bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding modes of environmental endocrine disruptors to human serum albumin: insights from STD-NMR, ITC, spectroscopic and molecular docking studies
Authors: Yang Hongqin , Huang Yanmei , Liu Jiuyang , Tang Peixiao , Sun Qiaomei , Xiong Xinnuo , Tang Bin , He Jiawei , Li Hui
Published: September 2017

Given that bisphenols have an endocrine-disrupting effect on human bodies, thoroughly exposing their potential effects at the molecular level is important. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR-based binding studies were performed to investigate the binding potential of two bisphenol representatives, namely, bisphenol B (BPB) and bisphenol E (BPE), toward human serum albumin (HSA). The relative STD (%) suggested that BPB and BPE show similar binding modes and orientations, in which the phenolic rings were spatially close to HSA binding site. ITC analysis results showed that BPB and BPE were bound to HSA with moderately strong binding affinity through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The order of binding affinity of HSA for two test bisphenols is as follows: BPE > BPB. The results of fluorescence competitive experiments using 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonamide and dansylsarcosine as competitors, combined with molecular docking indicated that both bisphenols are prone to attach to the binding site II in HSA. Spectroscopic results (FT-IR, CD, synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectra) showed that BPB/BPE induces different degrees of microenvironmental and conformational changes to HSA.
Ascorbic acid tethered polymeric nanoparticles enable efficient brain delivery of galantamine: An in vitro-in vivo study
Authors: Gajbhiye Kavita R. , Gajbhiye Virendra , Siddiqui Imtiaz A. , Pilla Srikanth , Soni Vandana
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work was to enhance the transportation of the galantamine to the brain via ascorbic acid grafted PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles (NPs) using SVCT2 transporters of choroid plexus. PLGA-b-PEG copolymer was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. PLGA-b-PEG-NH2 and PLGA-b-mPEG NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. PLGA-b-PEG NPs with desirable size, polydispersity, and drug loading were used for the conjugation with ascorbic acid (PLGA-b-PEG-Asc) to facilitate SVCT2 mediated transportation of the same into the brain. The surface functionalization of NPs with ascorbic acid significantly increased cellular uptake of NPs in SVCT2 expressing NIH/3T3 cells as compared to plain PLGA and PLGA-b-mPEG NPs. In vivo pharmacodynamic efficacy was evaluated using Morris Water Maze Test, Radial Arm Maze Test and AChE activity in scopolamine induced amnetic rats. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated significantly higher therapeutic and sustained action by drug loaded PLGA-b-PEG-Asc NPs than free drugs and drug loaded plain PLGA as well as PLGA-b-mPEG NPs. Additionally, PLGA-b-PEG-Asc NPs resulted in significantly higher biodistribution of the drug to the brain than other formulations. Hence, the results suggested that targeting of bioactives to the brain by ascorbic acid grafted PLGA-b-PEG NPs is a promising approach.
An enhanced electrochemical and cycling properties of novel boronic Ionic liquid based ternary gel polymer electrolytes for rechargeable Li/LiCoO2 cells
Authors: Karuppasamy K. , Kim Hyun-Seok , Kim Dongkyu , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Prasanna K. , Kathalingam A. , Sharma Ramakant , Rhee Hee Woo
Published: September 2017

A new generation of boronic ionic liquid namely 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium difluoro(oxalate)borate (EMImDFOB) was synthesized by metathesis reaction between 1-ethyl-3-methylimiazolium bromide and lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB). Ternary gel polymer electrolyte membranes were prepared using electrolyte mixture EMImDFOB/LiDFOB with poly vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-co-HFP) as a host matrix by facile solvent-casting method and plausibly demonstrated its feasibility to use in lithium ion batteries. Amongst ternary gel electrolyte membrane, DFOB-GPE3, which contained 80 wt% of EMImDFOB/LiDFOB and 20 wt% PVdF-co-HFP, showed excellent electrochemical and cycling behaviors. The highest ionic conductivity was found to be 10−3 Scm−1 at 378 K. Charge-discharge profile of Li/DFOB-GPE3/LiCoO2 coin cell displayed a maximum discharge capacity of 148.4 mAhg−1 at C/10 rate with impressive capacity retention capability and columbic efficiency at 298 K.
Generation of convergent light beams by using surface plasmon locked Smith-Purcell radiation
Authors: Lai Yi-Chieh , Kuang Tzu Cheng , Cheng Bo Han , Lan Yung-Chiang , Tsai Din Ping
Published: September 2017

An electron bunch passing through a periodic metal grating can emit Smith-Purcell radiation (SPR). Recently, it has been found that SPR can be locked and enhanced at some emission wavelength and angle by excitation of surface plasmon (SP) on the metal substrate. In this work, the generation of a convergent light beam via using the SP-locked SPR is proposed and investigated by computer simulations. The proposed structure is composed of an insulator-metal-insulator (IMI) substrate with chirped gratings on the substrate. The chirped gratings are designed such that a convergent beam containing a single wavelength is formed directly above the gratings when an electron bunch passes beneath the substrate. The wavelength of the convergent beam changes with the refractive index of dielectric layer of the IMI structure, which is determined by the frequency of SP on the IMI substrate excited by the electron bunch. Moreover, reversing the direction of electron bunch will make the emitted light from the proposed structure to switch from a convergent beam to a divergent beam. Finally, the formation of a convergent beam containing red, green and blue lights just above the chirped gratings is also demonstrated. This work offers potential applications in the fields of optical imaging, optical beam steering, holography, microdisplay, cryptography and light source.
Temporally and spatially distinct theta oscillations dissociate a language-specific from a domain-general processing mechanism across the age trajectory
Authors: Beese Caroline , Meyer Lars , Vassileiou Benedict , Friederici Angela D.
Published: September 2017

The cognitive functionality of neural oscillations is still highly debated, as different functions have been associated with identical frequency ranges. Theta band oscillations, for instance, were proposed to underlie both language comprehension and domain-general cognitive abilities. Here we show that the ageing brain can provide an answer to the open question whether it is one and the same theta oscillation underlying those functions, thereby resolving a long-standing paradox. While better cognitive functioning is predicted by low theta power in the brain at rest, resting state (RS) theta power declines with age, but sentence comprehension deteriorates in old age. We resolve this paradox showing that sentence comprehension declines due to changes in RS theta power within domain-general brain networks known to support successful sentence comprehension, while low RS theta power within the left-hemispheric dorso-frontal language network predicts intact sentence comprehension. The two RS theta networks were also found to functionally decouple relative to their independent internal coupling. Thus, both temporally and spatially distinct RS theta oscillations dissociate a language-specific from a domain-general processing mechanism.
TREM2 promotes Aβ phagocytosis by upregulating C/EBPα-dependent CD36 expression in microglia
Authors: Kim Su-Man , Mun Bo-Ram , Lee Sun-Jun , Joh Yechan , Lee Hwa-Youn , Ji Kon-Young , Choi Ha-Rim , Lee Eun-Hee , Kim Eun-Mi , Jang Ji-Hye , Song Hyeong-Woo , Mook-Jung Inhee , Choi Won-Seok , Kang Hyung-Sik
Published: September 2017

TREM2 plays a critical role in the alleviation of Alzheimer’s disease by promoting Aβ phagocytosis by microglia, but the detailed molecular mechanism underlying TREM2-induced direct phagocytic activity of Aβ remains to be revealed. We found that learning and memory functions were improved in aged TREM2 TG mice, with the opposite effects in KO mice. The amount of phagocytosed Aβ was significantly reduced in the primary microglia of KO mice. CD36 expression in primary microglia was greater in TG than in WT mice but was substantially decreased in KO mice. The expression of C/EBPα, an upstream transcriptional activator of CD36, was also elevated in primary microglia of TG mice but decreased in KO mice. The transcription of CD36 was markedly increased by TREM2 overexpression, and this effect was suppressed by a mutation of the C/EBPα binding site on the CD36 promoter. The TREM2-induced expression of CD36 and C/EBPα was inhibited by treatment with PI3K/AKT signaling blockers, and phosphorylation of AKT was elevated in TREM2-overexpressing BV2 cells. The present study provides evidence that TREM2 is required for preventing loss of memory and learning in Alzheimer’s disease by regulating C/EBPα-dependent CD36 expression and the consequent Aβ phagocytosis.
Altered Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Characteristics in Macrodactyly
Authors: Yang Xi , Jiang Yongkang , Han Gang , Shi Yuan , Zhou Shengbo , Ni Feng , Wang Bin
Published: September 2017

Macrodactyly is a congenital disease characterized by aggressive overgrowth of adipose tissue in digits or limbs frequently accompanied with hyperostosis and nerve enlargement; its pathological mechanism is poorly understood. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been extensively studied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as an ideal alternative substitute for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), but their pathological role is largely unknown. In this study, ASCs from macrodactyly adipose tissues (Mac-ASCs) were isolated and compared to ASCs derived from the normal abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (Sat-ASCs) for cell morphology, surface marker expression, proliferation rate, and tri-lineage differentiation potential. Despite similar cell morphology and cell surface marker expression, Mac-ASCs showed higher cell proportion in the S phase and increased proliferation compared with Sat-ASCs. Moreover, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacities were enhanced in Mac-ASCs, with reduced adipogenic potential. In addition, the expression levels of adipogenic genes were lower in undifferentiated Mac-ASCs than in Sat-ASCs. These findings unraveled enhanced proliferation activity, a regression in the differentiation stage, and greater potentiality of ASCs in macrodactyly, which could contribute to hyperostosis and nerve enlargement in addition to adipose tissue overgrowth in patients.
BOF steel slag as a low-cost sorbent for vanadium (V) removal from soil washing effluent
Authors: Gao Yuchen , Jiang Jianguo , Tian Sicong , Li Kaimin , Yan Feng , Liu Nuo , Yang Meng , Chen Xuejing
Published: September 2017

Soil washing is an effective remediation method to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil. However, it produces wastewater that contains large amounts of heavy metals, which lead to serious pollution. This study investigated the removal of vanadium (V) from synthetic soil washing effluent using BOF steel slag. The effects of particle size, slag dosage, initial pH, and initial vanadium concentration on removal behavior were studied. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were also analyzed. The results showed that the vanadium removal efficiency increased as the steel slag particle size decreased and as the amount of slag increased. The initial pH and vanadium concentration did not play key roles. At the optimum particle size (<0.15 mm) and dosage (50 g/L), the removal rate reached 97.1% when treating 100 mg/L of vanadium. The influence of the washing reagent residue was studied to simulate real conditions. Citric acid, tartaric acid, and Na2EDTA all decreased the removal rate. While oxalic acid did not have negative effects on vanadium removal at concentrations of 0.05–0.2 mol/L, which was proved by experiments using real washing effluents. Considering both soil washing effect and effluent treatment, oxalic acid of 0.2 mol/L is recommended as soil washing reagent.
A pH-dependent Antibacterial Peptide Release Nano-system Blocks Tumor Growth in vivo without Toxicity
Authors: Cao Jing , Zhang Yan , Shan Yanke , Wang Jingui , Liu Fei , Liu Hongrui , Xing Gang , Lei Jing , Zhou Jiyong
Published: September 2017

In this study, we designed a nano-system where a novel antibacterial peptide RGD-hylin a1 with reduced hemolysis than the commonly studied melittin was loaded onto mesoporous silica (HMS). We found out that the designed nano-system, RGD-hylin a1-HMS, released RGD-hylin a1 in a pH-dependent manner. It caused apoptosis of cancer cells at low dosage of the antibacterial peptide at pH = 5.5, but was safe to the cells at pH = 7. The hemolytic activity of RGD-hylin a1 itself was reduced by 50~100% by the nano-system depending on the dosage. When this nano-system was administered to tumor-bearing mice at low dosage via intravenous injection, the growth of the solid tumor was blocked by the RGD-hylin a1-HMS nano-system with a 50–60% inhibition rate relative to the PBS-treated control group in terms of tumor volume and weight. Further, the hemolytic activity of RGD-hylin a1 was completely eliminated within the delivery system with no other side effects observed. This study demonstrates that this smart pH-dependent antibacterial peptide release nano-system has superior potential for solid tumor treatments through intravenous administration. This smart-releasing system has great potential in further clinical applications.
Effect of Mesoporous Nano Water Reservoir on MR Relaxivity
Authors: Sharmiladevi Palani , Haribabu Viswanathan , Girigoswami Koyeli , Sulaiman Farook Abubacker , Girigoswami Agnishwar
Published: September 2017

In the present work, an attempt was made to engineer a mesoporous silica coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNF@mSiO2) for twin mode contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with reduced toxicity. Superparamagnetic manganese ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with variable mesoporous silica shell thickness to control the water molecules interacting with metal oxide core. 178 nm was the optimum hydrodynamic diameter of mesoporous ferrite core-shell nanoparticles that showed maximum longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2) in MRI due to the storage of water molecules in mesoporous silica coating. Besides the major role of mesoporous silica in controlling relaxivity, mesoporous silica shell also reduces the toxicity and enhances the bioavailability of superparamagnetic manganese ferrite nanoparticles. The in vitro toxicity assessment using HepG2 liver carcinoma cells shows that the mesoporous silica coating over ferrite nanoparticles could exert less toxicity compared to the uncoated particle.
Thiosemicarbazone scaffold for the design of antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic agents: evaluation of ligands and related copper complexes
Authors: Rogolino Dominga , Gatti Anna , Carcelli Mauro , Pelosi Giorgio , Bisceglie Franco , Restivo Francesco Maria , Degola Francesca , Buschini Annamaria , Montalbano Serena , Feretti Donatella , Zani Claudia
Published: September 2017

The issue of food contamination by aflatoxins presently constitutes a social emergency, since they represent a severe risk for human and animal health. On the other hand, the use of pesticides has to be contained, since this generates long term residues in food and in the environment. Here we present the synthesis of a series of chelating ligands based on the thiosemicarbazone scaffold, to be evaluated for their antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic effects. Starting from molecules of natural origin of known antifungal properties, we introduced the thio- group and then the corresponding copper complexes were synthesised. Some molecules highlighted aflatoxin inhibition in the range 67–92% at 100 μM. The most active compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on human cells. While all the copper complexes showed high cytotoxicity in the micromolar range, one of the ligand has no effect on cell proliferation. This hit was chosen for further analysis of mutagenicity and genotoxicity on bacteria, plants and human cells. Analysis of the data underlined the importance of the safety profile evaluation for hit compounds to be developed as crop-protective agents and at the same time that the thiosemicarbazone scaffold represents a good starting point for the development of aflatoxigenic inhibitors.
Test-retest reliability of high spatial resolution diffusion tensor and diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Shahim Pashtun , Holleran Laurena , Kim Joong H. , Brody David L.
Published: September 2017

We assessed the test-retest reliability of high spatial resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). Diffusion MRI was acquired using a Siemens 3 Tesla Prisma scanner with 80 mT/m gradients and a 32-channel head coil from each of 3 concussive traumatic brain injury (cTBI) patients and 4 controls twice 0 to 24 days apart. Coefficients of variation (CoV) for DTI parameters were calculated in each DTI Studio parcellated white matter tract at 1.25 mm and 1.75 mm isotropic voxel resolution, as well as DKI parameters at 1.75 mm isotropic. Overall, fractional anisotropy had the best reliability, with mean CoV at 5% for 1.25 mm and 3.5% for 1.75 mm isotropic voxels. Mean CoV for the other DTI metrics were <7.0% for both 1.25 and 1.75 mm isotropic voxels. The mean CoV was ≤4.5% across the DKI metrics. In the commonly injured orbitofrontal and temporal pole regions CoV was <3.5% for all parameters. Thus, with appropriate processing, high spatial resolution advanced diffusion MRI has good to excellent test-retest reproducibility in both human cTBI patients and controls. However, further technical improvements will be needed to reliably discern the most subtle diffusion abnormalities, especially at high spatial resolution.
Bandgap renormalization in single-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Chunhui , Liu Yujie , Xu Jieying , Nie Zhonghui , Li Yao , Xu Yongbing , Zhang Rong , Wang Fengqiu
Published: September 2017

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been extensively explored as an ultrafast nonlinear optical material. However, due to the numerous electronic and morphological arrangements, a simple and self-contained physical model that can unambiguously account for the rich photocarrier dynamics in SWNTs is still absent. Here, by performing broadband degenerate and non-degenerate pump-probe experiments on SWNTs of different chiralities and morphologies, we reveal strong evidences for the existence of bandgap renormalization in SWNTs. In particularly, it is found that the broadband transient response of SWNTs can be well explained by the combined effects of Pauli blocking and bandgap renormalization, and the distinct dynamics is further influenced by the different sensitivity of degenerate and non-degenerate measurements to these two concurrent effects. Furthermore, we attribute optical-phonon bath thermalization as an underlying mechanism for the observed bandgap renormalization. Our findings provide new guidelines for interpreting the broadband optical response of carbon nanotubes.
Hypoxia-induced ANGPTL4 sustains tumour growth and anoikis resistance through different mechanisms in scirrhous gastric cancer cell lines
Authors: Baba Koichi , Kitajima Yoshihiko , Miyake Shuusuke , Nakamura Jun , Wakiyama Kota , Sato Hirofumi , Okuyama Keiichiro , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Tanaka Tomokazu , Hiraki Masatsugu , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Noshiro Hirokazu
Published: September 2017

Patients with scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC) frequently develop peritoneal dissemination, which leads to poor prognosis. The secreted protein angiopoietin-like-4 (ANGPTL4), which is induced by hypoxia, exerts diverse effects on cancer progression. Here, we aimed to determine the biological function of ANGPTL4 in SGC cells under hypoxia. ANGPTL4 levels were higher in SGC cells under hypoxia than in other types of gastric cancer cells. Hypoxia-induced ANGPTL4 mRNA expression was regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Under hypoxic conditions, monolayer cultures of ANGPTL4 knockdown (KD) 58As9 SGC (58As9-KD) cells were arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle through downregulation of c-Myc and upregulation of p27, in contrast to control 58As9-SC cells. Moreover, the ability of 58As9-KD xenografts to form tumours in nude mice was strongly suppressed. When 58As9-KD cells were cultured in suspension, hypoxia strongly increased their susceptibility to anoikis through suppression of the FAK/Src/PI3K-Akt/ERK pro-survival pathway, followed by activation of the apoptotic factors caspases-3, -8 and -9. The development of peritoneal dissemination by 58As9-KD cells was completely inhibited compared with that by 58As9-SC cells. In conclusion, ANGPTL4 is uniquely induced by hypoxia in cultured SGC cells and is essential for tumour growth and resistance to anoikis through different mechanisms.
Comprehensive analyses of somatic TP53 mutation in tumors with variable mutant allele frequency
Authors: Cole Alexander J. , Zhu Ying , Dwight Trisha , Yu Bing , Dickson Kristie-Ann , Gard Gregory B. , Maidens Jayne , Valmadre Susan , Gill Anthony J. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Marsh Deborah J.
Published: September 2017

Somatic mutation of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 is reported in at least 50% of human malignancies. Most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSC) have a mutant TP53 allele. Accurate detection of these mutants in heterogeneous tumor tissue is paramount as therapies emerge to target mutant p53. We used a Fluidigm Access Array™ System with Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) to analyze DNA extracted from 76 serous ovarian tumors. This dataset has been made available to researchers through the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA; EGAS00001002200). Herein, we present analyses of this dataset using HaplotypeCaller and MuTect2 through the Broad Institute’s Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK). We anticipate that this TP53 mutation dataset will be useful to researchers developing and testing new software to accurately determine high and low frequency variant alleles in heterogeneous aneuploid tumor tissue. Furthermore, the analysis pipeline we present provides a valuable framework for determining somatic variants more broadly in tumor tissue.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency during neurodevelopment in mice models the prodromal state of schizophrenia through epigenetic changes in nuclear receptor genes
Authors: Maekawa M , Watanabe A , Iwayama Y , Kimura T , Hamazaki K , Balan S , Ohba H , Hisano Y , Nozaki Y , Ohnishi T , Toyoshima M , Shimamoto C , Iwamoto K , Bundo M , Osumi N , Takahashi E , Takashima A , Yoshikawa T
Published: September 2017

The risk of schizophrenia is increased in offspring whose mothers experience malnutrition during pregnancy. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are dietary components that are crucial for the structural and functional integrity of neural cells, and PUFA deficiency has been shown to be a risk factor for schizophrenia. Here, we show that gestational and early postnatal dietary deprivation of two PUFAs—arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—elicited schizophrenia-like phenotypes in mouse offspring at adulthood. In the PUFA-deprived mouse group, we observed lower motivation and higher sensitivity to a hallucinogenic drug resembling the prodromal symptoms in schizophrenia. Furthermore, a working-memory task-evoked hyper-neuronal activity in the medial prefrontal cortex was also observed, along with the downregulation of genes in the prefrontal cortex involved in oligodendrocyte integrity and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic system. Regulation of these genes was mediated by the nuclear receptor genes Rxr and Ppar, whose promoters were hyper-methylated by the deprivation of dietary AA and DHA. In addition, the RXR agonist bexarotene upregulated oligodendrocyte- and GABA-related gene expression and suppressed the sensitivity of mice to the hallucinogenic drug. Notably, the expression of these nuclear receptor genes were also downregulated in hair-follicle cells from schizophrenia patients. These results suggest that PUFA deficiency during the early neurodevelopmental period in mice could model the prodromal state of schizophrenia through changes in the epigenetic regulation of nuclear receptor genes.
Modulation of defensive reactivity by GLRB allelic variation: converging evidence from an intermediate phenotype approach
Authors: Lueken U , Kuhn M , Yang Y , Straube B , Kircher T , Wittchen H-U , Pfleiderer B , Arolt V , Wittmann A , Ströhle A , Weber H , Reif A , Domschke K , Deckert J , Lonsdorf T B
Published: September 2017

Representing a phylogenetically old and very basic mechanism of inhibitory neurotransmission, glycine receptors have been implicated in the modulation of behavioral components underlying defensive responding toward threat. As one of the first findings being confirmed by genome-wide association studies for the phenotype of panic disorder and agoraphobia, allelic variation in a gene coding for the glycine receptor beta subunit (GLRB) has recently been associated with increased neural fear network activation and enhanced acoustic startle reflexes. On the basis of two independent healthy control samples, we here aimed to further explore the functional significance of the GLRB genotype (rs7688285) by employing an intermediate phenotype approach. We focused on the phenotype of defensive system reactivity across the levels of brain function, structure, and physiology. Converging evidence across both samples was found for increased neurofunctional activation in the (anterior) insular cortex in GLRB risk allele carriers and altered fear conditioning as a function of genotype. The robustness of GLRB effects is demonstrated by consistent findings across different experimental fear conditioning paradigms and recording sites. Altogether, findings provide translational evidence for glycine neurotransmission as a modulator of the brain’s evolutionary old dynamic defensive system and provide further support for a strong, biologically plausible candidate intermediate phenotype of defensive reactivity. As such, glycine-dependent neurotransmission may open up new avenues for mechanistic research on the etiopathogenesis of fear and anxiety disorders.
Determination of trace rhodamine B by spectrofluorometry and magnetic solid phase extraction based on a 3D reduced graphene oxide composite
Authors: Yan Jun , Cen Jian-Mei , Tan Xue-Cai , Tan Shao-Fen , Wu Ye-Yu , Zhang Hui , Wang Qi
Published: September 2017

Sample pre-treatment by magnetic solid phase extraction based on a 3D reduced graphene oxide composite.
Site-selective tagging of proteins by pnictogen-mediated self-assembly
Authors: Nitsche Christoph , Mahawaththa Mithun C. , Becker Walter , Huber Thomas , Otting Gottfried
Published: September 2017

Trivalent pnictogens (Pn) enable the selective self-assembly between an engineered di-cysteine motif in a protein and a thiol-containing lanthanide (Ln) probe.
Tuning the surface structure and conductivity of niobium-doped rutile TiO2 single crystals via thermal reduction
Authors: Wrana D. , Rodenbücher C. , Krawiec M. , Jany B. R. , Rysz J. , Ermrich M. , Szot K. , Krok F.
Published: September 2017

We report on the systematic exploration of electronic and structural changes of Nb-doped rutile TiO2(110) single crystal surfaces due to the thermoreduction under ultra-high vacuum conditions (without sputtering), with comparison to undoped TiO2(110) crystals.
Electron induced reactions in condensed mixtures of methane and ammonia
Authors: Kundu Sramana , Prabhudesai Vaibhav S. , Krishnakumar E.
Published: September 2017

Free electrons above 8 eV are utilized to form several CN containing products from condensed mixtures of methane and ammonia.
Surface fouling as a mechanism for chemotaxis in isotropic catalytic swimmers
Authors: Whitener Keith E.
Published: September 2017

We construct a microscopic model of an isotropic catalytic swimmer which demonstrates chemotaxis in a foulant concentration gradient.
Simple ZnEt2as a catalyst in carbodiimide hydroalkynylation: structural and mechanistic studies
Authors: Martínez Antonio , Moreno-Blázquez Sonia , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Ramos Alberto , Fernández-Galán Rafael , Antiñolo Antonio , Carrillo-Hermosilla Fernando
Published: September 2017

Simple ZnEt2is an efficient catalyst for the addition of terminal alkynes to carbodiimides, through amidinate complexes, and consecutive isocyanate addition and intramolecular cyclohydroamination.
Effect of the dietary intake of melatonin- and hydroxytyrosol-rich wines by healthy female volunteers on the systemic lipidomic-related oxylipins
Authors: Marhuenda Javier , Medina Sonia , Martínez-Hernández Pedro , Arina Simon , Zafrilla Pilar , Mulero Juana , Oger Camille , Galano Jean-Marie , Durand Thierry , Solana Antonio , Ferreres Federico , López-García Juan José , Gil-Izquierdo Angel
Published: September 2017

The intake of red wine provides reduction of oxidative damage and cardioprotective capacity mediated oxylipins.
Nutritional requirements and the impact of yeast extract on thed-lactic acid production by Sporolactobacillus inulinus
Authors: Klotz Silvia , Kuenz Anja , Prüße Ulf
Published: September 2017

For the first time, nutritional requirements including the effects of yeast extract on thed-lactic acid production bySporolactobacillus inulinusare presented.
Engineering graphene with red phosphorus quantum dots for superior hybrid anodes of sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zeng Guang , Hu Xiang , Zhou Baolong , Chen Junxiang , Cao Changsheng , Wen Zhenhai
Published: September 2017

Red phosphorus quantum dots/reduced graphene oxide nanohybrids were fabricated by a simple self-assembling process and showed excellent sodium-ion storage properties.
Higher order Fano graphene metamaterials for nanoscale optical sensing
Authors: Guo Xiangdong , Hu Hai , Zhu Xing , Yang Xiaoxia , Dai Qing
Published: September 2017

Plasmonic Fano metamaterials provide a unique platform for optical sensing applications due to their sharp spectral response and the ability to confine light to nanoscale regions that make them a strong prospect for refractive-index sensing.
Synthesis of the fungus metabolite cladosin C
Authors: Linder David , Schobert Rainer
Published: September 2017

Cladosin C was built up in ten steps comprising an N-acylation of dehydrovaline with a functionalised thioester, a Dieckmann cylisation, and an OH ⇒ NH2 exchange with 2,4-dimethoxybenzylamine.
Volatiles from the fungal microbiome of the marine sponge Callyspongia cf. flammea
Authors: Barra Lena , Barac Paul , König Gabriele M. , Crüsemann Max , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: September 2017

The volatiles released by fungi associated with the marine sponge Callyspongia cf. flammea and their bioactivities are reported.
Flow-IEG enables programmable thermodynamic properties in sequence-defined unimolecular macromolecules
Authors: Wicker Amanda C. , Leibfarth Frank A. , Jamison Timothy F.
Published: September 2017

Improvements to the semi-automated synthesis of monodisperse oligomers using continuous flow chemistry enables structure–property studies on libraries of these valuable intermediates.
Fabrication of N-doped and shape-controlled porous monolithic carbons from polyacrylonitrile for supercapacitors
Authors: Shu Yu , Maruyama Jun , Iwasaki Satoshi , Maruyama Shohei , Shen Yehua , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

N-doped and shape-controlled porous monolithic carbon (PMC) was easily fabricated and displayed excellent electrochemical performance as an electrode for supercapacitors.
Potentiation effect of HB-EGF on facilitating wound healing via 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan nanoparticles modified PLGA scaffold
Authors: Peng Xiang , Yu Yuanman , Wang Zihao , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Jing , Liu Changsheng
Published: September 2017

26SCS-nanoparticles modified PLGA have synergistic effect with HB-EGF on promoting the migration of keratinocyte, realizing the skin regeneration.
A label-free screening approach targeted protease-activated receptor 1 based on dynamic mass redistribution in living cells
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Huang Bixia , Wang Jiancheng , An Lin , Zhong Huailing , Yang Hua , Li Ping , Chen Jun
Published: September 2017

Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) antagonists strongly inhibit thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and are proved to be effective as anti-thrombotic drugs.
Uniform e-beam irradiation-induced athermal straightening of axially curved amorphous SiOx nanowires
Authors: Su Jiangbin , Zhu Xianfang
Published: September 2017

In contrast to straight NWs, curved NWs quickly become straight accompanied by uniform axial shrinkage and radial expansion.
Ultra-narrow terahertz perfect light absorber based on surface lattice resonance of a sandwich resonator for sensing applications
Authors: Wang Ben-Xin , Huang Wei-Qing , Wang Ling-Ling
Published: September 2017

Ultra-narrow terahertz perfect light absorber based on surface lattice resonance of sandwich structure model is presented. The large sensing sensitivity and simultaneous ultra-narrow bandwidth lead to an ultra-high FOM (figure of merit) of 385.07.
Local and overall heat transfer of exothermic reactions in microreactor systems
Authors: Mielke Eric , Plouffe Patrick , Koushik Nikhil , Eyholzer Markus , Gottsponer Michael , Kockmann Norbert , Macchi Arturo , Roberge Dominique M.
Published: September 2017

Heat transfer performance of plate-type metallic microreactors.
Application of the Eckart frame to soft matter: rotation of star polymers under shear flow
Authors: Sablić Jurij , Delgado-Buscalioni Rafael , Praprotnik Matej
Published: September 2017

We present the first ever application of the Eckart co-rotating frame to a soft matter system where molecular vibrations and rotation are coupled.
Nanoparticle encapsulation in vesicles formed by amphiphilic diblock copolymers
Authors: Yang Junying , Hu Yi , Wang Rong , Xie Daiqian
Published: September 2017

We investigated the co-assembly of nanoparticles P and amphiphilic diblock copolymers AB in selective solvents using a dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method.
Self-assembled clusters of patchy rod-like molecules
Authors: Jurásek Miroslav , Vácha Robert
Published: September 2017

We determined the system composition and the most abundant cluster morphologies of self-assembled of patchy spherocylinders under different conditions (temperature, density, and patch parameters).
Investigation of high oxygen reduction reaction catalytic performance on Mn-based mullite SmMn2O5
Authors: Liu Jieyu , Yu Meng , Wang Xuewei , Wu Jie , Wang Changhong , Zheng Lijun , Yang Dachi , Liu Hui , Yao Yan , Lu Feng , Wang Weichao
Published: September 2017

The origin of the ORR activity of SmMn2O5is systematically explored by DFT calculations and validated by experimental observation.
Tightening polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanostructure via chemical cross-linking for membrane H2/CO2separation
Authors: Zhu Lingxiang , Swihart Mark T. , Lin Haiqing
Published: September 2017

Polybenzimidazole in solid state is facilely cross-linked with terephthaloyl chloride, decreasing free volume and significantly increasing membrane H2/CO2separation properties.
Recycling biowaste shells to produce 0D/2D Mn–Ca nanostructures for efficient trace-level metal extraction: confined growth of nanosheets and good dispersion of quantum dots
Authors: Wu Yufeng , Wei Jinxin , Guo Siyi , Yu Kaixin , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: September 2017

A facile strategy was reported for recycling biowaste shells to produce 0D/2D Mn–Ca hybrid nanostructures for efficient trace-level metal extraction.
In operando XAS investigation of reduction and oxidation processes in cobalt and iron mixed spinels during the chemical loop reforming of ethanol
Authors: Carraro F. , Vozniuk O. , Calvillo L. , Nodari L. , La Fontaine C. , Cavani F. , Agnoli S.
Published: September 2017

FeCo2O4and CoFe2O4nanoparticles have been studied as oxygen carriers for the chemical loop reforming of ethanol by usingin operandoX-ray absorption spectroscopy.
A highly-distorted octahedron with a C2vgroup symmetry inducing an ultra-intense zero phonon line in Mn4+-activated oxyfluoride Na2WO2F4
Authors: Hu Tao , Lin Hang , Cheng Yao , Huang Qingming , Xu Ju , Gao Yan , Wang Jiaomei , Wang Yuansheng
Published: September 2017

A novel Na2WO2F4:Mn4+red-emitting phosphor, exhibiting an ultra-intense zero phonon line at 620 nm, is demonstrated to be promising for LED lightings and displays.
Control scheme for LTI systems with Lipschitz non‐linearity and unknown time‐varying input delay
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Zuo Zongyu , Ding Zhengtao
Published: September 2017

In this study, the authors propose a control structure for a class of linear time‐invariant (LTI) systems with Lipschitz non‐linearity and unknown time‐varying input delay. This scheme considers the worst‐case scenario in control design with truncated prediction feedback approach, and takes into account the information of the lower bound of delay in the stability analysis. A finite‐dimensional controller is constructed, requiring neither the non‐linear function nor the exact delay function. The truncated prediction deviation is minimised by employing the delay range, and then bounded by integral construction and related techniques. Within the framework of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, sufficient delay–range‐dependent conditions are derived for the closed‐loop system to guarantee the global stability. Two numerical examples are given to validate the proposed control design.
Observer‐based adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control of non‐linear non‐strict feedback system
Authors: Wang Na , Tong Shaocheng , Li Yongming
Published: September 2017

This study develops a scheme of an adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control (DSC) for a non‐linear non‐strict feedback system with immeasurable states. By utilising the universal approximation property of a fuzzy logic system, a state observer is designed to estimate the unmeasured states. Based on the back‐stepping DSC design technique, an adaptive fuzzy output feedback control design method is developed. The proposed method can overcome the ‘explosion of complexity’ problem, and also can eliminate the limitation of the measurable states. It is proved that the control method can guarantee that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded and the system output can track the given reference signal well. The simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
On‐line aerodynamic identification of quadrotor and its application to tracking control
Authors: Lei Wenchao , Li Chanying
Published: September 2017

This study investigates the aerodynamic effects and the tracking control problem of quadrotor‐type unmanned aerial vehicles. The authors first present the on‐line identification of the aerodynamic parameters by using the recursive least squares algorithm based on the measurement outputs of the accelerometer. Then, the non‐linear discrete‐time trajectory tracking controllers with aerodynamic compensation have been designed. Through identifying and compensating the external aerodynamics on line, the simulation results show that the tracking performance has been enhanced, especially when the vehicle is in some flight envelopes where the aerodynamics have significant effects on the quadrotor dynamics, such as the large‐acceleration flight regime.
Compact highly integrated wide‐tunable unidirectional dual‐band patch antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Boukarkar Abdelheq , Lin Xian Qi , Jiang Yuan , Yu Yi Qiang
Published: September 2017

A compact dual‐band patch antenna with independent tuning of both frequencies is introduced. The frequency agility is achieved by inserting two varactor diodes into the radiating patch, while the antenna miniaturisation is realised by shorting one patch edge using metallised vias. Simulated and measured results are in good agreement. Measurements reveal that the two operating bands can be tuned separately without any frequency shifting and with high stability and similar unidirectional radiation patterns during the tuning process. The measured tunable ranges of the lower and upper bands are 27.95% (from 2.4 to 3.18 GHz) and 28.27% (from 4.1 to 5.45 GHz), with measured peak gains and efficiencies of [3.23 dBi, 65%] and [3.42 dBi, 62%], respectively. The antenna presents comparatively wide tuning ranges with similar unidirectional radiation patterns, has a miniaturised size, and uses a simple direct current bias circuit. Thus, it can be easily integrated and used in different wireless systems.
Switching alternating current (AC) using a fully screen‐printed current‐driven transistor
Authors: Zambou Serges , Azeutsap Flore M. , Nuessl Rudolph , Magunje Batsirai , Walton Stanley D. , Jonah Emmanuel O. , Zekeng Serge S. , Ndjaka Jean M. , Harting Margit , Britton David T.
Published: September 2017

The authors report on a large area, fully screen‐printed transistors, using nanostructured silicon as the active material. The transistors are produced by simple screen printing processes under ambient conditions without the need for post‐processing steps. The devices can be operated as two‐way switches both with a direct or alternating current (AC). The authors demonstrated the operation of the devices printed on flexible substrates (office paper 80 g/m2) using silver as the conductive electrodes and highly doped p‐type nanostructured silicon as the active layer. A method of switching sinusoidal AC using a single printed transistor is demonstrated at a frequency of 50 Hz at ambient condition. The silicon used as active materials, present domains, and blocks at a microscopic level, with an electric behaviour similar to one of the varistor‐like components used as surge suppressors. So, unlike conventional transistors which rely on electric field modulation or charge injection, these AC switches operate by activation transport of charge carriers in the active silicon layer. Switching AC is achieved by applying a signal to the base which results in a change of the current's direction from between the collector and base to between the base and emitter.
Design optimisation of self‐powered gate driver for ultra‐fast DC solid‐state circuit breakers using SiC JFETs
Authors: He Dong , Xiong Zhijie , Lei Zhiqi , Shuai Zhikang , Shen Zheng John , Wang Jun
Published: September 2017

Solid‐state circuit breakers (SSCBs) inherently have excellent protection performance, thus they are popular for DC distribution protection. However, the safety and reliability of the SSCBs are limited by the rapid response ability of their own gate drivers. In this study, a self‐powered SSCB with a normally‐on silicon carbide (SiC) junction gate field‐effect transistor (JFET) is proposed as the solid‐state switch, whose gate drivers are optimised as well. First, both an optimised fault detection circuit and a designed forward–flyback DC/DC converter of the SSCB gate driver have been presented to achieve fast protection during the course of fault isolation. Then, the detailed analyses of the gate driver circuit parameters effect on protection speed are further investigated based on circuit theory and MATLAB calculation. In order to compare and analyse the dynamic responses of the SSCB with and without optimisation, the actual interruption tests of the fabricated SiC JFET circuit breaker prototype and the employed prototype 400 V DC distribution system have been carried out. The results show that the implementation approach is able to improve protection speed for the SSCBs within the order of a few microseconds.
TelematikInfrastruktur: „Die Ärzte sind aufgerüttelt“
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: September 2017

Der Online-Rollout der Telematikinfrastruktur (TI) ist gestartet – und bleibt eine Baustelle. Wann die Infrastruktur tatsächlich mit mehreren Konnektoren einsatzbereit ist, steht in der berühmten Glaskugel. Hinter den Kulissen kämpfen Ärzte, Kassen und Industrie um ihre Pfründe.
Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen: Nun mischt auch Amazon kräftig mit
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: September 2017

Nach Apple, Google, IBM und Microsoft steigt nun offenbar mit Amazon ein weiterer amerikanischer IT-Riese verstärkt in den Gesundheitsmarkt ein. Nach US-Medienberichten hat der Online-Einzelhandelskonzern eine geheime Expertengruppe gegründet, die an Telematik-Lösungen und Software zur Datenanalyse von elektronischen Patienakten arbeitet.
Zum Artikel „Dauerthema Hygiene“, kma 7-8/2017: Fehlende Krankenhaushygieniker? Es gibt die Fachkräfte!
Authors: Bienmüller Bianca
Published: September 2017

Seit Jahren lese ich Ihre Zeitschrift kma. Im Rahmen meines Studiums und meiner Facharbeiten habe ich gerne diverse Quellen aus der kma entnommen und zitiert. Ich selbst bin im CaritasKlinikum Saarbrücken als Hygienemanagerin beschäftigt. In vielen Fachzeitschriften finden sich immer wieder Artikel über fehlende Krankenhaushygieniker. Dieses Thema hatten Sie auch in der letzten kma aufgegriffen (kma 7-8/17 „Dauerthema Krankenhaushygiene“).
Für mehr Toleranz und Offenheit
Authors: Pick Sandra
Published: September 2017

Durch Zufall bin ich auf „Hiobs Brüder“ gestoßen, ein Buch dessen Geschichte im historischen England spielt.
Medizintourismus: Euphorie weg, Ernüchterung spürbar
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: September 2017

Das Geschäft mit wohlhabenden Patienten aus dem fernen China, Russland oder den Golfstaaten galt lange als vielversprechend. Doch die hochfliegenden Erwartungen haben sich eingetrübt, denn unterm Strich steht meist zu wenig.
US-Patienten in Deutschland: Marktnische mit Entwicklungspotenzial
Authors: Büsching Imke , Jan-Marc Hodek
Published: September 2017

US-Patienten könnten für deutsche Kliniken eine wichtige Zielgruppe werden: Deutschlands guter Ruf und vergleichsweise günstige Behandlungskosten sind starke Argumente im Wettbewerb um diese international begehrte Zielgruppe.
Ein Jahr Antikorruptionsgesetz: Wenn Kooperation unter Generalverdacht steht
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: September 2017

Das im Juni 2016 in Kraft getretene sogenannte Antikorruptionsgesetz hat viele Ärzte verunsichert. In der Folge wurden etablierte Kooperationen nicht nur einer kritischen Prüfung unterzogen, sondern die Zusammenarbeit nicht selten aufgekündigt. 15 Monate später ist es Zeit für eine erste Bilanz.
Controlling: Risikobewältigung im Krankenhaus
Authors: Schirmer Herbert
Published: September 2017

Der Erfolg der Krankenhausführung wird zukünftig maßgeblich davon abhängen, wie es gelingt, das Management mit anspruchsvollen und qualifizierten Controllinginstrumenten auszustatten. Diese müssen nicht nur die Planung, Steuerung und Kontrolle der vereinbarten Ziele absichern, sondern auch mögliche Risiken entschärfen.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Using the Trans-splenic Approach and a Snare Technique
Authors: Park Juil , Kim Hyo-Cheol
Published: September 2017

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established procedure for the secondary prevention of variceal bleeding and management of refractory ascites. Portal vein thrombosis presents technical difficulty during TIPS due to nonvisualization of portal vein. In such patients, trans-splenic approach can be utilized to navigate thrombosed portal vein and use a snare as a fluoroscopic guidance for the intraparenchymal pass. We present the case of a 63-year old man who received the successful TIPS procedure via trans-splenic access without any complication.