bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation potentials of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from thawed permafrost peat
Authors: Panneer Selvam Balathandayuthabani , Lapierre Jean-François , Guillemette Francois , Voigt Carolina , Lamprecht Richard E. , Biasi Christina , Christensen Torben R. , Martikainen Pertti J. , Berggren Martin
Published: April 2017

Global warming can substantially affect the export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from peat-permafrost to aquatic systems. The direct degradability of such peat-derived DOC, however, is poorly constrained because previous permafrost thaw studies have mainly addressed mineral soil catchments or DOC pools that have already been processed in surface waters. We incubated peat cores from a palsa mire to compare an active layer and an experimentally thawed permafrost layer with regard to DOC composition and degradation potentials of pore water DOC. Our results show that DOC from the thawed permafrost layer had high initial degradation potentials compared with DOC from the active layer. In fact, the DOC that showed the highest bio- and photo-degradability, respectively, originated in the thawed permafrost layer. Our study sheds new light on the DOC composition of peat-permafrost directly upon thaw and suggests that past estimates of carbon-dioxide emissions from thawed peat permafrost may be biased as they have overlooked the initial mineralization potential of the exported DOC.
Failure criterion of silver nanowire electrodes on a polymer substrate for highly flexible devices
Authors: Kim Donggyun , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Jong Hak , Lee Jae-Chul , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Kim Sang Woo
Published: April 2017

Nanomechanical characteristics of standalone silver nanowires (Ag NWs) are a key issue for providing a failure criterion of advanced flexible electrodes that are trending towards smaller radius of curvatures (ROCs). Through in-situ tensile and buckling tests of pentagonal Ag NWs, we demonstrated that the intrinsic fracture strain provides a significant criterion to predict the mechanical and electrical failure of Ag NW electrodes under various strain modes, because the decrease in fracture strain limits figure of merit of flexible devices. The Ag NW electrodes on a polymer substrate exhibited a strain-dependent electrical failure owing to the unique deformation characteristics with a size-dependent brittle-to-ductile transition of the five-fold twinned Ag NWs. All the Ag NWs greater than approximately 40 nm in diameter exhibited brittle fracture with a size-independent stress-strain response under tensile and buckling modes, which leads to the electrical failure of flexible electrodes at the almost same threshold ROC. Meanwhile, the higher ductility of Ag NWs less than 40 nm in diameter resulted in much smaller threshold ROCs of the electrodes due to the highly extended fracture strains, which can afford a high degree of freedom for highly flexible devices.
Quantitative proteomics by SWATH-MS reveals sophisticated metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Wang Xinzheng , Sang Zhihong , Li Zongcheng , Liu Feng , Mao Jie , Yan Dan , Zhao Yongqiang , Wang Hongli , Li Ping , Ying Xiaomin , Zhang Xuemin , He Kun , Wang Hongxia
Published: April 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and understanding its molecular pathogenesis is pivotal to managing this disease. Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) is an optimal proteomic strategy to seek crucial proteins involved in HCC development and progression. In this study, a quantitative proteomic study of tumour and adjacent non-tumour liver tissues was performed using a SWATH-MS strategy. In total, 4,216 proteins were reliably quantified, and 338 were differentially expressed, with 191 proteins up-regulated and 147 down-regulated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumourous tissues. Functional analysis revealed distinct pathway enrichment of up- and down-regulated proteins. The most significantly down-regulated proteins were involved in metabolic pathways. Notably, our study revealed sophisticated metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including alteration of the pentose phosphate pathway; serine, glycine and sarcosine biosynthesis/metabolism; glycolysis; gluconeogenesis; fatty acid biosynthesis; and fatty acid β-oxidation. Twenty-seven metabolic enzymes, including PCK2, PDH and G6PD, were significantly changed in this study. To our knowledge, this study presents the most complete view of tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming in HCC, identifying hundreds of differentially expressed proteins, which together form a rich resource for novel drug targets or diagnostic biomarker discovery.
Chiral nanoparticles in singular light fields
Authors: Vovk Ilia A. , Baimuratov Anvar S. , Zhu Weiren , Shalkovskiy Alexey G. , Baranov Alexander V. , Fedorov Anatoly V. , Rukhlenko Ivan D.
Published: April 2017

The studying of how twisted light interacts with chiral matter on the nanoscale is paramount for tackling the challenging task of optomechanical separation of nanoparticle enantiomers, whose solution can revolutionize the entire pharmaceutical industry. Here we calculate optical forces and torques exerted on chiral nanoparticles by Laguerre–Gaussian beams carrying a topological charge. We show that regardless of the beam polarization, the nanoparticles are exposed to both chiral and achiral forces with nonzero reactive and dissipative components. Longitudinally polarized beams are found to produce chirality densities that can be 109times higher than those of transversely polarized beams and that are comparable to the chirality densities of beams polarized circularly. Our results and analytical expressions prove useful in designing new strategies for mechanical separation of chiral nanoobjects with the help of highly focussed beams.
Relevance of deep learning to facilitate the diagnosis of HER2 status in breast cancer
Authors: Vandenberghe Michel E. , Scott Marietta L. J. , Scorer Paul W. , Söderberg Magnus , Balcerzak Denis , Barker Craig
Published: April 2017

Tissue biomarker scoring by pathologists is central to defining the appropriate therapy for patients with cancer. Yet, inter-pathologist variability in the interpretation of ambiguous cases can affect diagnostic accuracy. Modern artificial intelligence methods such as deep learning have the potential to supplement pathologist expertise to ensure constant diagnostic accuracy. We developed a computational approach based on deep learning that automatically scores HER2, a biomarker that defines patient eligibility for anti-HER2 targeted therapies in breast cancer. In a cohort of 71 breast tumour resection samples, automated scoring showed a concordance of 83% with a pathologist. The twelve discordant cases were then independently reviewed, leading to a modification of diagnosis from initial pathologist assessment for eight cases. Diagnostic discordance was found to be largely caused by perceptual differences in assessing HER2 expression due to high HER2 staining heterogeneity. This study provides evidence that deep learning aided diagnosis can facilitate clinical decision making in breast cancer by identifying cases at high risk of misdiagnosis.
A lignan induces lysosomal dependent degradation of FoxM1 protein to suppress β-catenin nuclear translocation
Authors: Dong Guang-zhi , Jeong Ji Hye , Lee Yu-ih , Han Yeong Eun , Shin Jung Sook , Kim Yoon-Jung , Jeon Raok , Kim Young Hwa , Park Tae Jun , Kim Keun Il , Ryu Jae-Ha
Published: April 2017

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. In this study, we isolated a lignan [(−)-(2R,3R)-1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolariciresinol, DFS] from Alnus japonica (Betulaceae) and investigated its biological activity and mechanism of action on colon cancer. DFS reduced the viability of colon cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest. DFS also suppressed β-catenin nuclear translocation and β-catenin target gene expression through a reduction in FoxM1 protein. To assess the mechanism of the action of DFS, we investigated the effect of DFS on endogenous and exogenous FoxM1 protein degradation in colon cancer cells. DFS-induced FoxM1 protein degradation was suppressed by lysosomal inhibitors, chloroquine and bafilomycin A1, but not by knock-down of proteasomal proteins. The mechanism of DFS for FoxM1 degradation is lysosomal dependent, which was not reported before. Furthermore, we found that FoxM1 degradation was partially lysosomal-dependent under normal conditions. These observations indicate that DFS from A. japonica suppresses colon cancer cell proliferation by reducing β-catenin nuclear translocation. DFS induces lysosomal-dependent FoxM1 protein degradation. This is the first report on the lysosomal degradation of FoxM1 by a small molecule. DFS may be useful in treating cancers that feature the elevated expression of FoxM1.
The need to compare: assessing the level of agreement of three high-throughput assays against Plasmodium falciparum mature gametocytes
Authors: Lucantoni Leonardo , Loganathan Sasdekumar , Avery Vicky M.
Published: April 2017

Whole-cell High-Throughput Screening (HTS) is a key tool for the discovery of much needed malaria transmission blocking drugs. Discrepancies in the reported outcomes from various HTS Plasmodium falciparum gametocytocidal assays hinder the direct comparison of data and ultimately the interpretation of the transmission blocking potential of hits. To dissect the underlying determinants of such discrepancies and assess the impact that assay-specific factors have on transmission-blocking predictivity, a 39-compound subset from the Medicines for Malaria Venture Malaria Box was tested in parallel against three distinct mature stage gametocytocidal assays, under strictly controlled parasitological, chemical, temporal and analytical conditions resembling the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA). Apart from a few assay-specific outliers, which highlighted the value of utilizing multiple complementary approaches, good agreement was observed (average ΔpIC50 of 0.12 ± 0.01). Longer compound incubation times improved the ability of the least sensitive assay to detect actives by 2-fold. Finally, combining the number of actives identified by any single assay with those obtained at longer incubation times yielded greatly improved outcomes and agreement with SMFA. Screening compounds using extended incubation times and using multiple in vitro assay technologies are valid approaches for the efficient identification of biologically relevant malaria transmission blocking hits.
Biallelic mutations in the gene encoding eEF1A2 cause seizures and sudden death in F0 mice
Authors: Davies Faith C. J. , Hope Jilly E. , McLachlan Fiona , Nunez Francis , Doig Jennifer , Bengani Hemant , Smith Colin , Abbott Catherine M.
Published: April 2017

De novo heterozygous missense mutations in the gene encoding translation elongation factor eEF1A2 have recently been found to give rise to neurodevelopmental disorders. Children with mutations in this gene have developmental delay, epilepsy, intellectual disability and often autism; the most frequently occurring mutation is G70S. It has been known for many years that complete loss of eEF1A2 in mice causes motor neuron degeneration and early death; on the other hand heterozygous null mice are apparently normal. We have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in the mouse to mutate the gene encoding eEF1A2, obtaining a high frequency of biallelic mutations. Whilst many of the resulting founder (F0) mice developed motor neuron degeneration, others displayed phenotypes consistent with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, including sudden unexplained deaths and audiogenic seizures. The presence of G70S protein was not sufficient to protect mice from neurodegeneration in G70S/− mice, showing that the mutant protein is essentially non-functional.
Evidence of an application of a variable MEMS capacitive sensor for detecting shunt occlusions
Authors: Apigo David J. , Bartholomew Philip L. , Russell Thomas , Kanwal Alokik , Farrow Reginald C. , Thomas Gordon A.
Published: April 2017

A sensor was tested subdural and in vitro, simulating a supine infant with a ventricular-peritoneal shunt and controlled occlusions. The variable MEMS capacitive device is able to detect and forecast blockages, similar to early detection procedures in cancer patients. For example, with gradual occlusion development over a year, the method forecasts a danger over one month ahead of blockage. The method also distinguishes between ventricular and peritoneal occlusions. Because the sensor provides quantitative data on the dynamics of the cerebrospinal fluid, it can help test new therapies and work toward understanding hydrocephalus as well as idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. The sensor appears to be a substantial advance in treating brain injuries treated with shunts and has the potential to bring significant impact in a clinical setting.
Locking Plate Alone versus in Combination with Two Crossed Kirschner Wires for Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fracture
Authors: Zhu Hongyi , Xu Zhengyu , Wei Haifeng , Zheng Xianyou
Published: April 2017

Fracture of fifth metacarpal neck commonly requires open reduction and internal fixation. However, the current methods of internal fixation in fifth metacarpal neck fractures remain unsatisfactory. Patients with fractures of fifth metacarpal neck received open reduction and internal fixation with either locking plate in combination with two crossed Kirschner wires (K-wires) or locking plate alone were evaluated for the clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes included grip strength, Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire (MHQ), final angulation and range of motion (ROM) one year after treatment. The averages of MHQ scores, final angulation and ROM of fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of plate with K-wire group were more superior to those of plate group (MHQ 96.7 versus 86.6, final angulation 11.8 versus 23.6, ROM 83.3 versus 72.2). The grip strength had no significant difference between two groups. Locking plate in combination with two crossed K-wires is a more optimal method of fixation compared with locking plate alone.
Synthesis and characterization of poly-3-((2,5-hydroquinone)vinyl)-1H-pyrrole: investigation on backbone/pendant interactions in a conducting redox polymer
Authors: Huang Hao , Karlsson Christoffer , Strømme Maria , Gogoll Adolf , Sjödin Martin
Published: April 2017

We herein report the synthesis and electrochemical characterization of poly-3-((2,5-hydroquinone)vinyl)-1H-pyrrole, consisting of a polypyrrole backbone derivatized at the beta position by a vinyl-hydroquinone pendant group.
Heterogeneous catalysis with a coordination modulation synthesized MOF: morphology-dependent catalytic activity
Authors: Ghorbanloo Massomeh , Safarifard Vahid , Morsali Ali
Published: April 2017

We report control over morphology of a micro-porous three-fold interpenetration amide-functionalized Zn(ii)-based MOF, [Zn2(oba)2(bpta)]·(DMF)3, TMU-22, for Knoevenagel condensation through coordination modulation growth.
The synthesis of cardenolide and bufadienolide aglycones, and related steroids bearing a heterocyclic subunit
Authors: Michalak Michał , Michalak Karol , Wicha Jerzy
Published: April 2017

Cardenolides and bufadienolides constitute an attractive class of biologically active steroid derivatives which have been used for the treatment of heart disease in traditional remedies as well as in modern medicinal therapy.
Conformational control of the bacterial Clp protease by natural product antibiotics
Authors: Malik I. T. , Brötz-Oesterhelt H.
Published: April 2017

Natural products targeting the bacterial Clp protease unravel key interfaces for protein–protein–interaction and long-distance conformational control.
An easier analysis of complex mixtures with highly resolved and sensitivity enhanced 2D quantitative NMR: application to tracking sugar phosphates in plants
Authors: Khlifi Soumaya , Mauve Caroline , Glab Nathalie , Gilard Francoise , Hodges Michael , Mouille Gregory , Farjon Jonathan
Published: April 2017

The combination of standard techniques with high resolution and sensitivity enhanced advanced techniques allowed for characterizing and quantifying sugar phosphates in plants biomarkers of photorespiration and photosynthesis in plants.
A visual test paper based on Pb(ii) metal–organic nanotubes utilized as a H2S sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity
Authors: Xin Xuelian , Dai Fangna , Li Fugang , Jin Xin , Wang Rongming , Sun Daofeng
Published: April 2017

A water-stable fluorescence-based Pb(ii) metal−organic nanotube (CD-MONT-2′) utilized as a H2S detection test paper possessing excellent sensitivity and stability.
Induced salt-responsive circularly polarized luminescence of hybrid assemblies based on achiral Eu-containing polyoxometalates
Authors: Shi Nan , Tan Junyan , Wan Xinhua , Guan Yan , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2017

Coassemblies of chiral cationic block polymers and achiral anionic Eu-POMs through electrostatic interactions display salt-responsive induced circularly polarized luminescence, which arises from the static coupling and dynamic coupling.
Structure–property relationships of cell clusters in biotissues: 2D analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaohua , Zhang Erhu , Xia Minggang , Zhang Lei , Tian Zhiqi , Liu Jianlin , Zhang Shengli
Published: April 2017

Bead-like structures composed by 10 cells due to adhesion. Symmetry breaking is induced by the change of volume of cells.
Voltage-polarity dependent multi-mode resistive switching on sputtered MgO nanostructures
Authors: Dias Catarina , Guerra Luís. M. , Bordalo Bernardo D. , Lv Hua , Ferraria Ana M. , Botelho do Rego Ana M. , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo P. , Ventura João
Published: April 2017

The variability of resistive switching parameters can be minimized by choosing the proper voltage-polarity mode.
Cage-like B39+clusters with the bonding pattern of σ + π double delocalization: new members of the borospherene family
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Yun , Chen Qiang , Li Hai-Ru , Mu Yue-Wen , Lu Hai-Gang , Li Si-Dian
Published: April 2017

The recently observed cage-like borospherenesD2dB40−/0andC3/C2B39−have attracted considerable attention in chemistry and materials science.
Loss channels in triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion: importance of annihilator singlet and triplet surface shapes
Authors: Gray Victor , Dreos Ambra , Erhart Paul , Albinsson Bo , Moth-Poulsen Kasper , Abrahamsson Maria
Published: April 2017

Differences in triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion efficiencies between structurally similar annihilators can be understood in terms of singlet and triplet surface shapes.
A new model of the chemistry of ionizing radiation in solids: CIRIS
Authors: Shingledecker Christopher N. , Le Gal Romane , Herbst Eric
Published: April 2017

We simulate irradiated O2ice, both reproducing measured ozone abundances and predicting the ice thickness of a previous experiment.
More accurate depiction of adsorption energy on transition metals using work function as one additional descriptor
Authors: Shen Xiaochen , Pan Yanbo , Liu Bin , Yang Jinlong , Zeng Jie , Peng Zhenmeng
Published: April 2017

We propose one new adsorption model with work function as one additional descriptor to more accurately describe the adsorption energy.
Graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets: synergistic effects of hydrogenation and n/n junctions for enhanced photocatalytic activities
Authors: Zhou Minjie , Hou Zhaohui , Chen Xiaobo
Published: April 2017

Synergistic effects of n/n junctions and hydrogenation have enhanced the optical, electronic and photocatalytic properties of graphitic C3N4 nanosheets.
A ratiometric sensor for DNA based on a dual emission Ru(dppz) light-switch complex
Authors: Walker Michael G. , Ramu Vadde , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Das Amitava , Thomas Jim A.
Published: April 2017

Herein we describe the DNA binding properties of two new water-soluble ruthenium complexes; experimental and computational data reveal that both complexes display dual emission from MLCT and LLCT excited states.
Syntheses, structures, and chiroptical and magnetic properties of chiral clusters built from Schiff bases: a novel [MnIIMnIII6NaI2] core
Authors: Escuer A. , Mayans J. , Font-Bardia M. , Górecki M. , Di Bari L.
Published: April 2017

Enantiomeric pairs of clusters with MnIIMnIII3NaI and the unprecedented MnIIMnIII6NaI2 cores have been synthesized employing enantiomerically pure Schiff bases.
A Pd-Catalyzed in situ domino process for mild and quantitative production of 2,5-dimethylfuran directly from carbohydrates
Authors: Li Hu , Zhao Wenfeng , Riisager Anders , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel , Wang Zhongwei , Fang Zhen , Yang Song
Published: April 2017

A sustainable catalytic system is developed to be efficient for producing the biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran directly from carbohydrate biomass via an in situ domino process under mild conditions.
Argon fluoride LA-LEAF for rapid arsenic quantitation
Authors: Merten J. A. , Jones C. A. , Tribbett P. D.
Published: April 2017

A 193 nm ArF excimer pulse reexcites arsenic atoms in a cooled laser ablation plasma, lowering detection limits over LIBS.
Towards a personalized approach to aromatase inhibitor therapy: a digital microfluidic platform for rapid analysis of estradiol in core-needle-biopsies
Authors: Abdulwahab Sara , Ng Alphonsus H. C. , Chamberlain M. Dean , Ahmado Hend , Behan Lucy-Ann , Gomaa Hala , Casper Robert F. , Wheeler Aaron R.
Published: April 2017

A new regime is proposed for aromatase inhibitor therapy (AIT) in which the patient is welcomed, a core needle biopsy (CNB) sample is collected, the estradiol level in the CNB is measured, and personalized AIT is prescribed.
Bimetallic Au–Pd nanochain networks: facile synthesis and promising application in biaryl synthesis
Authors: Wang Zheng-Jun , Wang Xia , Lv Jing-Jing , Feng Jiu-Ju , Xu Xinhua , Wang Ai-Jun , Liang Zhiwu
Published: April 2017

A facile approach was developed for the synthesis of Au–Pd NNCs that show excellent catalytic performance for the Ullmann coupling reaction.
Controlled synthesis of lanthanide-doped Gd2O2S nanocrystals with novel excitation-dependent multicolor emissions
Authors: Lei Lei , Zhang Shengjun , Xia Han , Tian Ying , Zhang Junjie , Xu Shiqing
Published: April 2017

Gd2O2S NCs with different morphologies, including nanoplate with various sizes and flower-like, were successfully prepared. The emission color was continuously controlled from yellow to pink by simply tuning the excitation wavelength from 254 nm to 365 nm for the Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped Gd2O2S NCs.
One-step formation of dihydrofuranoindoline cores promoted by a hypervalent iodine reagent
Authors: Deruer Elsa , Canesi Sylvain
Published: April 2017

Treatment of aniline derivatives in the presence of a hypervalent iodine reagent and furan produces dihydrofuranoindoline cores in one step.
High-throughput polymer screening in microreactors: boosting the Passerini three component reaction
Authors: Haven Joris J. , Baeten Evelien , Claes Jonathan , Vandenbergh Joke , Junkers Tanja
Published: April 2017

The Passerini three-component reaction (Passerini-3CR) has been studied via on-line microreactor/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (MRT/ESI-MS) reaction monitoring to demonstrate the high-throughput screening potential of microreactors for macromolecular design.
Synthesis and antibacterial effects of cobalt–cellulose magnetic nanocomposites
Authors: Alahmadi N. S. , Betts J. W. , Cheng F. , Francesconi M. G. , Kelly S. M. , Kornherr A. , Prior T. J. , Wadhawan J. D.
Published: April 2017

Green synthesis is employed to prepare cobalt/cellulose nanocomposites with antibacterial and magnetic properties. The cellulose-stabilised, cubic (α-cobalt) cobalt nanoclusters are distributed evenly over the surface of the cellulose fibres.
Ionothermally synthesized hierarchical porous Schiff-base-type polymeric networks with ultrahigh specific surface area for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Yuhang , Liu Ping , Zhuang Xiaodong , Wu Dongqing , Zhang Fan , Su Yuezeng
Published: April 2017

A hierarchical porous polymeric network (HPPN) with ultrahigh specific surface area up to 2870 m2 g−1 was synthesized via a one-step ionothermal synthesis method without using templates.
The relative length of dual-target conjugated on iron oxide nanoparticles plays a role in brain glioma targeting
Authors: Ai Penghui , Wang Hao , Liu Kang , Wang Tingjian , Gu Wei , Ye Ling , Yan Changxiang
Published: April 2017

Cy5.5-labeled, CTX/PEG-FA dual-target conjugated Fe3O4 NPs were prepared and the effect of dual-target relative length on glioma targeting was investigated.
Photo-switchable two-dimensional nanofluidic ionic diodes
Authors: Wang Lili , Feng Yaping , Zhou Yi , Jia Meijuan , Wang Guojie , Guo Wei , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2017

2D nanofluidic systems are endowed with photo-responsive ionic rectification by asymmetric modification with spiropyran. Structural and photo-induced charge heterostructures result in smart 2D ionic rectifiers with a maximum rectification ratio of 48.
Total chemical synthesis of SUMO-2-Lys63-linked diubiquitin hybrid chains assisted by removable solubilizing tags
Authors: Bondalapati Somasekhar , Eid Emad , Mali Sachitanand M. , Wolberger Cynthia , Brik Ashraf
Published: April 2017

We report the first total chemical synthesis of four different SUMO-2-Lys63-linked di-ubiquitin hybrid chains, in which the di-ubiquitin is linked to different lysines in SUMO.
New shearing mechanical coating technology for synthesis of alumina-supported cobalt Fischer–Tropsch solid catalysts
Authors: Lu Mengnan , Fatah Nouria , Khodakov Andrei Y.
Published: April 2017

The shearing force provided by rotation blades induces a uniform coating layer of Co3O4 onto Al2O3 as Fischer–Tropsch solid catalysts.
Hollandite-type Al-doped VO1.52(OH)0.77 as a zinc ion insertion host material
Authors: Jo Jae Hyeon , Sun Yang-Kook , Myung Seung-Taek
Published: April 2017

For the first time, we suggest VO1.52(OH)0.77 and Al-doped VO1.52(OH)0.77 as possible candidate electrode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs).
Cubic quantum dot/hexagonal microsphere ZnIn2S4 heterophase junctions for exceptional visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Wang Jinge , Chen Yajie , Zhou Wei , Tian Guohui , Xiao Yuting , Fu Huiying , Fu Honggang
Published: April 2017

Cubic quantum dot/hexagonal microsphere ZnIn2S4 heterophase junctions were prepared and exhibited significantly higher visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance than single cubic or hexagonal ZnIn2S4.
Bright luminescent optically engineered core/alloyed shell quantum dots: an ultrasensitive signal transducer for dengue virus RNA via localized surface plasmon resonance-induced hairpin hybridization
Authors: Adegoke Oluwasesan , Park Enoch Y.
Published: April 2017

A plasmon-mediated fluorescence molecular beacon biosensor probe has been developed for dengue virus with high sensitivity and specificity.
A reusable and naked-eye molecular probe with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics for hydrazine detection
Authors: Cheng Xiamin , Zhang Ruoyu , Cai Xiaolei , Liu Bin
Published: April 2017

We report a reusable fluorogenic probe for naked-eye sensing of hydrazine in solution and in the gaseous phase.
A bio-inspired high strength three-layer nanofiber vascular graft with structure guided cell growth
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Nü , Wang Wenshuo , Shi Lianxin , Li Hao , Guo Fengyun , Zhang Lihua , Kong Liang , Wang Shutao , Zhao Yong
Published: April 2017

A bio-inspired three-layer vascular graft with strong mechanical properties and good cell biocompatibility was fabricated by electrospinning. It will play an important role in vessel remodeling and regeneration.
Triphenothiazinyl triazacoronenes: donor–acceptor molecular graphene exhibiting multiple fluorescence and electrogenerated chemiluminescence emissions
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhang Qiang , Chen Ke , Gao Hongfang , Qi Honglan , Shi Xianying , Han Yajun , Wei Junfa , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: April 2017

Triphenothiazinyl triazacoronenes, a type of donor–acceptor molecular graphene, exhibited multiple fluorescence and electrogenerated chemiluminescence emissions.
Arabidopsis fructokinase-like protein associations are regulated by ATP
Authors: Riggs John W. , Callis Judy
Published: April 2017

The Arabidopsis thaliana fructokinase-like proteins FLN1 and FLN2 are required for the differentiation of plastids into photosynthetically competent chloroplasts. However, their specific roles are unknown. FLN1 and FLN2 localize in a multisubunit prokaryotic-type polymerase (plastid-encoded RNA polymerase) complex that transcribes genes encoding components of photosynthesis-related assemblies. Despite sequence identity with fructokinases, which are members of the pfkB (phosphofructokinase B) family of enzymes, kinase activity of FLN1 and FLN2 has not been demonstrated. Homology modeling using pfkB X-ray structures, sequence comparisons, and mutational analyses suggests that FLN proteins may bind their substrates differently from other pfkB proteins. We provide evidence that purified recombinant FLN1 undergoes an ATP-mediated change in binding affinity with both itself and recombinant FLN2. The ATP-mediated change in the affinity of FLN1 for FLN2 is not affected by mutations in conserved active-site residues known to affect catalysis in active pfkB enzymes. In contrast, recombinant FLN2 hetero-oligomerizes independently of ATP concentration. At ATP concentrations that promote FLN1 homomeric interactions, the FLN1–FLN2 hetero-oligomer is the dominant form in vitro. We further present evidence that FLN1 associates with a large protein complex in chloroplasts independently of ATP. Given that ATP levels fluctuate between light–dark cycles in the 1–5 mM range, we propose that changes in FLN1 and FLN2 interactions are biologically meaningful.
Roles of Leu28 side chain intercalation in the interaction between Cren7 and DNA
Authors: Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhao Mohan , Wang Li , Chen Yuanyuan , Dong Yuhui , Gong Yong , Huang Li
Published: April 2017

Crenarchaeal chromatin protein Cren7 binds double-stranded DNA in the minor groove, introducing a sharp single-step DNA kink. The side chain of Leu28, a residue conserved among all Cren7 homologs, intercalates into the kinked DNA step. In the present study, we replaced Leu28 with a residue containing a hydrophobic side chain of different sizes (i.e. L28A, L28V, L28I, L28M and L28F). Both the stability of the Cren7–DNA complex and the ability of Cren7 to constrain DNA supercoils correlated well with the size of the intercalated side chain. Structural analysis shows that L28A induces a kink (∼43°), nearly as sharp as that produced by wild-type Cren7 (∼48°), in the bound DNA fragment despite the lack of side chain intercalation. In another duplex DNA fragment, L28F inserts a large hydrophobic side chain deep into the DNA step, but introduces a smaller kink (∼39°) than that formed by the wild-type protein (∼50°). Mutation of Leu28 into methionine yields two protein conformers differing in loop β3–β4 orientation, DNA-binding surface and DNA geometry in the protein–DNA structure. Our results indicate that side chain intercalation is not directly responsible for DNA kinking or bending by Cren7, but plays a critical role in the stabilization of the Cren7–DNA complex. In addition, the flexibility of loop β3–β4 in Cren7, as revealed in the crystal structure of L28M–DNA, may serve a role in the modulation of chromosomal organization and function in the cell.
Early Results of Surgical Simultaneous Therapy for Significant Carotid Artery Stenosis and Heart Disease
Authors: Irqsusi Marc , Vannucchi Alessandro , Beckers Julius , Kasseckert Stefan , Waldhans Stefan , Moosdorf Rainer , Vogt Sebastian
Published: April 2017

Background The purpose of this single-center, retrospective study was to review the early outcome with defined endpoints of myocardial infarction, brain injury, and death after coronary bypass grafting and simultaneous carotid endarterectomy with or without combined valve replacement.

Methods During the preoperative investigation 52 (44 males, 8 females) patients were examined by cardiac catheterization within the scope of their coronary status. In addition, all patients underwent echocardiography, CT angiography of the supra-aortic vessels, and full description of their neurologic status. Included were all patients with the need of coronary revascularization, valve disease, and either symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis with a maximal narrowing of >70%.

Results There was one (2%) patient with a perioperative stroke and paresis of the upper limb. One (2%) patient experienced PRIND (2%). Eighteen (35%) patients suffered symptomatic transitory psychotic syndrome that fully recovered in all patients. One (2%) patient incurred a perioperative myocardial infarction that could be cured by percutaneous coronary stent implantation. Overall mortality was 4%.

Conclusion Simultaneous coronary bypass grafting as a single procedure or in combination with valve replacement and endarterectomy of severe carotid lesions with or without patients' history of previous stroke can be performed with a calculated low surgical risk. The complication rate for neurologic and myocardial events is low compared with the hazard of a single surgical repair. The in-hospital mortality is not significantly different to isolated procedures. The concomitant appearance of coronary stenosis and carotid artery disease is reasonable due to the nature of arteriosclerosis. In our opinion these patients benefit from a combined surgical approach.
Entwicklung eines neuen Zellisolationsverfahrens zur Erforschung der Mammakarzinompathogenese und -angiogenese für experimentelle in vitro und in vivo Assays
Authors: Weigand Annika , Tasbihi Kereshmeh , Strissel Pamela , Strick Reiner , Horch Raymund , Boos Anja
Published: April 2017

Hintergrund Brustkrebs gilt als die weltweit häufigste Krebserkrankung bei Frauen. Zunehmend wird autologer Lipotransfer zum Wiederaufbau der Brust nach Tumorresektion angewandt. Im zellunterstützenden Lipotransfer wird das Transplantat mit Stammzellen aus dem Fettgewebe (ADSC) angereichert. Trotz der positiven klinischen Ergebnisse gibt es aufgrund des Stammzellanteils Bedenken hinsichtlich der onkologischen Sicherheit. Bislang gibt es nur wenige Studien mit primären Zellen aus derselben Patientin, durch die es möglich werden könnte die Komplexität der Zell-Zell-Interaktionen im Mamma(karzinom)gewebe besser in experimentellen Settings darzustellen.

Material und Methoden Es wurde eine Literaturrecherche zum Thema autologer Lipotransfer durchgeführt. Aus Mamma(karzinom)gewebe, bzw. Blut wurden 5 unterschiedliche Zelltypen (epitheliale, mesenchymale Zellen, ADSC, Endothelzellen, endotheliale Progenitorzellen) isoliert und nachfolgend hinsichtlich ihrer Gen- und Proteinexpression sowie funktioneller Eigenschaften charakterisiert. Das arteriovenöse (AV) loop Modell in der Ratte wurde als mögliches in vivo Modell für die Mammakarzinompathogenese und -angiogenese im Rahmen dieser Studie evaluiert.

Ergebnisse In der Literatur konnten Hinweise auf eine in vitro Interaktion zwischen ADSC und Zellen des Mamma(karzinom)gewebes gefunden werden. In einigen klinischen Studien erschienen bestimmte Patientensubgruppen einem erhöhten Tumorrezidivrisiko nach Lipotransfer ausgesetzt zu sein, jedoch konnte in der Mehrzahl der Studien kein Zusammenhang zwischen Lipotransfer und Rezidivrate festgestellt werden. Aus Gewebe derselben Patientin konnten unterschiedliche Zellpopulationen isoliert werden, die sich hinsichtlich ihrer Oberflächenmarker, der Genexpression sowie funktioneller Eigenschaften deutlich voneinander differenzieren lassen. Im AV loop Modell konnte erfolgreich axial vaskularisiertes Gewebe gezüchtet werden.

Schlussfolgerung Anhand dieser Studie können wir erstmalig zeigen, dass aus derselben Gewebeprobe unterschiedliche Zellpopulationen isoliert werden können, die die Heterogenität im Tumorgewebe widerspiegeln. Dadurch werden exakte Analysen der Zell-Zell-Interaktionen und ihre Auswirkungen auf die Tumorangiogenese und -pathogenese im Mammakarzinom möglich. In Kombination mit dem AV loop Modell könnten neue Wege eröffnet werden vaskularisiertes Mammakarzinom- sowie gesundes Mammagewebe in vivo als optimales Modell für das klinische Setting zu generieren.
Stufenkonzept zur Therapie der konnatalen Dakryostenose
Authors: Heichel J.
Published: April 2017

Die unklare Epiphora im Kindesalter gehört zu den häufigsten kinderophthalmologischen Fragestellungen. Eine konnatale Dakryostenose (KDS) stellt hierfür die wichtigste Differenzialdiagnose dar. In den meisten Fällen liegt eine persistierende Hasner-Membran ursächlich zugrunde. Da sich Komplikationen einstellen können, ist eine Therapie anzustreben. Therapeutisch können konservative von invasiven Vorgehensweisen unterschieden werden. Da gerade innerhalb des 1. Lebensjahrs mit einer hohen Spontanheilungsrate zu rechnen ist, muss die Indikation für chirurgische Interventionen in diesem Lebensabschnitt sorgfältig gestellt werden. Konservative Maßnahmen wie die digitale Kompression des Tränensacks sollten bei jeglichem Verdacht für eine KDS angewandt werden. Komplikationen wie akute Dakryozystitiden und rezidivierend aszendierende Infektionen rechtfertigen eine invasive Therapie. Ferner scheint die KDS einen amblyogenen Risikofaktor darzustellen. Neben der Sondierung und Überdruckspülung besteht die Möglichkeit, die ableitenden Tränenwege vorübergehend mit Silikonstützmaterialien zu schienen. Als weitere transkanalikuläre Zugänge eignen sich die Dakryoendoskopie und die Ballondakryoplastik. Die Dakryozystorhinostomie bleibt besonderen Indikationen vorbehalten. Sie zeichnet sich dennoch durch eine niedrige Komplikationsrate aus und führt in über 90 % zur Heilung. Die verfügbaren Therapieansätze lassen sich in einem Stufenkonzept integrieren. Dieses unterliegt zahlreichen Einflussfaktoren, weshalb es individuell ausgelegt werden muss.
Klinischer Vergleich einer trifokalen und einer trifokal-torischen Intraokularlinse auf gleicher diffraktiver Plattform
Authors: Gerl M. , Breyer D. , Hagen P. , Koss M. , Mueller M. , Al Saad M. , Gerl R. , Kaymak H. , Klabe K. , Kretz F.
Published: April 2017

Hintergrund Trifokale Linsen ergänzen seit wenigen Jahren die Möglichkeiten der chirurgischen Presbyopiekorrektur. In dieser Studie werden 2 Intraokularlinsen (IOL) auf Basis des gleichen trifokalen diffraktiven Designs verglichen, ein Modell ohne und eines mit torischer Komponente zur Astigmatismuskorrektur.

Patienten/Material und Methoden Prospektive nicht randomisierte Vergleichsstudie mit 142 Augen von 77 Patienten (Alter 40–73 Jahre) mit komplikationsloser Linsenchirurgie. Die Patienten wurden entsprechend dem implantierten Linsenmodell in 2 Gruppen aufgeteilt, die trifokale Gruppe (98 Augen von 50 Patienten) mit der trifokalen diffraktiven IOL AT LISA tri 839MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec) und die trifokal-torische Gruppe (44 Augen von 27 Patienten) mit Implantation der trifokal-torischen diffraktiven IOL AT LISA tri toric 939MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Sehschärfe und Refraktion wurden 3 Monate postoperativ ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Es gab keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen in Bezug auf postoperative Refraktion (p ≥ 0,144), monokularen und binokularen unkorrigierten Intermediärvisus (UIVA; p = 0,519 bzw. 0,398) und binokularen unkorrigierten Nahvisus (UNVA; p = 0,073). Dagegen wurden in der trifokalen Gruppe ein signifikant besserer monokularer und binokularer unkorrigierter Fernvisus (UDVA; p ≤ 0,002) und monokularer UNVA (p = 0,005) beobachtet. Das sphärische Äquivalent lag bei 98 bzw. 100 % der Patienten innerhalb von ± 1,00 dpt bei der trifokalen Gruppe und der trifokal-torischen Gruppe. Ein postoperativer binokularer UDVA, UIVA und UNVA von 0,63 dezimal oder besser wurde bei 100, 95 bzw. 100 % der Augen in der trifokalen Gruppe und bei 96,3, 95,8 bzw. 90,9 % der Augen mit dem torischen Linsenmodell beobachtet.
Determination of the resistivity anisotropy of orthorhombic materials via transverse resistivity measurements
Authors: Walmsley P. , Fisher I. R.
Published: April 2017

Measurements of the resistivity anisotropy can provide crucial information about the electronic structure and scattering processes in anisotropic and low-dimensional materials, but quantitative measurements by conventional means often suffer very significant systematic errors. Here we describe a novel approach to measuring the resistivity anisotropy of orthorhombic materials, using a single crystal and a single measurement that is derived from a π4 rotation of the measurement frame relative to the crystallographic axes. In this new basis, the transverse resistivity gives a direct measurement of the resistivity anisotropy, which combined with the longitudinal resistivity also gives the in-plane elements of the conventional resistivity tensor via a 5-point contact geometry. This is demonstrated through application to the charge-density wave compound ErTe3, and it is concluded that this method presents a significant improvement on existing techniques, particularly when measuring small anisotropies.
Thermal stability of Ni1−uPtu (0 < u < 0.15) germanosilicide
Authors: Bourjot E. , Grégoire M. , Nemouchi F. , Mangelinck D.
Published: April 2017

Solid-state reactions between Ni1−uPtu (0 < u < 0.15 at. %) and Si0.7Ge0.3 after rapid thermal annealing at 280 to 700 °C were studied. Numerous physical and chemical characterizations such as sheet resistance analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction measurement, and atom probe tomography were used to determine the formation and morphological degradation mechanisms of the pure Ni-based germanosilicide. In particular, atom probe tomography was used to quantitatively determine the element distribution in 3D and at the atomic scale. Similar mechanisms for the degradation were found for the Ni mono germano-silicide with and without Pt and led to Ge rich Si1−xGex regions that are etched away by the selective etch. These mechanisms, Ge out-diffusion and agglomeration, have a combined effect on the germanosilicide degradation and occurs through Ge and Ni diffusion, respectively. Adding Pt increases the thermal stability of the layer owing to changes in the phase sequence and texture and strong binding with Ge atoms. Several models are developed to explain the different steps of the film morphological degradation. The thermodynamics description of the equilibrium in the quaternary Ni-Pt-Si-Ge system allows us to rule out a pure thermodynamics explanation for the morphological stabilization due to Pt addition.
Heat dissipation effect on modulation bandwidth of high-speed 850-nm VCSELs
Authors: Guo Xia , Dong Jian , He Xiaoying , Hu Shuai , He Yan , Lv Benshun , Li Chong
Published: April 2017

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been widely used in short-reach optical communication links and interconnects because of their high modulation speed and low energy consumption. In this paper, the effect of heat dissipation on the modulation bandwidth of high-speed 850-nm VCSELs has been investigated. With increasing bottom distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) diameter from 34 μm to 46 μm, optical output power increased as well as the −3 dB modulation bandwidth. The maximum small-signal modulation bandwidth of 16.2 GHz was achieved with an aperture of 5 μm. Thermal analysis showed that the heat dissipation of the bottom DBR diameter, which determined the differential gain of the quantum wells, has a strong effect on the modulation bandwidth.
Equilibrium shapes and surface selection of nanostructures in 6H-SiC
Authors: Kondo Sosuke , Parish Chad M. , Koyanagi Takaaki , Katoh Yutai
Published: April 2017

The equilibrium shape of 6H-SiC nanostructures and their surfaces were studied by analyzing nano-void (∼10 nm) shapes, which were introduced in monocrystalline 6H-SiC by high-temperature neutron irradiation, using transmission electron microscopy. The nano-voids were determined to be irregular icosahedrons truncated with six {1¯100}, twelve {1¯103}, one smaller top-basal, and one larger bottom-basal planes, which suggests that {1¯100} and {1¯103} are the next stable surface class after the basal planes. The relatively frequent absence of the {1¯100} surface in the nano-voids indicated that the (1¯103¯) surface type is energetically rather stable. These non-basal surfaces were found not to be atomically flat due to the creation of nanofacets with half unit-cell height in the c-axis. The {1¯100} and {1¯103} surfaces were classified as two and four face types according to their possible nanofacets and surface termination, respectively. We also discuss the surface energy difference between the (1¯103¯) and (1¯103) face types in relation to the energy balance within the equilibrium, but irregular, polyhedron, in which the (1¯103) surface had double the surface energy of the (1¯103¯) surface (∼3900 erg/cm2).
Varieties of reentrant dynamics
Authors: Campanari Lucas , You Min Ju , Langfield Peter , Glass Leon , Shrier Alvin
Published: April 2017

Experiments were carried out in monolayer tissue cultures of embryonic chick heart cells imaged using a calcium sensitive fluorescent dye. The cells were grown in annular geometries and in annular geometries with an isthmus connecting antipodal region of the annulus. We observed a large number of spatially different patterns of propagation consisting of one or more circulating waves. As well, we also observed rhythms in which rotors embedded in the annuli generated propagating pulses. These results demonstrate that many different patterns of excitation can be present in cardiac tissue with simple geometries.
Localized shear generates three-dimensional transport
Authors: Smith Lachlan D. , Rudman Murray , Lester Daniel R. , Metcalfe Guy
Published: April 2017

Understanding the mechanisms that control three-dimensional (3D) fluid transport is central to many processes, including mixing, chemical reaction, and biological activity. Here a novel mechanism for 3D transport is uncovered where fluid particles are kicked between streamlines near a localized shear, which occurs in many flows and materials. This results in 3D transport similar to Resonance Induced Dispersion (RID); however, this new mechanism is more rapid and mutually incompatible with RID. We explore its governing impact with both an abstract 2-action flow and a model fluid flow. We show that transitions from one-dimensional (1D) to two-dimensional (2D) and 2D to 3D transport occur based on the relative magnitudes of streamline jumps in two transverse directions.