bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid-based nutrient supplements and linear growth in children under 2 years: a review
Authors: Matsungo Tonderayi M. , Kruger Herculina S. , Smuts Cornelius M. , Faber Mieke
Published: March 2017

The prevalence of stunting remains high in low- and middle-income countries despite adoption of comprehensive nutrition interventions, particularly in low-income countries. In the present paper, we review current evidence on the acceptability and efficacy of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) on preventing stunting in children under 2 years, discuss the factors that affect their efficacy, highlight the implications of the current findings at pragmatic level and identify research priorities. Although the present paper is not a generic systematic review, we used a systematic approach to select relevant literature. The review showed that there is growing interest in the potential benefits of using SQ-LNS to prevent growth faltering. Acceptability studies showed that SQ-LNS are generally well accepted. However, results on the efficacy of SQ-LNS on improving linear growth or preventing growth faltering in infants and young children are still inconclusive. Factors that may affect efficacy include the duration of the trial, composition and dosage of SQ-LNS given, and baseline demographics and nutritional status of research participants. Future research should focus on controlled and long-term follow-up trials to obtain more conclusive results. In the long term, there will be need for studies to investigate how provision of SQ-LNS can be integrated with existing strategies to prevent stunting in low- and middle-income settings.
Kenosis, omniscience, and the Anselmian concept of divinity
Authors: ARCHER JOEL
Published: March 2017

The canonical gospels often portray Christ as limited in various ways, for example, with respect to knowledge. But how could Christ be divine yet fail to know certain true propositions? One prominent answer is known askenoticism, the view that upon becoming incarnate Christ ‘emptied’ himself of certain divine properties, including omniscience. A powerful objection to kenoticism, however, is that it conflicts with Anselmian intuitions about divinity. Specifically, kenoticism implies that Christ was not the greatest conceivable being. I articulate a modified version of kenoticism that avoids this powerful objection while remaining faithful to the depiction of Christ found in the gospels.
ADS-B: Probabilistic Safety Assessment
Authors: Ali Busyairah Syd , Ochieng Washington Yotto , Majumdar Arnab
Published: March 2017

In the effort to quantify Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) system safety, the authors have identified potential ADS-B failure modes in Syd Ali et al. (2014). Based on the findings, six potential hazards of ADS-B are identified in this paper. The authors then applied the Probabilistic Safety Assessment approach which includes Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Importance Analysis methods to quantify the system safety. FTA is applied to measure ADS-B system availability for each identified hazard while Importance Analysis is conducted to identify the most significant failure modes that may lead to the occurrence of the hazards. In addition, risk significance and safety significance of each failure mode are also identified. The result shows that the availability for the ADS-B system as a sole surveillance means is low at 0·898 in comparison to the availability of ADS-B system as supplemental or as primary means of surveillance at 0·95 and 0·999 respectively. The latter availability values are obtained from Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (DO-242A).
Examining the impact of forest protection status on firewood sufficiency in rural Africa
Authors: LATHAM JULIA EVELYN , SALLU SUSANNAH MARY , LOVERIDGE ROBIN , MARSHALL ANDREW ROBERT
Published: March 2017

Millions of people living in poverty depend on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), yet forest protection causes displacement, replacement or reduction of NTFP extraction activities, with implications for human welfare. Here, we assess the impact of forest protection on a novel measure of wellbeing that incorporates both objective and subjective components of people's lives. In five villages near forests with mixed protection status in Tanzania, household perceived need for firewood is compared with actual consumption in order to provide a simple metric of firewood sufficiency. Firewood sufficiency varied with forest protection status, with non-compliance inferred by household ability to meet firewood needs despite forest access restrictions. Fuel-efficient stove ownership improved the perceived ability to meet firewood needs; however, actual consumption remained unchanged. Firewood sufficiency was significantly lower for those sourcing firewood outside forests, and increased household awareness of the management authority significantly reduced firewood consumption. In a forest landscape of mixed protection status, pressure will likely be displaced to the forest with the least active management authority, affecting their efficiency as non-extractive reserves. Our findings reinforce the need for a landscape approach to forest management planning that accounts for local needs, to avoid leakage to other less well-protected forests and detriment to household welfare.
Socialist Visions of European Unity in Germany:Ostpolitiksince the 1920s?
Authors: BAILEY CHRISTIAN
Published: March 2017

This article reassesses Willy Brandt'sNeue Ostpolitikof the 1970s. It does so by linking Brandt's policy initiative to earlier German Social Democratic plans to integrate Europe that had existed since the 1920s. The analysis suggests that Brandt's attempt to mediate between the West and the East in the 1970s revived earlier SPD policies to integrate Central European societies that had been divided after the world wars. Continuities between Social Democratic thought and practice are therefore highlighted – continuities that are usually overlooked in narratives that have stressed how dramatically German Social Democracy shifted from the interwar to the Cold War eras.
Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia and early mortality after stage 1 reconstruction procedures
Authors: Herrmann Jeremy L. , Irons Mallory L. , Mascio Christopher E. , Rychik Jack , Spray Thomas L. , Gaynor J. William , Pogoriler Jennifer E.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an intact or restrictive atrial septum may result from increased left atrial pressure, and is associated with worse outcomes following staged reconstruction due to lung dysfunction and significant hypoxaemia. Our objective was to characterise the incidence of pulmonary lymphangiectasia in cases of early mortality following stage 1 reconstructions.

Methods

An institutional cardiac surgical database was retrospectively searched for patients who died within 30 days following a stage 1 reconstruction between 1 January, 1984 and 31 December, 2013. During that period, 1669 stage 1 procedures were performed. Autopsy lung specimens were reviewed by a paediatric pathologist. Patients who died of suspected technical issues were excluded.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included, and of these seven cases (8.5%) of pulmonary lymphangiectasia were identified. The mean estimated gestational age was 38.2±2.4 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 3.0±0.6 kg. The median interval between surgery and death was 1 day (with a range from 0 to 18 days). The atrial septum was intact in one patient (14.3%), restrictive in three patients (42.9%), and unrestrictive in three patients (42.9%).

Conclusions

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia may develop in hypoplastic left heart syndrome with or without a restrictive atrial septum. As standard prenatal diagnostic evaluations and treatment methods for pulmonary lymphangiectasia are limited, this may be an important contributor to early and late mortality following stage 1 reconstruction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
PINNING SYNCHRONIZATION OF FRACTIONAL-ORDER COMPLEX NETWORKS BY A SINGLE CONTROLLER
Authors: FANG Q. , PENG J.
Published: March 2017

We investigate the state feedback pinning synchronization of fractional-order complex networks. Based on the stability theory of fractional-order differential systems and state feedback control by a single controller, synchronization conditions for fractional-order complex networks are given. We assume that the coupling matrix is irreducible, and provide a numerical example to illustrate the validity of the proposed conclusions.
Ich kenn’ mich nicht mehr aus!
Authors: Dallmann Hans-Ulrich , Schiff Andrea
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. In als krisenhaft erlebten Situationen benötigen Menschen Orientierung. Das ist leichter gesagt und geschrieben als getan. Denn sich zu orientieren erfordert komplexe Leistungen und Kompetenzen. Identität hat zudem eine ethische Dimension. Was lässt sich allgemein von der Analyse des Orientierungsbegriffs für die ethische Orientierung ableiten – und hat dies Konsequenzen für die pädagogische Praxis?
Dynamic transcriptomes identify biogenic amines and insect-like hormonal regulation for mediating reproduction in Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Wang Jipeng , Yu Ying , Shen Haimo , Qing Tao , Zheng Yuanting , Li Qing , Mo Xiaojin , Wang Shuqi , Li Nana , Chai Riyi , Xu Bin , Liu Mu , Brindley Paul J , McManus Donald P , Feng Zheng , Shi Leming , Hu Wei
Published: March 2017

Eggs produced by the mature female parasite are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of schistosomiasis. Female schistosomes rely on a unique male-induced strategy to accomplish reproductive development, a process that is incompletely understood. Here we map detailed transcriptomic profiles of male and femaleSchistosoma japonicumacross eight time points throughout the sexual developmental process from pairing to maturation. The dynamic gene expression pattern data reveal clear sex-related characteristics, indicative of an unambiguous functional division between males and females during their interplay. Cluster analysis,in situhybridization and RNAi assays indicate that males likely use biogenic amine neurotransmitters through the nervous system to control and maintain pairing with females. In addition, the analyses indicate that reproductive development of females involves an insect-like hormonal regulation. These data sets and analyses serve as a foundation for deeper study of sexual development in this pathogen and identification of novel anti-schistosomal interventions.
Brigatinib combined with anti-EGFR antibody overcomes osimertinib resistance in EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Uchibori Ken , Inase Naohiko , Araki Mitsugu , Kamada Mayumi , Sato Shigeo , Okuno Yasushi , Fujita Naoya , Katayama Ryohei
Published: March 2017

Osimertinib has been demonstrated to overcome the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-T790M, the most relevant acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR–TKIs). However, the C797S mutation, which impairs the covalent binding between the cysteine residue at position 797 of EGFR and osimertinib, induces resistance to osimertinib. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic strategies to overcome the C797S/T790M/activating-mutation (triple-mutation)-mediated EGFR–TKI resistance. In the present study, we identify brigatinib to be effective against triple-mutation-harbouring cells in vitro and in vivo. Our original computational simulation demonstrates that brigatinib fits into the ATP-binding pocket of triple-mutant EGFR. The structure–activity relationship analysis reveals the key component in brigatinib to inhibit the triple-mutant EGFR. The efficacy of brigatinib is enhanced markedly by combination with anti-EGFR antibody because of the decrease of surface and total EGFR expression. Thus, the combination therapy of brigatinib with anti-EGFR antibody is a powerful candidate to overcome triple-mutant EGFR.
Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and associated factors in obese Spanish children
Authors: Durá-Travé T , Gallinas-Victoriano F , Chueca-Guindulain M J , Berrade-Zubiri S
Published: March 2017

Background/Objectives:

Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to endocrine health and disease (diabetes, autoimmune thyroid diseases, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc.). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and specific factors for hypovitaminosis D among children stratified by body mass index (BMI) in Northern Spain.

Subjects/Methods:

A cross-sectional clinical (sex, age, season of study visit, place of residence and BMI) and blood testing (calcium, phosphorous, calcidiol and parathyroid hormone (PTH)) were accomplished in 546 Caucasian individuals (aged 3.2–15.8 years). The BMI (Z-score) allowed establishing four groups: normal, overweight, obesity and severe obesity. The criteria of the US Endocrine Society were used for the definition of hypovitaminosis D.

Results:

Calcidiol levels were significantly higher in normal and overweight groups (P=0.001), whereas PTH levels were significantly higher in obesity and severe obesity groups (P=0.001). Hypovitaminosis D prevalence was significantly higher in severe obesity (81.1%) and obesity (68.2%) groups, whereas was lowest in overweight (55%) and normal (58.1%) groups (P=0.001). There was a negative correlation between calcidiol and PTH levels (P<0.01). Female (90.9%), adolescent group (88,2%), winter (100%) and autumn (82.4%) time and urban residence (94.1%) imply a higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in subjects with severe obesity (P<0.001). Female, puberal age, autumn, winter and spring time, urban residence and severe obesity were found to be independent predictors for hypovitaminosis D.

Conclusions:

Severe obesity could be considered as an associated factor for vitamin D deficiency, and, owing to its high prevalence, the implementation of systematic screening and hypovitaminosis treatment programs would be particularly useful.
FAM83A is amplified and promotes cancer stem cell-like traits and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen S , Huang J , Liu Z , Liang Q , Zhang N , Jin Y
Published: March 2017

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), contribute to tumorigenesis, resistance to chemoradiotherapy and recurrence in human cancers, suggesting targeting CSCs may represent a potential therapeutic strategy. In the current study, we found family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A) is significantly overexpressed and associated with poorer overall survival and disease-free survival in pancreatic cancer. Overexpression of FAM83A markedly promoted, whereas inhibition of FAM83A decreased, CSC-like traits and chemoresistance both in vitro and in an in vivo mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, overexpression of FAM83A activated the well-characterized CSC-associated pathways transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Importantly, the FAM83A locus was amplified in a number of human cancers and silencing FAM83A in associated cancer cell lines inhibited activation of the WNT/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling pathways and reduced tumorigenicity. Taken together, these results indicate that FAM83A has a vital oncogenic role to promote pancreatic cancer progression and may represent a potential clinical target.
Overexpression of SMC4 activates TGFβ/Smad signaling and promotes aggressive phenotype in glioma cells
Authors: Jiang L , Zhou J , Zhong D , Zhou Y , Zhang W , Wu W , Zhao Z , Wang W , Xu W , He L , Ma Y , Hu Y , Zhang W , Li J
Published: March 2017

Overexpression of structural maintenance of chromosomes 4 (SMC4) has been reported to be involved in tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, and to be correlated with poor prognosis of cancer patient. However, its clinical significance and biological role in glioma remain unknown. Herein, we found that SMC4 expression at both mRNA and protein level was markedly increased in glioma cells and clinical tissues and that it correlated with poor prognosis. SMC4 overexpression markedly promoted the glioma cell proliferation rate and migration and invasive capability in vitro and in vivo, whereas SMC4 downregulation reduced it. Moreover, the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/Smad signaling pathway, which was activated in SMC4-transduced glioma cells and inhibited in SMC4-silenced glioma cells, contributed to SMC4-mediated glioma cell aggressiveness. Our results provide new insight into the oncofunction of SMC4 and the mechanism by which the TGFβ/Smad pathway is hyperactivated in gliomas, indicating that SMC4 is a valuable prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target in gliomas.
Enhanced Wnt Signalling in Hepatocytes is Associated with Schistosoma japonicum Infection and Contributes to Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Qi , Chou Xin , Guan Fei , Fang Zhengming , Lu Shengjun , Lei Jiahui , Li Yonglong , Liu Wenqi
Published: March 2017

Liver fibrosis is the most serious pathology caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, which arises when schistosome eggs are deposited in the liver. Eosinophils, macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been identified as major cellular contributors to the development of granulomas and fibrosis, but little is known about the effects of hepatocytes on granuloma formation. Here, we found that the levels of Wnt signalling-related molecules, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in hepatocytes were markedly elevated after S. japonicum infection. Liver fibrosis was exacerbated when exogenous Wnt3a was introduced, but was alleviated when Wnt signalling was suppressed by DKK1, accompanied by the reduced expression of TGF-β and CTGF in hepatocytes. These results indicate that the hepatocytic expression of TGF-β and CTGF is mediated by Wnt signalling. Additionally, the hepatocytes isolated from infected mice promoted the activation of primary HSCs in vitro, however, this effect was not observed when hepatocytes from DKK1 treated S. japonicum-infected mice was employed in the co-culture system. Our findings identify a novel pro-fibrogenic role of hepatocytes in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis that is dependent on Wnt signalling, which may serve as a potential target for ameliorating hepatic fibrosis caused by helminths.
A curated collection of tissue microarray images and clinical outcome data of prostate cancer patients
Authors: Zhong Qing , Guo Tiannan , Rechsteiner Markus , Rüschoff Jan H. , Rupp Niels , Fankhauser Christian , Saba Karim , Mortezavi Ashkan , Poyet Cédric , Hermanns Thomas , Zhu Yi , Moch Holger , Aebersold Ruedi , Wild Peter J.
Published: March 2017

Microscopy image data of human cancers provide detailed phenotypes of spatially and morphologically intact tissues at single-cell resolution, thus complementing large-scale molecular analyses, e.g., next generation sequencing or proteomic profiling. Here we describe a high-resolution tissue microarray (TMA) image dataset from a cohort of 71 prostate tissue samples, which was hybridized with bright-field dual colour chromogenic and silver in situ hybridization probes for the tumour suppressor gene PTEN. These tissue samples were digitized and supplemented with expert annotations, clinical information, statistical models of PTEN genetic status, and computer source codes. For validation, we constructed an additional TMA dataset for 424 prostate tissues, hybridized with FISH probes for PTEN, and performed survival analysis on a subset of 339 radical prostatectomy specimens with overall, disease-specific and recurrence-free survival (maximum 167 months). For application, we further produced 6,036 image patches derived from two whole slides. Our curated collection of prostate cancer data sets provides reuse potential for both biomedical and computational studies.
Correction: Corrigendum: An automated approach to prepare tissue-derived spatially barcoded RNA-sequencing libraries
Authors: Jemt Anders , Salmén Fredrik , Lundmark Anna , Mollbrink Annelie , Navarro José Fernández , Ståhl Patrik L. , Yucel-Lindberg Tülay , Lundeberg Joakim
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37137; published online: 16 November 2016; updated: 13 March 2017 This Article contains errors in Figure 6c. The Pearson correlation values for the automated and manually prepared samples were inadvertently switched. The correct Figure 6c appears below as Figure1.
Loss of Centromere Cohesion in Aneuploid Human Oocytes Correlates with Decreased Kinetochore Localization of the Sac Proteins Bub1 and Bubr1
Authors: Lagirand-Cantaloube Julie , Ciabrini Cendrine , Charrasse Sophie , Ferrieres Alice , Castro Anna , Anahory Tal , Lorca Thierry
Published: March 2017

In human eggs, aneuploidy increases with age and can result in infertility and genetic diseases. Studies in mouse oocytes suggest that reduced centromere cohesion and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activity could be at the origin of chromosome missegregation. Little is known about these two features in humans. Here, we show that in human eggs, inter-kinetochore distances of bivalent chromosomes strongly increase with age. This results in the formation of univalent chromosomes during metaphase I (MI) and of single chromatids in metaphase II (MII). We also investigated SAC activity by checking the localization of BUB1 and BUBR1. We found that they localize at the kinetochore with a similar temporal timing than in mitotic cells and in a MPS1-dependent manner, suggesting that the SAC signalling pathway is active in human oocytes. Moreover, our data also suggest that this checkpoint is inactivated when centromere cohesion is lost in MI and consequently cannot inhibit premature sister chromatid separation. Finally, we show that the kinetochore localization of BUB1 and BUBR1 decreases with the age of the oocyte donors. This could contribute to oocyte aneuploidy.
Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors by tivozanib has potential anti-tumour effects on human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Momeny Majid , Moghaddaskho Farima , Gortany Narges K. , Yousefi Hassan , Sabourinejad Zahra , Zarrinrad Ghazaleh , Mirshahvaladi Shahab , Eyvani Haniyeh , Barghi Farinaz , Ahmadinia Leila , Ghazi-Khansari Mahmoud , Dehpour Ahmad R. , Amanpour Saeid , Tavangar Seyyed M. , Dardaei Leila , Emami Amir H. , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Ghaffari Seyed H.
Published: March 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most fatal human malignancies due to its high angiogenic and infiltrative capacities. Even with optimal therapy including surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide, it is essentially incurable. GBM is among the most neovascularised neoplasms and its malignant progression associates with striking neovascularisation, evidenced by vasoproliferation and endothelial cell hyperplasia. Targeting the pro-angiogenic pathways is therefore a promising anti-glioma strategy. Here we show that tivozanib, a pan-inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, inhibited proliferation of GBM cells through a G2/M cell cycle arrest via inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signalling pathway and down-modulation of Aurora kinases A and B, cyclin B1 and CDC25C. Moreover, tivozanib decreased adhesive potential of these cells through reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Tivozanib diminished GBM cell invasion through impairing the proteolytic cascade of cathepsin B/urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Combination of tivozanib with EGFR small molecule inhibitor gefitinib synergistically increased sensitivity to gefitinib. Altogether, these findings suggest that VEGFR blockade by tivozanib has potential anti-glioma effects in vitro. Further in vivo studies are warranted to explore the anti-tumour activity of tivozanib in combinatorial approaches in GBM.
Novel enhancement mechanism of tyrosine hydroxylase enzymatic activity by nitric oxide through S-nitrosylation
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Sung Chun Chau , Chung Kenny K. K.
Published: March 2017

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is a rate-limiting step enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines. Catecholamines function both as hormone and neurotransmitters in the peripheral and central nervous systems, therefore TH’s expression and enzymatic activity is tightly regulated by various mechanisms. Several post-translational modifications have been shown to regulate TH’s enzymatic activity such as phosphorylation, nitration and S-glutathionylation. While phosphorylation at N-terminal of TH can activate its enzymatic activity, nitration and S-glutathionylation can inactivate TH. In this study, we found that TH can also be S-nitrosylated by nitric oxide (NO). S-nitrosylation is a reversible modification of cysteine (cys) residue in protein and is known to be an emerging signaling mechanism mediated by NO. We found that TH can be S-nitrosylated at cys 279 and TH S-nitrosylation enhances its enzymatic activity both in vitro and in vivo. These results provide a novel mechanism of how NO can modulate TH’s enzymatic activity through S-nitrosylation.
Physiological Mechanisms Only Tell Half Story: Multiple Biological Processes are involved in Regulating Freezing Tolerance of Imbibed Lactuca sativa Seeds
Authors: Jaganathan Ganesh K. , Han Yingying , Li Weijie , Song Danping , Song Xiaoyan , Shen Mengqi , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Chenxue , Liu Baolin
Published: March 2017

The physiological mechanisms by which imbibed seeds survive freezing temperatures in their natural environment have been categorized as freezing avoidance by supercooling and freezing tolerance by extracellular freeze-desiccation, but the biochemical and molecular mechanisms conferring seed freezing tolerance is unexplored. In this study, using imbibed Lactuca sativa seeds we show that fast cooled seeds (60 °C h−1) suffered significantly higher membrane damage at temperature between −20 °C and −10 °C than slow cooled (3 °Ch−1) seeds (P < 0.05), presumably explaining viability loss during fast cooling when temperature approaches −20 °C. Total soluble sugars increase in low temperature environment, but did not differ significantly between two cooling rates (P > 0.05). However, both SOD activity and accumulation of free proline were induced significantly after slow cooling to −20 °C compared with fast cooling. RNA-seq demonstrated that multiple pathways were differentially regulated between slow and fast cooling. Real-time verification of some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that fast cooling caused mRNA level changes of plant hormone and ubiquitionation pathways at higher sub-zero temperature, whilst slow cooling caused mRNA level change of those pathways at lower sub-zero ttemperatures. Thus, we conclude that imbibed seed tolerate low temperature not only by physiological mechanisms but also by biochemical and molecular changes.
Self-Assembled Array of Tethered Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles for the Next Generation of Energy Storage
Authors: Stevens Tyler E. , Pearce Charles J. , Whitten Caleah N. , Grant Richard P. , Monson Todd C.
Published: March 2017

Many challenges must be overcome in order to create reliable electrochemical energy storage devices with not only high energy but also high power densities. Gaps exist in both battery and supercapacitor technologies, with neither one satisfying the need for both large power and energy densities in a single device. To begin addressing these challenges (and others), we report a process to create a self-assembled array of electrochemically active nanoparticles bound directly to a current collector using extremely short (2 nm or less) conductive tethers. The tethered array of nanoparticles, MnO in this case, bound directly to a gold current collector via short conducting linkages eliminates the need for fillers, resulting in a material which achieves 99.9% active material by mass (excluding the current collector). This strategy is expected to be both scalable as well as effective for alternative tethers and metal oxide nanoparticles.
Near-field terahertz probes with room-temperature nanodetectors for subwavelength resolution imaging
Authors: Mitrofanov Oleg , Viti Leonardo , Dardanis Enrico , Giordano Maria Caterina , Ercolani Daniele , Politano Antonio , Sorba Lucia , Vitiello Miriam S.
Published: March 2017

Near-field imaging with terahertz (THz) waves is emerging as a powerful technique for fundamental research in photonics and across physical and life sciences. Spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit can be achieved by collecting THz waves from an object through a small aperture placed in the near-field. However, light transmission through a sub-wavelength size aperture is fundamentally limited by the wave nature of light. Here, we conceive a novel architecture that exploits inherently strong evanescent THz field arising within the aperture to mitigate the problem of vanishing transmission. The sub-wavelength aperture is originally coupled to asymmetric electrodes, which activate the thermo-electric THz detection mechanism in a transistor channel made of flakes of black-phosphorus or InAs nanowires. The proposed novel THz near-field probes enable room-temperature sub-wavelength resolution coherent imaging with a 3.4 THz quantum cascade laser, paving the way to compact and versatile THz imaging systems and promising to bridge the gap in spatial resolution from the nanoscale to the diffraction limit.
Separation of nuclear isomers for cancer therapeutic radionuclides based on nuclear decay after-effects
Authors: Bhardwaj R. , van der Meer A. , Das S. K. , de Bruin M. , Gascon J. , Wolterbeek H. T. , Denkova A. G. , Serra-Crespo P.
Published: March 2017

177Lu has sprung as a promising radionuclide for targeted therapy. The low soft tissue penetration of its β− emission results in very efficient energy deposition in small-size tumours. Because of this, 177Lu is used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours and is also clinically approved for prostate cancer therapy. In this work, we report a separation method that achieves the challenging separation of the physically and chemically identical nuclear isomers, 177mLu and 177Lu. The separation method combines the nuclear after-effects of the nuclear decay, the use of a very stable chemical complex and a chromatographic separation. Based on this separation concept, a new type of radionuclide generator has been devised, in which the parent and the daughter radionuclides are the same elements. The 177mLu/177Lu radionuclide generator provides a new production route for the therapeutic radionuclide 177Lu and can bring significant growth in the research and development of 177Lu based pharmaceuticals.
Prognostic and clinicopathological role of high Ki-67 expression in patients with renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Yongpeng , Chen Luyao , Ma Xin , Li Hongzhao , Gu Liangyou , Gao Yu , Fan Yang , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have elevated the prognostic value of Ki-67 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but the reports are controversial and inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the significance of Ki-67 in RCC prognosis. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify relevant studies until April 2016. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies, including 5,398 patients, were eligible for further analysis. Results showed that high Ki-67 expression in RCC was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.44–2.64), CSS (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.47–1.89), and DFS (HR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.79–3.67). In addition, high Ki-67 expression was significantly associated with TNM stage (III/IV vs. I/II: RR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.68–2.44), pathological T stage (T3/T4 vs. T1/T2: RR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.35–2.06), metastasis (yes vs. no: RR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.77–2.62), and Fuhrman grade (III/IV vs. I/II: RR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.20–2.60). Our study suggested that Ki-67 was a prognostic marker in RCC. High Ki-67 expression was correlated with poor prognosis and advanced clinicopathological features, and it could serve as a biomarker for disease management.
Neurovascular microcirculatory vasodilation mediated by C-fibers and Transient receptor potential vanilloid-type-1 channels (TRPV 1) is impaired in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Marche P. , Dubois S. , Abraham P. , Parot-Schinkel E. , Gascoin L. , Humeau-Heurtier A. , Ducluzeau PH. , Mahe G.
Published: March 2017

Microvascular dysfunction may have an early onset in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and can precede major complications. Our objectives were to assess the endothelial-dependent (acetylcholine, ACh; and post-occlusive hyperemia, PORH), non-endothelial-dependent (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) and neurovascular-dependent (local heating, LH and current induced vasodilation, CIV) microcirculatory vasodilation in T1D patients compared with matched control subjects using a laser speckle contrast imager. Seventeen T1D patients - matched with 17 subjects according to age, gender, Body-Mass-Index, and smoking status - underwent macro- and microvascular investigations. The LH early peak assessed the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels (TRPV1) mediated vasodilation, whereas the plateau assessed the Nitirc-Oxyde (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) pathways. PORH explored sensory nerves and (EDHF), while CIV assessed sensory nerves (C-fibers) and prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation. Using neurological investigations, we observed that C-fiber and A-delta fiber functions in T1D patients were similar to control subjects. PORH, CIV, LH peak and plateau vasodilations were significantly decreased in T1D patients compared to controls, whereas there was no difference between the two groups for ACh and SNP vasodilations. Neurovascular microcirculatory vasodilations (C-fibers and TRPV 1-mediated vasodilations) are impaired in TD1 patients whereas no abnormalities were found using clinical neurological investigations. Clinicaltrials: No. NCT02538120.
Characterization of long and stable de novo single alpha-helix domains provides novel insight into their stability
Authors: Wolny Marcin , Batchelor Matthew , Bartlett Gail J. , Baker Emily G. , Kurzawa Marta , Knight Peter J. , Dougan Lorna , Woolfson Derek N. , Paci Emanuele , Peckham Michelle
Published: March 2017

Naturally-occurring single α-helices (SAHs), are rich in Arg (R), Glu (E) and Lys (K) residues, and stabilized by multiple salt bridges. Understanding how salt bridges promote their stability is challenging as SAHs are long and their sequences highly variable. Thus, we designed and tested simple de novo 98-residue polypeptides containing 7-residue repeats (AEEEXXX, where X is K or R) expected to promote salt-bridge formation between Glu and Lys/Arg. Lys-rich sequences (EK3 (AEEEKKK) and EK2R1 (AEEEKRK)) both form SAHs, of which EK2R1 is more helical and thermo-stable suggesting Arg increases stability. Substituting Lys with Arg (or vice versa) in the naturally-occurring myosin-6 SAH similarly increased (or decreased) its stability. However, Arg-rich de novo sequences (ER3 (AEEERRR) and EK1R2 (AEEEKRR)) aggregated. Combining a PDB analysis with molecular modelling provides a rational explanation, demonstrating that Glu and Arg form salt bridges more commonly, utilize a wider range of rotamer conformations, and are more dynamic than Glu–Lys. This promiscuous nature of Arg helps explain the increased propensity of de novo Arg-rich SAHs to aggregate. Importantly, the specific K:R ratio is likely to be important in determining helical stability in de novo and naturally-occurring polypeptides, giving new insight into how single α-helices are stabilized.
Single-mode interface states in heterostructure waveguides with Bragg and non-Bragg gaps
Authors: Fan Ya-Xian , Sang Tang-Qing , Liu Ting , Xu Lan-Lan , Tao Zhi-Yong
Published: March 2017

Interface states can always arise in heterostructures that consist of two or more (artificial) materials with topologically different energy bands. The gapped band structure can be classified by the Chern number (a topological invariant) generally or the Zak phase in one-dimensional periodic systems. Recently, topological properties have been employed to investigate the interface states occurring at the connecting regions of the heterostructures of mechanical isostatic lattices and acoustical waveguides. Here, we study this heterostructure phenomenon by carefully connecting two corrugated stainless steel waveguides with Bragg and non-Bragg gaps at approximately the same frequency. These two waveguide structures can be achieved by continuously varying their geometry parameters when a topological transition exists in the forbidden bands, in which the reflection impedance changes the sign. Furthermore, a localized single high-order mode has been observed at the interface because of the transverse mode interactions, which relate to the non-Bragg gaps created by the different transverse mode resonances. Such a localized acoustic single mode with very large enhanced intensity could find its applications in sound detection, biomedical imaging, and underwater sound control, and could also enrich our means of wave front manipulations in various engineering fields.
A novel strategy for clustering major depression individuals using whole-genome sequencing variant data
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Baune Bernhard T. , Licinio Julio , Wong Ma-Li
Published: March 2017

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent, resulting in an exceedingly high disease burden. The identification of generic risk factors could lead to advance prevention and therapeutics. Current approaches examine genotyping data to identify specific variations between cases and controls. Compared to genotyping, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows for the detection of private mutations. In this proof-of-concept study, we establish a conceptually novel computational approach that clusters subjects based on the entirety of their WGS. Those clusters predicted MDD diagnosis. This strategy yielded encouraging results, showing that depressed Mexican-American participants were grouped closer; in contrast ethnically-matched controls grouped away from MDD patients. This implies that within the same ancestry, the WGS data of an individual can be used to check whether this individual is within or closer to MDD subjects or to controls. We propose a novel strategy to apply WGS data to clinical medicine by facilitating diagnosis through genetic clustering. Further studies utilising our method should examine larger WGS datasets on other ethnical groups.
Monitoring and Modeling the Tibetan Plateau’s climate system and its impact on East Asia
Authors: Ma Yaoming , Ma Weiqiang , Zhong Lei , Hu Zeyong , Li Maoshan , Zhu Zhikun , Han Cunbo , Wang Binbin , Liu Xin
Published: March 2017

The Tibetan Plateau is an important water source in Asia. As the “Third Pole” of the Earth, the Tibetan Plateau has significant dynamic and thermal effects on East Asian climate patterns, the Asian monsoon process and atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere. However, little systematic knowledge is available regarding the changing climate system of the Tibetan Plateau and the mechanisms underlying its impact on East Asia. This study was based on “water-cryosphere-atmosphere-biology” multi-sphere interactions, primarily considering global climate change in relation to the Tibetan Plateau -East Asia climate system and its mechanisms. This study also analyzed the Tibetan Plateau to clarify global climate change by considering multi-sphere energy and water processes. Additionally, the impacts of climate change in East Asia and the associated impact mechanisms were revealed, and changes in water cycle processes and water conversion mechanisms were studied. The changes in surface thermal anomalies, vegetation, local circulation and the atmospheric heat source on the Tibetan Plateau were studied, specifically, their effects on the East Asian monsoon and energy balance mechanisms. Additionally, the relationships between heating mechanisms and monsoon changes were explored.
Biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization in a protein cage nanoreactor
Authors: Renggli Kasper , Sauter Nora , Rother Martin , Nussbaumer Martin G. , Urbani Raphael , Pfohl Thomas , Bruns Nico
Published: March 2017

The ATRP-catalyzing enzyme horseradish peroxidase was encapsulated into the protein cage thermosome resulting in an all-protein nanoreactor system for controlled radical polymerizations.
A nickel–borate–phosphate nanoarray for efficient and durable water oxidation under benign conditions
Authors: Ma Min , Liu Danni , Hao Shuai , Kong Rongmei , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yao Yadong , Sun Xuping
Published: March 2017

A nickel–borate–phosphate nanoarray (Ni–Bi–Pi/CC) topotactically converted from a nickel phosphide nanoarray (Ni2P/CC) acts as a durable catalyst electrode for water oxidation needing an overpotential of 440 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 M K–Bi (pH: 9.2).
Comparison of the removal and adsorption mechanisms of cadmium and lead from aqueous solution by activated carbons prepared from Typha angustifolia and Salix matsudana
Authors: Tang Chunfang , Shu Yan , Zhang Riqing , Li Xin , Song Jinfeng , Li Bing , Zhang Yuting , Ou Danling
Published: March 2017

H3PO4 activated Typha angustifolia and Salix matsudana carbons provide good adsorption/desorption characteristics for Cd and Pb.
Synthesis and side-chain isomeric effect of 4,9-/5,10-dialkylated-β-angular-shaped naphthodithiophenes-based donor–acceptor copolymers for polymer solar cells and field-effect transistors
Authors: Chiou De-Yang , Cao Fong-Yi , Hsu Jhih-Yang , Tsai Che-En , Lai Yu-Ying , Jeng U-Ser , Zhang Jianquan , Yan He , Su Chun-Jen , Cheng Yen-Ju
Published: March 2017

P4,9-βNDTDTFBT:PC71BM-based solar cell device achieves a high PCE of 7.23%.
Synthesis and highly effective purification of silver nanowires to enhance transmittance at low sheet resistance with simple polyol and scalable selective precipitation method
Authors: Gebeyehu Molla Bahiru , Chala Tolesa Fita , Chang Shao-Yen , Wu Chang-Mou , Lee Jiunn-Yih
Published: March 2017

The high quality transparent conducting film (TCF) at a low sheet resistance of uniform and purified silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been successfully produced, the optoelectronic performance, which exceeds that of indium tin oxide (ITO).
Discovery of 1,3-diyne compounds as novel and potent antidepressant agents: synthesis, cell-based assay and behavioral studies
Authors: Ma Kai-Qing , Miao Yan-Hong , Li Xiao , Zhou Yu-Zhi , Gao Xiao-Xia , Zhang Xiang , Chao Jian-Bin , Qin Xue-Mei
Published: March 2017

1,3-Diynes compound 7a protected the corticosterone-injured PC12 cells through regulation of the apoptosis related proteins and exerted antidepressant effect in mice forced swim test in a concentration-dependent manner.
BMO-type seminorms and Sobolev functions
Authors: Fusco Nicola , Moscariello Gioconda , Sbordone Carlo
Published: March 2017

Following some ideas of a recent paper by Bourgain, Brezis and Mironescu, we give a representation formula of the norm of the gradient of a Sobolev function which does not make use of the distributional derivatives.
A posteriorimodeling error estimates in the optimization of two-scale elastic composite materials
Authors: Conti Sergio , Geihe Benedict , Lenz Martin , Rumpf Martin
Published: March 2017

Thea posteriorianalysis of the discretization error and the modeling error is studied for a compliance cost functional in the context of the optimization of composite elastic materials and a two-scale linearized elasticity model. A mechanically simple, parametrized microscopic supporting structure is chosen and the parameters describing the structure are determined minimizing the compliance objective. Ana posteriorierror estimate is derived which includes the modeling error caused by the replacement of a nested laminate microstructure by this considerably simpler microstructure. Indeed, nested laminates are known to realize the minimal compliance and provide a benchmark for the quality of the microstructures. To estimate the local difference in the compliance functional the dual weighted residual approach is used. Different numerical experiments show that the resulting adaptive scheme leads to simple parametrized microscopic supporting structures that can compete with the optimal nested laminate construction. The deriveda posteriorierror indicators allow to verify that the suggested simplified microstructures achieve the optimal value of the compliance up to a few percent. Furthermore, it is shown how discretization error and modeling error can be balanced by choosing an optimal level of grid refinement. Our two scale results with a single scale microstructure can provide guidance towards the design of a producible macroscopic fine scale pattern.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue sampling of small subepithelial tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a 22-gauge core biopsy needle
Authors: Schlag Christoph , Menzel Christoph , Götzberger Manuela , Nennstiel Simon , Klare Peter , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Schmid Roland , Weirich Gregor , von Delius Stefan
Published: March 2017

Background and study aims The optimal approach to small subepithelial tumors (SETs) of the upper gastrointestinal tract remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) for less invasive tissue sampling of small SETs of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Patients and methods In this prospective observational study patients with small ( ≤ 3 cm) SETs of the upper gastrointestinal tract were eligible and underwent EUS-FNB with a 22-gauge core biopsy needle. The main outcome measure was the diagnostic yield. The number of obtained core biopsies was also assessed.

Results Twenty patients were included. The mean SET size was 16 mm (range 10 – 27 mm). EUS-FNB was technically feasible in all cases and no complications were observed. The diagnostic yield was 75 %. Core biopsy specimens were obtained in only 25 % of cases.

Conclusion EUS-FNB with a 22-gauge core biopsy needle of small SETs can achieve a definite diagnosis in the majority of cases. However, because core samples cannot regularly be obtained, EUS-FNB seems not to be convincingly superior to standard EUS-FNA in this setting
Safety and efficacy of single-balloon enteroscopy in management of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a left ventricular assist device
Authors: Koul Abhinav , Pham Donald , Nanda Arjun , Woods Kevin , Keilin Steven
Published: March 2017

Background and study aims Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are currently the standard of care in treatment of patients with end-stage heart failure waiting for heart transplant as well as destination therapy for non-transplant candidates. However, patients with LVADs are at increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding due to the device’s unique effects on hemodynamics. A major source of gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients are gastrointestinal angioectasias located within the small bowel that can only be reached with deep enteroscopy. The goal of our study was to determine the safety and efficacy of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in treating gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with LVADs.

Patients and methods We present a retrospective case series performed on patients with LVADs who underwent SBE to treat episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. All procedures were performed at Emory University Hospital by a single endoscopist. Patient demographics, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, episodes of re-bleeding, and procedure-related complications were examined.

Results A total of 27 SBE procedures performed in 14 patients were reviewed. SBE was performed in an antegrade approach in 89 % (24/27) of cases. Deep intubation was achieved in all antegrade procedures, with the distal jejunum reached in 79 % (19/24) of cases. The diagnostic yield was 78 %. There were no reported complications associated with the procedures.

Conclusions SBE is a safe and effective modality to manage gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with LVADs.