bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion in hierarchical systems: A simulation study in models of healthy and diseased muscle tissue
Authors: Hall Matt G. , Clark Chris A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To investigate the sensitivity of diffusion‐MR signal to microstructural change in muscle tissue associated with pathology, and recommend optimal acquisition parameters.

Methods

We employ Monte‐Carlo simulation of diffusing spins in hierarchical tissue to generate synthetic diffusion‐weighted signal curves over a wide range of scan parameters. Curves are analyzed using entropy—a measure of curve complexity. Entropy change between a baseline and various microstructural scenarios is investigated. We find acquisitions that optimize entropy difference in each scenario.

Results

Permeability changes have a large effect on the diffusion‐weighted signal curve. Muscle fiber atrophy is also important, although differentiating between mechanisms is challenging. Several acquisitions over a range of diffusion times is optimal for imaging microstructural change in muscle tissue. Sensitivity to permeability is optimized for high gradient strengths, but sensitivity to other scenarios is optimal at other values.

Conclusions

The diffusion‐attenuated signal is sensitive to the microstructural changes, but the changes are subtle. Taking full advantage of the changes to the overall curve requires a set of acquisitions over a range of diffusion times. Permeability causes the largest changes, but even the very subtle changes associated with fiber radius distribution change the curves more than noise alone. Magn Reson Med 78:1187–1198, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Chemotherapeutic treatment reduces circulating levels of surfactant protein‐D in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rathe Mathias , Sorensen Grith L. , Wehner Peder S. , Holmskov Uffe , Sangild Per T. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Müller Klaus , Husby Steffen
Published: September 2016

Background

Surfactant protein D (SP‐D) is a host defense molecule of the innate immune system that enhances pathogen clearance and modulates inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that circulating SP‐D levels are associated with chemotherapy‐induced mucositis and infectious morbidity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Procedure

In a prospective study, 43 children receiving treatment for ALL were monitored for mucosal toxicity from diagnosis through the induction phase of treatment. Serial blood draws were taken to determine the levels of SP‐D, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein, and white blood cells. Data on fever, antibiotics, and bacteremia were collected. Baseline levels of circulating SP‐D were compared with healthy controls.

Results

Baseline values of circulating SP‐D were similar to levels in healthy controls (median: 829 ng/ml vs. 657 ng/ml, respectively, P > 0.05). After initiation of chemotherapy, a significant reduction in SP‐D levels was observed at all time points: 704 ng/ml at day 8, 413 ng/ml at day 15, 395 ng/ml at day 22, and 520 ng/ml at day 29 (all, P < 0.05). No significant associations between SP‐D values, the occurrence of mucosal toxicity, or infectious morbidity were observed. However, loss of circulating SP‐D from days 8 to 15 was associated with more systemic inflammation, and lower SP‐D values at day 15 were associated with elevated intestinal mucositis scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current study supports the hypothesis that the detrimental effect of chemotherapy on patients’ immune functions includes decreased circulating levels of innate mucosal molecules such as SP‐D, potentially aggravating mucosal and systemic inflammatory responses.
Degradation and regeneration in mc‐Si after different gettering steps
Authors: Zuschlag Annika , Skorka Daniel , Hahn Giso
Published: September 2016

Light and elevated temperature induced degradation (LeTID) affects significantly the performance of multicrystalline (mc) Si passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar cells, and underlying mechanisms of LeTID are still unknown. In this work LeTID and following regeneration of an industrial mc‐Si PERC solar cell is compared to differently processed minority charge carrier lifetime samples under illumination (1 sun) and elevated temperature (75 °C). LeTID on cell level reveals the same kinetics compared to lifetime samples. Varying the processing sequence has a significant effect on LeTID of lifetime samples. Ungettered samples with fired SiNx:H surface passivation show a very strong LeTID and regeneration effect, with degradation kinetics being similar for all wafer areas irrespective of initial material quality. In contrast, regeneration sets in earlier in good quality areas. Differently gettered samples with lower contamination level than ungettered samples are less sensitive to LeTID, while overall degradation and regeneration behavior is strongly influenced by applied gettering sequences. Al‐gettered samples show a more pronounced degradation effect than P‐gettered samples, leading to the assumption that P‐gettering is more effective in the reduction of LeTID sensitive defects. If the gettering step is less effective, in lifetime samples after degradation a beginning regeneration effect could be observed. A model is presented, describing LeTID in boron as well as gallium doped mc‐Si being based on impurities that can be gettered and redistributed during high temperature steps. Using this experimental approach helps to clarify the underlying mechanisms of LeTID and leads to a better understanding of degradation and regeneration mechanisms in mc Si. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Preparation and thermal stability of fluoroalkyl end‐capped vinyltrimethoxysilane oligomeric silica/boric acid nanocomposites‐encapsulated a variety of low molecular weight organic compounds
Authors: Aomi Yuta , Nishida Masakazu , Sawada Hideo
Published: September 2016

Fluoroalkyl end‐capped vinyltrimethoxysilane oligomer [RF‐(VM)n‐RF] reacted with boric acid to afford the corresponding fluorinated oligomeric silica/boric acid nanocomposite [RF‐(VMSiO2)n‐RF/B(OH)3] fine particles with mean diameter: 36–105 nm. The obtained RF‐(VMSiO2)n‐RF/B(OH)3 nanocomposites were applied to the encapsulation of low molecular weight organic compounds such as diphenylsilanediol, 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol, 4,4′‐biphenol, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, biphenyl, dibenzyl, and pentaerythritol into these nanocomposite cores to provide the corresponding fluorinated oligomeric silica/boric acid nanocomposites—encapsulated these organic molecules. Interestingly, the obtained nanocomposites were found to exhibit no weight loss behavior corresponding to the contents of these guest molecules even after calcination at 800 °C, although these nanocomposites were isolated through no purification process. The RF‐(VMSiO2)n‐RF nanocomposites—encapsulated these organic guest molecules were prepared under similar conditions. However, it was demonstrated that these nanocomposites can provide the clear weight loss corresponding to the contents of these guest molecules in the nanocomposites after calcination at 800 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3835–3845
Modeling of Single and Dual Frequency Capacitive Discharge in Argon Hydrogen Mixture − Dynamic Effects and Ion Energy Distribution Functions
Authors: Voloshin Dmitry G. , Mankelevich Yuri A. , Proshina Olga V. , Rakhimova Tatyana V.
Published: September 2016

Single (SF) and dual frequency capacitively coupled plasma (DF CCP) in (0–50%) H2/Ar mixtures was studied numerically with 1D hybrid (Particle‐in‐cell with Monte Carlo Collision + fluid) model. In SF (81 MHz) discharge the effect of hydrogen dilution is studied for the fixed discharge input power. Mechanisms of the plasma density decrease and variation of ions composition with H2 percentage are discussed. The effect of low‐frequency voltage on plasma density, ions composition, ions fluxes, and ions energy was studied in DF CCP (1.76–81 MHz) discharge in 5% H2/Ar gas mixture at low (20 mTorr) and high (100 mTorr) pressures.
Proteomic approaches to quantify cysteine reversible modifications in aging and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Gu Liqing , Robinson Renã A. S.
Published: September 2016

Cysteine is a highly reactive amino acid and is subject to a variety of reversible post‐translational modifications (PTMs), including nitrosylation, glutathionylation, palmitoylation, as well as formation of sulfenic acid and disulfides. These modifications are not only involved in normal biological activities, such as enzymatic catalysis, redox signaling, and cellular homeostasis, but can also be the result of oxidative damage. Especially in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress leads to aberrant cysteine oxidations that affect protein structure and function leading to neurodegeneration as well as other detrimental effects. Methods that can identify cysteine modifications by type, including the site of modification, as well as the relative stoichiometry of the modification can be very helpful for understanding the role of the thiol proteome and redox homeostasis in the context of disease. Cysteine reversible modifications however, are challenging to investigate as they are low abundant, diverse, and labile especially under endogenous conditions. Thanks to the development of redox proteomic approaches, large‐scale quantification of cysteine reversible modifications is possible. These approaches cover a range of strategies to enrich, identify, and quantify cysteine reversible modifications from biological samples. This review will focus on nongel‐based redox proteomics workflows that give quantitative information about cysteine PTMs and highlight how these strategies have been useful for investigating the redox thiol proteome in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Crucial steps in the structure determination of a coronavirus spike glycoprotein using cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Walls Alexandra , Tortorici M. Alejandra , Bosch Berend‐Jan , Frenz Brandon , Rottier Peter J. M. , DiMaio Frank , Rey Felix A. , Veesler David
Published: September 2016

The tremendous pandemic potential of coronaviruses was demonstrated twice in the last 15 years by two global outbreaks of deadly pneumonia. Entry of coronaviruses into cells is mediated by the transmembrane spike glycoprotein S, which forms a trimer carrying receptor‐binding and membrane fusion functions. Despite their biomedical importance, coronavirus S glycoproteins have proven difficult targets for structural characterization, precluding high‐resolution studies of the biologically relevant trimer. Recent technological developments in single particle cryo‐electron microscopy allowed us to determine the first structure of a coronavirus S glycoprotein trimer which provided a framework to understand the mechanisms of viral entry and suggested potential inhibition strategies for this family of viruses. Here, we describe the key factors that enabled this breakthrough.
Modeling oblong proteins and water‐mediated interfaces with RosettaDock in CAPRI rounds 28–35
Authors: Marze Nicholas A. , Jeliazkov Jeliazko R. , Roy Burman Shourya S. , Boyken Scott E. , DiMaio Frank , Gray Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2016

The 28th–35th rounds of the Critical Assessment of PRotein Interactions (CAPRI) served as a practical benchmark for our RosettaDock protein–protein docking protocols, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the approach. We achieved acceptable or better quality models in three out of 11 targets. For the two α‐repeat protein–green fluorescent protein (αrep–GFP) complexes, we used a novel ellipsoidal partial‐global docking method (Ellipsoidal Dock) to generate models with 2.2 Å/1.5 Å interface RMSD, capturing 49%/42% of the native contacts, for the 7‐/5‐repeat αrep complexes. For the DNase–immunity protein complex, we used a new predictor of hydrogen‐bonding networks, HBNet with Bridging Waters, to place individual water models at the complex interface; models were generated with 1.8 Å interface RMSD and 12% native water contacts recovered. The targets for which RosettaDock failed to create an acceptable model were typically difficult in general, as six had no acceptable models submitted by any CAPRI predictor. The UCH‐L5–RPN13 and UCH‐L5–INO80G de‐ubiquitinating enzyme–inhibitor complexes comprised inhibitors undergoing significant structural changes upon binding, with the partners being highly interwoven in the docked complexes. Our failure to predict the nucleosome‐enzyme complex in Target 95 was largely due to tight constraints we placed on our model based on sparse biochemical data suggesting two specific cross‐interface interactions, preventing the correct structure from being sampled. While RosettaDock's three successes show that it is a state‐of‐the‐art docking method, the difficulties with highly flexible and multi‐domain complexes highlight the need for better flexible docking and domain‐assembly methods. Proteins 2017; 85:479–486. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Profiling of Nelumbo Nucifera: Potential for Drug Development
Authors: Sharma Bhesh Raj , Gautam Lekh Nath S. , Adhikari Deepak , Karki Rajendra
Published: September 2016

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as sacred lotus, has primarily been used as food throughout the Asian continent, and its medicinal values have been described in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose of this study is to systematically characterize the chemical profiling and pharmacological activities of N. nucifera. Herein, we critically reviewed and analysed the phytochemical and pharmacological reports of N. nucifera. Our search for the keyword ‘Nelumbo nucifera pharmacology’ in all databases reported in Web of Science yielded 373 results excluding reviews and abstracts in document types. Two hundred and forty‐three spectrum natural compounds from different parts of N. nucifera belonging to diverse chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins have been reported. In addition, distinct pharmacological activities, mainly against cancer, microbial infection, diabetes, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and obesity, have been associated with crude extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds. This review highlights potential use of neferine, liensinine, isoliensinine, and nuciferine in clinical trials. In depth, mechanism of the potential chemical entities from N. nucifera via structure activity relationship needs to be explored to guarantee the stability and safety for the clinical use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pemetrexed for epithelioid haemangioendothelioma of the pleura
Authors: Kanemura Shingo , Kuribayashi Kozo , Moriya Yumiko , Shimizu Shigeki , Tsujimura Tohru , Nakano Takashi
Published: September 2016

A 31‐year‐old woman presented with a 2‐month history of dull left back pain. Chest roentgenography revealed pleural thickening in the left lung apex, whereas chest computed tomography showed a left pleural effusion with diffuse pleural thickening. Based on these findings, malignant mesothelioma was suspected. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic pleural biopsy was performed, and subsequent staining of the specimen revealed negative results for anti‐cytokeratin antibodies and positive results for vascular endothelial immunohistochemical markers. Therefore, a diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) was made, and chemotherapy with carboplatin, pemetrexed, and bevacizumab was initiated. After the fourth course of treatment, the disease was well controlled with a 90% reduction of the left pleural effusion. This case is very rare in that the EHE originated from the pleura. Additionally, there has been no report of pemetrexed for treatment of EHE.
Context and Implications Document for: Implementation quality of family literacy programmes: a review of literature
Authors: de la Rie S. , van Steensel R.C.M. , van Gelderen A.J.S.
Published: September 2016

This guide accompanies the following article: S. De la Rie, R.C.M. Van Steensel & A.J.S. Van Gelderen, Implementation quality of family literacy programmes: a review of literature, Review of Education, DOI:10.1002/rev3.3081
Bounded H∞ synchronization for time‐varying networks with probability‐dependent information
Authors: Wang Fan , Liang Jinling
Published: September 2016

This paper addresses the bounded H∞ synchronization problem for the time‐varying coupled networks with stochastic noises and randomly occurring nonlinearities over a finite horizon. The bounded H∞ synchronization performance constraint is proposed to quantify the degree of the synchronization regarding the exogenous disturbances. The nonlinearities considered in this paper are assumed to satisfy the sector‐like conditions and characterized by a time‐varying Bernoulli distribution with measurable probability in real time. Based on the Kronecker product and the Hadamard product, a sufficient condition is established firstly to ensure the bounded H∞ synchronization of the network by utilizing the probability‐dependent method. Then the obtained criterion is further converted into a computationally available one by transforming the time‐varying probability into a polytopic form, which is presented in terms of matrix inequalities and hence can be verified easily by applying the Matlab toolbox. Finally, simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting similarity of model sparsity structures in integrative analysis of cancer genetic data
Authors: Huang Yuan , Liu Jin , Yi Huangdi , Shia Ben‐Chang , Ma Shuangge
Published: September 2016

In profiling studies, the analysis of a single dataset often leads to unsatisfactory results because of the small sample size. Multi‐dataset analysis utilizes information of multiple independent datasets and outperforms single‐dataset analysis. Among the available multi‐dataset analysis methods, integrative analysis methods aggregate and analyze raw data and outperform meta‐analysis methods, which analyze multiple datasets separately and then pool summary statistics. In this study, we conduct integrative analysis and marker selection under the heterogeneity structure, which allows different datasets to have overlapping but not necessarily identical sets of markers. Under certain scenarios, it is reasonable to expect some similarity of identified marker sets – or equivalently, similarity of model sparsity structures – across multiple datasets. However, the existing methods do not have a mechanism to explicitly promote such similarity. To tackle this problem, we develop a sparse boosting method. This method uses a BIC/HDBIC criterion to select weak learners in boosting and encourages sparsity. A new penalty is introduced to promote the similarity of model sparsity structures across datasets. The proposed method has a intuitive formulation and is broadly applicable and computationally affordable. In numerical studies, we analyze right censored survival data under the accelerated failure time model. Simulation shows that the proposed method outperforms alternative boosting and penalization methods with more accurate marker identification. The analysis of three breast cancer prognosis datasets shows that the proposed method can identify marker sets with increased similarity across datasets and improved prediction performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile Biopolymer Assisted Synthesis of Hollow SnO2 Nanostructures and Their Application in Dye Removal
Authors: Chowdhury Rakesh , Barah Nilotpal , Rashid Md. Harunar
Published: September 2016

Herein, we report the synthesis of SnO2 nanostructures by alkaline hydrolysis of the corresponding metal ions in presence of biopolymer additive such as carboxy methylcellulose at 65 °C. X‐ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of pure crystalline tetragonal SnO2 nanostructures. Microscopic results revealed that addition of biopolymer results in the formation of hollow nanostructures. The sizes of such hollow nanostructures are controllable by varying the concentration of the biopolymer. The hollow nanostructures are further characterized by other spectroscopic techniques such as UV‐vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. These hollow SnO2 nanostructures are porous and show excellent adsorption capability in removal of organic dye, methylene blue from its aqueous solution at room temperature. The recovered SnO2 nanostructures can be reused in successive batches for dye adsorption without much losing its adsorption capacities.
Full Library of (Bis–allyl)‐deuterated Arachidonic Acids: Synthesis and Analytical Verification
Authors: Fomich Maksim A. , Bekish Andrei V. , Vidovic Dragoslav , Lamberson Connor R. , Lysenko Ivan L. , Lawrence Peter , Brenna J. Thomas , Sharko Olga L. , Shmanai Vadim V. , Shchepinov Mikhail S.
Published: September 2016

Deuteration at bis‐allylic positions slows down hydrogen abstraction, thereby reducing the rate of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) oxidation. Arachidonic acid undergoes oxidation through both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic mechanisms, giving rise to a range of important products with variable biological activity, including pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory properties. We report on the synthesis and verification of a full library of arachidonic acids variably deuterated at the bis‐allylic (C7, C10, C13) positions: 7,7‐D2‐arachidonic acid, 10,10‐D2‐arachidonic acid, 13,13‐D2‐arachidonic acid, 7,7,10,10‐D4‐arachidonic acid, 7,7,13,13‐D4‐arachidonic acid, 10,10,13,13‐D4‐arachidonic acid, and 7,7,10,10,13,13‐D6‐arachidonic acid isotopologues. The library is intended to be useful for determining the relative importance of enzymatic versus non‐enzymatic oxidation at particular sites in vivo.
Photochemistry of 5‐Halogenosalicylic Acids: Evidence of the Triplet Involvement in the Carbene Formation
Authors: Tafer Radia , de Sainte‐Claire Pascal , Vicendo Patricia , Boulkamh Abdelaziz , Richard Claire
Published: September 2016

The heterolytic photodehalogenation of 4‐halogenophenols in water is known to yield the long‐lived triplet carbene 4‐oxo‐2,5‐dienylidene. However, the nature of the excited state from which dehalogenation takes place remains an open issue. To get further insight into the mechanism of carbene formation, we investigated the photolysis of 5‐chlorosalicylic acid and 5‐bromosalicylic acid from experimental and theoretical points of view. Our results showed that irradiation of monoanionic species in water leaded to the formation of the carbene species and its characteristic photoproducts. Moreover, triplet excited states could be detected by laser flash photolysis of aqueous solutions and their involvement in the photodehalogenation was firmly demonstrated. Identification by quantum calculations of two distinct triplet species supports the experimental results. The short‐ and long‐lived triplets are assigned respectively to the planar and non planar structures. Both were successfully detected experimentally. The non planar triplet either reacted with water to yield the dihydroxyderivative or gave the triplet carbene after heterolytic halogen elimination. These findings shed a new light on our understanding of the halogenophenols photochemistry and could be exploited in further studies.
Effect of Amide Bonds on the Self‐Assembly of Two Synthesized Sulphonamido Group Based Amphiphiles: Application in Formation of Stable Silver Nanoparticles.
Authors: Kar Byomkesh , Roy Sumita
Published: September 2016

Two new benzenesulphonamido group containing anionic amphiphiles named Sodium[11‐benzenesulphonamido‐undecanoate] (SBSAU) and Sodium[11‐benzenesulphonamido‐undecanamido]ethanoate (SBSAUG) have synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR and LC–Mass spectroscopy. The surface properties of the amphiphiles have evaluated by tensiometry measurement. Steady state fluorescence measurement revealed the microenvironment of the self‐assemblies are very rigid and non polar. DLS study indicated formation of larger aggregates in solution. Formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds through amide linkage and sulphonamide group has been established by 1H‐NMR study. XRD measurement was performed to realize the arrangement of the hydrocarbon chains in the lamellar structure. Presence of closed aqueous compartment was confirmed by GPC analysis. TEM micrographs showed that closed bilayer vesicles are formed in aqueous solutions of the amphiphiles. The permeable nature of the vesicle wall was investigated by kinetic study using riboflavin as probe molecule. Both the amphiphiles have successfully utilized to prepare stable silver nanoparticle.
A New Oxopiperazin‐Based Peptidomimetic Molecule Inhibits Prostatic Acid Phosphatase Secretion and Induces Prostate Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Zer Aviv Pinchas , Shubely Moran , Moskovits Yoni , Viskind Olga , Albeck Amnon , Vertommen Didier , Ruthstein Sharon , Shokhen Michael , Gruzman Arie
Published: September 2016

Reduced Prostatic acid Phosphatase (PAcP) secretion is associated with inhibition of the proliferation rate of prostate cancer cells. Signal peptidase 1 (SPase 1) is the main protease that cleaves the signal peptide of secretory proteins and allows their secretion. Thus, we hypothesised that inhibition of SPase 1 might lead to an antiproliferative effect in prostate cancer cells. Using homology computer modelling, we created a human SPase 1 model. With this model we designed and synthesised four novel (S)‐3‐(4‐aminobutyl)piperazin‐2‐one‐based peptidomimetics. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated in the Lymph Node Carcinoma of the Prostate (LNCaP) cancer cell line. Indeed, (S)‐(3‐(2‐(4‐(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)butyl)‐4‐(3‐methoxy‐3‐oxopropyl)‐3‐oxopiperazin‐1‐yl)propyl)boronic acid, compound 8) reduced PAcP secretion, as well as exhibited significant cytotoxic effect in LNAcP cells. As reported in this study, an antiprostate cancer drug development approach, which is based on inhibiting PAcP secretion, is innovative and it might serve as source for developing novel antiprostate cancer drugs.
Genetic Engineering of Silaffin‐Like Peptides for Binding and Precipitating Siliceous Materials
Authors: Drathen Anne , Reiber Jens , Krumm Christian , Meuris Monika , Tiller Joerg C. , Niemeyer Christof M. , Brakmann Susanne
Published: September 2016

A cell surface‐displayed peptide library was employed for the selection of peptides with the capacity to bind fluorescent silica nanoparticles. The outcome of this approach enabled us to identify attributes important for recognition and binding the chosen siliceous material. Two of the peptides that were identified in the course of these experiments were studied in further detail and shown not only to bind silica nanoparticles with high affinity (Kd ∼ 100 nM) but also to induce the enrichment and precipitation of silica at the bacterial cell wall.
Microwave Absorption in MWNTs‐Based Soft Composites Containing Nanocrystalline Particles as Magnetic Core and Intrinsically Conducting Polymer as a Conductive Layer
Authors: Bhingardive Viraj , Woldu Tesfakiros , Biswas Sourav , Kar Goutam Prasanna , Thomas Sabu , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: September 2016

Microwave absorbers derived using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), super paramagnetic nanocrystalline calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4) and multiwall nanotubes (MWNTs) were developed in this study. Effect of in‐situ modification of CaFe2O4 and MWNTs with a conducting layer, (polyaniline, PANI) on different properties of the composite has been investigated systematically. Two approaches were investigated here to gain insight into the mechanism of microwave absorption. Firstly, coating PANI onto CaFe2O4 and blending along with MWNTs; secondly, coating PANI onto MWNTs and blending along with CaFe2O4. The electrical and magnetic properties of various composites containing hybrid particles were evaluated. Interestingly, the PVDF composites containing PANI coated CaFe2O4 blended together with MWNTs showed excellent shielding effectiveness (‐57 dB at 18 GHz) as compared to the second approach where PANI was coated onto MWNTs and blended along with CaFe2O4. This was discussed here with respect to the relative permittivity and permeability in a wide range of frequency.
Hetero–nanostructured Ni/α‐Mn2O3 as Highly Active Catalyst for Aqueous Phase Reduction Reactions
Authors: Deka Pangkita , Sarmah Pingal , Deka Ramesh C. , Bharali Pankaj
Published: September 2016

In this work, a simple strategy for the synthesis of hetero‐nanostructured Ni/α‐Mn2O3 via surfactant‐aided co‐reduction method is reported. The as synthesized Ni/α‐Mn2O3 is applied as catalytic material for the aqueous phase reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and organic dye pollutants, namely Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene blue (MB), Rose Bengal (RB), Congo red (CR), and Methyl orange (MO) in the presence of a mild reducing agent, NaBH4. This synthetic route provides homogeneous dispersion of Ni nanoparticles over α‐Mn2O3 surface. The nanoparticles and support are characterized using XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM, AAS and BET surface area analyses. The Ni particles are spherical, crystalline and size ranges < 5 nm. Further, hetero‐nanostructured Ni/α‐Mn2O3 is established as a highly efficient recyclable catalyst for the reduction of 4‐NP to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP). The HPLC and FTIR analysis shows that 4‐AP is the sole product of the reduction of 4‐NP. The Ni/α‐Mn2O3 also exhibits high activity towards reduction of cationic and anionic dye pollutants. Thus, the as synthesized hetero‐nanostructured Ni/α‐Mn2O3 can be considered as the future contender for the wastewater treatment.
Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Highly Transmissive Films for Optical Applications
Authors: Vüllers Felix , Gomard Guillaume , Preinfalk Jan B. , Klampaftis Efthymios , Worgull Matthias , Richards Bryce , Hölscher Hendrik , Kavalenka Maryna N.
Published: September 2016

Inspired by the transparent hair layer on water plants Salvinia and Pistia, superhydrophobic flexible thin films, applicable as transparent coatings for optoelectronic devices, are introduced. Thin polymeric nanofur films are fabricated using a highly scalable hot pulling technique, in which heated sandblasted steel plates are used to create a dense layer of nano‐ and microhairs surrounding microcavities on a polymer surface. The superhydrophobic nanofur surface exhibits water contact angles of 166 ± 6°, sliding angles below 6°, and is self‐cleaning against various contaminants. Additionally, subjecting thin nanofur to argon plasma reverses its surface wettability to hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic. Thin nanofur films are transparent and demonstrate reflection values of less than 4% for wavelengths ranging from 300 to 800 nm when attached to a polymer substrate. Moreover, used as translucent self‐standing film, the nanofur exhibits transmission values above 85% and high forward scattering. The potential of thin nanofur films for extracting substrate modes from organic light emitting diodes is tested and a relative increase of the luminous efficacy of above 10% is observed. Finally, thin nanofur is optically coupled to a multicrystalline silicon solar cell, resulting in a relative gain of 5.8% in photogenerated current compared to a bare photovoltaic device.
Improved Photocatalytic H2 Evolution over G‐Carbon Nitride with Enhanced In‐Plane Ordering
Authors: Zhao Guixia , Liu Guigao , Pang Hong , Liu Huimin , Zhang Huabin , Chang Kun , Meng Xianguang , Wang Xiaojun , Ye Jinhua
Published: September 2016

A series of rod‐like porous graphitic‐carbon nitrides (short as CNs) with enhanced in‐plane ordering have been fabricated through self‐assembled heptazine hydrate precursors for the first time. By controlling the calcination of the preformed precursors with different temperature‐rising rates, the resulted CNs (SAHEP‐CNs‐1) with the most ordered and least stacked graphitic planar are showing a tremendously improved hydrogen evolution rate of 420 μmol h−1 under visible light and a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency of 8.9% at 420 nm, which is among the highest values for C3N4‐related photocatalysts in the literature. This work discloses that enhancing in‐plane ordering is one critical factor for improving the photocatalytic H2 evolution of carbon nitride, which is an effective solution to prolong the lifetime of charge carriers by accelerating the charge transport and separation within the graphitic planar. This finding would present a facial strategy for the designing of efficient organic semiconductors for photocatalysis.
Toward Precision Medicine: A Cancer Molecular Subtyping Nano‐Strategy for RNA Biomarkers in Tumor and Urine
Authors: Koo Kevin M. , Wee Eugene J. H. , Mainwaring Paul N. , Wang Yuling , Trau Matt
Published: September 2016

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease which manifests as different molecular subtypes due to the complex nature of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The concept of precision medicine aims to exploit this cancer heterogeneity by incorporating diagnostic technology to characterize each cancer patient's molecular subtype for tailored treatments. To characterize cancer molecular subtypes accurately, a suite of multiplexed bioassays have currently been developed to detect multiple oncogenic biomarkers. Despite the reliability of current multiplexed detection techniques, novel strategies are still needed to resolve limitations such as long assay time, complex protocols, and difficulty in interpreting broad overlapping spectral peaks of conventional fluorescence readouts. Herein a rapid (80 min) multiplexed platform strategy for subtyping prostate cancer tumor and urine samples based on their RNA biomarker profiles is presented. This is achieved by combining rapid multiplexed isothermal reverse transcription‐recombinase polymerase amplification (RT‐RPA) of target RNA biomarkers with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags for “one‐pot” readout. This is the first translational application of a RT‐RPA/SERS‐based platform for multiplexed cancer biomarker detection to address a clinical need. With excellent sensitivity of 200 zmol (100 copies) and specificity, we believed that this platform methodology could be a useful tool for rapid multiplexed subtyping of cancers.
The overactive bladder: where are we in 2016?
Authors: Osman Nadir , Chapple Christopher
Published: September 2016

In this article the authors discuss some of the issues and controversies generated by the development of the overactive bladder symptom complex, the challenges in its clinical application and the current state of play with regards to pharmacotherapeutic management.
Pensions: can you navigate the maze?
Authors: Lang Andrew
Published: September 2016

As successive UK Governments seek to tighten the rules around pension reliefs and benefits for higher earners, many doctors could find themselves paying more tax than they expected on pension income. Andrew Lang describes the current pension landscape for doctors with NHS and private pensions.
Testosterone and cardiovascular disease – what is the story?
Authors: Morgentaler Abraham
Published: September 2016

Testosterone therapy was thought to be good for the cardiovascular system until a couple of papers put the cat among the pigeons in 2013. In this article, based on a talk he gave at the UK National Congress of Men's Health in London in June, Professor Morgentaler discusses why he believes the negative papers were flawed and describes the evidence that points to positive cardiovascular benefits.
An ED patient with low testosterone
Authors: Hackett Geoffrey
Published: September 2016

In this article, we consider the case of a patient referred to the erectile dysfunction (ED) clinic for second‐line treatment. The patient had many of the signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, but even when this was revealed his treatment pathway was not straightforward.
Angiogenesis in alkaptonuria
Authors: Millucci Lia , Bernardini Giulia , Marzocchi Barbara , Braconi Daniela , Geminiani Michela , Gambassi Silvia , Laschi Marcella , Frediani Bruno , Galvagni Federico , Orlandini Maurizio , Santucci Annalisa
Published: September 2016

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease that affects the entire joint. Current standard of AKU treatment is palliative and little is known about its physiopathology. Neovascularization is involved in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, a family of related disorders that includes AKU. Here, we investigated the presence of neoangiogenesis in AKU synovium and healthy controls. Synovium from AKU patients, who had undergone total joint replacement or arthroscopy, or from healthy patients without any history of rheumatic diseases, who underwent surgical operation following sport trauma was subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining. Histologic grades were assigned for clinical disease activity and synovitis based on cellular content of the synovium. By immunofluorescence microscopy, using different endothelial cell markers, we observed large vascularization in AKU but not in healthy synovium. Moreover, Western blotting and quantification analyses confirmed strong expression of endothelial cell markers in AKU synovial tissues. Importantly, AKU synovium vascular endothelium expressed high levels of β‐dystroglycan, a protein previously involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in osteoarthritic synovium. This is the first report providing experimental evidences that new blood vessels are formed in AKU synovial tissues, opening new perspectives for AKU therapy.
Chemically Induced Solidification: A New Way to Produce Thin Solid-Near-Net Shapes
Authors: Slater Carl , Spooner Stephen , Davis Claire , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: September 2016

In situ observation of the solidification of high-carbon steel (4 wt pct C) through decarburization has been carried out as a feasibility study into reducing high-power
usage and high CO2 production involved in steel making. Decarburization has been carried out under both air and pure N2 atmospheres at temperatures of 1573 K and 1673 K (1300 °C and 1400 °C). A solidified shell of around 500 μm was formed with carbon concentrations reduced down to 1 pct in as short as 18 seconds.
Reactions Between Liquid CaO-SiO2 Slags and Graphite Substrates
Authors: White Jesse F. , Lee Jaewoo , Hessling Oscar , Glaser Bjoern
Published: September 2016

In this study, the spreading and infiltration behavior of liquid slag in contact with different grades of graphite was investigated. The wetting and infiltration of slag into graphite were found to be highly material dependent. The reduction of silica by carbon is a characteristic of the system, and it generates gaseous products as evidenced by the observation of bubble formation. The higher the temperature and silica activity of the slag is, the greater the slag infiltration and the faster the rate of spreading. Silicon infiltrated into the graphite substrates much deeper than the oxide phases, indicating gas-phase transport of SiO(g) into the graphite pores. Fundamentally, in this system where the liquid and substrate are reacting, the driving force for spreading is the movement of the system toward a lower total Gibbs energy. Reduction of silica in the slag near the interface may eventually lead to the formation of a solid, CaO-rich layer, slowing down or stopping the reduction reaction.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Alanine‐Based Surfactants
Authors: Bougueroua M. , Mousli R. , Tazerouti A.
Published: September 2016

The synthesis of a homologous series of alanine‐based surfactants, namely sodium salts of n‐alkanesulfonamido‐2‐propanoic acids in which n‐alkane is n‐dodecane, n‐tetradecane, n–hexadecane, and n‐octadecane having the formula RSO2NHCH (CH3)COO−Na+, is described. The starting materials used were a mixture of secondary positional isomers of n‐alkanesulfonyl chlorides obtained by photosulfochlorination reaction using sulfuryl chloride and a catalyst. Surface properties of the aqueous solutions of the synthesized surfactants, including the critical micelle concentration and minimal surface tension δmin, were determined using surface tension measurements at 25 °C. The surface excess Γ and minimum area per molecule (Amin) where calculated using the Gibbs equation. The foaming power was also determined by the Bartsh method, and the R5 parameter was calculated to estimate the stability of the foam formed. The results obtained were compared to those of a commercial surfactant, sodium dodecylsulfate, and a series of synthesized glycine‐based surfactants. The results obtained clearly show that the alanine‐based surfactants possess good surface properties. The investigations highlight the influence on the surface properties of the addition of a methyl group in the hydrophilic part.
Assessment of Isoprostanes in Human Plasma: Technical Considerations and the Use of Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Yiu Yiu , Galano Jean‐Marie , Oger Camille , Vigor Claire , Guillaume Reversat , Roy Jérôme , Le Guennec Jean‐Yves , Durand Thierry , Lee Jetty Chung‐Yung
Published: September 2016

Oxygenated lipid mediators released from non‐enzymatic peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to have functional roles in humans. Notably, among these lipid mediators, isoprostanes molecules are robust biomarkers of oxidative stress but those from n‐3 PUFA are also bioactive molecules. In order to identify and assess the isoprostanes, the use of mass spectrometry (MS) for analysis is preferable and has been used for over two decades. Gas chromatography (GC) is commonly coupled to the MS to separate the derivatized isoprostanes of interest in biological samples. In order to increase the accuracy of the analytical performance, GC–MS/MS was also applied. Lately, MS or MS/MS has been coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography to assess multiple isoprostane molecules in a single biological sample without derivatization process. However, there are limitations for the use of LC–MS/MS in the measurement of plasma isoprostanes, which will be discussed in this review.
Effects of Variety, Maturation and Growing Region on Chemical Properties, Fatty Acid and Sterol Compositions of Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Bozdogan Konuskan Dilsat , Mungan Burcu
Published: September 2016

Chemical properties, fatty acid and sterol compositions of olive oils extracted from Gemlik and Halhalı varieties grown in Hatay and Mardin provinces in Turkey were investigated during four maturation stages. The olive oil samples were analyzed for their chemical properties such as free acidity, peroxide value, total carotenoid, total chlorophyll, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and sterol compositions. Chemical properties, fatty acids and sterol profiles of olive oil samples generally showed statistically significant differences depending on the varieties, maturation and growing areas (p < 0.05). As free fatty acid contents and total phenolic contents increased, total carotenoid and chlorophyll contents decreased throughout the maturity stages. Total carotenoid and chlorophyll contents of oil samples from Mardin were higher than those of Hatay. The total phenolic compounds of olive oil samples ranged from 20.62 in Gemlik to 525.22 mg GAE/kg oil in Halhalı from Hatay. In general, the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of olive oil samples were positively associated. Oleic acid content was the highest 71.53 % in H1 samples in Hatay. Total sterol contents were 1194.33 mg/kg in Halhalı and 2008.66 mg/kg in Gemlik from Hatay. Stigmasterol contents of oils obtained from Hatay were lower than those of Mardin. Oleic acid, palmitic acid, β‐sitosterol, ∆‐5‐avenasterol and campesterol contents fluctuated with maturation for each of variety from both growing regions. These results showed that the variety, growing area and maturation influence the chemical properties, fatty acid and sterol compositions.
Zero Health Worker Infection: Experiences From the China Ebola Treatment Unit During the Ebola Epidemic in Liberia
Authors: Liu Lei , Yin Huahua , Liu Ding
Published: September 2016

In November 2014, a total of 164 health care workers were dispatched by the Chinese government as the first medical assistance team to Liberia. The tasks of this team were to establish a China Ebola treatment unit (ETU), to commence the initial admission and treatment of suspected and confirmed Ebola patients, and to provide public health and infection control training for relevant local personnel. Overall, during the 2-month stay of this first medical assistance team in Liberia, 112 Ebola-suspected patients presented to the ETU, 65 patients were admitted, including 5 confirmed cases, and 3 confirmed cases were cured. Furthermore, 1520 local people were trained, including health care workers, military health care workers, staff members employed by the ETU, and community residents. Most importantly, as the first Chinese medical assistance team deployed to Liberia fighting the Ebola virus on the frontline, not a single member of this team or the hired local staff were infected by Ebola virus. This highly successful outcome was due to the meticulous infection control initiatives developed by the team, thereby making a significant contribution to China’s ETU “zero infection” of health workers in Liberia. The major infection control initiatives conducted in the China ETU that contributed to achieving “zero infection” of all health workers in the ETU are introduced in this report. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:262–266)
The Status of Multi-Dimensional Core-Collapse Supernova Models
Authors: Müller B.
Published: September 2016

Models of neutrino-driven core-collapse supernova explosions have matured considerably in recent years. Explosions of low-mass progenitors can routinely be simulated in 1D, 2D, and 3D. Nucleosynthesis calculations indicate that these supernovae could be contributors of some lighter neutron-rich elements beyond iron. The explosion mechanism of more massive stars remains under investigation, although first 3D models of neutrino-driven explosions employing multi-group neutrino transport have become available. Together with earlier 2D models and more simplified 3D simulations, these have elucidated the interplay between neutrino heating and hydrodynamic instabilities in the post-shock region that is essential for shock revival. However, some physical ingredients may still need to be added/improved before simulations can robustly explain supernova explosions over a wide range of progenitors. Solutions recently suggested in the literature include uncertainties in the neutrino rates, rotation, and seed perturbations from convective shell burning. We review the implications of 3D simulations of shell burning in supernova progenitors for the ‘perturbations-aided neutrino-driven mechanism,’ whose efficacy is illustrated by the first successful multi-group neutrino hydrodynamics simulation of an 18 solar mass progenitor with 3D initial conditions. We conclude with speculations about the impact of 3D effects on the structure of massive stars through convective boundary mixing.
Narrating Unity at the European Union’s New History Museum: A Cultural-Process Approach to the Study of Collective Memory
Authors: Hilmar Till
Published: September 2016

Power in sociological studies of memory is commonly understood as a function of political interests that are successfully framed as an inclusive and convincing story about selected elements of the past. By showing how negotiations of memory are driven by dynamics of symbolic exchange and by distinguishing techniques of narration emerging from this process, I develop a theoretical model that helps to better understand the locus of symbolic power in mnemonic agency. I consider the case of the plans surrounding a European history museum to show how persistent notions of cultural unity can be drafted in democratic societies.