bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definition of important early morbidities related to paediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Brown Katherine L. , Pagel Christina , Brimmell Rhian , Bull Kate , Davis Peter , Franklin Rodney C. , Hoskote Aparna , Khan Natasha , Rodrigues Warren , Thorne Sara , Smith Liz , Chigaru Linda , Utley Martin , Wray Jo , Tsang Victor , Mclean Andrew
Published: September 2016

Background

Morbidity is defined as a state of being unhealthy or of experiencing an aspect of health that is “generally bad for you”, and postoperative morbidity linked to paediatric cardiac surgery encompasses a range of conditions that may impact the patient and are potential targets for quality assurance.

Methods

As part of a wider study, a multi-disciplinary group of professionals aimed to define a list of morbidities linked to paediatric cardiac surgery that was prioritised by a panel reflecting the views of both professionals from a range of disciplines and settings as well as parents and patients.

Results

We present a set of definitions of morbidity for use in routine audit after paediatric cardiac surgery. These morbidities are ranked in priority order as acute neurological event, unplanned re-operation, feeding problems, the need for renal support, major adverse cardiac events or never events, extracorporeal life support, necrotising enterocolitis, surgical site of blood stream infection, and prolonged pleural effusion or chylothorax. It is recognised that more than one such morbidity may arise in the same patient and these are referred to as multiple morbidities, except in the case of extracorporeal life support, which is a stand-alone constellation of morbidity.

Conclusions

It is feasible to define a range of paediatric cardiac surgical morbidities for use in routine audit that reflects the priorities of both professionals and parents. The impact of these morbidities on the patient and family will be explored prospectively as part of a wider ongoing, multi-centre study.
Tricuspid atresia associated with aortopulmonary window: diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas
Authors: Milovanovic Vladimir , Stefanovic Igor , Ilic Slobodan
Published: September 2016

The association of tricuspid atresia with aortopulmonary window is exceptionally rare. We report a patient with tricuspid atresia, normally related great arteries, non-restrictive ventricular septal defect, and no pulmonary stenosis (type IC) with an aortopulmonary window who underwent successful initial surgical palliation. The unique anatomical feature of this case, other than the presence of the aortopulmonary window, was the absence of pulmonary stenosis at the level of either the ventricular septal defect or the pulmonary valve. All other reported cases have described some degree of restriction of anterograde pulmonary flow due to pulmonary stenosis or atresia.
ADHD symptoms in non-treatment seeking young adults: relationship with other forms of impulsivity
Authors: Chamberlain Samuel R. , Ioannidis Konstantinos , Leppink Eric W. , Niaz Faiza , Redden Sarah A. , Grant Jon E.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with various manifestations of impulsivity in adults, including elevated rates of other impulsive disorders, substance use, questionnaire-based impulsivity scores, and inhibitory dysregulation on neurocognitive tests. The relationship between ADHD and all these other forms of impulsivity has yet to be explored within the context of a single comprehensive study.

Methods

A total of 423 young adults, who gambled ≥5 times in the preceding year, were recruited using media advertisements and undertook detailed assessment including structured psychiatric interview, questionnaires, and neurocognitive tests. Participants with ADHD symptoms were identified using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS-V1.1) and were compared to controls using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

Results

ADHD symptoms were found in 20.3% of the sample, but only 7.3% of these subjects had ever received a formal diagnosis. ADHD symptoms were associated with significantly lower quality of life, lower self-esteem, higher emotional dysregulation, higher impulsivity questionnaire scores, more problematic Internet use, greater occurrence of psychiatric disorders, and impaired stop-signal reaction times. Of these variables, stop-signal reaction times and Barratt attentional impulsiveness were the strongest predictors of group classification.

Conclusions

ADHD symptoms are common and under-diagnosed in young adults who gamble, and are most strongly linked with certain other types of impulsivity (questionnaire- and cognitive-based measures) and with emotional dysregulation, suggesting that these are each important considerations in understanding the pathophysiology of the disorder, but also potential treatment targets. It is necessary to question whether treatment for adult ADHD could be enhanced by considering self-esteem, emotional reactivity, and impaired inhibitory control as specific treatment targets, in addition to the core diagnostic symptoms of the disorder.
Characterization of Amorphous Oxide Nano-Thick Layers on 316L Stainless Steel by Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging and Electron Backscatter Diffraction
Authors: Dorri Mahrokh , Turgeon Stéphane , Brodusch Nicolas , Cloutier Maxime , Chevallier Pascale , Gauvin Raynald , Mantovani Diego
Published: September 2016

Characterization of the topmost surface of biomaterials is crucial to understanding their properties and interactions with the local environment. In this study, the oxide layer microstructure of plasma-modified 316L stainless steel (SS316L) samples was analyzed by a combination of electron backscatter diffraction and electron channeling contrast imaging using low-energy incident electrons. Both techniques allowed clear identification of a nano-thick amorphous oxide layer, on top of the polycrystalline substrate, for the plasma-modified samples. A methodology was developed using Monte Carlo simulations combined with the experimental results to estimate thickness of the amorphous layer for different surface conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles were used to validate these estimations.
Risikofaktoren für selbstverletzendes, aggressives und stereotypes Verhalten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Sehschädigungen
Authors: Sarimski Klaus , Lang Markus
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Formen, Häufigkeit und Risikofaktoren für selbstverletzendes, aggressives und stereotypes Verhalten sind bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Sehschädigungen unzureichend erforscht. Methodik: 83 Eltern von sehbehinderten und blinden Kindern und Jugendlichen berichten über Merkmale der Sehbehinderung, die sozial-kommunikativen Kompetenzen und die Häufigkeit und Schwere von stereotypen, selbstverletzenden und aggressiven Verhaltensauffälligkeiten, die sie bei ihren Kindern beobachten. Ergebnisse: Die einzelnen Bereiche der sozial-kommunikativen Kompetenzen, die erhoben werden, korrelieren mit der Häufigkeit von stereotypen Verhaltensweisen (r = –0.26 bis 0.33) und selbstverletzenden Verhaltensweisen (r = –0.34 bis 0.48), nicht aber mit der Häufigkeit von aggressiven Verhaltensweisen. Die Varianzanalyse zeigt zudem Zusammenhänge zwischen Häufigkeit und Schwere selbstverletzender Verhaltensweisen mit dem Grad der Entwicklungsverzögerung kognitiver und adaptiver Kompetenzen (F = 4.65, p = 0.012, bzw. F > 5.65, p < 0.01). Blinde Kinder zeigen mehr und schwerere Stereotypien (T > 2.49, p = 0.015; bzw. T = 2.64, p = 0.01) und mehr und schwerere Selbstverletzungen (T = 1.99, p = 0.05; bzw. T = 2.74; p < 0.01) als sehbehinderte Kinder. Selbstverletzendes Verhalten ist bei Kindern und Jugendlichen, die Sonderkindergärten und -schulen besuchen, häufiger zu beobachten. Schlussfolgerungen: Nur Selbstverletzungen und Stereotypien variieren mit Merkmalen der Sehschädigung und Zusatzbehinderungen der Kinder.
New Images Give More Proof for Europa's Plumes
Authors: Garisto Daniel
Published: September 2016

Researchers used a modified version of a technique for discovering exoplanets to view Jupiter's icy moon in a new light.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Hsa-miR-623 suppresses tumor progression in human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wei Shuang , Zhang Zun-yi , Fu Sheng-ling , Xie Jun-gang , Liu Xian-sheng , Xu Yong-jian , Zhao Jian-ping , Xiong Wei-ning
Published: September 2016

Our previous study revealed that Ku80 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissues and hsa-miR-623 regulated the Ku80 expression; however, the detailed function of hsa-miR-623 in lung cancer was unclear. We identified that hsa-miR-623 bound to the 3'-UTR of Ku80 mRNA, thus significantly decreasing Ku80 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared with corresponding non-tumorous tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with Ku80 upregulation. Downregulation of hsa-miR-623 was associated with poor clinical outcomes of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Hsa-miR-623 suppressed lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion in vitro. Hsa-miR-623 inhibited xenografts growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma in vivo. Ku80 knockdown in lung adenocarcinoma cells suppressed tumor properties in vitro and in vivo similar to hsa-miR-623 overexpression. Further, hsa-miR-623 overexpression decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression levels, with decreased ERK/JNK phosphorylation. Inhibition of hsa-miR-623 or overexpression of Ku80 promoted lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion, activated ERK/JNK phosphorylation and increased MMP-2/9 expressions, which could be reversed by ERK kinase inhibitor or JNK kinase inhibitor. In summary, our results showed that hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and suppressed the invasion and metastasis targeting Ku80 through ERK/JNK inactivation mediated downregulation of MMP-2/9. These findings reveal that hsa-miR-623 may serve as an important therapeutic target in lung cancer therapy.
FoxO1 in dopaminergic neurons regulates energy homeostasis and targets tyrosine hydroxylase
Authors: Doan Khanh V. , Kinyua Ann W. , Yang Dong Joo , Ko Chang Mann , Moh Sang Hyun , Shong Ko Eun , Kim Hail , Park Sang-Kyu , Kim Dong-Hoon , Kim Inki , Paik Ji-Hye , DePinho Ronald A. , Yoon Seul Gi , Kim Il Yong , Seong Je Kyung , Choi Yun-Hee , Kim Ki Woo
Published: September 2016

Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are involved in the integration of neuronal and hormonal signals to regulate food consumption and energy balance. Forkhead transcriptional factor O1 (FoxO1) in the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in mediation of leptin and insulin function. However, the homoeostatic role of FoxO1 in DA system has not been investigated. Here we report that FoxO1 is highly expressed in DA neurons and mice lacking FoxO1 specifically in the DA neurons (FoxO1 KODAT) show markedly increased energy expenditure and interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) thermogenesis accompanied by reduced fat mass and improved glucose/insulin homoeostasis. Moreover, FoxO1 KODAT mice exhibit an increased sucrose preference in concomitance with higher dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Finally, we found that FoxO1 directly targets and negatively regulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, the rate-limiting enzyme of the catecholamine synthesis, delineating a mechanism for the KO phenotypes. Collectively, these results suggest that FoxO1 in DA neurons is an important transcriptional factor that directs the coordinated control of energy balance, thermogenesis and glucose homoeostasis.
Highly tunable refractive index visible-light metasurface from block copolymer self-assembly
Authors: Kim Ju Young , Kim Hyowook , Kim Bong Hoon , Chang Taeyong , Lim Joonwon , Jin Hyeong Min , Mun Jeong Ho , Choi Young Joo , Chung Kyungjae , Shin Jonghwa , Fan Shanhui , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: September 2016

The refractive index of natural transparent materials is limited to 2–3 throughout the visible wavelength range. Wider controllability of the refractive index is desired for novel optical applications such as nanoimaging and integrated photonics. We report that metamaterials consisting of period and symmetry-tunable self-assembled nanopatterns can provide a controllable refractive index medium for a broad wavelength range, including the visible region. Our approach exploits the independent control of permeability and permittivity with nanoscale objects smaller than the skin depth. The precise manipulation of the interobject distance in block copolymer nanopatterns via pattern shrinkage increased the effective refractive index up to 5.10. The effective refractive index remains above 3.0 over more than 1,000 nm wavelength bandwidth. Spatially graded and anisotropic refractive indices are also obtained with the design of transitional and rotational symmetry modification.
Spatially inhomogeneous electron state deep in the extreme quantum limit of strontium titanate
Authors: Bhattacharya Anand , Skinner Brian , Khalsa Guru , Suslov Alexey V.
Published: September 2016

When an electronic system is subjected to a sufficiently strong magnetic field that the cyclotron energy is much larger than the Fermi energy, the system enters the extreme quantum limit (EQL) and becomes susceptible to a number of instabilities. Bringing a three-dimensional electronic system deeply into the EQL can be difficult however, since it requires a small Fermi energy, large magnetic field, and low disorder. Here we present an experimental study of the EQL in lightly-doped single crystals of strontium titanate. Our experiments probe deeply into the regime where theory has long predicted an interaction-driven charge density wave or Wigner crystal state. A number of interesting features arise in the transport in this regime, including a striking re-entrant nonlinearity in the current–voltage characteristics. We discuss these features in the context of possible correlated electron states, and present an alternative picture based on magnetic-field induced puddling of electrons.
Erratum: Survival trade-offs in plant roots during colonization by closely related beneficial and pathogenic fungi
Authors: Hacquard Stéphane , Kracher Barbara , Hiruma Kei , Münch Philipp C. , Garrido-Oter Ruben , Thon Michael R. , Weimann Aaron , Damm Ulrike , Dallery Jean-Félix , Hainaut Matthieu , Henrissat Bernard , Lespinet Olivier , Sacristán Soledad , van Themaat Emiel Ver Loren , Kemen Eric , McHardy Alice C. , Schulze-Lefert Paul , O’Connell Richard J.
Published: September 2016

Nature Communications 7 Article number:11362 (2016); Published 6 May 2016; Updated 29 September 2016. The HTML version of this Article previously published omitted Supplementary Data 8. This has now been corrected in the HTML version of the Article; the PDF was correct from the time of publication.
Correction: Intrinsic cardiovascular autonomic regulatory system of astronauts exposed long-term to microgravity in space: observational study
Authors: Otsuka Kuniaki , Cornelissen Germaine , Kubo Yutaka , Hayashi Mitsutoshi , Yamamoto Naomune , Shibata Koichi , Aiba Tatsuya , Furukawa Satoshi , Ohshima Hiroshi , Mukai Chiaki
Published: September 2016

Correction to: npj Microgravity (2015) 1, 15018. 10.1038/npjmgrav.2015.18; published online 30 November 2015 In this Article, data within Table 1 and a sentence within the Methods inadvertently included information that breached subject confidentiality. This information has been removed from Table 1and Methods in the online versions of the paper.
Pre-fusion F is absent on the surface of formalin-inactivated respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Killikelly April M. , Kanekiyo Masaru , Graham Barney S.
Published: September 2016

The lack of a licensed vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be partly attributed to regulatory hurdles resulting from vaccine enhanced respiratory disease (ERD) subsequent to natural RSV infection that was observed in clinical trials of formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) in antigen-naïve infants. To develop an effective vaccine that does not enhance RSV illness, it is important to understand how formalin and heat inactivation affected the antigenicity and immunogenicity of FI-RSV compared to native virus. Informed by atomic structures of RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein in prefusion (pre-F) and postfusion (post-F) conformations, we demonstrate that FI-RSV predominately presents post-F on the virion surface, whereas infectious RSV presents both pre-F and post-F conformations. This significant antigenic distinction has not been previously appreciated. Thus, a stabilized pre-F antigen is more representative of live RSV than F in its post-F conformation, as displayed on the surface of FI-RSV. This finding has major implications for discriminating current pre-F-based immunogens from FI-RSV used in historical vaccine trials.
Measuring the Complex Optical Conductivity of Graphene by Fabry-Pérot Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Ghamsari Behnood G. , Tosado Jacob , Yamamoto Mahito , Fuhrer Michael S. , Anlage Steven M.
Published: September 2016

We have experimentally studied the dispersion of optical conductivity in few-layer graphene through reflection spectroscopy at visible wavelengths. A laser scanning microscope (LSM) with a supercontinuum laser source measured the frequency dependence of the reflectance of exfoliated graphene flakes, including monolayer, bilayer and trilayer graphene, loaded on a Si/SiO2 Fabry-Pérot resonator in the 545–700 nm range. The complex refractive index of few-layer graphene, n − ik, was extracted from the reflectance contrast to the bare substrate. It was found that each few-layer graphene possesses a unique dispersionless optical index. This feature indicates that the optical conductivity does not simply scale with the number of layers, and that inter-layer electrodynamics are significant at visible energies.
Mst1 inhibits CMECs autophagy and participates in the development of diabetic coronary microvascular dysfunction
Authors: Lin Jie , Zhang Lei , Zhang Mingming , Hu Jianqiang , Wang Tingting , Duan Yu , Man Wanrong , Wu Bin , Feng Jiaxu , Sun Lei , Li Congye , Zhang Rongqing , Wang Haichang , Sun Dongdong
Published: September 2016

Cardiovascular complications account for a substantial proportion of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Abnormalities of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) lead to impaired cardiac microvascular vessel integrity and subsequent cardiac dysfunction, underlining the importance of coronary microvascular dysfunction. In this study, experimental diabetes models were constructed using Mst1 transgenic, Mst1 knockout and sirt1 knockout mice. Diabetic Mst1 transgenic mice exhibited impaired cardiac microvessel integrity and decreased cardiac function. Mst1 overexpression deceased CMECs autophagy as evidenced by decreased LC3 expression and enhanced protein aggregation when subjected to high glucose culture. Mst1 knockout improved cardiac microvessel integrity and enhanced cardiac functions in diabetic mice. Mst1 knockdown up-regulated autophagy as indicated by more typical autophagosomes and increased LC3 expression in CMECs subjected to high glucose cultures. Mst1 knockdown also promoted autophagic flux in the presence of bafilomycin A1. Mst1 overexpression increased CMECs apoptosis, whereas Mst1 knockout decreased CMECs apoptosis. Sirt1 knockout abolished the effects of Mst1 overexpression in cardiac microvascular injury and cardiac dysfunction. In conclusion, Mst1 knockout preserved cardiac microvessel integrity and improved cardiac functions in diabetic mice. Mst1 decreased sirt1 activity, inhibited autophagy and enhanced apoptosis in CMECs, thus participating in the pathogenesis of diabetic coronary microvascular dysfunction.
Quantum walks of interacting fermions on a cycle graph
Authors: Melnikov Alexey A. , Fedichkin Leonid E.
Published: September 2016

Quantum walks have been employed widely to develop new tools for quantum information processing recently. A natural quantum walk dynamics of interacting particles can be used to implement efficiently the universal quantum computation. In this work quantum walks of electrons on a graph are studied. The graph is composed of semiconductor quantum dots arranged in a circle. Electrons can tunnel between adjacent dots and interact via Coulomb repulsion, which leads to entanglement. Fermionic entanglement dynamics is obtained and evaluated.
Presumed LRP1-targeting transport peptide delivers β-secretase inhibitor to neurons in vitro with limited efficiency
Authors: Kim Jong Ah , Casalini Tommaso , Brambilla Davide , Leroux Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2016

Interfering with the activity of β-secretase to reduce the production of Aβ peptides is a conceivable therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the development of efficient yet safe inhibitors is hampered by secondary effects, usually linked to the indiscriminate inhibition of other substrates’ processing by the targeted enzyme. Based on the spatial compartmentalization of the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by β-secretase, we hypothesized that by exploiting the endocytosis receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein it would be possible to direct an otherwise cell-impermeable inhibitor to the endosomes of neurons, boosting the drug’s efficacy and importantly, sparing the off-target effects. We used the transport peptide Angiopep to build an endocytosis-competent conjugate and found that although the peptide facilitated the inhibitor’s internalization into neurons and delivered it to the endosomes, the delivery was not efficient enough to potently reduce β-secretase activity at the cellular level. This is likely connected to the finding that in the cell lines we used, Angiopep’s internalization was not mediated by its presumed receptor to a significant extent. Additionally, Angiopep exploited different internalization mechanisms when applied alone or when conjugated to the inhibitor, highlighting the impact that drug conjugation can have on transport peptides.
The effects of a genome-wide supported variant in the CACNA1C gene on cortical morphology in schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Zheng Fanfan , Cui Yue , Yan Hao , Liu Bing , Jiang Tianzi
Published: September 2016

Schizophrenia is a highly heritable disorder with multiple susceptibility genes. Previously, we identified CACNA1C rs2007044 as a new risk locus for schizophrenia, with the minor allele G as risk allele. This association was recently validated by a powerful genome-wide association study. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we tested whether the risk allele has an influence on cortical surface area and thickness in a sample of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. We found significant genotype by diagnosis interactions on cortical surface area, but not thickness, in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left superior parietal cortex, both of which are key components of the central executive network. Moreover, the surface areas of both regions were inversely correlated with PANSS negative scores in AA homogeneous patients but not in G-carriers. This is the first study to describe the influence of the new genome-wide supported schizophrenia risk variant on cortical morphology. Our data revealed a significant genetic effect of cortical surface area in pivotal brain regions, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, possibly via their involvement in cognitive functions. These results yield new insights into the potential neural mechanisms linking CACNA1C to the risk of schizophrenia.
A role for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Beta in T cell development
Authors: Mothe-Satney Isabelle , Murdaca Joseph , Sibille Brigitte , Rousseau Anne-Sophie , Squillace Raphaëlle , Le Menn Gwenaëlle , Rekima Akila , Larbret Frederic , Pelé Juline , Verhasselt Valérie , Grimaldi Paul A. , Neels Jaap G.
Published: September 2016

Metabolism plays an important role in T cell biology and changes in metabolism drive T cell differentiation and fate. Most research on the role of metabolism in T lymphocytes focuses on mature T cells while only few studies have investigated the role of metabolism in T cell development. In this study, we report that activation or overexpression of the transcription factor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor β (PPARβ) increases fatty acid oxidation in T cells. Furthermore, using both in vivo and in vitro models, we demonstrate that PPARβ activation/overexpression inhibits thymic T cell development by decreasing proliferation of CD4−CD8− double-negative stage 4 (DN4) thymocytes. These results support a model where PPARβ activation/overexpression favours fatty acid- instead of glucose-oxidation in developing T cells, thereby hampering the proliferative burst normally occurring at the DN4 stage of T cell development. As a consequence, the αβ T cells that are derived from DN4 thymocytes are dramatically decreased in peripheral lymphoid tissues, while the γδ T cell population remains untouched. This is the first report of a direct role for a member of the PPAR family of nuclear receptors in the development of T cells.
A potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of sirtuin 1 promotes differentiation of pluripotent P19 cells into functional neurons
Authors: Kim Beom Seok , Lee Chang-Hee , Chang Gyeong-Eon , Cheong Eunji , Shin Injae
Published: September 2016

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is known to suppress differentiation of pluripotent/multipotent cells and neural progenitor cells into neurons by blocking activation of transcription factors critical for neurogenesis. EX-527 is a highly selective and potent inhibitor against SIRT1 and has been used as a chemical probe that modulates SIRT1-associated biological processes. However, the effect of EX-527 on neuronal differentiation in pluripotent cells has not been well elucidated. Here, we report an examination of EX-527 effects on neurogenesis of pluripotent P19 cells. The results showed that EX-527 greatly accelerated differentiation of P19 cells into neurons without generation of cardiac cells and astrocytes. Importantly, neurons derived from P19 cells treated with EX-527 generated voltage-dependent sodium currents and depolarization-induced action potentials. The findings indicate that the differentiated cells have electrophysiological properties. The present study suggests that the selective SIRT1 inhibitor could have the potential of being employed as a chemical inducer to generate functionally active neurons.
Accuracy of the serum intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein for diagnosis of acute intestinal ischemia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Da-Li , Cen Yun-Yun , Li Shu-Min , Li Wei-Ming , Lu Qi-Ping , Xu Peng-Yuan
Published: September 2016

Numerous studies have investigated the utility of serum intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP) in differentiating acute intestinal ischemia from acute abdomen. However, the results remain controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the overall accuracy of serum I-FABP in the diagnosis of acute intestinal ischemia. Publications addressing the accuracy of serum I-FABP in the diagnosis of ischemic bowel diseases were selected from databases. The values of true-positive (TP), true-negative (TN), false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) were extracted or calculated for each study. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The overall diagnostic performance was assessed using a summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) and area under curve (AUC). Nine studies that collectively included 1246 patients met the eligible criteria. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR and NLR were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72–0.86), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.73–0.93), 24 (95% CI: 9–65), 5.5 (95% CI: 2.8–10.8) and 0.23 (95% CI: 0.15–0.35), respectively. The AUC was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83–0.89). The meta-analysis carried out in this report suggests that the I-FABP may be a useful diagnostic tool to confirm acute intestinal ischemia in acute abdomen, but better-designed trials are still required to confirm our findings.
Unsupervised Data Mining in nanoscale X-ray Spectro-Microscopic Study of NdFeB Magnet
Authors: Duan Xiaoyue , Yang Feifei , Antono Erin , Yang Wenge , Pianetta Piero , Ermon Stefano , Mehta Apurva , Liu Yijin
Published: September 2016

Novel developments in X-ray based spectro-microscopic characterization techniques have increased the rate of acquisition of spatially resolved spectroscopic data by several orders of magnitude over what was possible a few years ago. This accelerated data acquisition, with high spatial resolution at nanoscale and sensitivity to subtle differences in chemistry and atomic structure, provides a unique opportunity to investigate hierarchically complex and structurally heterogeneous systems found in functional devices and materials systems. However, handling and analyzing the large volume data generated poses significant challenges. Here we apply an unsupervised data-mining algorithm known as DBSCAN to study a rare-earth element based permanent magnet material, Nd2Fe14B. We are able to reduce a large spectro-microscopic dataset of over 300,000 spectra to 3, preserving much of the underlying information. Scientists can easily and quickly analyze in detail three characteristic spectra. Our approach can rapidly provide a concise representation of a large and complex dataset to materials scientists and chemists. For example, it shows that the surface of common Nd2Fe14B magnet is chemically and structurally very different from the bulk, suggesting a possible surface alteration effect possibly due to the corrosion, which could affect the material’s overall properties.
A paradox for air pollution controlling in China revealed by “APEC Blue” and “Parade Blue”
Authors: Liu Haoran , Liu Cheng , Xie Zhouqing , Li Ying , Huang Xin , Wang Shanshan , Xu Jin , Xie Pinhua
Published: September 2016

A series of strict emission control measures were implemented in Beijing and surrounding regions to ensure good air quality during the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and 2015 Grand Military Parade (Parade), which led to blue sky days during these two events commonly referred to as “APEC Blue” and “Parade Blue”. Here we calculated Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) NO2 and HCHO results based on well known DOAS trace gas fitting algorithm and WRF-Chem model (with measured climatology parameter and newest emission inventor) simulated trace gases profiles. We found the NO2 columns abruptly decreased both Parade (43%) and APEC (21%) compared with the periods before these two events. The back-trajectory cluster analysis and the potential source contribution function (PSCF) proved regional transport from southern peripheral cities plays a key role in pollutants observed at Beijing. The diminishing transport contribution from southern air mass during Parade manifests the real effect of emission control measures on NO2 pollution. Based on the ratios of HCHO over NO2 we found there were not only limited the NO2 pollutant but also suppress the O3 contaminant during Parade, while O3 increased during the APEC.
Cigarette smoke reversibly activates hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in a reactive oxygen species-dependent manner
Authors: Daijo Hiroki , Hoshino Yuma , Kai Shinichi , Suzuki Kengo , Nishi Kenichiro , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Harada Hiroshi , Hirota Kiichi
Published: September 2016

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major contributor to the development of a large number of fatal and debilitating disorders. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CS in lung disease are largely unknown. To elucidate these pathophysiological processes, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of CS extract (CSE) and CS on the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). CSE induced concentration- and time-dependent accumulation of HIF-1α protein in human lung epithelial-like cells under non-hypoxic conditions. Genes upregulated by HIF-1, including vascular endothelial growth factor and regulated in development and DNA damage response 1, both of which are involved in smoking-induced emphysematous changes, were increased by CSE treatment under non-hypoxic conditions in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation revealed that reactive oxygen species were generated in cells exposed to CSE and were required for CSE-mediated induction of HIF-1α protein, as was activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. In conclusion, we demonstrated that CSE and CS induced HIF-1 activation in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The evidence warrants further investigation to indicate that HIF-1 plays an important role in CS-induced gene expression, which is deeply involved in pulmonary cellular stress and small airway remodelling.
A multilevel nonvolatile magnetoelectric memory
Authors: Shen Jianxin , Cong Junzhuang , Shang Dashan , Chai Yisheng , Shen Shipeng , Zhai Kun , Sun Young
Published: September 2016

The coexistence and coupling between magnetization and electric polarization in multiferroic materials provide extra degrees of freedom for creating next-generation memory devices. A variety of concepts of multiferroic or magnetoelectric memories have been proposed and explored in the past decade. Here we propose a new principle to realize a multilevel nonvolatile memory based on the multiple states of the magnetoelectric coefficient (α) of multiferroics. Because the states of α depends on the relative orientation between magnetization and polarization, one can reach different levels of α by controlling the ratio of up and down ferroelectric domains with external electric fields. Our experiments in a device made of the PMN-PT/Terfenol-D multiferroic heterostructure confirm that the states of α can be well controlled between positive and negative by applying selective electric fields. Consequently, two-level, four-level, and eight-level nonvolatile memory devices are demonstrated at room temperature. This kind of multilevel magnetoelectric memory retains all the advantages of ferroelectric random access memory but overcomes the drawback of destructive reading of polarization. In contrast, the reading of α is nondestructive and highly efficient in a parallel way, with an independent reading coil shared by all the memory cells.
Palladium-catalyzed dearomative arylalkynylation of indoles
Authors: Liu Ren-Rong , Xu Teng-Fei , Wang Yong-Gang , Xiang Bin , Gao Jian-Rong , Jia Yi-Xia
Published: September 2016

A palladium-catalyzed indole dearomative bisfunctionalization via a domino arylation/alkynylation sequence to achieve tetracyclic indolines bearing vicinal tertiary and quaternary stereocenters.
Synthesis of 2,3-allenylamides utilizing [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement and their application to gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization providing 2-aminofuran derivatives
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Ishikawa Sho , Aoki Takuma , Terada Masahiro
Published: September 2016

An efficient synthetic method for 2,3-allenylamides having an oxygen functionality at the 2-position was newly developed by utilizing the [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement under Brønsted base catalysis.
Blue rhenium tricarbonyl DPPZ complexes – low energy charge-transfer absorption at tissue-penetrating wavelengths
Authors: Coogan M. P. , Platts J. A.
Published: September 2016

Re and Mn DPPZ amido complexes show absorption bands with potential for light harvesting and photodynamic therapy.
A dual-functional supramolecular hydrogel based on a spiropyran–galactose conjugate for target-mediated and light-controlled delivery of microRNA into cells
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Hu Jing , Wang Xingxing , Huang Lei , Chen Yingjie , Wang Wei , Li Jinbo , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2016

A dual-functional supramolecular hydrogel was developed for light-controlled release of miRNA and target-mediated delivery of miRNA into cells.
Formation of lamellar micelle-like oligomers and membrane disruption revealed by the study of short peptide hIAPP18–27
Authors: Wei Ying , Lu Jun , Lu Tong , Meng Feihong , Xu Jia , Wang Li , Li Yang , Wang Liping , Li Fei
Published: September 2016

An oligomer species with a lamellar crystalline structure is identified to disrupt the membrane containing the anionic component strongly.
Contrasting reactions of hydrated electron and formate radical with 2-thio analogues of cytosine and uracil
Authors: Prasanthkumar Kavanal P. , Alvarez-Idaboy Juan R. , Kumar Pavitra V. , Singh Beena G. , Priyadarsini K. Indira
Published: September 2016

2-thiocytosine (TC) and 2-thiouracil (TU) were found to react with formate radicalviareductive and oxidative pathways simultaneously.
Selective direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol with hydrogen peroxide by iron and vanadyl based homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Carneiro Liliana , Silva Ana Rosa
Published: September 2016

With our homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, very high selectivity to phenol was achieved, with yields comparable to or higher than the ones reported in the literature, under mild conditions.
Alkaline-earth metal-oxide overlayers on TiO2: application toward CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Kwon Stephanie , Liao Peilin , Stair Peter C. , Snurr Randall Q.
Published: September 2016

CO2 adsorption and activation are enhanced by a thin layer of SrO on TiO2 compared to bare TiO2.
Efficient n-type dopants with extremely low doping ratios for high performance inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Bin Zhengyang , Li Jiangwei , Wang Liduo , Duan Lian
Published: September 2016

A series of new-efficient n-type dopants are designed and used to dope with PCBM for high performance inverted perovskite solar cells at extremely low doping ratios.
Ultrasound-assisted hollow fiber/ionic liquid-based liquid phase microextraction using an ionic liquid solvent for preconcentration of cobalt and nickel ions in urine samples prior to FAAS determination
Authors: Hsu Keng-Chang , Lee Cheng-Fa , Chao Yu-Ying , Hung Chih-Chang , Chen Po-Chih , Chiang Chien-Hua , Huang Yeou-Lih
Published: September 2016

Ultrasound-assisted hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction coupled with FAAS has been developed to preconcentrate and determine ultra-trace amounts of Co and Ni ions in human urine.
Multisensitive drug-loaded polyurethane/polyurea nanocapsules with pH-synchronized shell cationization and redox-triggered release
Authors: Cuscó Cristina , Garcia Jordi , Nicolás Ernesto , Rocas Pau , Rocas Josep
Published: September 2016

A one-pot versatile method for the preparation of sub-30 nm multisensitive polyurethane/polyurea nanocapsules with pH-synchronized shell cationization is presented. The nanocapsules have been loaded with different drugs which are released through a redox-triggered mechanism.
Electrophoretic deposition of CdSe@CdZnS–ZnS multi core–shell QDs for quantum efficiency control of InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs
Authors: Raj Sudarsan , Khan Rizwan , Lee In-Hwan , Jeong Kwang-Un , Yu Yeon-Tae
Published: September 2016

CdSe@CdZnS–ZnS multi core–shell quantum dots (MCSQDs) were deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates as well as on InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs by electrophoretic deposition (EPD).
Spinel CoMn2O4nanoparticles supported on a nitrogen and phosphorus dual doped graphene aerogel as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Guo Wenhui , Ma Xiuxiu , Zhang Xianlei , Zhang Yaqing , Yu Dingling , He Xingquan
Published: September 2016

A novel strategy was developed for the preparation of a robust spinel CoMn2O4nanoparticles supported on N, P-codoped GA catalyst with superior ORR activity, excellent stability and good tolerance of methanol crossover.
Evolution in surface coverage of CH3NH3PbI3−XClXvia heat assisted solvent vapour treatment and their effects on photovoltaic performance of devices
Authors: Chaudhary Dhirendra K. , Kumar Pramendra , Kumar Lokendra
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate a facile and well controlled heat assisted solvent vapour treatment (HASVT) method for the growth of compact perovskite layers with good surface coverage areas in ambient atmosphere.
Rapid and selective detection of cysteine over homocysteine and glutathione by a simple and effective coumarin-based fluorescent probe
Authors: Kang Yan-Fei , Qiao Hai-Xia , Meng Ya-Li , Cui Sai-Jin , Han Ya-Jun , Wu Zhi-Yong , Wu Jie , Jia Xiao-Hui , Zhang Xiao-Lei , Dai Ming-Yan
Published: September 2016

A fluorescent probe, with coumarin as the fluorophore, is capable of detecting cysteine over other biothiols, such as homocysteine and glutathione.
High sensitivity simultaneous determination of myricetin and rutin using a polyfurfural film modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Huang Jianzhi , Shen Xiaolei , Hu Qiong , Ma Ya , Bai Silan , Yue Guoqing , Yu Xiongtao , Zeng Qiang , Wang Lishi
Published: September 2016

Simultaneous determination of myricetin and rutin by polyfurfural film modified glassy carbon electrode.
Two samarium(iii) complexes with tunable fluorescence from in situ reactions of 2-ethoxy-6-((pyridin-2-ylmethylimino)methyl)phenol with Sm3+ ion
Authors: Wei Qin , Zheng Zhi-Peng , Feng Hai-Xin , Hong Xu-Jia , Huang Xia , Peng Hai-Jun , Cai Yue-Peng
Published: September 2016

The solvothermal in situ C–C coupling reaction promoted by Sm3+ ion in Schiff base –CHN–CH2– system is firstly reported, and two resulting temperature-dependent Sm(iii)-complexes 1 and 2 have different luminescent performance.
Discovery of aromadendrane anologues from the marine-derived fungus Scedosporium dehoogii F41-4 by NMR-guided isolation
Authors: Hu Kun-Chao , Xu Meng-Yang , Li Hou-Jin , Yuan Jie , Tang Ge , Xu Jun , Yang De-Po , Lan Wen-Jian
Published: September 2016

Six new aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids and two known analogues, together with a new polyketide were discovered from the marine-derived fungus Scedosporium dehoogii by NMR-guided isolation. The biosynthetic pathways of sesquiterpenoids were proposed.
Synthesis of a UCNPs@SiO2@gadofullerene nanocomposite and its application in UCL/MR bimodal imaging
Authors: Li Cheng , Cui Rongli , Feng Liangzhu , Li Juan , Huang Huan , Yao Huanli , Guo Xihong , Dong Jinquan , Xing Gengmei , Liu Zhuang , Sun Baoyun
Published: September 2016

A novel bimodal imaging agent (GdF–UCNPs) has been designed through conjugating the water-soluble polyhydroxy Gd@C82-PCBM with silica coated UCNPs.
Novel POSS based nanohybrids for improving tribological properties of liquid paraffin
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Zhengquan , Huang Peng
Published: September 2016

POSS based nanohybrids were prepared via “thiol–ene click” reaction. As a novel additive, they are effective for improving the tribological properties at rather a low concentration when compared with pure solid or liquid lubricating additives.
Novel formazan derivatives containing phenylsulfanyl and carbonyl units: synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Turkoglu Gulsen , Berber Halil
Published: September 2016

New phenylsulfanyl and aryl carbonyl containing formazan derivatives4a–4hand5a–5hhave been developed, and investigated the effect of substituents on their photophysical and electrochemical properties.
Design oriented technique for mitigating position error due to shaft run‐out in sinusoidal‐rotor variable reluctance resolvers
Authors: Nasiri‐Gheidari Zahra , Tootoonchian Farid , Zare Fateme
Published: September 2016

Variable reluctance (VR) resolvers have some distinguish features over wounded rotor resolvers that make them suitable for industrial applications. Among different types of VR resolvers, sinusoidal‐rotor resolvers are preferred due to simple structure and high performance under eccentricities. However, their accuracy is affected by inevitable run‐out error. As they work based on sinusoidal variation of coupling area between stator and rotor and under run‐out error the coupling area is impaired. Hence, in this study, a new disk shape configuration is proposed for sinusoidal‐rotor resolver that is robust against run‐out error. Geometrical dimensions are calculated based on optimisations to achieve more accuracy. Three‐dimensional time‐stepping finite‐element method is used to show the preference of the proposed resolver. Finally, prototypes of both conventional and proposed sensors are built and tested. Experimental results verify the success of the proposed structure.
Instantaneous penetration level limits of non‐synchronous devices in the British power system
Authors: Yu Mengran , Roscoe Andrew J. , Dyśko Adam , Booth Campbell D. , Ierna Richard , Zhu Jiebei , Urdal Helge
Published: September 2016

The installed capacity of non‐synchronous devices (NSD), including renewable energy generation and other converter‐interfaced equipment is expected to increase and contribute a large proportion of total generation capacity in future power systems. Concerns have been expressed relating to operability and stability of such systems, since NSD are typically decoupled from the grid via power electronic devices and consequently reduce the ‘natural’ inertia, short‐circuit levels and damping which are inherently provided by synchronous machines. This study establishes the instantaneous penetration level (IPL) limits of NSD connected to a model power system in terms of steady‐state stability beyond which the system condition becomes unstable. The NSD used in this example will be a conventional dq‐axis current injection (DQCI) convertor model. The study introduces a set of system ‘viability’ criteria relating to locking signal in converter phase‐locked loop, frequency, rate of change of frequency and voltage magnitude, which are used to determine the IPL limits. Among many factors which can affect the IPL limits, the impact of frequency and voltage droop slopes and filter time‐constants of DQCI converter is quantified. Finally, a frequency domain visualisation method referred here as ‘network frequency perturbation’ is introduced to provide additional insight into contributions of individual generators.
Spina Bifida Occulta in an Adult Presenting as Perilesional Hemorrhage
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Santhi Vissa , Jena Ranjan , Reddy V Umamaheswara , Sandeep Yashwant
Published: September 2016

Occult spinal dysraphism with spinal lipoma, is a rare congenital spinal dysraphic anomaly which usually involves lumbosacral region and manifests in childhood. In the present article, we discuss a case of a 26-year-old man who developed sudden low back pain following intercourse. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine was suggestive of spina bifida occulta with hemorrhage. The patient underwent a L4–5 laminectomy in the emergency. There was the presence of altered blood in the vicinity of the lesion suggestive of recent hemorrhage. Histopathological examination of the lesion was suggestive of the lipoma. In the present case, the patient had occult spina bifida due to lumbosacral lipoma leading to the tethering of the dura. Strenuous activity resulted in overstretching of the tethered structures and subsequent hemorrhage and intense low back pain which responded well to the surgical treatment.
Atrioesophageal Fistula after Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Epicardial Ablation for Lone Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kik Charles , Mokhles Mostafa , Bekkers Jos , Bogers Ad , van Valen Richard
Published: September 2016

Minimally invasive video-assisted epicardial beating heart ablation for lone atrial fibrillation claims to be safe and effective. We, however, report on three patients with an atrioesophageal fistula after this procedure. The exact pathogenesis of this complication is unknown. All patients presented around 6 weeks after surgery with either fever or neurological deficits. Diagnosis can be made by computed tomography scan. We advocate an aggressive surgical approach with closure of the atrial defect on cardiopulmonary bypass and closure and reinforcement of the esophagus with an intercostal muscle flap in a single-stage surgery. Some caution as to the low-risk character of this procedure seems to be realistic.