bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomic analysis of human embryonic stem cell-derived and primary human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Hongisto Heidi , Jylhä Antti , Nättinen Janika , Rieck Jochen , Ilmarinen Tanja , Veréb Zoltán , Aapola Ulla , Beuerman Roger , Petrovski Goran , Uusitalo Hannu , Skottman Heli
Published: July 2017

Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (hESC-RPE) provide an unlimited cell source for retinal cell replacement therapies. Clinical trials using hESC-RPE to treat diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are currently underway. Human ESC-RPE cells have been thoroughly characterized at the gene level but their protein expression profile has not been studied at larger scale. In this study, proteomic analysis was used to compare hESC-RPE cells differentiated from two independent hESC lines, to primary human RPE (hRPE) using Isobaric tags for relative quantitation (iTRAQ). 1041 common proteins were present in both hESC-RPE cells and native hRPE with majority of the proteins similarly regulated. The hESC-RPE proteome reflected that of normal hRPE with a large number of metabolic, mitochondrial, cytoskeletal, and transport proteins expressed. No signs of increased stress, apoptosis, immune response, proliferation, or retinal degeneration related changes were noted in hESC-RPE, while important RPE specific proteins involved in key RPE functions such as visual cycle and phagocytosis, could be detected in the hESC-RPE. Overall, the results indicated that the proteome of the hESC-RPE cells closely resembled that of their native counterparts.
Dynamic transcriptomic analysis of the early response of female flowers of Populus alba × P. glandulosa to pollination
Authors: Rao Pian , Chen Zhong , Yang Xiaoyu , Gao Kai , Yang Xiong , Zhao Tianyun , Li Siyan , Wu Bo , An Xinmin
Published: July 2017

Pollination is an important event in plant sexual reproduction, and post-pollination response is an essential process for reproduction.Populus alba × P.glandulosais used widely in scientific research, especially in cross breeding as parents. Adult femaleP.alba × P.glandulosaflowers are highly compatible with pollen from maleP.tomentosa, but the early post-pollination response of flowers at the molecular levels is unclear. In this study, RNA-seq was employed to comprehensively understand the response of femaleP.alba × P.glandulosaflowers to pollination. Enrichment analysis reveals that the ‘plant hormone signal transduction’ pathway is enhanced during pollen-pistil interaction. Moreover, genes related to auxin, gibberellin and ethylene biosynthesis were significantly up-regulated. Ca2+and H+-related genes and cell wall-related genes are interrelated, and all of them are essential for pollen tube elongation in pistil, especially, free Ca2+providing a concentration gradient for pollen tube guidance and involved in signal transduction. Furthermore, RNA-seq results indicate that genes involved in the adhesion and guidance for pollen germination and pollen tube growth are abundantly present in the extracellular matrix. Our study provides an overview and detailed information for understanding the molecular mechanism of early post-pollination response in this hybrid poplar reproduction.
Tool manipulation by rats (Rattus norvegicus) according to the position of food
Authors: Nagano Akane , Aoyama Kenjiro
Published: July 2017

Tool-use behaviour has been observed in nonhuman animals in the wild and in experimental settings. In the present study, we investigated whether rats (Rattus norvegicus) could manipulate a tool according to the position of food to obtain the food in an experimental setting. Eight rats were trained to use a rake-shaped tool to obtain food beyond their reach using a step-by-step protocol in the initial training period. Following training, the rake was placed at the centre of the experimental apparatus, and food was placed on either the left or right side of the rake. Rats learned to manipulate the rake to obtain food in situations in which they could not obtain the food just by pulling the rake perpendicularly to themselves. Our findings thus indicate that the rat is a potential animal model to investigate the behavioural and neural mechanisms of tool-use behaviour.
Nano-antenna enhanced two-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Langguth Lutz , Szuba Agata , Mann Sander A. , Garnett Erik C. , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Koenderink A. Femius
Published: July 2017

We propose two-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (2fFCS) on basis of plasmonic nanoantennas that provide distinct hot spots that are individually addressable through polarization, yet lie within a single diffraction limited microscope focus. The importance of two-focus FCS is that a calibrated distance between foci provides an intrinsic calibration to derive diffusion constants from measured correlation times. Through electromagnetic modelling we analyze a geometry of perpendicular nanorods, and their inverse, i.e., nanoslits. While we find that nanorods are not suited for nano-antenna enhanced 2fFCS due to substantial background signal, a nanoslit geometry is expected to provide a di tinct cross-correlation between orthogonally polarized detection channels. Furthermore, by utilizing a periodic array of nanoslits instead of a single pair, the amplitude of the cross-correlation can be enhanced. To demonstrate this technique, we present a proof of principle experiment on the basis of a periodic array of nanoslits, applied to lipid diffusion in a supported lipid bilayer.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for pathogen detection in donor/recipient corneal transplant tissue and donor storage solution
Authors: Hariya Takehiro , Maruyama Kazuichi , Sugita Sunao , Takahashi Masayo , Yokokura Shunji , Sato Kota , Tomaru Yasuhiro , Shimizu Norio , Nakazawa Toru
Published: July 2017

Corneal transplantation is a safe, reliable method of restoring visual acuity in patients with corneal disorders. Although it has a very high success rate, rejection can still occur, especially if the site is infected. Therefore, seeking to find better ways to manage infection risk, this study investigated a new technique, based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR), to identify pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, in corneal transplantation recipient sites, donor corneas and the donor cornea storage solution. The subjects comprised 50 patients who underwent corneal transplantation at Tohoku University Hospital between July 2014 and April 2015. We obtained extracted (recipient) cornea samples in 37 cases, donor cornea samples in 50 cases, and corneal storage solution samples in 50 cases (18 of these 50 samples contained DNA). Herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA was detected in four recipient corneas, Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in two recipient corneas, Human herpes virus type 6 was detected in two donor corneas, and Aspergillus DNA was detected in one corneal storage solution sample. Thus, mPCR successfully identified pathogenic DNA in corneal tissues and storage solution, suggesting that evaluation with mPCR may improve the ability to predict the risk of infection after corneal transplantation.
A Mechanism-based QSTR Model for Acute to Chronic Toxicity Extrapolation: A Case Study of Antibiotics on Luminous Bacteria
Authors: Wang Dali , Gu Yue , Zheng Min , Zhang Wei , Lin Zhifen , Liu Ying
Published: July 2017

The determination of the chronic toxicity is time-consumed and costly, so it’s of great interest to predict the chronic toxicity based on acute data. Current methods include the acute to chronic ratios (ACRs) and the QSTR models, both of which have some usage limitations. In this paper, the acute and chronic mixture toxicity of three types of antibiotics, namely sulfonamides, sulfonamide potentiators and tetracyclines, were determined by a bioluminescence inhibition test. A novel QSTR model was developed for predicting the chronic mixture toxicity using the acute data and docking-based descriptors. This model revealed a complex relationship between the acute and chronic toxicity, i.e. a linear correlation between the acute and chronic lg(−lgEC50)s, rather than the simple EC50s or −lgEC50s. In particular, the interaction energies (Ebind) of the chemicals with luciferase and LitR in the bacterial quorum sensing systems were introduced to represent their acute and chronic actions, respectively, regardless of their defined toxic mechanisms. Therefore, the present QSTR model can apply to the chemicals with distinct toxic mechanisms, as well as those with undefined mechanism. This study provides a novel idea for the acute to chronic toxicity extrapolation, which may benefit the environmental risk assessment on the pollutants.
Programmed death one homolog maintains the pool size of regulatory T cells by promoting their differentiation and stability
Authors: Wang Qi , He Jianwei , Flies Dallas B. , Luo Liqun , Chen Lieping
Published: July 2017

Programmed death one homolog (PD-1H) is an immunoglobulin superfamily molecule and primarily acts as a coinhibitor in the initiation of T cell response to antigens. Here, we report that genetic ablation of PD-1H in mice blocks the differentiation of naive T cells to Foxp3+ inducible Treg cells (iTreg) with a significant decrease of iTreg in lymphoid organs. This effect of PD-1H is highly specific for iTreg because both naturally generated iTreg in gut-related tissues and in vitro induced iTreg by TGF-β were decreased whereas the genesis of natural Treg (nTreg) remains normal. The suppressive function of both iTreg and nTreg, however, is not affected by the loss of PD-1H. In addition to decreased production, PD-1H deficient iTreg could also rapidly convert to CD4+ T helper 1 or T helper 17 cells in an inflammatory environment. Our results indicate that PD-1H is required for maintenance of iTreg pool size by promoting its differentiation and preventing its conversion to other CD4+ T cell subsets. These findings may have important implications for manipulating Tregs to control inflammation.
PTEN/FOXO3/AKT pathway regulates cell death and mediates morphogenetic differentiation of Colorectal Cancer Cells under Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Arun Raj Pranap , Sivanesan Divya , Vidyasekar Prasanna , Verma Rama Shanker
Published: July 2017

Gravity is a major physical factor determining the stress and strain around cells. Both in space experiments and ground simulation, change in gravity impacts the viability and function of various types of cells as well as in vivo conditions. Cancer cells have been shown to die under microgravity. This can be exploited for better understanding of the biology and identification of novel avenues for therapeutic intervention. Here, we described the effect of microgravity simulated using Rotational Cell Culture System-High Aspect Ratio Vessel (RCCS-HARV) on the viability and morphological changes of colorectal cancer cells. We observed DLD1, HCT116 and SW620 cells die through apoptosis under simulated microgravity (SM). Gene expression analysis on DLD1 cells showed upregulation of tumor suppressors PTEN and FOXO3; leading to AKT downregulation and further induction of apoptosis, through upregulation of CDK inhibitors CDKN2B, CDKN2D. SM induced cell clumps had elevated hypoxia and mitochondrial membrane potential that led to adaptive responses like morphogenetic changes, migration and deregulated autophagy, when shifted to normal culture conditions. This can be exploited to understand the three-dimensional (3D) biology of cancer in the aspect of stress response. This study highlights the regulation of cell function and viability under microgravity through PTEN/FOXO3/AKT pathway.
The basal free fatty acid concentration in human saliva is related to salivary lipolytic activity
Authors: Neyraud Eric , Cabaret Stéphanie , Brignot Hélène , Chabanet Claire , Labouré Hélène , Guichard Elisabeth , Berdeaux Olivier
Published: July 2017

Fat perception during eating is a complex sensation that involves various sensory modalities, such as texture, aroma and taste. Taste is supported by the discovery of fatty acid receptors in the tongue papillae. Dietary fat is mainly composed of esterified fatty acids, whereas only free fatty acids can bind to taste receptors. Some authors have mentioned the necessity and efficiency of salivary lipolytic activity to hydrolyse the esterified fatty acids present in foods and enable fat perception. Our hypothesis is that salivary lipolytic activity is also involved in regulating the basal level of salivary fatty acids in humans. To test this hypothesis, total fatty acid (TFA) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and selected salivary characteristics (such as lipolytic activity) were analysed in the resting saliva of 54 subjects. The results show differences in the TFA and FFA profiles, with TFA and FFA concentrations of 8.99 and 3.56 µg/mL of saliva, respectively. Interestingly, lipolytic activity had a significant positive correlation with FFA concentration (0.51, p < 0.01). This result highlights a possible physiological role of salivary lipolytic activity in the regulation of the basal FFA concentration. This regulation could be involved in fat taste sensitivity.
Spectral function modulation based on nonlinear frequency division multiplexing
Authors: He Guangqiang , Wang Luning , Li Chenyang , Liu Siyu , Hu Weisheng
Published: July 2017

A combination of phase and amplitude modulation in nonlinear discrete spectrum is proposed based on nonlinear frequency division multiplexing. Here the integrable nonlinear Schrodinger equation is used as the channel model. We propose the transmission system with designed transmitting signals and implement our scheme with simulation. We use 8QAM constellation and 2 eigenvalues to generate 5 bit signals, which greatly improve spectral efficiency. This method can be expanded for higher order modulation and further improve transmission capacity in limited bandwidth.
Effects of 4(1H)-quinolinone derivative, a novel non-nucleotide allosteric purinergic P2Y
2
agonist, on cardiomyocytes in neonatal rats
Authors: Sakuma Kensuke , Nakagawa Hideyuki , Oikawa Tatsuo , Noda Masakuni , Ikeda Shota
Published: July 2017

Purinergic P2Y
2
receptors, G-protein coupled receptors that primarily couple with Gαq/11-proteins, are activated equipotently by adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) and uridine-5′-triphosphate. Evidence suggests that P2Y
2
agonists make potential drug candidates for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, selective non-nucleotide, small-molecule P2Y
2
agonists have yet to be developed. In this report, we discuss Compound 89, a novel non-nucleotide allosteric P2Y
2
agonist that was active in signal transduction and gene induction, and in our in vitro cardiac hypertrophy model. Compound 89 exhibited selective P2Y
2
agonistic activity and potentiated responses to the endogenous agonist ATP, while exhibiting no agonistic activities for four other Gαq/11-coupled human P2Y (hP2Y) receptors and one representative Gαi/o-coupled hP2Y12 receptor. Its P2Y
2
agonistic effect on mouse P2Y
2
receptors suggested non-species-specific activity. Compound 89 acted as a pure positive allosteric modulator in a Ca2+ mobilization assay of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes; it potentiated ATP-induced expression of genes in the nuclear receptor 4A family (negative regulators of hypertrophic stimuli in cardiomyocytes). Additionally, Compound 89 attenuated isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy, presumably through dose-dependent interaction with pericellular ATP. These results indicate that Compound 89 is potentially efficacious against cardiomyocytes and therefore a good proof-of-concept tool for elucidating the therapeutic potential of P2Y2 activation in various cardiovascular diseases.
An anionic Cd(ii) boron imidazolate framework with reversible structural transformation and biomolecular sensing properties
Authors: Chen Shumei , Liu Min , Xu Guilan , Wen Tian , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2017

An anionic Cd(ii) boron imidazolate framework (BIF-82) not only showed reversible structural transformation, but can also encapsulate Ag nanoparticles into its structure for further sensing of cysteine.
Synthesis and evaluation of biological properties of ferrocenyl–podophyllotoxin conjugates
Authors: Wieczorek Anna , Błauż Andrzej , Makal Anna , Rychlik Błażej , Plażuk Damian
Published: July 2017

Ferrocenyl–podophyllotoxin conjugates have been synthesised and their antiproliferative activity, influence on cell cycle, and interactions with tubulin were evaluated.
Profiles of free and bound phenolics extracted from Citrus fruits and their roles in biological systems: content, and antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties
Authors: Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Rababah Taha , Alhamad Mohammad N. , Al-Mahasneh Majdi A. , Ereifej Khalil , Al-Karaki Ghazi , Al-Duais Mohammed , Andrade Juan E. , Tranchant Carole C. , Kubow Stan , Ghozlan Kawther A.
Published: July 2017

Rutaceae plant extracts were investigated for their potential to inhibit hyperglycemia and hypertension related enzymes.
Rapid, all dry microfabrication of three-dimensional Co3O4/Pt nanonetworks for high-performance microsupercapacitors
Authors: Ma Xinyu , Feng Shuxuan , He Liang , Yan Mengyu , Tian Xiaocong , Li Yanxi , Tang Chunjuan , Hong Xufeng , Mai Liqiang
Published: July 2017

Unique three-dimensional Co3O4/Pt nanonetworks based microsupercapacitor is constructed by controllable physical vapor deposition combined with rapid thermal annealing, showing a high volume capacitance.
The synthesis of cycloalka[b]furans via an Au(i)-catalyzed tandem reaction of 3-yne-1,2-diols
Authors: Liu Wei-Ting , Xu Zheng-Liang , Mou Xue-Qing , Zhang Bang-Hong , Bao Wen , Wang Shao-Hua , Lee Dongjun , Lei Lin-Sheng , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2017

A rapid and convenient approach toward substituted cycloalka[b]furan compounds has been developedviaan Au(i)-catalyzed cyclization/1,2-rearrangement/aromatization cascade.
Catechol- and ketone-containing multifunctional bottlebrush polymers for oxime ligation and hydrogel formation
Authors: Slegeris Rimantas , Ondrusek Brian A. , Chung Hoyong
Published: July 2017

We report the synthesis of a highly-functional macromonomer, and subsequent crosslinkable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based bottlebrush polymers prepared via graft-through ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP).
A comparative study of nematic liquid crystals doped with harvested and non-harvested ferroelectric nanoparticles: phase transitions and dielectric properties
Authors: Lin Y. , Daoudi A. , Dubois F. , Blach J.-F. , Henninot J.-F. , Kurochkin O. , Grabar A. , Segovia-Mera A. , Legrand C. , Douali R.
Published: July 2017

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy is used to determine the dielectric properties and phase transitions of the 4-n-octyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl liquid crystal (8CB) doped with harvested and non-harvested ferroelectric nanoparticles.
Flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties of flexible polyurethane foams containing an aluminum phosphate microcapsule
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Bin , Han Jian
Published: July 2017

A novel aluminum phosphate (ALP) microcapsule was synthesized with the aim of enhancing the flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties of flexible polyurethane (PU) foams.
One-step synthesis of magnetically recyclable Co@BN core–shell nanocatalysts for catalytic reduction of nitroarenes
Authors: Du Man , Liu Qiuwen , Huang Caijin , Qiu Xiaoqing
Published: July 2017

The possible mechanism for Co@BN catalyzed 4-nitrophenol reduction in the presence of NaBH4. Moreover, the 13.6 wt% Co@BN core–shell nanoparticles exhibited the excellent catalytic activity in hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds.
Hierarchically structured carbon nanotube–polyaniline nanobrushes for corrosion protection over a wide pH range
Authors: Qiu Guodong , Zhu Aiping , Zhang Chaoqun
Published: July 2017

Carbon nanotube–polyaniline nanobrushes with a hierarchical core–shell structure offer superior corrosion protection for carbon steel over the full pH-range.
One-pot synthesis of ethylbenzene/1-phenylethanol and γ-butyrolactone from simultaneous acetophenone hydrogenation and 1,4-butanediol dehydrogenation over copper based catalysts: effects of the support
Authors: Kannapu Hari Prasad Reddy , Suh Young-Woong , Narani Anand , Vaddeboina Veeralakshmi , Burri David Raju , Kamaraju Seetha Rama Rao
Published: July 2017

The effect of the support in the simultaneous hydrogenation of acetophenone and dehydrogenation of 1,4-butanediol was studied using supported (MgO, γ-Al2O3, MgO–Al2O3 and SiO2) copper (10 wt%) catalysts, prepared via impregnation.
Continuous flow synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) via free radical polymerisation
Authors: Brocken Laurens , Price Paul D. , Whittaker Jane , Baxendale Ian R.
Published: July 2017

The free radical polymerisation of aqueous solutions of acrylic acid (1) has been studied using a continuous flow reactor to quickly screen reaction parameters such as temperature, residence time, monomer- and initiator concentration.
Correction: Crystalline In–Sb–S framework for highly-performed lithium/sodium storage
Authors: Nie Lina , Xie Jian , Liu Guangfeng , Hao Shiji , Xu Zhichuan J. , Xu Rong , Zhang Qichun
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘Crystalline In–Sb–S framework for highly-performed lithium/sodium storage’ by Lina Nie et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ta03334f.
Integration of flux measurements to resolve changes in anabolic and catabolic metabolism in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Gibb Andrew A. , Lorkiewicz Pawel K. , Zheng Yu-Ting , Zhang Xiang , Bhatnagar Aruni , Jones Steven P. , Hill Bradford G.
Published: July 2017

Although ancillary pathways of glucose metabolism are critical for synthesizing cellular building blocks and modulating stress responses, how they are regulated remains unclear. In the present study, we used radiometric glycolysis assays, [13C6]-glucose isotope tracing, and extracellular flux analysis to understand how phosphofructokinase (PFK)-mediated changes in glycolysis regulate glucose carbon partitioning into catabolic and anabolic pathways. Expression of kinase-deficient or phosphatase-deficient 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes co-ordinately regulated glycolytic rate and lactate production. Nevertheless, in all groups, >40% of glucose consumed by the cells was unaccounted for via catabolism to pyruvate, which suggests entry of glucose carbons into ancillary pathways branching from metabolites formed in the preparatory phase of glycolysis. Analysis of 13C fractional enrichment patterns suggests that PFK activity regulates glucose carbon incorporation directly into the ribose and the glycerol moieties of purines and phospholipids, respectively. Pyrimidines, UDP-N-acetylhexosamine, and the fatty acyl chains of phosphatidylinositol and triglycerides showed lower 13C incorporation under conditions of high PFK activity; the isotopologue 13C enrichment pattern of each metabolite indicated limitations in mitochondria-engendered aspartate, acetyl CoA and fatty acids. Consistent with this notion, high glycolytic rate diminished mitochondrial activity and the coupling of glycolysis to glucose oxidation. These findings suggest that a major portion of intracellular glucose in cardiac myocytes is apportioned for ancillary biosynthetic reactions and that PFK co-ordinates the activities of the pentose phosphate, hexosamine biosynthetic, and glycerolipid synthesis pathways by directly modulating glycolytic intermediate entry into auxiliary glucose metabolism pathways and by indirectly regulating mitochondrial cataplerosis.
Efficacy and safety of bortezomib maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Chun-yan , Li Jun-ying , Chu Zhang-bo , Zhang Lu , Chen Lei , Hu Yu
Published: July 2017

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell neoplasm with a high incidence of relapse. Bortezomib has been extensively studied for the maintenance treatment of MM. Here, we carried out a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy with bortezomib. We searched for clinical trials in PubMed (Medline), Embase (OVID), and the Cochrane Library. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling a total of 1338 patients were included. Bortezomib maintenance statistically significantly improved both progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51 to 0.87, P=0.003) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.75 therapy, 95% CI = 0.63 to 0.89, P=0.001) more than did non-bortezomib maintenance therapy. Our analysis revealed higher incidence of neutropenia (risks ratios (RR) = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.79), peripheral neuropathy (PN) (RR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.38 to 3.61, P=0.001), and cardiologic events (RR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.12 to 3.28, P=0.02) in patients with bortezomib maintenance therapy. Our meta-analysis demonstrates OS and PFS benefits of bortezomib maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed MM. However, the therapy is associated with increased risk of adverse events. Additionally, more RCTs are needed for better understanding and determination of optimal bortezomib maintenance therapy in MM.
C-reactive protein gene rs1205 polymorphism is not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Fang Dilong , Ye Yu
Published: July 2017

The relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) gene rs1205 polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been investigated previously. However, the results were conflicting. In the present study, we assessed whether CRP gene rs1205 polymorphism was associated with the risk of CRC by meta-analysis. We searched in PubMed, Embase, and the CNKI databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Seven original studies involving 4,181 cases and 10,601 controls analyzed the association between CRP gene rs1205 polymorphism and CRC risk. No significant association was found between CRP gene rs1205 polymorphism and CRC risk in this meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis did not draw different findings. Stratification analyses of ethnicity, type of cancer, and genotype method also did not obtain any association between CRP gene rs1205 polymorphism and CRC risk. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that CRP gene rs1205 polymorphism was not associated with the risk of CRC.
Bi‐directional deformable block‐based motion estimation for frame rate‐up conversion of 360‐degree videos
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Kang Je‐Won
Published: July 2017

A bi‐directional deformable block‐based motion‐estimation algorithm to improve the accuracy of a motion prediction in a 360‐degree video, used for motion compensated frame‐rate up conversion (MC‐FRUC) is proposed. The block shapes are adaptively deformed to predict a motion based on the coordinate of the current block, considering the geometric property of the equi‐rectangular projection of 360‐degree videos. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique can significantly improve the visual quality of the videos as compared with the conventional MC‐FRUC.
Event‐based fault detection for non‐linear networked systems with multi‐data transmission and output quantisation
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Lei , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: July 2017

This study is concerned with the event‐triggered fault detection (FD) filter design problem for the discrete‐time non‐linear systems with multi‐data transmission and output quantisation. To reduce the transmission data size, the output signals are quantified by a logarithmic quantiser. Compared with the existing results, past output measurements are first introduced for packaging and transmission only when the event condition is satisfied. Based on this consideration, more data can be used by the FD filter, while using the traditional method, the FD filter can only use the current data. Finally, some simulation results show that the proposed design method can achieve a better FD performance than the existing method with current output measurements transmission.
End‐effects analysis and experimental study of a double stator linear‐rotary permanent magnet motor with long mover
Authors: Xu Lei , Lin Mingyao , Fu Xinghe
Published: July 2017

A double stator linear‐rotary permanent magnet motor, which has a long tuber ferromagnetic mover core with permanent magnets (PMs) arranged on its inner and outer surfaces, is proposed for two degree of freedom drive in this study. Due to the topology of the long tuber mover, the end‐effects, including the interaction between the outer stator end and the mover, the effects of the inner PM length, and the interaction between the inner stator end and the mover, are presented and analysed. Based on the three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐element method, the influences of the end‐effects on the electromagnetic characteristics, such as the flux distributions, flux density, electromagnetic force and torque, and output power, are investigated. Meanwhile, the topology with the minimised end‐effects is given, and a prototype is built. The dynamic performances of the prototype are tested via a specific experimental platform. The results are in agreement with that of the 3D finite‐element analysis.
Two‐dimensional distributed amplifier for extreme extension of GBW, PAE and OP1dB
Authors: Mogheyse Amir Hamze , MiarNaimi Hossein
Published: July 2017

In this study, a new technique is introduced for full power combining in distributed amplifiers which contain multiplicative gain stages. Produced powers from middle stages of multiplicative structures are always wasted in terminating resistors. This study shows that an electrical funnel can be used to combine all produced powers from all stages. To do so, two configurations are considered to terminate middle stages with transistors. It is shown how a typical distributed amplifier can be converted to a two‐dimensional distributed amplifier (2D‐DA). Analytical expressions for gain calculation are also presented. All inductors and connections of 2D‐DA are simulated by advanced design system (ADS) electromagnetic simulator with TSMC 0.18 CMOS layout specifications. Post‐layout simulation results show the trueness of the presented relations. The designed 2D‐DA shows 17.4 dB gain along 0.7–25.7 GHz bandwidth by consuming 75.2 mW DC power. More than 3.9 dBm output power at 1 dB output compression point (OP1dB) is achieved and the noise figure of the 2D‐DA is between 3.6 and 6.4 dB. Using 2D‐DA, produced powers from middle stages participate in the outgoing power. This helps to improve gain bandwidth (GBW), power added efficiency (PAE) and OP1dB by 84.3, 143 and 86%.
Cavity‐backed high‐gain switch beam antenna array for 60‐GHz applications
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Peng Biao , Li Shufang
Published: July 2017

This study presents a cavity‐backed aperture‐coupled switch beam antenna array for 60‐GHz applications. A 1 × 4‐element cavity‐backed aperture‐coupled patch antenna array is adopted as the radiating part, which is fed by the Butler matrix feed network that consists of couplers, crossovers, and phase shifters. By using the cavity that can help suppress the surface wave propagation along the substrate, the array not only achieves a high‐aperture efficiency and gain but also maintains a wide beam steering angle in the H‐plane. The feed network is designed by using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology with a low profile, low radiation loss, and low cost. Measured results show the array exhibits wide −10‐dB impedance bandwidths of 12.6% (56.6–64.2 GHz) for port 1 and port 4 and 11.6% (56.8–63.8 GHz) for port 2 and port 3. The beam angle coverage is from −38° to 38° with good steerable radiation patterns.
Dual‐band and dual‐polarized antenna with endfire radiation
Authors: Ding Kang , Gao Cheng , Wu Yanjie , Qu Dexin , Zhang Bing , Wang Yumeng
Published: July 2017

A novel dual‐band endfire antenna with dual polarisation is proposed. The antenna is composed of a shorted metal cavity which functions as a magnetic dipole, a bowtie‐shaped electric dipole and an I‐shaped resonator (ISR) array. Owing to the combination of complementary dipoles, circularly polarised (CP) electromagnetic waves are generated in the endfire direction at the lower band. A quasi‐Yagi antenna structure is adopted to attain broadband linearly polarised (LP) radiation in the upper band. In addition, an ISR structure is loaded to improve the gain in endfire direction. The measured 10‐dB impedance bandwidths are 3.93% at the lower band and 29.45% at the upper band, respectively, and the 3‐dB axial‐ratio bandwidth of 150 MHz (5.76 to 5.91 GHz) is observed in the CP band. Besides, the ISR loaded antenna demonstrates 2–3.5 dB gain improvement over the operational band. This antenna could find applications in radio‐frequency identification and indoor positioning systems.
Transformer‐less dynamic voltage restorer based on buck‐boost converter
Authors: Nazarpour Dariush , Farzinnia Mohammadreza , Nouhi Hafez
Published: July 2017

In this study, a new topology for dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) has been proposed. The topology is inspired by the buck‐boost ac/ac converter to produce the required compensation voltage. This topology is able to compensate different voltage disturbances such as sag, swell and flicker without leap of the phase angle. The mass of the proposed topology has been reduced due to lack of injection topology. In addition to, the required compensation energy is directly delivered from the grid through the grid voltage. Therefore, the massive dc‐link capacitors are not required to implement. To verify the qualification of the topology, the simulation results by MATLAB/SIMULINK software have been presented. Moreover, an experimental prototype of the case study has been designed and tested.
Long‐lasting oil wettability patterns fabrication on superoleophobic surfaces by atmospheric pressure DBD plasma jet
Authors: Liu Jiyu , Liu Shuo , Chen Faze , Wang Guansong , Sun Jin , Song Jinlong , Huang Liu , Zheng Huanxi , Jin Zhuji , Liu Xin
Published: July 2017

Water wettability patterns on superhydrophobic surfaces have been widely designed to meet requirements of many fields, such as lab‐on‐a‐chip devices and bioengineering. However, these systems are easily invalidated by oily liquids. Therefore, oil wettability patterns, which have rarely been focused on, are urgently needed. In this work, the authors successfully control oil wettability of superoleophobic surface by an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet. The results indicate that oil wettability is strongly influenced by treatment time, applied voltage and distance between plasma jet outlet and samples. They find that superoleophobic surfaces can be modified to be superoleophilic within 15 s, and that small holes can be etched on the surfaces under high applied voltages. Then, superoleophobic‐superoleophilic patterns are prepared via selective plasma jet irradiation on superoleophobic surfaces, and both directional and antigravity transport of water and oily liquids are thus realised without external electrical or magnetic field. Additionally, ageing experiments show that the plasma‐treated areas can maintain the induced wettability for >30 days storing under normal ambients, demonstrating superior time stability. The results presented here show the potential of atmospheric pressure DBD plasma jet for rapid oil wettability control and fabrication of long‐time‐effective oil wettability patterns.
Unusual Presentation of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Iftikhar Haissan , Ikram Mubasher , Muhammad Adnan , Nathani Karim
Published: July 2017

Introduction The rates of thyroid cancers are on a rise, especially well-differentiated thyroid cancers. This could be partly due to newer diagnostic modalities, like high-resolution ultrasound, that can pick up smaller lesions. Differentiated thyroid cancers with distant metastases are not common, and even rarer is the initial presentation with complaints not related to the neck.

Objectives The objective of this series was to study and report the unusual cases of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastasis. There is a lack of data in the literature on these cases, and due to the rarity of such metastases, no definite treatment protocol has been defined.

Methods A retrospective chart review of 1,200 cases of thyroid surgeries was performed. A total of 10 cases of well-differentiated thyroid cancer on the final histopathology exam that had initially presented with usual complaints to departments other than the Otolaryngology Department were identified.

Results A total of 6 patients had papillary carcinoma, whereas 4 patients had follicular carcinoma on final the histopathology exam. Two patients presented with iliac crest lesions, 2 with vertebral lesions one each with parapharyngeal mass, supraclavicular mass, labia majora swelling and bleeding, lung, rib and neck of femur lesion.

Conclusion There are still no specific guidelines on how to address these patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastasis (except for the cases of bone and lung lesions) and on which treatment should be offered in case of recurrence. More studies on the subject are required.
The Effects of Experimental Intratympanic Steroid Administration on Organ of Corti Type 1 Spiral Ganglion
Authors: Topcuoglu Turgay , Kocyıgıt Murat , Bulut Erdogan , Ortekın Safiye , Kanter Mehmet , Yagız Recep
Published: July 2017

Introduction It is unclear how effective is the intratympanic (IT) steroid treatment on organ of Corti type 1 spiral ganglion, its optimal dosage and frequency of administration. The effect of dexamethasone on cochlear functions in individuals with a normal hearing ability is also unknown.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate, at the electrophysiological and ultrastructural levels, the effect of IT dexamethasone administration in guinea pigs with normal hearing on organ of Corti type 1 spiral ganglion.

Methods A total of 20 guinea pigs (n = 40 ears) whose hearing was detected to be normal by electrophysiological tests were included in the study and randomly divided into 6 groups. Four groups were considered study groups, while 2 groups were considered control groups. Dexamethasone was administered intratympanically in doses of 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL in the guinea pigs in the study groups. The animals in the control groups received physiological saline in equal doses as the study groups. All interventions were performed under general anesthesia, and the electrophysiological tests were repeated following the IT injections.

Results No statistically significant differences were found among the groups when the IT injections were evaluated in terms of the electrophysiological measurements (p > 0.05). The ultrastructural evaluation showed a cellular mitochondrial increase in the spiral ganglions of the cochlea in the groups in which dexamethasone was administered in a dose of 4 mg/mL.

Conclusion According to the findings of this study, it can be suggested that the IT injection of dexamethasone is safe, and when applied in a dose of 4 mg/mL, it increases metabolic activity at the cellular level.
Insulin Delivery Method and Admission for Glycemic Control in Pregnant Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Maggio Lindsay , Has Phinnara , Daley Julie , Coustan Donald , Werner Erika , Sperling Jeffrey
Published: July 2017

Objective To determine if there was a difference in glycemic control admissions or perinatal outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) treated with multiple daily injections (MDIs) versus continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of women with type 1 DM with a singleton gestation who delivered between 2006 and 2014 at a tertiary hospital and received care at a dedicated DM clinic. Women who used MDI were compared with those who used CSII. The primary outcome was glycemic control admission during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included adverse perinatal outcomes.

Results There were a total of 156 women; 107 treated with MDI and 49 with CSII. Women treated with MDI had higher rates of glycemic control admissions versus those treated with CSII (68.2 vs. 30.6%, p < 0.001). Adjusting for age, ethnicity, public insurer, duration of DM, first recorded hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and DM comorbidities, the likelihood of admission remained higher in women on MDI versus CSII (AOR 5.9 [1.7–20.6]). Women treated with MDI had higher rates of postprandial hypoglycemia. Other perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups.

Conclusion Women with type 1 DM treated with MDI were more likely to have glycemic control admissions and postprandial hypoglycemia than those treated with CSII.
Stellenwert von Aminosäuren bei der Entgiftung
Authors: Meyer Alfons
Published: July 2017

Neben ihrer Hauptfunktion als Aufbaustoffe tragen Aminosäuren auch zur Entgiftung des Organismus und insbesondere zur Ammoniakentsorgung bei. Als Thiole können sie Schwermetalle chelatieren und zur Ausscheidung bringen. Viele Aminosäuren sind für das Immunsystem essenziell, schützen den Körper vor Intoxikationen und wirken bei Reinigung und Pflege der Mitochondrien mit.
Adipositas – Teil 1: Evolution und Genetik
Authors: Friedrichsen Hans-Peter
Published: July 2017

Heutige Jäger und Sammler mit gleicher Ernährung und Lebensstil wie im Spätpaleolithikum sind gesünder als die Bevölkerung der „zivilisierten Welt“. Die in der Steinzeit überlebenswichtige metabolische Anpassung an den Wechsel von Überfluss und Mangel sowie von Aktivität und Ruhe ist bis heute in den Genen verankert und bestimmt den Stoffwechsel. Ständiger Überfluss von Nahrungsenergie und geringe körperliche Aktivität führen zu Vergrößerung der Fettspeicher und Insulinresistenz. Die unterschiedliche Ausprägung von Übergewicht und Adipositas in verschiedenen ethnischen Gruppen ist genetisch determiniert, wobei der ererbten Thermoregulationsfähigkeit eine wichtige Rolle zugeschrieben wird.
Leptinresistenz bei adipösen MCS-Kranken
Authors: Müller Kurt E.
Published: July 2017

Die Multiple Chemikaliensensitivität (MCS) ist häufig mit Nahrungsmittelintoleranz kombiniert. Trotz dadurch bedingter Einschränkung der Nahrungszufuhr entwickeln MCS-Kranke z. T. eine Adipositas, die durch Reduktion der Energieaufnahme wenig beeinflussbar ist. Eine Studie an 29 adipösen MCS-Patienten wies eine pathologische Erhöhung der Leptinspiegel nach. Die Bedeutung entzündlicher Reaktionen und der Störung funktioneller Regelkreise im Zusammenhang mit MCS wird diskutiert.
Krebs: Mikronährstoffe in der onkologischen Intervention
Authors: Gröber Uwe , Holzhauer Peter , Adamietz Irenäus
Published: July 2017

Aktuelle Studien weisen darauf hin, dass der labordiagnostisch validierte und therapieangepasste Einsatz von Mikronährstoffen ein wichtiger Baustein supportiver und komplementäronkologischer Therapiekonzepte ist. Die optimale Versorgung mit Nahrungsenergie sowie antientzündlichen und immunstabilisierenden Mikronährstoffen wie Selen, L-Carnitin, Vitamin C und D steigert das Ansprechen auf antineoplastische Therapien und verringert die Nebenwirkungsrate. Lebensqualität und Prognose der Patienten können verbessert werden.
Individuelle und gesellschaftliche Aspekte des E-Zigaretten-Konsums aus der Perspektive der Konsumierenden: Ein qualitativer Ansatz
Authors: Lehmann Kirsten , Kuhn Silke , Reimer Jens
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund Sowohl der Bekanntheitsgrad als auch die Nutzung von elektronischen Zigaretten (E-Zigaretten) sind in den vergangenen Jahren rapide angestiegen. Der gesundheitliche Nutzen eines Umstiegs von Tabakprodukten auf E-Zigaretten sowie das bisher ungeklärte Langzeitrisiko des Konsums führten zu einem Public Health-Dilemma.

Methodik Qualitative explorative Inhaltsanalyse der Freitexte von 1969 aktuell E-Zigaretten konsumierenden Personen, die an einer Online-Befragung zu Konsumgewohnheiten und Motiven von E-Zigarettennutzenden teilgenommen haben.

Ergebnisse 4 Hauptthemen wurden identifiziert: E-Zigaretten im (1) politischen sowie im (2) gesellschaftlichen Kontext, (3) Motive und subjektiver Nutzen des Konsums und (4) E-Zigaretten Equipment. Aufgrund der wahrgenommenen positiven gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen des Umstiegs von Tabakprodukten auf E-Zigaretten und der Erleichterung, nicht mehr tabakabhängig zu sein, wird ein freier Zugang zu E-Zigaretten gefordert. Eine Regulierung hinsichtlich des Jugendschutzes und mit Blick auf die Sicherheit von Geräten und der Qualität des Liquids wird befürwortet.

Diskussion Die befragten E-Zigaretten-Konsumierenden bieten sich als Partner bei politischen Entscheidungen und für Forschungsfragen an.
Intra- and Inter-Day Reliability of Body Composition Assessed by a Commercial Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Meter
Authors: Bosquet Laurent , Niort Thomas , Poirault Maxime
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the intra- and inter-day reliability of body composition measurements provided by a commercial multifrequency bioelectrical impedance meter. Eighteen healthy, well-trained students in physical education from the same ethnic group were assessed on four consecutive days, both in the morning and in the evening. Indexes provided by the device were gathered in four categories: tissular, metabolic, hydric and ionic blocks. There was no systematic bias between repeated measures, regardless of time of day. Relative reliability was high to very high in the morning (0.72<ICC<0.99) and moderate to very high in the afternoon (0.61<ICC<0.99). Absolute reliability varied substantially between indexes (1.5%<SEM<15%). The minimum difference considered as real was proportionally altered, since it ranged from 4.2 to 41.5%. In conclusion, body composition assessed with a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance meter requires a highly standardized protocol and adjusting the cut-off value for each parameter to ascertain during athlete follow-up that a real change has occurred. This assessment should preferably be scheduled in the morning in order to decrease these cut-off values.
Limited thermal transport in rippled graphene induced by bi-axial strain for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Park Kyeong Hyun , Ravaioli Umberto
Published: July 2017

Among efforts made to improve thermoelectric efficiency, the use of structurally modified graphene nanomaterials as thermoelectric matter are one of the promising strategies owing to their fascinating physical and electrical properties, and these materials are anticipated to be less thermally conductive than regular graphene structures, as a result of an additional phonon scattering introduced at the modified surfaces. In this study, we explore the thermal conductivity behaviors of strain-induced rippled graphene sheets by varying the ripple amplitude, periodicity, and dimensions of the structure. We introduce a technique which enables creation of a graphene sheet with evenly distributed ripples in molecular dynamics simulation, and the Green-Kubo linear response theory is used to calculate the thermal conductivity of the structures of interest. The results reveal the reduction of thermal conductivity with the greater degree of strain, the smaller system dimension, and the shorter ripple wavelength, which, in turn, could lead to the thermoelectric efficiency enhancement. This work has significance in that it presents the capability of generating repeated and controllable patterns in molecular dynamics, and so, it enables the atomic-level transport study in the regularly patterned two-dimensional surface or in any structures with a specified degree of strain.