bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milk intake and growth rate of Awassi lambs sucking ewes grazing on natural pasture in the semi-arid Negev
Authors: Degen A. A. , Benjamin R. W.
Published: May 2017

We determined milk intake and growth rate of fat-tailed Awassi ram lambs from birth to 30 days of age when sucking ewes that were grazing natural green pasture in the semi-arid Negev. The conversion of milk and energy intake to body mass and body solids gain in the lambs were calculated. Annual rainfall and, as a consequence, pasture availability were below average during the study. Body mass at birth was 4·22 (s.d. 0·71) kg and at 30 days was 12·10 (s.d.1·22) kg for an average daily gain of 256 (s.d.33) g/day. Of the 256 g/day, 100 (s.d.12·3) g/day were body solids, and for every unit body mass increase, proportionately 0·391 was body solids. Milk and energy intakes averaged 1·34 (s.d.0·23) l/day and 5·66 (s.d.0·97) MJ/day, respectively. The volume of milk intake per kg increase in body mass and body solids were 5·2 l and 13·4 l, respectively, whereas, the energy intake per kg increase in body mass and body solids were 22·1 MJ and 56·6 MJ, respectively. Of the total metabolizable milk energy intake, proportionately 0·46 was converted to body energy of the lamb. Although dry matter intake of the ewes was insufficient to prevent body mass loss, they produced sufficient milk to support a relatively high lamb growth rate, presumably by mobilizing fat reserves in the tail.
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene polymorphism (rs3025058) affects markers atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pleskovič Aleš , Letonja Marija Šantl , Vujkovac Andreja Cokan , Starčević Jovana Nikolajević , Caprnda Martin , Curilla Eduard , Mozos Ioana , Kruzliak Peter , Prosecky Robert , Petrovič Daniel
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Background: The study was designed to test the possible association between either polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene (rs17576, rs3918242) or the MMP-3 5A/6A gene polymorphism (rs3025058) with markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The second aim of the study was to demonstrate an association between either the rs17576, rs3918242 or rs3025058 and subclinical markers of coronary artery disease in the same subset of patients with T2DM. Patients and methods: A total of 595 subjects with T2DM and 200 subjects without T2DM (control group) were enrolled in the prospective study. Subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis were assessed ultrasonographically. Additionally, in a subset of subjects with T2DM a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed for diagnostic purposes. Genotyping of all three polymorphisms (rs17576, rs3918242, rs3025058) was performed with real-time PCR systems. Results: The comparison of atherosclerosis parameters was performed with regard to different genotypes of MMP-9 rs17576, rs3918242, and MMP-3 rs3025058 polymorphisms upon enrolment and during follow-up. In our study, we found an association between the MMP-3 rs3025058 and CIMT at the time of recruitment. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the association of either the A- allele or the A- genotypes of the rs3025058 (MMP-3) with carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) progression in a 3.8-year follow-up. We demonstrated the effect of the rs3025058 on subclinical markers of coronary atherosclerosis (coronary calcium score, number of coronary arteries with more than 50 % stenosis, and presence of at least one vessel with more than 50 % stenosis). Conclusions: We found an association between the MMP-3 rs3025058 and subclinical markers of carotid (CIMT) and coronary atherosclerosis at the time of recruitment. Moreover, we demonstrated the effect of the MMP-3 rs3025058 on CIMT progression in the 3.8-year follow-up in patients with T2DM.
Verzögerte Identitätsentwicklung, Familienbeziehungen und Psychopathologie: Zusammenhänge bei gesunden und klinisch auffälligen Heranwachsenden
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Escher Fabian J.
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. In einer vergleichenden Studie an gesunden Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen sowie einer Gruppe von Patienten (gesamt N = 732) wurde die Identitätsentwicklung im Kontext von Identitätsstress, elterlichen dysfunktionalen Erziehungsstilen und Symptombelastung untersucht. Erwartungsgemäß fand sich in der Gruppe der Patienten eine arretierte Identitätsentwicklung mit hohen Werten in ruminativer Exploration, besonders viel Identitätsstress und eine hohe externalisierende und internalisierende Symptombelastung; die elterlichen Erziehungsstile waren durch viel mütterliche psychologische Kontrolle bei fehlender Unterstützung zusammen mit einer ängstlichen väterlichen Erziehung gekennzeichnet. Auffallend war der enge Zusammenhang zwischen externalisierender Symptombelastung und Identitätsarretierung. In beiden Gruppen Gesunder fand sich ein altersgemäßer verzögerter Identitätsstatus, aber auch ein eher ängstliches Monitoring durch die Eltern. Im Vergleich zu den gesunden Jugendlichen zeichnen sich junge Erwachsene besonders durch starke Aktivitäten in der Identitätsentwicklung und viel Stress aus, ohne dass es allerdings zu einer Zunahme von Symptomen kommt.
Dual-stimuli responsive and reversibly activatable theranostic nanoprobe for precision tumor-targeting and fluorescence-guided photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhao Xu , Yang Cheng-Xiong , Chen Li-Gong , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: May 2017

The integrated functions of diagnostics and therapeutics make theranostics great potential for personalized medicine. Stimulus-responsive therapy allows spatial control of therapeutic effect only in the site of interest, and offers promising opportunities for imaging-guided precision therapy. However, the imaging strategies in previous stimulus-responsive therapies are ‘always on’ or irreversible ‘turn on’ modality, resulting in poor signal-to-noise ratios or even ‘false positive’ results. Here we show the design of dual-stimuli-responsive and reversibly activatable nanoprobe for precision tumour-targeting and fluorescence-guided photothermal therapy. We fabricate the nanoprobe from asymmetric cyanine and glycosyl-functionalized gold nanorods (AuNRs) with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-specific peptide as a linker to achieve MMPs/pH synergistic and pH reversible activation. The unique activation and glycosyl targetibility makes the nanoprobe bright only in tumour sites with negligible background, while AuNRs and asymmetric cyanine give synergistic photothermal effect. This work paves the way to designing efficient nanoprobes for precision theranostics.
An invariability-area relationship sheds new light on the spatial scaling of ecological stability
Authors: Wang Shaopeng , Loreau Michel , Arnoldi Jean-Francois , Fang Jingyun , Rahman K. Abd. , Tao Shengli , de Mazancourt Claire
Published: May 2017

The spatial scaling of stability is key to understanding ecological sustainability across scales and the sensitivity of ecosystems to habitat destruction. Here we propose the invariability–area relationship (IAR) as a novel approach to investigate the spatial scaling of stability. The shape and slope of IAR are largely determined by patterns of spatial synchrony across scales. When synchrony decays exponentially with distance, IARs exhibit three phases, characterized by steeper increases in invariability at both small and large scales. Such triphasic IARs are observed for primary productivity from plot to continental scales. When synchrony decays as a power law with distance, IARs are quasilinear on a log–log scale. Such quasilinear IARs are observed for North American bird biomass at both species and community levels. The IAR provides a quantitative tool to predict the effects of habitat loss on population and ecosystem stability and to detect regime shifts in spatial ecological systems, which are goals of relevance to conservation and policy.
Sub-nanometre control of the coherent interaction between a single molecule and a plasmonic nanocavity
Authors: Zhang Yao , Meng Qiu-Shi , Zhang Li , Luo Yang , Yu Yun-Jie , Yang Ben , Zhang Yang , Esteban Ruben , Aizpurua Javier , Luo Yi , Yang Jin-Long , Dong Zhen-Chao , Hou J G
Published: May 2017

The coherent interaction between quantum emitters and photonic modes in cavities underlies many of the current strategies aiming at generating and controlling photonic quantum states. A plasmonic nanocavity provides a powerful solution for reducing the effective mode volumes down to nanometre scale, but spatial control at the atomic scale of the coupling with a single molecular emitter is challenging. Here we demonstrate sub-nanometre spatial control over the coherent coupling between a single molecule and a plasmonic nanocavity in close proximity by monitoring the evolution of Fano lineshapes and photonic Lamb shifts in tunnelling electron-induced luminescence spectra. The evolution of the Fano dips allows the determination of the effective interaction distance of ∼1 nm, coupling strengths reaching ∼15 meV and a giant self-interaction induced photonic Lamb shift of up to ∼3 meV. These results open new pathways to control quantum interference and field–matter interaction at the nanoscale.
A high quantum yield molecule-protein complex fluorophore for near-infrared II imaging
Authors: Antaris Alexander L. , Chen Hao , Diao Shuo , Ma Zhuoran , Zhang Zhe , Zhu Shoujun , Wang Joy , Lozano Alexander X. , Fan Quli , Chew Leila , Zhu Mark , Cheng Kai , Hong Xuechuan , Dai Hongjie , Cheng Zhen
Published: May 2017

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) allows visualization of deep anatomical features with an unprecedented degree of clarity. NIR-II fluorophores draw from a broad spectrum of materials spanning semiconducting nanomaterials to organic molecular dyes, yet unfortunately all water-soluble organic molecules with >1,000 nm emission suffer from low quantum yields that have limited temporal resolution and penetration depth. Here, we report tailoring the supramolecular assemblies of protein complexes with a sulfonated NIR-II organic dye (CH-4T) to produce a brilliant 110-fold increase in fluorescence, resulting in the highest quantum yield molecular fluorophore thus far. The bright molecular complex allowed for the fastest video-rate imaging in the second NIR window with ∼50-fold reduced exposure times at a fast 50 frames-per-second (FPS) capable of resolving mouse cardiac cycles. In addition, we demonstrate that the NIR-II molecular complexes are superior to clinically approved ICG for lymph node imaging deep within the mouse body.
Divergent prebiotic synthesis of pyrimidine and 8-oxo-purine ribonucleotides
Authors: Stairs Shaun , Nikmal Arif , Bučar Dejan-Krešimir , Zheng Shao-Liang , Szostak Jack W. , Powner Matthew W.
Published: May 2017

Understanding prebiotic nucleotide synthesis is a long standing challenge thought to be essential to elucidating the origins of life on Earth. Recently, remarkable progress has been made, but to date all proposed syntheses account separately for the pyrimidine and purine ribonucleotides; no divergent synthesis from common precursors has been proposed. Moreover, the prebiotic syntheses of pyrimidine and purine nucleotides that have been demonstrated operate under mutually incompatible conditions. Here, we tackle this mutual incompatibility by recognizing that the 8-oxo-purines share an underlying generational parity with the pyrimidine nucleotides. We present a divergent synthesis of pyrimidine and 8-oxo-purine nucleotides starting from a common prebiotic precursor that yields the β-ribo-stereochemistry found in the sugar phosphate backbone of biological nucleic acids. The generational relationship between pyrimidine and 8-oxo-purine nucleotides suggests that 8-oxo-purine ribonucleotides may have played a key role in primordial nucleic acids prior to the emergence of the canonical nucleotides of biology.
Characterisation of antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections in Danish general practice: a retrospective registry based cohort study
Authors: Aabenhus Rune , Hansen Malene Plejdrup , Saust Laura Trolle , Bjerrum Lars
Published: May 2017

Inappropriate use of antibiotics is contributing to the increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance. Several Danish guidelines on antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections in general practice have been issued to promote rational prescribing of antibiotics, however it is unclear if these recommendations are followed. We aimed to characterise the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions for patients diagnosed with acute respiratory tract infections, by means of electronic prescriptions, labeled with clinical indications, from Danish general practice. Acute respiratory tract infections accounted for 456,532 antibiotic prescriptions issued between July 2012 and June 2013. Pneumonia was the most common indication with 178,354 prescriptions (39%), followed by acute tonsillitis (21%) and acute otitis media (19%). In total, penicillin V accounted for 58% of all prescriptions, followed by macrolides (18%) and amoxicillin (15%). The use of second-line agents increased with age for all indications, and comprised more than 40% of the prescriptions in patients aged >75 years. Women were more often prescribed antibiotics regardless of clinical indication. This is the first Danish study to characterise antibiotic prescription patterns for acute respiratory tract infections by data linkage of clinical indications. The findings confirm that penicillin V is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic agent for treatment of patients with an acute respiratory tract infection in Danish general practice. However, second-line agents like macrolides and amoxicillin with or without clavulanic acid are overused. Strategies to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing especially for pneumonia, acute otitis media and acute rhinosinusitis are warranted.
Multiple Trait Covariance Association Test Identifies Gene Ontology Categories Associated with Chill Coma Recovery Time in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sørensen Izel Fourie , Edwards Stefan M. , Rohde Palle Duun , Sørensen Peter
Published: May 2017

The genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model has proven to be useful for prediction of complex traits as well as estimation of population genetic parameters. Improved inference and prediction accuracy of GBLUP may be achieved by identifying genomic regions enriched for causal genetic variants. We aimed at searching for patterns in GBLUP-derived single-marker statistics, by including them in genetic marker set tests, that could reveal associations between a set of genetic markers (genomic feature) and a complex trait. GBLUP-derived set tests proved to be powerful for detecting genomic features, here defined by gene ontology (GO) terms, enriched for causal variants affecting a quantitative trait in a population with low degree of relatedness. Different set test approaches were compared using simulated data illustrating the impact of trait- and genomic feature-specific factors on detection power. We extended the most powerful single trait set test, covariance association test (CVAT), to a multiple trait setting. The multiple trait CVAT (MT-CVAT) identified functionally relevant GO categories associated with the quantitative trait, chill coma recovery time, in the unrelated, sequenced inbred lines of the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel.
High-Gain Graphene Transistors with a Thin AlOx Top-Gate Oxide
Authors: Guerriero Erica , Pedrinazzi Paolo , Mansouri Aida , Habibpour Omid , Winters Michael , Rorsman Niklas , Behnam Ashkan , Carrion Enrique A. , Pesquera Amaia , Centeno Alba , Zurutuza Amaia , Pop Eric , Zirath Herbert , Sordan Roman
Published: May 2017

The high-frequency performance of transistors is usually assessed by speed and gain figures of merit, such as the maximum oscillation frequency fmax, cutoff frequency fT, ratio fmax/fT, forward transmission coefficient S21, and open-circuit voltage gain Av. All these figures of merit must be as large as possible for transistors to be useful in practical electronics applications. Here we demonstrate high-performance graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) with a thin AlOx gate dielectric which outperform previous state-of-the-art GFETs: we obtained fmax/fT > 3, Av > 30 dB, and S21 = 12.5 dB (at 10 MHz and depending on the transistor geometry) from S-parameter measurements. A dc characterization of GFETs in ambient conditions reveals good current saturation and relatively large transconductance ~600 S/m. The realized GFETs offer the prospect of using graphene in a much wider range of electronic applications which require substantial gain.
Protective effect of low dose intra-articular cadmium on inflammation and joint destruction in arthritis
Authors: Bonaventura Paola , Courbon Guillaume , Lamboux Aline , Lavocat Fabien , Marotte Hubert , Albarède Francis , Miossec Pierre
Published: May 2017

Synovium hyperplasia characterizes joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cytotoxic effect of low-dose Cadmium (Cd) was tested in vitro and ex vivo on synoviocytes, the mesenchymal key effector cells of inflammation and proliferation in arthritis. The anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of Cd were tested in vivo by intra-articular injection in the adjuvant induced arthritis rat joints, where the clinical scores and the consequences of arthritis were evaluated. Cell death through apoptosis was highly induced by Cd in inflammatory synoviocytes (80% reduction of cell viability, p < 0.01). TNF plus IL-17 cytokine combination induced a two-fold increase of Cd cell content by enhancing the ZIP-8 importer and the MT-1 homeostasis regulator expression. Addition of Cd reduced IL-6 production in TNF plus IL-17-activated synoviocytes (up to 83%, p < 0.05) and in ex-vivo synovium biopsies (up to 94%, p < 0.01). Cd-injection in rat joints improved arthritis, reducing clinical scores (arthritic score reduced from 4 to 2, p < 0.01), inflammatory cell recruitment (up to 50%, p < 0.01) and protecting from bone/cartilage destruction. This proof of concept study is supported by the limited Cd spread in body reservoirs, with low-dose Cd providing a safe risk/benefit ratio, without toxic effects on other cell types and organs.
Melatonin-mediated mitophagy protects against early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Cao Shenglong , Shrestha Sudeep , Li Jianru , Yu Xiaobo , Chen Jingyin , Yan Feng , Ying Guangyu , Gu Chi , Wang Lin , Chen Gao
Published: May 2017

The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the early period following subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH), resulting in inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is suppressed by autophagy, but the potential mechanism is unclear. In this study, we examined whether mitophagy was involved in the beneficial effect of melatonin and its relationship with NLRP3 inflammasome activation after SAH. In total, 130 adult-male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, SAH + vehicle group, SAH + melatonin group, and SAH + 3-methyladenine (3-MA) + melatonin group. Brain samples were used for brain water content analysis, ROS assay, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that melatonin treatment markedly increased the expression of both autophagy markers(LC3-II/LC3-I and Atg 5), and mitophagy markers(Parkin and PINK-1) following SAH induction. Additionally, melatonin treatment attenuated pathological changes in mitochondria and reduced ROS generation, which are closely related to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Consequently, melatonin-mediated upregulation of proteins associated with mitophagy inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels after SAH. Conversely, 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, reversed these beneficial effects of melatonin on mitophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that mitophagy-associated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition by melatonin is neuroprotective against early brain injury post-SAH in rats.
Smelting reduction and kinetics analysis of magnetic iron in copper slag using waste cooking oil
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Xubin , Wang Hua , Wei Yonggang , Hu Jianhang
Published: May 2017

To improve the recovery of copper, the viscosity of copper molten slag is decreased by the reduction of magnetic iron, which, in turn, accelerates the settling and separation of copper droplets from the slag. A new technology is proposed in which waste cooking oil is used as a reductant to reduce magnetic iron in the copper smelting slag and consequently reduce carbon emissions in the copper smelting process. A kinetic model of the reduction of magnetic iron in copper slag by waste cooking oil was built using experimental data, and the accuracy of the model was verified. The results indicated that the magnetic iron content in the copper slag decreased with increasing reduction time and an increase in temperature more efficiently reduced magnetic iron in the copper slag. The magnetic iron in the copper slag gradually transformed to fayalite, and the viscosity of the copper molten slag decreased as the magnetic iron content decreased during the reduction process. The reduction of magnetic iron in the copper molten slag using waste cooking oil was a first-order reaction, and the rate-limiting step was the mass transfer of Fe3O4 through the liquid boundary layer.
Therapeutic potential of an anti-HER2 single chain antibody–DM1 conjugates for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer
Authors: Zhang Hang , Wang Yuxi , Wu Yangping , Jiang Xiaohua , Tao Yiran , Yao Yuqin , Peng Yujia , Chen Xiangzheng , Fu Yuyin , Yu Lin , Wang Ruixue , Lai Qinhuai , Lai Weirong , Li Wenting , Kang Yuhuan , Yi Shuli , Lu Ying , Gou Lantu , Wu Min , Yang Jinliang
Published: May 2017

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) take the advantage of monoclonal antibodies to selectively deliver highly potent cytotoxic drugs to tumor cells, which have become a powerful measure for cancer treatment in recent years. To develop a more effective therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancer, we explored a novel ADCs composed of anti-HER2 scFv–HSA fusion antibodies conjugates with a potent cytotoxic drug DM1. The resulting ADCs, T-SA1–DM1 and T-SA2–DM1 (drug-to-antibody ratio in the range of 3.2–3.5) displayed efficient inhibition in the growth of HER2-positive tumor cell lines and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration on SKBR-3 and SKOV3 cells were both at the nanomolar levels in vitro. In HER2-positive human ovarian cancer xenograft models, T-SA1–DM1 and T-SA2–DM1 also showed remarkable antitumor activity. Importantly, three out of six mice exhibited complete remission without regrowth in the high-dose group of T-SA1–DM1. On the basis of the analysis of luminescence imaging, anti-HER2 scFv–HSA fusion antibodies, especially T-SA1, showed strong and rapid tumor tissue penetrability and distribution compared with trastuzumab. Collectively, the novel type of ADCs is effective and selective targeting to HER2-positive cancer, and may be a promising antitumor drug candidate for further studies.
Micro/nanomotors towards in vivo application: cell, tissue and biofluid
Authors: Peng Fei , Tu Yingfeng , Wilson Daniela A.
Published: May 2017

This review summarizes recent progress in micro/nanomotors towardsin vivoapplications at cell, tissue and biofluid levels.
The effect of global transcriptional regulators on the anaerobic fermentative metabolism of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kargeti Manika , Venkatesh K. V.
Published: May 2017

The study describes the role of global transcription factors in efficiently balancing the redox and also in optimally channeling the carbon towards biomass.
Smartphone-based colorimetric detection via machine learning
Authors: Mutlu Ali Y. , Kılıç Volkan , Özdemir Gizem Kocakuşak , Bayram Abdullah , Horzum Nesrin , Solmaz Mehmet E.
Published: May 2017

We report the application of machine learning to smartphone-based colorimetric detection of pH values.
An in vivo study on bone formation behavior of microporous granular calcium phosphate
Authors: Dalmônico G. M. L. , Franczak P. F. , Levandowski Jr. N. , Camargo N. H. A. , Dallabrida A. L. , da Costa B. D. , Gil O. García , Cambra-Moo O. , Rodríguez M. A. , Canillas M.
Published: May 2017

This study was developed based on in vivo investigation of microporous granular biomaterials based on calcium phosphates.
A portable visual detection method based on a target-responsive DNA hydrogel and color change of gold nanorods
Authors: Mao Yu , Li Jiuxing , Yan Jinmao , Ma Yanli , Song Yanling , Tian Tian , Liu Xuan , Zhu Zhi , Zhou Leiji , Yang Chaoyong
Published: May 2017

A portable detection method based on a target-responsive hydrogel for target recognition and gold nanorods as a multicolor signal readout circuit was developed.
Dehydrogenative homocoupling of tetrafluorobenzene on Pd(111) via para-selective C–H activation
Authors: Wang Cheng-Xin , Jin Qiao , Shu Chen-Hui , Hua Xin , Long Yi-Tao , Liu Pei-Nian
Published: May 2017

The dehydrogenative homocoupling of tetrafluorobenzene has been achievedvia para-selective C–H activation on Pd(111) to form perfluorinated oligo(p-phenylene)s.
On surface O-glycosylation by catalytic microcontact printing
Authors: Buhl Moritz , Traboni Serena , Körsgen Martin , Lamping Sebastian , Arlinghaus Heinrich F. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: May 2017

Carbohydrate microarrays are made by microcontact printing of glycosyl donors on hydroxyl terminated substrates.
[Ge5Ni2(CO)3]2−: the first functionalized cluster of closo-[Ge5]2−
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Lei-Jiao , Pan Qing-Jiang , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: May 2017

A functionalized cluster derivative of closo-[Ge5]2− has been prepared and structurally characterized for the first time.
A hand-twisted helical crystal based solely on hydrogen bonding
Authors: Saha Subhankar , Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: May 2017

Third-generation crystal engineering: using halogen bond/hydrogen bond equivalence.
The first molecular dumbbell consisting of an endohedral Sc3N@C80 and an empty C60-fullerene building block
Authors: Wei Tao , Pérez-Ojeda M. Eugenia , Hirsch Andreas
Published: May 2017

Unprecedented synthesis of a fullerene dumbbell consisting of an endohedral metallic Sc3N@C80 and an empty C60 fullerene which reveals an exceptional electronic behaviour.
Development of a kit-like radiofluorinated biomolecule leading to a controlled self-assembly of 18F nanoparticles for a smart PET imaging application
Authors: Lin Jianguo , Wang Wei , Li Ke , Huang Hongbo , Lv Gaochao , Peng Ying , Luo Shineng , Qiu Ling
Published: May 2017

A kit-like radiofluorinated biomolecule was designed for convenient and precise PET imaging of biothiol levels in living subjects.
Supramolecular hydrogels for environmental remediation: G4-quartet gels that selectively absorb anionic dyes from water
Authors: Plank Taylor N. , Skala Luke P. , Davis Jeffery T.
Published: May 2017

Binary mixtures of guanosine and 8-aminoguanosine form stable, transparent hydrogels with Ba2+ that selectively bind anionic dyes.
Solution-based sequential modification of LiCoO2particle surfaces with iron(ii) oxalate nanolayers
Authors: Kishimoto Yuki , Yubuchi So , Hayashi Akitoshi , Tatsumisago Masahiro , Makiura Rie
Published: May 2017

Facile creation of hybrid metal oxide-core/MOF-shell structures is achieved by stepwise solution-based modification of the core surface with a framework compound.
Sigma-hole carbon-bonding interactions in carbon–carbon double bonds: an unnoticed contact
Authors: Quiñonero D.
Published: May 2017

Sigma-hole interactions between an sp2-hydridized atom of a Lewis acid and a Lewis base are reported for the first time.
Light-induced antibiotic release from a coumarin-caged compound on the ultrafast timescale
Authors: Herzig L.-M. , Elamri I. , Schwalbe H. , Wachtveitl J.
Published: May 2017

A photocaged puromycin derivative, DEACM-puromycin, was synthesized and characterized. The successful restoration of the antibiotic activity was demonstrated in insect cells.
A novel self-activation mechanism of Candida antarctica lipase B
Authors: Luan Binquan , Zhou Ruhong
Published: May 2017

The lipase CALB might have two competing lid-opening mechanisms: self-activation and surface-activation.
Current–voltage characteristics influenced by the nanochannel diameter and surface charge density in a fluidic field-effect-transistor
Authors: Singh Kunwar Pal , Guo Chunlei
Published: May 2017

Nonlinear variation of average ion current through a channel as a function of gate potential Vg for different channel diameters and surface charge densities.
Intermolecular charge fluxes and far-infrared spectral intensities of liquid formamide
Authors: Torii Hajime
Published: May 2017

Intermolecular charge fluxes induced by hydrogen-bond length modulations occurring upon molecular librations lead to intensity enhancement of the far-infrared spectrum.
Effect of water on the effective Goldschmidt tolerance factor and photoelectric conversion efficiency of organic–inorganic perovskite: insights from first-principles calculations
Authors: Tang Zhen-Kun , Zhu Ya-Nan , Xu Zhi-Feng , Liu Li-Min
Published: May 2017

Appropriate interstitial water molecules permit higher efficiency in the perovskite structure.
Towards stoichiometric analogues of graphene: graphane, fluorographene, graphol, graphene acid and others
Authors: Pumera Martin , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: May 2017

Stoichiometric derivatives of graphene, having well-defined chemical structure and well-defined chemical bonds, are of a great interest to the 2D materials research.
Hierarchical core–shell CoMn2O4@MnO2 nanoneedle arrays for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Peng Tao , Fang Shunli , Liu Chang , Hou Xiaoyi , Yang Huanping , Luo Rongjie , Yu Qiuhong , Lu Yang , Yan Hailong , Luo Yongsong
Published: May 2017

In this work, we have demonstrated a facile approach to synthesize hierarchical mesoporous CoMn2O4@MnO2 nanoneedle arrays and their application in supercapacitors.
Stereochemistry of metal tetramethylcyclam complexes directed by an unexpected anion effect
Authors: Derrick Jeffrey S. , Kim Yujeong , Tak Hyeonwoo , Park Kiyoung , Cho Jaeheung , Kim Sun Hee , Lim Mi Hee
Published: May 2017

An unexpected anion effect leads to the direct and selective preparation of the trans-III-[Cu(TMC)]2+ complex that is fully characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-visible spectroscopy, advanced EPR spectroscopy, and computational studies.
Metal carbonate complexes formed through the capture of ambient O2 and CO2 by elemental metals in 1-methylimidazole: molecular Cu(CO3)(MeIm)3 and polymeric M(CO3)(MeIm)2·2H2O (M = Co, Zn)
Authors: Vaid Thomas P. , Kelley Steven P. , Rogers Robin D.
Published: May 2017

Metallic copper, zinc, and cobalt in 1-methylimidazole (MeIm) react with ambient O2 and CO2 to yield molecular Cu(CO3)(MeIm)3 and polymeric Zn(CO3)(MeIm)2·2H2O and Co(CO3)(MeIm)2·2H2O.
Quantitative detection of isotopically enrichedE. colicells by SERS
Authors: Chisanga Malama , Muhamadali Howbeer , Kimber Richard , Goodacre Royston
Published: May 2017

It is clear that investigating how bacterial cells work by analysing their functional roles in microbial communities is very important in environmental, clinical and industrial microbiology. The benefits of linking genes to their respective functions include the reliable identification of the causative agents of various diseases, which would permit appropriate and timely treatment in healthcare systems. In industrial and municipal wastewater treatment and management, such knowledge may allow for the manipulation of microbial communities, such as through bioaugmentation, in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of bioremediation processes. Stable isotope probing coupled with identification techniques has emerged to be a potentially reliable tool for the discrimination, identification and characterization of bacteria at community and single cell levels, knowledge which can be utilized to link microbially mediated bioprocesses to phylogeny. Development of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique offers an exciting alternative to the Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic techniques in understanding the metabolic processes of microorganismsin situ. SERS employing Ag and Au nanoparticles can significantly enhance the Raman signal, making it an exciting candidate for the analysis of the cellular components of microorganisms. In this study,Escherichia colicells were cultivated in minimal medium containing different ratios of12C/13C glucose and/or14N/15N ammonium chloride as the only carbon and nitrogen sources respectively, with the overall final concentrations of these substrates being constant. After growth, theE. colicells were analyzed with SERS employing anin situsynthesis of Ag nanoparticles. This novel investigation of the SERS spectral data with multivariate chemometrics demonstrated clear clusters which could be correlated to the SERS spectral shifts of biomolecules from cells grown and hence labelled with13C and15N atoms. These shifts reflect the isotopic content of the bacteria and quantification of the isotope levels could be established using chemometrics based on partial least squares regression.
Plasmonic nanohole array biosensor for label-free and real-time analysis of live cell secretion
Authors: Li Xiaokang , Soler Maria , Özdemir Cenk I. , Belushkin Alexander , Yesilköy Filiz , Altug Hatice
Published: May 2017

A new microfluidic-integrated nanoplasmonic biosensor for the study of cell signaling in a label-free and real-time manner.
Microfluidic-based high-throughput optical trapping of nanoparticles
Authors: Kotnala Abhay , Zheng Yi , Fu Jianping , Cheng Wei
Published: May 2017

Engineering of a microfluidic channel leads to a substantial increase in the throughput for the optical trapping of nanoparticles.
Reactivity of U-associated osteopontin with lactoferrin: a one-to-many complex
Authors: Ameziane-Le Hir Sarah , Bourgeois Damien , Basset Christian , Hagège Agnès , Vidaud Claude
Published: May 2017

A highly-simplified scenario of LF/U-fOPN interaction. The U content of the U-fOPN complexes refers to the CE-ICP/MS experiments.
Organic-to-aqueous phase transfer of Zn–Cu–In–Se/ZnS quantum dots with multifunctional multidentate polymer ligands for biomedical optical imaging
Authors: Zhang Rong , Deng Tao , Wang Jie , Wu Gang , Li Sirui , Gu Yueqing , Deng Dawei
Published: May 2017

ZnCuInSe/ZnS QDs with widely tunable PL emissions were synthesized and water-solubilized with cRGD modified multifunctional multidentate polymer (cRGD-PME) for bioimaging.
A concentration-independent micro/nanofluidic active diode using an asymmetric ion concentration polarization layer
Authors: Lee Hyekyung , Kim Junsuk , Kim Hyeonsoo , Kim Ho-Young , Lee Hyomin , Kim Sung Jae
Published: May 2017

The new class of micro/nanofluidic diodes with an ideal perm-selective membrane were demonstrated at a wide concentration range from 10−5 M to 3 M. Moreover, the rectification factor was actively controlled by adjusting the external convective flows.
Large activation energy in aged Mn-doped Sr0.4Ba0.6Nb2O6 ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Wang Jiping , Zhang Lixue , Liu Shujuan , Zhang Dawei , Wang Xuan
Published: May 2017

Large activation energy and a different migration path of oxygen vacancy diffusion in Mn-doped SBN ferroelectric ceramics are revealed.
A label-free phosphorescence sensing platform for trypsin based on Mn-ZnS QDs
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Huanhuan , Wei Yanli , Dong Chuan
Published: May 2017

A label-free phosphorescence strategy to determine trypsin was proposed using Mn-ZnS QDs as the phosphorescence probe with a better validity.
Structural and electrostatic effects at the surfaces of size- and charge-selected aqueous nanodrops
Authors: Cooper Richard J. , O'Brien Jeremy T. , Chang Terrence M. , Williams Evan R.
Published: May 2017

The effects of ion charge, polarity and size on the surface morphology of size-selected aqueous nanodrops containing a single ion and up to 550 water molecules are investigated with infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectroscopy and theory.
Silver ion-induced mitochondrial dysfunction via a nonspecific pathway
Authors: Yuan L. , Gao T. , He H. , Jiang F. L. , Liu Y.
Published: May 2017

Multiple methods are employed to reveal the effects and nonspecific mechanism of silver(i) ions on isolated mitochondria.
Choosing the optimal spectroscopic toolkit to understand protein function
Authors: Hough Michael A.
Published: May 2017

Spectroscopy was one of the earliest methods used to study the properties and reactions of proteins, and remains one of the most powerful and widely used approaches to this day. A sometimes bewildering range of spectroscopies is now available, applicable to different sample states, timescales and indeed biological questions. This editorial describes some of the most relevant spectroscopic methods together with a selection of illustrative examples.
Tutorial: Speech Assessment for Multilingual Children Who Do Not Speak the Same Language(s) as the Speech-Language Pathologist
Authors: McLeod Sharynne , Verdon Sarah ,   The International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children's Speech Elise Baker Martin J. Ball Elaine Ballard Avivit Ben David B. May Bernhardt Daniel Bérubé Mirjam Blumenthal Caroline Bowen Françoise Brosseau-Lapré Ferenc Bunta Kathryn Crowe Madalena Cruz-Ferreira Barbara Davis Annette Fox-Boyer Christina Gildersleeve-Neumann Helen Grech Brian Goldstein Anne Hesketh Suzanne Hopf Minjung Kim Sari Kunnari Andrea MacLeod Jane McCormack Þóra (Thora) Másdóttir Glenda Mason Sarah Masso Sandra Neumann Martina Ozbič
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of this tutorial is to support speech-language pathologists (SLPs) undertaking assessments of multilingual children with suspected speech sound disorders, particularly children who speak languages that are not shared with their SLP.

Method

The tutorial was written by the International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children's Speech, which comprises 46 researchers (SLPs, linguists, phoneticians, and speech scientists) who have worked in 43 countries and used 27 languages in professional practice. Seventeen panel members met for a 1-day workshop to identify key points for inclusion in the tutorial, 26 panel members contributed to writing this tutorial, and 34 members contributed to revising this tutorial online (some members contributed to more than 1 task).

Results

This tutorial draws on international research evidence and professional expertise to provide a comprehensive overview of working with multilingual children with suspected speech sound disorders. This overview addresses referral, case history, assessment, analysis, diagnosis, and goal setting and the SLP's cultural competence and preparation for working with interpreters and multicultural support workers and dealing with organizational and government barriers to and facilitators of culturally competent practice.

Conclusion

The issues raised in this tutorial are applied in a hypothetical case study of an English-speaking SLP's assessment of a multilingual Cantonese- and English-speaking 4-year-old boy. Resources are listed throughout the tutorial.
Dual‐band antenna with comb radiators for WLAN applications using SISL technology
Authors: Yan Ningning , Ma Kaixue , Zhang Haobin , He Yun
Published: May 2017

A novel dual‐band directional antenna with comb radiators using substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) technology is proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The proposed SISL antenna is designed to be self‐packaged using five substrate layers with embedded air cavities. H‐shape strip and rectangle slot are used to achieve the band from 2.43 to 2.54 GHz with gain of 2.2 dBi. Via is utilised to connect the antenna patch with feeding line, then the second band from 5.33 to 6.22 GHz with gain of 10.1 dBi is obtained. Additionally, the cross‐polarisation levels less than −15 dB and front‐to‐back ratio larger than 15 dB are achieved.
An analytical approach for behavioral portfolio model with time discounting preference
Authors: Yang Guang , Liu Xinwang , Qin Jindong , Khan Ahmed
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a behavioral portfolio selection model with time discounting preference. Firstly, we discuss the portfolio selection problem and then modify this model based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) as well as considering investors’ time discounting preference in psychology. Furthermore, an analytical solution with satisfying behavior is given for our proposed model, the results show that when investors’ goals are very ambitious, they put a high proportion of their wealth in long-term goals and adopt aggressive investment strategies with high leverage to reach short-term goals and the overall investment strategy also displays high leverage. Finally, numerical analysis is given and it is shown that investor who tends to future bias performs adequate confidence and patience whereas investor with present bias is apt to the immediate interests.
Blake's Pouch Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Sridhar M. , Shashivadhanan S. , Garg Manish
Published: May 2017

It is a rare and underdiagnosed entity. The adagium “one only sees what one knows” is certainly true in cases of Blake's pouch cyst, as all types of posterior fossa cysts and cyst-like malformations may present nearly identical on initial imaging studies. Only one case of Blake's pouch cyst has been reported from this country, except for a case in utero, in which a diagnosis of Blake's pouch cyst was made on prenatal ultrasound and later confirmed by MRI. In this report we describe a case of Blake's pouch cyst in a 9-month-old male child along with the principles of diagnosis of Blake's pouch cyst, in combination with literature review. Differentiating Blake's pouch cyst from other posterior fossa cysts and cyst-like malformations and recognizing the accompanying hydrocephalus that are essentially noncommunicating have important implications not only on clinical management but also on genetic counseling, which is unnecessary in case of Blake's pouch cyst.
Does Functionality Cease after Acquired Brain Injury? Vignettes from a Neuropsychosocial Perspective
Authors: Chopra Sakshi , Sinha Sumit , Gupta Deepak , Satyarthee Guru , Agrawal Deepak , Kaloiya Gaurishanker , Sagar Rajesh , Tripathi Manjari , Nehra Ashima
Published: May 2017

Background The outcome of acquired brain injury (ABI) depends largely on the nature and severity of injury, appropriate treatment, and rehabilitation that plays a vital role in recovery.

Materials and Methods A total of 18 patients after ABI, aged 18 to 50 years, were assessed pre- and post-neuropsychological rehabilitation (NR) on various psychosocial functions. The patient-specific NR included an eclectic approach using cognitive retraining for memory, attention and concentration, executive functioning, perceptuomotor speed, motor dexterity, basic functional skill training, cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, relearning, relaxation therapy, assertiveness training, anger management, and vocational and individual counseling following a neuropsychosocial perspective.

Results The post-rehabilitation assessment revealed improvements of statistical and clinical significance in the score of on dysfunction analysis (t = 7.10) that was significant at 0.001 level. Significant improvements were found in each of the areas: social, vocational, personal, family, and cognitive as compared with pre-rehabilitation as described by the patient.

Discussion and Conclusion Eclectic approach to NR was successful in decreasing the overall dysfunction of the patients despite the severity of injury or the time elapsed after injury. Several therapeutic approaches have been used to assist individuals after brain injury, but more outcome studies are still needed to dictate which therapy works best, or if using an eclectic therapy is the key. The challenge is to make the therapy as person centered and individualistic as possible, depending on the individual needs as there is no “gold standard” for treatment for various issues arising following brain injury.
Single-Step Step Ladder Expansive Cranioplasty
Authors: Sengupta S.
Published: May 2017

Background Recently, a concept of an “expansive cranioplasty” was forwarded as a feasible single-step alternative to performing a decompressive hemicraniectomy followed by cranioplasty at a later date.

Materials and Methods Procedure of single-step step ladder expansive cranioplasty following craniotomy with removal of subdural hematoma (SDH) was done in a case of acute SDH at our center. The author presents the clinical presentation, operative steps, pre- and postoperative neuroimagings, and outcome of the case.

Results Postoperative NCCT of the head film showed an increase in biparietal diameter by 10 mm. Measured from the craniectomy margin, the distance of the inner table of the bone was 2.81 mm. Preoperative midline shift of 10.2 mm reduced to 7.9 mm, whereas the GCS improved from E1VTM3 to E2VTM5 in the immediate postoperative period. On his review at the end of 3 months, the patient had no surgery-related complication.

Conclusion “Step ladder expansive cranioplasty” has a promise and deserves a trial in more number of cases. If proven acceptable, it can be especially useful for patients for whom coming back for a second surgery may not be all that easy.