bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notfallmedikamente – ein Update
Authors: Horn Rudolf
Published: June 2015

Jeder Arzt wird mit Notfallpatienten konfrontiert. Die dazu erforderlichen Kenntnisse können in speziellen Kursen erlernt werden. Medikamente sind ein wesentlicher Eckpfeiler der Therapie von Notfällen. Je nach Spezialisierung, Einbindung in den Notfalldienst, Ort der Tätigkeit (Stadt bzw. Land) sind weniger oder mehr Notfallmedikamente notwendig. Ein gewisser Grundstock an Medikamenten sollte vorhanden sein, um bei einer Reanimation oder bei einem allergischen Schock (z.B. ausgelöst durch eine Medikamenten-Injektion) richtig therapieren zu können. Es gibt keine «Pflicht-Medikation», die jeder Arzt haben muss. Der Notfallkoffer muss auf das Einsatzgebiet und somit auf einen möglichen Notfall und die eigenen Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen abgestimmt werden. Gerade bei Notfällen sollten Medikamente eingesetzt werden, mit denen der behandelnde Arzt vertraut ist, deren Wirkung er kennt und bei denen er die Therapie der Nebenwirkungen beherrscht.
Progression of MRI markers in cerebral small vessel disease: Sample size considerations for clinical trials
Authors: Benjamin Philip , Zeestraten Eva , Lambert Christian , Chis Ster Irina , Williams Owen A , Lawrence Andrew J , Patel Bhavini , MacKinnon Andrew D , Barrick Thomas R , Markus Hugh S
Published: June 2015

Detecting treatment efficacy using cognitive change in trials of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) has been challenging, making the use of surrogate markers such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) attractive. We determined the sensitivity of MRI to change in SVD and used this information to calculate sample size estimates for a clinical trial. Data from the prospective SCANS (St George’s Cognition and Neuroimaging in Stroke) study of patients with symptomatic lacunar stroke and confluent leukoaraiosis was used ( n = 121). Ninety-nine subjects returned at one or more time points. Multimodal MRI and neuropsychologic testing was performed annually over 3 years. We evaluated the change in brain volume, T2 white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, lacunes, and white matter damage on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Over 3 years, change was detectable in all MRI markers but not in cognitive measures. WMH volume and DTI parameters were most sensitive to change and therefore had the smallest sample size estimates. MRI markers, particularly WMH volume and DTI parameters, are more sensitive to SVD progression over short time periods than cognition. These markers could significantly reduce the size of trials to screen treatments for efficacy in SVD, although further validation from longitudinal and intervention studies is required.
Microtubule-associated protein 6 mediates neuronal connectivity through Semaphorin 3E-dependent signalling for axonal growth
Authors: Deloulme Jean-Christophe , Gory-Fauré Sylvie , Mauconduit Franck , Chauvet Sophie , Jonckheere Julie , Boulan Benoit , Mire Erik , Xue Jing , Jany Marion , Maucler Caroline , Deparis Agathe A. , Montigon Olivier , Daoust Alexia , Barbier Emmanuel L. , Bosc Christophe , Deglon Nicole , Brocard Jacques , Denarier Eric , Le Brun Isabelle , Pernet-Gallay Karin , Vilgrain Isabelle , Robinson Phillip J. , Lahrech Hana , Mann Fanny , Andrieux Annie
Published: June 2015

Structural microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) stabilize microtubules, a property that was thought to be essential for development, maintenance and function of neuronal circuits. However, deletion of the structural MAPs in mice does not lead to major neurodevelopment defects. Here we demonstrate a role for MAP6 in brain wiring that is independent of microtubule binding. We find that MAP6 deletion disrupts brain connectivity and is associated with a lack of post-commissural fornix fibres. MAP6 contributes to fornix development by regulating axonal elongation induced by Semaphorin 3E. We show that MAP6 acts downstream of receptor activation through a mechanism that requires a proline-rich domain distinct from its microtubule-stabilizing domains. We also show that MAP6 directly binds to SH3 domain proteins known to be involved in neurite extension and semaphorin function. We conclude that MAP6 is critical to interface guidance molecules with intracellular signalling effectors during the development of cerebral axon tracts.
Structural insights into the translational infidelity mechanism
Authors: Rozov Alexey , Demeshkina Natalia , Westhof Eric , Yusupov Marat , Yusupova Gulnara
Published: June 2015

The decoding of mRNA on the ribosome is the least accurate process during genetic information transfer. Here we propose a unified decoding mechanism based on 11 high-resolution X-ray structures of the 70S ribosome that explains the occurrence of missense errors during translation. We determined ribosome structures in rare states where incorrect tRNAs were incorporated into the peptidyl-tRNA-binding site. These structures show that in the codon–anticodon duplex, a G·U mismatch adopts the Watson–Crick geometry, indicating a shift in the tautomeric equilibrium or ionization of the nucleobase. Additional structures with mismatches in the 70S decoding centre show that the binding of any tRNA induces identical rearrangements in the centre, which favours either isosteric or close to the Watson–Crick geometry codon–anticodon pairs. Overall, the results suggest that a mismatch escapes discrimination by preserving the shape of a Watson–Crick pair and indicate that geometric selection via tautomerism or ionization dominates the translational infidelity mechanism.
Crystal structure of caspase recruiting domain (CARD) of apoptosis repressor with CARD (ARC) and its implication in inhibition of apoptosis
Authors: Jang Tae-ho , Kim Seong Hyun , Jeong Jae-Hee , Kim Sunghwan , Kim Yeon-Gil , Park Hyun Ho
Published: June 2015

Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruiting domain (ARC) is a multifunctional inhibitor of apoptosis that is unusually over-expressed or activated in various cancers and in the state of the pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, ARC might be an optimal target for therapeutic intervention. Human ARC is composed of two distinct domains, N-terminal caspase recruiting domain (CARD) and C-terminal P/E (proline and glutamic acid) rich domain. ARC inhibits the extrinsic apoptosis pathway by interfering with DISC formation. ARC CARD directly interacts with the death domains (DDs) of Fas and FADD, as well as with the death effector domains (DEDs) of procaspase-8. Here, we report the first crystal structure of the CARD domain of ARC at a resolution of 2.4 Å. Our structure was a dimer with novel homo-dimerization interfaces that might be critical to its inhibitory function. Interestingly, ARC did not exhibit a typical death domain fold. The sixth helix (H6), which was detected at the typical death domain fold, was not detected in the structure of ARC, indicating that H6 may be dispensable for the function of the death domain superfamily.
Active macropinocytosis induction by stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor and oncogenic Ras expression potentiates cellular uptake efficacy of exosomes
Authors: Nakase Ikuhiko , Kobayashi Nahoko Bailey , Takatani-Nakase Tomoka , Yoshida Tetsuhiko
Published: June 2015

Exosomes are approximately 100-nm vesicles that consist of a lipid bilayer of cellular membranes secreted in large quantities from various types of normal and disease-related cells. Endocytosis has been reported as a major pathway for the cellular uptake of exosomes; however, the detailed mechanisms of their cellular uptake are still unknown. Here, we demonstrate the active induction of macropinocytosis (accompanied by actin reorganisation, ruffling of plasma membrane and engulfment of large volumes of extracellular fluid) by stimulation of cancer-related receptors and show that the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor significantly enhances the cellular uptake of exosomes. We also demonstrate that oncogenic K-Ras-expressing MIA PaCa-2 cells exhibit intensive macropinocytosis that actively transports extracellular exosomes into the cells compared with wild-type K-Ras-expressing BxPC-3 cells. Furthermore, encapsulation of the ribosome-inactivating protein saporin with EGF in exosomes using our simple electroporation method produces superior cytotoxicity via the enhanced cellular uptake of exosomes. Our findings contribute to the biological, pharmaceutical and medical research fields in terms of understanding the macropinocytosis-mediated cellular uptake of exosomes with applications for exosomal delivery systems.
Flexure-based Roll-to-roll Platform: A Practical Solution for Realizing Large-area Microcontact Printing
Authors: Zhou Xi , Xu Huihua , Cheng Jiyi , Zhao Ni , Chen Shih-Chi
Published: June 2015

A continuous roll-to-roll microcontact printing (MCP) platform promises large-area nanoscale patterning with significantly improved throughput and a great variety of applications, e.g. precision patterning of metals, bio-molecules, colloidal nanocrystals, etc. Compared with nanoimprint lithography, MCP does not require a thermal imprinting step (which limits the speed and material choices), but instead, extreme precision with multi-axis positioning and misalignment correction capabilities for large area adaptation. In this work, we exploit a flexure-based mechanism that enables continuous MCP with 500 nm precision and 0.05 N force control. The fully automated roll-to-roll platform is coupled with a new backfilling MCP chemistry optimized for high-speed patterning of gold and silver. Gratings of 300, 400, 600 nm line-width at various locations on a 4-inch plastic substrate are fabricated at a speed of 60 cm/min. Our work represents the first example of roll-to-roll MCP with high reproducibility, wafer scale production capability at nanometer resolution. The precision roll-to-roll platform can be readily applied to other material systems.
A cross comparison of technologies for the detection of microRNAs in clinical FFPE samples of hepatoblastoma patients
Authors: Chatterjee Aniruddha , Leichter Anna L , Fan Vicky , Tsai Peter , Purcell Rachel V , Sullivan Michael J , Eccles Michael R
Published: June 2015

Although formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue is a major biological source in cancer research, it is challenging to work with due to macromolecular fragmentation and nucleic acid crosslinking. Therefore, it is important to characterise the quality of data that can be obtained from FFPE samples. We have compared three independent platforms (next generation sequencing, microarray and NanoString) for profiling microRNAs (miRNAs) using clinical FFPE samples from hepatoblastoma (HB) patients. The number of detected miRNAs ranged from 228 to 345 (median=294) using the next generation sequencing platform, whereas 79 to 125 (median=112) miRNAs were identified using microarrays in three HB samples, including technical replicates. NanoString identified 299 to 372 miRNAs in two samples. Between the platforms, we observed high reproducibility and significant levels of shared detection. However, for commonly detected miRNAs, a strong correlation between platforms was not observed. Analysis of 10 additional HB samples with NanoString identified significantly overlapping miRNA expression profiles and an alternative pattern was identified in a poorly differentiated HB with an aggressive phenotype. This investigation serves as a roadmap for future studies investigating miRNA expression in clinical FFPE samples and as a guideline for the selection of an appropriate platform.
A novel brain partition highlights the modular skeleton shared by structure and function
Authors: Diez Ibai , Bonifazi Paolo , Escudero Iñaki , Mateos Beatriz , Muñoz Miguel A. , Stramaglia Sebastiano , Cortes Jesus M.
Published: June 2015

Elucidating the intricate relationship between brain structure and function, both in healthy and pathological conditions, is a key challenge for modern neuroscience. Recent progress in neuroimaging has helped advance our understanding of this important issue, with diffusion images providing information about structural connectivity (SC) and functional magnetic resonance imaging shedding light on resting state functional connectivity (rsFC). Here, we adopt a systems approach, relying on modular hierarchical clustering, to study together SC and rsFC datasets gathered independently from healthy human subjects. Our novel approach allows us to find a common skeleton shared by structure and function from which a new, optimal, brain partition can be extracted. We describe the emerging common structure-function modules (SFMs) in detail and compare them with commonly employed anatomical or functional parcellations. Our results underline the strong correspondence between brain structure and resting-state dynamics as well as the emerging coherent organization of the human brain.
Ultimate Osmosis Engineered by the Pore Geometry and Functionalization of Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Song Zhigong , Xu Zhiping
Published: June 2015

Osmosis is the key process in establishing versatile functions of cellular systems and enabling clean-water harvesting technologies. Membranes with single-atom thickness not only hold great promises in approaching the ultimate limit of these functions, but also offer an ideal test-bed to explore the underlying physical mechanisms. In this work, we explore diffusive and osmotic transport of water and ions through carbon nanotube and porous graphene based membranes by performing molecular dynamics simulations. Our comparative study shows that the cylindrical confinement in carbon nanotubes offers much higher salt rejection at similar permeability in osmosis compared to porous graphene. Moreover, chemical functionalization of the pores modulates the membrane performance by its steric and electrostatic nature, especially at small-size pores due to the fact that the optimal transport is achieved by ordered water transport near pore edges. These findings lay the ground for the ultimate design of forward osmosis membranes with optimized performance trade-off, given the capability of nano-engineering nanostructures by their geometry and chemistry.
Inherent noise appears as a Lévy walk in fish schools
Authors: Murakami Hisashi , Niizato Takayuki , Tomaru Takenori , Nishiyama Yuta , Gunji Yukio-Pegio
Published: June 2015

Recent experimental and observational data have revealed that the internal structures of collective animal groups are not fixed in time. Rather, individuals can produce noise continuously within their group. These individuals’ movements on the inside of the group, which appear to collapse the global order and information transfer, can enable interactions with various neighbors. In this study, we show that noise generated inherently in a school of ayus (Plecoglossus altivelis) is characterized by various power-law behaviors. First, we show that individual fish move faster than Brownian walkers with respect to the center of the mass of the school as a super-diffusive behavior, as seen in starling flocks. Second, we assess neighbor shuffling by measuring the duration of pair-wise contact and find that this distribution obeys the power law. Finally, we show that an individual’s movement in the center of a mass reference frame displays a Lévy walk pattern. Our findings suggest that inherent noise (i.e., movements and changes in the relations between neighbors in a directed group) is dynamically self-organized in both time and space. In particular, Lévy walk in schools can be regarded as a well-balanced movement to facilitate dynamic collective motion and information transfer throughout the group.
Disordering of the vortex lattice through successive destruction of positional and orientational order in a weakly pinned Co0.0075NbSe2 single crystal
Authors: Chandra Ganguli Somesh , Singh Harkirat , Saraswat Garima , Ganguly Rini , Bagwe Vivas , Shirage Parasharam , Thamizhavel Arumugam , Raychaudhuri Pratap
Published: June 2015

The vortex lattice in a Type II superconductor provides a versatile model system to investigate the order-disorder transition in a periodic medium in the presence of random pinning. Here, using scanning tunnelling spectroscopy in a weakly pinned Co0.0075NbSe2 single crystal, we show that the vortex lattice in a 3-dimensional superconductor disorders through successive destruction of positional and orientational order, as the magnetic field is increased across the peak effect. At the onset of the peak effect, the equilibrium quasi-long range ordered state transforms into an orientational glass through the proliferation of dislocations. At a higher field, the dislocations dissociate into isolated disclination giving rise to an amorphous vortex glass. We also show the existence of a variety of additional non-equilibrium metastable states, which can be accessed through different thermomagnetic cycling.
Extraction of pore-morphology and capillary pressure curves of porous media from synchrotron-based tomography data
Authors: Yang Feifei , Hingerl Ferdinand F. , Xiao Xianghui , Liu Yijin , Wu Ziyu , Benson Sally M. , Toney Michael F.
Published: June 2015

The elevated level of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has caused serious concern of the progression of global warming. Geological sequestration is considered as one of the most promising techniques for mitigating the damaging effect of global climate change. Investigations over wide range of length-scales are important for systematic evaluation of the underground formations from prospective CO2 reservoir. Understanding the relationship between the micro morphology and the observed macro phenomena is even more crucial. Here we show Synchrotron based X-ray micro tomographic study of the morphological buildup of Sandstones. We present a numerical method to extract the pore sizes distribution of the porous structure directly, without approximation or complex calculation. We have also demonstrated its capability in predicting the capillary pressure curve in a mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) measurement. The method presented in this work can be directly applied to the morphological studies of heterogeneous systems in various research fields, ranging from Carbon Capture and Storage and Enhanced Oil Recovery to environmental remediation in the vadose zone.
Pre-Yield Non-Affine Fluctuations and A Hidden Critical Point in Strained Crystals
Authors: Das Tamoghna , Ganguly Saswati , Sengupta Surajit , Rao Madan
Published: June 2015

A crystalline solid exhibits thermally induced localised non-affine droplets in the absence of external stress. Here we show that upon an imposed shear, the size of these droplets grow until they percolate at a critical strain, well below the value at which the solid begins to yield. This critical point does not manifest in most thermodynamic or mechanical properties, but is hidden and reveals itself in the onset of inhomogeneities in elastic moduli, marked changes in the appearance and local properties of non-affine droplets and a sudden enhancement in defect pair concentration. Slow relaxation of stress and an-elasticity appear as observable dynamical consequences of this hidden criticality. Our results may be directly verified in colloidal crystals with video microscopy techniques but are expected to have more general validity.
CD38-mediated Ca2+ signaling contributes to glucagon-induced hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Rah So-Young , Kim Uh-Hyun
Published: June 2015

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme for the synthesis of Ca2+ second messengers. Glucagon promotes hepatic glucose production through Ca2+ signaling in the fasting condition. In this study, we investigated the role of CD38 in the glucagon signaling of hepatocytes. Here, we show that glucagon induces cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) production and sustained Ca2+ increases via CD38 in hepatocytes. 8-Br-cADPR, an antagonistic cADPR analog, completely blocked glucagon-induced Ca2+ increases and phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Moreover, glucagon-induced sustained Ca2+ signals and translocation of CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2 to the nucleus were absent and glucagon-induced glucose production and expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pck1) are remarkably reduced in hepatocytes from CD38−/− mice. Furthermore, in the fasting condition, CD38−/− mice have decreased blood glucose and hepatic expression of G6Pase and Pck1 compared to wild type mice. Our data suggest that CD38/cADPR-mediated Ca2+ signals play a key role in glucagon-induced gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes and that the signal pathway has significant clinical implications in metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Suppressing of slow magnetic relaxation in tetracoordinate Co(II) field-induced single-molecule magnet in hybrid material with ferromagnetic barium ferrite
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Herchel Radovan , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: June 2015

The novel field-induced single-molecule magnet based on a tetracoordinate mononuclear heteroleptic Co(II) complex involving two heterocyclic benzimidazole (bzi) and two thiocyanido ligands, [Co(bzi)2(NSC)2], (CoL4), was prepared and thoroughly characterized. The analysis of AC susceptibility data resulted in the spin reversal energy barrier U = 14.7 cm−1, which is in good agreement with theoretical prediction, Utheor. = 20.2 cm−1, based on axial zero-field splitting parameter D = −10.1 cm−1 fitted from DC magnetic data. Furthermore, mutual interactions between CoL4 and ferromagnetic barium ferrite BaFe12O19 (BaFeO) in hybrid materials resulted in suppressing of slow relaxation of magnetization in CoL4 for 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 mass ratios of CoL4 and BaFeO despite the lack of strong magnetic interactions between two magnetic phases.
Relative contribution of maize and external manure amendment to soil carbon sequestration in a long-term intensive maize cropping system
Authors: Zhang Wenju , Liu Kailou , Wang Jinzhou , Shao Xingfang , Xu Minggang , Li Jianwei , Wang Xiujun , Murphy Daniel V.
Published: June 2015

We aimed to quantify the relative contributions of plant residue and organic manure to soil carbon sequestration. Using a 27-year-long inorganic fertilizer and manure amendment experiment in a maize (Zea mays L.) double-cropping system, we quantified changes in harvestable maize biomass and soil organic carbon stocks (0–20 cm depth) between 1986-2012. By employing natural 13C tracing techniques, we derived the proportional contributions of below-ground crop biomass return (maize-derived carbon) and external manure amendment (manure-derived carbon) to the total soil organic carbon stock. The average retention of maize-derived carbon plus manure-derived carbon during the early period of the trial (up to 11 years) was relatively high (10%) compared to the later period (22 to 27 years, 5.1–6.3%). About 11% of maize-derived carbon was converted to soil organic carbon, which was double the retention of manure-derived carbon (4.4–5.1%). This result emphasized that organic amendments were necessary to a win-win strategy for both SOC sequestration and maize production.
Insecticide resistance in the bed bug comes with a cost
Authors: Gordon Jennifer R. , Potter Michael F. , Haynes Kenneth F.
Published: June 2015

Adaptation to new environmental stress is often associated with an alteration of one or more life history parameters. Insecticide resistant populations of insects often have reduced fitness relative to susceptible populations in insecticide free environments. Our previous work showed that three populations of bed bugs,Cimex lectulariusL., evolved significantly increased levels of resistance to one product containing both β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid insecticides with only one generation of selection, which gave us an opportunity to explore potential tradeoffs between life history parameters and resistance using susceptible and resistant strains of the same populations. Life history tables were compiled by collecting weekly data on mortality and fecundity of bugs from each strain and treatment throughout their lives. Selection led to a male-biased sex ratio, shortened oviposition period and decreased life-time reproductive rate. Generation time was shortened by selection, a change that represents a benefit rather than a cost. Using these life history characteristics we calculated that there would be a 90% return to pre-selection levels of susceptibility within 2- 6.5 generations depending on strain. The significant fitness costs associated with resistance suggest that insecticide rotation or utilization of non-insecticidal control tactics could be part of an effective resistance management strategy.
Characterizations of individual mouse red blood cells parasitized by Babesia microti using 3-D holographic microscopy
Authors: Park HyunJoo , Hong Sung-Hee , Kim Kyoohyun , Cho Shin-Hyeong , Lee Won-Ja , Kim Youngchan , Lee Sang-Eun , Park YongKeun
Published: June 2015

Babesia microti causes “emergency” human babesiosis. However, little is known about the alterations in B. microti invaded red blood cells (Bm-RBCs) at the individual cell level. Through quantitative phase imaging techniques based on laser interferometry, we present the simultaneous measurements of structural, chemical and mechanical modifications in individual mouse Bm-RBCs. 3-D refractive index maps of individual RBCs and in situ parasite vacuoles are imaged, from which total contents and concentration of dry mass are also precisely quantified. In addition, we examine the dynamic membrane fluctuation of Bm-RBCs, which provide information on cell membrane deformability.
A Phytophthora sojae cytoplasmic effector mediates disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Zhang Meixiang , Ahmed Rajput Nasir , Shen Danyu , Sun Peng , Zeng Wentao , Liu Tingli , Juma Mafurah Joseph , Dou Daolong
Published: June 2015

Each oomycete pathogen encodes a large number of effectors. Some effectors can be used in crop disease resistance breeding, such as to accelerate R gene cloning and utilisation. Since cytoplasmic effectors may cause acute physiological changes in host cells at very low concentrations, we assume that some of these effectors can serve as functional genes for transgenic plants. Here, we generated transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants that express a Phytophthora sojae CRN (crinkling and necrosis) effector, PsCRN115. We showed that its expression did not significantly affect the growth and development of N. benthamiana, but significantly improved disease resistance and tolerance to salt and drought stresses. Furthermore, we found that expression of heat-shock-protein and cytochrome-P450 encoding genes were unregulated in PsCRN115-transgenic N. benthamiana based on digital gene expression profiling analyses, suggesting the increased plant defence may be achieved by upregulation of these stress-related genes in transgenic plants. Thus, PsCRN115 may be used to improve plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Experiment and Optimization for Simultaneous Carbonation of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in A Two-phase System of Insoluble Diisobutylamine and Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Wang Man , Liu Xin , Wang Peng , Xi Zhenqian
Published: June 2015

An optimized approach of CO2 fixation in Ca2+/Mg2+-rich aqueous solutions using insoluble amine as an enhancing medium was reported. Apparent basicity was verified to be an effective indicator for the selection and optimization of organic amine systems and finally the diisobutylamine + n-octanol system was selected to enhance the carbonation reactions of CO2 in an artificial Ca2+/Mg2+-rich solution. In our experiments, when the volume ratio of insoluble organic phase to aqueous one was 2:1 and the reaction temperature was 28 °C, 92% of Ca2+ and 80% of Mg2+ could be converted to calcium and magnesium carbonate precipitates within 5 min of reaction with the bubbling-in of CO2. The organic amine system could be regenerated by using carbide slag as the regeneration agent and could still show attractive enhancement performances after 7 rounds of carbonation-regeneration experiments. In this way, the CO2 capture and sequestration was realized within one single process, with value-added Ca/Mg carbonates being the byproducts. In view of the vast availability of Ca2+/Mg2+-rich aqueous solutions and the feasible technical coordination with desalination industry, this novel process may have a good application potential in the future.
Pupal melanization is associated with higher fitness in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Liu Sisi , Wang Mo , Li Xianchun
Published: June 2015

Melanism has long been thought to be a habitat adaptation with a fitness cost. Here we reported a homozygous melanic strain (SEM) ofSpodoptera exigua(Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) established with black pupae spontaneously occurring within a typical laboratory population (SEW). The melanization is expressed globally and only in the pupal stage. After pupation, the melanic SEM pupae gradually accumulate melanin to become completely black within 6 hours, whereas the wild-type SEW pupae gradually turn yellow-brown. The melanic SEM strain exhibits faster development in all life stages, heavier pupa weight, more mating time, higher fecundity and accordingly, higher net reproductive rate and population trend index. While no reproductive isolation was observed between the SEM and SEW strains, the mating times per female of the reciprocal crosses and the SEM intracrosses were significantly higher than those of the SEW intracrosses. This represents a rare case of melanization that has fitness gains, rather than costs. Analysis of the life-history traits of this case and 14 previously reported cases of insect melanism indicate that none of melanization origin, stage, space and variation type determining whether melanism will cause fitness gain or cost.
Regulation of growth hormone secretion by (pro)renin receptor
Authors: Tani Yuji , Yamada Shozo , Inoshita Naoko , Hirata Yukio , Shichiri Masayoshi
Published: June 2015

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) has a single transmembrane domain that co-purifies with the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). In addition to its role in cellular acidification, V-ATPase has been implicated in membrane fusion and exocytosis via its Vo domain. Results from the present study show that PRR is expressed in pituitary adenoma cells and regulates growth hormone (GH) release via V-ATPase-induced cellular acidification. Positive PRR immunoreactivity was detected more often in surgically resected, growth hormone-producing adenomas (GHomas) than in nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. GHomas strongly expressing PRR showed excess GH secretion, as evidenced by distinctly high plasma GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, as well as an elevated nadir GH in response to the oral glucose tolerance test. Suppression of PRR expression in rat GHoma-derived GH3 cells using PRR siRNA resulted in reduced GH secretion and significantly enhanced intracellular GH accumulation. GH3 treatment with bafilomycin A1, a V-ATPase inhibitor, also blocked GH release, indicating mediation via impaired cellular acidification of V-ATPase. PRR knockdown decreased Atp6l, a subunit of the Vo domain that destabilizes V-ATPase assembly, increased intracellular GH and decreased GH release. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a pivotal role for PRR in a pituitary hormone release mechanism.
Acoustic asymmetric transmission based on time-dependent dynamical scattering
Authors: Wang Qing , Yang Yang , Ni Xu , Xu Ye-Long , Sun Xiao-Chen , Chen Ze-Guo , Feng Liang , Liu Xiao-ping , Lu Ming-Hui , Chen Yan-Feng
Published: June 2015

An acoustic asymmetric transmission device exhibiting unidirectional transmission property for acoustic waves is extremely desirable in many practical scenarios. Such a unique property may be realized in various configurations utilizing acoustic Zeeman effects in moving media as well as frequency-conversion in passive nonlinear acoustic systems and in active acoustic systems. Here we demonstrate a new acoustic frequency conversion process in a time-varying system, consisting of a rotating blade and the surrounding air. The scattered acoustic waves from this time-varying system experience frequency shifts, which are linearly dependent on the blade’s rotating frequency. Such scattering mechanism can be well described theoretically by an acoustic linear time-varying perturbation theory. Combining such time-varying scattering effects with highly efficient acoustic filtering, we successfully develop a tunable acoustic unidirectional device with 20 dB power transmission contrast ratio between two counter propagation directions at audible frequencies.
Extracellular Matrix can Recover the Downregulation of Adhesion Molecules after Cell Detachment and Enhance Endothelial Cell Engraftment
Authors: He Ningning , Xu Yang , Du Wei , Qi Xin , Liang Lu , Wang Yuebing , Feng Guowei , Fan Yan , Han Zhongchao , Kong Deling , Cheng Zhen , Wu Joseph C. , He Zuoxiang , Li Zongjin
Published: June 2015

The low cell engraftment after transplantation limits the successful application of stem cell therapy and the exact pathway leading to acute donor cell death following transplantation is still unknown. Here we investigated if processes involved in cell preparation could initiate downregulation of adhesion-related survival signals and further affect cell engraftment after transplantation. Human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hESC-ECs) were suspended in PBS or Matrigel and kept at 4 °C. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis was used to test the adhesion and apoptosis genes’ expression of hESC-ECs. We demonstrated that cell detachment can cause downregulation of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, but no obvious cell anoikis, a form of apoptosis after cell detachment, was observed. The downregulation of adhesion and ECM molecules could be regained in the presence of Matrigel. Finally, we transplanted hESC-ECs into a mouse myocardial ischemia model. When transplanted with Matrigel, the long-term engraftment of hESC-ECs was increased through promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis and this was confirmed by bioluminescence imaging. In conclusion, ECM could rescue the functional genes expression after cell detached from culture dish and this finding highlights the importance of increasing stem cell engraftment by mimicking stem cell niches through ECM application.
Opioid Exacerbation of Gram-positive sepsis, induced by Gut Microbial Modulation, is Rescued by IL-17A Neutralization
Authors: Meng Jingjing , Banerjee Santanu , Li Dan , Sindberg Gregory M. , Wang Fuyuan , Ma Jing , Roy Sabita
Published: June 2015

Sepsis is the predominant cause of mortality in ICUs and opioids are the preferred analgesic in this setting. However, the role of opioids in sepsis progression has not been well characterized. The present study demonstrated that morphine alone altered the gut microbiome and selectively induced the translocation of Gram-positive gut bacteria in mice. Using a murine model of poly-microbial sepsis, we further demonstrated that morphine treatment led to predominantly Gram-positive bacterial dissemination. Activation of TLR2 by disseminated Gram-positive bacteria induced sustained up-regulation of IL-17A and IL-6. We subsequently showed that overexpression of IL-17A compromised intestinal epithelial barrier function, sustained bacterial dissemination and elevated systemic inflammation. IL-17A neutralization protected barrier integrity and improved survival in morphine-treated animals. We further demonstrated that TLR2 expressed on both dendritic cells and T cells play essential roles in IL-17A production. Additionally, intestinal sections from sepsis patients on opioids exhibit similar disruption in gut epithelial integrity, thus establishing the clinical relevance of this study. This is the first study to provide a mechanistic insight into the opioid exacerbation of sepsis and show that neutralization of IL-17A might be an effective therapeutic strategy to manage Gram-positive sepsis in patients on an opioid regimen.
A Comparision of Nalbuphine with Morphine for Analgesic Effects and Safety : Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zeng Zheng , Lu Jianhua , Shu Chang , Chen Yuanli , Guo Tong , Wu Qing-ping , Yao Shang-long , Yin Ping
Published: June 2015

Although morphine is the standard opioid analgesic for pain control and has been widely used, certain drug-induced adverse effects have been reported as intolerable and need to be addressed. Nalbuphine may have a few advantages over morphine in this respect. We aimed to describe the effect of nalbuphine as well as its saftey compared to morphine by analyzing published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analysis approach. We analysed 15 trials (820 patients). Overall, there was no evidence to show that the effect of pain relief had any difference between nalbuphine and morphine (pooled relative risks [RRs], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.11; P = 0.90). On the other hand, the incidences of pruritus, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression were significantly lower in nalbuphine group compared with morphine group and the pooled RRs were 0.78(95%CI, 0.602–0.997; P = 0.048) for nausea, 0.65(95%CI, 0.50–0.85; P = 0.001) for vomiting, 0.17(95%CI, 0.09–0.34; P < 0.0001) for pruritus and 0.27(95%CI, 0.12–0.57; P = 0.0007) for respiratory depression. The analgesic efficacy of nalbuphine is comparable to morphine, but nalbuphine provides a better safety profile than morphine in the aspect of certain side-effects, especially related to pruritus and respiratory depression.
Comprehensive gene and microRNA expression profiling reveals miR-206 inhibits MET in lung cancer metastasis
Authors: Chen Qing-yong , Jiao De-min , Yan Li , Wu Yu-quan , Hu Hui-zhen , Song Jia , Yan Jie , Wu Li-jun , Xu Li-qun , Shi Jian-guo
Published: June 2015

Metastasis associated miRNA–gene network in lung cancer.
Chemical ecology of fungi
Authors: Spiteller Peter
Published: June 2015

This review intends to cover the chemistry of important interactions between fungi and other organisms, ranging from chemical defence against enemies to symbiotic and parasitic interactions.
Simultaneous determination of trace polybrominated diphenyl ethers in serum using gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry with simplified sample preparation
Authors: Miao Wenbin , Wu Chunhua , Yang Jieling , Lou Dan , Jiang Wei , Zhou Zhijun
Published: June 2015

We have developed a simple and sensitive method which has good application value in the determination of trace PBDEs in serum.
Determination of ionic liquid cations in soil samples by ultrasound-assisted solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lu Chunxia , Tang Zonggui , Liu Changbin , Chen Xia , Wang Yuan , Dang Fumin
Published: June 2015

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with an ultrasonic-assisted extraction and solid phase extraction procedure has been investigated for the separation and detection of ionic liquid cations in soil samples.
Capillary electrophoresis with UV detection, on-line stacking and off-line dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for determination of verapamil enantiomers in plasma
Authors: Hamidi Samin , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: June 2015

A rapid and reliable dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method was coupled with field-amplified sample injection (FASI) in capillary electrophoresis with a diode array detector for the quantification of verapamil enantiomers in human plasma samples.
Supramolecular pentapeptide-based fullerene nanofibers: effect of molecular chirality
Authors: Insuasty Alberto , Atienza Carmen , López Juan Luis , Martín Nazario
Published: June 2015

The supramolecular organization of new fullerene derivatives endowed with peptides as biomolecular templates affords ordered nanofibers of several micrometres length based on hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions.
Functional, composite polythioether nanoparticles via thiol–alkyne photopolymerization in miniemulsion
Authors: Amato Dahlia N. , Amato Douglas V. , Narayanan Jananee , Donovan Brian R. , Douglas Jessica R. , Walley Susan E. , Flynt Alex S. , Patton Derek L.
Published: June 2015

Thiol–yne photopolymerization in miniemulsion is demonstrated as a rapid one-pot synthetic approach to polythioether nanoparticles with tuneable particle size and clickable functionality.
Delivering a photosensitive transplatin prodrug to overcome cisplatin drug resistance
Authors: Song Haiqin , Li Wenliang , Qi Ruogu , Yan Lesan , Jing Xiabin , Zheng Minhua , Xiao Haihua
Published: June 2015

Clinically ineffective transplatin was converted into a photosensitive prodrug for drug delivery and triggered release to overcome cisplatin resistance.
Mn(iii)-mediated phosphonation–azidation of alkenes: a facile synthesis of β-azidophosphonates
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Xueqin , Gao Yuzhen , Zhang Liangliang , Chen Weizhu , Fang Hua , Tang Guo , Zhao Yufen
Published: June 2015

A new and general method for the synthesis of β-azidophosphonates has been achieved through Mn(OAc)3-mediated radical oxidative phosphonation–azidation of alkenes.
Template-controlled synthesis of chiral cyclohexylhemicucurbit[8]uril
Authors: Prigorchenko E. , Öeren M. , Kaabel S. , Fomitšenko M. , Reile I. , Järving I. , Tamm T. , Topić F. , Rissanen K. , Aav R.
Published: June 2015

Efficient control of macrocycle size was achieved by dynamic covalent chemistry and anionic template.
Growth of high quality single crystals of strontium doped (Nd,Pr)-nickelates, Nd2−xSrxNiO4+δ and Pr2−xSrxNiO4+δ
Authors: Wahyudi O. , Ceretti M. , Weill I. , Cousson A. , Weill F. , Meven M. , Guerre M. , Villesuzanne A. , Bassat J.-M. , Paulus W.
Published: June 2015

High quality, large size single crystals of Nd2−xSrxNiO4+δ and Pr2−xSrxNiO4+δ (x = 0.0, 0.1 and 0.5) were successfully grown using the TSFZ technique.
Non-covalent interactions in ionic liquid ion pairs and ion pair dimers: a quantum chemical calculation analysis
Authors: Marekha Bogdan A. , Kalugin Oleg N. , Idrissi Abdenacer
Published: June 2015

Weak non-covalent interactions were studied by means of QTAIM and NCI approaches in ion pairs and ion pair dimers of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations coupled with perfluorinated anions.
Band tail-induced photoluminescence broadening in heavily In-doped n-type ZnO nanowires
Authors: He H. P. , Wang Z. , Duan H. F. , Ye Z. Z.
Published: June 2015

The formation of the impurity band in heavily In-doped ZnO nanowires results in a remarkable broadening of photoluminescence even at low temperature, which can be used to estimate the electron concentration.
Recent advances in the transition metal catalyzed carbonylation of alkynes, arenes and aryl halides using CO surrogates
Authors: Gautam Prashant , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: June 2015

Transition metal catalyzed carbonylation reactions using carbon monoxide as the C-1 source have occupied an all important position in catalysis which is subsequently related to organic synthesis and industrial synthesis of molecules.
High-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells with molecular copper phenanthroline as solid hole conductor
Authors: Freitag Marina , Daniel Quentin , Pazoki Meysam , Sveinbjörnsson Kári , Zhang Jinbao , Sun Licheng , Hagfeldt Anders , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: June 2015

Copper phenanthroline is an efficient molecular hole transporting material for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. Efficiencies of more than 8% at 1 sun were obtained using LEG4 organic dye.
Photoswitchable stable charge-distributed states in a new cobalt complex exhibiting photo-induced valence tautomerism
Authors: Slota Michael , Blankenhorn Marian , Heintze Eric , Vu Minh , Hübner Ralph , Bogani Lapo
Published: June 2015

We report the synthesis and magnetic and photomagnetic behaviour of a novel valence tautomeric cobalt complex, [Co(3,5-dbbq)2(μ-bpym)] (1) (3,5-dbbq = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone and μ-bpym = 2,2′-bipyrimidine). The synthesis is performed by reacting Co2(CO)8and μ-bpym in the presence of the ligand 3,5-dbbq in a mixed solvent under inert atmosphere. The magnetic behavior clearly shows the presence of electron transfer from the catecholate ligand to the cobalt center, producing valence tautomers of [CoII(SQ)2] with a transition temperature (T1/2) of 215 K. Photomagnetic studies, performedviaboth SQUID magnetometry and X-band electron paramagnetic resonance, show the clear presence of photoinduced valence tautomerism, at temperatures considerably higher than previous systems. A metastable charge distribution is observed, strengthening previous investigations on the character of mixed valence ligands. Entropy-driven valence tautomeric interconversion is observed, and drives the transition to the most stable charge distribution. The complex has the ability to coordinate and can be used as a photoswitchable building block, with the photomagnetic characterisation evidencing a metastable state lifetime of the photo-induced valence tautomeric process ofca.2.9 × 104s below 20 K. The observed yields are higher than ones in similar systems, showing that tiny changes in the molecular structures may have a huge impact.
S100A4 and its role in metastasis – simulations of knockout and amplification of epithelial growth factor receptor and matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Buetti-Dinh Antoine , Pivkin Igor V. , Friedman Ran
Published: June 2015

The calcium-binding signalling protein S100A4 enhances metastasis in a variety of cancers.
Fluorene-based hyperbranched copolymers with spiro[3.3]heptane-2,6-dispirofluorene as the conjugation-uninterrupted branching point and their application in WPLEDs
Authors: Wu Yuling , Li Jie , Liang Wenqing , Yang Junli , Sun Jing , Wang Hua , Liu Xuguang , Xu Bingshe , Huang Wei
Published: June 2015

Spiro[3.3]heptane-2,6-dispirofluorene as a three-dimensional, conjugation-uninterrupted branching point helps to enhance the electroluminescent performance of polyfluorene-based white-light-emitting hyperbranched copolymers.
Structural, spectroscopic, magnetic behavior and DFT investigations ofl-tyrosinato nickel(ii) coordination polymer
Authors: Wojciechowska Agnieszka , Janczak Jan , Staszak Zbigniew , Duczmal Marek , Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Tokar Jadwiga , Ozarowski Andrew
Published: June 2015

The 4,4′-bpy molecules are weakly bonded with nickel(ii) ions in 1Dl-tyrosinato coordination polymer.
Ion pair binding by an l-tyrosine-based polymerizable molecular receptor
Authors: Zdanowski Szymon , Romański Jan
Published: June 2015

A polymerizable molecular receptor able to bind ion pairs and new functional polymers containing the receptor units were synthesized and characterized.
Synthesis of phase-pure and monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles by thermal decomposition
Authors: Hufschmid Ryan , Arami Hamed , Ferguson R. Matthew , Gonzales Marcela , Teeman Eric , Brush Lucien N. , Browning Nigel D. , Krishnan Kannan M.
Published: June 2015

Monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by related thermal decomposition protocols are compared, with size and phase tuned for biomedical applications.
In situ microfluidic SERS assay for monitoring enzymatic breakdown of organophosphates
Authors: Liberman Vladimir , Hamad-Schifferli Kimberly , Thorsen Todd A. , Wick Scott T. , Carr Peter A.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we report on a method to probe the breakdown of the organophosphate (OP) simulants o,s-diethyl methyl phosphonothioate (OSDMP) and demeton S by the enzyme organophosphorous hydrolase (OPH) in a microfluidic device by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Synthesis of mesoporous carbon nanoparticles with large and tunable pore sizes
Authors: Liu Chao , Yu Meihua , Li Yang , Li Jiansheng , Wang Jing , Yu Chengzhong , Wang Lianjun
Published: June 2015

Mesoporous carbon nanoparticles with large and tunable pore sizes have been synthesized through a soft-templating/sphere packing route.
A facile route for growth of CNTs on Si@hard carbon for conductive agent incorporating anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Chanhoon , Choi Sinho , Yoo Seungmin , Kwon Dohyoung , Ko Seunghee , Kim Ju-Myung , Lee Sang-Young , Kim Il-Doo , Park Soojin
Published: June 2015

Conductive agent incorporating Si@HC@CNT anodes were synthesized and exhibited remarkable improvement in long-term cycle performance and rate capability with a high mass-loading of 3.5 mg cm−2.