bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dihydroartemisinin selectively inhibits PDGFRα-positive ovarian cancer growth and metastasis through inducing degradation of PDGFRα protein
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Ba Qian , Liu Yanling , Yue Qingxi , Chen Peizhan , Li Jingquan , Zhang Haibing , Ying Hao , Ding Qiurong , Song Haiyun , Liu Hong , Zhang Ruiwen , Wang Hui
Published: November 2017

To develop traditional medicines as modern pharmacotherapies, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action can be very helpful. We have recently reported that Artemisinin and its derivatives, which are clinically used anti-malarial drugs, have significant effects against ovarian cancer, but the direct molecular targets and related combination therapy have been unclear. Herein, we report that dihydroartemisinin, one of the most active derivatives of Artemisinin, directly targets platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRα) to inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis. Dihydroartemisinin directly binds to the intercellular domain of PDGFRα, reducing its protein stability by accelerating its ubiquitin-mediated degradation, which further inactivates downstream phosphoinositide 3-Kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and subsequently represses epithelial–mesenchymal transition, inhibiting cell growth and metastasis of PDGFRα-positive ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. A combinational treatment reveals that dihydroartemisinin sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to PDGFR inhibitors. Our clinical study also finds that PDGFRα is overexpressed and positively correlated with high grade and metastasis in human ovarian cancer. Considering that Artemisinin compounds are currently clinically used drugs with favorable safety profiles, the results from this study will potentiate their use in combination with clinically used PDGFRα inhibitors, leading to maximal therapeutic efficacy with minimal adverse effects in PDGFRα-positive cancer patients. These findings also shed high light on future development of novel Artemisinin-based targeted therapy.
New design model for high efficiency cylindrical diffractive microlenses
Authors: Li Ye , Zhao Huan , Feng Sheng-Fei , Ye Jia-Sheng , Wang Xin-Ke , Sun Wen-Feng , Han Peng , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2017

A new model, i.e., the decreasing thickness model (DTM) is proposed and employed for designing the cylindrical diffractive microlenses (CDMs). Focal performances of the designed CDMs are theoretically investigated by solving Maxwell’s equations with the boundary element method. For comparison, the CDMs designed by the traditional equal thickness model (ETM) are also studied. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that focal performances of the designed CDMs are improved a lot via replacing the traditional ETM with the proposed DTM. Concretely, the focal efficiency is heightened and the focal spot size is shrunk. Experimental measurements verify the theoretical simulations well. Especially, the above-mentioned improvements become more prominent for the CDM with a higher numerical aperture.
Calf Circumference as a Novel Tool for Risk of Disability of the Elderly Population
Authors: Sun Yu-Shan , Kao Tung-Wei , Chang Yaw-Wen , Fang Wen-Hui , Wang Chung-Ching , Wu Li-Wei , Yang Hui-Fang , Liaw Fang-Yih , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: November 2017

Disability became increasingly common with age, and crude rates of disability were rising around the globe. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between calf circumference (CC) and disability in the U.S. elderly population. From the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a total of 4,245 participants with an age range of 60–84 years were included. Disability was defined as the total number of difficulties within the following 5 major domains of disability, such as activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, general physical activities, lower extremity mobility, and leisure and social activities. The association between CC and disability was investigated through the regression model adjusted for multiple covariates. According to the fully adjusted model regarding disability, the β coefficients for each quartile of increasing CC were −0.041 for quartile 2 (P = 0.096), −0.060 for quartile 3 (P = 0.027), and −0.073 for quartile 4 (P = 0.026) respectively, compared with lowest quartile. There was a negative association between CC and disability among the elderly population. Calf circumference may be a novel risk assessment for disability of elderly people.
Towards the cell-instructive bactericidal substrate: exploring the combination of nanotopographical features and integrin selective synthetic ligands
Authors: Fraioli Roberta , Tsimbouri Penelope M. , Fisher Leanne E. , Nobbs Angela H. , Su Bo , Neubauer Stefanie , Rechenmacher Florian , Kessler Horst , Ginebra Maria-Pau , Dalby Matthew J. , Manero José M. , Mas-Moruno Carlos
Published: November 2017

Engineering the interface between biomaterials and tissues is important to increase implant lifetime and avoid failures and revision surgeries. Permanent devices should enhance attachment and differentiation of stem cells, responsible for injured tissue repair, and simultaneously discourage bacterial colonization; this represents a major challenge. To take first steps towards such a multifunctional surface we propose merging topographical and biochemical cues on the surface of a clinically relevant material such as titanium. In detail, our strategy combines antibacterial nanotopographical features with integrin selective synthetic ligands that can rescue the adhesive capacity of the surfaces and instruct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) response. To this end, a smooth substrate and two different high aspect ratio topographies have been produced and coated either with an αvβ3-selective peptidomimetic, an α5β1-selective peptidomimetic, or an RGD/PHSRN peptidic molecule. Results showed that antibacterial effects of the substrates could be maintained when tested on pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, functionalization increased MSC adhesion to the surfaces and the αvβ3-selective peptidomimetic-coated nanotopographies promoted osteogenesis. Such a dual physicochemical approach to achieve multifunctional surfaces represents a first step in the design of novel cell-instructive biomaterial surfaces.
Identification of novel genetic loci GAL3ST4 and CHGB involved in susceptibility to leprosy
Authors: Yuan Youhua , You Yuangang , Wen Yan , Liu Jian , Li Huanying , Zhang Yumeng , Wu Nan , Liu Shuang , Zhang Shanshan , Chen Jiazhen , Ai Jingwen , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2017

Leprosy has long been thought to have a strong genetic component, and so far, only positional cloning and genomewide association studies have been used to study the genetic susceptibility to leprosy,while whole exome sequencing (WES) approach has not yet been applied. In this study, we used WES approach on four leprosy patients and four healthy control relatives from two leprosy families. We found three new susceptible loci of leprosy, one in GAL3ST4 and two in CHGB. We went on to validate the findings of WES using 151 leprosy cases and 226 healthy controls by Sanger sequencing. Stratified by gender, GAL3ST4 was found to be the susceptible gene only for the female population, and CHGB48 and CHGB23 were susceptibile to leprosy for the male population, respectively). Moreover, the gene expression levels of the three susceptible loci were measured by real-time PCR after the stimulation by M. leprae antigens in the PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) of 69 healthy people. The results showed that the female subjects with high frequent genotype in GAL3ST4 had a fivefold elevated expression. We suggest the polymorphisms in GAL3ST4 in different population are associated with increased risk of leprosy.
Ellipsoidal mirror for two-dimensional 100-nm focusing in hard X-ray region
Authors: Yumoto Hirokatsu , Koyama Takahisa , Matsuyama Satoshi , Kohmura Yoshiki , Yamauchi Kazuto , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Ohashi Haruhiko
Published: November 2017

Cutting-edge hard X-ray microscopy strongly depends on sophisticated focusing optics and ultrabright X-ray sources at synchrotron-radiation and X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. These facilities typically provide two-dimensional nanofocusing X-ray beams by combining one-dimensional focusing mirrors. However, single-reflecting two-dimensional focusing mirrors with an ellipsoidal surface, which are well-known to possess high efficiency, have limited microfocusing applications. In this paper, we present an ultrahigh-precision ellipsoidal mirror for two-dimensional X-ray nanofocusing by overcoming the difficulties faced in the manufacturing process of its aspherical surface, including the surface-processing methods and surface metrology. The developed mirror has nanoscale accuracy, and it achieves focus size of 85 nm × 125 nm (full width at half maximum) using 7-keV X-rays. Two-dimensional focus was demonstrated in the same focal plane by resolving 50-nm test structures by scanning X-ray microscopy using a focusing beam. These achievements represent an important first step toward realizing two-dimensional aspherical mirrors with complex designs, in addition to ultralow loss and unprecedented small focusing property for extensive optical applications in synchrotron-radiation and XFEL facilities as well as in other scientific fields that require ultraprecision optical surfaces.
Vanillic acid from Actinidia deliciosa impedes virulence in Serratia marcescens by affecting S-layer, flagellin and fatty acid biosynthesis proteins
Authors: Sethupathy Sivasamy , Ananthi Sivagnanam , Selvaraj Anthonymuthu , Shanmuganathan Balakrishnan , Vigneshwari Loganathan , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy , Mahalingam Sundarasamy , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: November 2017

Serratia marcescensis one of the important nosocomial pathogens which rely on quorum sensing (QS) to regulate the production of biofilm and several virulence factors. Hence, blocking of QS has become a promising approach to quench the virulence ofS. marcescens. For the first time, QS inhibitory (QSI) and antibiofilm potential ofActinidia deliciosahave been explored againstS. marcescensclinical isolate (CI).A. deliciosapulp extract significantly inhibited the virulence and biofilm production without any deleterious effect on the growth. Vanillic acid was identified as an active lead responsible for the QSI activity. Addition of vanillic acid to the growth medium significantly affected the QS regulated production of biofilm and virulence factors in a concentration dependent mode inS. marcescensCI, ATCC 14756 and MG1. Furthermore vanillic acid increased the survival ofCaenorhabditis elegansuponS. marcescensinfection. Proteomic analysis and mass spectrometric identification of differentially expressed proteins revealed the ability of vanillic acid to modulate the expression of proteins involved in S-layers, histidine, flagellin and fatty acid production. QSI potential of the vanillic acid observed in the current study paves the way for exploring it as a potential therapeutic candidate to treatS. marcescensinfections.
Publisher Correction: Time dependent decomposition of ammonia borane for the controlled production of 2D hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Babenko Vitaliy , Lane George , Koos Antal A. , Murdock Adrian T. , So Karwei , Britton Jude , Meysami Seyyed Shayan , Moffat Jonathan , Grobert Nicole
Published: November 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Developing a Machine Learning System for Identification of Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease from Electronic Medical Record Data
Authors: Liu Guangjian , Xu Yi , Wang Xinming , Zhuang Xutian , Liang Huiying , Xi Yun , Lin Fangqin , Pan Liyan , Zeng Taishan , Li Huixian , Cao Xiaojun , Zhao Gansen , Xia Huimin
Published: November 2017

Children of severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) often present with same clinical features as those of mild HFMD during the early stage, yet later deteriorate rapidly with a fulminant disease course. Our goal was to: (1) develop a machine learning system to automatically identify cases with high risk of severe HFMD at the time of admission; (2) compare the effectiveness of the new system with the existing risk scoring system. Data on 2,532 HFMD children admitted between March 2012 and July 2015, were collected retrospectively from a medical center in China. By applying a holdout strategy and a 10-fold cross validation method, we developed four models with the random forest algorithm using different variable sets. The prediction system HFMD-RF based on the model of 16 variables from both the structured and unstructured data, achieved 0.824 sensitivity, 0.931 specificity, 0.916 accuracy, and 0.916 area under the curve in the independent test set. Most remarkably, HFMD-RF offers significant gains with respect to the commonly used pediatric critical illness score in clinical practice. As all the selected risk factors can be easily obtained, HFMD-RF might prove to be useful for reductions in mortality and complications of severe HFMD.
Twitter-derived neighborhood characteristics associated with obesity and diabetes
Authors: Nguyen Quynh C. , Brunisholz Kimberly D. , Yu Weijun , McCullough Matt , Hanson Heidi A. , Litchman Michelle L. , Li Feifei , Wan Yuan , VanDerslice James A. , Wen Ming , Smith Ken R.
Published: November 2017

Neighborhood characteristics are increasingly connected with health outcomes. Social processes affect health through the maintenance of social norms, stimulation of new interests, and dispersal of knowledge. We created zip code level indicators of happiness, food, and physical activity culture from geolocated Twitter data to examine the relationship between these neighborhood characteristics and obesity and diabetes diagnoses (Type 1 and Type 2). We collected 422,094 tweets sent from Utah between April 2015 and March 2016. We leveraged administrative and clinical records on 1.86 million individuals aged 20 years and older in Utah in 2015. Individuals living in zip codes with the greatest percentage of happy and physically-active tweets had lower obesity prevalence—accounting for individual age, sex, nonwhite race, Hispanic ethnicity, education, and marital status, as well as zip code population characteristics. More happy tweets and lower caloric density of food tweets in a zip code were associated with lower individual prevalence of diabetes. Results were robust in sibling random effects models that account for family background characteristics shared between siblings. Findings suggest the possible influence of sociocultural factors on individual health. The study demonstrates the utility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing big data sources to conduct population health studies.
Discovery of High-Affinity PDGF-VEGFR Interactions: Redefining RTK Dynamics
Authors: Mamer Spencer B. , Chen Si , Weddell Jared C. , Palasz Alexandra , Wittenkeller Ashley , Kumar Manu , Imoukhuede P. I.
Published: November 2017

Nearly all studies of angiogenesis have focused on uni-family ligand-receptor binding, e.g., VEGFs bind to VEGF receptors, PDGFs bind to PDGF receptors, etc. The discovery of VEGF-PDGFRs binding challenges this paradigm and calls for investigation of other ligand-receptor binding possibilities. We utilized surface plasmon resonance to identify and measure PDGF-to-VEGFR binding rates, establishing cut-offs for binding and non-binding interactions. We quantified the kinetics of the recent VEGF-A:PDGFRβ interaction for the first time with KD = 340 pM. We discovered new PDGF:VEGFR2 interactions with PDGF-AA:R2 KD = 530 nM, PDGF-AB:R2 KD = 110 pM, PDGF-BB:R2 KD = 40 nM, and PDGF-CC:R2 KD = 70 pM. We computationally predict that cross-family PDGF binding could contribute up to 96% of VEGFR2 ligation in healthy conditions and in cancer. Together the identification, quantification, and simulation of these novel cross-family interactions posits new mechanisms for understanding anti-angiogenic drug resistance and presents an expanded role of growth factor signaling with significance in health and disease.
Involvement of cecropin B in the formation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito cuticle
Authors: Liu Wei-Ting , Tu Wu-Chun , Lin Chao-Hsiung , Yang Ueng-Cheng , Chen Cheng-Chen
Published: November 2017

In this study, we found a mosquito antimicrobial peptide (AMP), Aedes aegypti cecropin B (Aacec B), was expressed constitutively in pupae. Knockdown in the pupae of Aacec B using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) resulted in high mortality, the emergence of deformed adults and an impairment of pharate adult cuticle formation with fewer lamellae being deposited and the helicoidal pattern of the chitin microfibrils being disorganized. Simultaneous injection of Aacec B dsRNA and Aacec B peptide into pupae significantly reduced this mortality and no deformed adults then emerged. The expression levels of Ae. aegypti prophenoloxidase (AaPPO) 3 and AaPPO 4 were significantly reduced in the Aacec B knockdown pupae. Exogenous Aacec B peptide significantly enhanced the transcription of AaPPO 3 in pupae. Knockdown of AaPPO 3 in pupae caused effects similar to Aacec B-knockdown. The Aacec B peptide could be detected in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of pupal cells and was able to bind to the TTGG(A/C)A motif in AaPPO 3 DNA both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that Aacec B plays a crucial role in pharate adult cuticle formation via the regulation of AaPPO 3 gene expression in pupae.
Unraveling the molecular mechanism of photosynthetic toxicity of highly fluorescent silver nanoclusters to Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Zhang Li , Goswami Nirmal , Xie Jianping , Zhang Bo , He Yiliang
Published: November 2017

While the discovery of numerous attractive properties of silver at the nanoscale has increased their demand in many sectors including medicine, optics, sensing, painting and cosmetics, it has also raised wide public concerns about their effect on living organisms in aquatic environment. Despite the continuous effort to understand the various aspects of the toxicity of silver nanomaterials, the molecular level understanding on their cytotoxicity mechanism to biological organisms has remained unclear. Herein, we demonstrated the underlying mechanism of the photosynthetic toxicity against green algae namely, Scenedesmus obliquus by using an emerging silver nanomaterial, called silver nanoclusters (defined as r-Ag NCs). By exploiting the unique fluorescence properties of r-Ag NCs along with various other analytical/biological tools, we proposed that the photosynthetic toxicity of r-Ag NCs was largely attributed to the “joint-toxicity” effect of particulate form of r-Ag NCs and its released Ag+, which resulted in the disruption of the electron transport chain of light reaction and affected the content of key enzymes (RuBP carboxylase/ oxygenase) of Calvin cycle of algae cells. We believe that the present study can also be applied to the assessment of the ecological risk derived from other metal nanoparticles.
Cooperative function of Fmp30, Mdm31, and Mdm32 in Ups1-independent cardiolipin accumulation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Miyata Non , Goda Naoto , Matsuo Keiji , Hoketsu Takeshi , Kuge Osamu
Published: November 2017

Cardiolipin (CL) is synthesized from phosphatidic acid (PA) through a series of enzymatic reactions occurring at the mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM). Ups1-Mdm35 mediates PA transfer from the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) to the MIM in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Deletion of UPS1 leads to a ~80% decrease in the cellular CL level. However, the CL accumulation in ups1∆ cells is enhanced by the depletion of Ups2, which forms a protein complex with Mdm35 and mediates phosphatidylserine (PS) transfer from the MOM to the MIM for phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) synthesis by a PS decarboxylase, Psd1. In this study, we found that the accumulation of CL in ups1∆ cells was enhanced by deletion of not only UPS2, but also PSD1 and CHO1 encoding a PS synthase, suggesting that low PE levels in mitochondria were relevant to the enhancement of CL accumulation in ups1∆ cells. Furthermore, the Ups1-independent and low-level PE-enhanced CL accumulation was shown to depend on the functions of FMP30, MDM31, and MDM32. In addition, the physical interactions of Fmp30 with Mdm31 and Mdm32 were revealed. Thus, when the mitochondrial PE level is reduced, Fmp30, Mdm31, and Mdm32 seem to function cooperatively for the accumulation of CL in a UPS1-independent manner.
Electronic Health Record Driven Prediction for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Qiu Hang , Yu Hai-Yan , Wang Li-Ya , Yao Qiang , Wu Si-Nan , Yin Can , Fu Bo , Zhu Xiao-Juan , Zhang Yan-Long , Xing Yong , Deng Jun , Yang Hao , Lei Shun-Dong
Published: November 2017

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is conventionally confirmed with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 24 to 28 weeks of gestation, but it is still uncertain whether it can be predicted with secondary use of electronic health records (EHRs) in early pregnancy. To this purpose, the cost-sensitive hybrid model (CSHM) and five conventional machine learning methods are used to construct the predictive models, capturing the future risks of GDM in the temporally aggregated EHRs. The experimental data sources from a nested case-control study cohort, containing 33,935 gestational women in West China Second Hospital. After data cleaning, 4,378 cases and 50 attributes are stored and collected for the data set. Through selecting the most feasible method, the cost parameter of CSHM is adapted to deal with imbalance of the dataset. In the experiment, 3940 samples are used for training and the rest 438 samples for testing. Although the accuracy of positive samples is barely acceptable (62.16%), the results suggest that the vast majority (98.4%) of those predicted positive instances are real positives. To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply machine learning models with EHRs to predict GDM, which will facilitate personalized medicine in maternal health management in the future.
Clonal evolution and antigen recognition of anti-nuclear antibodies in acute systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sakakibara Shuhei , Arimori Takao , Yamashita Kazuo , Jinzai Hideyuki , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Li Songling , Takeda Kazuya , Katayama Jun , El Hussien Marwa Ali , Narazaki Masashi , Tanaka Toshio , Standley Daron M. , Takagi Junichi , Kikutani Hitoshi
Published: November 2017

The evolutional process of disease-associated autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains to be established. Here we show intraclonal diversification and affinity maturation of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)-producing B cells in SLE. We identified a panel of monoclonal ANAs recognizing nuclear antigens, such as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) from acute SLE subjects. These ANAs had relatively few, but nonetheless critical mutations. High-throughput immunoglobulin sequencing of blood lymphocytes disclosed the existence of sizable ANA lineages shearing critical mutations intraclonally. We further focused on anti-DNA antibodies, which are capable to bind to both single-stranded (ss) and dsDNA at high affinity. Crystal structure and biochemical analysis confirmed a direct role of the mutations in the acquisition of DNA reactivity and also revealed that these anti-DNA antibodies recognized an unpaired region within DNA duplex. Our study unveils the unique properties of high-affinity anti-DNA antibodies that are generated through antigen-driven affinity maturation in acute phase of SLE.
Identification of genes expressed in a mesenchymal subset regulating prostate organogenesis using tissue and single cell transcriptomics
Authors: Boufaied Nadia , Nash Claire , Rochette Annie , Smith Anthony , Orr Brigid , Grace O. Cathal , Wang Yu Chang , Badescu Dunarel , Ragoussis Jiannis , Thomson Axel A.
Published: November 2017

Prostate organogenesis involves epithelial growth controlled by inductive signalling from specialised mesenchymal subsets. To identify pathways active in mesenchyme we used tissue and single cell transcriptomics to define mesenchymal subsets and subset-specific transcript expression. We documented transcript expression using Tag-seq and RNA-seq in female rat Ventral Mesenchymal Pad (VMP) as well as adjacent urethra comprised of smooth muscle and peri-urethral mesenchyme. Transcripts enriched in female VMP were identified with Tag-seq of microdissected tissue, RNA-seq of cell populations, and single cells. We identified 400 transcripts as enriched in the VMP using bio-informatic comparisons of Tag-seq and RNA-seq data, and 44 were confirmed by single cell RNA-seq. Cell subset analysis showed that VMP and adjacent mesenchyme were composed of distinct cell types and that each tissue contained two subgroups. Markers for these subgroups were highly subset specific. Thirteen transcripts were validated by qPCR to confirm cell specific expression in microdissected tissues, as well as expression in neonatal prostate. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that Ebf3 and Meis2 showed a restricted expression pattern in female VMP and prostate mesenchyme. We conclude that prostate inductive mesenchyme shows limited cellular heterogeneity and that transcriptomic analysis identified new mesenchymal subset transcripts associated with prostate organogenesis.
A PLGA-reinforced PEG in situ gel formulation for improved sustainability of hypoglycaemic activity of glimepiride in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ahmed Osama A. A. , El-Say Khalid M. , Alahdal Abdulrahman M.
Published: November 2017

Glimepiride (GMD) is a third-generation sulfonylurea derivative and one of the top three most-prescribed oral antidiabetic drugs. The need for a depot formulation exists, and a safe and effective antidiabetic therapy is the goal of this study. The aims were to design a depot in situ gel (ISG) formulation and investigate the main factors that control the initial burst and sustain the GMD effect using the Box-Behnken design. The studied factors were polymer percent (X1), plasticizer percent (X2) and benzyl benzoate percent in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (X3). The results revealed that X2 is the only factor that showed significant effects on all investigated responses. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that an increase in PEG % improved the smoothness and reduced the porosity of the ISG formulation surface. The GMD plasma levels in diabetic rats revealed no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the maximum GMD plasma concentrations of the optimized GMD-ISG formula (10 mg/ kg) and oral marketed GMD tablets (1 mg/kg). This result ensures that the optimized formula does not exceed the maximum safe plasma concentration. In addition, the optimized GMD-ISG formulation showed a depot effect that lasted for 14 days post-injection. This approach to controlling GMD release using an in situ forming system could be useful for improving patient compliance and diabetes treatment effectiveness.
Preparation of ZnS@In2S3 Core@shell Composite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Gaseous o-Dichlorobenzene under Visible Light
Authors: Liu Baojun , Hu Xia , Li Xinyong , Li Ying , Chen Chang , Lam Kwok-ho
Published: November 2017

In this study, novel ZnS@In2S3 core@shell hollow nanospheres were fabricated by a facile refluxing method for the first time, and the formation mechanism of hollow structure with interior architecture was discussed based on ion-exchange Ostwald ripening. As the photocatalytic material for degradation of gaseous o-Dichlorobenzene (o-DCB), the as-synthesized core@shell hollow nanospheres were found to show significantly enhanced catalytic performance for effective separation of photo-generated charges. Moreover, the mechanisms of enhanced activity were elucidated by band alignment and unique configuration. Such photocatalyst would meet the demands for the control of persistent organic pollutant (POPs) in the atmospheric environment.
Structure of Respiratory Complex I: “Minimal” Bacterial and “De luxe” Mammalian Versions
Authors: Sazanov Leonid A.
Published: November 2017

Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) plays a central role in cellular energy generation, contributing to the proton motive force used to produce ATP. It couples the transfer of two electrons between NADH and quinone to translocation of four protons across the membrane. It is the largest protein assembly of bacterial and mitochondrial respiratory chains, composed, in mammals, of up to 45 subunits with a total molecular weight of ∼1 MDa. Bacterial enzyme is about half the size, providing the important “minimal” model of complex I. The l-shaped complex consists of a hydrophilic arm, where electron transfer occurs, and a membrane arm, where proton translocation takes place. Previously, we have solved the crystal structures of the hydrophilic domain of complex I from Thermus thermophilus and of the membrane domain from Escherichia coli, followed by the atomic structure of intact, entire complex I from T. thermophilus. Recently, we have solved by cryo-EM a first complete atomic structure of mammalian (ovine) mitochondrial complex I. Core subunits are well conserved from the bacterial version, whilst supernumerary subunits form an interlinked, stabilizing shell around the core. Subunits containing additional cofactors, including Zn ion, NADPH and phosphopantetheine, probably have regulatory roles. Dysfunction of mitochondrial complex I is implicated in many human neurodegenerative diseases. The structure of mammalian enzyme provides many insights into complex I mechanism, assembly, maturation and dysfunction, allowing detailed molecular analysis of disease-causing mutations.
The Na+-Translocating NADH: Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR)
Authors: Mezic Katherine , Murai Masatoshi , Miyoshi Hideto , Barquera Blanca
Published: November 2017

The Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is a unique prokaryotic respiratory enzyme that couples the oxidation of NADH and the reduction of quinone to the selective pumping of Na+ across the cell membrane. Na+-NQR plays a key role in the energetics of marine and pathogenic bacteria, where it functions as the entrance of the respiratory chain. Na+-NQR is the only respiratory enzyme that creates a Na+ gradient, used by the cells to transport nutrients, secrete toxins and antibiotics, and to maintain ion homeostasis. In this chapter, we review the unique properties of Na+-NQR in terms of its redox cofactors and substrates, the electron transfer reactions, the translocation of Na+ and the coupling between these two reactions. We also compare biochemical data with the recently published structure of the enzyme. Finally, we summarize the questions that are of the greatest current interest in studying this fascinating complex.
The bc
1 Complex: A Physicochemical Retrospective and an Atomistic Prospective
Authors: Crofts Antony R. , Wilson Charles A. , Rose Stuart W. , Dikanov Sergei A. , Burton Rodney L.
Published: November 2017

Although the bc1 complex is dimeric, the modified Q-cycle explains the behavior in normal forward flux through a monomeric mechanism. However, the need to minimize generation of reactive oxygen species raise questions about complexities associated with control and gating, the role of the dimeric configuration, complex dynamics (the Qo-site ballet), and involvement of atomistic processes are not readily accessible to direct study. Interactions across the dimer interface, a chemical spring-loaded ratchet, complexation of the intermediate semiquinone by ISPH to reduce reactivity with O2, and coulombic gating, are reviewed in the context of direct measurements of proton release, and further exploration through computational approaches using molecular dynamics supplemented by quantum chemical calculations to quantify atomistic features, in a new model of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides complex.
Computational Means of Assessing Proton Pumping in Cytochrome c Oxidase (Complex IV)
Authors: Swanson Jessica M. J.
Published: November 2017

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is a paradigmatic proton pump that has fascinated the bioenergetic community for over four decades. As the terminal enzyme in the respiratory chain, CcO catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to water and simultaneously moves protons across the mitochondrial or bacterial membrane to create a transmembrane proton gradient that is essential for ATP synthesis. In this chapter, we describe how computer modelling and simulations have been used to help explain the chemical and proton pumping mechanisms in CcO. Particular attention is given to the insights gleaned from explicit simulations of proton translocation, to the coupled role of hydration dynamics, and to the kinetic gates that enable proton pumping, even in the presence of a transmembrane electrochemical gradient.
Water Oxidation by PSII: A Quantum Chemical Approach
Authors: Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: November 2017

The present status of the understanding of water oxidation in photosystem II is reviewed, with special emphasis on theoretical modeling. It is shown that most of the important questions have now been answered. Structures for the intermediate S0 to S3 states of the oxygen evolving complex have been obtained with detailed agreement between theory and experiments. An O–O bond formation mechanism involving an oxygen radical attack on a bridging oxo bond, the oxyl-oxo mechanism, has so far stood all tests by model calculations and spectroscopy. A reasonable understanding of the role of calcium in the OEC and of the Tyrz cofactor has also been obtained. A few minor remaining questions are also discussed.
Respiratory Supercomplexes in Mitochondria
Authors: Lenaz Giorgio , Tioli Gaia , Falasca Anna Ida , Genova Maria Luisa
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the supramolecular organization of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Clear experimental evidence has ascertained that the major respiratory complexes involved in energy conservation are assembled as supramolecular units (supercomplexes, or SCs) in stoichiometric ratios. The functional role of SCs is less well defined, and still open to discussions and controversies. Several lines of evidence are presented favouring the concept that electron transfer from Complex I to Complex III is operated by channelling of electrons through Coenzyme Q molecules bound to the SC I+III, in contrast with the alternative hypothesis that the transfer of reducing equivalents from Complex I to Complex III occurs via random diffusion of the Coenzyme Q molecules in the lipid bilayer. On the contrary, electron transfer from Complex III to Complex IV seems to operate, at least in mammals, by random diffusion of cytochrome c molecules between the respiratory complexes even if associated in SCs. Furthermore, another property provided by the supercomplex assembly is the control of generation of reactive oxygen species by Complex I. The chapter also discusses the physiological and pathological implications of the supercomplex assembly of the respiratory chain.
An imidazolium-functionalized mesoporous cationic metal–organic framework for cooperative CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonate
Authors: Liang Jun , Xie Ya-Qiang , Wang Xu-Sheng , Wang Qiang , Liu Tao-Tao , Huang Yuan-Biao , Cao Rong
Published: November 2017

A mesoporous cationic Cr-based metal–organic framework (MOF), FJI-C10, has been obtained and exhibited excellent performances in chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates under co-catalyst free and mild conditions.
Filament dynamics in confined chemical gardens and in filiform corrosion
Authors: Brau Fabian , Haudin Florence , Thouvenel-Romans Stephanie , De Wit Anne , Steinbock Oliver , Cardoso Silvana S. S. , Cartwright Julyan H. E.
Published: November 2017

Once rescaled by the preferred wavenumber ω* of the curvature power spectrum, both filiform corrosion and chemical garden filaments display similar dynamics.
Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory studies of (FeS)mH−(m= 2–4) cluster anions: effects of the single hydrogen
Authors: Yin Shi , Bernstein Elliot R.
Published: November 2017

Single hydrogen containing iron hydrosulfide cluster anions (FeS)mH−(m= 2–4) are studied by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) at 3.492 eV (355 nm) and 4.661 eV (266 nm) photon energies, and by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.
Nitrification in a soil-aquifer treatment system: comparison of potential nitrification and concentration profiles in the vadose zone
Authors: Sopilniak Alexander , Elkayam Roy , Lev Ovadia
Published: November 2017

The oxidation of ammonium in the vadose zone of soil aquifer systems is discussed and examined by detailed analysis of the depth profiles of dissolved oxygen, nitrate and ammonium concentrations in the vadose zone of a soil-aquifer treatment (SAT) system of a municipal wastewater treatment system of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
Sensing of Ce(iii) using di-naphthoylated oxacalix[4]areneviarealistic simulations and experimental studies
Authors: Panchal Manthan , Kongor Anita , Athar Mohd , Mehta Viren , Jha P. C. , Jain V. K.
Published: November 2017

Here, we report a fluorescent sensor for the detection of Ce(iii) using di-naphthoylated oxacalix[4]arene (DNOC).
Dual redox-responsive PEG–PPS–cRGD self-crosslinked nanocapsules for targeted chemotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Li Yunxia , Wang Jiexin , Qi Shengpei , Song Xiaoqing , Tao Cheng , Le Yuan , Wen Ning , Chen Jianfeng
Published: November 2017

A multifunctional branched copolymer, PEG–PPS–cRGD, was designed for developing dual redox-responsive self-crosslinked nanocapsules for targeted chemotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma.
Reply to the ‘Comments on “Experimental and theoretical studies of the nanostructured {Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3Im}C(CN)3catalyst for 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine preparationviaan anomeric based oxidation”,RSC Adv., 2016,6, 50100–50111, and “The first computational study for the oxidative aromatization of pyrazolines and 1,4-dihydropyridines using 1,2,4-triazolinediones: an anomeric-based oxidation”,RSC Adv., 2016,6, 102280–102291’ by S. Salehzadeh,RSC Adv., 2017,7, 39704–39707, DOI: 10.1039/c6ra27033f
Authors: Taherpour Avat (Arman) , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2017

This response to Dr Salehzadeh’s comments on the papers mentioned in the title contains the comments where they have mentioned disagreement with basic chemistry concepts.
Sodium-alginate biopolymer as a template for the synthesis of nontoxic red emitting Mn2+-doped CdS nanoparticles
Authors: Kuzmanović M. , Božanić D. K. , Milivojević D. , Ćulafić D. Mitić , Stanković S. , Ballesteros C. , Gonzalez-Benito J.
Published: November 2017

Structural and optical characteristics of manganese doped cadmium sulfide nanoparticles prepared by in situ chemical synthesis using biocompatible Na-alginate biopolymer as a template is reported.
An economic analysis of rice straw microwave pyrolysis for hydrogen-rich fuel gas
Authors: Li Xuhui , Li Kunquan , Geng Chunlei , Mashad Hamed El , Li Hua , Yin Wenqing
Published: November 2017

Rice straw is an abundant biomass resource, and it can produce hydrogen-rich fuel gas through microwave pyrolysis, so it has many potential applications.
High open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current flexible polymer solar cells using ternary blends and ultrathin Ag-based transparent electrodes
Authors: Liu Quan , Toudert Johann , Ciammaruchi Laura , Martínez-Denegri Guillermo , Martorell Jordi
Published: November 2017

An optical strategy to design and fabricate ultrathin Ag-based transparent electrodes is developed for high-performance flexible polymer solar cells with robust mechanical stability.
Sponge-like quaternary ammonium-based poly(ionic liquid)s for high CO2 capture and efficient cycloaddition under mild conditions
Authors: Xie Yaqiang , Sun Qing , Fu Yawen , Song Lei , Liang Jun , Xu Xun , Wang Hongtao , Li Jianhui , Tu Song , Lu Xin , Li Jun
Published: November 2017

Novel sponge-like ammonium-based PILs with rich exposed anion, excellent textural properties, and CO2 adsorption were prepared for efficient CO2 cycloaddition.
Infalling groups and galaxy transformations in the cluster A2142
Authors: Einasto Maret , Deshev Boris , Lietzen Heidi , Kipper Rain , Tempel Elmo , Park Changbom , Gramann Mirt , Heinämäki Pekka , Saar Enn , Einasto Jaan
Published: November 2017

Context.Superclusters of galaxies provide dynamical environments for the study of the formation and evolution of structures in the cosmic web from galaxies, to the richest galaxy clusters, and superclusters themselves.

Aims.We study galaxy populations and search for possible merging substructures in the rich galaxy cluster A2142 in the collapsing core of the supercluster SCl A2142, which may give rise to radio and X-ray structures in the cluster, and affect galaxy properties of this cluster.

Methods.We used normal mixture modelling to select substructure of the cluster A2142. We compared alignments of the cluster, its brightest galaxies (hereafter BCGs), subclusters, and supercluster axes. The projected phase space (PPS) diagram and clustercentric distributions are used to analyse the dynamics of the cluster and study the distribution of various galaxy populations in the cluster and subclusters.

Results.We find several infalling galaxy groups and subclusters. The cluster, supercluster, BCGs, and one infalling subcluster are all aligned. Their orientation is correlated with the alignment of the radio and X-ray haloes of the cluster. Galaxy populations in the main cluster and in the outskirts subclusters are different. Galaxies in the centre of the main cluster at the clustercentric distances 0.5 h−1Mpc (Dc∕Rvir< 0.5,Rvir= 0.9 h−1Mpc) have older stellar populations (with the median age of 10−11 Gyr) than galaxies at larger clustercentric distances. Star-forming and recently quenched galaxies are located mostly at the clustercentric distancesDc≈ 1.8 h−1Mpc, where subclusters fall into the cluster and the properties of galaxies change rapidly. In this region the median age of stellar populations of galaxies is about 2 Gyr. Galaxies in A2142 on average have higher stellar masses, lower star formation rates, and redder colours than galaxies in rich groups. The total mass in infalling groups and subclusters isM≈ 6 × 1014h−1M⊙, that is approximately half of the mass of the cluster. This mass is sufficient for the mass growth of the cluster from redshiftz= 0.5 (half-mass epoch) to the present.

Conclusions.Our analysis suggests that the cluster A2142 has formed as a result of past and present mergers and infallen groups, predominantly along the supercluster axis. Mergers cause complex radio and X-ray structure of the cluster and affect the properties of galaxies in the cluster, especially at the boundaries of the cluster in the infall region. Explaining the differences between galaxy populations, mass, and richness of A2142, and other groups and clusters may lead to better insight about the formation and evolution of rich galaxy clusters.
Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of trans-Dihydronarciclasine Analogues
Authors: Kádas István , Varró Gábor , Mattyasovszky Lenke , Grün Alajos , Simon András , Hegedűs László
Published: November 2017

Several new trans-dihydronarciclasine analogues were stereo­selectively synthesised by applying our feasible and efficient process developed recently. These new phenanthridone alkaloid derivatives were obtained in both racemic and optically active forms. During their enantioselective syntheses, high selectivities (up to 99% ee) were achieved by using (8S,9S)-9-amino(9-deoxy)epiquinine as an organocatalyst. The modifications, the introduction of ethoxy or methoxy groups, were made in ring A of the phenanthridone scaffold.
Wenn der Puls rast
Authors: Reuter Janine
Published: November 2017

Interventionskoffer, die Elfte Erinnern Sie sich noch an Ihre erste eskalierende Situation auf Station? Wie haben Sie sich dabei
gefühlt? Haben Sie gehofft, dass dieser Moment schnell vorbeigeht? Ähnlich geht es Auszubildenden, die zum ersten Mal mit Akutsituationen
konfrontiert werden. Wie Sie deren Ängste auffangen und sie Schritt für Schritt an den Umgang mit selbst- oder fremdgefährdenden Patienten
heranführen, schildert unsere Autorin anhand eines Fallbeispiels.
Alle Sinne bewegen
Authors: Neumann Julia , Rudolph Jule Marie
Published: November 2017

Demenz Kochen, Backen und Gärtnern berühren eine Vielzahl der Sinne und lösen bei vielen Menschen das Gefühl aus, zu Hause zu sein und
sich wohlzufühlen. Auch Demenzerkrankte sind häufig noch in der Lage, diese Tätigkeiten – unter pflegerischer Anleitung – auszuführen. Ob es
gelingt, ihnen dadurch ein Stück Lebensqualität zurückzugeben, haben unsere Autorinnen in einer systematischen Literaturrecherche
untersucht.
Aufbruch in eine neue Welt
Authors: Wagner-Stramke Christina
Published: November 2017

Bericht einer Zeitzeugin Fast 50 Jahre hat unsere Autorin in der psychiatrischen Pflege gearbeitet. In ihrem sehr persönlichen
Rückblick erzählt sie von den Missständen der Verwahrpsychiatrie in den 1960er-Jahren und erläutert, warum die Psychiatriereform kommen
musste und die sozialpsychiatrische Weiterbildung für sie der Aufbruch in eine neue Welt war.
The Jellyfish Sign: A New Sonographic Cervical Marker to Predict Maternal Morbidity in Abnormally Invasive Placenta Previa
Authors: Bertucci Emma , Sileo Filomena , Grandi Giovanni , Fenu Valentina , Cani Carlotta , Mancini Luciano , Mataca Ema , Facchinetti Fabio
Published: November 2017

Purpose To investigate the value of a new cervical sonographic sign, called the jellyfish sign (JS), for predicting the risk of maternal morbidity in cases of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) previa totalis.

Materials and Methods Retrospective evaluation of transvaginal (TV) and transabdominal (TA) scans performed in all singleton pregnancies with placenta previa totalis. JS, i. e. the absence of the normal linear demarcation between the placenta previa and the cervix, was evaluated by TV scans. The presence/severity of AIP and outcomes of maternal morbidity were related to this sign.

Results JS was noted in 8/39 (20.5 %) patients. The two analyzed groups, i. e. with and without JS, were similar. The specificity of JS in AIP diagnosis, histological findings of accreta/increta/percreta, need for caesarean hysterectomy or blood loss > 2000 ml ranges between 92 % and 96.2 %, with the PPV and NPV ranging between 71.4 % and 85.7 % and 61.3 % and 80.6 %, respectively. The JS group had a significant increase in blood loss (ml) (p = 0.003), transfusions (%) (p = 0.016), red blood cells (p = 0.002) and plasma (p = 0.002), admission to an postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) (%) (p = 0.002), hospitalization length (p < 0.001) and the need of cesarean hysterectomy (%) (p < 0.001). JS was independently correlated to cesarean hysterectomy (OR 25.6; 95 % CI 2.0:322.3, p = 0.012) and blood loss > 2000 ml (OR 16.6; 95 % CI 1.5:180.1, p = 0.021) also in a logistic regression model.

Conclusion JS is useful in predicting the increase in maternal morbidity: massive transfusion, admission to the ICU and cesarean hysterectomy related to intraoperative bleeding in patients with a previa AIP.
Macht über Leben und Tod
Authors: Lilienthal Georg
Published: November 2017

Psychiatrie im Nationalsozialismus Mit Beginn des Zweiten Weltkriegs eskalierte die Verfolgung psychisch kranker und geistig
behinderter Menschen zum Massenmord. Die an den Patientenmorden beteiligten Ärzte und Pflegekräfte verrichteten ihren Dienst routiniert und
im Bewusstsein der Macht über Leben und Tod. Ein Rückblick auf das vermutlich dunkelste Kapitel der deutschen Psychiatriegeschichte.