bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling local tissue changes within severely injured skeletal muscles in response to MSC-based intervention using MALDI Imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Klein Oliver , Strohschein Kristin , Nebrich Grit , Fuchs Michael , Thiele Herbert , Giavalisco Patrick , Duda Georg N. , Winkler Tobias , Kobarg Jan Hendrik , Trede Dennis , Geissler Sven
Published: August 2018

Pre-clinical and clinical studies are now beginning to demonstrate the high potential of cell therapies in enhancing muscle regeneration. We previously demonstrated functional benefit after the transplantation of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-TX) into a severe muscle crush trauma model. Despite our increasing understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying MSC’s regenerative function, little is known about the local molecular alterations and their spatial distribution within the tissue after MSC-TX. Here, we used MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) in combination with multivariate statistical strategies to uncover previously unknown peptide alterations within severely injured skeletal muscles. Our analysis revealed that very early molecular alterations in response to MSC-TX occur largely in the region adjacent to the trauma and only to a small extent in the actual trauma region. Using “bottom up” mass spectrometry, we subsequently identified the proteins corresponding to the differentially expressed peptide intensity distributions in the specific muscle regions and used immunohistochemistry to validate our results. These findings extend our current understanding about the early molecular processes of muscle healing and highlights the critical role of trauma adjacent tissue during the early therapeutic response upon treatment with MSC.
Circulating H3Cit is elevated in a human model of endotoxemia and can be detected bound to microvesicles
Authors: Paues Göranson Sofie , Thålin Charlotte , Lundström Annika , Hållström Lars , Lasselin Julie , Wallén Håkan , Soop Anne , Mobarrez Fariborz
Published: August 2018

Early diagnosis of sepsis is crucial since prompt interventions decrease mortality. Citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit), released from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) upon binding of platelets to neutrophils following endotoxin stimulation, has recently been proposed a promising blood biomarker in sepsis. Moreover, microvesicles (MVs), which are released during cell activation and apoptosis and carry a variety of proteins from their parental cells, have also been shown to be elevated in sepsis. In a randomized and placebo-controlled human model of endotoxemia (lipopolysaccharide injection; LPS), we now report significant LPS-induced elevations of circulating H3Cit in 22 healthy individuals. We detected elevations of circulating H3Cit by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as bound to MVs quantified by flow cytometry. H3Cit-bearing MVs expressed neutrophil and/or platelet surface markers, indicating platelet-neutrophil interactions. In addition, in vitro experiments revealed that H3Cit can bind to phosphatidylserine exposed on platelet derived MVs. Taken together; our results demonstrate that NETs can be detected in peripheral blood during endotoxemia by two distinct H3Cit-specific methods. Furthermore, we propose a previously unrecognized mechanism by which H3Cit may be disseminated throughout the vasculature by the binding to MVs.
Comparison of the effectiveness of four Budyko-based methods in attributing long-term changes in actual evapotranspiration
Authors: Ning Tingting , Li Zhi , Feng Qi , Liu Wenzhao , Li Zongxing
Published: August 2018

The responses of hydrological processes to climate change and anthropogenic influence have received significant attention over the past few decades. Several Budyko-based methods have been widely used to attribute hydrological variations and identify the extent of variation due to climate change and human activities. However, the accuracy of various methods has rarely been compared. This study employed four Budyko-based methods, namely the total differential method, complementary method, extrapolation method, and decomposition method, to attribute the changes in actual evapotranspiration in 13 basins in China’s Loess Plateau. We compared their performances and analysed factors that contribute to the differences in attribution results yielded by the various methods. The results showed that the total differential, complementary, and decomposition methods presented similar estimates of the contributions of climate change and human activities. However, the extrapolation method showed a large deviation in the contribution of human activities. The error of the extrapolation method was the largest, followed by that of the two-stage total differential method. The complementary method and decomposition method exhibited negligible errors.
Plant domestication decreases both constitutive and induced chemical defences by direct selection against defensive traits
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala-Roberts Luis , Gols Rieta , Francisco Marta
Published: August 2018

Studies reporting domestication effects on plant defences have focused on constitutive, but not on induced defences. However, theory predicts a trade-off between constitutive (CD) and induced defences (ID), which intrinsically links both defensive strategies and argues for their joint consideration in plant domestications studies. We measured constitutive and induced glucosinolates in wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea ssp. oleracea) and two domesticated varieties (B. oleracea var. acephala and B. oleracea var. capitata) in which the leaves have been selected to grow larger. We also estimated leaf area (proxy of leaf size) to assess size-defence trade-offs and whether domestication effects on defences are indirect via selection for larger leaves. Both CD and ID were lower in domesticated than in wild cabbage and they were negatively correlated (i.e. traded off) in all of the cabbage lines studied. Reductions in CD were similar in magnitude for leaves and stems, and CD and leaf size were uncorrelated. We conclude that domestication of cabbage has reduced levels not only constitutive defences but also their inducibility, and that reductions in CD may span organs not targeted by breeding. This reduction in defences in domesticated cabbage is presumably the result of direct selection rather than indirect effects via trade-offs between size and defences.
Inhibition of the glutaredoxin and thioredoxin systems and ribonucleotide reductase by mutant p53-targeting compound APR-246
Authors: Haffo Lena , Lu Jun , Bykov Vladimir J. N. , Martin Sebastin S. , Ren Xiaoyuan , Coppo Lucia , Wiman Klas G. , Holmgren Arne
Published: August 2018

The tumor suppressor p53 is commonly inactivated in human tumors, allowing evasion of p53-dependent apoptosis and tumor progression. The small molecule APR-246 (PRIMA-1Met) can reactive mutant p53 in tumor cells and trigger cell death by apoptosis. The thioredoxin (Trx) and glutaredoxin (Grx) systems are important as antioxidants for maintaining cellular redox balance and providing electrons for thiol-dependent reactions like those catalyzed by ribonucleotide reductase and peroxiredoxins (Prxs). We show here that the Michael acceptor methylene quinuclidinone (MQ), the active form of APR-246, is a potent direct inhibitor of Trx1 and Grx1 by reacting with sulfhydryl groups in the enzymes. The inhibition of Trx1 and Grx1 by APR-246/MQ is reversible and the inhibitory efficiency is dependent on the presence of glutathione. APR-246/MQ also inhibits Trxs in mutant p53-expressing Saos-2 His-273 cells, showing modification of Trx1 and mitochondrial Trx2. Inhibition of the Trx and Grx systems leads to insufficient reducing power to deoxyribonucleotide production for DNA replication and repair and peroxiredoxin for removal of ROS. We also demonstrate that APR-246 and MQ inhibit ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) in vitro and in living cells. Our results suggest that APR-246 induces tumor cell death through both reactivations of mutant p53 and inhibition of cellular thiol-dependent redox systems, providing a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
In vivo optic nerve head mechanical response to intraocular and cerebrospinal fluid pressure: imaging protocol and quantification method
Authors: Fazio Massimo A. , Clark Mark E. , Bruno Luigi , Girkin Christopher A.
Published: August 2018

This study presents a quantification method for the assessment of the optic nerve head (ONH) deformations of the living human eye under acute intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and change of cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) with body position. One eye from a brain-dead organ donor with open-angle glaucoma was imaged by optical coherence tomography angiography during an acute IOP and CSFP elevation test. Volumetric 3D strain was computed by digital volume correlation. With increase in IOP the shear strain consistently increased in both sitting and supine position (p < 0.001). When CSFP was increased at constant IOP by changing body position, a global reduction in the ONH strain was observed (−0.14% p = 0.0264). Strain in the vasculature was significantly higher than in the structural tissue (+0.90%, p = 0.0002). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness strongly associated (ρ = −0.847, p = 0.008) with strain in the peripapillary sclera (ppScl) but not in the retina (p = 0.433) and lamina (p = 0.611). These initial results show that: CSFP independently to IOP modulates strain in the human ONH; ppScl strains are greater than strains in lamina and retina; strain in the retinal vasculature was higher than in the structural tissue; In this glaucoma eye, higher ppScl strain associated with lower RNFL thickness.
Impact of Side Chain Polarity on Non-Stoichiometric Nano-Hydroxyapatite Surface Functionalization with Amino Acids
Authors: Comeau Patricia , Willett Thomas
Published: August 2018

In this study the affinity of three amino acids for the surface of non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (ns-nHA) was investigated under different reaction conditions. The amino acids investigated were chosen based on their differences in side chain polarity and potential impact on this surface affinity. While calcium pre-saturation of the calcium-deficient ns-nHA was not found to improve attachment of any of the amino acids studied, the polarity and fraction of ionized functional side groups was found to have a significant impact on this attachment. Overall, amino acid attachment to ns-nHA was not solely reliant on carboxyl groups. In fact, it seems that amine groups also notably interacted with the negative ns-nHA surface and increased the degree of surface binding achieved. As a result, glycine and lysine had greater attachment to ns-nHA than aspartic acid under the reaction conditions studied. Lastly, our results suggest that a layer of each amino acid forms at the surface of ns-nHA, with aspartic acid attachment the most stable and its surface coverage the least of the three amino acids studied.
Micro-tip Cantilever as Low Frequency Microphone
Authors: Dass Sumit , Jha Rajan
Published: August 2018

We propose a very compact diaphragm free optical microphone consisting a tapered micro-tip in cantilever configuration for detection of low frequency acoustic signals. The change in the light coupling between the micro-tip and the source fiber caused by the acoustic pressure is utilized to detect the external acoustic signal. The sensitivity and working range of the sensor depend on three key factors, the length of the micro-tip cantilever, the distance between the micro-tip and SMF, and the offset between the micro-tip central axis and SMF central axis. Hence, by changing any of these parameters, the performance of the sensor can be easily tuned. Experimental results show that for a cantilever length of 15 mm, the probe has a maximum acoustic sensitivity of 10.63 mV/Pa or −159.5 dB re 1 V/μPa, noise-limited minimum detectable pressure of 19.1 mPa/√Hz and the linear frequency range is 0–400 Hz. The SMF only structure along with photodetector-based interrogation makes this acoustic sensor economical.
Dynamic generation and modulation of acoustic bottle-beams by metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Di-Chao , Zhu Xing-Feng , Wei Qi , Wu Da-Jian , Liu Xiao-Jun
Published: August 2018

Acoustic bottle-beams have been realized by acoustic metasurfaces (AMs) composed of space-coiling subunits. By manipulating the transmitted acoustical phase, the special AM can generate two intersecting accelerating beams along the designed convex trajectories, forming the acoustic bottle-beam. The transmitted acoustic bottle-beams are investigated theoretically and demonstrated numerically. We find that the shape and area of the acoustic bottle-beam could be statically controlled by designing the AM as well as dynamically modulated by the incident angles. In addition, the highly efficient acoustic focusing could be obtained at the convergence point of the bottle-beams, which also could be adjusted dynamically by the incident angles. It is further found that this focusing is robust against the obstacle scattering. The realization and manipulation of acoustic bottle-beams may have potential applications in biomedical imaging/therapy and non-destructive evaluation.
A High-Performance Spectrometer with Two Spectral Channels Sharing the Same BSI-CMOS Detector
Authors: Zang Kai-Yan , Yao Yuan , Hu Er-Tao , Jiang An-Qing , Zheng Yu-Xiang , Wang Song-You , Zhao Hai-Bin , Yang Yue-Mei , Yoshie Osamu , Lee Young-Pak , Lynch David W. , Chen Liang-Yao
Published: August 2018

Optical spectrometers play an important role in modern scientific research. In this work, we present a two-channel spectrometer with a pixel resolution of better than 0.1 nm/pixel in the wavelength range of 200 to 950 nm and an acquisition speed of approximately 25 spectra per second. The spectrometer reaches a high k factor which characterizes the spectral performance of the spectrometer as k = (working wavelength region)/(pixel resolution) = 7500. Instead of using mechanical moving parts in traditional designs, the spectrometer consists of 8 integrated sub-gratings for diffracting and imaging two sets of 4-folded spectra on the upper and lower parts, respectively, of the focal plane of a two-dimensional backside-illuminated complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (BSI-CMOS) array detector, which shows a high peak quantum efficiency of approximately 90% at 400 nm. In addition to the advantage of being cost-effective, the compact design of the spectrometer makes it advantageous for applications in which it is desirable to use the same two-dimensional array detector to simultaneously measure multiple spectra under precisely the same working conditions to reduce environmental effects. The performance of the finished spectrometer is tested and confirmed with an Hg-Ar lamp.
Bar-HRM for authenticating soursop (Annona muricata) tea
Authors: Osathanunkul Maslin
Published: August 2018

Drinking soursop (Annona muricata) tea has become popular in Thailand due to recent findings about the medicinal properties of soursop tea regarding anti-cancer in particular. Consequently, numerous A. muricata tea products were found to be sold on markets and relatively expensive. It is almost impossible to identify the plant species component in the tea bag or powder products using traditional methods which are based on morphological characters. Therefore, a main objective of this study is to develop a molecular method called Bar-HRM (DNA barcoding coupled with High Resolution Melting) for authenticating A. muricata products. Three chloroplast regions including matK, rbcL and trnL were selected for in silico analyses. The findings show that rbcL is the most suitable region to be used for species identification in HRM analysis. Eleven A. muricata herbal products were purchased and tested with rbcL primers. Results from melting profile indicated that three out of eleven tested products were adulterated with other Annona species. It is believed that the Annona products are adulterated to increase the quantity and to make more profit. Notably, all of the tested products purchased from local producers were found to contain herbal species that differ from the species indicated by the seller.
Dynamic colonization history in a rediscovered Isle Royale carnivore
Authors: Manlick Philip J. , Romanski Mark C. , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: August 2018

Island ecosystems are globally threatened, and efforts to restore historical communities are widespread. Such conservation efforts should be informed by accurate assessments of historical community composition to establish appropriate restoration targets. Isle Royale National Park is one of the most researched island ecosystems in the world, yet little is actually known about the biogeographic history of most Isle Royale taxa. To address this uncertainty and inform restoration targets, we determined the phylogeographic history of American martens (Martes americana), a species rediscovered on Isle Royale 76 years after presumed extirpation. We characterized the genetic composition of martens throughout the Great Lakes region using nuclear and mitochondrial markers, identified the source of Isle Royale martens using genetic structure analyses, and used demographic bottleneck tests to evaluate (eliminate redundancy of test). 3 competing colonization scenarios. Martens exhibited significant structure regionally, including a distinct Isle Royale cluster, but mitochondrial sequences revealed no monophyletic clades or evolutionarily significant units. Rather, martens were historically extirpated and recolonized Isle Royale from neighbouring Ontario, Canada in the late 20th century. These findings illustrate the underappreciated dynamics of island communities, underscore the importance of historical biogeography for establishing restoration baselines, and provide optimism for extirpated and declining Isle Royale vertebrates whose reintroductions have been widely debated.
Instant Clue: A Software Suite for Interactive Data Visualization and Analysis
Authors: Nolte Hendrik , MacVicar Thomas D. , Tellkamp Frederik , Krüger Marcus
Published: August 2018

The development of modern high-throughput instrumentation and improved core facility infrastructures leads to an accumulation of large amounts of scientific data. However, for a majority of scientists the comprehensive analysis and visualization of their data goes beyond their expertise. To reduce this hurdle, we developed a software suite called Instant Clue that helps scientists to visually analyze data and to gain insights into biological processes from their high-dimensional dataset. Instant Clue combines the power of visual and statistical analytics using a straight forward drag & drop approach making the software highly intuitive. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive portfolio of statistical tools for systematic analysis such as dimensional reduction, (un)-supervised learning, clustering, multi-block (omics) integration and curve fitting. Charts can be combined with high flexibility into a main figure template for direct usage in scientific publications. Even though Instant Clue was developed with the omics-sciences in mind, users can analyze any kind of data from low to high dimensional data sets. The open-source software is available for Windows and Mac OS (http://www.instantclue.uni-koeln.de) and is accompanied by a detailed video tutorial series.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 negatively regulates presentation of immune complex derived antigens
Authors: Clarke Fiona , Purvis Harriet A. , Sanchez-Blanco Cristina , Gutiérrez-Martinez Enrique , Cornish Georgina H. , Zamoyska Rose , Guermonprez Pierre , Cope Andrew P.
Published: August 2018

A C1858T single nucleotide polymorphism within PTPN22 (which encodes PTPN22R620W) is associated with an enhanced susceptibility to multiple autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Many of the associated autoimmune diseases have an autoantibody component to their pathology. Fc receptors (FcRs) recognise autoantibodies when they bind to autoantigens and form immune complexes. After immune complex binding and receptor crosslinking, FcRs signal via Src and Syk family kinases, leading to antigen uptake, presentation and cytokine secretion. Ptpn22 encodes a protein tyrosine phosphatase that negatively regulates Src and Syk family kinases proximal to immunoreceptor signalling cascades. We therefore hypothesised that PTPN22 regulates immune complex stimulated FcR responses in dendritic cells (DCs). Bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) from wild type (WT) or Ptpn22−/− mice were pulsed with ovalbumin:anti-ovalbumin immune complexes (ova ICs). Co-culture with WT OT-II T cells revealed that ova IC pulsed Ptpn22−/− BMDCs have an enhanced capability to induce T cell proliferation. This was associated with an increased capability of Ptpn22−/− BMDCs to present immune complex derived antigens and to form ova IC dependent DC-T cell conjugates. These findings highlight PTPN22 as a regulator of FcR mediated responses and provide a link between the association of PTPN22R620W with autoantibody associated autoimmune diseases.
Urine neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin predicts outcome and renal failure in open and endovascular thoracic abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery
Authors: Gombert A. , Prior I. , Martin L. , Grommes J. , Barbati M. E. , Foldenauer A. C. , Schälte G. , Marx G. , Schürholz T. , Greiner A. , Jacobs M. J. , Kalder J.
Published: August 2018

Urine neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (uNGAL) has been evaluated as a biomarker for AKI detection and adverse outcome in open and endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. This observational, retrospective study included 52 patients. UNGAL was measured peri-operatively (48 h) and correlated with AKI requiring dialysis, tracheotomy and adverse outcome. Mean patients’ age was 64.5 years. A total of 26.9% (n = 14) developed AKI, and 21.1% (n = 11) required dialysis, tracheotomy rate was 19.2% (n = 10) and in-hospital mortality rate was 7.6% (n = 4). uNGAL levels were related to AKI requiring dialysis at ICU (p = 0.0002), need for tracheotomy at baseline and admission on ICU (p = 0.0222, p = 0.0028, respectively), as well as adverse discharge modality (p = 0.0051, p = 0.0048, respectively). Diagnostic quality was good for uNGAL levels at admission to ICU regarding AKI requiring dialysis (sensitivity: 81.8% [48.2–97.7]; specificity: 87.8% [73.8–95.9]; area under the curve (AUC): 0.874 [0.752–0.949]). The diagnostic quality of uNGAL was favorable for the prediction of tracheotomy (sensitivity: 70.0% [34.8–93.3]; specificity: 83.3% [68.6–93.0]; AUC: 0.807 [0.674–0.903]) and adverse discharge (sensitivity: 77.8% [40.0–97.2]; specificity: 83.7% [69.3–93.2]; AUC: 0.817 [0.685–0.910]). uNGAL may be valuable as an post-operative predictor of AKI and adverse outcome after open and endovascular TAAA repair.
Antiadhesive and antibacterial properties of pillar[5]arene-based multilayers
Authors: Barbera Lucia , De Plano Laura M. , Franco Domenico , Gattuso Giuseppe , Guglielmino Salvatore P. P. , Lando Gabriele , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Pisagatti Ilenia
Published: August 2018

Carboxylato-pillar[5]arene/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) multilayer films loaded with antibiotics are shown to be effective in drastically reducing the surface adhesion of bacteria.
Catalytic growth of highly crystalline polyaniline by copper under ambient conditions
Authors: Gao Junning , Huang Jinbo , Huang Zhaoming , Meng Qinggang , Zheng Lijun , Sun Qian , Li Guoqiang
Published: August 2018

An ambient condition copper wire catalyzed method for the synthesis of crystalline polyaniline has been developed here.
Steered molecular dynamics simulations reveal the role of Ca2+in regulating mechanostability of cellulose-binding proteins
Authors: Gunnoo Melissabye , Cazade Pierre-André , Orlowski Adam , Chwastyk Mateusz , Liu Haipei , Ta Duy Tien , Cieplak Marek , Nash Michael , Thompson Damien
Published: August 2018

Cellulosome nanomachines utilise binding specificity and high mechanical stability in breaking down cellulose.
Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO and formate by a novel Co(ii) catalyst containing a cis-oxygen atom: photocatalysis and DFT calculations
Authors: Zhu Cheng-Yi , Zhang Ya-Qiong , Liao Rong-Zhen , Xia Wu , Hu Jun-Chao , Wu Jin , Liu Hongfang , Wang Feng
Published: August 2018

A novel CoN4-complex containing an oxygen atom at cis-coordination site enables to convert CO2 to CO and formate in a photocatalytic system.
The Heck reaction as a tool to expand polyoxovanadates towards thiol-sensitive organic–inorganic hybrid fluorescent switches
Authors: Linnenberg Oliver , Mayerl Lisa , Monakhov Kirill Yu.
Published: August 2018

Pd-catalysed Heck cross-coupling reactions between organically-tailored polyoxovanadates and a variety of olefins were realised. The synthesised organic–inorganic hybrids pave the way for the redox-driven luminescence switching, opening up great perspectives in tracing smart reducing agents such as e.g. toxic thiols.
Interfacial engineering tailoring the dielectric behavior and energy density of BaTiO3/P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) nanocomposites by regulating a liquid-crystalline polymer modifier structure
Authors: Qian Kun , Lv Xuguang , Chen Sheng , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou
Published: August 2018

For the first time, the effect of a rigid-liquid-crystalline polymer modifier structure on the dielectric behavior and energy density of BaTiO3/P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) nanocomposites was investigated.
Silibinin decreases hepatic glucose production through the activation of gut–brain–liver axis in diabetic rats
Authors: Xu Fanxing , Yang Jing , Negishi Hiroko , Sun Yue , Li Dahong , Zhang Xianxian , Hayashi Toshihiko , Gao Ming , Ikeda Katsumi , Ikejima Takashi
Published: August 2018

Silibinin has the potential to decrease the hepatic glucose production by triggering the gut–brain–liver axis in diabetic rats.
Influence of extruded lentil containing high chromium nutritional yeast on the main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome in rodent models
Authors: Attaran Shireen , Yokoyama Wallace , Pan James , Berrios Jose De J.
Published: August 2018

Insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia are the main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
Chimonanthus nitensOliv. leaf extract exerting anti-hyperglycemic activity by modulating GLUT4 and GLUT1 in the skeletal muscle of a diabetic mouse model
Authors: Chen Hui , Xiong Lei , Wang Ning , Liu Xin , Hu Wenbing , Yang Zhanwei , Jiang Yan , Zheng Guodong , Ouyang Kehui , Wang Wenjun
Published: August 2018

COE supplementation ameliorated hyperglycemiaviamodulating glucose transporters of the skeletal muscle.
Porphyrins as ligands for64copper: background and trends
Authors: Aguilar-Ortíz Edgar , Jalilian Amir R. , Ávila-Rodríguez Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

Porphyrins and64Cu have emerged as a novel synergic option for applications in PET molecular imaging.
β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations: an update
Authors: Tehrani Kamaleddin H. M. E. , Martin Nathaniel I.
Published: August 2018

Antibiotic resistance caused by β-lactamase production continues to present a growing challenge to the efficacy of β-lactams and their role as the most important class of clinically used antibiotics.
Can machine learning identify the next high-temperature superconductor? Examining extrapolation performance for materials discovery
Authors: Meredig Bryce , Antono Erin , Church Carena , Hutchinson Maxwell , Ling Julia , Paradiso Sean , Blaiszik Ben , Foster Ian , Gibbons Brenna , Hattrick-Simpers Jason , Mehta Apurva , Ward Logan
Published: August 2018

Traditional machine learning (ML) metrics overestimate model performance for materials discovery.
Transformation of engineered nanomaterials through the prism of silver sulfidation
Authors: Zhang Fan , Allen Andrew J. , Johnston-Peck Aaron C. , Liu Jingyu , Pettibone John M.
Published: August 2018

Silver sulfidation under environmentally relevant conditions follows a first-order reaction kinetics without aggregation or dissolution. Rate and extent of sulfidation demonstrates strong dependence on the crystallographic orientation of the facets.
Unprecedented photosensitivity of heterotrimetallic copper(ii)/sodium/mercury(ii) coordination polymer based thin film semiconductor device
Authors: Roy Sourav , Halder Soumi , Drew Michael G. B. , Ray Partha Pratim , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: August 2018

A photosensitive, heterotrimetallic copper(ii)/sodium/mercury(ii) coordination polymer has been used to fabricate a Schottky diode device.
Retracted Article: A highly antibacterial polymeric hybrid micelle with efficiently targeted anticancer siRNA delivery and anti-infection in vitro/in vivo
Authors: Zhou Li , Xi Yuewei , Chen Mi , Niu Wen , Wang Min , Ma Peter X. , Lei Bo
Published: August 2018

Most of the diseases such as tumors are usually accompanied by microbial infection especially after surgical operation, which prevents successful cancer therapy.
Grafting-from lipase: utilization of a common amino acid residue as a new grafting site
Authors: Kovaliov Marina , Cheng Cooper , Cheng Boyle , Averick Saadyah
Published: August 2018

A previously overlooked amino acid residue was utilized to grow polymers from proteins.
Ionic liquid-supported 3DOM silica for efficient heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhang Ming , Wei Yanchen , Li Hongping , Liu Jiaqi , Zhang Qi , Zhu Wenshuai , Li Huaming
Published: August 2018

DBT is absorbed by IL-3DOM SiO2 and then oxidized to DBTO2 in the presence of H2O2.
Facile synthesis of an Ag@AgBr nanoparticle-decorated K4Nb6O17 photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic properties
Authors: Tian Lingyu , Sun Kelei , Rui Yulan , Cui Wenquan , An Weijia
Published: August 2018

The characteristic diffraction peaks of K4Nb6O17 and AgBr were detected instead of Ag@AgBr.
Quinic acid and hypervalent chromium: a spectroscopic and kinetic study
Authors: Mangiameli María Florencia , Bellú Sebastián , Pérez Mora Bárbara , Sala Luis , Mamana Nadia
Published: August 2018

The redox reaction between an excess of quinic acid (QA) and CrVI involves the formation of intermediates, namely, CrIV and CrV species, which in turn react with the organic substrates.
Photo-responsive polymeric micelles and prodrugs: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Wang Shiu-Wei , Lin Yin-Ku , Fang Jia-You , Lee Ren-Shen
Published: August 2018

Bio-recognizable and photocleavable amphiphilic glycopolymers and prodrugs containing photodegradable linkers as junction points between hydrophilic glycose and hydrophobic poly(α-azo-ε-caprolactone)-grafted alkyne or drug chains were synthesized.
Porous sorbents for the capture of radioactive iodine compounds: a review
Authors: Huve Joffrey , Ryzhikov Andrey , Nouali Habiba , Lalia Virginie , Augé Grégoire , Daou T. Jean
Published: August 2018

In the capture of radioactive iodine compounds by porous sorbents, concerns with, and limitations of, the existing sorbents with respect to operating conditions and their capacities for iodine capture are discussed and compared.
Topological free volume and quasi-glassy dynamics in the melt of ring polymers
Authors: Sakaue Takahiro
Published: August 2018

Motivated by recent observations that non-concatenated ring polymers in their dense solution exhibit a glass-like dynamics, we propose a free volume description of the motion of such rings based on the notion of topological volume.
Mechanism suppressing charge recombination at iodine defects in CH3NH3PbI3 by polaron formation
Authors: Wiktor Julia , Ambrosio Francesco , Pasquarello Alfredo
Published: August 2018

Polaron formation prevents the hole trapping at the negatively charged iodine interstitial in CH3NH3PbI3.
Recent progress in flexible pressure sensor arrays: from design to applications
Authors: Li Jing , Bao Rongrong , Tao Juan , Peng Yiyao , Pan Caofeng
Published: August 2018

This review summarizes the progress in flexible pressure sensor arrays from their fundamental designs to device applications.
Sn1−xSe thin films with low thermal conductivity: role of stoichiometric deviation in thermal transport
Authors: Jeong Giuk , Jaung Yoon Hwan , Kim Jekyung , Song Jae Yong , Shin Byungha
Published: August 2018

Tin selenide (Sn1−xSe) polycrystalline thin films were prepared by thermal co-evaporation, and the thermoelectric properties of the Sn1−xSe thin films were investigated.
Evaluation of surface roughness of a machined metal surface based on laser speckle pattern
Authors: Xu Dong , Yang Quan , Dong Feng , Krishnaswamy Sridhar
Published: August 2018

The surface roughness of a machined metal surface is crucial to its appearance and performance. There are hardly any in‐situ methods for surface roughness measurement of moving surfaces. A study of the digital speckle patterns generated by rough surfaces illuminated by a laser is performed experimentally. Laser speckle phenomenon can be used to monitor the surface roughness in a non‐contact way. By investigating the effect of the surface roughness on the statistical and fractal parameters of the laser speckle pattern, an assessment method for evaluating surface roughness is discussed. The results show that some of the proposed statistical parameters have definite relationships with the surface roughness and can be explored to evaluate the surface roughness. Furthermore, the fractal parameters of the speckle pattern are sensitive to the type of machining process and therefore they can be used to classify the machined surface. The method can be a practical tool to achieve in‐situ surface roughness measurement of moving surfaces.
Preparation and surface modification of magnesium hydroxide in a cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide/isopropanol/cyclohexane/water microemulsion
Authors: Wu Haihong , Zhao Xu , Wang Licong , Ma Laibo , Huang Xiping
Published: August 2018

A scalable technique for controlled synthesis and surface modification of magnesium hydroxide using the microemulsion method at room temperature was studied. The magnesium hydroxide nucleation and growth were carried out in numerous identical nanoreactors formed by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide/isopropanol/cyclohexane/water microemulsion. The crystal structure, morphology, thermostability and surface performance of the product as flame‐resistant material were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dispersion tests. The results indicated that the product had a flake structure and belonged to a hexagonal system, the highly defined nanoflakes had a uniform diameter, and the diameter size can be well controlled in the range of 40–65 nm by adjusting the ratio of water to surfactant. The thermostability analyses showed a narrowed decomposition temperature range. Furthermore, the surfactant in microemulsion was adsorbed on the particles surface, making the surface of magnesium hydroxide changed from hydrophilic to lipophilic. Therefore the reported magnesium hydroxide material has a better flame resistance and compatibility with polymer materials than conventional magnesium hydroxide.
MoCA: A Monte Carlo code for Comptonisation in Astrophysics
Authors: Tamborra Francesco , Matt Giorgio , Bianchi Stefano , Dovčiak Michal
Published: August 2018

We present a new Monte Carlo code for Comptonisation in Astrophysics (MoCA). To our knowledge MoCA is the first code that uses a single photon approach in a full special relativity scenario, and including also Klein–Nishina effects as well as polarisation. In this paper we describe in detail how the code works, and show first results from the case of extended coronae in accreting sources Comptonising the accretion disc thermal emission. We explored both a slab and a spherical geometry, to make comparison with public analytical codes more easy. Our spectra are in good agreement with those from analytical codes for low/moderate optical depths, but differ significantly, as expected, for optical depths larger than a few. Klein–Nishina effects become relevant above 100 keV depending on the optical thickness and thermal energy of the corona. We also calculated the polarisation properties for the two geometries, which show that X-ray polarimetry is a very useful tool to discriminate between them.
Revisiting the pre-main-sequence evolution of stars
Authors: Kunitomo Masanobu , Guillot Tristan , Ida Shigeru , Takeuchi Taku
Published: August 2018

Aims. We want to investigate how planet formation is imprinted on stellar surface composition using up-to-date stellar evolution models.

Methods. We simulate the evolution of pre-main-sequence stars as a function of the efficiency of heat injection during accretion, the deuterium mass fraction, and the stellar mass,M⋆. For simplicity, we assume that planet formation leads to the late accretion of zero-metallicity gas, diluting the surface stellar composition as a function of the mass of the stellar outer convective zone. We estimate that in the solar system, between 97 and 168M⊕of condensates formed planets or were ejected from the system. We adopt 150M⊕(M⋆/M⊙)(Z/Z⊙) as an uncertain but plausible estimate of the mass of heavy elements that is not accreted by stars with giant planets, including our Sun. By combining our stellar evolution models to these estimates, we evaluate the consequences of planet formation on stellar surface composition.

Results. We show that after the first ~0.1 Myr during which stellar structure can differ widely from the usually assumed fully convective structure, the evolution of the convective zone follows classical pre-main-sequence evolutionary tracks within a factor of two in age. We find that planet formation should lead to a scatter in stellar surface composition that is larger for high-mass stars than for low-mass stars. We predict a spread in [Fe/H] of approximately 0.05 dex for stars with a temperature ofTeff~ 6500 K, to 0.02 dex for stars withTeff~ 5500 K, marginally compatible with differences in metallicities observed in some binary stars with planets. Stars withTeff≤ 7000 K may show much larger [Fe/H] deficits, by 0.6 dex or more, in the presence of efficient planet formation, compatible with the existence of refractory-poorλBoo stars. We also find that planet formation may explain the lack of refractory elements seen in the Sun as compared to solar twins, but only if the ice-to-rock ratio in the solar-system planets is less than ≈0.4 and planet formation began less than ≈1.3 Myr after the beginning of the formation of the Sun.
The VIMOS Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS)
Authors: Mohammad F. G. , Bianchi D. , Percival W. J. , de la Torre S. , Guzzo L. , Granett B. R. , Branchini E. , Bolzonella M. , Garilli B. , Scodeggio M. , Abbas U. , Adami C. , Bel J. , Bottini D. , Cappi A. , Cucciati O. , Davidzon I. , Franzetti P. , Fritz A. , Iovino A. , Krywult J. , Le Brun V. , Le Fèvre O. , Małek K. , Marulli F. , Polletta M. , Pollo A. , Tasca L. A. M. , Tojeiro R. , Vergani D. , Zanichelli A. , Arnouts S. , Coupon J. , De Lucia G. , Ilbert O. , Moscardini L. , Moutard T.
Published: August 2018

The VIPERS galaxy survey has measured the clustering of 0.5 < z < 1.2 galaxies, enabling a number of measurements of galaxy properties and cosmological redshift-space distortions (RSD). Because the measurements were made using one-pass of the VIMOS instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the galaxies observed only represent approximately 47% of the parent target sample, with a distribution imprinted with the pattern of the VIMOS slitmask. Correcting for the effect on clustering has previously been achieved using an approximate approach developed using mock catalogues. Pairwise inverse probability (PIP) weighting has recently been proposed to correct for missing galaxies, and we apply it to mock VIPERS catalogues to show that it accurately corrects the clustering for the VIMOS effects, matching the clustering measured from the observed sample to that of the parent. We then apply PIP-weighting to the VIPERS data, and fit the resulting monopole and quadrupole moments of the galaxy two-point correlation function with respect to the line-of-sight, making measurements of RSD. The results are close to previous measurements, showing that the previous approximate methods used by the VIPERS team are sufficient given the errors obtained on the RSD parameter.
Qualitätsmanagement – Wissensmanagement in der Endoskopie
Authors: Meick Ira
Published: August 2018

Qualitätsmanagement im Krankenhaus ist in der heutigen Zeit nichts Neues mehr. Es handelt sich beim Qualitätsmanagement generell um einen sich stetig verändernden Prozess, der nur durch ständige Optimierung und Anpassung – im Sinne eines kontinuierlichen Verbesserungsprozesses (KVP) – an den stetigen Wandel der gesetzlichen, wissenschaftlichen und betriebswirtschaftlichen Voraussetzungen seine volle Wirkung entfalten kann.
Inflammatory Response 24 h Post-Exercise in Youth with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Rochette Emmanuelle , Merlin Etienne , Hourdé Christophe , Evrard Bertrand , Peraira Bruno , Echaubard Stephane , Duché Pascale
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to measure the impact, at 24 h post-exercise, of a single exercise bout on plasma inflammatory markers such as calprotectin, IL-6, sIL-6 R, sgp130 and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Twelve children with JIA attended the laboratory on three consecutive days (control day, exercise day and 24 h post-exercise), including a 20-min exercise bout on a cycle-ergometer at 70% of max. HR at 8:30 a.m. on day 2. Plasma concentrations of calprotectin, IL-6, sIL-6 R, sgp130, cortisol, ACTH and DHEA were measured on venous blood samples taken every day.at rest and at 8:30, 8:50, 9:30, 10:30 a.m. and 12:00, 3:00, 5:30 p.m.

A single exercise bout increased plasma calprotectin 1.7-fold (p<0.001) but did not increase IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptors in short-term post-exercise recovery. However, at 24 h post-exercise, calprotectin, IL-6 and its receptors had decreased compared to control-day levels. There was a transient 2-fold increase in post-exercise self-evaluated pain (p=0.03) that disappeared in the evening without repercussions the following day.

Physical activity in children with JIA results in a slight transient systemic inflammation but seems to be followed by counter-regulation at 24 h post-exercise with a decrease in proinflammatory markers.
Changes in Ulnar Variance after a Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear
Authors: Shim Jung-In , Im Jin-Hyung , Kang Han-Vit , Cho Sung-Hyun , Lee Joo-Yup
Published: August 2018

Purpose The relationship between triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear and ulnar impaction syndrome has not been fully understood. We hypothesized that a TFCC tear could change the ulnar variance, which may be the cause of ulnar impaction syndrome.

Patients and Methods A total of 72 patients who underwent TFCC foveal repair between January 2011 and June 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 44 patients diagnosed with TFCC foveal tear with distal radioulnar joint instability and no ulnar impaction syndrome underwent TFCC foveal repair only (group A) and 28 patients diagnosed with TFCC foveal tear with ulnar impaction syndrome underwent TFCC foveal repair and ulnar shortening osteotomy simultaneously (group B). We measured their ulnar variances in preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up plain radiography. We also compared them with the ulnar variance of the contralateral (uninjured) wrist. Postoperative clinical outcomes, such as range of motions of the wrist, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, grip strength, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, were assessed.

Results Ulnar variance increased after TFCC tears compared with that on the uninjured side in both groups (group A: 0.98 vs. 0.52 mm, p = 0.013; group B: 2.71 vs. 2.13 mm, p = 0.001). Once the TFCC was repaired, ulnar variance decreased (group A: 0.98 to 0.01 mm, p < 0.01; group B: 2.71 to 0.64 mm, p < 0.01). However, it was increased on the last follow-up radiograph (group A: 0.01 to 0.81 mm, p < 0.01; group B: 0.64 to 1.05 mm, p = 0.004). There were no significant improvement of range of motion, except for pronation–supination motion (p = 0.04). Mean grip strength increased from 56.8 to 70.8% of the contralateral unaffected hand at the last assessment (p = 0.01). Mean VAS for pain decreased from 7.4 ± 2.5 preoperatively to 2.7 ± 2 postoperatively (p = 0.001). The QuickDASH score significantly improved from 45 to 9 (p = 0.001).

Conclusion Ulnar variance may be changed after a TFCC tear. In our study, it decreased after TFCC foveal repair. However, as time went on, the ulnar variance increased again, which could be one of the causes of ulnar impaction syndrome and ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Level of Evidence This is a therapeutic Level IV study.
Cryogenic cavity turns light into mechanical displacement in a bulk acoustic wave device
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: August 2018

A newly developed optomechanic cavity uses the radiation pressure of lasers that resonantly reflect to actuate mechanical displacement.
Material microenvironmental properties couple to induce distinct transcriptional programs in mammalian stem cells
Authors: Darnell Max , O’Neil Alison , Mao Angelo , Gu Luo , Rubin Lee L. , Mooney David J.
Published: August 2018

Significance

Cells have been shown to respond to a host of physical properties of the environments that surround them. However, given that these properties vary considerably across tissues, how these individual properties interact to form unique regulatory environments for cells is largely unknown. This work analyzes the transcriptional responses of cells to unique combinations of microenvironmental material properties to gain broad insights into the coupling among different properties, the magnitude of the transcriptional effects, and the role of cell type. We find significant coupling among these properties, large variation in the magnitude of the transcriptional changes, and qualitative differences in the responses based on cell type, demonstrating the significant context dependence of microenvironmental material sensing.
Redox-coupled quinone dynamics in the respiratory complex I
Authors: Warnau Judith , Sharma Vivek , Gamiz-Hernandez Ana P. , Di Luca Andrea , Haapanen Outi , Vattulainen Ilpo , Wikström Mårten , Hummer Gerhard , Kaila Ville R. I.
Published: August 2018

Significance

Complex I is the primary energy-converting enzyme of aerobic respiratory chains. By reducing quinone to quinol, this gigantic enzyme pumps protons across its membrane domain, which in turn powers ATP synthesis and active transport. Despite the recently resolved molecular structures of complex I, the quinone dynamics and its coupling to the pumping function remains unclear. Here we show by large-scale molecular simulations that the quinone reduction leads to ejection of the quinol molecule from the active site into a second binding site near the proton-pumping membrane domain of complex I. The identified region has been linked with human mitochondrial disorders. Our work suggests that the quinone dynamics provides a key coupling element in complex I.