an increase in A-to-G mutations in the viral genome. Together, our data highlight a potential secondary use of sofosbuvir, an anti-HCV drug, against ZIKV.
Understanding the dynamics of Toll-like Receptor 5 response to flagellin and its regulation by estradiol
Authors: Caballero Ignacio , Boyd James , Almiñana Carmen , Sánchez-López Javier A. , Basatvat Shaghayegh , Montazeri Mehrnaz , Maslehat Lay Nasim , Elliott Sarah , Spiller David G. , White Michael R. H. , Fazeli Alireza
Published: January 2017

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are major players of the innate immune system. Once activated, they trigger a signalling cascade that leads to NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Single cell analysis shows that NF-κB signalling dynamics are a critical determinant of transcriptional regulation. Moreover, the outcome of innate immune response is also affected by the cross-talk between TLRs and estrogen signalling. Here, we characterized the dynamics of TLR5 signalling, responsible for the recognition of flagellated bacteria, and those changes induced by estradiol in its signalling at the single cell level. TLR5 activation in MCF7 cells induced a single and sustained NF-κB translocation into the nucleus that resulted in high NF-κB transcription activity. The overall magnitude of NF-κB transcription activity was not influenced by the duration of the stimulus. No significant changes are observed in the dynamics of NF-κB translocation to the nucleus when MCF7 cells are incubated with estradiol. However, estradiol significantly decreased NF-κB transcriptional activity while increasing TLR5-mediated AP-1 transcription. The effect of estradiol on transcriptional activity was dependent on the estrogen receptor activated. This fine tuning seems to occur mainly in the nucleus at the transcription level rather than affecting the translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor.
Manipulating orbital angular momentum of light with tailored in-plane polarization states
Authors: Du Luping , Man Zhongsheng , Zhang Yuquan , Min Changjun , Zhu Siwei , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: January 2017

Generally, polarization and phase are considered as two relatively independent parameters of light, and show little interaction when a light propagates in a homogeneous and isotropic medium. Here, we reveal that orbital angular momentum (OAM) of an optical vortex beam can be modulated by specially-tailored locally linear polarization states of light under a tightly-focusing conditon. We perform both theoretical and experimental studies of this interaction between vortex phase and vector polarization, and find that an arbitrary topological charge value of OAM can be achieved in principle through vector polarization modulation, in contrast to the spin-orbital conversion that yields only the ± ћ OAM values through circular polarization. We verify the modulation of optical OAM state with vector beams by observing the orbital rotation of trapped particles.
Insight into the essential role of the Helicobacter pylori HP1043 orphan response regulator: genome-wide identification and characterization of the DNA-binding sites
Authors: Pelliciari Simone , Pinatel Eva , Vannini Andrea , Peano Clelia , Puccio Simone , De Bellis Gianluca , Danielli Alberto , Scarlato Vincenzo , Roncarati Davide
Published: January 2017

Many bacterial regulatory genes appear to be dispensable, as they can be deleted from the genome without loss of bacterial functionalities. In Helicobacter pylori, the hp1043 gene, also known as hsrA, is one of the transcriptional regulator that is essential for cell viability. This gene could not be deleted, nor the amount of protein modulated, supporting the hypothesis that HP1043 could be involved in the regulation of crucial cellular processes. Even though detailed structural data are available for the HP1043 protein, its targets are still ill-defined. Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), one of the most powerful approaches to characterize protein-DNA interactions in vivo, we were able to identify genome-wide several new HP1043 binding sites. Moreover, in vitro DNA binding assays enabled precise mapping of the HP1043 binding sites on the new targets, revealing the presence of a conserved nucleotide sequence motif. Intriguingly, a significant fraction of the newly identified binding sites overlaps promoter regions controlling the expression of genes involved in translation. Accordingly, when protein translation was blocked, a significant induction of almost all HP1043 target genes was detected. These observations prompted us to propose HP1043 as a key regulator in H. pylori, likely involved in sensing and in coordinating the response to environmental conditions that provoke an arrest of protein synthesis. The essential role of HP1043 in coordinating central cellular processes is discussed.
Enhancement of RecA-mediated self-assembly in DNA nanostructures through basepair mismatches and single-strand nicks
Authors: Corbett Sybilla Louise , Sharma Rajan , Davies Alexander Giles , Wälti Christoph
Published: January 2017

The use of DNA as a structural material for nanometre-scale construction has grown extensively over the last decades. The development of more advanced DNA-based materials would benefit from a modular approach enabling the direct assembly of additional elements onto nanostructures after fabrication. RecA-based nucleoprotein filaments encapsulating short ssDNA have been demonstrated as a tool for highly efficient and fully programmablepost-hocpatterning of duplex DNA scaffold. However, the underlying assembly process is not fully understood, in particular when patterning complex DNA topologies. Here, we report the effect of basepair-mismatched regions and single-strand nicks in the double-stranded DNA scaffold on the yield of RecA-based assembly. Significant increases in assembly yield are observed upon the introduction of unpaired basepairs directly adjacent to the assembly region. However, when the unpaired regions were introduced further from the assembly site the assembly yield initially decreased as the length of the unpaired region was increased. These results suggest that an unpaired region acts as a kinetic trap for RecA-based nucleoprotein filaments, impeding the assembly mechanism. Conversely, when the unpaired region is located directly adjacent to the assembly site, it leads to an increase in efficiency of RecA patterning owing to increased breathing of the assembly site.
Core-shell homojunction silicon vertical nanowire tunneling field-effect transistors
Authors: Yoon Jun-Sik , Kim Kihyun , Baek Chang-Ki
Published: January 2017

We propose three-terminal core-shell (CS) silicon vertical nanowire tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs), which can be fabricated by conventional CMOS technology. CS TFETs show lower subthreshold swing (SS) and higher on-state current than conventional TFETs through their high surface-to-volume ratio, which increases carrier-tunneling region with no additional device area. The on-state current can be enhanced by increasing the nanowire height, decreasing equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) or creating a nanowire array. The off-state current is also manageable for power saving through selective epitaxial growth at the top-side nanowire region. CS TFETs with an EOT of 0.8 nm and an aspect ratio of 20 for the core nanowire region provide the largest drain current ranges with point SS values below 60 mV/dec and superior on/off current ratio under all operation voltages of 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 V. These devices are promising for low-power applications at low fabrication cost and high device density.
mTORC1 phosphorylates LARP6 to stimulate type I collagen expression
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Stefanovic Branko
Published: January 2017

Excessive deposition of type I collagen causes fibrotic diseases. Binding of La ribonucleoprotein domain family, member 6 (LARP6) to collagen mRNAs regulates their translation and is necessary for high type I collagen expression. Here we show that mTORC1 phosphorylates LARP6 on S348 and S409. The S348A/S409A mutant of LARP6 acts as a dominant negative protein in collagen biosynthesis, which retards secretion of type I collagen and causes excessive posttranslational modifications. Similar effects are seen using mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin or by knocking down raptor. The S348A/S409A mutant weakly interacts with the accessory protein STRAP, needed for coordinated translation of collagen mRNAs. The interaction of wt LARP6 and STRAP is also attenuated by rapamycin and by raptor knockdown. Additionally, in the absence of S348/S409 phosphorylation LARP6 is sequestered in increasing amounts at the ER membrane. We postulate that phosphorylation of S348/S409 by mTORC1 stimulates the interaction of LARP6 and STRAP to coordinate translation of collagen mRNAs and to release LARP6 from the ER for new round of translation. These mechanisms contribute to high level of collagen expression in fibrosis.
FSD-C10, a Fasudil derivative, promotes neuroregeneration through indirect and direct mechanisms
Authors: Li Yan-Hua , Xie Chong , Zhang Yuan , Li Xing , Zhang Hai-fei , Wang Qing , Chai Zhi , Xiao Bao-guo , Thome Rodolfo , Zhang Guang-Xian , Ma Cun-gen
Published: January 2017

FSD-C10, a Fasudil derivative, was shown to reduce severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), through the modulation of the immune response and induction of neuroprotective molecules in the central nervous system (CNS). However, whether FSD-C10 can promote neuroregeneration remains unknown. In this study, we further analyzed the effect of FSD-C10 on neuroprotection and remyelination. FSD-C10-treated mice showed a longer, thicker and more intense MAP2 and synaptophysin positive signal in the CNS, with significantly fewer CD4+T cells, macrophages and microglia. Importantly, the CNS of FSD-C10-treated mice showed a shift of activated macrophages/microglia from the type 1 to type 2 status, elevated numbers of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocytes, and increased levels of neurotrophic factors NT-3, GDNF and BDNF. FSD-C10-treated microglia significantly inhibited Th1/Th17 cell differentiation and increased the number of IL-10+CD4+T cells, and the conditioned medium from FSD-C10-treated microglia promoted OPC survival and oligodendrocyte maturation. Addition of FSD-C10 directly promoted remyelination in a chemical-induced demyelination model on organotypic slice culture, in a BDNF-dependent manner. Together, these findings demonstrate that FSD-C10 promotes neural repair through mechanisms that involved both immunomodulation and induction of neurotrophic factors.
An altered endometrial CD8 tissue resident memory T cell population in recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Southcombe J. H. , Mounce G. , McGee K. , Elghajiji A. , Brosens J. , Quenby S. , Child T. , Granne I.
Published: January 2017

When trying to conceive 1% of couples have recurrent miscarriages, defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. This is not accounted for by the known incidence of chromosomal aneuploidy in miscarriage, and it has been suggested that there is an immunological aetiology. The endometrial mucosa is populated by a variety of immune cells which in addition to providing host pathogen immunity must facilitate pregnancy. Here we characterise the endometrial CD8-T cell population during the embryonic window of implantation and find that the majority of cells are tissue resident memory T cells with high levels of CD69 and CD103 expression, proteins that prevent cells egress. We demonstrate that unexplained recurrent miscarriage is associated with significantly decreased expression of the T-cell co-receptor CD8 and tissue residency marker CD69. These cells differ from those found in control women, with less expression of CD127 indicating a lack of homeostatic cell control through IL-7 signalling. Nevertheless this population is resident in the endometrium of women who have RM, more than three months after the last miscarriage, indicating that the memory CD8-T cell population is altered in RM patients. This is the first evidence of a differing pre-pregnancy phenotype in endometrial immune cells in RM.
Synthesis of regioregular π-conjugated polymers consisting of a lactam moiety via direct heteroarylation polymerization
Authors: Huang Yunping , Zheng Nannan , Wang Zhenfeng , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: January 2017

Regioregular conjugated polymers containing a lactam moiety are synthesized through DHAP, and show obviously different optoelectronic properties relative to their regiorandom counterparts.
Template-free hierarchical self-assembly of a pyrene derivative into supramolecular nanorods
Authors: El Idrissi Mohamed , Teat Simon J. , Corvini Philippe F.-X. , Paterson Martin J. , Dalgarno Scott J. , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: January 2017

A pyrene derivative was designed to form, through a hierarchical process, well-defined supramolecular nanorods.
Exploring experimental fitness landscapes for chemical synthesis and property optimization
Authors: Tibbetts Katharine Moore , Feng Xiao-Jiang , Rabitz Herschel
Published: January 2017

The topology of experimental fitness landscapes for chemical optimization objectives is assessed through svr-based HDMR modeling.
Structure and dysprosium dopant engineering of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles for enhanced dual-modal magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yin Jinchang , Li Chaorui , Chen Deqi , Yang Jiajun , Liu Huan , Hu Wenyong , Shao Yuanzhi
Published: January 2017

We report a novel multi-functional nanoarchitecture of Gd2O3:Dy3+ shell on silica core that enables unique multi-color living cell imaging and remarkable in vivo magnetic resonance imaging.
Eu3+-Doped Y3−xNdxAl3O12 garnet: synthesis and structural investigation
Authors: Pavasaryte L. , Katelnikovas A. , Klimavicius V. , Balevicius V. , Krajnc A. , Mali G. , Plavec J. , Kareiva A.
Published: January 2017

Nd3+-doped yttrium aluminium garnet and Eu3+–Nd3+-co-Doped yttrium aluminium garnet were synthesized using an environmentally friendly sol–gel method at low temperatures.
Role of polar side chains in Li+coordination and transport properties of polyoxetane-based polymer electrolytes
Authors: Sai Ryansu , Ueno Kazuhide , Fujii Kenta , Nakano Yohei , Shigaki Naho , Tsutsumi Hiromori
Published: January 2017

The nitrile groups played pivotal roles as coordination sites for Li+ions in the first coordination shell and as a polar medium to increase the permittivity of the polymer electrolytes.
Acidity and accessibility studies of desilicated ZSM-5 zeolites in terms of their effectiveness as catalysts in acid-catalyzed cracking processes
Authors: Tarach Karolina A. , Góra-Marek Kinga , Martinez-Triguero Joaquin , Melián-Cabrera Ignacio
Published: January 2017

The structural, textural and acidic characteristics of hierarchical ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 18–32), obtained with two desilication approaches, and the effect of these treatments on the reactivity in various cracking reactions of variable feedstock size and severity have been investigated.
Immobilization of lysozyme proteins on a hierarchical zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)
Authors: Liu Gen , Xu Yan , Han Yide , Wu Junbiao , Xu Junli , Meng Hao , Zhang Xia
Published: January 2017

A hierarchical zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 containing micropores and mesopores showed superior adsorption activity than micro-ZIF-8 towards enzyme proteins.
CO2as a hydrogen vector – transition metal diamine catalysts for selective HCOOH dehydrogenation
Authors: Fink Cornel , Laurenczy Gábor
Published: January 2017

The homogeneous catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid in aqueous solution provides an efficientin situmethod for hydrogen production, under mild conditions, and at an adjustable rate.
Electrowetting on conductors: anatomy of the phenomenon
Authors: Ounnunkad Kontad , Patten Hollie V. , Velický Matěj , Farquhar Anna K. , Brooksby Paula A. , Downard Alison J. , Dryfe Robert A. W.
Published: January 2017

We have recently reported that reversible electrowetting can be observed on the basal plane of graphite, without the presence of a dielectric layer, in both liquid/air and liquid/liquid configurations. The influence of carbon structure on the wetting phenomenon is investigated in more detail here. Specifically, it is shown that the adsorption of adventitious impurities on the graphite surface markedly suppresses the electrowetting response. Similarly, the use of pyrolysed carbon films, although exhibiting a roughness below the threshold previously identified as the barrier to wetting on basal plane graphite, does not give a noticeable electrowetting response, which leads us to conclude that specific interactions at the water–graphite interface as well as graphite crystallinity are responsible for the reversible response seen in the latter case. Preliminary experiments on mechanically exfoliated and chemical vapour deposition grown graphene are also reported.
Action-FRET of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes
Authors: Duez Quentin , Knight Geoffrey , Daly Steven , De Winter Julien , Halin Emilie , MacAleese Luke , Antoine Rodolphe , Gerbaux Pascal , Dugourd Philippe
Published: January 2017

Action-FRET is introduced as an original method to probe the structure of gaseous non-covalent complexes.
Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of isocoumarins and phthalides by using phenyl formate as a carbon monoxide source
Authors: Yuan Qing , Chen Zhen-Bang , Zhang Fang-Ling , Zhu Yong-Ming
Published: January 2017

An efficient palladium-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of isocoumarins and phthalides by employing phenyl formate as a CO surrogate has been developed.
Structural stability and electronic property in K2S under pressure
Authors: Li Ying , Jin Xilian , Cui Tian , Zhuang Quan , Lv Qianqian , Wu Gang , Meng Xing , Bao Kuo , Liu Bingbing , Zhou Qiang
Published: January 2017

Conductivity comes from the electrons surrounding S atom chains rather than K atoms under pressure.
Probing the nano-scale architecture of diamond-patterned electrospun fibre mats by synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Sui Tan , Titov Kirill , Ying Siqi , Zhang Hongjia , Dolbnya Igor P. , Tan Jin-Chong , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: January 2017

A diamond-patterned polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibre mat manufactured by electrospinning onto a structured target was studied by the combination of electron microscopy and synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering.
Recent advances in the synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications of hydroxyapatite: a review
Authors: Haider Adnan , Haider Sajjad , Han Sung Soo , Kang Inn-Kyu
Published: January 2017

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a member of the Ca apatite family.
Th(iv) recovery from aqueous waste via hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane (HFRLM) in recycling mode: modelling and experimental validation
Authors: Allahyari Sareh Ammari , Ahmadi Seyed Javad , Minuchehr Abdolhamid , Charkhi Amir
Published: January 2017

A new mathematical model was developed for recycling mode of HFRLM process which is in agreement with experimental results.
l-Cysteine electrooxidation in alkaline and acidic media: a combined spectroelectrochemical and computational study
Authors: Dourado André H. B. , de Lima Batista Ana P. , Oliveira-Filho Antonio G. S. , Sumodjo Paulo T. A. , Cordoba de Torresi Susana I.
Published: January 2017

The wide possibilities of l-cysteine and l-cystine adsorbed and/or oxidized species onto Pt were explored by FTIR experiments and DFT calculations.
Roll-to-roll slot die production of 300 mm large area silver nanowire mesh films for flexible transparent electrodes
Authors: Wang Byung-Yong , Lee Eung-Seok , Lim Dae-Soon , Kang Hyun Wook , Oh Young-Jei
Published: January 2017

Continuous flexible transparent electrodes fabrication by using silver nanowire and slot die process.
Composition-controlled synthesis of Ni2−xCoxP nanocrystals as bifunctional catalysts for water splitting
Authors: Liang Qingshuang , Huang Keke , Wu Xiaofeng , Wang Xiyang , Ma Wei , Feng Shouhua
Published: January 2017

NaBH4-assistant composition-controlled synthesis of Ni2−xCoxP nanocrystals with high catalytic activity.
Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of ethanol extracts from different varieties of Sanghuang species
Authors: Lin Wang-Ching , Deng Jeng-Shyan , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Wu Sheng-Hua , Lin Hui-Yi , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: January 2017

Sanghuangporus sanghuangis a rare fungal species that grows on wild mulberry trees, and its yield is much lower than that of valuable medicinal herbs.
A low molecular mass organogelator electrolyte with TiO2 nanoparticles for stable and efficient quasi-solid-state dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Girma Wubshet Mekonnen , Chen Chia-Hung , Yang Cheng-Hsien , Wang Po-I. , Ou Keng-Liang , Liaw Der-Jang , Chang Jia-Yaw
Published: January 2017

We report stable and efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (QS-DSSCs) fabricated using a combination of TiO2 nanoparticles and a low-molecular-mass organogelator (LMOG) as a nanoparticle–gel composite electrolyte.
Development of a harvesting technique for large-scale microalgal harvesting for biodiesel production
Authors: Koley Shankha , Prasad Satyapal , Bagchi Sourav Kumar , Mallick Nirupama
Published: January 2017

Harvesting methods executed in lab and large-scale for efficient and sustainable harvesting of microalgae and supernatant reuse for recultivation.
High-purity helical carbon nanotubes with enhanced electrochemical properties for supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Qing , Tian Hanqing , Jiang Jing , Ji Xiaobo , Gao Daojiang , Wang Chao
Published: January 2017

Scheme of mesoporous Fe particles and the selective growth for the HCNTs.
Inkjet printed polystyrene sulfuric acid-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) uniform thickness films in confined grooves through decreasing the surface tension of PEDOT inks
Authors: Xing Rubo , Wang Shumeng , Zhang Baohua , Yu Xinhong , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang , Han Yanchun
Published: January 2017

Films with improved thickness uniformity can be inkjet printed as a result of low surface tension modification of inks.
Porous carbon derived from aniline-modified fungus for symmetrical supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Keliang , Xu Ming , Wang Xiaomin , Gu Zhengrong , Fan Qi Hua , Gibbons William , Croat Jason
Published: January 2017

N incorporated carbon materials are proven to be efficient EDLCs electrode materials.
Application of magnetic Cd2+ ion-imprinted mesoporous organosilica nanocomposites for mineral wastewater treatment
Authors: Cen Shuibin , Li Weiming , Xu Shiying , Wang Zhihong , Tang Youwen , Wang Haishui , Wei Chaohai
Published: January 2017

This work demonstrates a simple strategy for producing highly selective adsorption magnetic ion imprinted mesoporous silica (MIIMS) nanocomposites.
Synthesis and characterization of a core–shell BiVO4@g-C3N4 photo-catalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Zhang Zisheng , Wang Miao , Cui Wenquan , Sui Hong
Published: January 2017

Novel core–shell structured ellipsoid-like BiVO4@g-C3N4 composites, with different amounts of g-C3N4, have been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal-chemisorption method.
Temperature-controlled solvent-free selective synthesis of tert-butyl peresters or acids from benzyl cyanides in the presence of the TBHP/Cu(OAc)2 system
Authors: Hashemi H. , Saberi D. , Poorsadeghi S. , Niknam Kh.
Published: January 2017

Selective synthesis of tert-butyl peresters and benzoic acid derivatives from benzyl cyanides with temperature control in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 as catalyst and aqueous TBHP as oxidant.
Tunable auto-combustion preparation of TiO2nanostructures as efficient adsorbents for the removal of an anionic textile dye
Authors: Nassar Mostafa Y. , Ali Eman I. , Zakaria Essam S.
Published: January 2017

We have developed a new route for the synthesis of pure TiO2nanostructuresviaa facile auto-combustion method followed by heat treatment.
Semiconducting/insulating polymer blends with dual phase separation for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Lee Young Hun , Ha Yeon Hee , Kwon Jaehyuk , Pyo Seungmoon , Kim Yun-Hi , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: January 2017

DPP-based semiconducting polymers with different lengths of alkyl chain spacer were blended with PMMA for fabricating OFETs.
Palladium-catalyzed three-component tandem cyclization of buta-2,3-dien-1-ol, aryl iodides, and imines: an efficient protocol for the synthesis of oxazolidine derivatives
Authors: Hou Yunlei , Qin Mingze , Yang Xiuxiu , Shen Qi , Zhao Yanfang , Liu Yajing , Gong Ping
Published: January 2017

An efficient three-component tandem cyclization reaction for the synthesis of highly substituted oxazolidines was achieved through the Pd0-catalyzed cyclization of buta-2,3-dien-1-ol with aryl iodides and imines.
Synthesis of a monoclinic BiVO4 nanorod array as the photocatalyst for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Xiao Bing-Chang , Lin Lu-Yin , Hong Jia-Yo , Lin Hong-Syun , Song Yung-Tao
Published: January 2017

The BiVO4 nanorod array is successfully synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glasses via a simple solution method, and the electrode is applied as the photoanode for water oxidation.
Structural, electronic and catalytic performances of single-atom Fe stabilized by divacancy-nitrogen-doped graphene
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , He Tingwei , Liu Kaikai , Chen Weiguang , Tang Yanan
Published: January 2017

The geometric, electronic and catalytic properties of a single-atom Fe embedded GN4 sheet (Fe–GN4) were systematically studied using first-principles calculations.
Steric, conjugation and electronic impacts on the photoluminescence and electroluminescence properties of luminogens based on phosphindole oxide
Authors: Zhuang Zeyan , Bu Fan , Luo Wenwen , Peng Huiren , Chen Shuming , Hu Rongrong , Qin Anjun , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2017

The degree of conjugation, steric hindrance and electronic push–pull effect greatly change the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behaviors of luminogens based on phosphindole oxide.
Circulating miRNAs and their target genes associated with arsenism caused by coal-burning
Authors: Sun Baofei , Xue Junchao , Li Jun , Luo Fei , Chen Xiong , Liu Yonglian , Wang Qingling , Qi Caihua , Zou Zhonglan , Zhang Aihua , Liu Qizhan
Published: January 2017

The results confirm that the circulating levels of miR-21, miR-145, miR-155, and miR-191 are increased in patients with arsenism caused by coal-burning and these miRNAs inhibit the target genes of pathways related to immune inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage repair.
CBr4 promoted intramolecular aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative arylation of aldehydes: application in the synthesis of xanthones and fluorenones
Authors: Tang Jing , Zhao Shijun , Wei Yuanyuan , Quan Zhengjun , Huo Congde
Published: January 2017

A carbon tetrabromide promoted intramolecular aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative coupling reaction has been developed to provide a straightforward ring closure protocol to furnish xanthones and fluorenones.
Toward high-performance poly(para-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA)-based composite paper via hot-pressing: the key role of partial fibrillation and surface activation
Authors: Lu Zhaoqing , Dang Wanbin , Zhao Yongsheng , Wang Lamei , Zhang Meiyun , Liu Guodong
Published: January 2017

Hot-pressing is in favor of fibrillation and property enhancement forpara-aramid fiber based composite.
Thermoplastic starch–polyethylene blends homogenised using deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Abbott Andrew P. , Abolibda Tariq Z. , Qu Wanwan , Wise William R. , Wright Luka A.
Published: January 2017

Deep eutectic solvents are shown to be effective modifiers to enable polyethylene to be blended with starch to make a plastic with which can be more easily degraded.
A simple synthesis method to prepare a molybdenum oxide hole-transporting layer for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Yanping , Yu Huangzhong , Huang Xinxin , Wu Zuping , Chen Mingdong
Published: January 2017

We report a simple synthetic method to prepare amorphous molybdenum oxide (p-MoO3) using a favorably stable peroxomolybdic acid organosol as the precursor solution prepared by an ultrasonic reaction for the first time.
Implant Design and Effects on Patellofemoral Crepitus
Authors: McNabb David , Jennings Jason , Daines Brian , Laz Peter , Kim Raymond , Dennis Douglas
Published: January 2017

Background Patellofemoral crepitus is a known complication of posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study compared the incidence of patellofemoral crepitus between two femoral components designs.

Materials and Methods Between January 2005 and August 2010, 1,120 patients with complete 2-year follow-up had a PS TKA with two different prosthetic designs (group A, 553 patients; group B, 567 patients). Records were reviewed to identify the incidence of total, symptomatic, and operative patellofemoral crepitus.

Results No statistical differences were observed in the incidence of total patellofemoral crepitus (group A 14.1%, group B 14.5%; p = 0.932) or symptomatic patellofemoral crepitus (group A 5.6%, group B 4.2%; p = 0.334). The incidence of operative crepitus was greater in group A (3.3%) than in group B (1.3%; p = 0.026). Analysis of mobile versus fixed bearing designs showed a higher incidence of total patellofemoral crepitus in mobile bearing TKA (16.04 vs. 4.93%; p = 0.006) within group B only.

Conclusion Femoral component design with a smoother intercondylar box transition zone resulted in a lower incidence of operative patellofemoral crepitus. No statistical differences were noted regarding the incidence of total and symptomatic patellofemoral crepitus. Mobile bearing TKA exhibited greater total crepitus within group B.

Level of Evidence Level III.
Entstehung einer Leitlinie zur Beatmungsentwöhnung in der neurologisch-neurochirurgischen Frührehabilitation
Authors: Rollnik Jens , Pohl Marcus
Published: January 2017

Die Beatmungsentwöhnung von neurologisch-neurochirurgischen Frührehabilitanden stellt besondere Anforderungen an spezialisierte Rehabilitationseinrichtungen. Begleitend zu den üblichen frührehabilitativen Therapien stellt die Entwöhnung vom Respirator ein wichtiges Teilhabeziel dar, das die multidisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit von Ärzten, Pflegenden und Therapeuten in den Vordergrund rückt. Durch die Grunderkrankung ist neurologische Expertise zwingend erforderlich, auch um den Besonderheiten im Weaning-Prozess, die sich z. B. aus einer Beeinträchtigung des neuromuskulären Systems mit resultierender Störung der Atemmuskulatur ergeben, gerecht werden zu können. Diese Spezifika haben die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurorehabilitation (DGNR) bewogen, eine eigene S2k-Leitlinie zum prolongierten Weaning neurologisch-neurochirurgischer Frührehabilitanden zu erarbeiten, die in Kürze publiziert werden wird.
Die Visusminderung in Zusammenhang mit Silikonöltamponaden
Authors: Tode J. , Roider J.
Published: January 2017

ein dauerhafter Visusverlust beobachtet. Bei den meisten dieser Patienten liegt dieser Visusminderung eine Ausdünnung der inneren Netzhautschichten zugrunde. Die hierfür ursächliche Pathologie ist nach wie vor unklar. Ein direkter Zusammenhang der Visusminderung mit dem Silikonöl ist wahrscheinlich, aber nicht belegt. Bei Patienten, die eine Gas- oder keine Tamponade erhalten haben, gibt es diese Beobachtung nicht. Die Visusminderung während oder nach Entfernung einer Silikonöltamponade ist ein unterschätztes Phänomen. Die Sicherheit von Silikonöl als vitreoretinale Tamponade sollte erneut und systematisch untersucht werden. Es scheint lohnenswert, nach neuen dauerhaften intraokularen Tamponaden zu suchen. Eine Verwendung von Silikonöl sollte in jedem Einzelfall genauestens abgewogen werden.