bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological outcomes in CHD beyond childhood: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mills Rónán , McCusker Christopher G. , Tennyson Chris , Hanna Donncha
Published: December 2017

Background

Risk for neurodevelopmental delay in infants and children with CHD is well established, but longer-term outcomes are equivocal. A meta-analysis was conducted to establish whether cognitive deficits remain beyond childhood – into teenage and young adult years.

Methods and results

A total of 18 unique samples, involving adolescents, teenagers, and adults with CHD significant enough to require invasive intervention, and sourced through searches of Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, and PsychInfo, met the inclusion criteria. These included the use of standardised neuropsychology tests across 10 domains of cognitive functioning and the reporting of effect size differences with controls. Reports of patients with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities were excluded. Pooled effect sizes suggested no significant differences between CHD samples and controls in terms of general intellectual ability and verbal reasoning. However, small–medium effects sizes were noted (0.33–0.44) and were statistically significant within the domains of non-verbal reasoning, processing speed, attention, auditory–verbal memory, psychomotor abilities, numeracy, and literacy with executive functioning also emerging as significant when one study outlier was excluded. We also included quality assurance statistics including Cochran’s Q, T, and I2 statistics, leave-one-out analyses, and assessment of publication bias. These often suggested study variability, possibly related to the heterogeneity of diagnostic groups included, and different tests used to measure the same construct.

Conclusions

Heterogeneity indicated that moderators affect cognitive outcomes in CHD. Nevertheless, deficits across cognitive domains were discerned, which are likely to have functional impact and which should inform practice with this clinical population.
Use of Confocal Microscopy to Evaluate Equine Zygote Development After Sperm Injection of Oocytes MaturedIn VivoorIn Vitro
Authors: Ruggeri Elena , DeLuca Keith F. , Galli Cesare , Lazzari Giovanna , DeLuca Jennifer G. , Stokes Joanne E. , Carnevale Elaine M.
Published: December 2017

Confocal microscopy was used to image stages of equine zygote development, at timed intervals, after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of oocytes that were maturedin vivoorin vitro. After fixation for 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 h after ICSI, zygotes were incubated withα/βtubulin antibodies and human anticentromere antibody (CREST/ACA), washed, incubated in secondary antibodies, conjugated to either Alexa 488 or Alexa 647, and incubated with 561-Phalloidin and Hoechst 33258. An Olympus IX81 spinning disk confocal microscope was used for imaging. Data were analyzed usingχ2and Fisher’s exact tests. Minor differences in developmental phases were observed for oocytes maturedin vivoorin vitro. Oocytes formed pronuclei earlier when maturedin vivo(67% at 6 h and 80% at 8 h) thanin vitro(13% at 6 and 8 h); 80% of oocytes maturedin vitroformed pronuclei by 12 h. More (p=0.04) zygotes had atypical phenotypes, indicative of a failure of normal zygote development, when oocyte maturation occurredin vitroversusin vivo(30 and 11%, respectively). Some potential zygotes from oocytes maturedin vivohad normal phenotypes, although development appeared to be delayed or arrested. Confocal microscopy provided a feasible method to assess equine zygote development using limited samples.
High-selective band-reject FSS with dual-band near-zero refractive index based on complementary dual-layer symmetry resonator-ring
Authors: Xi Rui , Li Long , Shi Yan , Zhu Cheng , Chen Xi
Published: December 2017

A new band-reject frequency-selective surface (FSS) based on dual-band near-zero refractive index metamaterial (ZIM) design is presented in this paper. Consisting of a planar array of complementary dual-layer symmetry resonant ring, the proposed FSS exhibits a high-selective band-reject filtering response. From the viewpoint of effective medium, the subwavelength FSS is characterized by near-zero effective magnetic permeability and near-zero effective electric permittivity in two different operational bands, respectively. The corresponding resonant behavior and E-field distributions are analyzed in detail. A prototype of the proposed FSS working in X-band is fabricated and measured. The simulation and experiment results verify the effectiveness and correctness of the ZIM-based design method.
The role of anxious distress in immune dysregulation in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Gaspersz Roxanne , Lamers Femke , Wittenberg Gayle , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , van Hemert Albert M. , Schoevers Robert A. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H.
Published: December 2017

Although depression with anxious distress appears to be a clinically relevant subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD), whether it involves specific pathophysiology remains unclear. Inflammation has been implicated, but not comprehensively studied. We examined within a large MDD sample whether anxious distress and related anxiety features are associated with differential basal inflammation and innate cytokine production capacity. Data are from 1078 MDD patients from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. In addition to the DSM-5 anxious distress specifier, we studied various dimensional anxiety scales (e.g. Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology anxiety arousal subscale [IDS-AA], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire Anxious Arousal scale [MASQ-AA]). The specifier was constructed using five self-report items from the IDS and BAI. Basal inflammatory markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Innate production capacity was assessed by 13 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory markers. Basal and LPS-stimulated inflammation index scores were created. Basal inflammation was not associated with anxious distress (prevalence = 54.3%) in MDD patients, except for a modest positive association for BAI score. However, anxious distress was associated with higher LPS-stimulated levels (interferon-γ, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, TNF-α, LPS-stimulated index). Other anxiety indicators (anxious distress specifier score, BAI, MASQ-AA) were also associated with increased innate production capacity. Within a large MDD sample, the anxious distress specifier was associated with increased innate cytokine production capacity but not with basal inflammation. Results from dimensional anxiety indicators largely confirm these results. These findings provide new insight into the pathophysiology of anxious depression.
Ringing phenomenon based measurement of weak mode-coupling strength in an optical microresonator
Authors: Ye Ming-Yong , Shen Mei-Xia , Lin Xiu-Min
Published: December 2017

There is always a coupling between the degenerate clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) modes in a whisperinggallery- mode (WGM) optical microresonator, since the surface of the microresonator can not be perfectly smooth. It is important to measure this coupling strength in many applications. When the coupling strength is strong, the conventional method by observing mode splitting in the stationary spectrum can be used to measure its value. However, when the coupling strength is weak, the conventional method will not work. We experimentally demonstrate that the ringing phenomenon can be used to measure weak coupling strength between the CW and CCW modes in a WGM optical microresonator.
Molecular mechanism of K65 acetylation-induced attenuation of Ubc9 and the NDSM interaction
Authors: Naik Mandar T. , Kang Mooseok , Ho Chun-Chen , Liao Pei-Hsin , Hsieh Yung-Lin , Naik Nandita M. , Wang Szu-Huan , Chang Iksoo , Shih Hsiu-Ming , Huang Tai-Huang
Published: December 2017

The negatively charged amino acid-dependent sumoylation motif (NDSM) carries an additional stretch of acidic residues downstream of the consensus Ψ-K-x-E/D sumoylation motif. We have previously shown that acetylation of the SUMO E2 conjugase enzyme, Ubc9, at K65 downregulates its binding to the NDSM and renders a selective decrease in sumoylation of substrates with the NDSM motif. Here, we provide detailed structural, thermodynamic, and kinetics results of the interactions between Ubc9 and its K65 acetylated variant (Ac-Ubc9K65) with three NDSMs derived from Elk1, CBP, and Calpain2 to rationalize the mechanism beneath this reduced binding. Our nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data rule out a direct interaction between the NDSM and the K65 residue of Ubc9. Similarly, we found that NDSM binding was entropy-driven and unlikely to be affected by the negative charge by K65 acetylation. Moreover our NMR, mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulation studies defined the sequence of the NDSM as Ψ-K-x-E/D-x1-x2-(x3/E/D)-(x4/E/D)-xn and determined that K74 and K76 were critical Ubc9 residues interacting with the negatively charged residues of the NDSM.
Heart Failure Phenotypes Induced by Knockdown of DAPIT in Zebrafish: A New Insight into Mechanism of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nagata Yoji , Yamagishi Masakazu , Konno Tetsuo , Nakanishi Chiaki , Asano Yoshihiro , Ito Shin , Nakajima Yuri , Seguchi Osamu , Fujino Noboru , Kawashiri Masa-aki , Takashima Seiji , Kitakaze Masafumi , Hayashi Kenshi
Published: December 2017

The pathogenesis of heart failure associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may result in part from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) dysregulation in the myocardium. Under these conditions, diabetes-associated protein in insulin-sensitive tissue (DAPIT), which is encoded by the upregulated during skeletal muscle growth 5 (USMG5) gene, plays a crucial role in energy production by mitochondrial ATP synthase. To determine whether USMG5 is related to the development of heart failure, we performed clinical and experimental studies. Microarray analysis showed that the expression levels of USMG5 were positively correlated with those of natriuretic peptide precursor A in the human failed myocardium. When endogenous z-usmg5 in zebrafish was disrupted using morpholino (MO) oligonucleotides, the pericardial sac and atrial areas were larger and ventricular fractional shortening was reduced compared to in the control MO group. The expression levels of natriuretic peptides were upregulated in the z-usmg5 MO group compared to in controls. Further, microarray analysis revealed that genes in the calcium signalling pathway were downregulated in the z-usmg5 MO group. These results demonstrate that DAPIT plays a crucial role in the development of heart failure associated with DCM and thus may be a therapeutic target for heart failure.
A reduced cell-based phase model for tissue polarity alignment through global anisotropic cues
Authors: Sugimura Kaori , Kori Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Ordered polarity alignment of cell populations plays vital roles in biology, such as in hair follicle alignment and asymmetric cell division. Although cell polarity is uniformly oriented along a tissue axis in many tissues, its mechanism is not well understood. In this paper, we propose a theoretical framework to understand the generic dynamical properties of polarity alignment in interacting cellular units, where each cell is described by a reaction–diffusion system, and the cells further interact with one another through the contacting surfaces between them. Using a perturbation method under the assumption of weak coupling between cells, we derive a reduced model in which polarity of each cell is described by only one variable. Essential dynamical properties including the effects of cell shape, coupling heterogeneity, external signal and noise can be clarified analytically. In particular, we show that the anisotropicity of the system, such as oriented cell elongation and axial asymmetry in the coupling strength, can serve as a global cue that drives the uniform orientation of cell polarity along a certain axis. Our study bridges the gap between detailed and phenomenological models, and it is expected to facilitate the study of polarity dynamics in various nonequilibrium systems.
Oral epithelial cell sheets engraftment for esophageal strictures after endoscopic submucosal dissection of squamous cell carcinoma and airplane transportation
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Isomoto Hajime , Kobayashi Shinichiro , Kanai Nobuo , Kanetaka Kengo , Sakai Yusuke , Kasai Yoshiyuki , Takagi Ryo , Ohki Takeshi , Fukuda Hiroko , Kanda Tsutomu , Nagai Kazuhiro , Asahina Izumi , Nakao Kazuhiko , Yamato Masayuki , Okano Teruo , Eguchi Susumu
Published: December 2017

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) permits en bloc removal of superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, post-procedure stricture is common after ESD for widespread tumours, and multiple endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) procedures are required. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic transplantation of tissue-engineered autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets that had been transported by air over a distance of 1200 km in controlling postprocedural oesophageal stricture. Ten patients who underwent complete circular or semicircular ESD for ESCC were transplanted with cell sheets. The safety of the entire process including cell sheet preparation, transport, ESD and cell sheet transplantation was assessed. The incidence of oesophageal stricture, number of EBD sessions, and time until epithelialization were investigated. Each ESD was successfully performed, with subsequent cell sheet engrafting carried out safely. Following cell sheet transplantation, the luminal stenosis rate was 40%, while the median number of EBD sessions was 0. The median post-ESD ulcer healing period was rather short at 36 days. There were no significant complications at any stage of the process. Cell sheet transplantation and preparation at distant sites and transportation by air could be a safe and promising regenerative medicine technology.
Short Physical Performance Battery for cardiovascular disease inpatients: implications for critical factors and sarcopenia
Authors: Yasuda Tomohiro , Nakajima Toshiaki , Sawaguchi Tatsuya , Nozawa Naohiro , Arakawa Tomoe , Takahashi Reiko , Mizushima Yuta , Katayanagi Satoshi , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Toyoda Shigeru , Inoue Teruo
Published: December 2017

We examined the relationship between Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and clinical and laboratory factors and the effect of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) on clinical and laboratory factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) inpatients. CVD male (n = 318) and female (n = 172) inpatients were recruited. A stepwise multiple-regression analysis was performed to predict total SPPB scores and assess clinical and laboratory factors (physical characteristics, functional and morphological assessments, etc.). Each test outcome were compared among sarcopenia, SO and non-sarcopenic groups. To predict total SPPB scores, the predicted handgrip, Controlling Nutritional Status score, % body fat, anterior mid-thigh muscle thickness, standing height and systolic blood pressure were calculated for males and anterior mid-thigh MTH, BMI, knee extension and fat mass were calculated for females. There were no differences in blood pressure, total SPPB scores and functional assessments between sarcopenia and SO groups for CVD male and female inpatients. In conclusion, the physical performance of CVD inpatients can be predicted by nutritional, functional, clinical and anthropometric variables, regardless the gender and the presence of sarcopenia. Furthermore, the presence of sarcopenia has a negative effect on the clinical and laboratory factors, but there is a difference in impact between sarcopenia and SO regardless the gender.
Responsive DNA G-quadruplex micelles
Authors: Cozzoli Liliana , Gjonaj Lorina , Stuart Marc C. A. , Poolman Bert , Roelfes Gerard
Published: December 2017

A novel design of DNA-G-quadruplex micelles is presented, which can be disassembled by addition of a complementary strand, resulting in the release of an embedded cargo.
A chiral scandium-complex-catalyzed asymmetric inverse-electron-demand oxa-Diels–Alder reaction of o-quinone methides with fulvenes
Authors: Zhang Jianlin , Lin Lili , He Changqiang , Xiong Qian , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: December 2017

A highly efficient asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition of o-quinone methides with fulvenes has been realized using a chiral N,N′-dioxide/Sc(iii) complex as the catalyst. The corresponding optically active chromane derivatives were obtained in high yields with excellent dr and ee values.
A novel red-emitting K2Ca(PO4)F:Eu2+ phosphor with a large Stokes shift
Authors: Daicho H. , Shinomiya Y. , Enomoto K. , Nakano A. , Sawa H. , Matsuishi S. , Hosono H.
Published: December 2017

We report a K2CaPO4F:Eu2+ phosphor with a new crystal structure.
BEAMing LAMP: single-molecule capture and on-bead isothermal amplification for digital detection of hepatitis C virus in plasma
Authors: Chen Jiyun , Xu Xiaomin , Huang Zhimei , Luo Yuan , Tang Lijuan , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: December 2017

A novel dNAD platform BEAMing LAMP is developed by combining emulsion micro-reactors, single-molecule magnetic capture and on-bead amplification for absolute and high-precision quantification of nucleic acids.
Microfluidic formation of proteinosomes
Authors: Ugrinic Martina , Zambrano Adrian , Berger Simon , Mann Stephen , Tang T.-Y. Dora , deMello Andrew
Published: December 2017

Herein we describe a novel microfluidic method for the generation of proteinosome micro-droplets, based on bovine serum albumin and glucose oxidase conjugated to PNIPAAm chains.
An A–D–A′–D–A type small molecule acceptor with a broad absorption spectrum for organic solar cells
Authors: Miao Junhui , Meng Bin , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: December 2017

The use of an A–D–A′–D–A strategy to develop small molecule acceptors with broad absorption spectra through suppressing the intramolecular charge transfer effect is studied.
Telechelic polymers from reversible-deactivation radical polymerization for biomedical applications
Authors: Vinciguerra Daniele , Tran Johanna , Nicolas Julien
Published: December 2017

Strategies for the synthesis of telechelic polymers by reversible-activation radical polymerization for biomedical applications are covered spanning from drug delivery and targeting to theranostics and sensing.
Hexacyano-[3]-radialene anion-radical salts: a promising family of highly soluble p-dopants
Authors: Karpov Y. , Kiriy N. , Al-Hussein M. , Hambsch M. , Beryozkina T. , Bakulev V. , Mannsfeld S. C. B. , Voit B. , Kiriy A.
Published: December 2017

A versatile approach to a family of thermally stable, efficient anion-radical p-dopants having a tunable solubility is developed.
Aromatic aldehyde-selective aldol addition with aldehyde-derived silyl enol ethers
Authors: Kawajiri Takahiro , Ohta Reiya , Fujioka Hiromichi , Sajiki Hironao , Sawama Yoshinari
Published: December 2017

Unprecedented chemoselectivity between aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes has been achieved in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction using aldehyde-derived silyl enol ethers.
Planar-dependent oxygen vacancy concentrations in photocatalytic CeO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Zhao , Li Xiaojing , Mayyas Mohannad , Koshy Pramod , Hart Judy N. , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: December 2017

Planar-dependent oxygen vacancy concentrations in photocatalytic CeO2 nanoparticles.
A density functional theory study of aldehydes and their atmospheric products participating in nucleation
Authors: Shi Xiangli , Zhang Ruiming , Sun Yanhui , Xu Fei , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: December 2017

The products of aldehydes from aldol condensation, hydration, and polymerization reactions can promote new particle formation by stabilizing sulfuric acid.
Unveiling excited state energy transfer and charge transfer in a host/guest coordination cage
Authors: Zhang Rui-Ling , Yang Yang , Yang Song-Qiu , Han Ke-Li
Published: December 2017

Ultrafast excited-state dynamic processes, charge and energy transfer in a HGCT system are unveiled by using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
Full quantum dynamical investigation of the Eley–Rideal reaction forming H2 on a movable graphitic substrate at T = 0 K
Authors: Pasquini Marta , Bonfanti Matteo , Martinazzo Rocco
Published: December 2017

The dynamics of the Eley–Rideal abstraction reaction of hydrogen atoms on a movable graphitic surface is investigated for the first time in a numerically exact fully quantum setting.
The next generation vanadium flow batteries with high power density – a perspective
Authors: Lu Wenjing , Li Xianfeng , Zhang Huamin
Published: December 2017

The development and perspectives of vanadium flow batteries with high power density are reviewed and summarized.
Microscopic evidence for the dissociation of water molecules on cleaved GaN(11̄00)
Authors: Wu Shih-Yu , Lang Liang-Wei , Cai Pei-Yang , Chen Yun-Wen , Lai Yu-Ling , Lin Ming-Wei , Hsu Yao-Jane , Lee Wei-I , Kuo Jer-Lai , Luo Meng-Fan , Kuo Chien-Cheng
Published: December 2017

The dissociation of water molecules absorbed on a cleaved non-polar GaN(11̄00) surface was studied primarily with synchrotron-based photoemission spectra and density-functional-theory calculations.
Engineering chemical interactions in microbial communities
Authors: Kenny Douglas J. , Balskus Emily P.
Published: December 2017

Microbes can be engineered to participate in chemical signaling within host-associated microbial communities (microbiotas).
Reversible crystal-to-amorphous structural transformations and magnetic variations in single end-on azide-bridged MII (M = Mn, Ni) coordination polymers
Authors: Lim Kwang Soo , Song Jeong Hwa , Kang Dong Won , Kang Minjung , Eom Sunhwi , Koh Eui Kwan , Hong Chang Seop
Published: December 2017

Azide-bridged coordination polymers undergo reversible crystal-to-amorphous phase transformations during the hydration–dehydration process.
Model systems in heterogeneous catalysis: towards the design and understanding of structure and electronic properties
Authors: Pan Q. , Li L. , Shaikhutdinov S. , Fujimori Y. , Hollerer M. , Sterrer M. , Freund H.-J.
Published: December 2017

We discuss in this paper two case studies related to nano-particle catalyst systems: one concerns a model system for the Cr/SiO2 Phillips catalyst for ethylene polymerization and the other provides additional information on Au nano-particles supported on ultrathin MgO(100)/Ag(100) films.
Excitation of H2O at the plasma/water interface by UV irradiation for the elevation of ammonia production
Authors: Sakakura Tatsuya , Uemura Shintaro , Hino Mutsuki , Kiyomatsu Shotaro , Takatsuji Yoshiyuki , Yamasaki Ryota , Morimoto Masayuki , Haruyama Tetsuya
Published: December 2017

An interfacial reaction between the UV irradiated water phase (H˙ provides) and the electron-discharged nitrogen-gas phase (N atom provides) produces ammonia efficiently.
Enzymatic synthesis of temperature-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels with glucose oxidase
Authors: Gau Elisabeth , Flecken Franziska , Ksiazkiewicz Agnieszka Natalia , Pich Andrij
Published: December 2017

Temperature-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels containing encapsulated enzymes are synthesized via precipitation polymerization initiated by glucose oxidase in aqueous medium.
A novel sample loading method and protocol for monitoring sample fractionation for high precision Ca stable isotope ratio measurements using double-spike TIMS
Authors: Mondal Surajit , Chakrabarti Ramananda
Published: December 2017

The external reproducibility (2σSD) of Ca stable isotope ratio measurements (δ44/40Ca) using double-spike (43Ca–48Ca) thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) is better than 0.08 ‰ using our proposed loading technique.
A deep conical agarose microwell array for adhesion independent three-dimensional cell culture and dynamic volume measurement
Authors: Thomsen Andreas R. , Aldrian Christine , Bronsert Peter , Thomann Yi , Nanko Norbert , Melin Nicolas , Rücker Gerta , Follo Marie , Grosu Anca L. , Niedermann Gabriele , Layer Paul G. , Heselich Anja , Lund Per G.
Published: December 2017

Miniaturised conical measures for cell aggregates.
Cancer immunotherapy μ-environment LabChip: taking advantage of optoelectronic tweezers
Authors: Ke Ling-Yi , Kuo Zong-Keng , Chen Yu-Shih , Yeh Tsu-Yi , Dong Minxiang , Tseng Hsiang-Wen , Liu Cheng-Hsien
Published: December 2017

An OET-based LabChip was developed to provide a stable and static culture μ-environment for cancer immunotherapy studies. The TiOPc-based OET facilitates the studies of cell–cell interaction resulting in apoptotic progress of cancer cells.
Electrochemical biosensor for cancer cell detection based on a surface 3D micro-array
Authors: An Li , Wang Guangtong , Han Yu , Li Tianchan , Jin Peng , Liu Shaoqin
Published: December 2017

We have developed an efficient strategy to capture, detect and release CTCs from the blood of cancer patients using a benzoboric acid modified gold-plated polymeric substrate with a regular 3D surface array.
Towards microwave imaging of cells
Authors: Kelleci Mehmet , Aydogmus Hande , Aslanbas Levent , Erbil Selcuk Oguz , Hanay M. Selim
Published: December 2017

We have simultaneously used the first two modes of a microwave resonant sensor integrated with microfluidics to size and locate droplets and cells. Higher-order modes can yield further spatial details of cells.
Determination of the maximum thickness for directed self-assembly of cylinder-forming PS-b-PMMA films on chemical patterns
Authors: Liu Yadong , Ji Shengxiang
Published: December 2017

A transition from substrate-controlled directed self-assembly to surface-controlled self-assembly is located in assembled cylinder-forming PS-b-PMMA films with the thickness of up to ∼5Lo on chemical patterns.
Fabrication of a Ga3+ sensor probe based on methoxybenzylidenebenzenesulfonohydrazide (MBBSH) by an electrochemical approach
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Asiri Abdullah M. , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: December 2017

A thin-layer of (E)-N′-methoxybenzylidenebenzenesulfonohydrazide (MBBSH) was fabricated by the deposition of MBBSH onto a smooth glassy carbon electrode with nafion binder for the sensitive and selective Ga3+ sensor probe.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of benzanilides from lignin model substrates 2-phenoxyacetophenones under an air atmosphere
Authors: Liu Xinwei , Zhang Hongye , Wu Cailing , Liu Zhenghui , Chen Yu , Yu Bo , Liu Zhimin
Published: December 2017

A novel approach for the synthesis of benzanilides is presented via the Cu-catalyzed reaction of 2-phenoxyacetophenones with anilines under an air atmosphere, and a series of benzanilides can be obtained in high yields.
Mesoporous MgO/PPG hybrid nanofibers: synthesis, optimization, characterization and heavy metal removal property
Authors: Almasian A. , Najafi F. , Maleknia L. , Giahi M.
Published: December 2017

In this research, mesoporous magnesium oxide/poly(propylene glycol) (MgO/PPG) hybrid nanofibers were synthesized as a new adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions from solutions.
A density functional study on the electronic structure, nature of bonding and reactivity of NO adsorbing Rh0/±n (n = 2–8) clusters
Authors: Dutta Abhijit , Mondal Paritosh
Published: December 2017

Systematic investigations on lowest energy NO adsorbing neutral and ionic Rhn (n = 2–8) clusters in the gas phase are executed with an all electron relativistic method using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation.
Imidazole and triazole head group-containing polydiacetylenes for colorimetric monitoring of pH and detecting HCl gas
Authors: Lee Woolin , Lee Dayoung , Kim Ji-Yeong , Lee Songyi , Yoon Juyoung
Published: December 2017

The family of conjugated polymers known as polydiacetylenes (PDAs) has been extensively utilized in designing stimuli-responsive colorimetric and fluorometric sensors.
The feasibility of low-concentration contrast and low tube voltage in computed tomography perfusion imaging: an animal study
Authors: Pan Yuning , Song Aiqin , Bu Shizhong , Chen Zhaoqian , Huang Qiuli , Li Aijing
Published: December 2017

Aim: To investigate the feasibility of low-concentration contrast (270 mg/ml) together with low tube voltage (80 kV) and adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR)-3D reconstruction in liver computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging.

Method: A total of 15 healthy New Zealand rabbits received two CT scans each. The first scan (control) was acquired at 100 kV and 100 mA with iopromide (370 mg/ml), while the second scan (experimental) was acquired at 80 kV and 100 mA with iodixanol (270 mg/ml) 24 h after the first scan. The obtained images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and AIDR-3D in the control and experimental groups respectively. The perfusion parameters (hepatic artery perfusion [HAP], portal vein perfusion [PVP], hepatic perfusion index [HPI], and total liver perfusion [TLP]) and image quality (image quality score, average CT value of abdomen aorta, signal-to-noise ratio [SNR], contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR], and figure of merit [FOM]) were compared using a paired t-test or Mann–Whitney U test between the two groups, when appropriate. The effective radiation dose and iodine intake were also recorded and compared.

Results: With the exception of the FOM criteria, the image quality and perfusion parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. The effective radiation dose and iodine intake were 38.79% and 27.03% lower respectively, in the experimental group.

Conclusion: Low-concentration contrast (iodixanol, 270 mg/ml) together with low tube voltage (80 kV) and AIDR-3D reconstruction help to reduce radiation dose and iodine intake without compromising perfusion parameters and image quality in liver CT perfusion imaging.
Thiamine and selected thiamine antivitamins — biological activity and methods of synthesis
Authors: Tylicki Adam , Łotowski Zenon , Siemieniuk Magdalena , Ratkiewicz Artur
Published: December 2017

Thiamine plays a very important coenzymatic and non-coenzymatic role in the regulation of basic metabolism. Thiamine diphosphate is a coenzyme of many enzymes, most of which occur in prokaryotes. Pyruvate dehydrogenase and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes as well as transketolase are the examples of thiamine-dependent enzymes present in eukaryotes, including human. Therefore, thiamine is considered as drug or diet supplement which can support the treatment of many pathologies including neurodegenerative and vascular system diseases. On the other hand, thiamine antivitamins, which can interact with thiamine-dependent enzymes impeding their native functions, thiamine transport into the cells or a thiamine diphosphate synthesis, are good propose to drug design. The development of organic chemistry in the last century allowed the synthesis of various thiamine antimetabolites such as amprolium, pyrithiamine, oxythiamine, or 3-deazathiamine. Results of biochemical and theoretical chemistry research show that affinity to thiamine diphosphate-dependent enzymes of these synthetic molecules exceeds the affinity of native coenzyme. Therefore, some of them have already been used in the treatment of coccidiosis (amprolium), other are extensively studied as cytostatics in the treatment of cancer or fungal infections (oxythiamine and pyrithiamine). This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the synthesis and mechanisms of action of selected thiamine antivitamins and indicates the potential of their practical use.
Caspase-independent programmed cell death triggers Ca2PO4 deposition in an in vitro model of nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Priante Giovanna , Quaggio Federica , Gianesello Lisa , Ceol Monica , Cristofaro Rosalba , Terrin Liliana , Furlan Claudio , Del Prete Dorella , Anglani Franca
Published: December 2017

Nephrocalcinosis involves the deposition of microscopic crystals in the tubular lumen or interstitium. While the clinical, biochemical, and genetic aspects of the diseases causing nephrocalcinosis have been elucidated, little is known about the cellular events in this calcification process. We previously reported a phenomenon involving the spontaneous formation of Ca2PO4 nodules in primary papillary renal cells from a patient with medullary nephrocalcinosis harboring a rare glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene variant. We also demonstrated that cultivating GDNF-silenced human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells in osteogenic conditions for 15 days triggered Ca2PO4 deposits. Given the reportedly close relationship between cell death and pathological calcification, aim of the present study was to investigate whether apoptosis is involved in the calcification of GDNF-silenced HK-2 cells under osteogenic conditions. Silenced and control cells were cultured in standard and osteogenic medium for 1, 5, and 15 days, and any Ca2PO4 deposition was identified by means of von Kossa staining and environmental SEM (ESEM) analyses. Based on the results of annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) analysis, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, the silenced cells in the osteogenic medium showed a significant increase in the percentage of cells in the late phase of apoptosis and an increased Ca2PO4 deposition at 15 days. The results of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of BAX and BCL2, and in-cell Western analysis of caspases indicated that the cell death process was independent of caspase-3, -6, -7, and -9 activation, however. Using this model, we provide evidence of caspase-independent cell death triggering the calcification process in GDNF-silenced HK-2 cells.
miR-146a C/G polymorphism increased the risk of head and neck cancer, but overall cancer risk: an analysis of 89 studies
Authors: Sun Dezhong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: December 2017

Several studies have evaluated the association of miR-146a C/G with head and neck cancer (HNC) susceptibility, and overall cancer risk, but with inconclusive outcomes. To drive a more precise estimation, we carried out this meta-analysis. The literature was searched from MEDLINE (mainly PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases to identify eligible studies. A total of 89 studies were included. The results showed that miR-146a C/G was significantly associated with increased HNC risk in dominant model (I2 =15.6%, Pheterogeneity=0.282, odds ratio (OR) =1.088, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.002–1.182, P=0.044). However, no cancer risk was detected under all genetic models. By further stratified analysis, we found that rs4919510 mutation contributed to the risk of HNC amongst Asians under homozygote model (I2 =0, Pheterogeneity=0.541, OR =1.189, 95% CI =1.025–1.378, P=0.022), and dominant model (I2 =0, Pheterogeneity=0.959, OR =1.155, 95% CI =1.016–1.312, P=0.028). Simultaneously, in the stratified analysis by source of controls, a significantly increased cancer risk amongst population-based studies was found under homozygote model, dominant model, recessive model, and allele comparison model. However, no significant association was found in the stratified analysis by ethnicity and source of control. The results indicated that miR-146a C/G polymorphism may contribute to the increased HNC susceptibility and could be a promising target to forecast cancer risk for clinical practice. However, no significant association was found in subgroup analysis by ethnicity and source of control. To further confirm these results, well-designed large-scale case–control studies are needed in the future.
Protein arginine methyltransferase expression and activity during myogenesis
Authors: Shen Nicole Y. , Ng Sean Y. , Toepp Stephen L. , Ljubicic Vladimir
Published: December 2017

Despite the emerging importance of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) in regulating skeletal muscle plasticity, PRMT biology during muscle development is complex and not completely understood. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate PRMT1, -4, and -5 expression and function in skeletal muscle cells during the phenotypic remodeling elicited by myogenesis. C2C12 muscle cell maturation, assessed during the myoblast (MB) stage, and during days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of differentiation, was employed as an in vitro model of myogenesis. We observed PRMT-specific patterns of expression and activity during myogenesis. PRMT4 and -5 gene expression was unchanged, while PRMT1 mRNA and protein content were significantly induced. Cellular monomethylarginines (MMAs) and symmetric dimethylarginines (SDMAs), indicative of global and type II PRMT activities, respectively, remained steady during development, while type I PRMT activity indicator asymmetric dimethylarginines (ADMAs) increased through myogenesis. Histone 4 arginine 3 (H4R3) and H3R17 contents were elevated coincident with the myonuclear accumulation of PRMT1 and -4. Collectively, this suggests that PRMTs are methyl donors throughout myogenesis and demonstrate specificity for their protein targets. Cells were then treated with TC-E 5003 (TC-E), a selective inhibitor of PRMT1 in order to specifically examine the enzymes role during myogenic differentiation. TC-E treated cells exhibited decrements in muscle differentiation, which were consistent with attenuated mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory function. In summary, the present study increases our understanding of PRMT1, -4, and -5 biology during the plasticity of skeletal muscle development. Our results provide evidence for a role of PRMT1, via a mitochondrially mediated mechanism, in driving the muscle differentiation program.
Fault‐tolerant finite control set‐model predictive control for marine current turbine applications
Authors: Pham Huu‐Tam , Bourgeot Jean‐Matthieu , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: December 2017

This study deals with a fault‐tolerant control (FTC) strategy for a marine current energy conversion system based on a five‐phase permanent magnet synchronous generator. First, a finite control set‐model predictive control is adopted to highlight the advantages of this kind of generator in normal mode. The speed tracking performance is evaluated when the system operates under swell effect. Second, its fault tolerance is evaluated under various open‐circuit fault conditions. In this case, the reference currents are reconfigured online to achieve the reference torque while minimising the copper losses. Extensive simulations, based on real‐tidal speed data measured at the Raz‐de‐Sein site in Bretagne, France, are carried out for the validation of the proposed FTC strategy.
Energy management of cooperative microgrids with high‐penetration renewables
Authors: Lahon Rinalini , Gupta Chandra P.
Published: December 2017

In view of the tremendous benefits induced by cooperative operation of microgrids, such as reduced power loss, lower operational cost and load peak reduction, this study presents a new energy management strategy for coalition forming microgrids under an electricity market environment. The proposed framework models the time‐variant and intermittent attribute of renewable energy sources using a worst‐case transaction mechanism. The energy management strategy minimises the net operating cost of the microgrids forming the coalition, which not only includes the cost of distributed generation but a worst‐case net transaction cost to account for the intermittency in renewable energy‐based sources. Extensive numerical results are shown to corroborate the efficacy of the proposed framework.
Tuning the growth and strain relaxation of ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films on SrRuO3 electrode: influence on electrical properties
Authors: Aidoud Amina , Maroutian Thomas , Matzen Sylvia , Agnus Guillaume , Amrani Bouhalouane , Driss-Khodja Kouider , Aubert Pascal , Lecoeur Philippe
Published: December 2017

This study is focused on the link between the structural and electric properties of BaTiO3 thin films grown on SrRuO3-buffered (001) SrTiO3 substrates, SrRuO3 acting as bottom electrode. The growth regime and film structure are here tuned through the growth pressure for pulsed laser deposition in the 1–200 mTorr range. The dielectric, ferroelectric and leakage current properties are systematically measured for the different strain states of the BaTiO3 thin films on SrRuO3. The results are discussed with the help of ab initio calculations on the effects of Ba- and Ti-vacancies on BaTiO3 lattice parameters. A sharp increase of the dielectric constant is evidenced in the high pressure region, where the tetragonality of the BaTiO3 is decreasing rapidly with growth pressure. We interpret this divergence of the dielectric function as the signature of the vicinity of the phase boundary between the out-of-plane and in-plane orientations of the tetragonal BTO films.
Microwave alkaline roasting-water dissolving process for germanium extraction from zinc oxide dust and its analysis by response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Wang Wankun , Wang Fuchun , Lu Fanghai
Published: December 2017

Microwave alkaline roasting-water dissolving process was proposed to improve the germanium (Ge) extraction from zinc oxide (ZnO) dust. The effects of important parameters were investigated and the process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The Ge extraction is consistent with the linear polynomial model type. Alkali-material ratio, microwave heating temperature and leaching temperature are the significant factors for this process. The optimized conditions are obtained as follows, alkali-material ratio of 0.9 kg/kg, aging time of 1.12 day, microwave heating at 658 K for 10 min, liquid–solid ratio of 4.31 L/kg, leaching temperature at 330 K, leaching time of 47 min with the Ge extraction about 99.38%. It is in consistence with the predictive value of 99.31%. Compared to the existed alkaline roasting process heated by electric furnace in literature, the alkaline roasting temperature and holding time. It shows a good prospect on leaching Ge from ZnO dust with microwave alkaline roasting-water dissolving process.
Headphone Evaluation for App-Based Automated Mobile Hearing Screening
Authors: Pickens Adam , Robertson Lakshmi , Smith Matthew , Zheng Qi , Song Sejun
Published: December 2017

Introduction With the need for hearing screenings increasing across multiple populations, a need for automated options has been identified. This research seeks to evaluate the hardware requirements for automated hearing screenings using a mobile application.

Objective Evaluation of headphone hardware for use with an app-based mobile screening application.

Methods For the purposes of this study, hEAR, a Bekesy-based mobile application designed by the research team, was compared with pure tone audiometric tests administered by an audiologist. Both hEAR and the audiologist's test used 7 frequencies (125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz) adopting four different sets of commercially available headphones. The frequencies were regarded as the independent variable, whereas the sound pressure level (in decibels) was the dependent variable. Thirty participants from a university in Texas were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups, whose only difference was the order in which the tests were performed. Data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation model at α = 0.05.

Results Findings showed that, when used to collect data with the mobile app, both the Pioneer HDJ-2000 (Pioneer, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan) (p > 0.05) and the Sennheiser HD280 Pro (Sennheiser, Wedemark, Hanover, Germany) (p > 0.05) headphones presented results that were not statistically different from the audiologist's data across all test frequencies. Analyses indicated that both headphones had decreased detection probability at 4kHz and 8kHz, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion Data indicate that a mobile application, when paired with appropriate headphones, is capable of reproducing audiologist-quality data.
Periocular Cutaneous Mucormycosis Caused by Saksenaea erythrospora
Authors: Putthirangsiwong Bunyada , Mahaisavariya Pornchai , Chokthaweesak Weerawan , Selva Dinesh
Published: December 2017

Saksenaea erythrospora is a rare pathogen in humans. Ten adult cases have been previously reported, eight manifested with cutaneous infection, and two presented with invasive rhinosinusitis infection. The authors present a 16-month-old boy with progressive painful mass at the right medial canthus and upper cheek that was unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics. He underwent an anterior orbitotomy and biopsy. Histopathology revealed broad nonseptate sterile hyphae and grew S. erythrospora, which was confirmed by molecular techniques. The patient was treated with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B and oral itraconazole combined with aggressive surgical debridement. The patient made a complete recovery without long-term complications at 4 months of follow-up. Primary cutaneous mucormycosis caused by S. erythrospora may rarely involve the periocular region and mimic chronic dacryocystitis. We report the first case of pediatric periocular cutaneous mucormycosis caused by S. erythrospora.
Lower prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in German patients with systemic mast cell activation syndrome compared with the general population
Authors: Wirz Stefan , Hertfelder Hans-Jörg , Seidel Holger , Homann Jürgen , Molderings Gerhard
Published: December 2017

Introduction The common mastocytosis variant systemic mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) may underlie at least a subset of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A critical role of vitamin D (VD) in the stabilization of mast cells (MCs) with deficiency of VD resulting in MC activation has been demonstrated. If so, supplementation of VD would be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of those IBS patients.

Methods We investigated in the present study for the first time systematically whether the VD level in 100 MCAS patients differed from that in the German general population (Ggp) and made a first attempt to elucidate potential reasons for possible differences by simultaneously determining the blood levels of heparin and cholesterol.

Results In contrast to the Ggp, the VD level was detected in a sufficient range (> 30 ng/mL) in 53 % of the MCAS patients (Ggp 8 %), and only 34 % had values in the range of deficiency (< 20 ng/mL; GgP 75 %). There was no correlation between VD blood level and heparin and cholesterol blood levels.

Conclusions The demonstration that in the majority of MCAS patients the VD level is not in a deficient range argues against an essential contribution of VD deficiency to the high prevalence of MCAS in Germany. Our findings do not exclude the possibility of smaller effects of VD level on MC activation in vivo. However, if such effects are present, the effect sizes seem to be too small to become identifiable in the multifactorial process of disease development.
Temperature-modulated electronic structure of graphene on SiC: Possible roles of electron-electron interaction and strain
Authors: Hwang Choongyu , Hwang Jinwoong , Lee Ji-Eun , Denlinger Jonathan , Mo Sung-Kwan
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the electron band structure of graphene epitaxially grown on an SiC substrate using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The conical energy spectrum of graphene exhibits a minimum slope at ∼50 K, which is accompanied by the minimum separation between its two branches. These observations provide a viable route towards the engineering of the electronic properties of graphene using temperature, while the latter suggests a possible evidence of gap engineering via strain induced by the substrate and modulated by temperature.