bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The formation and evolution of Titan’s winter polar vortex
Authors: Teanby Nicholas A. , Bézard Bruno , Vinatier Sandrine , Sylvestre Melody , Nixon Conor A. , Irwin Patrick G. J. , de Kok Remco J. , Calcutt Simon B. , Flasar F. Michael
Published: November 2017

Saturn’s largest moon Titan has a substantial nitrogen-methane atmosphere, with strong seasonal effects, including formation of winter polar vortices. Following Titan’s 2009 northern spring equinox, peak solar heating moved to the northern hemisphere, initiating south-polar subsidence and winter polar vortex formation. Throughout 2010–2011, strengthening subsidence produced a mesospheric hot-spot and caused extreme enrichment of photochemically produced trace gases. However, in 2012 unexpected and rapid mesospheric cooling was observed. Here we show extreme trace gas enrichment within the polar vortex dramatically increases mesospheric long-wave radiative cooling efficiency, causing unusually cold temperatures 2–6 years post-equinox. The long time-frame to reach a stable vortex configuration results from the high infrared opacity of Titan’s trace gases and the relatively long atmospheric radiative time constant. Winter polar hot-spots have been observed on other planets, but detection of post-equinox cooling is so far unique to Titan.
Molecular definition of multiple sites of antibody inhibition of malaria transmission-blocking vaccine antigen Pfs25
Authors: Scally Stephen W. , McLeod Brandon , Bosch Alexandre , Miura Kazutoyo , Liang Qi , Carroll Sean , Reponen Sini , Nguyen Ngan , Giladi Eldar , Rämisch Sebastian , Yusibov Vidadi , Bradley Allan , Lemiale Franck , Schief William R. , Emerling Daniel , Kellam Paul , King C. Richter , Julien Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2017

The Plasmodium falciparum Pfs25 protein (Pfs25) is a leading malaria transmission-blocking vaccine antigen. Pfs25 vaccination is intended to elicit antibodies that inhibit parasite development when ingested by Anopheles mosquitoes during blood meals. The Pfs25 three-dimensional structure has remained elusive, hampering a molecular understanding of its function and limiting immunogen design. We report six crystal structures of Pfs25 in complex with antibodies elicited by immunization via Pfs25 virus-like particles in human immunoglobulin loci transgenic mice. Our structural findings reveal the fine specificities associated with two distinct immunogenic sites on Pfs25. Importantly, one of these sites broadly overlaps with the epitope of the well-known 4B7 mouse antibody, which can be targeted simultaneously by antibodies that target a non-overlapping site to additively increase parasite inhibition. Our molecular characterization of inhibitory antibodies informs on the natural disposition of Pfs25 on the surface of ookinetes and provides the structural blueprints to design next-generation immunogens.
Potential landscape of high dimensional nonlinear stochastic dynamics with large noise
Authors: Tang Ying , Yuan Ruoshi , Wang Gaowei , Zhu Xiaomei , Ao Ping
Published: November 2017

Quantifying stochastic processes is essential to understand many natural phenomena, particularly in biology, including the cell-fate decision in developmental processes as well as the genesis and progression of cancers. While various attempts have been made to construct potential landscape in high dimensional systems and to estimate transition rates, they are practically limited to the cases where either noise is small or detailed balance condition holds. A general and practical approach to investigate real-world nonequilibrium systems, which are typically high-dimensional and subject to large multiplicative noise and the breakdown of detailed balance, remains elusive. Here, we formulate a computational framework that can directly compute the relative probabilities between locally stable states of such systems based on a least action method, without the necessity of simulating the steady-state distribution. The method can be applied to systems with arbitrary noise intensities through A-type stochastic integration, which preserves the dynamical structure of the deterministic counterpart dynamics. We demonstrate our approach in a numerically accurate manner through solvable examples. We further apply the method to investigate the role of noise on tumor heterogeneity in a 38-dimensional network model for prostate cancer, and provide a new strategy on controlling cell populations by manipulating noise strength.
Urothelial cancer proteomics provides both prognostic and functional information
Authors: de Velasco Guillermo , Trilla-Fuertes Lucia , Gamez-Pozo Angelo , Urbanowicz Maria , Ruiz-Ares Gustavo , Sepúlveda Juan M. , Prado-Vazquez Guillermo , Arevalillo Jorge M. , Zapater-Moros Andrea , Navarro Hilario , Lopez-Vacas Rocio , Manneh Ray , Otero Irene , Villacampa Felipe , Paramio Jesus M. , Vara Juan Angel Fresno , Castellano Daniel
Published: November 2017

Traditionally, bladder cancer has been classified based on histology features. Recently, some works have proposed a molecular classification of invasive bladder tumors. To determine whether proteomics can define molecular subtypes of  muscle invasive urothelial cancer (MIUC) and allow evaluating the status of biological processes and its clinical value. 58 MIUC patients who underwent curative surgical resection at our institution between 2006 and 2012 were included. Proteome was evaluated by high-throughput proteomics in routinely archive FFPE tumor tissue. New molecular subgroups were defined. Functional structure and individual proteins prognostic value were evaluated and correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. 1,453 proteins were quantified, leading to two MIUC molecular subgroups. A protein-based functional structure was defined, including several nodes with specific biological activity. The functional structure showed differences between subtypes in metabolism, focal adhesion, RNA and splicing nodes. Focal adhesion node has prognostic value in the whole population. A 6-protein prognostic signature, associated with higher risk of relapse (5 year DFS 70% versus 20%) was defined. Additionally, we identified two MIUC subtypes groups. Prognostic information provided by pathologic characteristics is not enough to understand MIUC behavior. Proteomics analysis may enhance our understanding of prognostic and classification. These findings can lead to improving diagnosis and treatment selection in these patients.
PNPLA3 variant and portal/periportal histological pattern in patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a possible role for oxidative stress
Authors: Carpino Guido , Pastori Daniele , Baratta Francesco , Overi Diletta , Labbadia Giancarlo , Polimeni Licia , Di Costanzo Alessia , Pannitteri Gaetano , Carnevale Roberto , Del Ben Maria , Arca Marcello , Violi Francesco , Angelico Francesco , Gaudio Eugenio
Published: November 2017

Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is influenced by predisposing genetic variations, dysmetabolism, systemic oxidative stress, and local cellular and molecular cross-talks. Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene I148M variant is a known determinant of NAFLD. Aims were to evaluate whether PNPLA3 I148M variant was associated with a specific histological pattern, hepatic stem/progenitor cell (HpSC) niche activation and serum oxidative stress markers. Liver biopsies were obtained from 54 NAFLD patients. The activation of HpSC compartment was evaluated by the extension of ductular reaction (DR); hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts (MFs), and macrophages were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Systemic oxidative stress was assessed measuring serum levels of soluble NOX2-derived peptide (sNOX2-dp) and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). PNPLA3 carriers showed higher steatosis, portal inflammation and HpSC niche activation compared to wild-type patients. DR was correlated with NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis score. Serum 8-iso-PGF2α were significantly higher in I148M carriers compared to non-carriers and were correlated with DR and portal inflammation. sNox2-dp was correlated with NAS and with HpSC niche activation. In conclusion, NAFLD patients carrying PNPLA3 I148M are characterized by a prominent activation of HpSC niche which is associated with a more aggressive histological pattern (portal fibrogenesis) and increased oxidative stress.
Shedding light on the neonatal brain: probing cerebral hemodynamics by diffuse optical spectroscopic methods
Authors: Farzam Parisa , Buckley Erin M. , Lin Pei-Yi , Hagan Katherine , Grant P. Ellen , Inder Terrie Eleanor , Carp Stefan A. , Franceschini Maria Angela
Published: November 2017

Investigating the cerebral physiology of healthy term newborns’ brains is important for better understanding perinatal brain injuries, of which the most common etiologies are hypoxia and ischemia. Hence, cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygenation are important biomarkers of brain health. In this study, we employed a hybrid diffuse optical system consisting of diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) and frequency-domain near infrared spectroscopy (FDNIRS) to measure hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation, and indices of cerebral blood flow and metabolism. We measured 30 term infants to assess the optical and physiological characteristics of the healthy neonatal brain in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. We observed higher metabolism in the right hemisphere compared to the left and a positive correlation between gestational age and the level of cerebral hemoglobin concentration, blood volume, and oxygen saturation. Moreover, we observed higher cerebral blood flow and lower oxygen saturation in females compared to males. The delayed maturation in males and the sexual dimorphism in cerebral hemodynamics may explain why males are more vulnerable to perinatal brain injuries than females.
The Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome associated gene Rogdi encodes a novel presynaptic protein
Authors: Riemann Donatus , Wallrafen Rebecca , Dresbach Thomas
Published: November 2017

Mutations in the human homolog of the Drosophila gene Rogdi cause Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome. This disorder is characterised by amelogenesis imperfecta, as well as severe neurological symptoms including epilepsy and psychomotor delay. However, little is known about the protein encoded by Rogdi, and hence the pathogenic mechanisms underlying Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome have remained elusive. Using immunofluorescence of rat cultured hippocampal neurons and brain sections we find that Rogdi is enriched at synaptic sites. In addition, recombinant GFP-Rogdi expressed in cultured neurons was efficiently targeted to presynaptic sites, where it colocalised with the presynaptic scaffolding protein Bassoon and the synaptic vesicle markers Synaptophysin, Synapsin-1, VAMP2/Synaptobrevin and Mover. Our data indicate that GFP-Rogdi harbours efficient signals for presynaptic targeting, and that Rogdi is a presynaptic protein. Thus, the neurological symptoms associated with Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome may arise from presynaptic dysfunction.
Non-empirical atomistic dipole-interaction-model for quantum plasmon simulation of nanoparticles
Authors: Lim Jaechang , Kang Sungwoo , Kim Jaewook , Kim Woo Youn , Ryu Seol
Published: November 2017

Plasmonic nanoparticles in the quantum regime exhibit characteristic optical properties that cannot be described by classical theories. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is rising as a versatile tool for study on such systems, but its application has been limited to very small clusters due to rapidly growing computational costs. We propose an atomistic dipole-interaction-model for quantum plasmon simulations as a practical alternative. Namely the atomic dipole approximation represents induced dipoles with atomic polarizabilities obtained from TDDFT without empirical parameters. It showed very good agreement with TDDFT for plasmonic spectra of small silver clusters at much lower computational cost, though it is not appropriate for molecular-like excitations. It could also reproduce the plasmonic band shift experimentally observed in sub-10 nm silver particles.
Histological evidence for a dynamic dental battery in hadrosaurid dinosaurs
Authors: Bramble Katherine , LeBlanc Aaron R. H. , Lamoureux Denis O. , Wosik Mateusz , Currie Philip J.
Published: November 2017

The first histological study of an entire hadrosaurid dental battery provides a comprehensive look at tooth movement within this complex structure. Previous studies have focused on isolated teeth, or in-situ batteries, but this is the first study to examine an entire dental battery of any dinosaur. The absence of direct tooth-to-tooth contact across the entire battery and a unique arrangement of the dental tissues in hadrosaurids led us to compare their teeth with the ever-growing incisors of mammals. The similarity in the distributions of tissues along the incisor, coupled with continuous eruption, make for helpful comparisons to hadrosaurid teeth. The mammalian ever-growing incisor can be used as a model to extrapolate the soft tissue connections and eruptive mechanisms within the hadrosaurid dental battery. Serial sections across the adult dental battery reveal signs of gradual ontogenetic tooth migration. Extensive remodeling of the alveolar septa and the anteroposterior displacement of successive generations of teeth highlight the gradual migration of tooth generations within the battery. These eruptive and ontogenetic tooth movements would not be possible without a ligamentous connection between successive teeth and the jaws, underscoring the dynamic nature of one of the most unique and complex dental systems in vertebrate history.
Impact of Multidecadal Climate Variability on United Kingdom Rickets Rates
Authors: Majeed Haris , Moore G. W. K.
Published: November 2017

Children who receive inadequate exposure to sunlight have reduced levels of vitamin D, resulting in rickets, a disease that is characterized by bone deformity, stunted growth, and long term pronounced disability. The United Kingdom rickets incidence rates declined from the early 1960’s to mid-1990’s, after which there was a dramatic increase. The reason for this change is not well understood. Here we show that an important low frequency mode of climate variability, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), with a period of ~60–80 years, has an impact on rickets incidence rates in the United Kingdom through changes in sea level pressure, cloud cover and sunshine duration. This research highlights the important role that multidecadal climate variability can play in human morbidity and suggests that future changes in the AMO may modulate rickets incidence rates throughout the United Kingdom.
High-efficiency backward four-wave mixing by quantum interference
Authors: Liu Zi-Yu , Xiao Jian-Ting , Lin Jia-Kang , Wu Jun-Jie , Juo Jz-Yuan , Cheng Chin-Yao , Chen Yong-Fan
Published: November 2017

Electromagnetically-induced-transparency-based four-wave mixing (FWM) in a resonant four-level double-Λ system has a maximum conversion efficiency (CE) of 25% due to spontaneous emission. Herein, we demonstrate that spontaneous emission can be considerably suppressed by arranging the applied laser beams in a backward configuration. With the backward double-Λ FWM scheme, we observe a CE of 63% in cold rubidium atoms with an optical depth (OD) of 48. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation of a CE exceeding the conversion limit in resonant FWM processes. Furthermore, we present a theoretical model that includes the phase-mismatch effect in the backward double-Λ FWM system. According to the theoretical model, the present scheme can achieve 96% CE using a medium with a large OD of 200 under ideal conditions. Such an efficient frequency conversion scheme has potential applications in optical quantum information technology.
Global and Regional Effects of Bladder Cancer Risk Associated with Pioglitazone Therapy in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Qu Hua , Zheng Yi , Wang Yuren , Zhang Rui , Ruan Xiongzhong , Yang Gangyi , Liu Zhenqi , Zheng Hongting
Published: November 2017

It has been debated for several years as to whether the antidiabetic drug pioglitazone increases the risk for bladder cancer. A series of recent large population studies yielded conflicting results. To investigate why the observational studies yielded conflicting results, we conducted stratified analyses to analyze the potential confounders behind these discordant outcomes. A total of 2,764,731 participants from observational (OB) studies and 9,999 from randomized control trials (RCTs) were identified for these analyses. The stratified analysis revealed that the study type, adjustment for age/sex, treatment duration, cumulative dose, agents used in a control group, mean period of follow-up and study population region might contribute to the discordant outcomes. In terms of population regions, pioglitazone increased the risk for bladder cancer could be found in European population, and patients who undergo treatment with pioglitazone for longer durations (>12 months) or are administrated a larger cumulative dose (>28,000 mg) might require more attention, and the long-term effects (≥3.6 years) of pioglitazone needs be monitored more carefully.
Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase CT699, lysophospholipid acyltransferase CT775, and acyl-ACP synthase CT776 provide membrane lipid diversity to Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Soupene Eric , Kuypers Frans A.
Published: November 2017

De novo lipid synthesis and scavenging of fatty acids (FA) are processes essential for the formation of the membrane of the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.). Host FA are assimilated via esterification by the bacterial acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase AasC but inhibitors of the host acyl-CoA synthetase enymes ACSL also impaired growth of C.t. in human cells. In E. coli, activity of AasC was sensitive to triacsin C and rosiglitazone G. The absence of a triacsin C-insensitive pathway and the increased inhibition by rosiglitazone G confirmed the sensitivity of the bacterial acyl-ACP synthase to these drugs in infected human cells. We found no evidence that the human ACSL enzymes are required for lipid formation by C.t. The broad substrate specificity of acyltransferase CT775 provides C.t. with the capacity to incorporate straight-chain and bacterial specific branched-chain fatty acids. CT775 accepts both acyl-ACP and acyl-CoA as acyl donors and, 1- or 2-acyl isomers of lysophosphoplipids as acyl acceptors. The enzyme responsible for remodeling of human phosphatidylserine to bacterial phosphatidylethanolamine was identified as CT699. These findings provide evidence that the pathogen has the ability to extend the lipid diversity of its membrane.
The structure-function relationship measured with optical coherence tomography and a microperimeter with auto-tracking: the MP-3, in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Asahina Yuichi , Kitano Marie , Hashimoto Yohei , Yanagisawa Mieko , Murata Hiroshi , Inoue Tatsuya , Obata Ryo , Asaoka Ryo
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the structure-function relationship in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using optical coherence tomography and the MP-3 microperimeter. Visual field (VF) measurements were carried out using MP-3 microperimetry and the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA, Carl-Zeiss, CA), 22 eyes of 11 patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP, both with the 10-2 test grid pattern. Optical coherence tomography (OCT, Spectralis, Heidelberg, Germany) was also performed and the ellipsoid zone (EZ) was identified in the OCT image. The mean (±SD) number of test points located within the EZ edge was 11.6 (±5.9). There was a significant relationship between mean retinal sensitivity measured with MP-3 and the area surrounded by the EZ circular line: AEZ (p < 0.05), but this was not the case with HFA (p > 0.05). The difference between retinal sensitivity inside and outside the EZ edge was significantly larger with MP-3 than with HFA (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that retinal sensitivity measured with MP-3 better reflects the magnitude of structural damage observed with OCT, compared with HFA. Further, the difference in retinal sensitivity between the inside and outside EZ edge is significantly larger for the MP-3 test, compared with the HFA.
One-pot synthesis of trifunctional chitosan-EDTA-β-cyclodextrin polymer for simultaneous removal of metals and organic micropollutants
Authors: Zhao Feiping , Repo Eveliina , Yin Dulin , Chen Li , Kalliola Simo , Tang Juntao , Iakovleva Evgenia , Tam Kam Chiu , Sillanpää Mika
Published: November 2017

The global contamination of water resources with inorganic and organic micropollutants, such as metals and pharmaceuticals, poses a critical threat to the environment and human health. Herein, we report on a bio-derived chitosan-EDTA-β-cyclodextrin (CS-ED-CD) trifunctional adsorbent fabricated via a facile and green one-pot synthesis method using EDTA as a cross-linker, for the adsorption of toxic metals and organic micropollutants from wastewater. In this system, chitosan chain is considered as the backbone, and the immobilized cyclodextrin cavities capture the organic compounds via host-guest inclusion complexation, while EDTA-groups complex metals. The thoroughly characterized CS-ED-CD was employed for batch adsorption experiments. The adsorbent displayed a monolayer adsorption capacity of 0.803, 1.258 mmol g−1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) respectively, while a heterogeneous sorption capacity of 0.177, 0.142, 0.203, 0.149 mmol g−1 for bisphenol-S, ciprofloxacin, procaine, and imipramine, respectively. The adsorption mechanism was verified by FT-IR and elemental mapping. Importantly, the adsorbent perform is effective in the simultaneous removal of metals and organic pollutants at environmentally relevant concentrations. All these findings demonstrate the promise of CS-ED-CD for practical applications in the treatment of micropollutants. This work adds a new insight to design and preparation of efficient trifunctional adsorbents from sustainable materials for water purification.
Emerging biosensor platforms for the assessment of water-borne pathogens
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Hu Yuan , Singh Suman , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: November 2017

Pathogens are key contaminants in water that are responsible for the generation of various water-borne diseases, and include viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoan parasites.
Development of a novel parallel determination platform: a feasibility study tested on a chemiluminescence device
Authors: Yang Chunjiao , Sun Zhongfeng , Zhang Guojun , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2017

The potential of obtaining incremental diagnostic information using a parallel assay is attractive.
A magnetic nanoparticle-supported N-heterocyclic carbene-palladacycle: an efficient and recyclable solid molecular catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 9-chloroacridine
Authors: Deng Qinyue , Shen Yajing , Zhu Haibo , Tu Tao
Published: November 2017

A robust magnetic nanoparticle-supported NHC-palladacycle functioned as a recyclable solid molecular catalyst and exhibited high catalytic activity towards the challenging Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 9-chloroacridines.
Online monitoring of a photocatalytic reaction by real-time high resolution FlowNMR spectroscopy
Authors: Hall Andrew M. R. , Broomfield-Tagg Rachael , Camilleri Matthew , Carbery David R. , Codina Anna , Whittaker David T. E. , Coombes Steven , Lowe John P. , Hintermair Ulrich
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate how FlowNMR spectroscopy can readily be applied to investigate photochemical reactions that require sustained input of light and air to yield mechanistic insight under realistic conditions.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed sulfa-Michael addition of enals
Authors: Cong Zi-Song , Li Yang-Guo , Du Guang-Fen , Gu Cheng-Zhi , Dai Bin , He Lin
Published: November 2017

An efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed sulfa-Michael addition (SMA) between enals and thiols has been developed.
Aptamer-modified selenium nanoparticles for dark-field microscopy imaging of nucleolin
Authors: Liu Meng Li , Zou Hong Yan , Li Chun Mei , Li Rong Sheng , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: November 2017

Selenium nanoparticles with good water solubility and excellent biocompatibility are used for the first time as a light-scattering nanoprobe with aptamer modification to image nucleolin-overexpressing cancer cells through dark-field microscopy.
Detection ofN6-methyladenosine based on the methyl-sensitivity of MazF RNA endonuclease
Authors: Imanishi Miki , Tsuji Shogo , Suda Akiyo , Futaki Shiroh
Published: November 2017

MazF RNA endonuclease was found to be sensitive toN6-methyladenosine, permitting facile analyses of m6A regulatory enzyme activity.
One-dimensional lead borate nanowhiskers for the joint shielding of neutron and gamma radiation: controlled synthesis, microstructure, and performance evaluation
Authors: Wu You , Zhang Quan-Ping , Zhou Dong , Liu Li-Ping , Xu Yun-Chuan , Xu Dui-Gong , Zhou Yuan-Lin
Published: November 2017

The controlled synthesis of lead borate nanowhiskers and their highly effective co-shielding of neutron and gamma radiation was investigated.
Amplification or cancellation of Fano resonance and quantum confinement induced asymmetries in Raman line-shapes
Authors: Saxena Shailendra K. , Yogi Priyanka , Mishra Suryakant , Rai Hari Mohan , Mishra Vikash , Warshi M. Kamal , Roy Swarup , Mondal Puspen , Sagdeo Pankaj R. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2017

Fano resonance as amplifier or compensator of the quantum confinement effect induced asymmetry in Raman line-shapes in nano-silicon.
Characterizing protein–protein-interaction in high-concentration monoclonal antibody systems with the quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Hartl Josef , Peschel Astrid , Johannsmann Diethelm , Garidel Patrick
Published: November 2017

Making use of a quartz crystal microbalance, concentrated solutions of therapeutic antibodies were studied with respect to their behavior under shear excitation with frequencies in the MHz range.
Isomer-specific detection in the UV photodissociation of the propargyl radical by chirped-pulse mm-wave spectroscopy in a pulsed quasi-uniform flow
Authors: Broderick Bernadette M. , Suas-David Nicolas , Dias Nureshan , Suits Arthur G.
Published: November 2017

Microwave spectroscopy in a Laval flow yields isomer-specific branching.
Highly efficient gas-phase reactivity of protonated pyridine radicals with propene
Authors: Bright Cameron C. , Prendergast Matthew B. , Kelly Patrick D. , Bezzina James P. , Blanksby Stephen J. , da Silva Gabriel , Trevitt Adam J.
Published: November 2017

Reaction of the three dehydro-N-pyridinium radical cation isomers with propene is highly efficient. Vinylpyridinium is the major product.
Detection of the electronic structure of iron-(iii)-oxo oligomers forming in aqueous solutions
Authors: Seidel Robert , Kraffert Katrin , Kabelitz Anke , Pohl Marvin N. , Kraehnert Ralph , Emmerling Franziska , Winter Bernd
Published: November 2017

The electronic structure of the small iron-oxo oligomers forming in iron-(iii) aqueous solutions is determined from liquid jet photoelectron spectroscopy.
The benchmark of 31P NMR parameters in phosphate: a case study on structurally constrained and flexible phosphate
Authors: Fukal Jiří , Páv Ondřej , Buděšínský Miloš , Šebera Jakub , Sychrovský Vladimír
Published: November 2017

A benchmark for structural interpretation of the 31P NMR shift and the 2JP,C spin–spin coupling in the phosphate group was obtained by means of theoretical calculations and measurements in diethylphosphate and 5,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxy-1,3,2-dioxaphosphinane 2-oxide.
A study of the effectiveness and energy efficiency of ultrasonic emulsification
Authors: Li Wu , Leong Thomas S. H. , Ashokkumar Muthupandian , Martin Gregory J. O.
Published: November 2017

Theoretical and experimental aspects of the energy efficiency of ultrasonic emulsification were investigated and compared with conventional high-pressure homogenisation.
Welsh onion extract inhibits PCSK9 expression contributing to the maintenance of the LDLR level under lipid depletion conditions of HepG2 cells
Authors: Choi Hyo-Kyoung , Hwang Jin-Taek , Nam Tae-Gyu , Kim Sung Hee , Min Dong-Kook , Park Sahng Wook , Chung Min-Yu
Published: November 2017

Statins mediate the transactivation of PCSK9, which in turn limits their cholesterol-lowering effects via LDL receptor (LDLR) degradation.
Ginger fermented with Schizosaccharomyces pombe alleviates memory impairment via protecting hippocampal neuronal cells in amyloid beta1–42 plaque injected mice
Authors: Huh Eugene , Lim Soonmin , Kim Hyo Geun , Ha Sang Keun , Park Ho-Young , Huh Youngbuhm , Oh Myung Sook
Published: November 2017

Ginger fermented with S. pombe alleviates AD-like memory dysfunction and neuronal degradation in an animal model.
Esterification and hydrolysis of cellulose using oxalic acid dihydrate in a solvent-free reaction suitable for preparation of surface-functionalised cellulose nanocrystals with high yield
Authors: Li D. , Henschen J. , Ek M.
Published: November 2017

A quick and simple process to prepare surface-functionalised cellulose nanocrystals.
Correction: Dynamic properties of dipeptidyl peptidase III from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and the structural basis for its substrate specificity – a computational study
Authors: Tomin M. , Tomić S.
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Dynamic properties of dipeptidyl peptidase III from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and the structural basis for its substrate specificity – a computational study’ by M. Tomin et al., Mol. BioSyst., 2017, 13, 2407–2417.
The effect of alkyl chain tethers on the kinetics and mechanistic behaviour of bifunctional dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes bearing N,N′-dipyridylamine ligands
Authors: Wangoli Panyako Asman , Kinunda Grace
Published: November 2017

This study reports on non-classical dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes, with the ability to bind to DNA strands in a different manner from cisplatin and its analogues. This is an effort to design dinuclear Pt(ii) complexes that target DNA and are bifunctional.
Syntheses of 7-dehydrocholesterol peroxides and their improved anticancer activity and selectivity over ergosterol peroxide
Authors: Tian Na-na , Li Chao , Tian Na , Zhou Qian-xiong , Hou Yuan-jun , Zhang Bao-wen , Wang Xue-song
Published: November 2017

Three 7-dehydrocholesterol peroxides were photochemically prepared and their anticancer activity was studied.
Intrinsic anionic rearrangement by extrinsic control: transition of RS and CRS in thermally elevated TiN/HfO2/Pt RRAM
Authors: Banerjee Writam , Cai Wu Fa , Zhao Xiaolong , Liu Qi , Lv Hangbing , Long Shibing , Liu Ming
Published: November 2017

Extrinsic bias controlled, intrinsic anionic rearrangement-based transition from resistive switching to 100 times higher nonlinear complementary switching, and the control of the same at thermally elevated TiN/HfO2/Pt RRAM.
Photoassisted bottom-up construction of plasmonic nanocity
Authors: Saito Koichiro , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: November 2017

Plasmonic nanocity as a novel metasurface, which exhibits proximal, distal, and vertical resonance modes, has been constructed on TiO2 under visible light irradiation.
Synthesis of an ethyleneimine/tetrahedral DNA nanostructure complex and its potential application as a multi-functional delivery vehicle
Authors: Tian Taoran , Zhang Tao , Zhou Tengfei , Lin Shiyu , Shi Sirong , Lin Yunfeng
Published: November 2017

The synthesis and biological assessments of a PEI/TDN multi-functional delivery vehicle.
Synthesis of linear and star poly(ε-caprolactone) with controlled and high molecular weightsviacyclic trimeric phosphazene base catalyzed ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Li Huaike , Zhao Na , Ren Chuanli , Liu Shaofeng , Li Zhibo
Published: November 2017

Linear and star PCLs with controlled and high molecular weights are efficiently prepared by a catalytic system ofCTPB/alcohol.
A low temperature hydrothermal synthesis of delafossite CuCoO2 as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solutions
Authors: Du Zijuan , Xiong Dehua , Verma Santosh Kumar , Liu Baoshun , Zhao Xiujian , Liu Lifeng , Li Hong
Published: November 2017

CuCoO2 crystals were prepared at 100 °C through a hydrothermal method and used for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution.
Magnetofluidic micromixer based on a complex rotating magnetic field
Authors: Munaz Ahmed , Kamble Harshad , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: November 2017

We report a magnetically actuated micromixer for mixing non-magnetic microparticles in a microfluidic system.
Electronic structure and optical properties of CsI under high pressure: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Zhang Zheng , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: November 2017

We investigated the effects of high pressure on the electronic structure and optical properties of a CsI crystal through a first-principles calculation method based on density functional theory.
Surface decoration of selenium nanoparticles with curcumin induced HepG2 cell apoptosis through ROS mediated p53 and AKT signaling pathways
Authors: Guo Min , Li Yinghua , Lin Zhengfang , Zhao Mingqi , Xiao Misi , Wang Changbing , Xu Tiantian , Xia Yu , Zhu Bing
Published: November 2017

Curcumin surface decorated selenium nanoparticles (Se@Cur) has been described in this study. The apoptotic signaling pathways triggered by the Se@Cur are p53 and AKT pathways.
Effect of high concentration SO2 on four-way catalytic performance of La0.9Sr0.1Pd0.03Mn0.97O3 perovskite catalysts
Authors: Yang Li , Li Guobin , Gao Gewu , Xu Ruile , Zhu Shuwei , Shu Xinqian , Wang Sujian , Deng Zengshe , Wang Peng
Published: November 2017

High NOx removal efficiency of the catalyst La0.9Sr0.1Mn0.97Pd0.03O3 in a high concentration of SO2 (300 ppm) atmosphere.
Vapor phase aldol condensation of methyl acetate with formaldehyde over a Ba–La/Al2O3 catalyst: the stabilizing role of La and effect of acid–base properties
Authors: Bao Qiang , Zhu Wanchun , Yan Jianbiao , Zhang Chunlei , Ning Chunli , Zhang Yi , Hao Mengmeng , Wang Zhenlu
Published: November 2017

Vapor phase aldol condensation of methyl acetate with formaldehyde was studied over Ba–La/Al2O3 with different amounts of lanthanum catalysts.
Tuning the electrical performance and bias stability of a semiconducting SWCNT thin film transistor with an atomic layer deposited AlZrOx composite
Authors: Li Jun , Huang Chuan-Xin , Zhang Jian-Hua
Published: November 2017

Solution-processed semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (s-SWCNT) thin film transistors (TFTs) based on different atomic layer deposited AlZrOx insulators are fabricated and characterized.
The phase, morphology and surface characterization of Ti–Mo alloy films prepared by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Yanqing , Luo Xian , Huang Bin , Li Pengtao
Published: November 2017

Magnetron sputtering is a physical vapor deposition process which allows the formation of metastable materials because of the particle bombardment process.
Fast and accurate prediction of the regioselectivity of electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions
Authors: Kromann Jimmy C. , Jensen Jan H. , Kruszyk Monika , Jessing Mikkel , Jørgensen Morten
Published: November 2017

A fast and user-friendly computational for predicting the regioselectivity of electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions of heteroaromatic systems is presented.
A model for optical gain in colloidal nanoplatelets
Authors: Li Qiuyang , Lian Tianquan
Published: November 2017

Optical gain in CdSe nanoplatelets is shown to be independent on their lateral size and can be explained by a new optical gain model for 2D nanoplatelets.
Complex coacervation of Mg(ii) phospho-polymethacrylate, a synthetic analog of sandcastle worm adhesive phosphoproteins
Authors: Song In Taek , Stewart Russell J.
Published: November 2017

A phospho-methacrylate analog of sandcastle worm adhesive phosphoproteins forms temperature and pH dependent complex coacervates with Mg(ii) ions through outer shell H-bonds and inner shell coordinate bonds in natural environmental conditions of the sandcastle worm.
An efficient supramolecular adsorbent for co-adsorption of dyes and metal ions from wastewater and its application in self-healing materials
Authors: Yan Liwei , Lv Mingqian , Su Chunjiao , Zheng Leihao , Li Jialing , Ye Zhongbin
Published: November 2017

An efficient adsorbent was prepared for the adsorption of dyes, metals, and dye mixture or binary mixtures of dyes and metals, which could also be used as a self-healing material.
Remarkably simple achievement of superhydrophobicity, superhydrophilicity, underwater superoleophobicity, underwater superoleophilicity, underwater superaerophobicity, and underwater superaerophilicity on femtosecond laser ablated PDMS surfaces
Authors: Yong Jiale , Chen Feng , Li Minjing , Yang Qing , Fang Yao , Huo Jinglan , Hou Xun
Published: November 2017

Six different super-wettabilities were achieved on the same femtosecond laser ablated PDMS surface.
Effect of secondary phase on thermal behaviour and solid-state ion conduction in lithium doped N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate organic ionic plastic crystal
Authors: Iranipour N. , Gunzelmann D. J. , Seeber A. J. , Vongsvivut J. , Hollenkamp A. F. , Forsyth M. , Howlett P. C.
Published: November 2017

Microstructural features significantly affecting lithium ion dynamics and conduction within the crystalline structure of pyrrolidinium based organic ionic plastic crystals.
Aspect ratio-controlled ZnO nanorods for highly sensitive wireless ultraviolet sensor applications
Authors: Park Teahoon , Lee Kang Eun , Kim Nari , Oh Youngseok , Yoo Jung-Keun , Um Moon-Kwang
Published: November 2017

Structurally controlled zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) were synthesized for ultraviolet (UV) sensing.
Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sports in Patients with Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture after Minimally Invasive Reconstruction with Semitendinosus Tendon Graft Transfer
Authors: Usuelli Federico , D'Ambrosi Riccardo , Manzi Luigi , Indino Cristian , Villafañe Jorge , Berjano Pedro
Published: November 2017

Objective The purpose of the study is to evaluate the clinical results and return to sports in patients undergoing reconstruction of the Achilles tendon after minimally invasive reconstruction with semitendinosus tendon graft transfer.

Methods Eight patients underwent surgical reconstruction with a minimally invasive technique and tendon graft augmentation with ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon for chronic Achilles tendon rupture (more than 30 days after the injury and a gap of >6 cm). Patients were evaluated at a minimum follow-up of 24 months after the surgery through the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Scores (ATRS), the Endurance test, the calf circumference of the operated limb, and the contralateral and the eventual return to sports activity performed before the trauma.

Results The mean age at surgery was 50.5 years. Five men and three women underwent the surgery. The average AOFAS was 92, mean Endurance test was 28.1, and the average ATRS was 87. All patients returned to their daily activities, and six out of eight patients have returned to sports activities prior to the accident (two football players, three runners, one tennis player) at a mean of 7.0 (range: 6.7–7.2) months after the surgery. No patient reported complications or reruptures.

Conclusion Our study confirms encouraging results for the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with a minimally invasive technique with semitendinosus graft augmentation. The technique can be considered safe and allows patients to return to their sports activity.

Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Nasal High-Flow Therapy on Diaphragmatic Dimensions in Preterm Infants
Authors: El-Mogy Mohamed , El-Halaby Hanan , Attia Gehan , Abdel-Hady Hesham
Published: November 2017

Objective Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and nasal high-flow therapy (nHFT) are the most common forms of noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants. We conducted this study to compare effects of nCPAP and nHFT on diaphragmatic dimensions as assessed by bedside ultrasonography in preterm infants.

Study Design A prospective, randomized crossover study comprised 24 preterm infants. Group 1 (n = 12): started on nCPAP for 60 minutes and then switched to nHFT for 60 minutes. Group 2 (n = 12): started on nHFT for 60 minutes then switched to nCPAP for 60 minutes. Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic dimensions was performed at the end of each epoch.

Results There were no statistically significant differences in diaphragmatic dimensions at the end of each epoch of nCPAP or nHFT. The diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) was not significantly different with either nCPAP or nHFT [23.4 (13.7–28.0) versus 23.4 (11.2–31.6), p = 0.57]. No significant differences were found regarding heart rate, respiratory rate, Silverman–Anderson scores, and SpO2 on nCPAP and nHFT. All infants enrolled tolerated the crossover maneuver.

Conclusion Stable preterm infants (30.3 ± 2.2 weeks' gestation) with mild respiratory dysfunction show comparable effects on diaphragm thickness and excursion during relatively brief periods of support on nCPAP or nHFT.

Clinical Trial Registration Registry name: Clinical Trials.gov. Registration number: NCT02421328. Web link to study on registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02421328.
Mutational Spectrum of Fanconi Anemia Associated Myeloid Neoplasms
Authors: Chao Mwe , Thomay Kathrin , Goehring Gudrun , Wlodarski Marcin , Pastor Victor , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Schindler Detlev , Kratz Christian , Niemeyer Charlotte
Published: November 2017

Individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA) have a high risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet the secondary somatic mutations lending to these malignancies remain to be further elucidated. We employed a next-generation sequencing myeloid neoplasia gene panel to determine the mutational spectrum of FA-related MDS/AML. Ten of 16 patients showed missense, nonsense, insertion or duplication mutations in 13 genes. In contrast to findings in MDS in the general population, mutations in genes involved in RNA splicing were rarely affected. Mutations in RUNX1 and genes of the RAS pathway appeared more instrumental in the pathogenesis of FA myeloid malignancies. RUNX1 mutations were associated with more advanced disease. Interestingly, one patient with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts harbored the SF3B1 p.K700E mutation highlighting the mutation’s causative role in MDS with ring sideroblasts even in the context of FA. On the whole, our findings implicate a different genetic architecture of FA MDS/AML from adult sporadic MDS. Notably, the genetic events resemble those described in pediatric MDS.
Kasuistik einer Oxalose-Arthropathie und aktueller Überblick
Authors: Lange Uwe , Reuss-Borst Monika , Dischereit Gabriel
Published: November 2017

Geschildert wird der Fall eines 39-jährigen Mannes mit einer primären Oxalose (Hyperoxalurie Typ I) und Oxalose-Arthropathie. Anschließend folgt ein Überblick über die primären Formen des seltenen Krankheitsbildes der Hyperoxalurie mit klinischen Manifestationen und möglichen Therapieoptionen.
An Insight on Silk Protein Sericin: From Processing to Biomedical Application
Authors: Ahsan Farogh , Ansari Tarique , Usmani Shazia , Bagga Paramdeep
Published: November 2017

Silks are naturally occurring polymers that have been used clinically as sutures for hundreds of years. It’s so for obtained from insects or worms, silk consists of a filament core protein, termed fibroin, and a glue-like coating made up of sericin proteins. An important component of silk has an extended history of being discarded as a waste in the course of silk processing. The cost of sericin for tissue engineering is underestimated and its capability in using as regenerative remedy has simply began to be explored. Its variable amino acid composition and various functional groups confer upon it attractive bioactive proteins, which are particularly interesting for biomedical programs. Because of its antioxidant properties, moisturizing ability, and mitogenic effect on mammalian cells, sericin is beneficial in cell regeneration and tissue engineering. Research shows that keratinocytes and fibroblasts have brought about the improvement of sericin-primarily based biomaterials for skin tissue repair, in particular as wound dressings. Moreover, sericin may be used for bone tissue engineering due to its ability to set off nucleation of bone-like hydroxyapatite. Stable silk sericin biomaterials, as films, sponges, and hydrogels, are obtained by means of cross-linking, ethanol precipitation, or mixing with different polymers. Now a day, sericin may also be used for delivery of drugs due to its chemical reactivity and pH-responsiveness which facilitate the fabrication of nano and microparticles, hydrogels, and conjugated molecules, enhancing the bioactivity of drugs. In this review, we outlined the current headways from extraction of sericin till its physical properties and biomedical applications.
Nanoscale graphene/Ge wigglers as building blocks for THz sources
Authors: Anwar F. , Carlos C. R. , Saraswat V. , Mangu V. S. , Arnold M. S. , Cavallo F.
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate that wrinkled graphene on Ge with nanoscale period and amplitude holds the potential to generate cyclotron-like radiation in the THz range of the electromagnetic spectrum. We show nanoscale graphene wigglers fabricated by release and transfer of atomically thin sheets to one-dimensional Ge gratings. We present a simple time of flight and interference model to calculate the radiated frequency and output power for the fabricated devices. We establish, theoretically, that an output power of ∼ 0.1-7 mW can be obtained from graphene/Ge wigglers with period not exceeding 85 nm, and amplitude-to-period ratio in the range of 1.4 to 10.
Existence and asymptotic profiles of positive solutions of quasilinear Schrödinger equations in R3
Authors: Wang Youjun , Li Qing
Published: November 2017

We study the quasilinear Schrödinger equation arising from the nonlinear dynamics of the superfluid condensate −Δu+λu+κ2(Δu2)u=β[1α3−1(α+u2)3]u, x ∈ R3, where λ, κ, α, and β are positive constants. By developing perturbation arguments, we prove that for each λ, θ, M > 0 with ακ = θ and βα−3κ = M, there exists κ0 > 0 such that for κ ∈ (0, κ0), the equation has a positive classical radial solution uκ satisfying maxx∈R3|κμuκ(x)|→0 for any μ≥12 as κ → 0+. Moreover, up to a subsequence, it follows that uκ → u0 in H2(R3) ∩ C2(R3) as κ → 0+, where u0 is the least energy solution of problem −Δu + λu = 3Mθ−1u3, x ∈ R3. Our existence result generalizes the previous result in one-dimensional space obtained by Brüll and Lange in 1986.