bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hakai overexpression effectively induces tumour progression and metastasis in vivo
Authors: Castosa Raquel , Martinez-Iglesias Olaia , Roca-Lema Daniel , Casas-Pais Alba , Díaz-Díaz Andrea , Iglesias Pilar , Santamarina Isabel , Graña Begoña , Calvo Lourdes , Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Concha Ángel , Figueroa Angélica
Published: February 2018

At early stages of carcinoma progression, epithelial cells undergo a program named epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition characterized by the loss of the major component of the adherens junctions, E-cadherin, which in consequence causes the disruption of cell-cell contacts. Hakai is an E3 ubiquitin-ligase that binds to E-cadherin in a phosphorylated-dependent manner and induces its degradation; thus modulating cell adhesions. Here, we show that Hakai expression is gradually increased in adenoma and in different TNM stages (I-IV) from colon adenocarcinomas compared to human colon healthy tissues. Moreover, we confirm that Hakai overexpression in epithelial cells drives transformation in cells, a mesenchymal and invasive phenotype, accompanied by the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of N-cadherin, and an increased proliferation and an oncogenic potential. More importantly, for the first time, we have studied the role of Hakai during cancer progression in vivo. We show that Hakai-transformed MDCK cells dramatically induce tumour growth and local invasion in nude mice and tumour cells exhibit a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, we have detected the presence of micrometastasis in the lung mice, further confirming Hakai role during tumour metastasis in vivo. These results lead to the consideration of Hakai as a potential new therapeutic target to block tumour development and metastasis.
Transcription Factor Target Gene Network governs the Logical Abstraction Analysis of the Synthetic Circuit in Leishmaniasis
Authors: Mol Milsee , Kosey Dipali , Boppana Ramanamurthy , Singh Shailza
Published: February 2018

With the advent of synthetic biology in medicine many synthetic or engineered proteins have made their way to therapeutics and diagnostics. In this paper, the downstream gene network of CD14-TNF-EGFR pathway in leishmaniasis, a tropical disease, is reconstructed. Network analysis showed that NFkB links the signaling and gene network, used as a point of intervention through a synthetic circuit embedded within the negative autoregulatory feedback loop. A chimeric protein kinase C (PKC) is incorporated in the synthetic circuit, under the transcriptional regulation of Lac repressor and IPTG, as an inducer. The chimeric PKC_ζα via IκKb phosphorylation activates NFκB, and modulates the gene expression from an anti-inflammatory to a pro-inflammatory phenotype in in vitro L. major infected macrophage model. This is the first ever report of a synthetic device construction in leishmania.
Changes in micro-relief during different water erosive stages of purple soil under simulated rainfall
Authors: Luo Jian , Zheng Zicheng , Li Tingxuan , He Shuqin
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the variation characteristics of micro-topography during successive erosive stages of water erosion: splash erosion (SpE), sheet erosion (ShE), and rill erosion (RE). Micro-topography was quantified using surface elevation change, soil roughness (SR) and multifractal model. Results showed that the area of soil surface elevation decay increased gradually with the development of water erosion. With rainfall, the combined effects of the detachment by raindrop impact and the transport of runoff decreased SR, whereas rill erosion contributed to increase SR. With the increase in slope gradient, soil erosion area gradually decreased at the splash erosion stage. By contrast, soil erosion area initially decreased and then increased at the sheet and rill erosion stages. The width of the D
q
spectra (ΔD) values increased at the splash erosion stage and then decreased at the sheet and rill erosion stages on the 10° slope, opposite to that on the 15° slope. The ΔD values decreased with the evolution of water erosive stages on the 20° slope. The slope had an enhancing effect on the evolution of water erosion. In this study, we clarified the essence of micro-topography and laid a theoretical foundation for further understanding diverse hydrological processes.
Gαi-mediated TRPC4 activation by polycystin-1 contributes to endothelial function via STAT1 activation
Authors: Kwak Misun , Hong Chansik , Myeong Jongyun , Park Eunice Yon June , Jeon Ju-Hong , So Insuk
Published: February 2018

Hypertension and aneurysm are frequently associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) caused by polycystin-1 (PC1) mutations, which is closely related to endothelial dysfunction. PC1 is an atypical G-protein-coupled receptor that activates G-proteins by self-cleavage; currently, however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the associated intracellular signaling and ion channel activation remain poorly elucidated. Here, we report an activation mechanism of a calcium-permeable canonical transient receptor potential 4 (TRPC4) channel by PC1 and its endothelial function. We found that the inhibitory Gαi3 protein selectively bound to the G-protein-binding domain on the C-terminus of PC1. The dissociation of Gαi3 upon cleavage of PC1 increased TRPC4 activity. Calcium influx through TRPC4 activated the transcription factor STAT1 to regulate cell proliferation and death. The down-regulation of PC1/TRPC4/STAT1 disrupted migration of endothelial cell monolayers, leading to an increase in endothelial permeability. These findings contribute to greater understanding of the high risk of aneurysm in patients with ADPKD.
Nanogels of dual inhibitor-modified hyaluronic acid function as a potent inhibitor of amyloid β-protein aggregation and cytotoxicity
Authors: Jiang Zhiqiang , Dong Xiaoyan , Yan Xin , Liu Yang , Zhang Lin , Sun Yan
Published: February 2018

Inhibition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) aggregation is considered as a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and curcumin have been recognized as effective inhibitors of Aβ aggregation. Herein, we proposed dual-inhibitor modification of hyaluronic acid (HA) to explore the synergistic effect of the two inhibitors. EGCG-modified HA (EHA) formed dispersed hydrogel structures, while EGCG-curcumin bi-modified HA (CEHA) self-assembled into nanogels like curcumin-modified HA (CHA). Thioflavin T fluorescent assays revealed that the inhibitory effect of CEHA was 69% and 55% higher than EHA and CHA, respectively, and cytotoxicity assays showed that the viability of SH-SY5Y cells incubated with Aβ and CEHA was 28% higher than that with Aβ and the mixture of EHA and CHA. These results clearly indicate the synergism of the two inhibitors. It is considered that the difference in the hydrophobicities of the two inhibitors made the bi-modification of HA provide a favorable CEHA nanostructure that coordinated different inhibition effects of the two inhibitors. This research indicates that fabrication of dual-inhibitor nanosystem is promising for the development of potent agents against Aβ aggregation and cytotoxicity.
Correction: Corrigendum: Treponema pallidum (syphilis) antigen TpF1 induces angiogenesis through the activation of the IL-8 pathway
Authors: Pozzobon Tommaso , Facchinello Nicola , Bossi Fleur , Capitani Nagaja , Benagiano Marisa , Di Benedetto Giulietta , Zennaro Cristina , West Nicole , Codolo Gaia , Bernardini Marialina , Baldari Cosima Tatiana , D’Elios Mario Milco , Pellegrini Luca , Argenton Francesco , de Bernard Marina
Published: February 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 18785; published online: 05 January 2016; updated: 16 February 2018 This Article contains errors in the Materials and Methods section under subheading ‘RNA Isolation and RT-PCR in zebrafish’. “One microgram of total RNA was reverse transcribed using MMLV reversetranscriptase and cDNA was amplified with the following primers: Danio rerio β-actin, 5′-CAGCAAGCAGGAGTACGATGAGT-3′ and 5′-TTGAATCTCATTGCTAGGCCATT-3′; Danio rerio IL-8a, 5′-AGCTTGAGAGGTCTGGCTGTAGA-3′ and 5′-CGAGGCGTTGATAAGCTCTCTGCT-3′, Danio rerio IL-8b, 5′-TGTTTTCCTGGCATTTCTGACC-3′and 5′-TTTACAGTGTGGGCT TGGAGGG-3′, Danio rerio VEGF-A, 5′-GATGTGATTCCCTTCATGGATGTGT-3′ and 5′-GGATACTCCTGGATG ATGTCTACCA-3′.
Novel inorganic tin phosphate gel: multifunctional material
Authors: Huang Wenyan , Komarneni Sridhar , Noh Young Dong , Ma Jianfeng , Chen Kunfeng , Xue Dongfeng , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Bibiao
Published: February 2018

Novel tin phosphate is not only a great proton conductor but also a good capacitor material with fast Li-storage kinetics.
One-step synthesis of 2D-layered carbon wrapped transition metal nitrides from transition metal carbides (MXenes) for supercapacitors with ultrahigh cycling stability
Authors: Yuan Wenyu , Cheng Laifei , Wu Heng , Zhang Yani , Lv Shilin , Guo Xiaohui
Published: February 2018

A novel one-step method to synthesize 2D carbon wrapped transition metal nitrides was proposed via using 2D metal carbides (MXenes) as precursors.
Incorporation of indium into ε-gallium oxide epitaxial thin films grown via mist chemical vapour deposition for bandgap engineering
Authors: Nishinaka H. , Miyauchi N. , Tahara D. , Morimoto S. , Yoshimoto M.
Published: February 2018

Epitaxial ε-gallium oxide (Ga2O3) thin films incorporated with In were successfully grown by mist chemical vapour deposition (CVD) on c-plane sapphire substrates for bandgap tuning.
High temperature pyrolysis of 2-methyl furan
Authors: Tranter R. S. , Lynch P. T. , Randazzo J. B. , Lockhart J. P. A. , Chen X. , Goldsmith C. F.
Published: February 2018

Experiments and theory reveal the complex dissociation of 2-methylfuran and the surprising importance of H-atom loss.
Insights into the effect of donor ability on photophysical properties of dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene-based imide derivatives
Authors: He Guiying , Zhou Li-Li , Song Hongwei , Kuang Zhuoran , Wang Xian , Guo Qianjin , Lu Hai-Yan , Xia Andong
Published: February 2018

The photophysical properties of dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene-based imide (DHIFI) derivatives were investigated by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical calculations.
Photoreaction of BlrP1: the role of a nonlinear photo-intensity sensor
Authors: Shibata Kosei , Nakasone Yusuke , Terazima Masahide
Published: February 2018

Blue-light-regulated phosphodiesterase 1 (BlrP1) dimer exhibits a large conformational change, which is assigned to a quaternary structural change. The conformational change requires photoexcitation of both monomer units in the dimer, indicating that BlrP1 plays a role of a nonlinear light intensity sensor.
The electrocatalytic characterization and mechanism of carbon nanotubes with different numbers of walls for the VO2+/VO2+ redox couple
Authors: Lv Zhaoqian , Zhang Jin , Lv Yang , Cheng Yi , Jiang San Ping , Xiang Yan , Lu Shanfu
Published: February 2018

Remarkable differences in the electrocatalytic activity and reversibility were observed among CNTs with wall numbers for the VO2+/VO2+ redox.
Sea spray aerosol chemical composition: elemental and molecular mimics for laboratory studies of heterogeneous and multiphase reactions
Authors: Bertram Timothy H. , Cochran Richard E. , Grassian Vicki H. , Stone Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2018

Schematic representation of the reactive uptake of N2O5to a sea spray aerosol particle containing a thick organic film.
CuO/CeO2 catalysts for glycerol selective conversion to lactic acid
Authors: Palacio Ruben , Torres Sebastian , Royer Sébastien , Mamede Anne Sophie , López Diana , Hernández Diana
Published: February 2018

CuO/CeO2 catalyst was highly active on glycerol conversion mainly generating lactic acid. Interestingly, CuO/CeO2 could be regenerated for 5 cycles.
Highly uniform Ru nanoparticles over N-doped carbon: pH and temperature-universal hydrogen release from water reduction
Authors: Wang Jing , Wei Zhongzhe , Mao Shanjun , Li Haoran , Wang Yong
Published: February 2018

Highly uniform ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles over N-doped carbon (Ru@CN) was designed and confirmed as a promising candidate for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over a wide pH range.
Effects of ortho- and polyphosphates on lead speciation in drinking water
Authors: Trueman Benjamin F. , Krkošek Wendy H. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: February 2018

Polyphosphates may increase lead solubilityviacomplexation, but the risk is not well characterized. Size-exclusion chromatography with multi-element detection could help determine the prevalence of lead-polyphosphate complexes in drinking water.
Metallosurfactant based Pd–Ni alloy nanoparticles as a proficient catalyst in the Mizoroki Heck coupling reaction
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Kaur Gurpreet , Bhalla Aman , Dhau Jaspreet S. , Chaudhary Ganga Ram
Published: February 2018

A highly efficient, operationally simple, green catalytic approach using Pd–Ni alloy nanoparticles for Mizoroki Heck coupling.
Entropic trap purification of long DNA
Authors: Agrawal Pranav , Bognár Zsófia , Dorfman Kevin D.
Published: February 2018

An entropic trapping device provides simultaneous purification and concentration of long DNA for next-generation genomics applications.
Multicationic Sr4Mn3O10 mesostructures: molten salt synthesis, analytical electron microscopy study and reactivity
Authors: González-Jiménez Irma N. , Torres-Pardo Almudena , Rano Simon , Laberty-Robert Christel , Hernández-Garrido Juan Carlos , López-Haro Miguel , Calvino José J. , Varela Áurea , Sanchez Clément , Parras Marina , González-Calbet José M. , Portehault David
Published: February 2018

Molten salt synthesis of anisotropic Sr4Mn3O10 particles.
Structural investigations on uranium(vi) and thorium(iv) complexation with TBP and DHOA: a spectroscopic study
Authors: Verma P. K. , Mohapatra P. K. , Bhattacharyya A. , Yadav A. K. , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: February 2018

Spectroscopic studies were carried out to understand the complexation of U(vi) and Th(iv) with tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) andN,N-dihexyl octanamide (DHOA) in different non-aqueous solvents.
A new semiconducting 1D Cu(i)–Cu(ii) mixed-valence coordination polymer with Cu(ii) dimethylpiperidine–dithiocarbamate and a tetranuclear Cu(i)–Br cluster unit
Authors: Himoto K. , Suzuki S. , Okubo T. , Maekawa M. , Kuroda-Sowa T.
Published: February 2018

A new 1D semiconducting mixed-valence Cu(i)–Cu(ii) coordination polymer was synthesized and characterized using impedance measurements.
A chemo- and regiocontrolled approach to bipyrazoles and pyridonesviathe reaction of ethyl 5-acyl-4-pyrone-2-carboxylates with hydrazines
Authors: Obydennov D. L. , Khammatova L. R. , Eltsov O. S. , Sosnovskikh V. Y.
Published: February 2018

Chemo- and regiocontrolled syntheses of bipyrazoles and pyridones are presented on the basis of 4-pyrones.
An asymmetric organocatalytic vinylogous Mannich reaction of 3-methyl-5-arylfuran-2(3H)-ones with N-(2-pyridinesulfonyl) imines: enantioselective synthesis of δ-amino γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides
Authors: Wang Zhen-Hua , You Yong , Chen Yong-Zheng , Xu Xiao-Ying , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: February 2018

A series of δ-amino γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides were obtained with satisfactory results via an asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reaction of 3-methyl-5-arylfuran-2(3H)-ones with N-(2-pyridinesulfonyl)imines.
A novel method for the collection of nanoscopic vesicles from an organotypic culture model
Authors: Iordachescu Alexandra , Hulley Philippa , Grover Liam M.
Published: February 2018

Cellular nanovesicles have been shown to play a significant role in many biological processes. Organotypic bone culture systems are a source of physiologically-relevant mineralisation vesicles, which can be immuno-selected for investigation.
Flexible corner cube retroreflector array for temperature and strain sensing
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Waqas , Ahmed Rajib , Yetisen Ali K. , Butt Haider
Published: February 2018

A flexible corner cube retroreflector (CCR) array based passive dual sensing is demonstrated to measure external stimuli (temperature/mechanical force as weight suspension).
Fusing a reversed and informal learning scheme and space: student perceptions of active learning in physical chemistry
Authors: Donnelly Julie , Hernández Florencio E.
Published: February 2018

Physical chemistry students often have negative perceptions and low expectations for success in physical chemistry, attitudes that likely affect their performance in the course. Despite the results of several studies indicating increased positive perception of physical chemistry when active learning strategies are used, a recent survey of faculty in the U.S. revealed the continued prevalence of instructor-centered approaches in physical chemistry. In order to reveal a deeper understanding of student experiences in an active learning physical chemistry course, we present a phenomenological study of students’ perceptions of physical chemistry when the course is completely redesigned using active learning strategies. Using the flipped classroom, an active learning space, cooperative learning, and alternative assessments, we emphasized fundamental concepts and encouraged students to take responsibility for their learning. Based on open-ended surveys and interviews with students, we found that students struggled with the transition, but had some significant positive perceptions of the approach. This is in agreement with previous studies of physical chemistry courses in which cooperative learning was the focus. As part of a larger study of the effectiveness of this course redesign, we show how students perceive the effectiveness of these strategies and how they react to them. In addition, we discuss the implications of these findings for the active learning physical chemistry classroom.
Dual-channel fluorescence diagnosis of cancer cells/tissues assisted by OATP transporters and cysteine/glutathione
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Liu Jing , Hu Bo , Wang Linfang , Yang Zhen , Han Xu , Wang Juanjuan , Bai Wei , Guo Wei
Published: February 2018

A 2-(diphenylphosphino)phenol-functionalized pyronin dye has successfully been developed for dual-channel fluorescence diagnosis of cancer cells/tissues assisted by OATP transporters and Cys/GSH.
Cost effective perovskite solar cells with a high efficiency and open-circuit voltage based on a perovskite-friendly carbon electrode
Authors: Chu Qian-Qian , Ding Bin , Qiu Qi , Liu Yan , Li Cheng-Xin , Li Chang-Jiu , Yang Guan-Jun , Fang Baizeng
Published: February 2018

The dissolution of perovskite films with perovskite-friendly carbon paste was avoided, resulting in high efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
Novel efficient blue and bluish-green light-emitting polymers with delayed fluorescence
Authors: Hu Yingyuan , Cai Wanqing , Ying Lei , Chen Dongjun , Yang Xiye , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Su Shijian , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: February 2018

Donor–acceptor type polymers with delayed fluorescence are synthesized via a palladium catalyzed C–N coupling reaction.
Graphene-based aptasensors: from molecule–interface interactions to sensor design and biomedical diagnostics
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Aiguo , Wei Gang
Published: February 2018

Graphene-based aptasensors exhibit wide applications for the biomedical detection of DNA, proteins, small molecules, viruses, bacteria, and cells.
Multifunctional luminescent magnetic cryocooler in a Gd5Mn2 pyramidal complex
Authors: Huang Wei , Huang Shuaidan , Zhang Ming , Chen Yancong , Zhuang Gui-Lin , Li Yao , Tong Ming-Liang , Yong Juan , Li Yujie , Wu Dayu
Published: February 2018

A [GdIII5MnII2] pyramidal complex was developed for multifunctional PL, ML, and MCE applications involving red-light sources, thermometers, and stress imaging. In particular, this provides a novel resolution to design a visualized PL cooler.
pH-Gated photoresponsive shuttling in a water-soluble pseudorotaxane
Authors: Zubillaga A. , Ferreira P. , Parola A. J. , Gago S. , Basílio N.
Published: February 2018

Phototriggered ring shuttling in a water-soluble fluorescent pseudorotaxane can be enabled and disabled at different pH values.
Iodide-derived nanostructured silver promotes selective and efficient carbon dioxide conversion into carbon monoxide
Authors: Zhang Ya , Ji Lei , Qiu Weibin , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: February 2018

An iodide-derived nanostructured silver catalyst (ID-Ag) is able to electrochemically reduce CO2to CO with approximately 94.5% selectivity at the potential of −0.7 V in CO2-saturated 0.5 M KHCO3. This value is much higher than that of Ag foil under identical conditions.
Controlling anticancer drug mediated G-quadruplex formation and stabilization by a molecular container
Authors: Satpathi Sagar , Singh Reman K. , Mukherjee Arnab , Hazra Partha
Published: February 2018

G-quadruplex DNA (GQ-DNA) formation has been controlled using a molecular container, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), by means of translocating a potential anticancer drug, topotecan, from GQ-DNA to the CB7 nanocavity. Interestingly, this whole cycle can be easily monitored through the change in the emission color of the stabilizing ligand,i.e., topotecan.
Water soluble derivatives of platinum carbonyl Chini clusters: synthesis, molecular structures and cytotoxicity of [Pt12(CO)20(PTA)4]2−and [Pt15(CO)25(PTA)5]2−
Authors: Batchelor Lucinda K. , Berti Beatrice , Cesari Cristiana , Ciabatti Iacopo , Dyson Paul J. , Femoni Cristina , Iapalucci Maria C. , Mor Matteo , Ruggieri Silvia , Zacchini Stefano
Published: February 2018

The cytotoxicity towards human cancer cells of water soluble Chini clusters is reported.
Multi-molecular emission of a cationic Pt(ii) complex through hydrogen bonding interactions
Authors: Yamaguchi Kaho , Yamawaki Kazuma , Kimura Takuya , Kuwabara Junpei , Yasuda Takeshi , Nishimura Yoshinobu , Kanbara Takaki
Published: February 2018

Upon the photoexcitation of a hydrogen-bonded Pt complex, a stacked structure is formed in the excited state, exhibiting dimer emission.
Highly-effective palladium nanoclusters supported on para-sulfonated calix[8]arene-functionalized carbon nanohorns for ethylene glycol and glycerol oxidation reactions
Authors: Ran Xin , Qu Qing , Liu Chang , Zhang Shihong , Qian Xingcan , Wang Qiang , Jiang Changliang , Yang Long , Li Lei
Published: February 2018

Non-Pt noble metal clusters like Pd clusters are considered as promising electrocatalysts for fuel cells, but they suffer from problems such as easy aggregation during the catalysis reactions.
Edge-on and face-on functionalized Pc on enriched semiconducting SWCNT hybrids
Authors: Arellano Luis M. , Martín-Gomis Luis , Gobeze Habtom B. , Molina Desiré , Hermosa Cristina , Gómez-Escalonilla María J. , Fierro José Luis G. , Sastre-Santos Ángela , D'Souza Francis , Langa Fernando
Published: February 2018

Semiconducting SWCNT (6,5) and (7,6) have been functionalized with Zn and Si phthalocyanines for light energy harvesting applications.
Smart self-assembled microgel films as encapsulating carriers for UV-absorbing molecules
Authors: Aguirre Garbiñe , Khoukh Abdel , Taboada Pablo , Chougrani Kamel , Alard Valérie , Billon Laurent
Published: February 2018

This article reports the ability of oligo(ethylene glycol)-based stimuli-responsive microgels to spontaneously form self-assembled microgel films under different conditions such as the presence or absence of water soluble polymers (WSP, formed during the microgel synthesis) and the type and/or amount of salt in the microgel dispersion.
Mesoporous TiO2–SiO2 adsorbent for ultra-deep desulfurization of organic-S at room temperature and atmospheric pressure
Authors: Qin Bin , Shen Yuesong , Xu Boyang , Zhu Shemin , Li Peiwen , Liu Youlin
Published: February 2018

Ultra-deep desulfurization is a major requirement for upgrading the quality of fuel and power sources for fuel-cells.
Facile one-step solvothermal synthesis of active carbon/BiOI microspheres with enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic activity in the reduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Wang YuanYou , Chen SuoJin , Jin DangQin , Gong AiQin , Xu XueJiao , Wu Changle
Published: February 2018

Active carbon/BiOI microspheres have promising applications as an efficient visible-light photocatalyst for the treatment of Cr(vi)-polluted water.
A machine-assisted approach for the preparation of follow-on pharmaceutical compound libraries
Authors: Schotten Christiane , Leist Lisa G. T. , Semrau A. Lisa , Browne Duncan L.
Published: February 2018

Coupling of a continuous flow process to a robotic microwave device has led to a simple platform for the preparation of compound libraries, specifically the anti-migraine compound Zolmitriptan and several unknown analogues.
Extrahepatic angiogenesis hinders recovery of portal hypertension and collaterals in rats with cirrhosis resolution
Authors: Hsu Shao-Jung , Tsai Ming-Hung , Chang Ching-Chih , Hsieh Yu-Hsin , Huang Hui-Chun , Lee Fa-Yauh , Chuang Chiao-Ling , Hou Ming-Chih , Lee Shou-Dong
Published: February 2018

Liver cirrhosis is characterized by portal hypertension. However, the alteration of portal hypertension-related derangements during cirrhosis resolution is not well known. The present study aimed to establish animal models with cirrhosis resolution and to investigate the relevant changes during this process. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were applied. In reverse thioacetamide (rTAA) model, rats were randomly allocated into four groups with control, thioacetamide (TAA) cirrhosis and rTAA groups that discontinued TAA for 4 or 8 weeks after cirrhosis induction. In reverse bile duct ligation (rBDL) model, rats received choledochoduodenal shunt surgery upon the establishment of cirrhosis and 4, 8, or 16 weeks were allowed after the surgery. At the end, portal hypertension-related parameters were evaluated. Cirrhosis resolution was observed in rTAA groups. Portal pressure (PP) decreased after cirrhosis resolution but remained higher than control group (control, TAA, rTAA4, rTAA8 (mmHg): 5.4 ± 0.3, 12.9 ± 0.3, 8.6 ± 0.4, 7.6 ± 0.6). Further survey found the increased splanchnic blood flow did not reduce during cirrhosis resolution. The extrahepatic pathological angiogenesis was not ameliorated (% of mesenteric window area: 1.2 ± 0.3, 7.3 ± 1.1, 8.3 ± 1.0, 11.3 ± 2.7). In collateral system, the shunting degree reduced while the vessels structure remained. The vascular contractility of all systems and nitric oxide (NO) production were normalized. In rBDL series, PP decreased in rBDL16 groups but the extrahepatic angiogenesis persisted. In conclusion, cirrhosis resolution attenuates but not completely normalizes portal hypertension because of persistently high splanchnic inflow and angiogenesis. In clinical setting, vascular complications such as varices could persist after cirrhosis resolution and further investigation to define the follow-up and treatment strategies is anticipated.
Performance analysis of orthogonal space‐time block codes over Nakagami‐q MIMO RFID backscattering channels
Authors: Jamoos Ali , Qabbani Yasmin
Published: February 2018

The authors employ the conditional moment generating function approach to analyse the performance of orthogonal space‐time block codes over Nakagami‐q (Hoyt) multiple‐input multiple‐output radio frequency identification backscattering channels. New exact and asymptotic symbol error rate expressions are derived for the case of two and four receiving antennas . The exact expressions are in the form of a sum of infinite series while the asymptotic ones are in the closed form. The diversity order that the system can achieve is found to be L, where L is the number of tag antennas, and the performance of this system is found to be more sensitive to the channel condition (the q parameter) of the forward link than that of the backscattering link. The theoretical results (exact and asymptotic) are verified through comparison with simulation results.
Advanced pilot design procedure based on HS algorithm for OFDM‐IDMA system
Authors: Şimşir Şakir , Taşpinar Necmi
Published: February 2018

The direct effect of the pilot positions to the channel estimation performance gives an opportunity for minimising the estimation errors in multicarrier transmission technologies. To this end, harmony search (HS) algorithm is proposed for optimising the pilot distribution pattern in order to increase the performance of least squares estimator employed in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐interleave division multiple access (OFDM‐IDMA) system. Besides, the upper bound of mean square error (MSE) utilised as the fitness function of HS algorithm is obtained by using Gershgorin disc theorem to get rid of matrix inversion process required in MSE calculation. In the simulations, the authors’ proposed HS‐based pilot optimisation technique proves to be an effective way of pilot design for OFDM‐IDMA system by providing a clear performance superiority over the other considered pilot placement strategies.
Robust fixed‐order dynamic output feedback controller design for fractional‐order systems
Authors: Badri Pouya , Sojoodi Mahdi
Published: February 2018

This study deals with designing a robust fixed‐order dynamic output feedback controller for uncertain fractional‐order linear time‐invariant systems by means of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The authors’ purpose is to design a low‐order controller that stabilises the fractional‐order linear system in the presence of model uncertainties. No limiting constraint on the state space matrices of the uncertain system is assumed in the design procedure. Furthermore, adopting the most complete model of linear controller, with direct feedthrough parameter, does not disturb the LMI‐based approach of developing robust stabilising control. Eventually, the authors illustrate the advantages of the proposed method by some examples and their numerical simulation.
Multi‐stage ranking approach for fast person re‐identification
Authors: Fumera Bahram Lavi Giorgio , Roli Fabio
Published: February 2018

One of the goals of person re‐identification systems is to support video‐surveillance operators and forensic investigators to find an individual of interest in videos acquired by a network of non‐overlapping cameras. This is attained by sorting images of previously observed individuals for decreasing values of their similarity with a given probe individual. Existing appearance descriptors, together with their similarity measures, are mostly aimed at improving ranking quality. The authors address instead the issue of processing time, which is also relevant in practical applications involving interaction with human operators. They show how a trade‐off between processing time and ranking quality, for any given descriptor, can be achieved through a multi‐stage ranking approach inspired by multi‐stage classification approaches, which they adapt to the re‐identification ranking task. The authors analytically model the processing time of multi‐stage system and discuss the corresponding accuracy, and derive from these results practical design guidelines. They then empirically evaluate their approach on three benchmark data sets and four state‐of‐the‐art descriptors.
Locating all real solutions of power flow equations: a convex optimisation‐based method
Authors: Liu Bin , Wei Wei , Liu Feng
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a convex optimisation‐based method that either locates all real roots of a set of power flow (PF) equations or declares no real solution exists in the given area. In the proposed method, solving the PF equations is reformulated as a global optimisation problem (GPF for short) that minimises the sum of slack variables. All the global minima of GPF with a zero objective value have a one‐to‐one correspondence to the real roots of PF equations. By solving a relaxed version of GPF over a hypercube, if the optimal value is strictly positive, there is no solution in this area and the hypercube is discarded. Otherwise the hypercube is further divided into smaller ones. This procedure repeats recursively until all the real roots are located in small enough hypercubes through the successive refinement of the feasible region embedded in a bisection paradigm. This method is desired in a number of power system security assessment applications, for instance, the transient stability analysis as well as voltage stability analysis, where the closest unstable equilibrium and all Type I unstable equilibrium is required, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by analysing several test systems.
MoM analysis of cavity‐backed annular conical antennas
Authors: Sabino Vanine , Pereira‐Filho Odilon M.C.
Published: February 2018

This study presents theoretical formulation and results for cavity‐backed annular conical antennas. The formulation is based on equivalence principle and method of moments (MoM), in both point‐matching and Galerkin forms. Results are presented for radiation diagram, and input impedance, and compared to those obtained using commercial software. The effects of dielectric thickness and of cavity dimensions on input impedance are presented. In addition, the feeding using two coaxial cables for radiation maximum at cone axis is also presented.
Printed multi‐band compound meta‐loop antenna with hybrid‐coupled SRRs
Authors: Xu Kuiwen , Liu Yang , Dong Linxi , Peng Liang , Chen Shichang , Shen Fazhong , Ye Xiuzhu , Chen Xi , Wang Gaofeng
Published: February 2018

A novel printed loop antenna with hybrid‐coupled split ring resonators (SRRs) is proposed to realise multi‐band and impedance‐enhanced performances. Design guidelines and a step‐by‐step derivation of the proposed antenna based on SRRs are given in detail. On the basis of a one‐wavelength rectangular loop, by splitting the left‐/right‐hand sides of the loop, the input impedance of the loop antenna is reduced and an additional resonance can be generated. Four identical SRRs are then symmetrically placed inside the loop, which not only introduces a resonance by the electrically small SRRs array, but also forms multiple hybrid resonances at the high frequencies. To improve impedance matching, two parasitic strips are added besides the splits of SRRs. This antenna is numerically and experimentally studied. It is demonstrated that this antenna achieves three operating bands with improved impedance matching (i.e. two narrow‐bands at 0.729 and 0.797 GHz and a wide band from 0.935 to 1.1 GHz), a loop–dipole‐liked radiation pattern, a maximum realised gain with a value of 4.8 dBi and radiation efficiency above 72.5%.
Ground plane modifications for design of miniaturised UWB antennas
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Ul Haq Muhammad Aziz
Published: February 2018

This study investigates a particular type of ground plane modifications in ultra‐wideband (UWB) antennas and the effect they have on achievable amount of miniaturisation of the structure at hand. The focus is on n‐section rectangular slits below the feeding line. The authors analyse possible size reduction as a function of the number n of slit sections. In order to ensure that the minimum antenna footprint is obtained in each case, rigorous numerical optimisation of all antenna parameters has been carried out. The optimisation process is constrained to guarantee that the antenna exhibits acceptable in‐band matching at the level of −10 dB. For the sake of generality, the study has been performed using a benchmark set of four representative UWB monopoles. The results clearly indicate a significant advantage of increasing the number of degrees of freedom of the ground plane slit but also the saturation effect, i.e. decreasing advantages of introducing additional slit sections beyond a certain value of n. The average amount of miniaturisation for n = 5 versus n = 1 is around 40%. For selected designs, numerical results have been validated experimentally.
Numerical simulation of external flow around cylinder using improved lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Soufi Boubakran Mohsen , Mirzaee Iraj
Published: February 2018

In this study, incompressible and viscous external flow around a cylinder is simulated using the lattice Boltzmann method. The surface of cylinder is considered to be a rigid immersed body in the fluid flow. The fluid flow field is discretised by a uniform and fixed Cartesian mesh but there are difficulties in the modelling of curved boundaries. As a result, the cylinder surface is extrapolated by macroscopic properties at boundary nodes. On the other hand, to well treat with boundary condition of the cylinder surface and in the meantime, to save the computational effort, an innovation is applied in this research which solves this problem by introducing a new curved boundary condition to improve computational accuracy in lattice Boltzmann simulations. However, this method can be extended to other physical fields as well as fluid flow. The present results have been compared with the available numerical results which show good agreements.
Nautilus multi-grain model: Importance of cosmic-ray-induced desorption in determining the chemical abundances in the ISM
Authors: Iqbal Wasim , Wakelam Valentine
Published: February 2018

Context. Species abundances in the interstellar medium (ISM) strongly depend on the chemistry occurring at the surfaces of the dust grains. To describe the complexity of the chemistry, various numerical models have been constructed. In most of these models, the grains are described by a single size of 0.1 μm.

Aims. We study the impact on the abundances of many species observed in the cold cores by considering several grain sizes in the Nautilus multi-grain model.

Methods. We used grain sizes with radii in the range of 0.005 μm to 0.25 μm. We sampled this range in many bins. We used the previously published, MRN and WD grain size distributions to calculate the number density of grains in each bin. Other parameters such as the grain surface temperature or the cosmic-ray-induced desorption rates also vary with grain sizes.

Results. We present the abundances of various molecules in the gas phase and also on the dust surface at different time intervals during the simulation. We present a comparative study of results obtained using the single grain and the multi-grain models. We also compare our results with the observed abundances in TMC-1 and L134N clouds.

Conclusions. We show that the grain size, the grain size dependent surface temperature and the peak surface temperature induced by cosmic ray collisions, play key roles in determining the ice and the gas phase abundances of various molecules. We also show that the differences between the MRN and the WD models are crucial for better fitting the observed abundances in different regions in the ISM. We show that the small grains play a very important role in the enrichment of the gas phase with the species which are mainly formed on the grain surface, as non-thermal desorption induced by collisions of cosmic ray particles is very efficient on the small grains.
Distribution of Eurasian minnows (Phoxinus: Cypriniformes) in the Western Balkans
Authors: Vucić Matej , Jelić Dušan , Žutinić Petar , Grandjean Frédéric , Jelić Mišel
Published: February 2018

The Eurasian minnows of the genus Phoxinus are small cyprinid species, widely distributed across Europe and Asia. Currently, there are at least 15 species in Phoxinus, with preliminary data suggesting more to be described. Despite the discernible increase in research integrating molecular phylogenetic approaches with traditional taxonomy and systematics, inter- and intraspecific relationships in the genus Phoxinus are still poorly known. The aims of this research were to: (i) compile data on the distribution of Phoxinus species in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the sampling conducted by authors from 2006 to 2016 and from literature sources, and (ii) provide a detailed insight on distribution ranges of genetic clades and species of Phoxinus in the western Balkans. Additional 118 localities in Croatia and 8 locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina were added to already known 160 localities from the literature data. Molecular analyses of mitochondrial DNA indicate: (i) the presence of Phoxinus marsilii in Croatia (Drava drainage, the Papuk Mountain), around 260 km south of its known distribution range in Hungary, and (ii) an exceptional genetic variability of P. lumaireul in the Western Balkans.
A Concise Total Synthesis of (±)-Mesembrine
Authors: Kim Hyoungsu , Choi Hosam , Lee Kiyoun
Published: February 2018

A concise total synthesis of (±)-mesembrine has been successfully accomplished in seven steps and 24% overall yield from commercially available 3-ethoxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one. Central to the assembly of the skeleton of mesembrine are a Johnson–Claisen rearrangement for the formation of the benzylic quaternary stereocenter and direct allylic oxidation to generate the substrate for the amidation/transannular aza-conjugate addition reaction.
Acylation-Mediated ‘Kinetic Turn-On’ of 3-Amino-1,2,4,5-tetrazines
Authors: Mikula Hannes , Kronister Stefan , Svatunek Dennis , Denk Christoph
Published: February 2018

The fast and biocompatible ligation of 1,2,4,5-tetrazines with strained alkenes has found numerous applications in biomedical sciences. The reactivity of a 1,2,4,5-tetrazine can generally be tuned by changing its electronic properties by varying the substituents in the 3- and/or 6-position. An increased reactivity of such bioorthogonal probes upon conjugation or attachment to a target molecule has not previously been described. Such an approach would be beneficial, as it would minimize the impact of residual tetrazine reagents and/or impurities. Herein, we describe such a ‘kinetic turn-on’ of 1,2,4,5-tetrazines upon conjugation. On the basis of the significant increase in reactivity following N-acylation predicted by quantum chemical calculations, we prepared 3-aminotetrazines and their corresponding acetylated derivatives. An investigation of the reaction kinetics indeed revealed a remarkable increase in reactivity upon acylation.
Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Regional Anesthesia for Lower Extremity Microvascular Reconstruction: Enhancing Recovery
Authors: Ruan Qing , Diamond Shawn , Zimmer Scott , Iorio Matthew
Published: February 2018

Background Perioperative pain, increased sympathetic tone, and peripheral vasospasm may be safely managed with regional nerve blockade during microvascular reconstruction in the lower extremity. Limited reports exist in this setting; therefore, we evaluated our use of peripheral nerve catheters (PNCs) during microvascular limb salvage to determine safety and efficacy for both patient and flap.

Methods A single-institution, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database on all patients with lower extremity free tissue transfers between 2012 and 2017 was completed. Patients were matched into groups based on PNC utilization. The use of intravenous narcotics including patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), oral narcotics, antiemetics, length of stay (LOS), associated pain scores, flap-related performance, and patient morbidity was recorded.

Results Of 48 patients who underwent lower extremity free tissue transfer, 35 satisfied criteria for comparison. Of these, PNC was utilized in 83%. The mean pain score in the immediate postoperative period was 3.84 ± 2.47 (10-point Likert scale). PCA and narcotic use were decreased in the PNC group, and no adverse effects of the catheter were identified. Microsurgical outcomes were not adversely affected in comparison.

Conclusion PNC utilization for lower extremity free flap transfer significantly reduced concurrent narcotic use and attained a shorter LOS. The technique provided for safe analgesia during lower extremity free flap reconstructions satisfying the microsurgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Risk of Venous Thrombosis in Antithrombin Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-analysis
Authors: Borjas-Howard Jaime , Nasserinejad Kazem , Leebeek Frank , Meijer Karina , Croles F.
Published: February 2018

Antithrombin deficiency is a strong risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the absolute risk of the first and recurrent VTE is unclear. The objective of this paper is to establish the absolute risks of the first and recurrent VTE and mortality in individuals with antithrombin deficiency. The databases Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for case–control and cohort studies. Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), absolute risks, and probabilities of ORs being above thresholds. Thirty-five publications were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on 19 studies, OR estimates for the first VTE showed a strongly increased risk for antithrombin deficient individuals, OR 14.0; 95% credible interval (CrI), 5.5 to 29.0. Based on 10 studies, meta-analysis showed that the annual VTE risk was significantly higher in antithrombin-deficient than in non-antithrombin-deficient individuals: 1.2% (95% CrI, 0.8–1.7) versus 0.07% (95% CrI, 0.01–0.14). In prospective studies, the annual VTE risk in antithrombin deficient individuals was as high as 2.3%; 95% CrI, 0.2–6.5%. Data on antithrombin deficiency subtypes are very limited for reliable risk-differentiation. The OR for recurrent VTE based on 10 studies was 2.1; 95% CrI, 0.2 to 4.0. The annual recurrence risk without long-term anticoagulant therapy based on 4 studies was 8.8% (95% CrI, 4.6–14.1) for antithrombin-deficient and 4.3% (95% CrI, 1.5–7.9) for non-antithrombin-deficient VTE patients. The probability of the recurrence risk being higher in antithrombin-deficient patients was 95%. The authors conclude that antithrombin deficient individuals have a high annual VTE risk, and a high annual recurrence risk. Antithrombin deficient patients with VTE require long-term anticoagulant therapy.
Gender Comparison of Medical Student Microsurgical Skills in a Laboratory Model
Authors: Sudario-Lumague Rowena , Chiang Yuan-Cheng , Lin Tsan-Shiun
Published: February 2018

Background Perceived gender-related differences in surgical skills could limit opportunities available for any aspiring surgeon. There should be more available literature and logical analysis of these observations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the microsurgical skills of male and female medical students using a standard scale in the laboratory.

Methods This study included medical students enrolled in the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2002 to 2015 who were evaluated by a senior consultant for their microsurgical skills. A standard numeric scale was used to evaluate their suturing technique after basic microsurgical training. Differences in the scores between male and female medical students were evaluated using statistical analysis.

Results A total of 578 medical students were included in the study. There were 393 males (68%) and 185 females (32%). Using statistical analysis, there is no significant difference in the distribution of scores (p-Value = 0.78) and mean scores (p-Value = 0.75) between the two groups.

Conclusions This study shows that microsurgical skills of male and female medical students are similar. Equal opportunities in the eventual pursuit of the surgical specialties should be available regardless of gender.