bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABCG2 contributes to the development of gout and hyperuricemia in a genome-wide association study
Authors: Chen Chung-Jen , Tseng Chia-Chun , Yen Jeng-Hsien , Chang Jan-Gowth , Chou Wen-Cheng , Chu Hou-Wei , Chang Shun-Jen , Liao Wei-Ting
Published: February 2018

Although many genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of hyperuricemia or gout have been reported, the related genetic factors and the mechanisms from hyperuricemia to gouty attack remain unclear. This study aimed to identify genetic factors and pathogenesis of gout from hyperuricemia by genome-wide association study (GWAS). 747 gout patients, 747 hyperuricemia and 2071 age-matched controls were recruited and analyzed with Affymetrix 650 K chip to find the related genetic variants. The functions of the related genes were investigated in an endothelial cell (EC) with urate crystal stimulation. The GWAS results showed 36 SNPs to be strongly associated with gout compared to controls (all p-values < 10−7). Whereas the rs2231142 in ABCG2 gene had significant associations between gout and controls, between gout and hyperuricemia, and between hyperuricemia and controls (all p-values < 10−7), and the ORs were 4.34, 3.37 and 2.15 (all p-values < 0.001) after adjustment of potential confounders, respectively. The cell model showed significantly higher IL-8 release from EC combined with ABCG2 knockdown. We concluded that ABCG2 gene contributed to hyperuricemia but also gout, and that it was involved in the inflammation dysregulation via augmented IL-8 release in EC.
Association of Sleep and Circadian Activity Rhythm with Emotional Face Processing among 12-month-old Infants
Authors: Sun Wanqi , Li Shirley Xin , Wang Guanghai , Dong Shumei , Jiang Yanrui , Spruyt Karen , Ling Jiefan , Zhu Qi , Lee Tatia Mei-Chun , Jiang Fan
Published: February 2018

Sleep and circadian rhythmicity both play an important role in human’s cognitive functioning, yet the way in which early development of sleep and circadian rhythm affects cognitive processes and social learning in infants remains less understood. We examined the association of sleep and circadian activity rhythm (CAR) with face and emotional information processing in 12-month old infants. Face processing was measured by eye tracking, whereby infants’ scanning patterns and pupil dilations were calculated when they were presented with neutral, pleasant and unpleasant faces. Infants with better sleep quality (i.e., less waking after sleep onset) and lower sleep-wake pattern variability (i.e., higher inter-daily stability) exhibited a higher eyes over mouth fixation ratio (EMR). Infants with longer total sleep time showed larger pupil diameter changes in response to emotional facial expressions, more closely resembling the responses of adults. Our findings suggest the role of sleep and circadian rhythm in waking cognition and have implications for understanding the early development of social learning in young children.
Prediction of coronary disease incidence by biomarkers of inflammation, oxidation, and metabolism
Authors: Subirana Isaac , Fitó Montserrat , Diaz Oscar , Vila Joan , Francés Albert , Delpon Eva , Sanchis Juan , Elosua Roberto , Muñoz-Aguayo Daniel , Dégano Irene R. , Marrugat Jaume
Published: February 2018

The effect of circulating biomarkers in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the relationship with CAD and the predictive capacity of nine biomarkers of inflammation (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, MCP-1, CRP), oxidation (GHS-Px), and metabolism (adiponectin, leptin, and insulin). This was a case-cohort study, within the REGICOR population-cohorts (North-Eastern Spain), of 105 CAD cases and 638 individuals randomly selected from a cohort of 5,404 participants aged 35–74 years (mean follow-up = 6.1 years). Biomarkers’ hazard ratio (HR)/standard deviation was estimated with Cox models adjusted for age, sex, and classical risk factors. Discrimination improvement and reclassification were analyzed with the c-index and the Net reclassification index (NRI). GHS-Px (adjusted HRs = 0.77; 95%CI:0.60–0.99), insulin (1.46; 1.08–1.98), leptin (1.40; 1.03–1.90), IL-6 (1.34; 1.03–1.74), and TNF-α (1.80; 1.26–2.57) were significantly associated with CAD incidence. In the model adjusted for all biomarkers, TNF-α (1.87;1.31–2.66) and insulin (1.59;1.16–2.19) were independently associated with CAD. This final model, compared to a model without biomarkers, showed a c-index difference of 1.3% (−0.7, 3.2) and a continuous NRI of 33.7% (2.6, 61.9). TNF-α and insulin are independently associated with CAD incidence and they improve reclassification when added to a model including classical risk factors.
Neovasculature can be induced by patching an arterial graft into a vein: A novel in vivo model of spontaneous arteriovenous fistula formation
Authors: Ito Yukinobu , Yoshida Makoto , Maeda Daichi , Takahashi Masato , Nanjo Hiroshi , Masuda Hirotake , Goto Akiteru
Published: February 2018

Arteriovenous malformations consist of tangles of arteries and veins that are often connected by a fistula. The causes and mechanisms of these clinical entities are not fully understood. We discovered that suturing an arterial patch into the common jugular vein of rabbits led to spontaneous neovascularization, the formation of an arteriovenous fistula and the development of an arteriovenous shunt. An arterial patch excised from the common carotid artery was sutured into the common jugular vein. Within a month, a dense nidus-like neovasculature formed around the patch. Angiography and pulse-oximeter analyses showed that the blood flowing into the neovasculature was arterial blood. This indicated that an arteriovenous shunt had formed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a Y chromosome probe in female rabbits that received an arterial patch from male rabbits showed that the vessels close to the graft bore the Y chromosome, whereas the vessels further away did not. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and cDNA microarray analysis showed that multiple angiogenic factors were upregulated after patch transplantation. This is the first in vivo model of spontaneous arteriovenous fistula formation. Further research on these differences may help to improve understanding of human vascular anomaly diseases and the basic principles underlying vasculogenesis and/or angiogenesis.
Experimental modelling of cardiac pressure overload hypertrophy: Modified technique for precise, reproducible, safe and easy aortic arch banding-debanding in mice
Authors: Merino David , Gil Aritz , Gómez Jenny , Ruiz Luis , Llano Miguel , García Raquel , Hurlé María A. , Nistal J. Francisco
Published: February 2018

Pressure overload left ventricular hypertrophy is a known precursor of heart failure with ominous prognosis. The development of experimental models that reproduce this phenomenon is instrumental for the advancement in our understanding of its pathophysiology. The gold standard of these models is the controlled constriction of the mid aortic arch in mice according to Rockman’s technique (RT). We developed a modified technique that allows individualized and fully controlled constriction of the aorta, improves efficiency and generates a reproducible stenosis that is technically easy to perform and release. An algorithm calculates, based on the echocardiographic arch diameter, the intended perimeter at the constriction, and a suture is prepared with two knots separated accordingly. The aorta is encircled twice with the suture and the loop is closed with a microclip under both knots. We performed controlled aortic constriction with Rockman’s and the double loop-clip (DLC) techniques in mice. DLC proved superiority in efficiency (mortality and invalid experiments) and more homogeneity of the results (transcoarctational gradients, LV mass, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, gene expression) than RT. DLC technique optimizes animal use and generates a consistent and customized aortic constriction with homogeneous LV pressure overload morphofunctional, structural, and molecular features.
Insights into the inhibitory mechanisms of NADH on the αγ heterodimer of human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase
Authors: Liu Yabing , Hu Lejia , Ma Tengfei , Yang Jun , Ding Jianping
Published: February 2018

Human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD-IDH) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate in the citric acid cycle. In the α2βγ heterotetramer of NAD-IDH, the γ subunit plays the regulatory role and the β subunit the structural role. Previous biochemical data have shown that mammalian NAD-IDHs can be inhibited by NADH; however, the molecular mechanism is unclear. In this work, we show that the αβ, αγ and α2βγ enzymes of human NAD-IDH can be inhibited by NADH, and further determine the crystal structure of the αγ heterodimer bound with an Mg2+ and an NADH at the active site and an NADH at the allosteric site, which resembles that of the inactive αMgγ heterodimer. The NADH at the active site occupies the binding site for NAD+ and prevents the binding of the cofactor. The NADH at the allosteric site occupies the binding sites for ADP and citrate and blocks the binding of the activators. The biochemical data confirm that the NADH binding competes with the binding of NAD+ and the binding of citrate and ADP, and the two effects together contribute to the NADH inhibition on the activity. These findings provide insights into the inhibitory mechanisms of the αγ heterodimer by NADH.
A Meta-Surface Antenna Array Decoupling (MAAD) Method for Mutual Coupling Reduction in a MIMO Antenna System
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Zhao Luyu , Cai Yuanming , Zheng Shufeng , Yin Yingzeng
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a method to reduce the inevitable mutual coupling between antennas in an extremely closely spaced two-element MIMO antenna array is proposed. A suspended meta-surface composed periodic square split ring resonators (SRRs) is placed above the antenna array for decoupling. The meta-surface is equivalent to a negative permeability medium, along which wave propagation is rejected. By properly designing the rejection frequency band of the SRR unit, the mutual coupling between the antenna elements in the MIMO antenna system can be significantly reduced. Two prototypes of microstrip antenna arrays at 5.8 GHz band with and without the metasurface have been fabricated and measured. The matching bandwidths of antennas with reflection coefficient smaller than −15 dB for the arrays without and with the metasurface are 360 MHz and 900 MHz respectively. Using the meta-surface, the isolation between elements is increased from around 8 dB to more than 27 dB within the band of interest. Meanwhile, the total efficiency and peak gain of each element, the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) between the two elements are also improved by considerable amounts. All the results demonstrate that the proposed method is very efficient for enhancing the performance of MIMO antenna arrays.
A smartphone-based double-channel fluorescence setup for immunoassay of a carcinoembryonic antigen using CuS nanoparticles for signal amplification
Authors: Wang Honghai , Sun Yan , Yue Weiwei , Kang Qi , Li Huijuan , Shen Dazhong
Published: February 2018

Sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers is valuable for clinical diagnosis and treatment assessment of cancers.
Paper based lateral flow immunoassay for the enumeration of Escherichia coli in urine
Authors: Gumustas Aysen , Caglayan Mehmet Gokhan , Eryilmaz Merve , Suludere Zekiye , Acar Soykut Esra , Uslu Bengi , Boyaci Ismail Hakki , Tamer Ugur
Published: February 2018

In this experimental study, we developed lateral flow immunoassay strips for the detection of Escherichia coli.
Reactive chemical vapor deposition of heteroepitaxial Ti1−xAlxN films
Authors: Mercier F. , Shimoda H. , Lay S. , Pons M. , Blanquet E.
Published: February 2018

A novel methodology combining CVD experiments, nanoscale characterisation and reaction–diffusion modelling demonstrates Ti1−xAlxN epitaxial growth on single crystalline AlN films.
Structural dynamics upon photoexcitation-induced charge transfer in a dicopper(i)–disulfide complex
Authors: Naumova Maria , Khakhulin Dmitry , Rebarz Mateusz , Rohrmüller Martin , Dicke Benjamin , Biednov Mykola , Britz Alexander , Espinoza Shirly , Grimm-Lebsanft Benjamin , Kloz Miroslav , Kretzschmar Norman , Neuba Adam , Ortmeyer Jochen , Schoch Roland , Andreasson Jakob , Bauer Matthias , Bressler Christian , Gero Schmidt Wolf , Henkel Gerald , Rübhausen Michael
Published: February 2018

A study of structural evolution upon photoinduced charge transfer in a dicopper complex with biologically relevant sulfur coordination.
Cluster assemblies as superatomic solids: a first principles study of bonding & electronic structure
Authors: Schacht Julia , Gaston Nicola
Published: February 2018

By applying theoretical methods, this study aims to contribute to the general understanding of superatom based bulk systems and to establish some guidelines for the creation of a new generation of designer materials.
Theoretical aspects in structural distortion and the electronic properties of lithium peroxide under high pressure
Authors: Jimlim Pornmongkol , Kotmool Komsilp , Pinsook Udomsilp , Assabumrungrat Suttichai , Ahuja Rajeev , Bovornratanaraks Thiti
Published: February 2018

The structural phase transition and electronic properties of Li2O2under pressures up to 500 GPa have been investigated using first-principles calculations.
Structural and dynamic properties of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide/mica and graphite interfaces revealed by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Yokota Yasuyuki , Miyamoto Hiroo , Imanishi Akihito , Inagaki Kouji , Morikawa Yoshitada , Fukui Ken-ichi
Published: February 2018

Structural and dynamic properties of an ionic liquid on mica and graphite are compared to elucidate layered structures.
On the cononsolvency behaviour of hydrophobic clusters in water–methanol solutions
Authors: Pica Andrea , Graziano Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

The solvent-excluded volume effect cannot rationalize the cononsolvency phenomenon of polymers, such as PNIPAM, in water–methanol solutions.
Pd nanoparticles immobilized on carbon nanotubes with a polyaniline coaxial coating for the Heck reaction: coating thickness as the key factor influencing the efficiency and stability of the catalyst
Authors: Yu Rui , Liu Rui , Deng Jie , Ran Maofei , Wang Ning , Chu Wei , He Zhiwei , Du Zheng , Jiang Chengfa , Sun Wenjing
Published: February 2018

Pd/PANI@CNTs were synthesized using a low-cost and simple method. The thickness of the PANI layer is the key in determining the stability of the catalyst in the Heck reaction.
In situammonia removal by methanogenic granular biomass
Authors: Saha Shaswati , De Vrieze Jo , Biswas Rima , Nandy Tapas
Published: February 2018

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and nitrite-oxidizingNitropsirasp. and acetoclastic methanogensMethanosaetasp. can co-exist together to simultaneously oxidise ammonia and generate methane.
Template-free and room temperature synthesis of hierarchical porous zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoparticles and their dye and CO2sorption
Authors: Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Zou Xiaodong
Published: February 2018

A green route for synthesis of hierarchical porous zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoparticles has been proposed. The materials exhibit high CO2uptake and selective dye sorption properties.
Revisiting amino acids and peptides as anti-glycation agents
Authors: Chilukuri H. , Kulkarni M. J. , Fernandes M.
Published: February 2018

The importance of amino acids and peptides in countering glycation and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) is reviewed.
Nanoscale delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Zejun , Liu Wenhan , Shi Jiye , Chen Nan , Fan Chunhai
Published: February 2018

Antigens and adjuvants are loaded onto various types of nanocarriers and presented to APCs for activation of an immune response.
STAT3 is required for proliferation and exhibits a cell type-specific binding preference in mouse female germline stem cells
Authors: Gu Yunzhao , Wu Jun , Yang Wenxiao , Xia Chao , Shi Xinglong , Li Hua , Sun Jielin , Shao Zhifeng , Wu Ji , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: February 2018

LIF-mediated STAT3 signaling contributes to proliferation and exhibits a cell-specific binding pattern in mouse female germline stem cells.
A chemically-responsive bis-acridinium receptor
Authors: Gosset A. , Xu Z. , Maurel F. , Chamoreau L.-M. , Nowak S. , Vives G. , Perruchot C. , Heitz V. , Jacquot de Rouville H.-P.
Published: February 2018

The recognition and the chemical-response properties of a bis-acridinium triphenylene receptor were investigated.
Hollow doughnut shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for reduction of the thermal expansion coefficient of poly(ether sulfone) films
Authors: Vo Nhat Tri , Patra Astam K. , Kim Dukjoon
Published: February 2018

A hollow doughnut shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticle filler that significantly enhances the dimensional thermal stability without sacrificing the optical properties of poly(ether sulfone) films is reported.
Effects of thermal shrinkage temperatures and comonomers on thermal shrinkage of uniaxially-stretched PET copolymer films: a molecular dynamics simulation approach
Authors: Kim Ki Chul , Jang Seung Soon
Published: February 2018

Thermal shrinkage ratios for PET copolymer models are correlated with the conformational change of polymer chains at molecular levels.
Enhanced nucleation of germanium on graphene via dipole engineering
Authors: Yoo Jinkyoung , Ahmed Towfiq , Chen Renjie , Chen Aiping , Kim Yeon Hoo , Kwon Ki Chang , Park Chan Woong , Kang Hee Seong , Jang Ho Won , Hong Young Joon , Yang Woo Seok , Lee Chul-Ho
Published: February 2018

The preparation of crystalline materials on incommensurate substrates has been a key topic of epitaxy.
Programmable DNA switches and their applications
Authors: Harroun Scott G. , Prévost-Tremblay Carl , Lauzon Dominic , Desrosiers Arnaud , Wang Xiaomeng , Pedro Liliana , Vallée-Bélisle Alexis
Published: February 2018

DNA switches are ideally suited for numerous nanotechnological applications, and increasing efforts are being directed toward their engineering.
Monocrystalline platinum–nickel branched nanocages with enhanced catalytic performance towards the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cao Zhenming , Li Huiqi , Zhan Chenyang , Zhang Jiawei , Wang Wei , Xu Binbin , Lu Fa , Jiang Yaqi , Xie Zhaoxiong , Zheng Lansun
Published: February 2018

Monocrystalline Pt–Ni nanocages were successfully fabricated and exhibited great catalytic activity and enhanced stability for HER in alkaline solution.
A self-healable fluorescence active hydrogel based on ionic block copolymers prepared via ring opening polymerization and xanthate mediated RAFT polymerization
Authors: Banerjee Sovan Lal , Hoskins Richard , Swift Thomas , Rimmer Stephen , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: February 2018

In this work we report a facile method to prepare a fluorescence active self-healable hydrogel via the incorporation of fluorescence responsive ionic block copolymers (BCPs).
Facile synthesis of advanced gradient polymers with sequence control using furan-protected maleimide as a comonomer
Authors: Gu Xue , Zhang Liuqiao , Li Ying , Zhang Wei , Zhu Jian , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: February 2018

Diverse advanced gradient polymers, including simultaneous, hierarchical, di-blocky, symmetrical, and tri-blocky gradient polymers, were facilely fabricated by applying furan protected maleimide as a co-monomer.
The diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis by magnetic resonance and near-infrared imaging using dual-modality nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yunfang , Shang Wenting , Liang Xiaoyuan , Zeng Chaoting , Liu Mingming , Wang Sudan , Li Hongjun , Tian Jie
Published: February 2018

Schematic diagram for the synthesis of SPIO@SiO2–ICG–RGD.
Effects of calcination and reduction temperature on the properties of Ni-P/SiO2 and Ni-P/Al2O3 and their hydrodenitrogenation performance
Authors: Shao Mingqiang , Cui Haitao , Guo Shaoqing , Zhao Liangfu , Tan Yisheng
Published: February 2018

XRD patterns of different SiO2-supported nickel phosphides reduced at (a) 560 °C, (b) 650 °C, (c) 750 °C and different γ-Al2O3-supported nickel phosphides reduced at (d) 560 °C, (e) 650 °C, (f) 750 °C.
An alginate film-based degradable triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Pang Yaokun , Xi Fengben , Luo Jianjun , Liu Guoxu , Guo Tong , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2018

A degradable triboelectric generator based on an alginate film has been proposed, which can be used to harvest water wave energy.
L718Q mutant EGFR escapes covalent inhibition by stabilizing a non-reactive conformation of the lung cancer drug osimertinib
Authors: Callegari D. , Ranaghan K. E. , Woods C. J. , Minari R. , Tiseo M. , Mor M. , Mulholland A. J. , Lodola A.
Published: February 2018

Impact of L718Q mutation on the inhibitory activity of osimertinib on EGFR revealed by free-energy simulations.
Effect of HU protein on the conformation and compaction of DNA in a nanochannel
Authors: Guttula Durgarao , Liu Fan , van Kan Jeroen A. , Arluison Véronique , van der Maarel Johan R. C.
Published: February 2018

Nanofluidics revealed the compaction modes of one of the main proteins shaping the bacterial genome.
Photocatalytic activity and charge carrier dynamics of TiO2 powders with a binary particle size distribution
Authors: Sieland Fabian , Schneider Jenny , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: February 2018

The effects of the particle size distribution on the charge carrier dynamics and the photocatalytic activity of mixed titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder samples were investigated in this work.
High performance heterojunction photocatalytic membranes formed by embedding Cu2O and TiO2nanowires in reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Wang Wentai , Wu Zhiqing , Eftekhari Ehsan , Huo Ziyang , Li Xiaomin , Tade Moses O. , Yan Cheng , Yan Zifeng , Li Chunhu , Li Qin , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: February 2018

We reported a facile approach to fabricate Cu2O/TiO2/rGO heterojunction membranes with superior photocatalytic efficiency and significantly improved photocorrosion resistance.
Unequal coordination environment in complexes of the type [Au2Ag2(R)4(L)2]n. An immiscible solvent mixture as a key point in the control of ligand replacement
Authors: López-de-Luzuriaga José M. , Monge Miguel , Olmos M. Elena , Quintana Javier , Rodríguez-Castillo María
Published: February 2018

A new photoluminescent heterometallic polymer [Au6Ag6(C6Cl2F3)12(μ2-pym)2(NCMe)6]n (2) with three different coordination environments has been synthesised.
Buchwald–Hartwig amination using Pd(i) dimer precatalysts supported by biaryl phosphine ligands
Authors: Kirlikovali Kent O. , Cho Eunho , Downard Tyler J. , Grigoryan Lilit , Han Zheng , Hong Sooji , Jung Dahee , Quintana Jason C. , Reynoso Vanessa , Ro Sooihk , Shen Yi , Swartz Kevin , Ter Sahakyan Elizabeth , Wixtrom Alex I. , Yoshida Brandon , Rheingold Arnold L. , Spokoyny Alexander M.
Published: February 2018

We report the synthesis of air-stable Pd(i) dimer complexes featuring biaryl phosphine ligands.
Magnetization pinning in modulated nanowires: from topological protection to the “corkscrew” mechanism
Authors: Fernandez-Roldan Jose Angel , Perez del Real Rafael , Bran Cristina , Vazquez Manuel , Chubykalo-Fesenko Oksana
Published: February 2018

We report a novel pinning type in modulated nanowires: the “corkscrew”. The magnetization in wide segments forms a skyrmion-tube with a helical core along the nanowire.
Polydopamine-assisted versatile modification of a nucleic acid probe for intracellular microRNA imaging and enhanced photothermal therapy
Authors: Zheng Aixian , Zhang Xiaolong , Huang Yanbing , Cai Zhixiong , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: February 2018

Polydopamine can assist the versatile modification of a nucleic acid probe for intracellular miRNA responsed fluorescence imaging and enhanced photothermal therapy.
Ultraviolet plasmon resonance in transition-metal doped aluminum nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: February 2018

An ordered arrangement of metal nanoparticles is an ideal platform for extreme light localization, thanks to the optically driven free electrons that couple electrically across the interparticle gap region.
Biodiversity of CS–proteoglycan sulphation motifs: chemical messenger recognition modules with roles in information transfer, control of cellular behaviour and tissue morphogenesis
Authors: Hayes Anthony , Sugahara Kazuyuki , Farrugia Brooke , Whitelock John M. , Caterson Bruce , Melrose James
Published: February 2018

Chondroitin sulphate (CS) glycosaminoglycan chains on cell and extracellular matrix proteoglycans (PGs) can no longer be regarded as merely hydrodynamic space fillers. Overwhelming evidence over recent years indicates that sulphation motif sequences within the CS chain structure are a source of significant biological information to cells and their surrounding environment. CS sulphation motifs have been shown to interact with a wide variety of bioactive molecules, e.g. cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, morphogenetic proteins, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, as well as structural components within the extracellular milieu. They are therefore capable of modulating a panoply of signalling pathways, thus controlling diverse cellular behaviours including proliferation, differentiation, migration and matrix synthesis. Consequently, through these motifs, CS PGs play significant roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, morphogenesis, development, growth and disease. Here, we review (i) the biodiversity of CS PGs and their sulphation motif sequences and (ii) the current understanding of the signalling roles they play in regulating cellular behaviour during tissue development, growth, disease and repair.
The pericyte–glia interface at the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Giannoni Patrizia , Badaut Jerome , Dargazanli Cyril , De Maudave Alexis Fayd’Herbe , Klement Wendy , Costalat Vincent , Marchi Nicola
Published: February 2018

The cerebrovasculature is a multicellular structure with varying rheological and permeability properties. The outer wall of the brain capillary endothelium is enclosed by pericytes and astrocyte end feet, anatomically assembled to guarantee barrier functions. We, here, focus on the pericyte modifications occurring in disease conditions, reviewing evidence supporting the interplay amongst pericytes, the endothelium, and glial cells in health and pathology. Deconstruction and reactivity of pericytes and glial cells around the capillary endothelium occur in response to traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders, impacting vascular permeability and participating in neuroinflammation. As this represents a growing field of research, addressing the multicellular reorganization occurring at the outer wall of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in response to an acute insult or a chronic disease could disclose novel disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Fermi-LAT observation of nonblazar AGNs
Authors: Sahakyan N. , Baghmanyan V. , Zargaryan D.
Published: February 2018

Context. Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT) has recently detected γ-ray emission from active galactic nuclei (AGN) that do not show clear evidence for optical blazar characteristics or have jets pointing away from the observer (nonblazar AGNs). These are interesting γ-ray emitters providing an alternative approach to studying high energy emission processes.

Aims. This paper investigates the spectral and temporal properties of γ-ray emission from nonblazar AGNs using the recent Fermi-LAT observational data.

Methods. The data collected by Fermi-LAT during 2008–2015, from the observations of 26 nonblazar AGNs, including 11 Fanaroff–Riley Type I (FRI) and ten FRII radio galaxies and steep spectrum radio quasars (SSRQs) and five narrow line seyfert 1s (NLSy1s) are analysed using the new PASS 8 event selection and instrument response function. Possible spectral changes above GeV energies are investigated with a detailed spectral analysis. Light curves generated with normal and adaptive time bins are used to study the γ-ray flux variability.

Results. Non-blazar AGNs have a γ-ray photon index in the range of 1.84–2.86 and a flux varying from a few times 10−9 photon cm−2 s−1 to 10−7 photon cm−2 s−1. Over long time periods, the power law provides an adequate description of the γ-ray spectra of almost all sources. Significant curvature is observed in the γ-ray spectra of NGC 1275, NGC 6251, SBS 0846 + 513, and PMN J0948 + 0022 and their spectra are better described by log parabola or by the power law with exponential cut-off models. The γ-ray spectra of PKS 0625-25 and 3C 380 show a possible deviation from a simple power-law shape, indicating a spectral cut-off around the observed photon energy of Ecut = 131.2 ± 88.04 GeV and Ecut = 55.57 ± 50.74 GeV, respectively. Our analysis confirms the previous finding of an unusual spectral turnover in the γ-ray spectrum of Cen A: the photon index changes from Γ = 2.75 ± 0.02 to 2.31 ± 0.1 at 2.35 ± 0.08 GeV. In the Γ−Lγ plane, the luminosity of nonblazar AGNs is spread in the range of (1041–1047) erg s−1, where those with the lowest luminosity are FRI radio galaxies (but typically appear with a harder photon index) and those with the highest luminosity have are SSRQs/NLSY1s (with softer photon indexes). We confirm the previously reported short-timescale flux variability of NGC 1275 and 3C 120. The γ-ray emission from NLSY1s, 1H 0323 + 342, SBS 0846 + 513, and PMN J0948 + 0022 is variable, showing flares in short scales sometimes accompanied by a moderate hardening of their spectra (e.g., for MJD 56146.8 the γ-ray photon index of SBS 0846 + 513 was Γ = 1.73 ± 0.14). Non-blazar AGNs 3C 111, Cen A core, 3C 207, 3C 275.1, 3C 380, 4C + 39.23B, PKS 1502 + 036, and PKS 2004-447 show a long-timescale flux variability in the γ-ray band.
4-Quinolone N-Oxides as Bacterial Weapons
Authors: Böttcher T. , Szamosvári D.
Published: February 2018

Various bacterial species are known to produce metabolites of the 4-quinolone N-oxide class. These compounds have antibiotic ­activities, and are believed to target the respiration of competing ­microbes by interfering with menaquinone-binding sites in enzymes of the electron-transport chain. Interestingly, even minor structural changes in related N-oxides produced by the same organism can produce a dramatic difference in antibiotic activity, suggesting possible functional specialization.
Airway Inflammation and Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Lim Hui , Nair Parameswaran
Published: February 2018

Severe asthma is a complex disease consisting of different endotypes with different inflammatory and clinicopathological characteristics due to the heterogeneity of immune responses and smooth muscle dysfunction. There is an unmet clinical need to develop and to validate biomarkers that can differentiate between the asthma endotypes and guide clinical management, particularly since the availability of biologicals directed against T2 cytokines. The presence of a “Th2 endotype” is currently assessed in clinical practice using markers, such as eosinophil count in sputum or blood, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, and immunoglobulin E. Individually or in combination, they may help to identify, for example, if the dominant effector protein is interleukin (IL) 5, IL13, or IgE. There is no reliable marker of a “non-Th2 endotype” although sputum neutrophil may provide some indication. The unbiased systems biology approach to severe asthma endotyping which integrates omics signatures and clinical data using large cohort studies may provide more comprehensive information than simple cellular measurements. Novel imaging techniques, such as hyperpolarized noble gas magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography parametric response maps and metabolomics profiling in breath and other body fluids are also being evaluated as potential biomarkers to guide therapy and to assess prognosis.
Diagnosis and Management of Severe Asthma
Authors: Chung Kian Fan
Published: February 2018

Severe therapy-resistant asthma has been defined as “asthma which requires treatment with high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) plus a second controller (and/or systemic corticosteroids) to prevent it from becoming ‘uncontrolled’ or which remains ‘uncontrolled’ despite this therapy”. Patients who usually present with ‘difficult-to-treat asthma’ should first be assessed to determine whether he/she has asthma with the exclusion of other diagnoses and if so, whether the asthma can be classified as severe therapy-resistant. This necessitates an assessment of adherence to medications, confounding factors, and comorbidities. Increasingly, management of severe therapy-resistant asthma will be helped by the determination of phenotypes to optimize responses to existing and new therapies. Severe asthma patients are usually on a combination of high dose ICS and long-acting β-agonist (LABA) and, in addition, are often on a maintenance dose of oral corticosteroids. Phenotyping can be informed by measuring blood eosinophil counts and the level of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, and the use of sputum granulocytic counts. Severe allergic asthma and severe eosinophilic asthma are two defined phenotypes for which there are efficacious targeted biologic therapies currently available, namely anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) and anti-interleukin (IL)-5 antibodies, respectively. Further progress will be realized with the definition of noneosinophilic or non-T2 phenotypes. It will be important for patients with severe asthma to be ultimately investigated and managed in specialized severe asthma centers.
Does Donor Age of Nonirradiated Achilles Tendon Allograft Influence Mid-Term Results of Revision ACL Reconstruction?
Authors: Zaffagnini Stefano , Roberti di Sarsina Tommaso , Bonanzinga Tommaso , Nitri Marco , Macchiarola Luca , Stefanelli Federico , Lucidi Gianandrea , Grassi Alberto
Published: February 2018

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the donor age of nonirradiated Achilles tendon allograft could influence the clinical results of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods All patients that underwent ACL revision between 2004 and 2008 with at least 4 years of follow-up were included. For all the patients that met the inclusion criteria, the age of the graft donor was obtained from the tissue bank. Lysholm score was administered to patients that met inclusion criteria. In addition, patients were divided in two groups based on the donor age (<45 years vs. ≥45 years), and the baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared.

Results Fifty-two patients were evaluated at a mean 4.8 ± 0.8 years follow-up with Lysholm score. The Lysholm significantly improved from 62.3 ± 6.6 at preoperative status to 84.4 ± 12.3 at final follow-up. The mean donor age was 48.7 ± 8.4 years; a significant difference in Lysholm score was noted between patients that received an allograft with a donor age <45 years (14 patients; 27%) and those receiving an allograft with a donor age ≥45 years (38; 73%) (89.5 ± 3.2 vs. 80.1 ± 11.1, respectively; p = 0.0469). The multiple regression model showed the donor age, the final follow-up, and the preoperative Lysholm score as significant predictors of postoperative Lysholm score (p < 0.0002).

Conclusion Donor age of nonirradiated Achilles tendon allograft influenced the mid-term results of revision ACL reconstruction, thus advising the use of grafts from young donors.

Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Survival Analysis after Core Decompression in Association with Platelet-Rich Plasma, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and Synthetic Bone Graft in Patients with Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: D'Ambrosi Riccardo , Biancardi Elena , Massari Giulia , Ragone Vincenza , Facchini Renato
Published: February 2018

Purpose The aim of this study was to report the rate of survivorship in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated with core decompression in association with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, and synthetic bone graft.

Methods We evaluated 24 hips in 16 patients, according to Ficat classification, treated by core decompression, injection of PRP and MSCs, and backfilling of the core tract with synthetic bone graft. Survivorship was estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results The survivorship of core decompression in association with the procedure is 50% at 75 months of follow-up. The survival rate was 80% for patients in early stage and 28.6% for patients in advanced stage at 75 months. When we compared Kaplan–Meier survival curves of patients in stage III + IV and patients in stage I + II, we noticed that the survival functions are statistically different (p < 0.05, log-rank test), particularly in stage I + II where we had a greater surviving core decompression, in comparison to patients in stage III + IV.

Conclusion This technique is safe and good preliminary results were obtained in patients with early stages of the disease with no reported complications.

Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
CX3CR1/CX3CL1 Axis Mediates Platelet–Leukocyte Adhesion to Arterial Endothelium in Younger Patients with a History of Idiopathic Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Furio Elena , García-Fuster Maria , Redon Josep , Marques Patrice , Ortega Rebeca , Sanz Maria , Piqueras Laura
Published: February 2018

Mechanisms linking deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subclinical atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular events are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of CX3CR1/CX3CL1 axis in DVT-associated endothelial dysfunction. The study included 22 patients (age: 37.5 ± 8.2 years) with a history of idiopathic DVT and without known cardiovascular risk factors and 23 aged-matched control subjects (age: 34 ± 7.8 years). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate peripheral markers of platelet activation, leukocyte immunophenotypes and CX3CR1/CX3CL1 expression in both groups. A flow chamber assay was employed to measure leukocyte arrest under dynamic conditions. Platelet activation and the percentage of circulating CX3CR1-expressing platelets, CX3CR1-expressing platelet-bound monocytes and CD8+ lymphocytes were higher in patients with DVT than in controls. Additionally, patients with DVT had increased plasma levels of CX3CL1, soluble P-selectin and platelet factor 4/CXCL4. Interestingly, this correlated with enhanced platelet–leukocyte interaction and leukocyte adhesion to TNFα-stimulated arterial endothelial cells, which was partly dependent on endothelial CX3CL1 upregulation and increased CX3CR1 expression on platelets, monocytes and lymphocytes. In conclusion, increased CX3CR1 expression on circulating platelets may constitute a prognostic marker for long-term adverse cardiovascular events in patients with DVT. Blockade of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis may represent a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular comorbidities associated with DVT.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial, Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Withanolides from Physalis gracilis
Authors: Padierna Gerardo , Pérez-Castorena Ana , Martínez Mahinda , Nieto-Camacho Antonio , Morales-Jiménez Jesús , Maldonado Emma
Published: February 2018

A chemical investigation of the leaves, flowers, and stems of Physalis gracilis led to the isolation of three withanolides identified as withanolide D (1), 24,25-dihydrowithanolide D (2), and withaphysacarpin (3). The structures of these compounds were determined by analyses of their spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of compounds 1 and 3 and derivatives 4 and 5 were evaluated. None of the compounds showed antioxidant or glucosidase inhibitory activity. Also, they were inactive against gram-negative bacteria. However, compound 3 was found active against Bacillus subtilis (MIC=65.5 µM) and compound 5 against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=27.9 µM).
Antimicrobial Constituents from Leaves of Dolichandrone spathacea and Their Relevance to Traditional Use
Authors: Nguyen Phuc-Dam , Abedini Amin , Gangloff Sophie , Lavaud Catherine
Published: February 2018

Five new compounds, three iridoid glycosides (1-3) and two triterpenoid saponins (4, 5), along with thirty-two known compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Dolichandrone spathacea. This traditional medicinal plant is widely used in Asia and India as antiseptic, for bronchitis and thrush treatment, and the methanolic extract has been shown to possess antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The new iridoids were esterified derivatives of 6-ajugol and 6-catalpol, and the new saponins were glucosides of two polyhydroxy triterpenes with ursan skeleton. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and HR-ESI-MS analysis, and from comparison with the literature. This study aimed at investigating extracts and isolated compounds for their antimicrobial activities against bacterial and yeast strains, in order to validate the uses of the plant in folk medicine. The 6-O-esterified iridoids had weaker antibacterial activity; verbascoside and p-methoxycinnamic acid, the major compounds of the methanol extract, possessed strong antibacterial activity, which could account for the traditional antiseptic and anti-infectious uses of the leaves of D. spathacea.
Balloon-assisted endoscopy facilitates endoscopic submucosal dissection of difficult superficial proximal colon tumors
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Hayashi Yoshikazu , Sakamoto Hirotsugu , Yano Tomonori , Miura Yoshimasa , Shinozaki Satoshi , Sunada Keijiro , Kawarai Lefor Alan , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: February 2018

Background Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be technically difficult in some situations, such as paradoxical movement of the proximal colon. The double-balloon endoscope provides stable endoscopic maneuvering, even in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of balloon-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (BAESD) of colonoscopically difficult superficial proximal colon tumors.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent BAESD of superficial proximal colon tumors where colonoscopic difficulties were encountered, from January 2011 to September 2016. Difficulties were defined as a previous incomplete colonoscopy using a conventional colonoscope or unstable endoscopic maneuverability around the tumor with a conventional colonoscope. A propensity score model was used as a secondary analysis to compare outcomes of the BAESD group with those of a non-BAESD group. 

Results BAESD was performed on 63 tumors in 63 patients. En bloc resection was achieved for 62 tumors (98 %) and an R0 resection was achieved for 55 tumors (87 %). Propensity score matching analysis created 59 matched pairs from the BAESD and non-BAESD groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in en bloc resection (100 % vs. 100 %; P > 0.99), R0 resection (90 % vs. 93 %; P = 0.74), perforation (0 % vs. 2 %; P > 0.99) or postoperative bleeding (3 % vs. 0 %; P = 0.50).

Conclusion Balloon-assisted endoscopy achieved safe and reliable ESD of colonoscopically difficult superficial proximal colon tumors.
Performance analysis of combination of ultra-capacitor and superconducting magnetic energy storage in a thermal-gas AGC system with utilization of whale optimization algorithm optimized cascade controller
Authors: Saha Arindita , Saikia Lalit Chandra
Published: February 2018

The present article deals with automatic generation control of a three-area multi-source thermal-gas (T-G) system with integration of distributed generation (DG), electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage devices. Each thermal unit is equipped with a single reheat turbine, a generation rate constraint, and a governor dead band. A cascade combination of two degree of freedom proportional-integral-derivative with a filter (2DOF-PIDN) and a fractional order integrator controller [(2DOF-PIDN)-FOI] is proposed as the secondary controller for the system. A meta-heuristic algorithm, whale optimization algorithm, is utilized for simultaneous optimization of gains and other parameters of controllers PIDN, PIDN-FOI, and (2DOF-PIDN)-FOI. Critical observation reveals the superiority of the latter in terms of peak deviations and settling time (ST) for the T-G system under both step load perturbation and random load perturbation. Eigen value analysis is also performed for the T-G system with and without secondary controllers. Analyses show noticeable improvement on the T-G system with incorporation of both DG and EV. Investigations infer that combined involvement of energy storage devices like ultra-capacitors and superconducting magnetic energy storage devices along with DG and EV leads to better performance regarding the reduced peak deviations, magnitude of oscillations, and settling time for the T-G system. Moreover, sensitivity analysis reveals that (2DOF-PIDN)-FOI controller parameters obtained at nominal conditions are robust and there is no need to reset again with a wide variation of system parameters like the inertia constant and area participation factor and system conditions like loading and disturbance.
Gold fillings unravel the vacancy role in the phase transition of GeTe
Authors: Feng Jinlong , Xu Meng , Wang Xiaojie , Lin Qi , Cheng Xiaomin , Xu Ming , Tong Hao , Miao Xiangshui
Published: February 2018

Phase change memory (PCM) is an important candidate for future memory devices. The crystalline phase of PCM materials contains abundant intrinsic vacancies, which plays an important role in the rapid phase transition upon memory switching. However, few experimental efforts have been invested to study these invisible entities. In this work, Au dopants are alloyed into the crystalline GeTe to fill the intrinsic Ge vacancies so that the role of these vacancies in the amorphization of GeTe can be indirectly studied. As a result, the reduction of Ge vacancies induced by Au dopants hampers the amorphization of GeTe as the activation energy of this process becomes higher. This is because the vacancy-interrupted lattice can be “repaired” by Au dopants with the recovery of bond connectivity. Our results demonstrate the importance of vacancies in the phase transition of chalcogenides, and we employ the percolation theory to explain the impact of these intrinsic defects on this vacancy-ridden crystal quantitatively. Specifically, the threshold of amorphization increases with the decrease in vacancies. The understanding of the vacancy effect sheds light on the long-standing puzzle of the mechanism of ultra-fast phase transition in PCMs. It also paves the way for designing low-power-consumption electronic devices by reducing the threshold of amorphization in chalcogenides.
Dark states and delocalization: Competing effects of quantum coherence on the efficiency of light harvesting systems
Authors: Hu Zixuan , Engel Gregory S. , Alharbi Fahhad H. , Kais Sabre
Published: February 2018

Natural light harvesting systems exploit electronic coupling of identical chromophores to generate efficient and robust excitation transfer and conversion. Dark states created by strong coupling between chromophores in the antenna structure can significantly reduce radiative recombination and enhance energy conversion efficiency. Increasing the number of the chromophores increases the number of dark states and the associated enhanced energy conversion efficiency yet also delocalizes excitations away from the trapping center and reduces the energy conversion rate. Therefore, a competition between dark state protection and delocalization must be considered when designing the optimal size of a light harvesting system. In this study, we explore the two competing mechanisms in a chain-structured antenna and show that dark state protection is the dominant mechanism, with an intriguing dependence on the parity of the number of chromophores. This dependence is linked to the exciton distribution among eigenstates, which is strongly affected by the coupling strength between chromophores and the temperature. Combining these findings, we propose that increasing the coupling strength between the chromophores can significantly increase the power output of the light harvesting system.