bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to develop a clinic for sudden cardiac arrest survivors and families of non-survivors
Authors: Abrams Dominic J.
Published: January 2017

The investigation of the aetiology of sudden cardiac arrest or death in a young person combines features of a traditional clinical medical examination with those of forensic medicine. Nuances of the immediate peri-event history, when available, can be paramount. New genetic tools have greatly improved the yield of such investigations, but they must be carefully interpreted by genetic specialists. The approach to surviving patients, their family members, and to family members of non-survivors is best achieved in a structured programme that includes all appropriate specialists and support personnel. As an example, this may include all appropriate paediatric and internal medicine specialists, a geneticist, a genetic counsellor, a clinical psychologist, nurse specialist(s), and a programme coordinator. This family-centred strategy affords the patient, if surviving, and all family members the necessary emotional and medical support while at the same time providing the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Roston Thomas M. , Cunningham Taylor C. , Sanatani Shubhayan
Published: January 2017

Since the sentinel description of exercise-triggered ventricular arrhythmias in 21 children, our recognition and understanding of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia has improved substantially. A variety of treatments are now available, but reaching a diagnosis before cardiac arrest remains a challenge. Most cases are related to variants in the gene encoding for ryanodine receptor-2 (RyR2), which mediates calcium-induced calcium release. Up to half of cases remain genetically elusive. The condition is presently incurable, but one basic intervention, the universal administration of β-blockers, has improved survival. In the past, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) were frequently implanted, especially in those with a history of cardiac arrest. Treatment limitations include under-dosing and poor compliance with β-blockers, and potentially lethal ICD-related electrical storm. Newer therapies include flecainide and sympathetic ganglionectomy. Limited data have suggested that genotype may predict phenotype in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, including a higher risk of life-threatening cardiac events in subjects with variants in the C-terminus of ryanodine receptor-2 (RyR2). At present, international efforts are underway to better understand this condition through large prospective registries. The recent publication of gene therapy in an animal model of the recessive form of the disease highlights the importance of improving our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of the disease.
The role of illicit drug use in sudden death in the young
Authors: Fischbach Peter
Published: January 2017

The recreational use of illicit drugs remains an enormous and growing problem throughout the United States of America and around the world. Cocaine is most frequently thought of when considering the cardiovascular toxicity of illicit drugs. The association of cocaine use with sudden death due to myocardial ischaemia and infarction is well recognised, and this risk appears to be amplified by concomitant cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Like cocaine, amphetamine and its derivatives lead to indirect stimulation of the autonomic nervous system through the release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in nerve terminals of the central and autonomic nervous systems. However, amphetamine lacks the ion channel-blocking properties of cocaine. Also similar to cocaine, coronary artery spasm may be induced in individuals with or without atherosclerotic disease and may lead to myocardial infarction. With the movement across the United States of America to legalise marijuana, or cannabis, for medicinal and recreational purposes, it is important to consider its potential deleterious effects. Marijuana has long been thought to have very few adverse effects with the exception of long-term dependence. There are, however, scattered reports of acute adverse events up to and including sudden death. These appear to be due to myocardial infarction. In conclusion, the incidence of sudden death associated with the use of these drugs varies from rare in the case of marijuana use to not infrequent with some drugs such as cocaine. It is important for care providers to recognise the potential for drug abuse when caring for a sudden cardiac arrest survivor.
Discrimination of the “Athlete’s Heart” from real disease by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram
Authors: Erickson Christopher C.
Published: January 2017

Chronic physical training has been shown to produce multiple changes in the heart, resulting in the athlete’s heart phenotype. Some of the changes can make it difficult to discern athlete’s heart from true cardiac disease, most notably hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy may be difficult to rule in or out. In this article, the physiological cardiac changes of chronic athletic training are reviewed. A methodological approach using electrocardiography and echocardiography to differentiate between athlete’s heart and cardiac disease is proposed.
Implantable cardiac devices: the utility of remote monitoring in a paediatric and CHD population
Authors: Olen Melissa M. , Dechert-Crooks Brynn
Published: January 2017

Remote monitoring in the modern era has improved outcomes for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. There are many advantages to remote monitoring, including improved quality of life for patients, decreased need for in-office interrogation, and secondary reduced costs. Patient safety and enhanced survival remain the most significant benefit. With most of the published literature on this topic being focussed on adults, paediatric outcomes continue to be defined. This is a review of the benefits of remote monitoring in paediatrics and in patients with CHD.
Trauma, Pain, and Psychological Distress
Authors: Carleton R. Nicholas , Duranceau Sophie , McMillan Katherine A. , Asmundson Gordon J. G.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) are highly prevalent ( Breslau, 2002 ) and comorbid disorders ( Otis, Keane, & Kerns, 2003 ). The shared vulnerability model explains this overlap in part through a common attentional bias toward threat ( Asmundson, Coons, Taylor, & Katz, 2002 ). The current study made use of the acoustic startle to assess cognitive bias to threat in participants (n = 106; 64% women) who reported experiencing a motor vehicle accident (MVA). Participants were divided into five groups based on their diagnoses: PTSD, CMP, both PTSD and CMP, any general (i.e., non-PTSD) anxiety disorder with no CMP, and a no-disorder Control group. Self-report measures were used to assess psychological symptoms, trauma response, and pain-related factors. Word stimuli (i.e., trauma, sensory pain, health, pleasant, neutral) were presented visually prior to onset of the acoustic startle probe to assess for diagnosis-congruent attentional biases (e.g., persons with PTSD respond differently to trauma words). Relative to the general anxiety and control group, persons with PTSD or chronic pain demonstrated delayed startle peak and greater startle intensity across all word stimuli types; the results suggest there may be psychophysiologically measurable differences associated with PTSD and pain. The startle probe paradigm remains relatively nascent for such research, but has potential utility for assessment and treatment monitoring. Comprehensive results, discussion, and implications are analyzed.
Understanding How Climate Engineering Can Offset Climate Change
Authors: Kravitz Ben , Robock Alan , Kristjánsson Jón
Published: January 2017

Sixth Meeting of the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project; Oslo, Norway, 21–22 June 2016
John Bosco Habarulema Receives 2016 Africa Award for Research Excellence in Space Science
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2017

John Bosco Habarulema received the 2016 Africa Award for Research Excellence in Space Science at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an early-career scientist from the African continent for "completing significant work that shows the focus and promise of making outstanding contributions to research in Earth and space sciences."
A minimal length rigid helical peptide motif allows rational design of modular surfactants
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Varenik Maxim , Bloch Daniel Nir , Atsmon-Raz Yoav , Jacoby Guy , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Shimon Linda J.W. , Beck Roy , Miller Yifat , Regev Oren , Gazit Ehud
Published: January 2017

Extensive work has been invested in the design of bio-inspired peptide emulsifiers. Yet, none of the formulated surfactants were based on the utilization of the robust conformation and self-assembly tendencies presented by the hydrophobins, which exhibited highest surface activity among all known proteins. Here we show that a minimalist design scheme could be employed to fabricate rigid helical peptides to mimic the rigid conformation and the helical amphipathic organization. These designer building blocks, containing natural non-coded α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), form superhelical assemblies as confirmed by crystallography and microscopy. The peptide sequence is amenable to structural modularity and provides the highest stable emulsions reported so far for peptide and protein emulsifiers. Moreover, we establish the ability of short peptides to perform the dual functions of emulsifiers and thickeners, a feature that typically requires synergistic effects of surfactants and polysaccharides. This work provides a different paradigm for the molecular engineering of bioemulsifiers.
Very Early Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage within 5 Post-operative Days: a More Severe Subtype Needs Relaparatomy
Authors: Li Yi-Wei , Lian Peng , Huang Ben , Zheng Hong-Tu , Wang Ming-He , Gu Wei-Lie , Li Xin-Xiang , Xu Ye , Cai San-Jun
Published: January 2017

Early anastomotic leakage (AL), usually defined as leakage within 30 post-operative days, represents a severe entity. However, mounting evidence has indicated that majorities of leakage occur within one week after surgery, making late AL rarity. Here we analyzed 101 consecutive colorectal AL, all of which occurred within 30 post-operative days, during Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 in cancer hospital of Fudan University. AL occurring within 5 post-operative days was defined as very early AL (vE-AL). We evaluated risk factors of vE-AL compared with non-vEAL and correlated with post-leakage peritonitis and need of relaparatomy. We found that AL occurred at median time of 7 days after surgery. 23 cases were vE-AL. Reconstruction of post-peritoneum for mid-low rectal carcinoma significantly reduced incidence of vE-AL compared with non-vE-AL (p = 0.042). Patients with vE-AL was associated with presence of peritonitis (p = 0.031), the latter significantly correlated with increased re-operation rate (p = 6.8E-13). Besides, patients with vE-AL trended to correlate with increased re-operation rate after leakage (p = 0.088). In concludsion, vE-AL occurring within 5 post-operative days represents a severe subtype associated with general peritonitis and need of relaparatomy.
A Case-control Study on Risk Factors for Severe Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Authors: Zhang Dingmei , Li Ruolin , Zhang Wangjian , Li Guowei , Ma Zhanzhong , Chen Xiashi , Du Zhicheng , Li Zhiyuan , Guo Pi , Lin Zhuochen , Lu Jiahai , Hao Yuantao
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to identify potential risk factors for severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). In this case-control study, 459 severe HFMD patients and 246 mild HFMD patients from Guangdong province and Henan province, China were included. Data comprising demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory findings and other factors were collected. Univariate analysis revealed 30 factors associated with severe cases. Further multivariate analysis indicated four independent risk factors: fatigue (p < 0.01, odd ratio [OR] = 204.7), the use of glucocorticoids (p = 0.03, OR = 10.44), the use of dehydrant drugs (p < 0.01, OR = 73.7) and maculopapular rash (p < 0.01, OR = 84.4); and one independent protective factor: herpes or ulcers in mouth (p = 0.01, OR = 0.02). However, more systematic research and validation are needed to understand the underlying risk factors for severe HFMD.
Germanium Sub-Microspheres Synthesized by Picosecond Pulsed Laser Melting in Liquids: Educt Size Effects
Authors: Zhang Dongshi , Lau Marcus , Lu Suwei , Barcikowski Stephan , Gökce Bilal
Published: January 2017

Pulsed laser melting in liquid (PLML) has emerged as a facile approach to synthesize submicron spheres (SMSs) for various applications. Typically lasers with long pulse durations in the nanosecond regime are used. However, recent findings show that during melting the energy absorbed by the particle will be dissipated promptly after laser-matter interaction following the temperature decrease within tens of nanoseconds and hence limiting the efficiency of longer pulse widths. Here, the feasibility to utilize a picosecond laser to synthesize Ge SMSs (200~1000 nm in diameter) is demonstrated by irradiating polydisperse Ge powders in water and isopropanol. Through analyzing the educt size dependent SMSs formation mechanism, we find that Ge powders (200~1000 nm) are directly transformed into SMSs during PLML via reshaping, while comparatively larger powders (1000~2000 nm) are split into daughter SMSs via liquid droplet bisection. Furthermore, the contribution of powders larger than 2000 nm and smaller than 200 nm to form SMSs is discussed. This work shows that compared to nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers are also suitable to produce SMSs if the pulse duration is longer than the material electron-phonon coupling period to allow thermal relaxation.
Comparative proteomic analysis of liver antioxidant mechanisms in Megalobrama amblycephala stimulated with dietary emodin
Authors: Song Changyou , Liu Bo , Xie Jun , Ge Xianping , Zhao Zhenxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Huimin , Ren Mingchun , Zhou Qunlan , Miao Linghong , Xu Pao , Lin Yan
Published: January 2017

Oxidative stress is a toxicological endpoint that correlates with the nutrition status of fish through cellular damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. In order to understand the antioxidant mechanism induced by dietary emodin in Megalobrama amblycephala liver, a comparative proteomic analysis was performed to investigate the proteome alteration under emodin administration. 27 altered protein spots were separated under 30 mg kg−1 emodin stimulation based on 2-DE, and were all successfully identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF, representing 17 unique proteins. These proteins were functionally classified into antioxidant, metabolism, cytoskeleton, chaperone, signal transduction and cofactor groups. Network interaction and Gene Ontology annotation indicated 10 unique proteins were closely related to antioxidation and directly regulated by each other. Compared with the control group, administration of 30 mg kg−1 emodin significantly increased the antioxidant-related mRNA expressions of GPx1, GSTm and HSP70, but decreased the mRNA expressions of GAPDH and Sord, which was consistent with the protein expression. Nevertheless, Pgk1 and Aldh8a1 were up- and down-regulated, and ALDOB was down- and up-regulated at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. These results revealed that the altered proteins enhanced antioxidation via complex regulatory mechanisms, and 30 mg kg−1 emodin was a suitable immunostimulant for M. amblycephala.
Rattlesnakes are extremely fast and variable when striking at kangaroo rats in nature: Three-dimensional high-speed kinematics at night
Authors: Higham Timothy E. , Clark Rulon W. , Collins Clint E. , Whitford Malachi D. , Freymiller Grace A.
Published: January 2017

Predation plays a central role in the lives of most organisms. Predators must find and subdue prey to survive and reproduce, whereas prey must avoid predators to do the same. The resultant antagonistic coevolution often leads to extreme adaptations in both parties. Few examples capture the imagination like a rapid strike from a venomous snake. However, almost nothing is known about strike performance of viperid snakes under natural conditions. We obtained high-speed (500 fps) three-dimensional video in the field (at night using infrared lights) of Mohave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus) attempting to capture Merriam’s kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami). Strikes occurred from a range of distances (4.6 to 20.6 cm), and rattlesnake performance was highly variable. Missed capture attempts resulted from both rapid escape maneuvers and poor strike accuracy. Maximum velocity and acceleration of some rattlesnake strikes fell within the range of reported laboratory values, but some far exceeded most observations. Thus, quantifying rapid predator-prey interactions in the wild will propel our understanding of animal performance.
Polarization Enhanced Charge Transfer: Dual-Band GaN-Based Plasmonic Photodetector
Authors: Jia Ran , Zhao Dongfang , Gao Naikun , Liu Duo
Published: January 2017

Here, we report a dual-band plasmonic photodetector based on Ga-polar gallium nitride (GaN) for highly sensitive detection of UV and green light. We discover that decoration of Au nanoparticles (NPs) drastically increases the photoelectric responsivities by more than 50 times in comparition to the blank GaN photodetector. The observed behaviors are attributed to polarization enhanced charge transfer of optically excited hot electrons from Au NPs to GaN driven by the strong spontaneous polarization field of Ga-polar GaN. Moreover, defect ionization promoted by localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) is also discussed. This novel type of photodetector may shed light on the design and fabrication of photoelectric devices based on polar semiconductors and microstructural defects.
Combining Chemical Profiling and Network Analysis to Investigate the Pharmacology of Complex Prescriptions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Suo Tongchuan , Liu Jinping , Chen Xi , Yu Hua , Wang Tenglong , Li Congcong , Wang Yuefei , Wang Chunhua , Li Zheng
Published: January 2017

We present a paradigm, combining chemical profiling, absorbed components detection in plasma and network analysis, for investigating the pharmacology of combination drugs and complex formulae. On the one hand, the composition of the formula is investigated comprehensively via mass spectrometry analysis, followed by pharmacological studies of the fractions as well as the plasma concentration testing for the ingredients. On the other hand, both the candidate target proteins and the effective ingredients of the formula are predicted via analyzing the corresponding networks. The most probable active compounds can then be identified by combining the experimental results with the network analysis. In order to illustrate the performance of the paradigm, we apply it to the Danggui-Jianzhong formula (DJF) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and predict 4 probably active ingredients, 3 of which are verified experimentally to display anti-platelet activity, i.e., (Z)-Ligustilide, Licochalcone A and Pentagalloylglucose. Moreover, the 3-compound formulae composed of these 3 chemicals show better anti-platelet activity than DJF. In addition, the paradigm predicts the association between these 3 compounds and COX-1, and our experimental validation further shows that such association comes from the inhibitory effects of the compounds on the activity of COX-1.
Ciproxifan, a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, reversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase A and B
Authors: Hagenow S. , Stasiak A. , Ramsay R. R. , Stark H.
Published: January 2017

Ciproxifan is a well-investigated histamine H3 receptor (H3R) inverse agonist/antagonist, showing an exclusively high species-specific affinity at rodent compared to human H3R. It is well studied as reference compound for H3R in rodent models for neurological diseases connected with neurotransmitter dysregulation, e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Alzheimer’s disease. In a screening for potential monoamine oxidase A and B inhibition ciproxifan showed efficacy on both enzyme isoforms. Further characterization of ciproxifan revealed IC50 values in a micromolar concentration range for human and rat monoamine oxidases with slight preference for monoamine oxidase B in both species. The inhibition by ciproxifan was reversible for both human isoforms. Regarding inhibitory potency of ciproxifan on rat brain MAO, these findings should be considered, when using high doses in rat models for neurological diseases. As the H3R and monoamine oxidases are all capable of affecting neurotransmitter modulation in brain, we consider dual targeting ligands as interesting approach for treatment of neurological disorders. Since ciproxifan shows only moderate activity at human targets, further investigations in animals are not of primary interest. On the other hand, it may serve as starting point for the development of dual targeting ligands.
Observation of spin-polarized photoconductivity in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction without magnetic field
Authors: Wu Qing , Liu Yu , Wang Hailong , Li Yuan , Huang Wei , Zhao Jianhua , Chen Yonghai
Published: January 2017

In the absent of magnetic field, we have observed the anisotropic spin polarization degree of photoconduction (SPD-PC) in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction. We think three kinds of mechanisms contribute to the magnetic related signal, (i) (Ga,Mn)As self-producing due to the valence band polarization, (ii) unequal intensity of left and right circularly polarized light reaching to GaAs layer to excite unequal spin polarized carriers in GaAs layer, and (iii) (Ga,Mn)As as the spin filter layer for spin transport from GaAs to (Ga,Mn)As. Different from the previous experiments, the influence coming from the Zeeman splitting induced by an external magnetic field can be avoided here. While temperature dependence experiment indicates that the SPD-PC is mixed with the magnetic uncorrelated signals, which may come from current induced spin polarization.
A ‘Landscape physiology’ approach for assessing bee health highlights the benefits of floral landscape enrichment and semi-natural habitats
Authors: Alaux Cédric , Allier Fabrice , Decourtye Axel , Odoux Jean-François , Tamic Thierry , Chabirand Mélanie , Delestra Estelle , Decugis Florent , Le Conte Yves , Henry Mickaël
Published: January 2017

Understanding how anthropogenic landscape alteration affects populations of ecologically- and economically-important insect pollinators has never been more pressing. In this context, the assessment of landscape quality typically relies on spatial distribution studies, but, whether habitat-restoration techniques actually improve the health of targeted pollinator populations remains obscure. This gap could be filled by a comprehensive understanding of how gradients of landscape quality influence pollinator physiology. We therefore used this approach for honey bees (Apis mellifera) to test whether landscape patterns can shape bee health. We focused on the pre-wintering period since abnormally high winter colony losses have often been observed. By exposing colonies to different landscapes, enriched in melliferous catch crops and surrounded by semi-natural habitats, we found that bee physiology (i.e. fat body mass and level of vitellogenin) was significantly improved by the presence of flowering catch crops. Catch crop presence was associated with a significant increase in pollen diet diversity. The influence of semi-natural habitats on bee health was even stronger. Vitellogenin level was in turn significantly linked to higher overwintering survival. Therefore, our experimental study, combining landscape ecology and bee physiology, offers an exciting proof-of-concept for directly identifying stressful or suitable landscapes and promoting efficient pollinator conservation.
High response speed microfluidic ice valves with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source
Authors: Si Chaorun , Hu Songtao , Cao Xiaobao , Wu Weichao
Published: January 2017

Due to their ease of fabrication, facile use and low cost, ice valves have great potential for use in microfluidic platforms. For this to be possible, a rapid response speed is key and hence there is still much scope for improvement in current ice valve technology. Therefore, in this study, an ice valve with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source has been developed. An embedded aluminium cylinder is used to dramatically enhance the heat conduction performance of the microfluidic platform and a movable thermoelectric unit eliminates the thermal inertia, resulting in a faster cooling process. The proposed ice valve achieves very short closing times (0.37 s at 10 μL/min) and also operates at high flow rates (1150 μL/min). Furthermore, the response time of the valve decreased by a factor of 8 when compared to current state of the art technology.
Diamond formation in the deep lower mantle: a high-pressure reaction of MgCO3 and SiO2
Authors: Maeda Fumiya , Ohtani Eiji , Kamada Seiji , Sakamaki Tatsuya , Hirao Naohisa , Ohishi Yasuo
Published: January 2017

Diamond is an evidence for carbon existing in the deep Earth. Some diamonds are considered to have originated at various depth ranges from the mantle transition zone to the lower mantle. These diamonds are expected to carry significant information about the deep Earth. Here, we determined the phase relations in the MgCO3-SiO2 system up to 152 GPa and 3,100 K using a double sided laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. MgCO3 transforms from magnesite to the high-pressure polymorph of MgCO3, phase II, above 80 GPa. A reaction between MgCO3 phase II and SiO2 (CaCl2-type SiO2 or seifertite) to form diamond and MgSiO3 (bridgmanite or post-perovsktite) was identified in the deep lower mantle conditions. These observations suggested that the reaction of the MgCO3 phase II with SiO2 causes formation of super-deep diamond in cold slabs descending into the deep lower mantle.
Effect of crystal plane orientation on tribochemical removal of monocrystalline silicon
Authors: Xiao Chen , Guo Jian , Zhang Peng , Chen Cheng , Chen Lei , Qian Linmao
Published: January 2017

The effect of crystal plane orientation on tribochemical removal of monocrystalline silicon was investigated using an atomic force microscope. Experimental results indicated that the tribochemical removal of silicon by SiO2 microsphere presented strong crystallography-induced anisotropy. Further analysis suggested that such anisotropic tribochemical removal of silicon was not dependent on the crystallography-dependent surface mechanical properties (i.e., hardness and elastic modulus), but was mainly attributed to various atomic planar density and interplanar spacing in different crystal planes. Phenomenological results speculated that higher density of silicon atom could promote the formation of Si-O-Si bonds between the SiO2 microsphere and silicon substrate, resulting in more severe tribochemical material removal. Larger interplanar spacing with smaller energy barrier facilitated the rupture of the Si-Si network with the help of mechanical shearing stress, which caused more serious wear of the silicon surface. The results may help understand the material removal mechanism of silicon and provide useful knowledge for chemical mechanical polishing.
Proteoliposomal formulations of an HIV-1 gp41-based miniprotein elicit a lipid-dependent immunodominant response overlapping the 2F5 binding motif
Authors: Molinos-Albert Luis M. , Bilbao Eneritz , Agulló Luis , Marfil Silvia , García Elisabet , Rodríguez de la Concepción Maria Luisa , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Vilaplana Cristina , Nieto-Garai Jon A. , Contreras F.-Xabier , Floor Martin , Cardona Pere J. , Martinez-Picado Javier , Clotet Bonaventura , Villà-Freixa Jordi , Lorizate Maier , Carrillo Jorge , Blanco Julià
Published: January 2017

The HIV-1 gp41 Membrane Proximal External Region (MPER) is recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies and represents a promising vaccine target. However, MPER immunogenicity and antibody activity are influenced by membrane lipids. To evaluate lipid modulation of MPER immunogenicity, we generated a 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC)-based proteoliposome collection containing combinations of phosphatidylserine (PS), GM3 ganglioside, cholesterol (CHOL), sphingomyelin (SM) and the TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). A recombinant gp41-derived miniprotein (gp41-MinTT) exposing the MPER and a tetanus toxoid (TT) peptide that favors MHC-II presentation, was successfully incorporated into lipid mixtures (>85%). Immunization of mice with soluble gp41-MinTT exclusively induced responses against the TT peptide, while POPC proteoliposomes generated potent anti-gp41 IgG responses using lower protein doses. The combined addition of PS and GM3 or CHOL/SM to POPC liposomes greatly increased gp41 immunogenicity, which was further enhanced by the addition of MPLA. Responses generated by all proteoliposomes targeted the N-terminal moiety of MPER overlapping the 2F5 neutralizing epitope. Our data show that lipids impact both, the epitope targeted and the magnitude of the response to membrane-dependent antigens, helping to improve MPER-based lipid carriers. Moreover, the identification of immunodominant epitopes allows for the redesign of immunogens targeting MPER neutralizing determinants.
Can zinc aluminate-titania composite be an alternative for alumina as microelectronic substrate?
Authors: Roshni Satheesh Babu , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas , Surendran Kuzhichalil Peethambharan
Published: January 2017

Alumina, thanks to its superior thermal and dielectric properties, has been the leading substrate over several decades, for power and microelectronics circuits. However, alumina lacks thermal stability since its temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) is far from zero (−60 ppmK−1). The present paper explores the potentiality of a ceramic composite 0.83ZnAl2O4-0.17TiO2 (in moles, abbreviated as ZAT) substrates for electronic applications over other commercially-used alumina-based substrates and synthesized using a non-aqueous tape casting method. The present substrate has τf of + 3.9 ppmK−1 and is a valuable addition to the group of thermo-stable substrates. The ZAT substrate shows a high thermal conductivity of 31.3 Wm−1K−1 (thermal conductivity of alumina is about 24.5 Wm−1K−1), along with promising mechanical, electrical and microwave dielectric properties comparable to that of alumina-based commercial substrates. Furthermore, the newly-developed substrate material shows exceptionally good thermal stability of dielectric constant, which cannot be met with any of the alumina-based HTCC substrates.
Targeting the miR-200c/LIN28B axis in acquired EGFR-TKI resistance non-small cell lung cancer cells harboring EMT features
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Shien Kazuhiko , Tomida Shuta , Okayasu Kazuhiro , Suzawa Ken , Hashida Shinsuke , Torigoe Hidejiro , Watanabe Mototsugu , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Soh Junichi , Asano Hiroaki , Tsukuda Kazunori , Miyoshi Shinichiro , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: January 2017

MicroRNA (miR)-200 family members (miR-200s) are frequently silenced in advanced cancer and have been implicated in the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We previously reported that miR-200s were silenced through promoter methylation in acquired EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring EMT features. In this study, we examined the functional role of miR-200s in NSCLC cells and investigated a novel approach to overcoming acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. In the analysis of NSCLC cell lines, each of the miR-200s expression-silenced cell lines showed promoter methylation. Significant correlations between miR-200c silencing and several oncogenic pathway alterations, including EMT-changes and LIN28B overexpression, were observed in the database analysis. In addition, EGFR-wild type cell lines had lower miR-200s expression levels than EGFR-mutant cell lines. The introduction of miR-200c using pre-miR-200c caused LIN28B suppression in cells with acquired EGFR-TKI resistance that harbored EMT features. Interestingly, both the introduction of miR-200c and the knockdown of LIN28B produced an antitumor effect in acquired EGFR-TKI resistance cells, whereas these manipulations were not effective in parental cells. The miR-200c/LIN28B axis plays an important role in cells with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI that harbor EMT features and might be a useful therapeutic target for overcoming resistance.
Atmospheric footprint of the recent warming slowdown
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhou Tianjun
Published: January 2017

Growing body of literature has developed to detect the role of ocean heat uptake and transport in the recent warming slowdown between 1998–2013; however, the atmospheric footprint of the slowdown in dynamical and physical processes remains unclear. Here, we divided recent decades into the recent hiatus period and the preceding warming period (1983–1998) to investigate the atmospheric footprint. We use a process-resolving analysis method to quantify the contributions of different processes to the total temperature changes. We show that the increasing rate of global mean tropospheric temperature was also reduced during the hiatus period. The decomposed trends due to physical processes, including surface albedo, water vapour, cloud, surface turbulent fluxes and atmospheric dynamics, reversed the patterns between the two periods. The changes in atmospheric heat transport are coupled with changes in the surface latent heat flux across the lower troposphere (below approximately 800 hPa) and with cloud-related processes in the upper troposphere (above approximately 600 hPa) and were underpinned by strengthening/weakening Hadley Circulation and Walker Circulation during the warming/hiatus period. This dynamical coupling experienced a phase transition between the two periods, reminding us of the importance of understanding the atmospheric footprint, which constitutes an essential part of internal climate variability.
Development of methodology for Raman microspectroscopic analysis of oral exfoliated cells
Authors: Behl Isha , Calado Genecy , Ibrahim Ola , Malkin Alison , Flint Stephen , Byrne Hugh J. , Lyng Fiona M.
Published: January 2017

A standardised protocol for sample collection, sample preparation, spectral acquisition and data processing for future studies of oral exfoliated cells based on Raman microspectroscopy.
Fabrication of a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence chlorpromazine sensor using a Ru(bpy)32+ incorporated carbon quantum dot–gelatin composite film
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Zhang Fang , Cui Lin , Wang Kang , Zhan Haijun
Published: January 2017

A novel electrochemiluminescence sensing platform for the sensitive detection of chlorpromazine (CPZ) was fabricated based on a Ru(bpy)32+/carbon quantum dots/gelatin composite film.
Cracked monolayer 1T MoS2with abundant active sites for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Longlu , Zhang Shuqu , Dong Xueru , Song Yuze , Cai Tao , Liu Yutang
Published: January 2017

Cracked monolayer 1T MoS2with a porous structure was successfully prepared and exhibited excellent HER performance.
Review on cell models to evaluate the potential antioxidant activity of polysaccharides
Authors: Wang Zhi-Jun , Xie Jian-Hua , Nie Shao-Ping , Xie Ming-Yong
Published: January 2017

Owing to various health functions, natural polysaccharides are becoming a kind of popular dietary nutritional supplement.
High open-circuit voltage ternary organic solar cells based on ICBA as acceptor and absorption-complementary donors
Authors: Fang Jin , Deng Dan , Zhang Jianqi , Zhang Yajie , Lu Kun , Wei Zhixiang
Published: January 2017

A high open-circuit voltage of 0.98 V in ternary organic solar cells is achieved by using ICBA as an acceptor and two absorption-complementary donors.
Sheathless Dean-flow-coupled elasto-inertial particle focusing and separation in viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Yuan Dan , Tan Say Hwa , Zhao Qianbin , Yan Sheng , Sluyter Ronald , Nguyen N. T. , Zhang Jun , Li Weihua
Published: January 2017

Sheathless particle focusing and separation in viscoelastic fluid is demonstrated using an integrated ECCA (straight channel section with asymmetrical expansion–contraction cavity arrays) straight channel.
Influence of steric demand on ruthenium-catalyzed cycloaddition of sterically hindered azides
Authors: Sadu Venkata S. , Sadu Sirisha , Kim Seji , Hwang In-Taek , Kong Ki-Jeong , Lee Kee-In
Published: January 2017

Steric effects play a dominant role on the regioselectivity of RuAAC.
Ultra-fast and highly sensitive enzyme-free glucose biosensing on a nickel–nickel oxide core–shell electrode
Authors: Begum Halima , Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin , Jeon Seungwon
Published: January 2017

Ultra-fast (∼1 s) and highly sensitive (1889.8 μA mM−1 cm−2) enzyme-free glucose biosensing on a unique NiNiO core–shell electrode.
Assessment of structural characteristics of regenerated cellulolytic enzyme lignin based on a mild DMSO/[Emim]OAc dissolution system from triploid of Populus tomentosa Carr.
Authors: Chen Tian-Ying , Wang Bing , Shen Xiao-Jun , Li Han-Yin , Wu Yu-Ying , Wen Jia-Long , Liu Qiu-Yun , Sun Run-Cang
Published: January 2017

The structural characteristics of native lignin are essential for the further deconstruction of plant cell walls for value-added application of lignocellulosic biomass.
Screening for the bioactive constituents of traditional Chinese medicines—progress and challenges
Authors: Yang Xing-Xin , Gu Wen , Liang Li , Yan Hong-Li , Wang Yan-Fang , Bi Qian , Zhang Ting , Yu Jie , Rao Gao-Xiong
Published: January 2017

The search for lead compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) may be promising for new drug development.
Spontaneous supersaturation of calcium citrate from simultaneous isothermal dissolution of sodium citrate and sparingly soluble calcium hydroxycarboxylates in water
Authors: Vavrusova Martina , Garcia André C. , Danielsen Bente P. , Skibsted Leif H.
Published: January 2017

Strongly supersaturated homogeneous calcium citrate solutions are formed spontaneously when solid sodium citrate and solid calcium hydroxycarboxylates are dissolved simultaneously in water.
Beauveria bassiana (Clavicipitaceae): a potent fungal agent for controlling mosquito vectors of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Ragavendran Chinnasamy , Dubey Nawal Kishore , Natarajan Devarajan
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of bioactive compounds identified from Beauveria bassiana extracts as effective larvicidal and pupicidal agents against Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors under laboratory conditions are studied.
Highly interdigitated and porous architected ternary composite of SnS2, g-C3N4, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as high performance lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Sher Shah Md. Selim Arif , Park A. Reum , Rauf Ali , Hong Sung Hwan , Choi Youngjin , Park Juhyun , Kim Jaeyun , Kim Woo-Jae , Yoo Pil J.
Published: January 2017

Highly interdigitated and porous architected ternary composites of SnS2, rGO and g-C3N4 synthesized via one-pot hydrothermal route showed excellent electrochemical properties.
Fabrication of HA/PEI-functionalized carbon dots for tumor targeting, intracellular imaging and gene delivery
Authors: Zhang M. , Zhao X. , Fang Z. , Niu Y. , Lou J. , Wu Y. , Zou S. , Xia S. , Sun M. , Du F.
Published: January 2017

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) as emerging carbon nano-materials have attracted tremendous attention in biomedical fields due to unique properties.
Binding mechanism of uranyl to transferrin implicated by density functional theory study
Authors: Wang Meng , Ding Wanjian , Wang Dongqi
Published: January 2017

The binding of uranyl to serum transferrin follows a Tyr* → Tyr* → Asp* stepwise mechanism.
Microbial xanthan gum production from alkali-pretreated rice straw
Authors: Jazini M. H. , Fereydouni E. , Karimi K.
Published: January 2017

Microbial xanthan production yield from rice straw can be significantly improved by alkali-pretreatment.
Ultra-narrow blue phosphorene nanoribbons for tunable optoelectronics
Authors: Swaroop Ram , Ahluwalia P. K. , Tankeshwar K. , Kumar Ashok
Published: January 2017

We report optoelectronic properties of ultra-narrow blue phosphorene nanoribbons (BPNRs) within the state-of-the-art density functional theory framework.
A benzoxazine surfactant exchange for atomic force microscopy characterization of two dimensional materials exfoliated in aqueous surfactant solutions
Authors: Wang Tao , Quinn Matthew D. J. , Notley Shannon M.
Published: January 2017

Surfactant exchange was utilized to successfully deposit 2D flakes from liquid phase exfoliation for AFM characterization.
Platelet-rich plasma ameliorates senescence-like phenotypes in a cellular photoaging model
Authors: Jia Chuanlong , Lu Yongzhou , Bi Bo , Chen Liang , Yang Qingjian , Yang Ping , Guo Yu , Zhu Jingjing , Zhu Ningwen , Liu Tianyi
Published: January 2017

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a portion of blood plasma enriched with platelets widely investigated for accelerating bone and soft tissue healing.
A cyclic voltammetry and PM6 semi-empirical molecular orbital method study of the capacity behaviour of an aluminum-8-hydroxyquinoline complex modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Zhu Y. , Bao A. , Na B. , Su G. , Wang J. , Lang J.
Published: January 2017

A graphite powder surface was modified by aluminum-8-hydroxyquinoline complex, and functionalised as an electron storage and transfer surface for use as one of the electrodes in an electrochemical capacitor.
A facilely synthesized lactam acceptor unit for high-performance polymer donors
Authors: Pan Han , Xiao Zuo , Xie Fangyuan , Li Qifang , Ding Liming
Published: January 2017

A lactam acceptor unit BDTPi was developed. PThBDTPi:PC71BM solar cells gave a PCE of 8.11%, indicating that BDTPi is a promising building block for D–A copolymers.
Magnetic Janus nanorods for efficient capture, separation and elimination of bacteria
Authors: Chang Zhimin , Wang Zheng , Lu Mengmeng , Li Mingqiang , Li Li , Zhang Yi , Shao Dan , Dong Wenfei
Published: January 2017

Magnetic Janus mesoporous silica nanoparticles with CTAB-loading and amino-functionalization were prepared for efficient capture, separation and elimination of bacteria.
High-rate-capability asymmetric supercapacitor device based on lily-like Co3O4nanostructures assembled using nanowires
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Huang Shaobo , Lu Yin , Cui Shizhong , Chen Weihua , Mi Liwei
Published: January 2017

In this paper, high-rate-capability asymmetric supercapacitor device assembled by lily-like Co3O4nanostructures and active carbon was presented.
Highly near-IR emissive ytterbium(iii) complexes with unprecedented quantum yields
Authors: Hu Ji-Yun , Ning Yingying , Meng Yin-Shan , Zhang Jing , Wu Zhuo-Yan , Gao Song , Zhang Jun-Long
Published: January 2017

We report a series of highly NIR emissive Yb complexes, in which the Yb is sandwiched between an octafluorinated porphyrinate antenna ligand and a deuterated Kläui ligand, and one of the complexes has an unprecedented quantum yield of 63%.
Regulation of PI3K effector signalling in cancer by the phosphoinositide phosphatases
Authors: Rodgers Samuel J. , Ferguson Daniel T. , Mitchell Christina A. , Ooms Lisa M.
Published: January 2017

Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) generates phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) at the plasma membrane in response to growth factors, activating a signalling cascade that regulates many cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration and metabolism. The PI3K pathway is commonly dysregulated in human cancer, and drives tumorigenesis by promoting aberrant cell growth and transformation. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 facilitates the activation of many pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins including the serine/threonine kinase AKT. There are three AKT isoforms that are frequently hyperactivated in cancer through mutation, amplification or dysregulation of upstream regulatory proteins. AKT isoforms have converging and opposing functions in tumorigenesis. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signalling is degraded and terminated by phosphoinositide phosphatases such as phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), proline-rich inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (PIPP) (INPP5J) and inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B). PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 is rapidly hydrolysed by PIPP to generate phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P2), which is further hydrolysed by INPP4B to form phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns3P are also important signalling molecules; PtdIns(3,4)P2 together with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 are required for maximal AKT activation and PtdIns3P activates PI3K-dependent serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK3) signalling. Loss of Pten, Pipp or Inpp4b expression or function promotes tumour growth in murine cancer models through enhanced AKT isoform-specific signalling. INPP4B inhibits PtdIns(3,4)P2-mediated AKT activation in breast and prostate cancer; however, INPP4B expression is increased in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), melanoma and colon cancer where it paradoxically promotes cell proliferation, transformation and/or drug resistance. This review will discuss how PTEN, PIPP and INPP4B distinctly regulate PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signalling downstream of PI3K and how dysregulation of these phosphatases affects cancer outcomes.
Simulated Critical Differences for Speech Reception Thresholds
Authors: Pedersen Ellen Raben , Juhl Peter Møller
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Critical differences state by how much 2 test results have to differ in order to be significantly different. Critical differences for discrimination scores have been available for several decades, but they do not exist for speech reception thresholds (SRTs). This study presents and discusses how critical differences for SRTs can be estimated by Monte Carlo simulations. As an application of this method, critical differences are proposed for a 5-word sentences test (a matrix test) using 2 widely implemented adaptive test procedures.

Method

For each procedure, simulations were performed for different parameters: the number of test sentences, the
j
factor, the distribution of the subjects' true SRTs, and the slope of the discrimination function. For 1 procedure and 1 parameter setting, simulation data are compared with results found by listening tests (experimental data).

Results

The critical differences were found to depend on the parameters tested, including interactive effects. The critical differences found by simulation agree with data found experimentally.

Conclusions

As the critical differences for SRTs rely on multiple parameters, they must be determined for each parameter setting individually. However, with knowledge of the test setup, rules of thumb can be derived.
Kernelised reference‐wise metric learning
Authors: Wu Meng , Luo Kai , Li Daijin , Zhou Jun
Published: January 2017

Unlike the doublet or triplet constraints, a novel kernelised reference‐wise metric learning is proposed by constructing reference‐wise constraints, which contain similarity information of each sample to all reference samples. After selecting several representative training samples as the reference set, the training data are first mapped into a projected space by the reference sample matrix. Then the problem of metric learning is casted as a multi‐label classification problem under the reference‐wise constraints, in which an l2‐norm regularised least squares canonical correlation analysis can be used. Besides, the formulation is generalised to kernelised version for further boosting the performance. Experiments on two benchmark person re‐identification datasets demonstrate that the approach clearly outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods.