bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A miR-327–FGF10–FGFR2-mediated autocrine signaling mechanism controls white fat browning
Authors: Fischer Carina , Seki Takahiro , Lim Sharon , Nakamura Masaki , Andersson Patrik , Yang Yunlong , Honek Jennifer , Wang Yangang , Gao Yanyan , Chen Fang , Samani Nilesh J. , Zhang Jun , Miyake Masato , Oyadomari Seiichi , Yasue Akihiro , Li Xuri , Zhang Yun , Liu Yizhi , Cao Yihai
Published: December 2017

Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating beige adipocyte formation may lead to the development of new therapies to combat obesity. Here, we report a miRNA-based autocrine regulatory pathway that controls differentiation of preadipocytes into beige adipocytes. We identify miR-327 as one of the most downregulated miRNAs targeting growth factors in the stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) under conditions that promote white adipose tissue (WAT) browning in mice. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments reveal that miR-327 targets FGF10 to prevent beige adipocyte differentiation. Pharmacological and physiological β-adrenergic stimulation upregulates FGF10 levels and promotes preadipocyte differentiation into beige adipocytes. In vivo local delivery of miR-327 to WATs significantly compromises the beige phenotype and thermogenesis. Contrarily, systemic inhibition of miR-327 in mice induces browning and increases whole-body metabolic rate under thermoneutral conditions. Our data provide mechanistic insight into an autocrine regulatory signaling loop that regulates beige adipocyte formation and suggests that the miR-327–FGF10–FGFR2 signaling axis may be a therapeutic targets for treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases.
Pulsed electroconversion for highly selective enantiomer synthesis
Authors: Wattanakit Chularat , Yutthalekha Thittaya , Asssavapanumat Sunpet , Lapeyre Veronique , Kuhn Alexander
Published: December 2017

Asymmetric synthesis of molecules is of crucial importance to obtain pure chiral compounds, which are of primary interest in many areas including medicine, biotechnology, and chemistry. Various methods have been used very successfully to increase the enantiomeric yield of reaction pathways, but there is still room for the development of alternative highly enantioselective reaction concepts, either as a scientific challenge of tremendous fundamental significance, or owing to the increasing demand for enantiopure products, e.g., in the pharmaceutical industry. In this context, we report here a strategy for the synthesis of chiral compounds, based on pulsed electrochemical conversion. We illustrate the approach with the stereospecific electroreduction of a prochiral model molecule at chiral mesoporous metal structures, resulting in an enantiomeric excess of over 90%. This change of paradigm opens up promising reaction schemes for the straightforward synthesis of high-added-value molecules.
Biochemical and transcriptomic analyses of drought stress responses of LY1306 tobacco strain
Authors: Yang Huijuan , Zhao Li , Zhao Shimin , Wang Jing , Shi Hongzhi
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to investigate drought resistance of the LY1306 tobacco strain. Seedlings of tobacco strains LY1306, ZhongYan 100 (ZY100) and Hong Hua Da Jin Yuan (HHDJY) were treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000 to induce osmotic stress. As validation, water-deficit-induced drought treatments, including mild drought (MD; watering 1.5 L/week) and severe drought (SD, without watering) were carried out. Changes in cell morphology, leaf water potential, antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were determined for each treatment. Transcriptome sequencing was performed for the seedlings treated with 15% PEG-6000. No obvious changes were observed in morphology of LY1306 and ZY100 under osmotic or drought stress; whereas, visible wilting was observed in HHDJY. Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of LY1036 and ZY100 under osmotic stress were significantly higher than those of HHDJY. Under SD, the MDA content of LY1306 was significantly lower and the proline content of LY1306 was significantly higher than that of HHDJY. Differential genes between LY1306, ZY100 and HHDJY were enriched in functions about alpha-linolenic acid, and arginine and proline metabolisms. LY1306 could increase its antioxidant enzyme activities and proline accumulation in response to drought stress, probably by regulating drought resistance-related pathways and genes.
A Bi-fluorescence complementation system to detect associations between the Endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria
Authors: Harmon Mark , Larkman Philip , Hardingham Giles , Jackson Mandy , Skehel Paul
Published: December 2017

Close contacts between the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and the mitochondrial outer membrane facilitate efficient transfer of lipids between the organelles and coordinate Ca2+ signalling and stress responses. Changes to this coupling is associated with a number of metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and motor neuron disease. The distance between the two membranes at regions of close apposition is below the resolution of conventional light microscopy, which makes analysis of these interactions challenging. Here we describe a new bifluorescence complementation (BiFC) method that labels a subset of ER-mitochondrial associations in fixed and living cells. The total number of ER-mitochondria associations detected by this approach increases in response to tunicamycin-induced ER stress, serum deprivation or reduced levels of mitofusin 2 (MFN2). This method will facilitate the analysis of dynamic interactions between the ER and mitochondrial membranes.
A genetic screen to discover SUMOylated proteins in living mammalian cells
Authors: Komiya Maki , Ito Akihiro , Endo Mizuki , Hiruma Daisuke , Hattori Mitsuru , Saitoh Hisato , Yoshida Minoru , Ozawa Takeaki
Published: December 2017

Post-translational modification by the Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier (SUMO) is indispensable for diverse biological mechanisms. Although various attempts have been made to discover novel SUMO substrate proteins to unveil the roles of SUMOylation, the reversibility of SUMOylation, and the differences in the SUMOylation level still makes it difficult to explore infrequently-SUMOylated proteins in mammalian cells. Here, we developed a method to screen for mammalian SUMOylated proteins using the reconstitution of split fluorescent protein fragments in living mammalian cells. Briefly, the cells harboring cDNAs of SUMOylated proteins were identified by the reconstituted fluorescence emission and separated by cell sorting. The method successfully identified 36 unreported SUMO2-substrate candidates with distinct intracellular localizations and functions. Of the candidates, we found Atac2, a histone acetyltransferase, was SUMOylated at a lysine 408, and further modified by multiple SUMOs without isoform specificity. Because the present method is applicable to other SUMO isoforms and mammalian cell-types, it could contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of SUMOylation in various biological contexts.
Dielectric Barrier Discharge based Mercury-free plasma UV-lamp for efficient water disinfection
Authors: Prakash Ram , Hossain Afaque M. , Pal U. N. , Kumar N. , Khairnar K. , Mohan M. Krishna
Published: December 2017

A structurally simple dielectric barrier discharge based mercury-free plasma UV-light source has been developed for efficient water disinfection. The source comprises of a dielectric barrier discharge arrangement between two co-axial quartz tubes with an optimized gas gap. The outer electrode is an aluminium baked foil tape arranged in a helical form with optimized pitch, while the inner electrode is a hollow aluminium metallic rod, hermetically sealed. Strong bands peaking at wavelengths 172 nm and 253 nm, along with a weak band peaking at wavelength 265 nm have been simultaneously observed due to plasma radiation from the admixture of xenon and iodine gases. The developed UV source has been used for bacterial deactivation studies using an experimental setup that is an equivalent of the conventional house-hold water purifier system. Deactivation studies for five types of bacteria, i.e., E. coli, Shigella boydii, Vibrio, Coliforms and Fecal coliform have been demonstrated with 4 log reductions in less than ten seconds.
Conjunction of potential G-quadruplex and adjacent cis-elements in the 5′ UTR of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha strongly inhibit protein expression
Authors: Guo Shangdong , Lu Hong
Published: December 2017

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) is a well established master regulator of liver development and function. We identified the in vitro presence of a stable secondary structure, G-quadruplex (G4) in the 5′ UTR of P1-HNF4A, the predominant HNF4α isoform(s) in adult liver. Our data suggest that the cooperation of G4 and the adjacent putative protein-binding sites within the 5′ UTR was necessary and sufficient to mediate a strong translational repression. This was supported by analysis of deleted/mutated 5′UTRs and two native regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5′UTR. Additional results indicated that G4 motifs in the 5′ UTRs of other liver-enriched transcription factors also inhibited protein expression. Moreover, pyridostatin, a G4 ligand, specifically potentiated the translational suppressing effect of P1-HNF4A-5′ UTR. In summary, the present study provides the first evidence of the presence of G4 in human P1-HNF4A-5′ UTR in vitro, and establishes a novel working model of strong inhibition of protein translation via interactions of G4 with potential RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The protein expression of the tumor suppressor HNF4α may be inhibited by interactions of RBPs with the G4 motif in the 5′ UTR to promote cell proliferation during liver development and carcinogenesis.
The Sam-Sam interaction between Ship2 and the EphA2 receptor: design and analysis of peptide inhibitors
Authors: Mercurio Flavia Anna , Di Natale Concetta , Pirone Luciano , Iannitti Roberta , Marasco Daniela , Pedone Emilia Maria , Palumbo Rosanna , Leone Marilisa
Published: December 2017

The lipid phosphatase Ship2 represents a drug discovery target for the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. Its C-terminal sterile alpha motif domain (Ship2-Sam) associates with the Sam domain from the EphA2 receptor (EphA2-Sam). This interaction is expected to mainly induce pro-oncogenic effects in cells therefore, inhibition of the Ship2-Sam/EphA2-Sam complex may represent an innovative route to discover anti-cancer therapeutics. In the present work, we designed and analyzed several peptide sequences encompassing the interaction interface of EphA2-Sam for Ship2-Sam. Peptide conformational analyses and interaction assays with Ship2-Sam conducted through diverse techniques (CD, NMR, SPR and MST), identified a positively charged penta-amino acid native motif in EphA2-Sam, that once repeated three times in tandem, binds Ship2-Sam. NMR experiments show that the peptide targets the negatively charged binding site of Ship2-Sam for EphA2-Sam. Preliminary in vitro cell-based assays indicate that -at 50 µM concentration- it induces necrosis of PC-3 prostate cancer cells with more cytotoxic effect on cancer cells than on normal dermal fibroblasts. This work represents a pioneering study that opens further opportunities for the development of inhibitors of the Ship2-Sam/EphA2-Sam complex for therapeutic applications.
Homeostatic plasticity and synaptic scaling in the adult mouse auditory cortex
Authors: Teichert Manuel , Liebmann Lutz , Hübner Christian A. , Bolz Jürgen
Published: December 2017

It has been demonstrated that sensory deprivation results in homeostatic adjustments recovering neuronal activity of the deprived cortex. For example, deprived vision multiplicatively scales up mEPSC amplitudes in the primary visual cortex, commonly referred to as synaptic scaling. However, whether synaptic scaling also occurs in auditory cortex after auditory deprivation remains elusive. Using periodic intrinsic optical imaging in adult mice, we show that conductive hearing loss (CHL), initially led to a reduction of primary auditory cortex (A1) responsiveness to sounds. However, this was followed by a complete recovery of A1 activity evoked sounds above the threshold for bone conduction, 3 days after CHL. Over the same time course patch-clamp experiments in slices revealed that mEPSC amplitudes in A1 layers 2/3 pyramids scaled up multiplicatively in CHL mice. No recovery of sensory evoked A1 activation was evident in TNFα KO animals, which lack synaptic scaling. Additionally, we could show that the suppressive effect of sounds on visually evoked visual cortex activity completely recovered along with TNFα dependent A1 homeostasis in WT animals. This is the first demonstration of homeostatic multiplicative synaptic scaling in the adult A1. These findings suggest that mild hearing loss massively affects auditory processing in adult A1.
Identification of two novel genes SLC15A2 and SLCO1B3 associated with maintenance dose variability of warfarin in a Chinese population
Authors: Cai Liang-Liang , Huang Wen-Qing , Su Zhi-Ying , Ye Hui-Ming , Wang Lian-Sheng , Wu Yuan , Zhang Zhong-Ying , Zhang Wei , Tzeng Chi-Meng
Published: December 2017

Warfarin is a commonly prescribed and effective oral anticoagulant. Genetic polymorphisms associated with warfarin metabolism and sensitivity have been implicated in the wide inter-individual dose variation that is observed. Several algorithms integrating patients’ clinical characteristics and genetic polymorphism information have been explored to predict warfarin dose. However, most of these algorithms could explain only over half of the variation in a warfarin maintenance dose, suggesting that additional genetic factors may exist and need to be identified. Here, a drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) Core Panel Kit-based pharmacogenetic study was performed to screen for warfarin dose-associated SNP sites in Han-Chinese population patients taking warfarin therapy, and the screen was followed by pyrosequencing-based validation. Finally, we confirmed that the common variant rs9923231 in VKORC1 and two novel genes, SLC15A2 (rs1143671 and rs1143672) and SLCO1B3 (rs4149117 and rs7311358), are associated with the warfarin maintenance dose. As has been shown for those carriers with the variant rs9923231 in VKORC1, it was suggested that those subjects with homozygous minor alleles in those four SNPs should take a lower warfarin dose than those carrying the wild type alleles. Together with the established predictor rs9923231 in VKORC1, those four novel variants on SLC15A2 and SLCO1B3 should be considered as useful biomarkers for warfarin dose adjustment in clinical practice in Han-Chinese populations.
Evaluation of promoting effect of a novel Cu-bearing metal stent on endothelialization process from in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Jin Shujing , Qi Xun , Zhang Bin , Sun Ziqing , Zhang Bingchun , Yang Hui , Wang Tongmin , Zheng Bo , Wang Xingang , Shi Qiuping , Chen Ming , Ren Ling , Yang Ke , Zhong Hongshan
Published: December 2017

Drug eluting stents (DES) have been extensively applied nowadays and reduce the incidence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) greatly as compared with bare metal stents (BMS). However, the development of DES is hindered by the risk of late stent thrombosis (LST) due to delayed re-endothelialization, while endothelialization is an important process related to ISR and LST after implantation. 316L is a traditional stent material without bioactivity and have a high risk of ISR. Cu is recognized for angiogenesis stimulation in these years. Hence a copper bearing 316L stainless steel (316L-Cu) was prepared and evaluated about its effect on endothelialization in this paper. Compared with traditional 316L, it was proved that 316L-Cu increased the proliferation of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at first day. Moreover, HUVECs stretched better on the surface of 316L-Cu. It also improved the expression of angiogenesis related genes and tube formation ability in vitro. 316L-Cu-BMS, DES and 316L-BMS were implanted in swine to evaluate the re-endothelialization ability in vivo. And 316L-Cu-BMS showed the best effect on endothelialization with good biosafety. Consequently, 316L-Cu is a kind of promising BMS material for coronary field.
Comparison between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and skinfold thickness in assessing body fat in overweigh/obese adult patients with type-2 diabetes
Authors: Bacchi Elisabetta , Cavedon Valentina , Zancanaro Carlo , Moghetti Paolo , Milanese Chiara
Published: December 2017

Percentage of body fat (%BF) is estimated in clinical practice using anthropometric equations, but little is known about their reliability in overweight/obese patients with type-2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare, in overweight/obese adults with type-2 diabetes, %BF estimated with several commonly used anthropometric equations and %BF measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Hologic). The %BF was measured with DXA in 40 patients aged 40–68 years with type-2 diabetes (mean HbA1c, 7.3 ± 0.9%). Body density was estimated in the same patients by means of four anthropometric equations and converted to %BF using the Siri and Brozek equations. Paired-sample t-test and the mean signed difference procedure were used to compare anthropometric equation-derived %BF and DXA measurements. The coefficient of determination was computed. Bland-Altman analysis was used to test the agreement between methods. Among the four anthropometric equations, the Durnin-Womersley equation only showed close agreement with DXA in both female and male patients; the other equations significantly underestimated or overestimated %BF. Two new predictive equations were developed using DXA as the reference to predict total body and trunk %BF. Further comparative studies are required to confirm and refine the accuracy of practical, non-invasive methods for monitoring %BF in this population.
Cannabinoid type 2 receptors in dopamine neurons inhibits psychomotor behaviors, alters anxiety, depression and alcohol preference
Authors: Liu Qing-Rong , Canseco-Alba Ana , Zhang Hai-Ying , Tagliaferro Patricia , Chung Monika , Dennis Eugene , Sanabria Branden , Schanz Norman , Escosteguy-Neto Joao Carlos , Ishiguro Hiroki , Lin Zhicheng , Sgro Susan , Leonard Claire M. , Santos-Junior Jair Guilherme , Gardner Eliot L. , Egan Josephine M. , Lee Jeung Woon , Xi Zheng-Xiong , Onaivi Emmanuel S.
Published: December 2017

Cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2Rs) are expressed in mouse brain dopamine (DA) neurons and are involved in several DA-related disorders. However, the cell type-specific mechanisms are unclear since the CB2R gene knockout mice are constitutive gene knockout. Therefore, we generated Cnr2-floxed mice that were crossed with DAT-Cre mice, in which Cre- recombinase expression is under dopamine transporter gene (DAT) promoter control to ablate Cnr2 gene in midbrain DA neurons of DAT-Cnr2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Using a novel sensitive RNAscope in situ hybridization, we detected CB2R mRNA expression in VTA DA neurons in wildtype and DAT-Cnr2 cKO heterozygous but not in the homozygous DAT-Cnr2 cKO mice. Here we report that the deletion of CB2Rs in dopamine neurons enhances motor activities, modulates anxiety and depression-like behaviors and reduces the rewarding properties of alcohol. Our data reveals that CB2Rs are involved in the tetrad assay induced by cannabinoids which had been associated with CB1R agonism. GWAS studies indicates that the CNR2 gene is associated with Parkinson’s disease and substance use disorders. These results suggest that CB2Rs in dopaminergic neurons may play important roles in the modulation of psychomotor behaviors, anxiety, depression, and pain sensation and in the rewarding effects of alcohol and cocaine.
Chem/bio sensing with non-classical light and integrated photonics
Authors: Haas J. , Schwartz M. , Rengstl U. , Jetter M. , Michler P. , Mizaikoff B.
Published: December 2017

Modern quantum technology experiences currently extensive advances in its applicability in communications, cryptography, computing, metrology and lithography. Harnessing this technology platform for chem/bio sensing scenarios is an appealing possibility to enable ultra-sensitive detection schemes.
Gold nanoparticle core–europium(iii) chelate fluorophore-doped silica shell hybrid nanocomposites for the lateral flow immunoassay of human thyroid stimulating hormone with a dual signal readout
Authors: Preechakasedkit Pattarachaya , Osada Kota , Katayama Yuta , Ruecha Nipapan , Suzuki Koji , Chailapakul Orawon , Citterio Daniel
Published: December 2017

Simultaneous colorimetric and fluorometric signal detection with hybrid nanocomposite labels.
Branched peptides for enzymatic supramolecular hydrogelation
Authors: He Hongjian , Wang Huaimin , Zhou Ning , Yang Dongsik , Xu Bing
Published: December 2017

The use of protease (e.g., enterokinase) to cut branched peptides generates supramolecular hydrogels, opening a new way to explore soft materials for biomedicine.
Cyclic amino(carboranyl) silylene: synthesis, structure and reactivity
Authors: Wang Hao , Chan Tek Long , Xie Zuowei
Published: December 2017

A carbene-stabilized cyclic amino(carboranyl) silylene has been prepared and structurally characterized, which can form a Lewis acid–base adduct with borane and undergo cycloaddition reactions with unsaturated molecules such as diphenylacetylene and benzophenone.
Polaron formation mechanisms in conjugated polymers
Authors: Bombile Joel H. , Janik Michael J. , Milner Scott T.
Published: December 2017

In conjugated polymers, charge carriers interact with the dielectric medium to form polarons that are more strongly bound than vibrational polarons.
Tailoring electronic properties of multilayer phosphorene by siliconization
Authors: Malyi Oleksandr I. , Sopiha Kostiantyn V. , Radchenko Ihor , Wu Ping , Persson Clas
Published: December 2017

We demonstrate that siliconization of phosphorene can be used to tailor the thickness and spatial dependences of its electronic properties.
Electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer α-RuCl3: a first-principles and Monte Carlo study
Authors: Sarikurt S. , Kadioglu Y. , Ersan F. , Vatansever E. , Aktürk O. Üzengi , Yüksel Y. , Akıncı Ü. , Aktürk E.
Published: December 2017

Recent experiments revealed that monolayer α-RuCl3 can be obtained by a chemical exfoliation method and exfoliation or restacking of nanosheets can manipulate the magnetic properties of the materials. Thermal variations of magnetization and specific heat curves indicate that monolayer α-RuCl3 exhibits a phase transition between ordered and disordered phases at the Curie temperature of 14.21 K.
Correction: Probing keto–enol tautomerism using photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Capron Nathalie , Casier Bastien , Sisourat Nicolas , Piancastelli Maria Novella , Simon Marc , Carniato Stéphane
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Probing keto–enol tautomerism using photoelectron spectroscopy’ by Nathalie Capron et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 19991–19996.
Stabilization of Ni2+ dimers in hexacyano Mo6 cluster-based Prussian blue derivatives: experimental and theoretical investigations of magnetic properties
Authors: Daigre Gilles , Costuas Karine , Tarasenko Maria S. , Ledneva Alexandra Yu. , Naumov Nikolay G. , Lemoine Pierric , Guizouarn Thierry , Molard Yann , Amela-Cortes Maria , Audebrand Nathalie , Cordier Stéphane
Published: December 2017

Two new octahedral molybdenum cyanide cluster compounds, namely [{Ni(NH3)6}4{Ni2(NH3)8}] [Mo6Br6Q2(CN)6]3·12H2O, Q = S(1) and Se (2).
High-yield synthesis of a unique Mn(iii) siloxide complex through KMnO4 oxidation of a Mn(ii) precursor
Authors: Lorenz Volker , Ehle Sophie , Liebing Phil , Engelhardt Felix , Hashemi-Haeri Haleh , Oehler Florian , Hinderberger Dariush , Busse Sabine , Urbaschok Jens , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: December 2017

A unique trivalent manganese siloxide complex, blue-violet MnIIILi2Cl[(Ph2SiO)2O]2(THF)4·2THF (3) has been prepared by a straightforward two-step synthetic protocol.
Selective and reversible adsorption of cationic dyes by mixed ligand Zn(ii) coordination polymers synthesized by reactant ratio modulation
Authors: Rachuri Yadagiri , Subhagan Sreevalsa , Parmar Bhavesh , Bisht Kamal Kumar , Suresh Eringathodi
Published: December 2017

2D/3D luminescent Zn(ii)-based coordination polymers CP1 and CP2 have been synthesized by reactant ratio modulation. Photoluminescence studies of both CPs; selective and reversible adsorption/separation of cationic dyes by CP1 in the aqueous medium has been investigated.
Insight into the ADOR zeolite-to-zeolite transformation: the UOV case
Authors: Kasneryk Valeryia , Shamzhy Mariya , Opanasenko Maksym , Wheatley Paul S. , Morris Russell E. , Čejka Jiří
Published: December 2017

Optimization of the synthesis conditions allows the top-down synthesis of a novel IPC-12 zeolite by disassembly–reassembly of UOV germanosilicate.
Nanomolar-level selective dual channel sensing of Cu2+and CN−from an aqueous medium by an opto-electronic chemoreceptor
Authors: Paul Suparna , Ghosh Pritam , Bhuyan Samuzal , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: December 2017

A novel chromogenic and fluorogenic chemoreceptor exhibiting a proclivity towards Cu2+and CN−, with applications in bioimaging and molecular electronics, was developed.
Enhancement of visible-light-driven CO2 reduction performance using an amine-functionalized zirconium metal–organic framework
Authors: Sun Manying , Yan Siyu , Sun Yujia , Yang Xiaohan , Guo Zhifen , Du Jianfeng , Chen Dashu , Chen Peng , Xing Hongzhu
Published: December 2017

An amine-functionalized zirconium metal–organic framework for the enhancement of visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to formate.
Preparation and reactivity of iron complexes bearing anionic carbazole-based PNP-type pincer ligands toward catalytic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Higuchi Junichi , Kuriyama Shogo , Eizawa Aya , Arashiba Kazuya , Nakajima Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: December 2017

Newly prepared iron complexes bearing carbazole-based PNP-type pincer ligands are found to work as catalysts toward nitrogen fixation.
A mesoionic nitrogen-donor ligand: structure, iridium coordination, and catalytic effects
Authors: Navarro Miquel , Li Mo , Bernhard Stefan , Albrecht Martin
Published: December 2017

A first example of a mesoionic ligand with a nitrogen coordination site was prepared by a simple and robust synthesis and is shown to have excellent properties for promoting iridium-catalyzed water oxidation.
Lewis pairs for ring-opening alternating copolymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxides
Authors: Ji He-Yuan , Wang Bin , Pan Li , Li Yue-Sheng
Published: December 2017

Simple and low-toxic Lewis pairs were introduced for ring-opening alternating copolymerization of anhydrides and epoxides to prepare diversified polyesters.
The influence of an external magnetic field and magnetic-site dilution on the magnetization dynamics of a coordination network based on ferromagnetic coupled dinuclear dysprosium(iii) units
Authors: Zhang Xuejing , Xu Na , Shi Wei , Wang Bing-Wu , Cheng Peng
Published: December 2017

A 2D coordination network was synthesized and structurally characterized. Ferromagnetic interactions, multi-process slow relaxation of magnetization and hysteresis loops were also studied.
Hydrodynamics-mediated trapping of micro-swimmers near drops
Authors: Desai Nikhil , Shaik Vaseem A. , Ardekani Arezoo M.
Published: December 2017

Trajectory of micro-swimmers near a drop; the critical trapping radius of a surfactant-laden drop is smaller than that of a clean drop.
Correction: Infiltrated porous oxide monoliths as high lithium transference number electrolytes
Authors: Popovic Jelena , Hasegawa George , Moudrakovski Igor , Maier Joachim
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Infiltrated porous oxide monoliths as high lithium transference number electrolytes’ by Jelena Popovic et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 7135–7140.
Precise weak lensing constraints from deep high-resolution Ks images: VLT/HAWK-I analysis of the super-massive galaxy cluster RCS2 J 232727.7−020437 at z = 0.70
Authors: Schrabback Tim , Schirmer Mischa , van der Burg Remco F. J. , Hoekstra Henk , Buddendiek Axel , Applegate Douglas , Bradač Maruša , Eifler Tim , Erben Thomas , Gladders Michael D. , Hernández-Martín Beatriz , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Hoag Austin , Klaes Dominik , von der Linden Anja , Marchesini Danilo , Muzzin Adam , Sharon Keren , Stefanon Mauro
Published: December 2017

We demonstrate that deep good-seeing VLT/HAWK-I Ks images complemented with g + z-band photometry can yield a sensitivity for weak lensing studies of massive galaxy clusters at redshifts 0.7 ≲ z ≲ 1.1, which is almost identical to the sensitivity of HST/ACS mosaics of single-orbit depth. Key reasons for this good performance are the excellent image quality frequently achievable for Ks imaging from the ground, a highly effective photometric selection of background galaxies, and a galaxy ellipticity dispersion that is noticeably lower than for optically observed high-redshift galaxy samples. Incorporating results from the 3D-HST and UltraVISTA surveys we also obtained a more accurate calibration of the source redshift distribution than previously achieved for similar optical weak lensing data sets. Here we studied the extremely massive galaxy cluster RCS2 J232727.7−020437 (z = 0.699), combining deep VLT/HAWK-I Ks images (point spread function with a 0.′′35 full width at half maximum) with LBT/LBC photometry. The resulting weak lensing mass reconstruction suggests that the cluster consists of a single overdensity, which is detected with a peak significance of 10.1σ. We constrained the cluster mass to M200c/(1015 M⊙) = 2.06−0.26+0.28(stat.) ± 0.12(sys.) assuming a spherical Navarro, Frenk & White model and simulation-based priors on the concentration, making it one of the most massive galaxy clusters known in the z ≳ 0.7 Universe. We also cross-checked the HAWK-I measurements through an analysis of overlapping HST/ACS images, yielding fully consistent estimates of the lensing signal.
Planetary nebulae with UVIT: Far ultra-violet halo around the Bow Tie nebula (NGC 40)
Authors: Kameswara Rao N. , Sutaria F. , Murthy J. , Krishna S. , Mohan R. , Ray A.
Published: December 2017

Context. NGC 40 is a planetary nebula with diffuse X-ray emission, suggesting an interaction of the high-speed wind from WC8 central star (CS) with the nebula. It shows strong C IV 1550 Å emission that cannot be explained by thermal processes alone. We present here the first map of this nebula in C IV emission using broad band filters on the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT).

Aim. We aim to map the hot C IV-emitting gas and its correspondence with soft X-ray (0.3–8 keV) emitting regions in order to study the shock interaction between the nebula and the ISM. We also aim to illustrate the potential of UVIT for nebular studies.

Methods. We carry out a morphological study of images of the nebula obtained at an angular resolution of about 1.3″ in four UVIT filter bands that include C IV 1550 Å and [C II] 2326 Å lines as well as UV continuum. We also make comparisons with X-ray, optical, and IR images from the literature.

Results. The [C II] 2326 Å images show the core of the nebula with two lobes on either side of CS similar to [N II]. The C IV emission in the core shows similar morphology and extent to that of diffuse X-ray emission concentrated in nebular condensations. A surprising UVIT discovery is the presence of a large faint far UV (FUV) halo in an FUV filter with λeff of 1608 Å. The UV halo is not present in any other UV filter. The FUV halo is most likely due to UV fluorescence emission from the Lyman bands of H2 molecules. Unlike the optical and IR halo, the FUV halo trails predominantly towards the south-east side of the nebular core, opposite to the CS’s proper motion direction.

Conclusions. Morphological similarity of C IV 1550 Å and X-ray emission in the core suggests that it results mostly from the interaction of strong CS wind with the nebula. The FUV halo in NGC 40 highlights the extensive existence of H2 molecules in the regions even beyond the optical and IR halos. Thus UV studies are important to estimate the amount of H2, which is probably the most dominant molecule and significant for mass-loss studies.
Aufwand bei der Betreuung von COPD-Patienten unter Alltagsbedingungen in pneumologischen Praxen differenziert nach bekannten und neuen Patienten und nach Schweregraden der Erkrankung
Authors: Hellmann A. , Hering T. , Andres J.
Published: December 2017

Der Aufwand einer pneumologischen Praxis ist für Ärzte bei der Kontaktfrequenz und zeitlichen Inanspruchnahme und für das Team durch Schulung und vermehrte diagnostische Leistungen bei Neupatienten höher als bei Altpatienten. Ein ähnlicher Zusammenhang besteht bei den verschiedenen Schwergraden der COPD nicht.

Insgesamt ist der Aufwand von Neupatienten annähernd doppelt so groß wie bei den Altpatienten. Das heißt, eine pneumologische Praxis kann in der Zeit, die sie für die Versorgung von ca. 50 Neupatienten aufwendet, ca. 100 Altpatienten mit COPD betreuen.

Da der Mehraufwand nicht in der Gebührenordnung abgebildet ist, verstärkt das die Tendenz zu Kontrolluntersuchungen und zur Risikoselektion. Anreize für die Behandlung von Neupatienten könnten dagegen eine wirksame Maßnahme zur Entspannung der Terminnot bei Fachärzten darstellen. Dies sollte durch eine entsprechende Umgestaltung der Gebührenordnung erreicht werden.
A novel lens cleaner to prevent water drop adhesions during colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Naito Yuji , Yasuda Ritsu , Murakami Takaaki , Ogiso Kiyoshi , Hirose Ryohei , Inada Yutaka , Dohi Osamu , Okayama Tetsuya , Kamada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Handa Osamu , Konishi Hideyuki , Rani Rafiz , Itoh Yoshito
Published: December 2017

Background and study aims Water drop adhesions (WDA) impair endoscopic view during gastrointestinal endoscopy. We developed a novel lens cleaner designed using two types of harmLess surfactants and it is reported to be useful for preventing lens cloudiness during colorectal ESD. In the current study, we examined the ability of it for preventing and removing WDA.

Patients and methods During laboratory experiments, the cleaner (Cleash; Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan and Nagase Medicals Co., Hyogo, Japan) was applied to the endoscopic lens and an air/water device (AWD) (water 200 mL, dimethicone 1 mL, Cleash 1 mL). The endoscope was submerged in water 100 times for 5 cycles. Rates of WDA were calculated for various groups (lens and AWD with or without Cleash) and compared to a normal cleaner (SL cleaner). During clinical research, 30 colonoscopies and 30 esophagogastroduodenoscopies were analyzed. For the Cleash group, the cleaner was applied to both lens and AWD. The numbers of WDA and WDA with non-rapid removal were calculated, compared to those of the SL cleaner group.

Results The mean WDA rate for the Cleash setting (lens: Cleash; AWD: Cleash) was 11.0 %, which was significantly lower than other settings (lens: SL cleaner; AWD: water, 31.0 %; P < 0.001) (lens: Cleash; AWD: water, 19.0 %; P < 0.001). Clinical research of colonoscopies indicated that the numbers of WDA (number/15 sec) and WDA with non-rapid removal were 0.38 and 0.17 for the Cleash group and 0.91 and 0.46 for the SL cleaner groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). For esophagogastroduodenoscopies, the results were 0.47 and 0.24 for the Cleash group and 0.54 and 0.42 for the SL cleaner group (P = 0.72, P = 0.018).

Conclusion A clear and beautiful image without WDA is useful not only for routine endoscopy but also, more importantly, for magnifying endoscopy and other endoscopic treatments. The use of Cleash to lens and AWD showed positive results for preventing and removing WDA during laboratory experiments and clinical research involving CS. Additionally, it also showed positive results for the removal of WDA during EGD.
Invitation letters increase participation in colorectal cancer screening – results from an observational study
Authors: Zhan Tianzuo , Hielscher Thomas , Bilge Asmé , Giese Thomas , Schäfer Christoph , Riemann Jürgen , Ebert Matthias , Belle Sebastian
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim Participation rates in the German colorectal cancer screening program are low. Starting in 2013, a large health insurance plan in Bavaria, Germany, is sending an additional invitation letter to insured individuals when they turn 50 or 55 years and become eligible for participation in the program. The letter provides detailed information on colorectal cancer screening. We assessed the impact of the invitation letter on utilization rates.

Methods Insurance claims data of a total of 48 343 individuals who had turned 50 or 55 years between 2012 to 2014 were reviewed for utilization rates of screening colonoscopy and fecal blood tests. Utilization rates 1 year prior (2012) and 2 years after introduction of the invitation letter (2013 and 2014) were compared. Furthermore, providers of colorectal cancer screening were determined.

Results Within 6 months after turning 50 or 55 years, 8.8 – 10.2 % of all insured individuals participated in colorectal cancer screening, with the majority being females. After the introduction of the invitation letter, a moderate increase in participation rates could be observed (increase to 109 % [RR 101.7 – 117.3 %, p = 0.02] in 2014). The uptake rate of screening colonoscopy was significantly higher in recipients of the letter (increase to 138.4 % [RR 110.4 – 173.8 %, p = 0.0043] in 2013 and to 149 % [RR 119.5 – 186.3 %, p = 0.0003] in 2014). Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of general practitioners and gastroenterologists provided colorectal cancer screening in individuals receiving the invitation letter.

Conclusions Introduction of an invitation letter can improve participation rates for colorectal cancer screening.
Sekundärprävention des ischämischen Schlaganfalls bei Vorhofflimmern oder Karotisstenose
Authors: Häusler Karl , Ringleb Peter
Published: December 2017

Der ischämische Schlaganfall zählt zu den häufigsten Todesursachen in Deutschland und ist die führende Ursache für erworbene Behinderungen. Etwa 10 – 15% aller ischämischen Schlaganfälle werden mutmaßlich durch eine durch Vorhofflimmern bedingte zerebrale Embolie hervorgerufen. In einer durchaus vergleichbaren Häufigkeit sind arteriosklerotische Stenosen der A. carotis als Ursache einer zerebralen Ischämie anzunehmen. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst den aktuellen Wissensstand zur (medikamentösen) Sekundärprävention für Schlaganfallpatienten mit bekanntem Vorhofflimmern bzw. für Schlaganfallpatienten mit einer Karotisstenose zusammen und soll den ambulant behandelnden Ärzten eine Handhabe für die Praxis sein.
Kardiomyopathien bei Muskeldystrophien
Authors: Blaszczyk Edyta , Perrot Andreas , Schmacht Luisa , Lim Carolin , Spuler Simone , Schulz-Menger Jeanette
Published: December 2017

Die Muskeldystrophien stellen eine diagnostische und therapeutische Herausforderung in der klinischen Medizin dar. Eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Neurologen und Kardiologen im Sinne einer „Neurokardiologie“ erweitert nicht nur das Verständnis für diese Patientengruppe, sondern stellt eine Chance dar, relevante Herzrhythmusstörungen adäquat zu behandeln und Kardiomyopathieformen frühzeitig zuzuordnen. Wenn auch das Verständnis für die Häufigkeit einer kardialen Beteiligung erst langsam wächst, sind die Muskeldystrophien doch bereits in den entsprechenden Leitlinien von ESC und DGK nicht nur allgemein unter die Kardiomyopathien subsumiert, sondern mit Empfehlungen für eine frühzeitige Device-Therapie gegen Herzrhythmusstörungen verankert. Es erscheint wichtig, dass wir als Kardiologen uns dieser Erkrankungsgruppe mehr zuwenden, da sie erstens bereits sehr junge Patienten betrifft und zweitens durch eine zielgerichtete Intervention deutliche symptomatische Verbesserungen erzielt werden können. Bei den meisten Patienten mit Muskeldystrophie liegt eine Erhöhung der Kreatinkinase und/oder des Troponins vor. Durch die Anwendung der kardialen Magnetresonanztomografie ist es gelungen, myokardiale Schäden wie fokale Fibrosierungen bereits bei erhaltener oder nur leicht eingeschränkter Pumpfunktion zu detektieren. Damit ist zu erwarten, dass in Zukunft zumindest grenzwertige elektrokardiografische und echokardiografische Befunde besser eingeordnet werden können.
Magnetic two-dimensional field effect transistor
Authors: Raymond A. , Chaubet C. , Chenaud B. , Delgard A. , Bisotto I. , Harmand J. C. , Zawadzki W.
Published: December 2017

We study experimentally low-temperature current-voltage characteristics of n-type GaAs/GaAlAs modulation doped quantum wells under the influence of an external magnetic field. In particular, we use samples additionally doped in the well with Be acceptors. As showed previously, negatively charged acceptor ions can localize conduction electrons by a joint effect of a quantum well and an external magnetic field. It is found that, in the acceptor-doped samples, the Hall electric field resulting from the presence of magnetic field plays the role of the gate voltage. At sufficiently high magnetic fields, the drain current has a constant value independent of the drain voltage. It is argued that the above phenomenon is due to the electron localization with the resulting decrease of conducting electron density in the crossed-field configuration. We propose to exploit the observed unusual behaviour as a device called “magnetic two-dimensional electron gas field effect transistor” operating at low temperatures.
Brittle to ductile transition of metallic glasses induced by embedding spherical nanovoids
Authors: Zhu Bida , Huang Minsheng , Li Zhenhuan
Published: December 2017

The lack of global plasticity at low temperature seriously limits the application of metallic glasses (MGs) as structural materials. An approach to enhance the MG-ductility by dispersed spherical nanovoids is suggested and validated by molecular dynamics in the present paper. By introducing these nanovoids, a deformation mode transition from localized shear banding to homogeneous flow occurs. The ratio of void-surface area to MG volume λ is revealed to be the dominant factor controlling this brittle-to-ductile transition. Generally, for a given void volume fraction, smaller nanovoids with larger λ have better toughening effects. It is also discovered that the ductile responses of porous MGs with embedded nanovoids remain unchanged, even after several cycles of tensile-compressive loads. The intrinsic mechanism may be the transition of energetic void-surface atoms into internal atoms with lower potential energy. This process induces many uniformly distributed potential nucleation sites for shear transformation zones or embryonic shear bands (SBs), and thus provides another homogenous way to release the stored strain energy in MGs rather than by the formation of a single dominant SB. As a consequence, the highly localized deformation mode of classical MGs can be avoided. In addition, the effect of free and periodical boundary conditions and random distribution of nanovoids on the brittle-to-ductile transition are also discussed. The results may shed a light on the fabrication of better ductile MG materials.
Spine-on-a-chip: Human annulus fibrosus degeneration model for simulating the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Hwang Min Ho , Cho Dong Hyun , Baek Seung Min , Lee Jae Won , Park Jeong Hun , Yoo Chang Min , Shin Jae Hee , Nam Hyo Geun , Son Hyeong Guk , Lim Hyun Jung , Cho Han Sang , Moon Hong Joo , Kim Joo Han , Lee Jong Kwang , Choi Hyuk
Published: December 2017

The aetiology of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration accompanied by low back pain (LBP) is largely unknown, and there are no effective fundamental therapies. Symptomatic IVD is known to be associated with nerve root compression. However, even in the absence of nerve compression, LBP occurs in patients with IVD degeneration. We hypothesize that this phenomenon is associated with a concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which can lead to altered histologic features and cellular phenotypes observed during IVD degeneration. This study investigated the effects of the concentration of IL-1β and macrophage derived soluble factor including IL-1β and TNF-α on the painful response of human annulus fibrosus (AF) cells using a newly developed spine-on-a-chip. Human AF cells were treated with a range of concentrations of IL-1β and macrophage soluble factors. Our results show that increasing the concentration of inflammatory initiator caused modulated expression of pain-related factors, angiogenesis molecules, and catabolic enzymes. Furthermore, accumulated macrophage derived soluble factors resulted in morphological changes in human AF cells and kinetic alterations such as velocity, dendritic length, cell area, and growth rate, similar to that reported within degenerative IVD. Thus, a better understanding of the relationships between molecular and kinetic alterations can provide fundamental information regarding the pathology of IVD degenerative progression.
Ca doping effect on the magnetic and electronic transport properties in double perovskite PrBaCo2O5+δ films
Authors: Bao Shanyong , Pang Shengli , Wang Wenzhi , Chen Jiahui , Chen Mingfeng , Ma Jing , Nan Ce-Wen , Chen Chonglin
Published: December 2017

Ca doped double perovskite PrBa1-xCaxCo2O5+δ (x = 0, 0.3, and 0.5) thin films were epitaxially grown on the (001) SrTiO3 substrates to systematically investigate the A′ site doping effect on the magnetic and electronic transport properties. With the increase in the Ca content, the magnetization measurements on the films show that the magnetic moments are significantly increased and the largest magnetic moment of 88 emu/cm3 can be achieved in the film with x = 0.5 or about 90 times larger than that from the undoped PrBaCo2O5+δ film. The electronic transport property measurements on the films indicate that the electrical conductivity can be altered by various Ca doping contents. It is interesting to note that both undoped PrBaCo2O5+δ and PrBa0.5Ca0.5Co2O5+δ films exhibit simple activation behavior, but the PrBa0.7Ca0.3Co2O5+δ film exhibits the 3D variable-range hopping mode conduction.
Influence of postnatal prolactin modulation on the development and maturation of ventral prostate in young rats
Authors: Camargo Ana C. L. , Constantino Flávia B. , Santos Sérgio A. A. , Colombelli Ketlin T. , Dal-Pai-Silva Maeli , Felisbino Sérgio L. , Justulin Luis A.
Published: December 2017

Besides androgenic dependence, other hormones also influence the prostate biology. Prolactin has been described as an important hormone associated with maintenance of prostatic morphophysiology; however, there is a lack of information on the involvement of prolactin during prostate development and growth. This study aimed to evaluate whether perinatal prolactin modulation interferes with rat ventral prostate (VP) development and maturation. Therefore, prolactin or bromocriptine (an inhibitor of prolactin release from the pituitary) were administered to Sprague Dawley rats from postnatal Day (PND) 12 to PND 21 or 35. Animals were then killed and serum hormonal quantification, VP morphological–stereological and immunohistochemical analyses and western blotting reactions were employed. Our results demonstrate that prolactin blockage increased serum testosterone on PND 21, which reflected an increase in anogenital distance. Although prolactin modulation did not interfere with VP weight, it modified VP morphology by dilating the acinar lumen and reducing epithelial cell height. Prolactin activated the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) downstream pathway, increased androgen receptor expression and epithelial proliferation. In addition, prolactin and bromocriptine also increased expression of cytokeratin 18, a marker of luminal-differentiated cells. In conclusion, the VP responds to prolactin modulation through a mechanism of increasing the epithelial proliferative response and dynamics of cell differentiation, especially in animals treated for a more prolonged period.