bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and properties of poly(DEX-GMA/AAc) microgel particle as a hemostatic agent
Authors: Yan Changjiao , Yang Tiehong , Zhu Sikai , Wu Hong
Published: April 2017

Poly(DEX-GMA/AAc) microgel particles were designed for the staunching of bleeding through absorption of water in blood and forming a gelled film as a barrier.
Long term in vivo functional stability and encapsulation reliability of using ultra-nanocrystalline diamond as an insulating coating layer for implantable microchips
Authors: Tien Han-Wen , Lee Chi-Young , Lin I-Nan , Chen Ying-Chieh
Published: April 2017

Thin ultra-nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were evaluated for their use as encapsulating coatings for long-term implantable microchips.
Air-stable CsPb1−xBixBr3 (0 ≤ x ≪ 1) perovskite crystals: optoelectronic and photostriction properties
Authors: Miao Xiaoliang , Qiu Ting , Zhang Shufang , Ma He , Hu Yanqiang , Bai Fan , Wu Zhuangchun
Published: April 2017

Heterovalent Bi-doped CsPb1−xBixBr3 perovskites greatly improve the light absorption and photostriction of CsPbBr3 crystals.
Water-soluble luminescent hybrid aminoclay grafted with lanthanide complexes synthesized by a Michael-like addition reaction and its gas sensing application in PVP nanofiber
Authors: Li Qing-Feng , Jin Lin , Li Lili , Ma Wenpei , Wang Zhenling , Hao Jianhua
Published: April 2017

Aminoclay was used as a scaffold for lanthanide complexes and dye molecules for light harvesting applications.
Simultaneous detection of decidual Th1/Th2 and NK1/NK2 immunophenotyping in unknown recurrent miscarriage using 8-color flow cytometry with FSC/Vt extended strategy
Authors: Dong Peng , Wen Xi , Liu Jia , Yan Cui-Yan , Yuan Jing , Luo Lan-Rong , Hu Qiao-Fei , Li Jian
Published: April 2017

Th1/Th2 imbalance is considered as a mechanism for recurrent miscarriage. The NK1/NK2 paradigm is hypothesised to play an important role in pregnancy. However, few results showed simultaneous changes of these subsets in vivo in decidual tissues. The present study aimed to detect the decidual mononuclear cells (dMo), and the Th1/Th2, and NK1/NK2 paradigm simultaneously using multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) in unexplained recurrent miscarriages (URM). Mononuclear cells were isolated from the decidual tissues of URM cases and early pregnant women. The mononuclear cell percent was demonstrated by detecting the expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, and CD16 extracellular markers, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-4 intracellular markers in live cells using 8-color flow cytometry with forward scatter (FSC)/side scatter (SSC) and FSC/viability (Vt) initial gating strategies, and the ratios of Th1/Th2 and decidual NK1 (dNK1)/decidual NK2 (dNK2) cells were compared between the subject groups. Two initial gating strategies of the FSC/SSC or FSC/Vt, with central or extended gating scales, were adapted, and there was no main effect or interaction for the cell proportions, except for the type 1 and type 2 subsets in the FSC/Vt extended gating strategy. There was no significant difference of the proportions of the decidual T, dNK, NKT-like, Th, and Tc cells between the two groups. However, the Th1/Th2 and dNK1/dNK2 ratios in the URM patients were higher compared with the normal group when using the FSC/Vt extended gating strategy. The present study provides means to detect Th1/Th2 and dNK1/dNK2 simultaneously in URM patients for large sample investigations in the future.
Mitochondria–organelle contact sites: the plot thickens
Authors: Elbaz-Alon Yael
Published: April 2017

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are areas of close apposition between the membranes of two different organelles that enable non-vesicular transfer of ions and lipids. Recent studies reveal that mitochondria maintain contact sites with organelles other than the endoplasmic reticulum such as the vacuole, plasma membrane and peroxisomes. This review focuses on novel findings achieved mainly in yeast regarding tethers, function and regulation of mitochondria–organelle contact sites. The emerging network of MCSs linking virtually all cellular organelles is highly dynamic and integrated with cellular metabolism.
EOGT and O-GlcNAc on secreted and membrane proteins
Authors: Varshney Shweta , Stanley Pamela
Published: April 2017

Here, we describe a recently discovered O-GlcNAc transferase termed EOGT for EGF domain-specific O-GlcNAc transferase. EOGT transfers GlcNAc (N-acetylglucosamine) to Ser or Thr in secreted and membrane proteins that contain one or more epidermal growth factor-like repeats with a specific consensus sequence. Thus, EOGT is distinct from OGT, the O-GlcNAc transferase, that transfers GlcNAc to Ser/Thr in proteins of the cytoplasm or nucleus. EOGT and OGT are in separate cellular compartments and have mostly distinct substrates, although both can act on cytoplasmic (OGT) and lumenal (EOGT) domains of transmembrane proteins. The present review will describe known substrates of EOGT and biological roles for EOGT in Drosophila and humans. Mutations in EOGT that give rise to Adams–Oliver Syndrome in humans will also be discussed.
How do they stick together? Bacterial adhesins implicated in the binding of bacteria to the human gastrointestinal mucins
Authors: Ringot-Destrez Bélinda , Kalach Nicolas , Mihalache Adriana , Gosset Pierre , Michalski Jean-Claude , Léonard Renaud , Robbe-Masselot Catherine
Published: April 2017

The gastrointestinal mucosal surface is the primary interface between internal host tissues and the vast microbiota. Mucins, key components of mucus, are high-molecular-weight glycoproteins characterized by the presence of many O-linked oligosaccharides to the core polypeptide. They play many biological functions, helping to maintain cellular homeostasis and to establish symbiotic relationships with complex microbiota. Mucin O-glycans exhibit a huge variety of peripheral sequences implicated in the binding of bacteria to the mucosal tissues, thereby playing a key role in the selection of specific species and in the tissue tropism displayed by commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria have evolved numerous strategies to colonize host mucosae, and among these are modulation of expression of cell surface adhesins which allow bacteria to bind to mucins. However, despite well structurally characterized adhesins and lectins, information on the nature and structure of oligosaccharides recognized by bacteria is still disparate. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the structure of epithelial mucin O-glycans and the interaction between host and commensal or pathogenic bacteria mediated by mucins.
Iminosugar antivirals: the therapeutic sweet spot
Authors: Alonzi Dominic S. , Scott Kathryn A. , Dwek Raymond A. , Zitzmann Nicole
Published: April 2017

Many viruses require the host endoplasmic reticulum protein-folding machinery in order to correctly fold one or more of their glycoproteins. Iminosugars with glucose stereochemistry target the glucosidases which are key for entry into the glycoprotein folding cycle. Viral glycoproteins are thus prevented from interacting with the protein-folding machinery leading to misfolding and an antiviral effect against a wide range of different viral families. As iminosugars target host enzymes, they should be refractory to mutations in the virus. Iminosugars therefore have great potential for development as broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics. We outline the mechanism giving rise to the antiviral activity of iminosugars, the current progress in the development of iminosugar antivirals and future prospects for this field.
Palmitoylation of proteins in cancer
Authors: Resh Marilyn D.
Published: April 2017

Post-translational modification of proteins by attachment of palmitate serves as a mechanism to regulate protein localization and function in both normal and malignant cells. Given the essential role that palmitoylation plays in cancer cell signaling, approaches that target palmitoylated proteins and palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) have the potential for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Highlighted here are recent advances in understanding the importance of protein palmitoylation in tumorigenic pathways. A new study has uncovered palmitoylation sites within the epidermal growth factor receptor that regulate receptor trafficking, signaling and sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Global data analysis from nearly 150 cancer studies reveals genomic alterations in several PATs that may account for their ability to function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Selective inhibitors have recently been developed that target hedgehog acyltransferase (Hhat) and Porcupine (Porcn), the acyltransferases that modify hedgehog and Wnt proteins, respectively. These inhibitors, coupled with targeted knockdown of Hhat and Porcn, reveal the essential functions of fatty acylation of secreted morphogens in a wide variety of human tumors.
Targeting ROR1 identifies new treatment strategies in hematological cancers
Authors: Karvonen Hanna , Niininen Wilhelmiina , Murumägi Astrid , Ungureanu Daniela
Published: April 2017

Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is a member of the ROR receptor family consisting of two closely related type I transmembrane proteins ROR1 and ROR2. Owing to mutations in their canonical motifs required for proper kinase activity, RORs are classified as pseudokinases lacking detectable catalytic activity. ROR1 stands out for its selective and high expression in numerous blood and solid malignancies compared with a minimal expression in healthy adult tissues, suggesting high potential for this molecule as a drug target for cancer therapy. Current understanding attributes a survival role for ROR1 in cancer cells; however, its oncogenic function is cancer-type-specific and involves various signaling pathways. High interest in ROR1-targeted therapies resulted in the development of ROR1 monoclonal antibodies such as cirmtuzumab, currently in a phase I clinical trial for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Despite these advances in translational studies, the molecular mechanism employed by ROR1 in different cancers is not yet fully understood; therefore, more insights into the oncogenic role of ROR1 signaling are crucial in order to optimize the use of targeted drugs. Recent studies provided evidence that targeting ROR1 simultaneously with inhibition of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is more effective in killing ROR1-positive leukemia cells, suggesting a synergistic correlation between co-targeting ROR1 and BCR pathways. Although this synergy has been previously reported for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the molecular mechanism appears rather different. These results provide more insights into ROR1–BCR combinatorial treatment strategies in hematological malignancies, which could benefit in tailoring more effective targeted therapies in other ROR1-positive cancers.
Pseudoscaffolds and anchoring proteins: the difference is in the details
Authors: Aggarwal-Howarth Stacey , Scott John D.
Published: April 2017

Pseudokinases and pseudophosphatases possess the ability to bind substrates without catalyzing their modification, thereby providing a mechanism to recruit potential phosphotargets away from active enzymes. Since many of these pseudoenzymes possess other characteristics such as localization signals, separate catalytic sites, and protein–protein interaction domains, they have the capacity to influence signaling dynamics in local environments. In a similar manner, the targeting of signaling enzymes to subcellular locations by A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) allows for precise and local control of second messenger signaling events. Here, we will discuss how pseudoenzymes form ‘pseudoscaffolds’ and compare and contrast this compartment-specific regulatory role with the signal organization properties of AKAPs. The mitochondria will be the focus of this review, as they are dynamic organelles that influence a broad range of cellular processes such as metabolism, ATP synthesis, and apoptosis.
Expanding the genetic code of mammalian cells
Authors: Italia James S. , Zheng Yunan , Kelemen Rachel E. , Erickson Sarah B. , Addy Partha S. , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: April 2017

In the last two decades, unnatural amino acid (UAA) mutagenesis has emerged as a powerful new method to probe and engineer protein structure and function. This technology enables precise incorporation of a rapidly expanding repertoire of UAAs into predefined sites of a target protein expressed in living cells. Owing to the small footprint of these genetically encoded UAAs and the large variety of enabling functionalities they offer, this technology has tremendous potential for deciphering the delicate and complex biology of the mammalian cells. Over the last few years, exciting progress has been made toward expanding the toolbox of genetically encoded UAAs in mammalian cells, improving the efficiency of their incorporation and developing innovative applications. Here, we provide our perspective on these recent developments and highlight the current challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of this technology.
Regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mRNA translation
Authors: Hidalgo Laura , Swanson Chad M.
Published: April 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mRNA translation is a complex process that uses the host translation machinery to synthesise viral proteins. Several mechanisms for HIV-1 mRNA translation initiation have been proposed including (1) cap-dependent, eIF4E-dependent, (2) cap-dependent, cap-binding complex-dependent, (3) internal ribosome entry sites, and (4) ribosome shunting. While these mechanisms promote HIV-1 mRNA translation in the context of in vitro systems and subgenomic constructs, there are substantial knowledge gaps in understanding how they regulate viral protein production in the context of full-length virus infection. In this review, we will summarise the different translation mechanisms used by HIV-1 mRNAs and the challenges in understanding how they regulate protein synthesis during viral infection.
Bio-Zombie: the rise of pseudoenzymes in biology
Authors: Murphy James M. , Farhan Hesso , Eyers Patrick A.
Published: April 2017

Pseudoenzymes are catalytically dead counterparts of enzymes. Despite their first description some 50 years ago, the importance and functional diversity of these ‘fit-for-purpose’ polypeptides is only now being appreciated. Pseudoenzymes have been identified throughout all the kingdoms of life and, owing to predicted deficits in enzyme activity due to the absence of catalytic residues, have been variously referred to as pseudoenzymes, non-enzymes, dead enzymes, prozymes or ‘zombie’ proteins. An important goal of the recent Biochemical Society Pseudoenzymes-focused meeting was to explore the functional and evolutionary diversity of pseudoenzymes and to begin to evaluate their functions in biology, including cell signalling and metabolism. Here, we summarise the impressive breadth of enzyme classes that are known to have pseudoenzyme counterparts and present examples of known cellular functions. We predict that the next decades will represent golden years for the analysis of pseudoenzymes.
Cell wall-deficient, L-form bacteria in the 21st century: a personal perspective
Authors: Errington Jeff
Published: April 2017

The peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall is a defining feature of the bacteria. It emerged very early in evolution and must have contributed significantly to the success of these organisms. The wall features prominently in our thinking about bacterial cell function, and its synthesis involves the action of several dozen proteins that are normally essential for viability. Surprisingly, it turns out to be relatively simple to generate bacterial genetic variants called L-forms that completely lack PG. They grow robustly provided that lack of the cell wall is compensated for by an osmoprotective growth medium. Although their existence has been noted and studied on and off for many decades, it is only recently that modern molecular and cellular methods have been applied to L-forms. We used Bacillus subtilis as an experimental model to understand the molecular basis for the L-form switch. Key findings included the discovery that L-forms use an unusual blebbing, or tubulation and scission mechanism to proliferate. This mechanism is completely independent of the normal FtsZ-based division machinery and seems to require only an increased rate of membrane synthesis, leading to an increased surface area-to-volume ratio. Antibiotics that block cell wall precursor synthesis, such as phosphomycin, efficiently induce the L-form switch without the need for genetic change. The same antibiotics turned out to induce a similar L-form switch in a wide range of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, in which we showed that proliferation was again FtsZ-independent. Aside from further basic science, future work on L-forms is likely to focus on their possible role in chronic or recurrent infections, their use as a model in studies of the origins of life, and possibly, biotechnological applications.
CD81 as a tumor target
Authors: Vences-Catalán Felipe , Duault Caroline , Kuo Chiung-Chi , Rajapaksa Ranjani , Levy Ronald , Levy Shoshana
Published: April 2017

CD81 participates in a variety of important cellular processes such as membrane organization, protein trafficking, cellular fusion and cell–cell interactions. In the immune system, CD81 regulates immune synapse, receptor clustering and signaling; it also mediates adaptive and innate immune suppression. CD81 is a gateway in hepatocytes for pathogens such as hepatitis C virus and Plasmodium; it also confers susceptibility to Listeria infection. These diverse biological roles are due to the tendency of CD81 to associate with other tetraspanins and with cell-specific partner proteins, which provide the cells with a signaling platform. CD81 has also been shown to regulate cell migration and invasion, and has therefore been implicated in cancer progression. Indeed, we have recently shown that CD81 contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. CD81 is expressed in most types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, melanoma, brain cancer and lymphoma, and the overexpression or down-regulation of this molecule has been correlated with either good or bad prognosis. Here, we discuss the role of CD81 in cancer and its potential therapeutic use as a tumor target.
Study on response characteristics of grid‐side converter controller of PMSG to sub‐synchronous frequency component
Authors: Bi Tianshu , Li Jingyi , Zhang Peng , Mitchell‐Colgan Elliot , Xiao Shiwu
Published: April 2017

Multiple sub‐/super‐synchronous frequency components were detected when sub‐synchronous oscillation (SSO) occured in permanent magent synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based wind farm in Northwest China. This caused three 600 MW turbine generators to trip because of torsional oscillation of the shaft. Then for one year, for eliminating the multiple frequency components, the relevant wind farms have been tripped for 111 times. The tripped wind power sometimes could even be up to 300 MW. However, the multiple frequency components' producing mechanism is still not clear. This study explains the mechanism by analysing the response characteristics of grid‐side converter (GSC) controller to the sub‐synchronous frequency component. When a sub‐synchronous frequency component is fed into GSC controller as an input signal, the expression for the output signal is derived. Furthermore, the frequency transformation relationship between input and output signals, the amplitudes of multiple frequency components in output signals are all discussed in detail. The theoretical analysis is then validated by the simulation results and the on‐site data measured by the phasor measurement unit (PMU). With the theoretical analysis, the main frequency components which should be suppressed are determined. The multiple frequency components can be mitigated not by tripping wind farms any more. This is conducive to the accommodation of renewable energy.
Brønsted Acid Catalysed Aerobic Reduction of Olefins by Diimide Generated In Situ from Hydrazine
Authors: Arakawa Yukihiro , Kohda Takahiro , Minagawa Keiji , Imada Yasushi
Published: April 2017

Aerobic reduction of olefins with hydrazine was proven to be efficiently catalysed by readily available Brønsted acids, such as p-tolu­enesulfonic acid monohydrate, providing hydrogenated products in very good yields and chemoselectivity under mild conditions.
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E Co-Supplementation on Indices of Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Parameters in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Ebrahimi Faraneh Afshar , Samimi Mansooreh , Foroozanfard Fatemeh , Jamilian Mehri , Akbari Hossein , Rahmani Elham , Ahmadi Shahnaz , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Memarzadeh Mohammad Reza , Asemi Zatollah
Published: April 2017

This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on indices of insulin resistance and hormonal parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done on 68 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups to receive either 1 000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg α-Linolenic acid plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n=34) or placebo (n=34) for 12 weeks. Hormonal parameters were quantified at the beginning of the study and after 12-week intervention.

After 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the placebo, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in insulin (−1.0±3.5 vs. +2.7±6.6 µIU/mL, P=0.004), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (−0.2±0.8 vs. +0.6±1.5, P=0.005), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated B cell function (−4.3±14.3 vs. +10.5±24.5, P=0.004) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.006±0.02 vs. −0.01±0.04, P=0.008). Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E led to significant reductions in serum total testosterone (−0.5±0.7 vs. −0.1±0.5 ng/mL, P=0.008) and free testosterone (−1.2±2.1 vs. −0.2±1.7, P=0.04) compared to the placebo group. We did not observe any significant effect of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on fasting plasma glucose and other hormonal profiles.

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved indices of insulin resistance, total and free testosterone.
Effect of Saxagliptin on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Endothelial Function in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Li Fang , Chen Jiachao , Leng Fei , Lu Zhiqiang , Ling Yan
Published: April 2017

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) are common markers of endothelial function. In this study, we aim to investigate whether the DPP-4 inhibitor saxagliptin modulate EPCs number and FMD in newly diagnosed, treatment-naive type 2 diabetic patients.

This was a controlled, randomized, open-label clinical trial. Saxagliptin group and metformin group consumed either saxagliptin 5 mg per day or metformin 1 500 mg per day respectively for 12 weeks. Changes of FMD and EPCs number after 12-week intervention were the primary endpoints.

31 patients were initially enrolled and randomized to saxagliptin group (n=16) and metformin group (n=15). 27 patients completed the trial (saxagliptin group n=14 and metformin group n=13), and 4 patients dropped out during the study. FMD and EPCs number increased significantly in both saxagliptin group and metformin group, and there was no significant difference between groups. 2-h postprandial plasma glucose, HbA1c and diastolic blood pressure improved significantly in both groups, and there was no significant difference between groups.

Saxagliptin and metformin had comparable beneficial effects on endothelial function.
Influence of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents on HbA1c and Fructosamine in Patients with Haemodialysis
Authors: Rasche Franz , Ebert Thomas , Beckmann Julia , Busch Volker , Barinka Filip , Rasche Wilma , Lindner Tom , Schneider Jochen , Schiekofer Stephan
Published: April 2017

HbA1c is the most accepted laboratory parameter for the long term observation of glucose control. There is still much of a debate about the use of HbA1c as a metabolic indicator in diabetic patients (DM) on haemodialysis (HD) and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy because of the altered erythrocyte turn over in patients with chronic kidney disease and haemodialysis (CKD5D).

In 102 CKD5 patients with and without diabetes mellitus, we examined the dose dependent variability in HbA1c and fructosamine levels under haemodialysis and treated with epoetin α (n=48) and a new generation agent with continuous stimulation of methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta (C.E.R.A.; n=54).

HbA1c levels were affected by therapy with ESA treatments. ESA dose was inversely correlated with HbA1c and an escalation of 10.000 IU per week induced an estimated decrease of HbA1c of 0.6 percent. In addition, the increase of reticulocyte number as a marker for erythropoiesis was significantly inversely correlated with the increase of ΔHbA1c. ESA treatments had no such effect on the alternative metabolic parameter fructosamine. When compared, both therapeutic agents had comparable success in attaining haemoglobin (Hb) target values. C.E.R.A. showed better correlation and was more effective over a longer dose interval.

Our results show that HbA1c levels in patients should be carefully interpreted based on interfering factors. Nevertheless, HbA1c is currently the most consistent parameter for use ascertaining metabolic status of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.
Type 2 Diabetes is Associated with Lower Cardiorespiratory Fitness Independent of Pulmonary Function in Severe Obesity
Authors: Wilms Britta , Ernst Barbara , Thurnheer Martin , Spengler Christina , Schultes Bernd
Published: April 2017

Both severe obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are associated with reduced pulmonary function and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. We investigated whether T2DM further aggravates the impaired pulmonary function and cardiorespiratory fitness in subjects with severe obesity.

In this cross-sectional study pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume within 1 s, FEV1; vital capacity, VC) was assessed in 65 severely obese subjects with T2DM (T2DM group) and 65 severely obese subjects without T2DM (non-T2DM group), pairwise matched for sex, age, weight, and height. In 30 of the matched pairs, cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by an incremental bicycle test (peak workload, Wpeak, oxygen uptake, V̇O2,peak).

FEV1 and VC did not differ between the T2DM and non-T2DM group (all p≥0.110), whereas Wpeak and V̇O2,peak - absolute values as well as relative to body mass - were significantly lower in subjects with T2DM compared to those without T2DM (all p≤0.030). Objective markers of maximal exertion, i. e., maximal heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio, did not differ between the 2 groups (both p≥0.245).

The presence of T2DM in subjects with severe obesity is associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness but with no further reduction in pulmonary function compared to subjects with severe obesity but without T2DM. While the cause-effect relationship of this association is not yet clear, these findings highlight the interplay between cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health, even in subjects with severe obesity.
EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Use of Liver Ultrasound Elastography, Update 2017 (Long Version)
Authors: Dietrich Christoph , Bamber Jeffrey , Berzigotti Annalisa , Bota Simona , Cantisani Vito , Castera Laurent , Cosgrove David , Ferraioli Giovanna , Friedrich-Rust Mireen , Gilja Odd , Goertz Ruediger , Karlas Thomas , de Knegt Robert , de Ledinghen Victor , Piscaglia Fabio , Procopet Bogdan , Saftoiu Adrian , Sidhu Paul , Sporea Ioan , Thiele Maja
Published: April 2017

We present here the first update of the 2013 EFSUMB (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology) Guidelines and Recommendations on the clinical use of elastography, focused on the assessment of diffuse liver disease. The first part (long version) of these Guidelines and Recommendations deals with the basic principles of elastography and provides an update of how the technology has changed. The practical advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the techniques are described, and guidance is provided regarding optimization of scanning technique, image display, image interpretation, reporting of data and some of the known image artefacts. The second part provides clinical information about the practical use of elastography equipment and the interpretation of results in the assessment of diffuse liver disease and analyzes the main findings based on published studies, stressing the evidence from meta-analyses. The role of elastography in different etiologies of liver disease and in several clinical scenarios is also discussed. All of the recommendations are judged with regard to their evidence-based strength according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. This updated document is intended to act as a reference and to provide a practical guide for both beginners and advanced clinical users.
Methylglyoxal and Advanced Glycation End Products in Patients with Diabetes – What We Know so Far and the Missing Links
Authors: Groener Jan Benedikt , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Cheko Ruan , Kender Zoltan , Zemva Johanna , Kihm Lars , Muckenthaler Martina , Peters Verena , Fleming Thomas , Kopf Stefan , Nawroth Peter P.
Published: April 2017

Hyperglycemia explains the development of late diabetic complications in patients with diabetes type 1 and type 2 only partially. Most therapeutic efforts relying on intensive glucose control failed to decrease the absolute risk for complications by more than 10%, especially in patients with diabetes type 2. Therefore, alternative pathophysiological pathways have to be examined, in order to develop more individualized treatment options for patients with diabetes in the future. One such pathway might be the metabolism of dicarbonyls, among them methylglyoxal and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products. Here we review currently available epidemiological data on dicarbonyls and AGEs in association with human diabetes type 1 and type 2.
Generalized enthalpy based equation of state for multi-component mixtures
Authors: Nayak Bishnupriya , Menon S. V. G.
Published: April 2017

An equation of state using pressure and temperature as independent variables, including non-equilibrium thermal energies of components and explicit accounting of thermal electron effects, is formulated for multi component mixtures. As pressure equilibration is faster in mixtures, this approach is more suited than earlier schemes using Mie-Gruneisen equation of state. Due to the reliance on enthalpy, in lieu of energy, it is directly applicable also to treat porosity effects. The formulation leads to an expression for mixture volume which consists of a term depended on enthalpy differences of components, in addition to those depending on average mixture parameters. A method to estimate non-equilibrium thermal effects, using component Hugoniot to compute non-equilibrium temperatures, is also proposed in this work. Results obtained for two and three component mixtures compare well with experimental Hugoniot data.
Mapping the conformational free energy of aspartic acid in the gas phase and in aqueous solution
Authors: Comitani Federico , Rossi Kevin , Ceriotti Michele , Sanz M. Eugenia , Molteni Carla
Published: April 2017

The conformational free energy landscape of aspartic acid, a proteogenic amino acid involved in a wide variety of biological functions, was investigated as an example of the complexity that multiple rotatable bonds produce even in relatively simple molecules. To efficiently explore such a landscape, this molecule was studied in the neutral and zwitterionic forms, in the gas phase and in water solution, by means of molecular dynamics and the enhanced sampling method metadynamics with classical force-fields. Multi-dimensional free energy landscapes were reduced to bi-dimensional maps through the non-linear dimensionality reduction algorithm sketch-map to identify the energetically stable conformers and their interconnection paths. Quantum chemical calculations were then performed on the minimum free energy structures. Our procedure returned the low energy conformations observed experimentally in the gas phase with rotational spectroscopy [M. E. Sanz et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 12, 3573 (2010)]. Moreover, it provided information on higher energy conformers not accessible to experiments and on the conformers in water. The comparison between different force-fields and quantum chemical data highlighted the importance of the underlying potential energy surface to accurately capture energy rankings. The combination of force-field based metadynamics, sketch-map analysis, and quantum chemical calculations was able to produce an exhaustive conformational exploration in a range of significant free energies that complements the experimental data. Similar protocols can be applied to larger peptides with complex conformational landscapes and would greatly benefit from the next generation of accurate force-fields.
Longitudinally excited N2 laser with large-diameter discharge tube
Authors: Tsushima Hiroaki , Uno Kazuyuki , Akitsu Tetsuya , Jitsuno Takahisa
Published: April 2017

To realize an ultraviolet laser with high beam quality and high output power, we are developing a master oscillator power amplifier system for a longitudinally excited gas laser. In this system, high beam quality is produced by an oscillator stage, and high output power is produced by an amplifier stage. Here, the beam profile of the longitudinally excited gas N2 laser had a quasi-Gaussian shape when using a large-diameter discharge tube, which enabled the use of the amplifier stage. The discharge tube consisted of a dielectric pipe with an inner diameter of 14 mm and a length of 30 cm. The discharge tube was covered with a metallic tube for pre-ionization. The strength and spatial distribution of pre-ionization were optimized by adjusting the gap between the metallic tube and the discharge tube. The uniform discharge achieved by controlling the pre-ionization produced a quasi-Gaussian laser beam profile with a correlation factor of 0.99513, a laser pulse energy of 343 μJ, and an input energy of 2.95 J.
New method of extracting information of arterial oxygen saturation based on ∑|𝚫|
Authors: Dai Wenting , Lin Ling , Li Gang
Published: April 2017

Noninvasive detection of oxygen saturation with near-infrared spectroscopy has been widely used in clinics. In order to further enhance its detection precision and reliability, this paper proposes a method of time domain absolute difference summation (∑|Δ|) based on a dynamic spectrum. In this method, the ratio of absolute differences between intervals of two differential sampling points at the same moment on logarithm photoplethysmography signals of red and infrared light was obtained in turn, and then they obtained a ratio sequence which was screened with a statistical method. Finally, use the summation of the screened ratio sequence as the oxygen saturation coefficient Q. We collected 120 reference samples of SpO2 and then compared the result of two methods, which are ∑|Δ| and peak-peak. Average root-mean-square errors of the two methods were 3.02% and 6.80%, respectively, in the 20 cases which were selected randomly. In addition, the average variance of Q of the 10 samples, which were obtained by the new method, reduced to 22.77% of that obtained by the peak-peak method. Comparing with the commercial product, the new method makes the results more accurate. Theoretical and experimental analysis indicates that the application of the ∑|Δ| method could enhance the precision and reliability of oxygen saturation detection in real time.
Electronic and vibrational second hyperpolarizabilities of (MgO)n clusters
Authors: Feitoza Luan , Castro Marcos A. , Leão Salviano A. , Fonseca Tertius L.
Published: April 2017

In this work, we report results for the static second hyperpolarizability of magnesium oxide clusters including electronic and vibrational contributions. The comparison between second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory and coupled cluster results to the electronic contribution points out that MP2 is a suitable method to compute this property. When computed at the MP2 level, the electronic contribution per atom converges to approximately 5000 a.u. Vibrational corrections were computed at the MP2 level through the perturbation theoretical method of Bishop and Kirtman. Results obtained showed that the term [α2]0,0 represents around 20% of the electronic counterpart while the term [μβ]0,0 is comparable to it. Modes that contribute significantly to [α2]0,0 are those in which all or part of the bond lengths simultaneously increase and decrease, leading to large polarizability derivatives. In turn, modes that provide relevant contributions to [μβ]0,0 are those in which oxygen anions move in opposite directions to the magnesium cations yielding large derivatives of the dipole moment and first hyperpolarizability.
Impact of plasma parameter on self-organization of electron temperature gradient driven turbulence
Authors: Kawai C. , Idomura Y. , Maeyama S. , Ogawa Y.
Published: April 2017

Self-organization in the slab electron temperature gradient driven (ETG) turbulence is investigated based on gyrokinetic simulations and the Hasegawa-Mima (HM) equation. The scale and the anisotropy of self-organized turbulent structures vary depending on the Rhines scale and the characteristic scale given by the adiabatic response term in the HM equation. The former is determined by competition between the linear wave dispersion and the nonlinear turbulent cascade, while the latter is given as the scale, at which the turbulent cascade is impeded. These scales are controlled by plasma parameters such as the density and temperature gradient, and the temperature ratio of ion to electron. It is found that depending on the plasma parameters, the ETG turbulence shows either isotropic turbulence or zonal flows, which give significantly different transport levels. Although the modulational instability excites zonal modes regardless of the plasma parameters, the final turbulent structure is determined by the self-organization process.
Metal-organic semiconductor interfacial barrier height determination from internal photoemission signal in spectral response measurements
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Iyer S. Sundar Kumar
Published: April 2017

Accurate and convenient evaluation methods of the interfacial barrier ϕb for charge carriers in metal semiconductor (MS) junctions are important for designing and building better opto-electronic devices. This becomes more critical for organic semiconductor devices where a plethora of molecules are in use and standardised models applicable to myriads of material combinations for the different devices may have limited applicability. In this paper, internal photoemission (IPE) from spectral response (SR) in the ultra-violet to near infra-red range of different MS junctions of metal-organic semiconductor-metal (MSM) test structures is used to determine more realistic MS ϕb values. The representative organic semiconductor considered is [6, 6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester, and the metals considered are Al and Au. The IPE signals in the SR measurement of the MSM device are identified and separated before it is analysed to estimate ϕb for the MS junction. The analysis of IPE signals under different bias conditions allows the evaluation of ϕb for both the front and back junctions, as well as for symmetric MSM devices.
Extended optical theorem in isotropic solids and its application to the elastic radiation force
Authors: Leão-Neto J. P. , Lopes J. H. , Silva G. T.
Published: April 2017

In this article, we derive the extended optical theorem for the elastic-wave scattering by a spherical inclusion (with and without absorption) in a solid matrix. This theorem expresses the extinction cross-section, i.e., the time-averaged power extracted from the incoming beam per its intensity, regarding the partial-wave expansion coefficients of the incident and scattered waves. We also establish the connection between the optical theorem and the elastic radiation force by a plane wave in a linear and isotropic solid. We obtain the absorption, scattering, and extinction efficiencies (the corresponding power per characteristic incident intensity per sphere cross-section area) for a plane wave and a spherically focused beam. We discuss to which extent the radiation force theory for plane waves can be used to the focused beam case. Considering an iron sphere embedded in an aluminum matrix, we numerically compute the scattering and elastic radiation force efficiencies. The radiation force on a stainless steel sphere embedded in a tissue-like medium (soft solid) is also computed. In this case, resonances are observed in the force as a function of the sphere size parameter (the wavenumber times the sphere radius). Remarkably, the relative difference between our findings and previous lossless liquid models is about 100% in the long-wavelength limit. Regarding some applications, the obtained results have a direct impact on ultrasound-based elastography techniques and ultrasonic nondestructive testing, as well as implantable devices activated by ultrasound.
A method for direct contact resistance evaluation in low voltage coplanar organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Lai S. , Cosseddu P. , Bonfiglio A.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a method for the extrapolation of contact resistance in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) from a single transfer characteristic curve in the linear regime is proposed. The method, namely DIrect Contact Resistance Extrapolation (DICRE), is based on the idea of making the current dependent only on contact resistance by setting the device in large over-threshold conditions. Constant contact resistance with respect to gate-to-source voltage is considered as an acceptable approximation, as confirmed by other examples in the literature. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by extrapolating the contact resistance of two different OFET structures (self-aligned and not self-aligned) and comparing the results with standard reference techniques, namely the Modified Transmission Line Method (M-TLM) and the Y function method. The results demonstrate that the DICRE method can be applied to low voltage devices without any damage to the gate insulator, even if the applied gate-to-source voltage drop is well beyond the values normally employed for transistor operation. The proposed method allows extrapolating a value of contact resistance comparable with the ones derived by TLM, with restrained variability. Moreover, the capability of properly recognizing the differences in contact resistance values between OFET structures with different features in terms of source/drain-gate overlap is reported. Finally, the possibility of correctly deriving the contact resistance dependence on drain-to-source voltage using DICRE is discussed.
Numerical simulation and analysis of hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition to grow uniform perovskite MAPbI3
Authors: Yang Chongqiu , Simon Terrence , Cui Tianhong
Published: April 2017

Applications of metal halide perovskite have been rapidly developing in recent years. However, very little research focusing on basic growth kinetics of perovskite films can be found in the literature. This paper discusses a hybrid physical-chemical deposition process of planar perovskite films. A 2-D ANSYS Fluent simulation is presented to calculate the heat and mass transfer during the deposition process. An optimized mass flow configuration with a flow resistance imposed by a porous screen is shown to give a uniform distribution of the methylammonium iodide vapor precursor and an even surface deposition rate of perovskite films. Both steady and transient calculations indicate that increasing operating temperature or vessel pressure within certain limits can boost the surface deposition rate of perovskite. Limitations on working pressure are presented for preventing reverse flow into the chamber and associated deterioration of deposition uniformity of the perovskite films.
Planar small-angle x-ray scattering imaging of phantoms and biological samples
Authors: Choi M. , Badano A.
Published: April 2017

Coherent small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) provides molecular and nanometer-scale structural information. By capturing SAXS data at multiple locations across a sample, we obtained planar images and observed improved contrast given by the difference in the material scattering cross sections. We use phantoms made with 3D printing techniques, with tissue-mimicking plastic (PMMA), and with a highly scattering reference material (AgBe), which were chosen because of their well characterized scattering cross section to demonstrate and characterize the planar imaging of a laboratory SAXS system. We measure 1.07 and 2.14 nm−1 angular intensity maps for AgBe, 9.5 nm−1 for PMMA, and 12.3 nm−1 for Veroclear. The planar SAXS images show material discrimination based on their cross sectional features. The image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each q image was dependent on exposure time and x-ray flux. We observed a lower SNR (91 ± 48) at q angles where no characteristic peaks for either material exist. To improve the visualization of the acquired data by utilizing all q-binned data, we describe a weighted-sum presentation method with a priori knowledge of relevant cross sections to improve the SNR (10 000 ± 6400) over the SNR from a single q-image at 1.07 nm−1 (1100 ± 620). In addition, we describe planar SAXS imaging of a mouse brain slice showing differentiation of tissue types as compared to a conventional absorption-based x-ray imaging technique.
Network structure of turbulent premixed flames
Authors: Singh Jasmeet , Belur Vishwanath Rahul , Chaudhuri Swetaprovo , Sujith R. I.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a generalized description of the complex topology of turbulent premixed flames stabilized in a model gas turbine combustor is obtained using network analysis. Networks are created using the visibility algorithm applied to points on the flame edge obtained from Hydroxyl radical (OH)—Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence images of turbulent premixed flames. The network structure thus obtained showed the emergence of a few massively connected nodes which were found to represent the folded regions of the flame front. These nodes, which are called the hubs of the network, are vital for determining the overall structure of the flame front. Degree distribution of the formulated networks is used to characterize the flame-turbulence interaction inherent in the system. Turbulent flame front networks were found to be rigid enough to be unaffected by random perturbations but highly vulnerable towards coordinated removal of hubs or folds. These findings could serve as the first network-analytic approach to characterize turbulence-flame interaction dynamics with the use of a flourishing network theory, which enhances ongoing works based on vortex dynamics, hydrodynamic stability, and thermo-acoustic instability.