bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control over the emerging chirality in supramolecular gels and solutions by chiral microvortices in milliseconds
Authors: Sun Jiashu , Li Yike , Yan Fusheng , Liu Chao , Sang Yutao , Tian Fei , Feng Qiang , Duan Pengfei , Zhang Li , Shi Xinghua , Ding Baoquan , Liu Minghua
Published: June 2018

The origin of homochirality in life is a fundamental mystery. Symmetry breaking and subsequent amplification of chiral bias are regarded as one of the underlying mechanisms. However, the selection and control of initial chiral bias in a spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking process remains a great challenge. Here we show experimental evidences that laminar chiral microvortices generated within asymmetric microchambers can lead to a hydrodynamic selection of initial chiral bias of supramolecular systems composed of exclusively achiral molecules within milliseconds. The self-assembled nuclei with the chirality sign affected by the shear force of enantiomorphic microvortices are subsequently amplified into almost absolutely chirality-controlled supramolecular gels or nanotubes. In contrast, turbulent vortices in stirring cuvettes fail to select the chirality of supramolecular gels. This study reveals that a laminar chiral microflow can induce enantioselection far from equilibrium, and provides an insight on the origin of natural homochirality.
Author Correction: TRPV1 SUMOylation regulates nociceptive signaling in models of inflammatory pain
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Yingwei , Tian Quan , Deng Qi , Wang Yangbo , Zhou Tian , Liu Qiang , Mei Kaidi , Wang Yingping , Liu Huiqing , Ma Ruining , Ding Yuqiang , Rong Weifang , Cheng Jinke , Yao Jing , Xu Tian-Le , Zhu Michael X. , Li Yong
Published: June 2018

In the originally published version of this Article, the affiliation details for Yan Wang, Yingwei Gao, Qi Deng, Yangbo Wang, Tian Zhou, Yingping Wang, Huiqing Liu, Ruining Ma, Jinke Cheng and Yong Li incorrectly omitted ‘Shanghai Jiao Tong University’. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.’ Furthermore, the Supplementary Information file originally associated with this Article inadvertently omitted Supplementary Figure 9. The error has now been fixed and the corrected version Supplementary Information PDF is available to download from the HTML version of the Article.
Discovery of coexisting Dirac and triply degenerate magnons in a three-dimensional antiferromagnet
Authors: Bao Song , Wang Jinghui , Wang Wei , Cai Zhengwei , Li Shichao , Ma Zhen , Wang Di , Ran Kejing , Dong Zhao-Yang , Abernathy D. L. , Yu Shun-Li , Wan Xiangang , Li Jian-Xin , Wen Jinsheng
Published: June 2018

Topological magnons are emergent quantum spin excitations featured by magnon bands crossing linearly at the points dubbed nodes, analogous to fermions in topological electronic systems. Experimental realisation of topological magnons in three dimensions has not been reported so far. Here, by measuring spin excitations (magnons) of a three-dimensional antiferromagnet Cu3TeO6 with inelastic neutron scattering, we provide direct spectroscopic evidence for the coexistence of symmetry-protected Dirac and triply degenerate nodes, the latter involving three-component magnons beyond the Dirac–Weyl framework. Our theoretical calculations show that the observed topological magnon band structure can be well described by the linear-spin-wave theory based on a Hamiltonian dominated by the nearest-neighbour exchange interaction J1. As such, we showcase Cu3TeO6 as an example system where Dirac and triply degenerate magnonic nodal excitations coexist, demonstrate an exotic topological state of matter, and provide a fresh ground to explore the topological properties in quantum materials.
The Significance of Interstitial Fibrosis on Left Ventricular Function in Hypertensive versus Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jiang Meng , Wang Zi , Su Xuan , Gong Xingrong , Pu Jun , Wu Lianming , Liu Chang , Yao Qiuying , Kong Lingcong , Xu Jianrong , He Ben
Published: June 2018

Extracellular volume (ECV) has been validated as a surrogate measure of interstitial fibrosis, that is increased in both hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (H-LVH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to explore the correlation between ECV and left ventricular cardiac function. Eighty-one patients with HCM, 44 with H-LVH and 35 controls were prospectively enrolled. Even among patients with normal diastolic function, patients in HCM group had increased- ECV. In terms of diastolic dysfunction (DD), a similar increase in ECV was associated with a larger percentage of patients with severe or moderate-to-severe DD in HCM group. In addition, there was a compensatory increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in HCM, but no hyperdynamic LVEF was observed in H-LVH. ECV was negatively correlated with LVEF in the late gadolinium enhancement (+) (LGE+) subgroups in the H-LVH group, while no significant linear correlation was observed in HCM group. The increased ECV in HCM patients with normal diastolic function warrants further exploration of the prognostic value of ECV assessments in the early stages of HCM. The associations between ECV and left ventricular functional parameters differed and taking both LGE and ECV into account might be reasonable way to differentiate between the two disorders.
Hybrid rf SQUID qubit based on high kinetic inductance
Authors: Peltonen J. T. , Coumou P. C. J. J. , Peng Z. H. , Klapwijk T. M. , Tsai J. S. , Astafiev O. V.
Published: June 2018

We report development and microwave characterization of rf SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) qubits, consisting of an aluminium-based Josephson junction embedded in a superconducting loop patterned from a thin film of TiN with high kinetic inductance. Here we demonstrate that the systems can offer small physical size, high anharmonicity, and small scatter of device parameters. The work constitutes a non-tunable prototype realization of an rf SQUID qubit built on the kinetic inductance of a superconducting nanowire, proposed in Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 027002 (2010). The hybrid devices can be utilized as tools to shed further light onto the origin of film dissipation and decoherence in phase-slip nanowire qubits, patterned entirely from disordered superconducting films.
Hexane-Isopropanolic Extract of Tungrymbai, a North-East Indian fermented soybean food prevents hepatic steatosis via regulating AMPK-mediated SREBP/FAS/ACC/HMGCR and PPARα/CPT1A/UCP2 pathways
Authors: Dihingia Anjum , Bordoloi Jijnasa , Dutta Prachurjya , Kalita Jatin , Manna Prasenjit
Published: June 2018

This study for the first time examined the prophylactic role of Tungrymbai, a well-known fermented soybean food of North-East India, against hepatic steatosis. Treatment with hexane-isopropanolic (2:1, HIET) but not hydro-alcoholic (70% ethanol, HAET) extract dose-dependently (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 µg/mL) reduced the intracellular lipid accumulation as shown by lower triglyceride levels and both Oil Red O and Nile Red staining in palmitate (PA, 0.75 mM)-treated hepatocytes. Immunobloting, mRNA expression, and knock-down studies demonstrated the role of AMPK-mediated SREBP/FAS/ACC/HMGCR and PPARα/CPT1A/UCP2 signaling pathways in facilitating the beneficial role of HIET against lipid accumulation in PA-treated hepatocytes. Animal studies further showed a positive effect of HIET (20 µg/kg BW, 8 weeks, daily) in regulating AMPK/SREBP/PPARα signaling pathways and reducing body weight gain, plasma lipid levels, and hepatic steatosis in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Histological analyses also revealed the beneficial effect of HIET in reducing hepatic fat accumulation in HFD mice. Chemical profiling (HRMS, IR, and HPLC) demonstrated the presence of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) as one of the bio-active principle(s) in HIET. Combining all, this study demonstrates the positive effect of HIET on reducing hepatic steatosis via regulating AMPK/SREBP/PPARα signaling pathway.
Tunable directional subwavelength acoustic antenna based on Mie resonance
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun
Published: June 2018

Modulating the emission pattern of classic sound sources with a sub-wavelength scale dimension is a challenging. In this letter, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that a Mie-resonance based antenna can be designed in various modes to effectively enhance the emissivity of the radiated power and directivity of radiation pattern. A 2.33-fold enhancement of the radiated power and an 8.93-fold enhancement of the sound intensity are achieved in the mainlobe direction. Furthermore, we propose reconfigurable antenna scanning where the selectable beam direction is free to be controlled from 0° to 360°. The tunable directional acoustic antenna offers a new way to control sound with the improved performance.
Melt-induced buoyancy may explain the elevated rift-rapid sag paradox during breakup of continental plates
Authors: Quirk David G. , Rüpke Lars H.
Published: June 2018

The division of the earth’s surface into continents and oceans is a consequence of plate tectonics but a geological paradox exists at continent-ocean boundaries. Continental plate is thicker and lighter than oceanic plate, floating higher on the mantle asthenosphere, but it can rift apart by thinning and heating to form new oceans. In theory, continental plate subsides in proportion to the amount it is thinned and subsequently by the rate it cools down. However, seismic and borehole data from continental margins like the Atlantic show that the upper surface of many plates remains close to sea-level during rifting, inconsistent with its thickness, and subsides after breakup more rapidly than cooling predicts. Here we use numerical models to investigate the origin and nature of this puzzling behaviour with data from the Kwanza Basin, offshore Angola. We explore an idea where the continental plate is made increasingly buoyant during rifting by melt produced and trapped in the asthenosphere. Using finite element simulation, we demonstrate that partially molten asthenosphere combined with other mantle processes can counteract the subsidence effect of thinning plate, keeping it elevated by 2-3 km until breakup. Rapid subsidence occurs after breakup when melt is lost to the embryonic ocean ridge.
Litter quality drives the differentiation of microbial communities in the litter horizon across an alpine treeline ecotone in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zheng Haifeng , Chen Yamei , Liu Yang , Zhang Jian , Yang Wanqing , Yang Lin , Li Hongjie , Wang Lifeng , Wu Fuzhong , Guo Li
Published: June 2018

Cellulose and lignin are the main polymeric components of the forest litter horizon. We monitored microbial community composition using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and investigated the ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzyme activities of the litter horizon across an alpine treeline ecotone in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The activities of ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzymes and the biomass of microbial PLFAs were higher in the initial stage of litter decomposition than in the latter stage in the three vegetation types (coniferous forest, alpine shrubland and alpine meadow). Soil microbial community structure varied significantly over the course of litter decomposition in the three vegetation types. Furthermore, the BIOENV procedure revealed that the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, carbon to phosphorus (C:P) ratio and moisture content (MC) were the most important determinants of microbial community structure in the initial stage of litter decomposition, whereas pH and the lignin concentration were the major factors influencing the microbial community structure in the later stage of litter decomposition. These findings indicate that litter quality drives the differentiation of microbial communities in the litter horizon across an alpine treeline ecotone in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.
Quantifying hormones in exhaled breath for physiological assessment of large whales at sea
Authors: Burgess Elizabeth A. , Hunt Kathleen E. , Kraus Scott D. , Rolland Rosalind M.
Published: June 2018

Exhaled breath analysis is a non-invasive assessment tool that has shown promise in human diagnostics, and could greatly benefit research, management, and conservation of large whales. However, hormone assessment of whale respiratory vapor (blow) has been challenged by variable water content and unknown total volume of collected samples. To advance this technique, we investigated urea (a compound present in narrow range in circulation) as a normalizing factor to correct for blow sample concentration. Normalized progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol concentrations of 100 blow samples from 46 photo-identified North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) were more biologically relevant compared to absolute estimates, varying by sex, age class, or individual. Progesterone was elevated in adult females compared with other cohorts and highest in one independently confirmed pregnant female. For both sexes, testosterone was two-fold higher in reproductively mature whales but studied adult females showed the widest variation. Cortisol was present in relatively low concentrations in blow and demonstrated variation between individual whales, suggesting potential for studies of individual differences in adrenal activity. Incorporation of methodologies that normalize sample concentration are essential for blow hormone analysis of free-swimming whales, and measurement of urea could be used to optimize non-invasive physiological assessment of whales.
Modality-specific temporal constraints for state-dependent interval timing
Authors: Fornaciai Michele , Markouli Eleni , Di Luca Massimiliano
Published: June 2018

The ability to discriminate temporal intervals in the milliseconds-to-seconds range has been accounted for by proposing that duration is encoded in the dynamic change of a neuronal network state. A critical limitation of such networks is that their activity cannot immediately return to the initial state, a restriction that could hinder the processing of intervals presented in rapid succession. Empirical evidence in the literature consistently shows impaired duration discrimination performance for 100 ms intervals demarked by short auditory stimuli immediately preceded by a similar interval. Here we tested whether a similar interference is present with longer intervals (300 ms) demarked either by auditory or by visual stimuli. Our results show that while temporal estimates of auditory stimuli in this range are not affected by the interval between them, duration discrimination with this duration is significantly impaired with visual intervals presented in rapid succession. The difference in performance between modalities is overall consistent with state-dependent temporal computations, as it suggests that the limits due to slow neuronal dynamics greatly depends on the sensory modality with which the intervals are demarked, in line with the idea of intrinsic, modality-specific neural mechanisms for interval timing.
Spermine increases acetylation of tubulins and facilitates autophagic degradation of prion aggregates
Authors: Phadwal Kanchan , Kurian Dominic , Salamat Muhammad Khalid F. , MacRae Vicky E. , Diack Abigail B. , Manson Jean C.
Published: June 2018

Autolysosomal dysfunction and unstable microtubules are hallmarks of chronic neurodegenerative diseases associated with misfolded proteins. Investigation of impaired protein quality control and clearance systems could therefore provide an important avenue for intervention. To investigate this we have used a highly controlled model for protein aggregation, an in vitro prion system. Here we report that prion aggregates traffic via autolysosomes in the cytoplasm. Treatment with the natural polyamine spermine clears aggregates by enhancing autolysosomal flux. We demonstrated this by blocking the formation of mature autophagosomes resulting in accumulation of prion aggregates in the cytoplasm. Further we investigated the mechanism of spermine’s mode of action and we demonstrate that spermine increases the acetylation of microtubules, which is known to facilitate retrograde transport of autophagosomes from the cellular periphery to lysosomes located near the nucleus. We further report that spermine facilitates selective autophagic degradation of prion aggregates by binding to microtubule protein Tubb6. This is the first report in which spermine and the pathways regulated by it are applied as a novel approach towards clearance of misfolded prion protein and we suggest that this may have important implication for the broader family of protein misfolding diseases.
Improved recovery time and sensitivity to H2 and NH3 at room temperature with SnOx vertical nanopillars on ITO
Authors: D’Arsié L. , Alijani V. , Brunelli S. T. Suran , Rigoni F. , Di Santo G. , Caputo M. , Panighel M. , Freddi S. , Sangaletti L. , Goldoni A.
Published: June 2018

Nanostructured SnO2 is a promising material for the scalable production of portable gas sensors. To fully exploit their potential, these gas sensors need a faster recovery rate and higher sensitivity at room temperature than the current state of the art. Here we demonstrate a chemiresistive gas sensor based on vertical SnOx nanopillars, capable of sensing < 5 ppm of H2 at room temperature and 10 ppt at 230 °C. We test the sample both in vacuum and in air and observe an exceptional improvement in the performance compared to commercially available gas sensors. In particular, the recovery time for sensing NH3 at room temperature is more than one order of magnitude faster than a commercial SnO2 sensor. The sensor shows an unique combination of high sensitivity and fast recovery time, matching the requirements on materials expected to foster widespread use of portable and affordable gas sensors.
Estimating missing values in China’s official socioeconomic statistics using progressive spatiotemporal Bayesian hierarchical modeling
Authors: Song Chao , Yang Xiu , Shi Xun , Bo Yanchen , Wang Jinfeng
Published: June 2018

Due to a large number of missing values, both spatially and temporally, China has not published a complete official socioeconomic statistics dataset at the county level, which is the country’s basic scale of official statistics data collection. We developed a procedure to impute the missing values under the Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework. The procedure incorporates two novelties. First, it takes into account spatial autocorrelations and temporal trends for those easier-to-impute variables with small missing percentages. Second, it further uses the first-step complete variables as covariate information to improve the modeling of more-difficult-to-impute variables with large missing percentages. We applied this progressive spatiotemporal (PST) method to China’s official socioeconomic statistics during 2002–2011 and compared it with four other widely used imputation methods, including k-nearest neighbors (kNN), expectation maximum (EM), singular value decomposition (SVD) and random forest (RF). The results show that the PST method outperforms these methods, thus proving the effects of sophisticatedly incorporating the additional spatial and temporal information and progressively utilizing the covariate information. This study has an outcome that allows China to construct a complete socioeconomic dataset and establishes a methodology that can be generally useful for estimating missing values in large spatiotemporal datasets.
Examining the utility of the CD64 index compared with other conventional indices for early diagnosis of neonatal infection
Authors: Tang Zongsheng , Qin Daojian , Tao Mingfen , Lv Kun , Chen Shuli , Zhu Xiaolong , Li Xueqin , Chen Tianbing , Zhang Mengying , Zhong Min , Yang Hui , Xu Yang , Mao Shuanggen
Published: June 2018

As specific clinical manifestations and detection tools for early neonatal infections are lacking, early detection and treatment are ongoing challenges. The present study aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of the CD64 index in comparison with conventional examination indices (WBC, PCT and CRP) for the early diagnosis of neonatal infection. Of 74 in-patient newborns, non-sepsis (non-specific infection but free of sepsis), sepsis and control [newborns with ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABOHDN) but without infection] groups involved 32, 16 and 26 cases, respectively. Peripheral blood WBC, PCT, CRP and CD64 indices were acquired for all groups. The sepsis group showed significantly higher WBC, PCT and CRP levels than the control group. Compared with the non-sepsis group, the sepsis group demonstrated significant increases in PCT but not in WBC or CRP. Compared with the control group, the non-sepsis and sepsis groups had higher CD64 indices. Combined, compared with the WBC, PCT and CRP indices, the CD64 index is unique in its capacity to diagnose neonatal infections early. The CD64 index combined with other conventional indices may lay a basis for the future early diagnosis and effective treatment of neonatal infections.
New βN-octadecanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide: antinociceptive effect and possible mechanism of action in mice
Authors: Giorno Thais Biondino Sardella , Moreira Iris Gonçalvez da Silva , Rezende Claudia Moraes , Fernandes Patricia Dias
Published: June 2018

The present study examined the potential antinociceptive activity of C18 5-HT (βN-octadecanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide) using chemical and thermal nociception models in mice. Orally administered C18 5-HT (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in formalin-, capsaicin- and glutamate-induced licking models. This compound also induced a significant increase in the response to thermal stimuli in the hot plate test, and its antinociceptive effect was not related to muscle relaxant or sedative actions. In a thermal hyperalgesia model, C18 5-HT presented an anti-hyperalgesic profile as evidenced by the increase in the response time of the animals. Furthermore, intraperitoneal (i.p) pretreatment with naloxone (a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg), ondansetron (serotoninergic receptor antagonist (5-HT3 subtype), 0.5 mg/kg) or AM241 (CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg) reversed the antinociceptive effects of C18 5-HT in the hot plate model. In the formalin-induced licking model, pretreatment with naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effects of C18 5-HT, as demonstrated by an increase in the paw licking response when compared with the C18 5-HT-treated group. These findings suggest that C18 5-HT has peripheral and central antinociceptive effects and that its mechanism of action involves, ate least in part, opioid, serotoninergic and cannabinoid pathways.
Effects of Total Dissolved Gas Supersaturation on the Swimming Performance of Two Endemic Fish Species in the Upper Yangtze River
Authors: Wang Yuanming , Li Yong , An Ruidong , Li Kefeng
Published: June 2018

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation has been identified as one of the possible negative environmental effects of the construction of dams in the upper Yangtze River. Juvenile Chinese sucker and Prenant’s schizothoracin fish were selected to evaluate the impact of TDG supersaturation on the swimming performance of fish in the Upper Yangtze River. The critical swimming speeds (Ucrit) of Chinese sucker were 4.06, 2.83, 2.87, 2.68, and 2.29 BLs−1 at the TDG supersaturation levels of 100, 117, 122, 125 and 130%, respectively. The Ucrit of Prenant’s schizothoracin were 7.38, 4.32, 3.98, and 3.74 BLs−1 at the TDG supersaturation levels of 100, 117, 125 and 130%, respectively. The burst swimming speed (Uburst) of the two species also significantly declined with increases in the TDG supersaturation level. The present results demonstrate that the swimming speeds of Prenant’s schizothoracin that were exposed to 130% TDG supersaturation for 2 h exhibited significant recovery after 2 days, whereas the swimming speeds of Chinese sucker did not. The swimming speeds of Chinese sucker after 2 days of recovery were significantly reduced compared with those of control fish, whereas the speeds of Prenant’s schizothoracin returned to normal levels.
Upregulation of chemokine CXCL10 enhances chronic pulmonary inflammation in tree shrew collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Gao Bo , Lin Jie , Jiang Zongmin , Yang Zhongshan , Yu Haijing , Ding Lei , Yu Min , Cui Qinhua , Dunavin Neil , Zhang Ming , Li Meizhang
Published: June 2018

Chronic pulmonary inflammation (CPI) gives rise to serious lung injuries in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of RA-associated CPI remains little understood. Here we established a novel tree shrew-based collagen-induced arthritis (TsCIA) model to study RA-associated CPI. Our results showed that typical CPI but not fibrosis developed pathologically in the TsCIA model. Furthermore, abnormal up-regulation of pulmonary chemokine CXCL10 was directly associated with lung damage. Specific blockage of CXCR3 (a CXCL10 receptor) significantly decreased the severity of CPI by decreasing the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Therefore, CXCL10 is proposed as a key player responsible for the development of TsCIA-associated CPI. Our findings also suggest that CXCR3 could be developed as a potential diagnosis biomarker for RA-associated CPI.
Comparison of AOD from CALIPSO, MODIS, and Sun Photometer under Different Conditions over Central China
Authors: Liu Boming , Ma Yingying , Gong Wei , Zhang Ming , Wang Wei , Shi Yifan
Published: June 2018

Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) provides three-dimensional information on aerosol optical properties across the globe. However, the performance of CALIPSO aerosol optical depth (AOD) products under different air quality conditions remains unclear. In this research, three years of CALIPSO level 2 AOD data (November 2013 to December 2017) were employed to compare with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) level 2 columnar AOD products and ground-based sun photometer measurements for the same time period. To investigate the effect of air quality on AODs retrieved from CALIPSO, the AODs obtained from CALIPSO, MODIS, and sun photometer were inter-compared under different air quality conditions over Wuhan and Dengfeng. The average absolute bias of AOD between CALIPSO and sun photometer was 0.22 ± 0.21, 0.11 ± 0.07, and 0.14 ± 0.13 under clean, moderate, and polluted weather, respectively. The result indicates that the CALIPSO AOD were more reliable under moderate and polluted days. Moreover, the deviation of AOD between CALIPSO and sun photometer was largest (0.23 ± 0.21) in the autumn season, and lowest (0.13 ± 0.12) in the winter season. The results show that CALIPSO AOD products were more applicable to regions and seasons with high aerosol concentrations.
Different gaze strategies during eye versus hand tracking of a moving target
Authors: Danion Frederic R. , Flanagan J. Randall
Published: June 2018

The ability to visually track, using smooth pursuit eye movements, moving objects is critical in both perceptual and action tasks. Here, by asking participants to view a moving target or track it with their hand, we tested whether different task demands give rise to different gaze strategies. We hypothesized that during hand tracking, in comparison to eye tracking, the frequency of catch-up saccades would be lower, and the smooth pursuit gain would be greater, because it limits the loss of stable retinal and extra-retinal information due to saccades. In our study participants viewed a visual target that followed a smooth but unpredictable trajectory in a horizontal plane and were instructed to either track the target with their gaze or with a cursor controlled by a manipulandum. Although the mean distance between gaze and target was comparable in both tasks, we found, consistent with our hypothesis, an increase in smooth pursuit gain and a decrease in the frequency of catch-up saccades during hand tracking. We suggest that this difference in gaze behavior arises from different tasks demands. Whereas keeping gaze close to the target is important in both tasks, obtaining stable retinal and extra-retinal information is critical for guiding hand movement.
Emerging nanofabrication and quantum confinement techniques for 2D materials beyond graphene
Authors: Stanford Michael G. , Rack Philip D. , Jariwala Deep
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in growth techniques have enabled the synthesis of high-quality large area films of 2D materials beyond graphene. As a result, nanofabrication methods must be developed for high-resolution and precise processing of these atomically thin materials. These developments are critical both for the integration of 2D materials in complex, integrated circuitry, as well as the creation of sub-wavelength and quantum-confined nanostructures and devices which allow the study of novel physical phenomena. In this review, we summarize recent advances in post-synthesis nanopatterning and nanofabrication techniques of 2D materials which include (1) etching techniques, (2) atomic modification, and (3) emerging nanopatterning techniques. We detail novel phenomena and devices which have been enabled by the recent advancement in nanofabrication techniques and comment on future outlook of 2D materials beyond graphene.
Signaling by CO: Molecular and Cellular Functions
Authors: Foresti Roberta , Braud Laura , Motterlini Roberto
Published: June 2018

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a ubiquitous gaseous molecule produced in mammals that functions as a signaling mediator in the control of a variety of cellular and physiological processes. By virtue of its chemical structure, CO preferentially binds to transition metal centers, which in the cell are mainly represented by the ferrous iron contained in hemoproteins. In this chapter, we postulate that hemoproteins are the primary targets that transduce the signal of CO, initiating a cascade of events that may explain the contribution of CO to the regulation of vascular tone, cell proliferation and apoptosis, neurotransmission, redox signaling, and inflammation. In addition, a new emerging role for CO in the modulation of energetic metabolism is described, particularly concerning its interaction with mitochondria.
A simple and practical method to determine peroxide values in edible oilsviainfrared quartz cuvette-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Shang Jing , Wu Xinran , Hu Keqing , Huyan Zongyao , Li Qi , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: June 2018

A rapid and simple method was developed to determine the peroxide values (PVs) of edible oils by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The spectra of edible oils were obtained using an infrared quartz cuvette (IQC) as a spectral accessory. The IQC-based FTIR method is more feasible and accurate than the traditional method.
Highly strained [6]cycloparaphenylene: crystallization of an unsolvated polymorph and the first mono- and dianions
Authors: Spisak Sarah N. , Wei Zheng , Darzi Evan , Jasti Ramesh , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: June 2018

The first crystallographic characterization of [6]cycloparaphenylene in the solvent-free environment and upon chemical reduction reveals unique solid-state structures of neutral and negatively charged [6]CPP.
Mobility of hydrous species in amorphous calcium/magnesium carbonates
Authors: Jensen Anders C. S. , Rodriguez Ignacio , Habraken Wouter J. E. M. , Fratzl Peter , Bertinetti Luca
Published: June 2018

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is commonly found in many biological materials.
First-principles calculations of oxidation potentials of electrolytes in lithium–sulfur batteries and their variations with changes in environment
Authors: Han Jaebeom , Balbuena Perla B.
Published: June 2018

The molecular environment affects the oxidation properties of solvent and additives.
Relationship between electron–phonon interaction and low-frequency Raman anisotropy in high-mobility organic semiconductors
Authors: Sosorev A. Yu. , Maslennikov D. R. , Chernyshov I. Yu. , Dominskiy D. I. , Bruevich V. V. , Vener M. V. , Paraschuk D. Yu.
Published: June 2018

Raman spectroscopy and calculations probe the impact of low-frequency vibrations in anisotropic electron–phonon interaction.
Correction: Covalent layer-by-layer films: chemistry, design, and multidisciplinary applications
Authors: An Qi , Huang Tao , Shi Feng
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Covalent layer-by-layer films: chemistry, design, and multidisciplinary applications’ by Qi An et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00406k.
Correction: Achieving biopolymer synergy in systems chemistry
Authors: Bai Yushi , Chotera Agata , Taran Olga , Liang Chen , Ashkenasy Gonen , Lynn David G.
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Achieving biopolymer synergy in systems chemistry’ by Yushi Bai et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00174j.
Synthesis of 2D MOF having potential for efficient dye adsorption and catalytic applications
Authors: Ahmad Nazir , Younus Hussein A. , Chughtai Adeel H. , Van Hecke Kristof , Khattak Zafar A. K. , Gaoke Zhang , Danish Muhammad , Verpoort Francis
Published: June 2018

2D MOFs present attractive potential for catalytic conversions and dyes adsorption.
Fine-tuning polyoxometalate non-linear optical chromophores: a molecular electronic “Goldilocks” effect
Authors: Al-Yasari Ahmed , Spence Philip , El Moll Hani , Van Steerteghem Nick , Horton Peter N. , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Clays Koen , Fielden John
Published: June 2018

An optimal combination of electron donor strength and electronic communication produces the best performing polyoxmetalate-based NLO chromophore to date.
Group 2 metal bis(arenecarbochalcogenoate)(crown ether) complexes: isolation and structural analysis
Authors: Tatematsu Yoshiharu , Kato Shinzi , Nakata Norio , Ebihara Masahiro , Niyomura Osamu , Sugamata Koh , Yukimoto Mariko , Minoura Mao
Published: June 2018

A series of Group 2 metal bis(arenecarbochalcogenoato)(crown ether) complexes were synthesized and their structures were revealed by X-ray analyses.
On the degradation pathway of glyphosate and glycine
Authors: Lopes Catão Anderson José , López-Castillo Alejandro
Published: June 2018

Does glyphosate spontaneously degrade? The presence of solvent molecules is indispensable to model glyphosate's degradation.
Exciton photoluminescence and benign defect complex formation in zinc tin nitride
Authors: Fioretti Angela N. , Pan Jie , Ortiz Brenden R. , Melamed Celeste L. , Dippo Patricia C. , Schelhas Laura T. , Perkins John D. , Kuciauskas Darius , Lany Stephan , Zakutayev Andriy , Toberer Eric S. , Tamboli Adele C.
Published: June 2018

Exciton photoluminescence is observed in disordered zinc tin nitride as a result of benign defect complex formation encouraged by annealing.
Interaction of Au(iii) and Pt(ii) complexes with Na/K-ATPase: experimental and theoretical study of reaction stoichiometry and binding sites
Authors: Vujačić Nikezić Ana V. , Janjić Goran V. , Bondžić Aleksandra M. , Zarić Božidarka L. , Vasić-Anićijević Dragana D. , Momić Tatjana G. , Vasić Vesna M.
Published: June 2018

Inhibition of Na/K-ATPase by selected Au(iii) and Pt(ii) complexes is induced by binding these complexes between the M2 and M4 helices at the intracellular side of pump.
Design and synthesis of interconnected hierarchically porous anatase titanium dioxide nanofibers as high-rate and long-cycle-life anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jo Min Su , Park Gi Dae , Kang Yun Chan , Cho Jung Sang
Published: June 2018

An efficient and simple synthetic strategy to prepare interconnected hierarchically porous anatase TiO2 nanofibers as anode materials for LIBs is introduced.
Long-lived luminescence of colloidal silicon quantum dots for time-gated fluorescence imaging in the second near infrared window in biological tissue
Authors: Sakiyama Makoto , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Fujii Minoru
Published: June 2018

Boron and phosphorus codoped silicon quantum dots are dispersible in water and exhibit luminescence in the first (NIR-I) and second (NIR-II) near infrared windows in biological tissues.
Inhibition of the prototropic tautomerism in chrysazine by p-sulfonatocalixarene hosts
Authors: Gharat Poojan Milan , Maity Dilip Kumar , Pal Haridas , Dutta Choudhury Sharmistha
Published: June 2018

This study reveals the unusual inhibition of excited-state prototropic tautomerism of Chrysazine by p-sulfonatocalix[4,6]arene hosts.
A core–shell structured polyacrylonitrile@poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) microfiber complex membrane as a separator by co-axial electrospinning
Authors: Yang Shuting , Ma Wenhao , Wang Aili , Gu Jifeng , Yin Yanhong
Published: June 2018

A novel and facile core–shell structured polyacrylonitrile@poly (vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) (PAN@PVDF-HFP) microfiber complex membrane was designed and fabricated via co-axial electrospinning.
Raman spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis to quantitatively analyze four crystallographic phases of explosive CL-20
Authors: He Xuan , Liu Yu , Huang Shiliang , Liu Yi , Pu Xuemei , Xu Tao
Published: June 2018

Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data was performed to calculate the characteristic Raman shift region of CL-20, and a new method for the quantitative determination of polymorphic impurities in ε-CL-20 was set up.
Developing a novel paper-based enzymatic biosensor assisted by digital image processing and first-order multivariate calibration for rapid determination of nitrate in food samples
Authors: Jalalvand Ali R. , Mahmoudi Majid , Goicoechea Hector C.
Published: June 2018

For the first time, a novel analytical method based on a paper based enzymatic biosensor assisted by digital image processing and first-order multivariate calibration has been reported for rapid determination of nitrate in food samples.
Highly permeable PVDF membrane with PS/ZnO nanocomposite incorporated for distillation process
Authors: Roshani Ramin , Ardeshiri Fatemeh , Peyravi Majid , Jahanshahi Mohsen
Published: June 2018

In order to enhance the flux and wetting resistance of PVDF membranes for MD applications, we have developed a novel PVDF blend nanocomposite membrane using a polystyrene/ZnO (PS/ZnO) hybrid nanocomposite.
Improved hydrogen storage kinetics of nanocrystalline and amorphous Ce–Mg–Ni-based CeMg12-type alloys synthesized by mechanical milling
Authors: Zhang Yanghuan , Wang Pengpeng , Bu Wengang , Yuan Zeming , Qi Yan , Guo Shihai
Published: June 2018

Addition of Ni and milling are beneficial for forming nanocrystalline and amorphous structures, thus enhancing the hydrogen storage kinetics of CeMg12-type alloys.
Brønsted/Lewis acid sites synergistically promote the initial C–C bond formation in the MTO reaction
Authors: Chu Yueying , Yi Xianfeng , Li Chengbin , Sun Xianyong , Zheng Anmin
Published: June 2018

The Lewis acid site combined with a Brønsted acid site in zeolite catalysts facilitates first C–C bond formation in the initiation step of the MTO reaction.
Phase separation in binary mixtures of active and passive particles
Authors: Dolai Pritha , Simha Aditi , Mishra Shradha
Published: June 2018

We study binary mixtures of small active and big passive athermal particles interacting via soft repulsive forces on a frictional substrate.
Splay–density coupling in semiflexible main-chain nematic polymers with hairpins
Authors: Popadić Aleksandar , Svenšek Daniel , Podgornik Rudolf , Daoulas Kostas Ch. , Praprotnik Matej
Published: June 2018

A rigorous macroscopic continuity constraint with chain ends and hairpins as sources is devised and corroborated by simulations.
Multiple particle tracking microrheology measured using bi-disperse probe diameters
Authors: Wehrman Matthew D. , Lindberg Seth , Schultz Kelly M.
Published: June 2018

Multiple particle tracking microrheology using probe particles with different diameters to simultaneous characterize material properties at multiple length scales.
A dual pH-responsive supramolecular gelator with aggregation-induced emission properties
Authors: Externbrink Marlen , Riebe Steffen , Schmuck Carsten , Voskuhl Jens
Published: June 2018

A novel organogelator with aggregation-induced emission properties responds to several external stimuli such as pH value, temperature and mechanical stress by the self-assembly of guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole carboxylate zwitterions.
Co9S8@N,S-codoped carbon core–shell structured nanowires: constructing a fluffy surface for high-density active sites
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Liu Lu , Xiao Lu , Zhang Ling , Wang Min Jie , Li Jing , Wei Zidong
Published: June 2018

Co9S8 nanowires are coated with a fluffy surface layer constructed of N,S-codoped carbon nanotubes to form high-density active sites.
Highly active and dual-function self-supported multiphase NiS–NiS2–Ni3S2/NF electrodes for overall water splitting
Authors: Jing Feng , Lv Qiying , Xiao Jian , Wang Qijun , Wang Shuai
Published: June 2018

A bifunctional self-supported electrode for water splitting to achieve a dynamic balance between HER and OER constructed via a one-step direct thermal sulfidization of NF.
Engineering surface functional groups on mesoporous silica: towards a humidity-resistant hydrophobic adsorbent
Authors: Liu Shuai , Peng Yue , Chen Jianjun , Shi Wenbo , Yan Tao , Li Bing , Zhang Yani , Li Junhua
Published: June 2018

Manipulating surface modification through a selective thermal treatment, an adsorbent with high hydrophobicity and adsorption selectivity for toluene was fabricated.
Ionic liquid modified SnO2 nanocrystals as a robust electron transporting layer for efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Huang Chun , Lin Peng , Fu Nianqing , Sun Kaiwen , Ye Mao , Liu Chang , Zhou Xianyong , Shu Longlong , Hao Xiaojing , Xu Baomin , Zeng Xierong , Wang Yu , Ke Shanming
Published: June 2018

The ionic liquid, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, was introduced into SnO2 films to enhance the conductivity of both SnO2 and overlying perovskite film for perovskite solar cells with efficiency exceeding 21%.
Design and synthesis of medium-bandgap small-molecule electron acceptors for efficient tandem solar cells
Authors: Yue Qihui , Zhou Zichun , Xu Shengjie , Zhang Jianyun , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: June 2018

Organic solar cells based on new medium-bandgap small-molecule electron acceptors reach PCEs of 10.05% and 11.86% in single-junction and tandem devices, respectively.
A renewable wood-derived cathode for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Zhu Chunliang , Du Li , Luo Junming , Tang Haibo , Cui Zhiming , Song Huiyu , Liao Shijun
Published: June 2018

In this work, we developed a renewable wood-derived cathode with well-aligned elongated microchannels for high-performance Li–O2 batteries.
Peroxidase mimetic activity of fluorescent NS-carbon quantum dots and their application in colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glutathione in human blood serum
Authors: Singh Vikas Kumar , Yadav Pradeep Kumar , Chandra Subhash , Bano Daraksha , Talat Mahe , Hasan Syed Hadi
Published: June 2018

Synthesis of nitrogen–sulphur dual-doped carbon quantum dots and their peroxidase like mimetic activity for the colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glutathione in human blood serum.
A rapidly responsive photochromic hydrogel with high mechanical strength for ink-free printing
Authors: Yang Yongqi , Guan Lin , Jiang Haicheng , Duan Lijie , Gao Guanghui
Published: June 2018

We report a hydrogel with excellent mechanical strength and rapid photochromism that can be used for ink-free printing.
High-efficiency and air-stable photodetectors based on lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 thin films
Authors: Lei Ling-Zhi , Shi Zhi-Feng , Li Ying , Ma Zhuang-Zhuang , Zhang Fei , Xu Ting-Ting , Tian Yong-Tao , Wu Di , Li Xin-Jian , Du Guo-Tong
Published: June 2018

High-performance and air-stable perovskite photodetectors were fabricated using lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 thin films as light absorbers.
Janus-like Fe3O4/PDA vesicles with broadening microwave absorption bandwidth
Authors: Shi Xiaofeng , Liu Zhengwang , You Wenbin , Zhao Xuebing , Che Renchao
Published: June 2018

Fe3O4/PDA vesicle Janus nanospheres were successfully synthesized, and they exhibited an ultra-wide effective band as wide as 11.6 GHz, covering 73% of the whole measured frequency range (2–18 GHz), and a strong absorption intensity as high as −50.0 dB due to the asymmetric polarization and magnetic coupling effect.
Adipocytes and intestinal epithelium dysfunctions linking obesity to inflammation induced by high glycemic index pellet-diet in Wistar rats
Authors: Luz Anna Beatriz Santana , dos Santos Figueredo Júlia Braga , Salviano Bianca Damásio Pereira Dantas , Aguiar Ana Júlia Felipe Camelo , Pinheiro Luiza Gabriella Soares Dantas , Krause Matheus Felipe Dantas , da Silva Camillo Christina , Ladd Fernando Vagner Lobo , Bortolin Raul Hernandes , Silbiger Vivian Nogueira , Maciel Bruna Leal Lima , de Araújo Morais Ana Heloneida
Published: June 2018

We investigated the inflammatory effect of a pellet-diet with high glycemic index and load (HGLI) on the histological organization of adipocytes, intestinal epithelium, and fat in liver and pancreas in adult male Wistar rats. Two groups (n=10) received for 17 weeks: (1) HGLI diet or (2) Standard diet (Labina®). Histological analyses of adipose tissue, jejunum, liver, and pancreas were performed. Stereology analysis, visceral adiposity index, gene expression, and immunohistochemistry of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in visceral adipose tissue and plasma TNF-α were also assessed. The HGLI diet-induced hypertrophy of adipocytes with adipocyte volume density equal to 97.0%, cross-sectional area of adipocytes equivalent to 1387 µm² and a total volume of adipocytes of 6.97 cm³ an elevation of 8%, 25%, and 58%, respectively. Furthermore, the HGLI diet increased liver and pancreatic fat deposition, altered and inflamed the intestinal epithelia, and increased TNF-α gene expression (P=0.014) with a positive immunostaining in visceral adipose tissue and high plasma TNF-α in comparison with standard diet. The results suggest that this diet was able to generate changes commonly caused to solid diets with high fat or fructose-rich beverages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature concerning the properties of low-cost, sucrose-rich pellet-diet presenting high glycemic index and high glycemic load efficient on the development of obesity complications in Wistar rats that were subjected to diet-induced obesity. Therefore, the HGLI pellet-diet may be considered an effective tool to be used by the scientific community in experimental research.
Advancing genomic approaches to the molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial disease
Authors: Stenton Sarah Louise , Prokisch Holger
Published: June 2018

Mitochondrial diseases present a diagnostic challenge due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Achieving comprehensive molecular diagnosis via a conventional candidate-gene approach is likely, therefore, to be labour- and cost-intensive given the expanding number of mitochondrial disease genes. The advent of whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) hold the potential of higher diagnostic yields due to the universality and unbiased nature of the methods. However, these approaches are subject to the escalating challenge of variant interpretation. Thus, integration of functional ‘multi-omics’ data, such as transcriptomics, is emerging as a powerful complementary tool in the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease patients for whom extensive prior analysis of DNA sequencing has failed to return a genetic diagnosis.