bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crevice corrosion of nickel-based alloys considered as engineering barriers of geological repositories
Authors: Carranza Ricardo M. , Rodríguez Martín A.
Published: August 2017

Nickel-based alloys are considered among other candidate materials as engineering barriers of geological repositories due to their excellent corrosion resistance. These alloys possess unique advantages: they may be used in saturated and unsaturated repositories, hosted by practically any rock type, while also compatible with any (or no) backfill, and have minimal impact in other barriers. Alloy-22 (UNS N06022) has been the most studied of this class of alloys for its potential application in the proposed repositories (namely Yucca Mountain, USA). Crevice corrosion is however an important and often unintended degradation process that may limit the waste container lifetime if a nickel-based alloy is selected. Alloy susceptibility to crevice corrosion is influenced by environmental and metallurgical variables. This review gives an account of the current knowledge regarding crevice corrosion of nickel-based alloys as candidate materials for the corrosion-resistant layer of high-level nuclear waste containers. Although there is a significant amount of research supporting the use of nickel-based alloys for this application, the effect of the different variables on crevice corrosion resistance is described. Special focus is given to the current criterion for crevice corrosion occurrence in repository environments, recent works and criticisms. The presently established criterion appears robust for ruling out crevice corrosion in saturated repositories; however, the development of a less conservative criterion for crevice corrosion occurrence is necessary to use these alloys in unsaturated repositories.
The CpG-sites of the CBX3 ubiquitous chromatin opening element are critical structural determinants for the anti-silencing function
Authors: Kunkiel Jessica , Gödecke Natascha , Ackermann Mania , Hoffmann Dirk , Schambach Axel , Lachmann Nico , Wirth Dagmar , Moritz Thomas
Published: August 2017

Suppression of therapeutic transgene expression from retroviral gene therapy vectors by epigenetic defence mechanisms represents a problem that is particularly encountered in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and their differentiated progeny. Transgene expression in these cells, however, can be stabilised by CpG-rich ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOEs). In this context we recently demonstrated profound anti-silencing properties for the small (679 bp) CBX3-UCO element and we now confirmed this observation in the context of the defined murine chromosomal loci ROSA26 and TIGRE. Moreover, since the structural basis for the anti-silencing activity of UCOEs has remained poorly defined, we interrogated various CBX3 subfragments in the context of lentiviral vectors and murine PSCs. We demonstrated marked though distinct anti-silencing activity in the pluripotent state and during PSC-differentiation for several of the CBX3 subfragments. This activity was significantly correlated with CpG content as well as endogenous transcriptional activity. Interestingly, also a scrambled CBX3 version with preserved CpG-sites retained the anti-silencing activity despite the lack of endogenous promoter activity. Our data therefore highlight the importance of CpG-sites and transcriptional activity for UCOE functionality and suggest contributions from different mechanisms to the overall anti-silencing function of the CBX3 element.
Inferring structural connectivity using Ising couplings in models of neuronal networks
Authors: Kadirvelu Balasundaram , Hayashi Yoshikatsu , Nasuto Slawomir J.
Published: August 2017

Functional connectivity metrics have been widely used to infer the underlying structural connectivity in neuronal networks. Maximum entropy based Ising models have been suggested to discount the effect of indirect interactions and give good results in inferring the true anatomical connections. However, no benchmarking is currently available to assess the performance of Ising couplings against other functional connectivity metrics in the microscopic scale of neuronal networks through a wide set of network conditions and network structures. In this paper, we study the performance of the Ising model couplings to infer the synaptic connectivity in in silico networks of neurons and compare its performance against partial and cross-correlations for different correlation levels, firing rates, network sizes, network densities, and topologies. Our results show that the relative performance amongst the three functional connectivity metrics depends primarily on the network correlation levels. Ising couplings detected the most structural links at very weak network correlation levels, and partial correlations outperformed Ising couplings and cross-correlations at strong correlation levels. The result was consistent across varying firing rates, network sizes, and topologies. The findings of this paper serve as a guide in choosing the right functional connectivity tool to reconstruct the structural connectivity.
Rhodoterpenoids A‒C, Three New Rearranged Triterpenoids from Rhododendron latoucheae by HPLC‒MS‒SPE‒NMR
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Ya-Nan , Li Yong , Ma Shuang-Gang , Qu Jing , Liu Yun-Bao , Niu Chang-Shan , Tang Zhong-Hai , Zhang Tian-Tai , Li Yu-Huan , Li Li , Yu Shi-Shan
Published: August 2017

Rhodoterpenoids A‒C (1‒3), three new rearranged triterpenoids, together with one new biogenetically related compound, rhodoterpenoid D (4), were isolated and efficiently elucidated from Rhododendron latoucheae by high-performance liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry−solid-phase extraction−nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC‒MS‒SPE‒NMR). Compounds 1 and 2 possess an unprecedented skeleton with a 5/7/6/6/6-fused pentacyclic ring system, while compound 3 contains a unique 6/7/6/6/6-fused pentacyclic carbon backbone. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses. Plausible biogenetic pathways for 1‒4 were proposed. Compounds 1 and 4 showed potential activity against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) with IC50 values of 8.62 and 6.87 μM, respectively.
BiVO4-rGO with a novel structure on steel fabric used as high-performance photocatalysts
Authors: Fang Dong , Li Xiujuan , Liu Hui , Xu Weilin , Jiang Ming , Li Wenbin , Fan Xin
Published: August 2017

A high-performance and novel photocatalyst of BiVO4-reduced Graphene Oxide (BiVO4-rGO) nanocomposite was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, UV-Vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and UV-Vis adsorption spectroscopy, respectively. The visible-light photocatalytic activity was evaluated by oxidation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The results show that the BiVO4-rGO nanocomposites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of MO with a maximum removal rate of 98.95% under visible light irradiation as compared with pure BiVO4 (57.55%) due to the increased light absorption intensity and the degradation of electron-hole pair recombination in BiVO4 with the introduction of the rGO.
G protein stoichiometry dictates biased agonism through distinct receptor-G protein partitioning
Authors: Onfroy Lauriane , Galandrin Ségolène , Pontier Stéphanie M. , Seguelas Marie-Hélène , N’Guyen Du , Sénard Jean-Michel , Galés Céline
Published: August 2017

Biased agonism at G protein coupled receptors emerges as an opportunity for development of drugs with enhanced benefit/risk balance making biased ligand identification a priority. However, ligand biased signature, classically inferred from ligand activity across multiple pathways, displays high variability in recombinant systems. Functional assays usually necessity receptor/effector overexpression that should be controlled among assays to allow comparison but this calibration currently fails. Herein, we demonstrate that Gα expression level dictates the biased profiling of agonists and, to a lesser extent of β-blockers, in a Gα isoform- and receptor-specific way, depending on specific G protein activity in different membrane territories. These results have major therapeutic implications since they suggest that the ligand bias phenotype is not necessarily maintained in pathological cell background characterized by fluctuations in G protein expression. Thus, we recommend implementation of G protein stoichiometry as a new parameter in biased ligand screening programs.
Visceral adiposity index, lipid accumulation product and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in middle-aged and elderly Chinese
Authors: Li Rui , Li Qi , Cui Min , Ying Zegang , Li Lin , Zhong Tingting , Huo Yingchao , Xie Peng
Published: August 2017

We investigated the association of the newly established lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. From June 2012 to January 2013, consecutive patients ≥40 years of age who underwent cerebral vascular imaging for various medical reasons were enrolled in this study. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the correlation of VAI and LAP with the risk of ICAS. In total, 845 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of ICAS gradually increased in females and in all patients with advancing tertiles of VAI or LAP. After adjusting for potential risks, both the VAI and LAP were related to ICAS in females [VAI: odds ratio (OR) = 3.25, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.17–9.03, P = 0.024; LAP: OR = 4.11, 95%CI = 1.39–12.12, P = 0.011; tertiles 3 vs. 1]. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) were 74.7%, 45.5%, and 84.4% for VAI (cut-off: 1.71) and 79.3%, 40.5%, and 84.1% for LAP (cut-off: 23.99). The same relationships in males were not significant. Both VAI and LAP were closely associated with an increased risk of ICAS in middle-aged and elderly Chinese females.
Colossal piezomagnetic response in magnetically pressed Zr+4 substituted cobalt ferrites
Authors: Reddy Monaji Vinitha , Lisfi Abdellah , Pokharel Sabin , Das Dibakar
Published: August 2017

A remarkable 111% increase in magnetostriction (λ) and 435% increase in strain sensitivity (dλ/dH) (compared to normally compacted (NC) unsubstituted CoFe2O4 (CFO)) of Zr+4 doped CFO sample, Co1.2Zr0.2Fe1.6O4, prepared by magnetic field assisted compaction, have been reported in this study. Magnetic field assisted compaction (MC) has been employed to process Zr-doped cobalt ferrites, Co1+xZrxFe2−2xO4 (0 ≤ × ≤ 0.4), to further improve the magnetoelastic properties. Saturation magnetization (M
S
) and coercivity (H
C
) increase from ~426 kA/m and ~4.4 kA/m respectively, for x = 0, to ~552 kA/m and ~7.11 kA/m respectively for x = 0.2. Dramatic increase in λ was observed for MC samples (~ −360 ppm and ~−380 ppm for x = 0 and x = 0.2 respectively) compared to the NC samples (~−181 ppm and ~−185 ppm for x = 0 and x = 0.2 respectively). A remarkable quadruple increase in dλ/dH was observed in Zr-doped (x = 0.2) cobalt-ferrite (~4.3 × 10−9 A−1m) compared to that of unsubstituted cobalt-ferrite (~1.24 × 10−9 A−1m), while a fivefold increase in dλ/dH was observed for magnetically compacted (MC) Zr doped cobalt ferrite (x = 0.2) (~4.3 × 10−9 A−1m) compared to normal compacted (NC) unsubstituted cobalt ferrite (~0.8 × 10−9 A−1m).
Polyacrylamide-Phytic Acid-Polydopamine Conducting Porous Hydrogel for Efficient Removal of Water-Soluble Dyes
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Li Leijiao , Geleta Girma Selale , Ma Lina , Wang Zhenxin
Published: August 2017

Removal of toxic dyes from wastewater has become a hot topic in both academic and industrial fields since there is growing concern about the threat of sewage to human health. Herein, we demonstrate that the three-dimensional porous polyacrylamide-phytic acid-polydopamine (termed as PAAM/PA/PDA) hydrogel can be served as reusable adsorbent with high efficiency for either anionic or cationic dyes. Using methyl blue (MB), methylene blue (YMB), methyl violet (MV) and neutral red (NR) as model dyes, we investigate the effect of pH, temperature, dye concentration, and PAAM/PA/PDA hydrogel mass on the adsorption. The experimental maximum adsorption capacities are more than 350.67 mg g−1 for four selected dyes. Adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic analysis suggests that the dyes are adsorbed on the PAAM/PA/PDA hydrogel through the strong π-π stacking and anion-cation interaction, and the adsorption process satisfies a pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, the free-standing PAAM/PA/PDA hydrogel can be easily removed from water after adsorption process, and regenerated by adjusting solution pH values.
Both Nuclear Size and DNA Amount Contribute to Midblastula Transition Timing in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Jevtić Predrag , Levy Daniel L.
Published: August 2017

During early Xenopus laevis embryogenesis both nuclear and cell volumes decrease with the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) volume ratio reaching a maximum at the midblastula transition (MBT). At the MBT, embryonic transcription is upregulated and cell cycles lengthen. Early studies demonstrated a role for the DNA-to-cytoplasmic ratio in the control of MBT timing. By altering nuclear size, we previously showed that the N/C volume ratio also contributes to proper MBT timing. Here we examine the relative contributions of nuclear size and DNA amount to MBT timing by simultaneously altering nuclear size and ploidy in X. laevis embryos. Compared to diploid embryos, haploids exhibited a delay in both zygotic gene expression and cell cycle lengthening, while diploid embryos with increased N/C volume ratios showed early expression of zygotic genes and premature lengthening of cell cycles. Interestingly, haploids with increased N/C volume ratios exhibited an intermediate effect on the timing of zygotic gene expression and cell cycle lengthening. Decreasing nuclear size in post-MBT haploid embryos caused a further delay in cell cycle lengthening and the expression of some zygotic genes. Our data suggest that both the N/C volume ratio and DNA amount contribute to the regulation of MBT timing with neither parameter being dominant.
Bpifcl modulates kiss2 expression under the influence of 11-ketotestosterone in female zebrafish
Authors: Moriya Shogo , Tahsin Nabila , Parhar Ishwar S.
Published: August 2017

The bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) fold-containing (BPIF) superfamily of genes expressed in the brain are purportedly involved in modulating brain function in response to stress, such as inflammation. Kisspeptin, encoded by kiss, is affected by inflammation in the brain; therefore, BPIF family genes might be involved in the modulation of kisspeptin in the brain. In this study, we investigated the expression of BPIF family C, like (bpifcl) in zebrafish brain and its involvement in kiss2 regulation. The identified, full-length sequence of a bpifcl isoform expressed in the zebrafish brain contained the BPI fold shared by BPIF family members. bpifcl mRNA expression in female zebrafish brains was significantly higher than that in males. Exposure of female zebrafish to 11-ketotestosterone decreased bpifcl and kiss2 mRNA expression. bpifcl knockdown by bpifcl-specific small interfering RNA administration to female zebrafish brain decreased kiss2 mRNA expression. bpifcl expression was widely distributed in the brain, including in the dorsal zone of the periventricular hypothalamus (Hd). Furthermore, bpifcl was also expressed in KISS2 neurons in the Hd. These results suggest that the Bpifcl modulates kiss2 mRNA expression under the influence of testosterone in the Hd of female zebrafish.
Effect of GOLPH3 on cumulus granulosa cell apoptosis and ICSI pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Lin Dianliang , Ran Jing , Zhu Suqin , Quan Song , Ye Baofeng , Yu Aili , Kang Yuefan , Lin Yuan
Published: August 2017

Previous studies have shown that GOLPH3 mediates cell growth, proliferation and differentiation and inhibits cell apoptosis; however, the role of GOLPH3 in cumulus granulosa cells and the value of GOLPH3 in predicting ICSI pregnancy outcomes remain unknown until now. Our findings showed higher positive expression rate, score of staining intensity, and immunohistochemical score of GOLPH3 in the cumulus granulosa cells of the pregnant women relative to non-pregnant women, and a higher apoptotic rate of cumulus granulosa cells was detected in non-pregnant women than in pregnant women. Pearson correlation analyses revealed that pregnancy correlated negatively with GOLPH3 expression and apoptosis of cumulus granulosa cells, and positively with the number of follicles punctured, number of grade III oocytes, number of eggs retrieved for ICSI, number of zygotes, number of cleavage-stage embryos, number of top-quality embryos, number of blastocysts, number of top-quality blastocysts, and number of frozen embryos. GOLPH3 may be involved in the apoptosis of cumulus granulosa cells, which may correlate with oocyte maturation and egg development. GOLPH3 expression in cumulus granulosa cells may facilitate the selection of top-quality eggs and embryos, the prediction of the clinical pregnancy outcomes of ICSI, and the increase of the pregnancy rate.
Broadband Surface Plasmon Lasing in One-dimensional Metallic Gratings on Semiconductor
Authors: Kim Seung-Hyun , Han Won Seok , Jeong Tae-Young , Lee Hyang-Rok , Jeong H. , Lee D. , Shim Seung-Bo , Kim Dai-Sik , Ahn Kwang Jun , Yee Ki-Ju
Published: August 2017

We report surface plasmon (SP) lasing in metal/semiconductor nanostructures, where one-dimensional periodic silver slit gratings are placed on top of an InGaAsP layer. The SP nature of the lasing is confirmed from the emission wavelength governed by the grating period, polarization analysis, spatial coherence, and comparison with the linear transmission. The excellent performance of the device as an SP source is demonstrated by its tunable emission in the 400-nm-wide telecom wavelength band at room temperature. We show that the stimulated emission enhanced by the Purcell effect enables successful SP lasing at high energies above the gap energy of the gain. We also discuss the dependence of the lasing efficiency on temperature, grating dimension, and type of metal.
NRF1 and ZSCAN10 bind to the promoter region of the SIX1 gene and their effects body measurements in Qinchuan cattle
Authors: Wei Da-Wei , Gui Lin-Sheng , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Zhang Song , Khan Rajwali , Wang Li , Guo Hong-Fang , Zan Lin-Sen
Published: August 2017

The SIX1 homeobox gene belongs to the six homeodomain family and is widely thought to play a principal role in mediating of skeletal muscle development. In the present study, we determined that the bovine SIX1 gene was highly expressed in the longissimus thoracis and physiologically immature individuals. DNA sequencing of 428 individual Qinchuan cattle identified nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the SIX1 gene. Using a series of 5′ deletion promoter plasmid luciferase reporter assays and 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA end analysis (RACE), two of these SNPs were found to be located in the proximal minimal promoter region −216/−28 relative to the transcriptional start site (TSS). Correlation analysis showed the combined haplotypes H1-H2 (-GG-GA-) was significantly greater in the body measurement traits (BMTs) than the others, which was consistent with the results showing that the transcriptional activity of Hap2 was higher than the others in Qinchuan cattle myoblast cells. Furthermore, the electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) demonstrated that NRF1 and ZSCAN10 binding occurred in the promoter region of diplotypes H1-H2 to regulate SIX1 transcriptional activity. This information may be useful for molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding.
Micro-to-nano scale filling behavior of PMMA during imprinting
Authors: Li Jingmin , Liu Ziyang , Liang Chao , Li Xia , Fan Jinguang , Zhang Hao , Liu Chong
Published: August 2017

The filling behavior of polymers in narrow gaps or small pores is important for the dynamics of polymeric micro/nanostructure fabrication. Here, the filling behavior, the mechanical properties, and the stress versus strain relationship of 996 kD poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at a scale from micron to molecular confinement are measured. It has been found that the solid polymer exhibits elastic-plastic dominant deformation behavior at micron scale. As the scale reduces to submicron, the resistance to deformation of the polymeric solid has a pronounced reduction. A softening effect and the visco-dominant behavior which is always exhibited by melt flow is observed. In confinement conditions, an anomalous hardening effect is found. The modulus and the hardness of 996 kD PMMA have been found to increase dramatically. The stress-strain curve also exhibits an obvious hardening phenomenon which is contrary to the conventional shear thinning and deformation acceleration results. The results of this paper show that the PMMA can exhibit a change of “solid-fluid-solid” in mechanical character at micron to molecular confinement scale.
Differences of protein expression profiles, KRAS and BRAF mutation, and prognosis in right-sided colon, left-sided colon and rectal cancer
Authors: Gao Xian Hua , Yu Guan Yu , Gong Hai Feng , Liu Lian Jie , Xu Yi , Hao Li Qiang , Liu Peng , Liu Zhi Hong , Bai Chen Guang , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2017

To compare protein expression levels, gene mutation and survival among Right-Sided Colon Cancer (RSCC), Left-Sided Colon Cancer (LSCC) and rectal cancer patients, 57 cases of RSCC, 87 LSCC and 145 rectal cancer patients were included retrospectively. Our results demonstrated significant differences existed among RSCC, LSCC and rectal cancer regarding tumor diameter, differentiation, invasion depth and TNM stage. No significant difference was identified in expression levels of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, β-Tubulin III, P53, Ki67 and TOPIIα, and gene mutation of KRAS and BRAF among three groups. Progression Free Survival (PFS) of RSCC was significantly lower than that of LRCC and rectal cancer. In univariate analyses, RSCC, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage, elevated serum CEA and CA19-9 level, tumor deposit, perineural and vascular invasion were found to be predictive factors of shorter PFS. In multivariate analyses, only differentiation and TNM stages were found to be independent predictors of PFS. In conclusion, compared with LSCC and rectal cancer, RSCC has larger tumor size, poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage and shorter survival. The shorter survival in RSCC might be attributed to the advanced tumor stage caused by its inherent position feature of proximal colon rather than genetic difference.
Protein expression changes caused by spaceflight as measured for 18 Russian cosmonauts
Authors: Larina Irina M. , Percy Andrew J. , Yang Juncong , Borchers Christoph H. , Nosovsky Andrei M. , Grigoriev Anatoli I. , Nikolaev Evgeny N.
Published: August 2017

The effects of spaceflight on human physiology is an increasingly studied field, yet the molecular mechanisms driving physiological changes remain unknown. With that in mind, this study was performed to obtain a deeper understanding of changes to the human proteome during space travel, by quantitating a panel of 125 proteins in the blood plasma of 18 Russian cosmonauts who had conducted long-duration missions to the International Space Station. The panel of labeled prototypic tryptic peptides from these proteins covered a concentration range of more than 5 orders of magnitude in human plasma. Quantitation was achieved by a well-established and highly-regarded targeted mass spectrometry approach involving multiple reaction monitoring in conjunction with stable isotope-labeled standards. Linear discriminant function analysis of the quantitative results revealed three distinct groups of proteins: 1) proteins with post-flight protein concentrations remaining stable, 2) proteins whose concentrations recovered slowly, or 3) proteins whose concentrations recovered rapidly to their pre-flight levels. Using a systems biology approach, nearly all of the reacting proteins could be linked to pathways that regulate the activities of proteases, natural immunity, lipid metabolism, coagulation cascades, or extracellular matrix metabolism.
Controlling the thermoelectric effect by mechanical manipulation of the electron’s quantum phase in atomic junctions
Authors: Aiba Akira , Demir Firuz , Kaneko Satoshi , Fujii Shintaro , Nishino Tomoaki , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Saffarzadeh Alireza , Kirczenow George , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: August 2017

The thermoelectric voltage developed across an atomic metal junction (i.e., a nanostructure in which one or a few atoms connect two metal electrodes) in response to a temperature difference between the electrodes, results from the quantum interference of electrons that pass through the junction multiple times after being scattered by the surrounding defects. Here we report successfully tuning this quantum interference and thus controlling the magnitude and sign of the thermoelectric voltage by applying a mechanical force that deforms the junction. The observed switching of the thermoelectric voltage is reversible and can be cycled many times. Our ab initio and semi-empirical calculations elucidate the detailed mechanism by which the quantum interference is tuned. We show that the applied strain alters the quantum phases of electrons passing through the narrowest part of the junction and hence modifies the electronic quantum interference in the device. Tuning the quantum interference causes the energies of electronic transport resonances to shift, which affects the thermoelectric voltage. These experimental and theoretical studies reveal that Au atomic junctions can be made to exhibit both positive and negative thermoelectric voltages on demand, and demonstrate the importance and tunability of the quantum interference effect in the atomic-scale metal nanostructures.
Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Sheet Enhances Allograft Repair in a Mouse Model
Authors: Shang Xifu , Shu Bing , Wang Yongjun , Luo Zhengliang , Wang Guangxi , Barton Shane , Morandi Massimo Max , Kevil Christopher , Dong Yufeng
Published: August 2017

To determine whether cell sheets generated with long-term passaged (P10) aging human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could be used for bone tissue regeneration as tissue engineered periosteum in a femoral allograft mouse model similar to fresh passaged (P3) young MSCs. At 3 weeks after transplantation of MSC sheets, results showed more bony callus formed between allograft and host bone ends in both young P3 MSC and aged P10 MSC sheet-wrapped groups when compared to allograft alone. At 6 weeks, while both MSC sheet-wrapped allografts showed more bony callus formation when compared to allograft alone groups, the bony callus size in aged P10 MSC sheet groups was significantly less than young P3 MSC sheet groups. Biomechanical testing confirmed that P3 MSC sheet-grafted femurs had the highest biomechanical strength in the three groups. Histology sections showed that the area of the chondriod callus in the aged P10 MSC sheet groups was significantly larger than in P3 MSC sheet groups. Finally, a significant increase of chondro-osteoclast activity was observed in the P3 MSC sheet-grafted femur. Our data demonstrates that extensive long-term culture-induced MSC aging impaired their osteogenic ability and subsequent bony callus formation, and could be used to induce cartilaginous callus formation.
Retarded saturation of the areal capacitance using 3D-aligned MnO2 thin film nanostructures as a supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Kim Green , Ryu Ilhwan , Yim Sanggyu
Published: August 2017

The supercapacitive properties of manganese oxide (MnO2) thin films electrodeposited on three-dimensionally (3D) aligned inverse-opal nickel nanostructures are investigated. Compared to conventional planar or two-dimensionally (2D) aligned nanostructures, 3D-aligned nanostructures can provide considerably increased and controllable contacts between the electrode and electrolyte. As a result, saturation of the areal capacitance with the electrode thickness and associated decrease of the specific capacitance, C
sp
, become much slower than those of the planar and 2D-aligned electrode systems. While, for planar MnO2 electrodes, the C
sp
of a 60-cycle electrodeposited electrode is only the half of the 10-cycle electrodeposited one, the value of the 3D-nanostructured electrode remains unchanged under the same condition. The maximum C
sp
value of 864 F g−1, and C
sp
retention of 87.7% after 5000 cycles of galvanostatic charge-discharge are obtained. The voltammetric response is also improved significantly and the C
sp
measured at 200 mV s−1 retains 71.7% of the value measured at 10 mV s−1. More quantitative analysis on the effect of this 3D-aligned nanostructuring is also performed using a deconvolution of the capacitive elements in the total capacitance of the electrodes.
A new ferrocenyl bisphosphorus ligand for the asymmetric hydrogenation of α-methylene-γ-keto-carboxylic acids
Authors: Chen Caiyou , Wen Songwei , Geng Mingyu , Jin Shicheng , Zhang Zhefan , Dong Xiu-Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: August 2017

A new chiral ferrocenyl bisphosphorus ligand t-Bu-Wudaphos exhibited excellent performance in the asymmetric hydrogenation of α-methylene-γ-keto-carboxylic acids (up to >99% conversion, >99% ee).
Chiral cobalt(ii) complex catalyzed Friedel–Crafts aromatization for the synthesis of axially chiral biaryldiols
Authors: Xu Chaoran , Zheng Haifeng , Hu Bowen , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2017

An efficient Lewis-acid-catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts aromatization between p-benzoquinone derivatives and 2-naphthols has been developed by using a chiral cobalt(ii) complex of N,N′-dioxide.
Impact of sequential surface-modification of graphene oxide on ice nucleation
Authors: Biggs Caroline I. , Packer Christopher , Hindmarsh Steven , Walker Marc , Wilson Neil R. , Rourke Jonathan P. , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: August 2017

Surface modified, base washed, graphene oxide is shown to be a potent ice nucleator.
Mechanistic investigations of the 2-coumaranone chemiluminescence
Authors: Schramm Stefan , Navizet Isabelle , Prasad Karothu Durga , Oesau Pascal , Bensmann Veronika , Weiss Dieter , Beckert Rainer , Naumov Panče
Published: August 2017

In a combinational approach of experimental and theoretical methods, the chemiluminescence mechanism of the 2-coumaranones is investigated into detail.
Making sense of the past: hyperstability of ancestral thioredoxins explained by free energy simulations
Authors: Cortés Cabrera Álvaro , Sánchez-Murcia Pedro A. , Gago Federico
Published: August 2017

Thioredoxin (Trx), a small and globular protein, is present in all kinds of organisms, from Archea to higher mammals.
Migration of copper species in CexCu1−xO2 catalyst driven by thermal treatment and the effect on CO oxidation
Authors: Xiong Yan , Li Lulu , Zhang Lei , Cao Yuan , Yu Shuohan , Tang Changjin , Dong Lin
Published: August 2017

A Cu-doped CeO2 solid solution was constructed by co-precipitation and additional acid treatment to investigate the behavior of doped copper under thermal treatment.
A review of flexible lithium–sulfur and analogous alkali metal–chalcogen rechargeable batteries
Authors: Peng Hong-Jie , Huang Jia-Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2017

This review summarizes recent progress in flexible Li–S and analogous alkali metal–chalcogen batteries, including flexible chalcogen cathodes, flexible alkali metal anodes, flexible solid-state electrolytes, and flexible battery prototypes.
Stabilization and activation of unstable propynal in the zeolite nanospace and its application to addition reactions
Authors: Hayashi Daijiro , Igura Yuta , Masui Yoichi , Onaka Makoto
Published: August 2017

Propynal is stabilized in the Na-Y zeolite at ambient temperature and simultaneously activated to form pyrazoles, cinnamaldehydes, and cyclobutenes.
Particle size effect on the superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7−x particles
Authors: Blanco-Gutiérrez V. , Torralvo-Fernández M. J. , Alario-Franco M. Á.
Published: August 2017

Particle size is crucial for the existence of superconductivity. Below 100 nm they do not exhibit superconductivity and those around 200 nm exhibit coexistence between ferromagnetism and superconductivity. There is no size effect for particles larger than 250 nm. TC increases with the particle size.
Lead(ii): Lewis acid and occasional base, as illustrated by its complex with 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate and 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Harrowfield Jack , Thuéry Pierre
Published: August 2017

Hydrogen bonding to lead(ii) evidences the Lewis base character of this cation due to its valence shell lone pair.
The fluctuating population of Sm 4f configurations in topological Kondo insulator SmB6explored with high-resolution X-ray absorption and emission spectra
Authors: Lee Jenn-Min , Haw Shu-Chih , Chen Shi-Wei , Chen Shin-Ann , Ishii Hirofumi , Tsuei Ku-Ding , Hiraoka Nozomu , Liao Yen-Fa , Lu Kueih-Tzu , Chen Jin-Ming
Published: August 2017

RXES of SmB6 probed at (a) 300 K and (b) 10 K. The decomposed characteristics are drawn in (c).
Step-by-step assembly preparation of core–shell Si-mesoporous TiO2 composite nanospheres with enhanced lithium-storage properties
Authors: Sun Lin , Wang Fei , Su Tingting , Du Hong-Bin
Published: August 2017

Core–shell structured Si-mesoporous TiO2 composite nanospheres are prepared and show excellent lithium-storage properties when used as anode materials in lithium ion batteries.
The structural landscape in 14-vertex clusters of silicon, M@Si14: when two bonding paradigms collide
Authors: Jin Xiao , Arcisauskaite Vaida , McGrady John E.
Published: August 2017

The structural chemistry of the M@Si14 family of clusters is controlled by the availability of d-electron density on the encapsulated metal.
A comparative study of C2H2 adsorption properties in five isomeric copper-based MOFs based on naphthalene-derived diisophthalates
Authors: Chen Fengli , Bai Dongjie , Jiang Donghao , Wang Yao , He Yabing
Published: August 2017

Five copper-based MOF isomers based on naphthalene-derived diisophthalates were constructed to reveal the ligand positional isomeric effect on C2H2 adsorption properties.
Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using leaf extract of Tectona grandis (L.) and their anti-bacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant and in vitro cytotoxicity activities
Authors: Senthilkumar N. , Nandhakumar E. , Priya P. , Soni D. , Vimalan M. , Vetha Potheher I.
Published: August 2017

The novelty of this present work is the investigation of the anti-bacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant andin vitrocytotoxicity activities of green synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using leaf aqueous extract ofTectona grandis(L.).
The first total synthesis and solution structure of a polypeptin, PE2, a cyclic lipopeptide with broad spectrum antibiotic activity
Authors: Mountford Simon J. , Mohanty Biswaranjan , Roberts Kade D. , Yu Heidi H. , Scanlon Martin J. , Nation Roger L. , Velkov Tony , Li Jian , Thompson Philp E.
Published: August 2017

The synthesis and NMR structure of a polypeptin, a depsipeptide that shows anti-bacterial activity against drug resistant bacteria has been achieved.
A unified view to Brønsted acidity scales: do we need solvated protons?
Authors: Paenurk Eno , Kaupmees Karl , Himmel Daniel , Kütt Agnes , Kaljurand Ivari , Koppel Ilmar A. , Krossing Ingo , Leito Ivo
Published: August 2017

The most comprehensive solvent acidity scale spanning 28 orders of magnitude of acidity was measured in the low-polarity solvent 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE).
Recent developments in the selective dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes using conjugated polymers
Authors: Fong Darryl , Adronov Alex
Published: August 2017

Selective dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes can be accomplished using conjugated polymers by varying a number of parameters.
Hydrodynamic instabilities, waves and turbulence in spreading epithelia
Authors: Blanch-Mercader C. , Casademunt J.
Published: August 2017

We present a hydrodynamic model of spreading epithelial monolayers described as polar viscous fluids, with active contractility and tractions. Our model provides a comprehensive understanding of a variety of observations and makes simple predictions to further test their collective dynamics.
Chemoprotective effects of butanol fraction of Buchholzia coriacea (Capparidaceae) against type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats
Authors: Okolie Amanda C. , Kale Oluwafemi E. , Osilesi Odutola
Published: August 2017

Recent studies have shown that Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats can result through a synergy that links obesity to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. The present study achieved T2D via high fructose (20%w/v, p.o.), streptozotocin single dose (40 mg/kg, i.p.) (HFSTZ) in rats. Also, chemoprotective potential of butanol fraction of Buchholzia coriacea (BFBC) was demonstrated. Control normal and diabetic untreated (HFSTZ-induced T2D) rats received CM-cellulose (1 mg/kg, p.o.). Diabetic rats received intragastric BFBC (20, 200, 400 mg/kg), glibenclamide (0.07 mg/kg), and BFBC (200 mg/kg) plus glibenclamide treatments, respectively. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, and α-amylase inhibition were assessed. After 2 weeks of treatments, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, renal and liver function, serum insulin as well as in vivo oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. BFBC shows highest antioxidants and α-amylase inhibitory activities in vitro. HFSTZ-induced T2D produced hyperglycemia (P<0.05–0.001; F = 5.26–26.47), serum hyperinsulinemia (six-folds) plus elevated lipid peroxidation levels. Similarly, there were altered lipid profiles, liver and renal biomarker enzymes plus weight loss. BFBC administration alone or in combination with glibenclamide reversed T2D symptomatologies in treated animals, and improved body weights against control diabetic rats. In vivo antioxidant activities also improved while histological sections in treated rats show reduced tissue damage in pancreas, kidneys, liver, and heart, respectively. Oleic, stearic, 2-methyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic, and n-hexadecanoic acids were present in BFBC in large quantities given GC-MS analysis. Overall, data from the present study suggest chemoprotective potentials of BFBC against HFSTZ-induced T2D rats.
Beyond Sentences: Using the Expression, Reception, and Recall of Narratives Instrument to Assess Communication in School-Aged Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Volden Joanne , Dodd Erin , Engel Kathleen , Smith Isabel M. , Szatmari Peter , Fombonne Eric , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Mirenda Pat , Bryson Susan , Roberts Wendy , Vaillancourt Tracy , Waddell Charlotte , Elsabbagh Mayada , Bennett Teresa , Georgiades Stelios , Duku Eric ,   the Pathways in ASD study team
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Impairments in the social use of language are universal in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but few standardized measures evaluate communication skills above the level of individual words or sentences. This study evaluated the Expression, Reception, and Recall of Narrative Instrument (ERRNI; Bishop, 2004) to determine its contribution to assessing language and communicative impairment beyond the sentence level in children with ASD.

Method

A battery of assessments, including measures of cognition, language, pragmatics, severity of autism symptoms, and adaptive functioning, was administered to 74 8- to 9-year-old intellectually able children with ASD.

Results

Average performance on the ERRNI was significantly poorer than on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition (CELF-4). In addition, ERRNI scores reflecting the number and quality of relevant story components included in the participants' narratives were significantly positively related to scores on measures of nonverbal cognitive skill, language, and everyday adaptive communication, and significantly negatively correlated with the severity of affective autism symptoms.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the ERRNI reveals discourse impairments that may not be identified by measures that focus on individual words and sentences. Overall, the ERRNI provides a useful measure of communicative skill beyond the sentence level in school-aged children with ASD.
Glottal Aerodynamic Measures in Women With Phonotraumatic and Nonphonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction
Authors: Espinoza Víctor M. , Zañartu Matías , Van Stan Jarrad H. , Mehta Daryush D. , Hillman Robert E.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of preliminary reports showing that glottal aerodynamic measures can identify pathophysiological phonatory mechanisms for phonotraumatic and nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction, which are each distinctly different from normal vocal function.

Method

Glottal aerodynamic measures (estimates of subglottal air pressure, peak-to-peak airflow, maximum flow declination rate, and open quotient) were obtained noninvasively using a pneumotachograph mask with an intraoral pressure catheter in 16 women with organic vocal fold lesions, 16 women with muscle tension dysphonia, and 2 associated matched control groups with normal voices. Subjects produced /pae/ syllable strings from which glottal airflow was estimated using inverse filtering during /ae/ vowels, and subglottal pressure was estimated during /p/ closures. All measures were normalized for sound pressure level (SPL) and statistically tested for differences between patient and control groups.

Results

All SPL-normalized measures were significantly lower in the phonotraumatic group as compared with measures in its control group. For the nonphonotraumatic group, only SPL-normalized subglottal pressure and open quotient were significantly lower than measures in its control group.

Conclusions

Results of this study confirm previous hypotheses and preliminary results indicating that SPL-normalized estimates of glottal aerodynamic measures can be used to describe the different pathophysiological phonatory mechanisms associated with phonotraumatic and nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction.
The ALHAMBRA survey: 2D analysis of the stellar populations in massive early-type galaxies atz< 0.3
Authors: San Roman I. , Cenarro A. J. , Díaz-García L. A. , López-Sanjuan C. , Varela J. , González Delgado R. M. , Sánchez-Blázquez P. , Alfaro E. J. , Ascaso B. , Bonoli S. , Borlaff A. , Castander F. J. , Cerviño M. , Fernández-Soto A. , Márquez I. , Masegosa J. , Muniesa D. , Pović M. , Viironen K. , Aguerri J. A. L. , Benítez N. , Broadhurst T. , Cabrera-Caño J. , Cepa J. , Cristóbal-Hornillos D. , Infante L. , Martínez V. J. , Moles M. , del Olmo A. , Perea J. , Prada F. , Quintana J. M.
Published: August 2017

We present a technique that permits the analysis of stellar population gradients in a relatively low-cost way compared to integral field unit (IFU) surveys. We developed a technique to analyze unresolved stellar populations of spatially resolved galaxies based on photometric multi-filter surveys. This technique allows the analysis of vastly larger samples and out to larger galactic radii. We derived spatially resolved stellar population properties and radial gradients by applying a centroidal Voronoi tessellation and performing a multicolor photometry spectral energy distribution fitting. This technique has been successfully applied to a sample of 29 massive (M⋆> 1010.5M⊙) early-type galaxies atz< 0.3 from the ALHAMBRA survey. We produced detailed 2D maps of stellar population properties (age, metallicity, and extinction), which allow us to identify galactic features. Radial structures were studied, and luminosity-weighted and mass-weighted gradients were derived out to 2–3.5Reff. We find that the spatially resolved stellar population mass, age, and metallicity are well represented by their integrated values. We find the gradients of early-type galaxies to be on average flat in age (∇log AgeL= 0.02 ± 0.06 dex/Reff) and negative in metallicity (∇[Fe/H]L= −0.09 ± 0.06 dex/Reff). Overall,the extinction gradients are flat (∇Av= −0.03 ± 0.09 mag/Reff) with a wide spread. These results are in agreement with previous studies that used standard long-slit spectroscopy, and with the most recent IFU studies. According to recent simulations, these results are consistent with a scenario where early-type galaxies were formed through major mergers and where their final gradients are driven by the older ages and higher metallicity of the accreted systems. We demonstrate the scientific potential of multi-filter photometry to explore the spatially resolved stellar populations of local galaxies and confirm previous spectroscopic trends from a complementary technique.
The Palladium-Catalyzed Heteroarylation of Adamantylalkyl Amines with Dihalogenopyridines: Scope and Limitations
Authors: Beletskaya Irina , Abel Anton , Averin Alexei , Buryak Alexei , Savelyev Evgenii , Orlinson Boris , Novakov Ivan
Published: August 2017

Palladium-catalyzed heteroarylation of adamantylalkyl amines characterized by different steric hindrances at the amino group was carried out using 2,3-, 2,5-, 2,6-, and 3,5-dihalogenopyridines. The dependence of the results of the coupling on the nature of the halogen atoms (bromine, chlorine), their position in the pyridine ring, and on the structure of adamantylalkyl amines was investigated. The application of dichloropyridines or bromochloropyridines was shown to be advantageous over the use dibromopyridines in many cases. Selective substitution of bromine atom in positions 3 and 5 in the presence of chlorine atom in position 2 of the pyridine ring was observed. The possibility of N,N-diheteroarylation of adamantane-containing amines with 2,5-dihalogenopyridines was shown, and diamination of 2,6- and 3,5-dihalogenopyridines was demonstrated.
Pedicle Flaps Contribute to Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery and Facial Soft-Tissue Repair: The Diuturnity of Johannes Fredericus Samuel Esser (1877–1946)
Authors: Pollock Richard A. , Gossman M.Douglas
Published: August 2017

Pedicle flaps based on the external maxillary (facial) artery were introduced during the World War I, precisely a century ago. Today they remain effective tools in facial soft-tissue repair. Recently, pedicle flaps based on the internal maxillary (sphenopalatine) artery have been chosen to reliably close dural defects after endoscopic skull-base surgery. Pedicle flaps, “biologic” to the extent they are based on a defined arterial blood supply, are the lasting contributions—the diuturnity”of Johannes (“Jan”) Fredericus Samuel Esser (1877–1946) of Leiden, Holland, and Chicago (IL).
Differential Diagnosis between Bartholin Cyst and Vulvar Leiomyoma: Case Report
Authors: Tavares Kelly Alessandra da Silva , Moscovitz Thomas , Tcherniakovsky Marcos , Pompei Luciano de Melo , Fernandes César Eduardo
Published: August 2017

Genital leiomyomas are rare tumors that can often be misdiagnosed as Bartholin cyst. We report a case of a 32-year-old patient who had a cystic nodulation in the left labium majus that was suggestive of Bartholin cyst. A resection surgery was performed, and the definitive histopathology diagnosis was vulvar leiomyoma. The macroscopic features of cystic lesions difficult the differential diagnosis between leiomyoma and Bartholin cyst; therefore, a histopathologic examination is often recommended.