bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covalently‐Bonded Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐Silica Composite Nanofiber Separator with Enhanced Wettability and Thermal Stability for Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Chen Shilin , Zhang Zhixiong , Li Li , Yuan Wenhui
Published: December 2018

Covalently‐bonded poly(vinyl alcohol)‐silica (PVA‐SiO2) composite nanofiber membranes are fabricated via sol‐gel electrospinning and their physical and electrochemical properties are investigated for application as separators in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Experimental results demonstrate the PVA‐SiO2 membranes possess a unique three‐dimensional interconnected porous structure and display higher porosity (73%), better electrolyte affinity, higher electrolyte uptake (405%) and lower thermal shrinkage compared to commercial polypropylene (PP) membranes. In addition, batteries using PVA‐SiO2 composite nanofiber membranes as separators exhibit enhanced ionic conductivity (1.81 mS cm−1), superior cycling stability and C‐rate performance than those using PP separators. These findings reveal that the PVA‐SiO2 composite nanofiber membrane might be a promising alternative to commercial polyolefin separator for high performance LIBs.
Synthesis of a Series of Substituted Thiazole Derivatives: New COX‐2 Enzyme Inhibitors for Colon Cancer and Inflammation Treatment
Authors: Barghash Reham F. , Geronikaki Athina , Abdou Wafaa M.
Published: December 2018

A variety of thiazoles motif linked with diethyl 2‐amino‐5‐hydroxy‐1H‐pyrrol‐3‐ylphosphonate were synthesized in 70 to 84% yields. Before the synthesis, the prospective biological activity spectrum was predicted for the suggested structures (and others) with PASS program, http://www.pharmaexpert.ru. Based on a preliminary assay of antiproliferative activity, selected six new phosphonates were evaluated against the most common human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines: HT‐29, Caco‐2, SW‐1417, SW‐480, SW‐948, HCT‐116, and HCT‐15. Three phosphonates showed GI50 values within the range 2.18‐7.77 μM compared with the standard reference, Adriamycin ranged 3.27‐8.64 μM. Based on the knowledge about the role of the cyclooxygenase‐2 into the cell growth and the inflammation mechanism, a hypothesis of molecular modeling study that included the fitting of all synthesized compounds into 2D and 3D‐pharmacophore was undertaken. Discovery Studio 2.5 software was applied and the docking into human COX‐2 enzyme revealed good results that are consistent with the pharmacological assessments. The experimental biological evaluation activities of new phosphonates showed high approximation with their molecular modeling results as well as the early prospecting prediction of biological activity.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Based on Abraxane/Human Neutrophils Cytopharmaceuticals with Radiotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ju Caoyun , Wen Yajing , Zhang Luping , Wang Qianqian , Xue Lingjing , Shen Jian , Zhang Can
Published: December 2018

Gastric cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers with high incidence and mortality worldwide. The majority of gastric cancer patients are those who have first been diagnosed in advanced stage, in which the standard chemo‐radiotherapy produces limited benefit along with severe general toxicity, thus the demand for improved therapeutic efficacy and decreased side effects drives the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, a neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on Abraxane/human neutrophils (NEs) cytopharmaceuticals with radiotherapy is presented for effective cancer treatment. Human NEs, the most abundant white blood cells in peripheral blood, are developed to carry Abraxane, the commercial albumin‐bound paclitaxel nanoparticle, to form cytopharmaceuticals (Abraxane/NEs) which have been confirmed to maintain the intrinsic functions of human NEs. The modest radiation is applied not only to exert tumor disruption, but also to increase the release of inflammatory factors which guide the NEs homing to the tumoral sites. These amplified inflammatory factors at tumor sites excessively activate Abraxane/NEs to form neutrophil extracellular traps, along with a burst release of Abraxane to induce superior tumor suppression. This adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy based on cytopharmaceuticals may provide new opportunities for advanced cancer treatment, which reveals the huge clinical potential of human neutrophils as drug delivery vectors.
An Analysis of Dynamic Price Discrimination in Airlines
Authors: Escobari Diego , Rupp Nicholas G. , Meskey Joseph
Published: December 2018

Prices for the same flight change substantially depending on the time of purchase. This article uses a unique data set with round‐the‐clock posted fares to document significant within‐day price variation. Labeling time‐variation as discriminatory is difficult because the cost of an unsold airline seat changes with inventory, days before departure, and aggregate demand expectations. After controlling for these factors and aggregating hourly fares to have a framework with two consumer types, we are able to identify a component that is largely consistent with dynamic price discrimination. We find higher prices during office hours (when business travelers are likely to buy) and lower prices in the evening (when leisure travelers are more likely to purchase). As the proportion of business travelers increases closer to departure, both price dispersion and price discrimination become larger. We provide an alternative explanation for the observed within‐day price differentials which is related to Edgeworth price cycles.
Linear‐feedback shift register‐based multi‐ant cellular automation and chaotic map‐based image encryption
Authors: Dey Dipankar , Giri Debasis , Jana Biswapati , Maitra Tanmoy , Mohapatra Ram N.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents an image encryption technique using the LFSR (Linear‐Feedback Shift Register)‐based multiple ants cellular automation with Chaotic map, where LFSR is used to produce pseudo random series that shuffle the pixel positions of an image. We then are using a shared secret key and chaotic map, the each pixel's intensity value of an image is altered and finally gets a ciphered image. Analysis of our proposed method shows a major protection for different statistical attacks. Moreover, our method provides better tradeoff between the entropy and correlation coefficients among the existing methods. The results of investigation and mathematical analysis confirm the protection, flexibility, correctness, reliability, and the robustness of the proposed scheme. The different security analysis confirms that the new encryption algorithm has higher security.
Methodology for developing earthquake‐resilient structures
Authors: Grigorian Mark , Moghadam Abdolreza S. , Mohammadi Hadiseh , Kamizi Mozhgan
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a methodology for developing earthquake‐resilient structures (ERSs). This is achieved by following principles of full cycle performance control and embracing a holistic approach to design led analysis (DLA) of ERS. Collapse prevention (CP) and postearthquake realignment and repairs (PERRs) are the basic traits of ERS. Despite the availability of several systems involving combinations of gap opening link beams (GOLBs), rigid rocking cores, buckling‐restrained braces, replaceable energy dissipating moment connections, and so forth, neither CP nor PERR are addressed in any code of practice. Although most of these devices have passed several tests of experiments and time–history analysis they have rarely been examined as integral parts of actual buildings. Real buildings cannot be ideally recentered unless specifically designed and detailed for CP and PERR. Almost all simple beam–column joints, especially standard hinged supports absorb small but sufficient amounts of residual strains that hinder PERR. The proposed methodology is introduced by way of developing an earthquake‐resilient rocking core‐moment frame, as the lateral resisting component of a gravity resisting structure that has been detailed not to develop residual effects while sustaining large lateral deformations.
Tetrandrine inhibits human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro
Authors: Jiang Yi‐Wen , Cheng Hsin‐Yu , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Way Tzong‐Der , Lien Jin‐Cherng , Chueh Fu‐Shin , Lin Yun‐Lian , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: December 2018

Tetrandrine (TET) has been reported to induce anti‐cancer activity in many human cancer cells and also to inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion. However, there are no reports to show TET inhibits cell migration and invasion in human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cells. In this study, we investigated the anti‐metastasis effects of TET on GBM 8401 cells in vitro. Under sub‐lethal concentrations (from 1, 5 up to 10 μM), TET significantly inhibited cell mobility, migration and invasion of GBM 8401 cells that were assayed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Gelatin zymography assay showed that TET inhibited MMP‐2 activity in GBM 8401 cells. Western blotting results indicated that TET inhibited several key metastasis‐related proteins, such as p‐EGFR(Tyr1068), SOS‐1, GRB2, Ras, p‐AKT(Ser473) and p‐AKT(Thr308), NF‐κB‐p65, Snail, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, NF‐κB, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 that were significant reduction at 24 and 48 hours treatment by TET. TET reduced MAPK signaling associated proteins such as p‐JNK1/2 and p‐c‐Jun in GBM 8401 cells. The electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) assay was used to investigate NF‐κB and DNA binding was reduced by TET in a dose‐dependently. Based on these findings, we suggested that TET could be used in anti‐metastasis of human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cells in the future.
Resolving the ϕ2 (α) ambiguity in B → ρρ
Authors: Dalseno J.
Published: December 2018

Abstract

I propose an alternative method for measuring the CP violating phase ϕ
2 (α) without ambiguity in an extended SU(2) isospin triangle analysis, which can ultimately be achieved by exploiting interference effects between B
0 → ρ
0
ρ
0 and B
0 → a
1
±
π
∓ in a time-dependent flavour-tagged amplitude analysis. Under certain assumptions on the effective ϕ
2 in each channel, I demonstrate with an idealised amplitude model that potential deviations in the measured ϕ
2 due to penguin contamination in B
0 → a
1
±
π
∓ are sufficiently large within current experimental uncertainties that this programme could be executed with Run 3 data at LHCb and easily at Belle II.
How Can Social Mentality Theory Help Us Understand Eating Disorder Presentations? A Scoping Review
Authors: Mullen Georgina , O'Reilly Gary
Published: December 2018

This scoping review used social mentality theory (SMT) as a framework to identify and integrate relevant eating disorder systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A systematic search of the PsycINFO database was conducted, using terms from SMT and eating disorder literature. Eighteen systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that those with eating disorders also experience a number of relationship difficulties, in childhood and/or adulthood, related to attachment style, caregiver experiences, family functioning, social rank, social cognition, and self-compassion. The identification of these social difficulties is established in the eating disorder literature. SMT can provide a theoretical framework to understand how evolved motives to relate to others may contribute to these difficulties.
THE EVOLUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NATIONAL CURRICULUM UNDER CONDITIONS OF RESISTANCE: THE CASE OF THE PALESTINIANS (1970–82)
Authors: Amour Philipp O.
Published: December 2018

Can a nation mobilizing for an extended armed conflict also construct and implement a national educational curriculum? This article explores the complex and crucial case of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as it sought to develop a national curriculum while in exile in Lebanon during the 1970s, prior to the inception of the Palestinian National Authority. Based on previously unexamined primary sources from PLO archives, I show how the PLO accomplished a high level of curriculum maturity despite considerable contextual and institutional challenges. The PLO mainstream embraced this curriculum as a political instrument of anticolonial and postdiasporic education suitable for regenerating a sense of community, fostering nation building, and increasing the PLO's political legitimacy. However, as can be expected in a colonial or diasporic setting, the process of educational transition remained uneven, fragile, and dependent on the PLO leadership's ability to navigate conflicts and negotiate arrangements with colonial power, host states, and international organizations.
Publikationen aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum in Zeitschriften mit hohem Impact Factor: Entwicklung und Validierung eines Suchfilters
Authors: Hirt Julian , Buhtz Christian , Meyer Gabriele , Balzer Katrin
Published: December 2018

Zusammenfassung.Hintergrund: Das Publikationsaufkommen in Zeitschriften mit hohem Impact Factor ist ein Indiz für die Teilhabe einer Disziplin am internationalen Diskurs. Ein Suchfilter ermöglicht es, definierte Publikationen zuverlässig und reproduzierbar zu recherchieren. Ziel: Entwicklung und Validierung eines geografischen Suchfilters für Publikationen in pflegewissenschaftlichen Zeitschriften mit hohem Impact Factor mit Beteiligung von Pflegewissenschaftlerinnen / -wissenschaftlern aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum. Methode: Der Suchfilter wurde objektiv in mehreren Stufen entwickelt und geprüft: (i) Bildung eines Entwicklungs- und eines Validierungssets, jeweils bestehend aus relevanten und nicht relevanten Publikationen, (ii) Generierung des Suchfilters mittels Textanalyse des Entwicklungssets, (iii) interne Validierung anhand des Entwicklungssets und (iv) externe Validierung anhand des Validierungssets. Die Validität wurde anhand mehrerer Genauigkeitsparameter geprüft, z. B. Sensitivität, Spezifität, positiver prädiktiver Wert (PPW) und Number needed to read (NNR). Ergebnisse: Der Suchfilter identifizierte 22 von 30 relevanten und 16 von 21 nicht relevanten Publikationen korrekt im Entwicklungsset: Sensitivität 80 % (95 % KI 66 − 94), Spezifität 76 % (95 % KI 58 − 94), PPW 83 % (95 % KI 69 − 97). Die externe Validierung ergab ähnliche oder bessere Ergebnisse: Sensitivität 81 % (95 % KI 67 − 96), Spezifität 88 % (95 % KI 71 − 100), PPW 88 % (95 % KI 75 − 100). Die NNR betrug 1,2 bzw. 1,1. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Suchfilter hat das Potenzial, die intendierten Publikationen zu identifizieren.
Helium Diffusion in Natural Xenotime
Authors: Anderson Alyssa J. , Hodges Kip V. , van Soest Matthijs C. , Hanchar John M.
Published: December 2018

The typically high U and Th contents of xenotime ([Y,HREE]PO4) make this accessory mineral a promising candidate for (U‐Th)/He thermochronometry if the 4He diffusivity can be constrained well enough to estimate its closure temperature. We report new results for two 4He step‐heating experiments on different‐sized fragments of a natural xenotime crystal from the Torghar district of Pakistan (FPX‐1). This material, which has a composition within the range of most natural xenotimes (72 mol % YPO4), yields a laser ablation 238U/206Pb date of 28.82 ± 0.13 Ma and a (U‐Th)/He date of 15.32 ± 0.61 Ma (2σ). Results for our more detailed diffusion experiment display excellent linearity on an Arrhenius diagram and indicate kinetic parameters of E = 131.4 ± 1.1 kJ/mol and ln(D0/a2) = 10.61 ± 0.20 ln(s−1). These results suggest that the bulk closure temperature for 4He in the degassed crystal fragment is ∼75 °C for the nominal cooling rate of 10 °C/Ma. At equivalent cooling rates and for crystals with equivalent diffusion dimensions, the closure temperature for helium in xenotime is ∼20 °C lower than the closure temperature for helium in apatite. Because xenotime typically has high U and Th contents, it may serve as a high‐precision method for dating young, low‐temperature cooling histories of rocks in which it crystallized. Helium diffusion in xenotime is likely to be moderately anisotropic and moderately dependent on crystal chemistry, so closure temperature interpretations should be made cautiously.
Regulation of mycobacterial infection by macrophage Gch1 and tetrahydrobiopterin
Authors: McNeill Eileen , Stylianou Elena , Crabtree Mark J. , Harrington-Kandt Rachel , Kolb Anna-Lena , Diotallevi Marina , Hale Ashley B. , Bettencourt Paulo , Tanner Rachel , O’Shea Matthew K. , Matsumiya Magali , Lockstone Helen , Müller Julius , Fletcher Helen A. , Greaves David R. , McShane Helen , Channon Keith M.
Published: December 2018

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a crucial role in controlling growth ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb), presumably via nitric oxide (NO) mediated killing. Here we show that leukocyte-specific deficiency of NO production, through targeted loss of the iNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), results in enhanced control ofM.tbinfection; by contrast, loss of iNOS renders mice susceptible toM.tb. By comparing two complementary NO-deficient models,Nos2−/−mice and BH4 deficientGch1fl/flTie2cre mice, we uncover NO-independent mechanisms of anti-mycobacterial immunity. In both murine and human leukocytes, decreasedGch1expression correlates with enhanced cell-intrinsic control of mycobacterial infection in vitro. Gene expression analysis reveals thatGch1deficient macrophages have altered inflammatory response, lysosomal function, cell survival and cellular metabolism, thereby enhancing the control of bacterial infection. Our data thus highlight the importance of the NO-independent functions ofNos2andGch1in mycobacterial control.
Publisher Correction: Disease-relevant transcriptional signatures identified in individual smooth muscle cells from healthy mouse vessels
Authors: Dobnikar Lina , Taylor Annabel L. , Chappell Joel , Oldach Phoebe , Harman Jennifer L. , Oerton Erin , Dzierzak Elaine , Bennett Martin R. , Spivakov Mikhail , Jørgensen Helle F.
Published: December 2018

The original version of this Article contained errors in the author affiliations.Martin R. Bennett was incorrectly associated with Nuclear Dynamics Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article. Furthermore, Phoebe Oldach was incorrectly associated with Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.This has now been corrected in the HTML version of the Article. The PDF version of the Article was correct at the time of publication
Hundreds of genetic barcodes of the species-rich hydroid superfamily Plumularioidea (Cnidaria, Medusozoa) provide a guide toward more reliable taxonomy
Authors: Moura Carlos J. , Lessios Harilaos , Cortés Jorge , Nizinski Martha S. , Reed John , Santos Ricardo S. , Collins Allen G.
Published: December 2018

Marine hydroids are important benthic components of shallow and deep waters worldwide, but their taxonomy is controversial because diagnostic morphological characters to categorize taxa are limited. Their genetic relationships are also little investigated. We tested taxonomic hypotheses within the highly speciose superfamily Plumularioidea by integrating a classical morphological approach with DNA barcoding of the 16S and COI mitochondrial markers for 659 and 196 specimens of Plumularioidea, respectively. Adding Genbank sequences, we inferred systematic relationships among 1,114 plumularioids, corresponding to 123 nominal species and 17 novel morphospecies in five families of Plumularioidea. We found considerable inconsistencies in the systematics of nominal families, genera and species. The families Kirchenpaueriidae and Plumulariidae were polyphyletic and the Halopterididae paraphyletic. Most genera of Plumularioidea are not monophyletic. Species diversity is considerably underestimated. Within our study, at least 10% of the morphologically-distinctive morphospecies are undescribed, and about 40% of the overall species richness is represented by cryptic species. Convergent evolution and morphological plasticity therefore blur systematic relationships. Additionally, cryptic taxa occur frequently in sympatry or parapatry, complicating correspondence with type material of described species. Sometimes conspecificity of different morphotypes was found. The taxonomy of hydroids requires continued comprehensive revision.
Cloning and expression of L-asparaginase from Bacillus tequilensis PV9W and therapeutic efficacy of Solid Lipid Particle formulations against cancer
Authors: Shakambari Ganeshan , Sameer Kumar Rai , Ashokkumar Balasubramaniem , Ganesh Venkatachalam , Vasantha Vairathevar Sivasamy , Varalakshmi Perumal
Published: December 2018

L-asparaginase, a therapeutic involved in cancer therapy, from Bacillus tequilensis PV9W (ansA gene) was cloned and over expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), achieved the aim of maximizing the yield of the recombinant enzyme (6.02 ± 1.77 IU/mL) within 12 h. The native L-asparaginase of B. tequilensis PV9W was encapsulated using solid lipid particles by hot lipid emulsion method, which is reported for first time in this study. Subsequently, the lipid encapsulated L-asparaginase (LPE) was characterized by SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, SDS-PAGE and its thermo stability was also analyzed by TGA. Further characterization of LPE revealed that enzyme was highly stable for 25 days when stored at 25 °C, showed high pH (9) tolerance and longer trypsin half-life (120 min). In addition, the cytotoxic ability of LPE on HeLa cells was highly enhanced compared to the native L-asparaginase from Bacillus tequilensis PV9W. Moreover, better kinetic velocity and lower Km values of LPE aided to detect L-asparagine in cell extracts by Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) method. The LPE preparation also showed least immunogenic reaction when tested on normal macrophage cell lines. This LPE preparation might thus pave way for efficient drug delivery and enhancing the stability of L-asparaginase for its therapeutic applications.
Time and distance estimation in children using an egocentric navigation task
Authors: Thurley Kay , Schild Ulrike
Published: December 2018

Navigation crucially depends on the capability to estimate time elapsed and distance covered during movement. From adults it is known that magnitude estimation is subject to characteristic biases. Most intriguing is the regression effect (central tendency), whose strength depends on the stimulus distribution (i.e. stimulus range), a second characteristic of magnitude estimation known as range effect. We examined regression and range effects for time and distance estimation in eleven-year-olds and young adults, using an egocentric virtual navigation task. Regression effects were stronger for distance compared to time and depended on stimulus range. These effects were more pronounced in children compared to adults due to a more heterogeneous performance among the children. Few children showed veridical estimations similar to adults; most children, however, performed less accurate displaying stronger regression effects. Our findings suggest that children use magnitude processing strategies similar to adults, but it seems that these are not yet fully developed in all eleven-year-olds and are further refined throughout adolescence.
Intratumoral heterogeneity of endogenous tumor cell invasive behavior in human glioblastoma
Authors: Parker Jonathon J. , Canoll Peter , Niswander Lee , Kleinschmidt-DeMasters B. K. , Foshay Kara , Waziri Allen
Published: December 2018

Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity is a widely accepted characteristic of human cancer, including the most common primary malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma. However, the variability in biological behaviors amongst cells within individual tumors is not well described. Invasion into unaffected brain parenchyma is one such behavior, and a leading mechanism of tumor recurrence unaddressed by the current therapeutic armamentarium. Further, providing insight into variability of tumor cell migration within individual tumors may inform discovery of novel anti-invasive therapeutics. In this study, ex vivo organotypic slice cultures from EGFR-wild type and EGFR-amplified patient tumors were treated with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib to evaluate potential sub-population restricted intratumoral drug-specific responses. High-resolution time-lapse microscopy and quantitative path tracking demonstrated migration of individual cells are punctuated by intermittent bursts of movement. Elevation of population aggregate mean speeds were driven by subpopulations of cells exhibiting frequent high-amplitude bursts, enriched within EGFR-amplified tumors. Treatment with gefitinib specifically targeted high-burst cell subpopulations only in EGFR-amplified tumors, decreasing bursting frequency and amplitude. We provide evidence of intratumoral subpopulations of cells with enhanced migratory behavior in human glioblastoma, selectively targeted via EGFR inhibition. These data justify use of direct human tumor slice cultures to investigate patient-specific therapies designed to limit tumor invasion.
Oxytocin and vasopressin increase male-directed threats and vocalizations in female macaques
Authors: Jiang Yaoguang , Platt Michael L.
Published: December 2018

In a previous study, we reported that intranasal delivery of both oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) to male macaques relaxes spontaneous social interactions, flattens the existing dominance hierarchy, and increases behavioral synchrony with other monkeys. Here we report that intranasal OT and AVP administration modulates the behaviors of female macaque monkeys, but in robustly different ways from males. Most notably, both neuropeptides increase threatening and vocalization behaviors of females when they encounter males, and these behaviors effectively increase the social status of females over males. While OT and AVP heighten the confrontational nature of intersexual encounters, both peptides relax interactions between females. Finally, as previously reported for males, treating an individual female monkey with OT or AVP significantly modulates the behavior of her non-treated partner. Together, these findings show that OT and AVP can either inhibit or promote aggression, depending on sex and behavioral context, and call for a more careful, systematic examination of the functions of these neuropeptides in both sexes, especially in the context of therapeutics for human social disorders.
Short-term radiofrequency exposure from new generation mobile phones reduces EEG alpha power with no effects on cognitive performance
Authors: Vecsei Zsuzsanna , Knakker Balázs , Juhász Péter , Thuróczy György , Trunk Attila , Hernádi István
Published: December 2018

Although mobile phone (MP) use has been steadily increasing in the last decades and similar positive trends are expected for the near future, systematic investigations on neurophysiological and cognitive effects caused by recently developed technological standards for MPs are scarcely available. Here, we investigated the effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields emitted by new-generation mobile technologies, specifically, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE), on intrinsic scalp EEG activity in the alpha band (8–12 Hz) and cognitive performance in the Stroop test. The study involved 60 healthy, young-adult university students (34 for UMTS and 26 for LTE) with double-blind administration of Real and Sham exposure in separate sessions. EEG was recorded before, during and after RF exposure, and Stroop performance was assessed before and after EEG recording. Both RF exposure types caused a notable decrease in the alpha power over the whole scalp that persisted even after the cessation of the exposure, whereas no effects were found on any aspects of performance in the Stroop test. The results imply that the brain networks underlying global alpha oscillations might require minor reconfiguration to adapt to the local biophysical changes caused by focal RF exposure mimicking MP use.
Author Correction: Closed-type pre-treatment device for point-of-care testing of sputum
Authors: Park Hyun-Ju , Woo Ayoung , Cha Jae Min , Lee Kyu-Sung , Lee Min-Young
Published: December 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Notch signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for extracranial vascular malformations
Authors: Davis Reema B. , Pahl Kristy , Datto Nicholas C. , Smith Scott V. , Shawber Carrie , Caron Kathleen M. , Blatt Julie
Published: December 2018

Notch expression has been shown to be aberrant in brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM), and targeting Notch has been suggested as an approach to their treatment. It is unclear whether extracranial vascular malformations follow the same patterning and Notch pathway defects. In this study, we examined human extracranial venous (VM) (n = 3), lymphatic (LM) (n = 10), and AV (n = 6) malformations, as well as sporadic brain AVMs (n = 3). In addition to showing that extracranial AVMs demonstrate interrupted elastin and that AVMs and LMs demonstrate abnormal α-smooth muscle actin just as brain AVMS do, our results demonstrate that NOTCH1, 2, 3 and 4 proteins are overexpressed to varying degrees in both the endothelial and mural lining of the malformed vessels in all types of malformations. We further show that two gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), DAPT (GSI-IX) and RO4929097, cause dose-dependent inhibition of Notch target gene expression (Hey1) and rate of migration of monolayer cultures of lymphatic endothelial cells (hLECs) and blood endothelial cells (HUVEC). GSIs also inhibit HUVEC network formation. hLECs are more sensitive to GSIs compared to HUVEC. GSIs have been found to be safe in clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. Our results provide further rationale to support testing of Notch inhibitors in patients with extracranial vascular malformations.
Mathematical-model-guided development of full-thickness epidermal equivalent
Authors: Kumamoto Junichi , Nakanishi Shinobu , Makita Mio , Uesaka Masaaki , Yasugahira Yusuke , Kobayashi Yasuaki , Nagayama Masaharu , Denda Sumiko , Denda Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2018

Epidermal equivalents prepared with passaged keratinocytes are typically 10–20 μm thick, whereas intact human epidermis is up to 100 μm thick. Our established mathematical model of epidermal homeostasis predicted that the undulatory pattern of the papillary layer beneath the epidermis is a key determinant of epidermal thickness. Here, we tested this prediction by seeding human keratinocytes on polyester textiles with various fiber-structural patterns in culture dishes exposed to air, aiming to develop a more physiologically realistic epidermal model using passaged keratinocytes. Textile substrate with fiber thickness and inter-fiber distance matching the computer predictions afforded a three-dimensional epidermal-equivalent model with thick stratum corneum and intercellular lamellar lipid structure. The basal layer structure was similar to that of human papillary layer. Cells located around the textile fibers were proliferating, as indicated by BrdU and YAP (Yes-associated protein) staining and expression of melanoma-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. Filaggrin, loricrin, claudin 1 and ZO-1 were all appropriately expressed. Silencing of transcriptional coactivator YAP with siRNA disturbed construction of the three-dimensional structure. Measurement of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) indicated that the model has excellent barrier function. Our results support the idea that mathematical modeling of complex biological processes can have predictive ability and practical value.
Author Correction: 150,000-year palaeoclimate record from northern Ethiopia supports early, multiple dispersals of modern humans from Africa
Authors: Lamb Henry F. , Bates C. Richard , Bryant Charlotte L. , Davies Sarah J. , Huws Dei G. , Marshall Michael H. , Roberts Helen M. , Toland Harry
Published: December 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Acylsilane directed aromatic C–H alkenylations by ruthenium catalysis
Authors: Lu Xiunan , Shen Cong , Meng Keke , Zhao Li , Li Tingyan , Sun Yaling , Zhang Jian , Zhong Guofu
Published: December 2018

A ruthenium-catalyzed site- and stereo-selective C–H alkenylation of aroylsilanes with electron-deficient alkenes was developed, leading to styrenes bearing acylsilane.
Oxidative tandem annulation of 1-(2-ethynylaryl)prop-2-en-1-ones catalyzed by cooperative iodine and TBHP
Authors: Liu Bang , Cheng Jiang , Li Yang , Li Jin-Heng
Published: December 2018

Metal-free I2-catalyzed tandem annulation of 1,6-enynes to access 1H-cyclopropa-[b]naphthalene-2,7-diones using TBHP is presented.
In vivo evidence of intestinal lead dissolution from lead dioxide (PbO2) nanoparticles and resulting bioaccumulation and toxicity in medaka fish
Authors: Ng Ding-Quan , Chu Yao , Tan Shih-Wei , Wang Shan-Li , Lin Yi-Pin , Chu Chia-Hung , Soo Yun-Liang , Song Yen-Fang , Chen Pei-Jen
Published: December 2018

Nanoscale lead (Pb) dioxide particles (nPbO2) are a newly identified corrosion product formed inside lead-bearing pipes or lead-containing faucets in drinking water distribution systems.
Donor–acceptor preassociation, excited state solvation threshold, and optical energy cost as challenges in chemical applications of photobases
Authors: Hunt Jonathan Ryan , Tseng Cindy , Dawlaty Jahan M.
Published: December 2018

Photobases convert light energy to proton removal power. What limits their applicability? Hydrogen bonding, solvation, and photon energy cost.
Retracted Article: Ginsenoside Rf alleviates dysmenorrhea and inflammation through the BDNF-TrkB-CREB pathway in a rat model of endometriosis
Authors: Qin Xuying , Liu Yan , Feng Yanchong , Jiang Jie
Published: December 2018

The investigation of the effects and the underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rf in a surgically induced rat endometriosis model was performed.
Effects of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid supplementation on the intestinal functions in weaning piglets
Authors: Chen Shuai , Tan Bie , Xia Yaoyao , Liao Simeng , Wang Meiwei , Yin Jie , Wang Jing , Xiao Hao , Qi Ming , Bin Peng , Liu Gang , Ren Wenkai , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2018

This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal immunity, intestinal GABAergic system, amino acid profiles and gut microflora of the weaned piglets.
Syntheses and structural aspects of six-membered palladacyclic complexes derived fromN,N′,N′′-triarylguanidines with N- or S-thiocyanate ligands
Authors: Saxena Priya , Thomas Jisha Mary , Sivasankar Chinnappan , Thirupathi Natesan
Published: December 2018

Linkage isomers8·2/3PhMe and9·MeOH were synthesized, isolated and structurally characterized by SCXRD and the role of solvent of crystallization in the formation of these linkage isomers identified.
CRISPR/Cas-based genome engineering in natural product discovery
Authors: Tong Yaojun , Weber Tilmann , Lee Sang Yup
Published: December 2018

This review summarizes the current state of the art of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technologies for natural product producers.
Giant thermal conductivity in diamane and the influence of horizontal reflection symmetry on phonon scattering
Authors: Zhu Liyan , Li Wu , Ding Feng
Published: December 2018

Diamane exhibits giant thermal conductivity and a horizontal reflection symmetry restriction on the phonon scattering phase space.
Ultrathin carbon-coated FeS2 nanooctahedra for sodium storage with long cycling stability
Authors: Wang Shiwen , Jing Yaping , Han Lifeng , Wang Heng , Wu Shide , Zhang Yong , Wang Lizhen , Zhang Kai , Kang Yong-Mook , Cheng Fangyi
Published: December 2018

Porous ultrathin carbon-encapsulated FeS2@C nanooctahedra synthesized by a facile solvothermal and carbon-coating-annealing-pickling strategy exhibit a superior performance for sodium-ion storage.
Spirocyclization of keto-ynesulfonamides promoted by quaternary ammonium salts
Authors: Beltran Frédéric , Andna Lucile , Miesch Laurence
Published: December 2018

Spirocyclization of keto-ynesulfonamides with quaternary ammonium salts was performed to access aza-spiro compounds.
Renoprotective effect of JinQi-JiangTang tablet on high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Jiang Bingjie , Qu Zhuo , Gu Yue , Li Xia , Wang Juan , Zhang Jingze , Man Shuli , Liu Changxiao , Gao Wenyuan
Published: December 2018

JinQi-JiangTang tablet (JQ), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, have been commonly applied to clinical therapy in type 2 diabetic patients.
Stimuli-responsive thiol-epoxy networks with photo-switchable bulk and surface properties
Authors: Romano A. , Roppolo I. , Giebler M. , Dietliker K. , Možina Š. , Šket P. , Mühlbacher I. , Schlögl S. , Sangermano M.
Published: December 2018

Photo-responsive thiol-epoxy click networks with spatially controllable solubility and surface wettability were prepared and characterized in detail.
Microwave irradiation: a green approach for the synthesis of functionalizedN-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridines
Authors: Khan M. Musawwer , Saigal Saigal , Khan Sarfaraz , Shareef Sumbulunnisan , Sahoo Subash C.
Published: December 2018

Microwave-assisted green synthesis ofN-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridines under eco-friendly conditions.
A non-sacrificial method for the quantification of poly(ethylene glycol) grafting density on gold nanoparticles for applications in nanomedicine
Authors: Lu Jun , Xue Yao , Shi Rui , Kang Jing , Zhao Chao-Yang , Zhang Ning-Ning , Wang Chun-Yu , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Liu Kun
Published: December 2018

A multi-Lorentzian-splitting algorithm is used to distinguish the 1H NMR signal of free PEG from that of grafted PEG, therefore allowing monitoring of the grafting process in situ.
Efficient solar cells sensitized by a promising new type of porphyrin: dye-aggregation suppressed by double strapping
Authors: Zeng Kaiwen , Lu Yunyue , Tang Weiqiang , Zhao Shuangliang , Liu Qingyun , Zhu Weihong , Tian He , Xie Yongshu
Published: December 2018

Doubly strapped porphyrin improved efficiency from 8.6% to 9.3% and finally to 10.6% through a combined approach of coadsorption and cosensitization.
Kinetic phases of Ag–Cu alloy films are accessible through photodeposition
Authors: Dettelbach Kevan E. , He Jingfu , Johnson Noah J. J. , Huang Aoxue , Bottomley Adam , Lam Brian , Salvatore Danielle A. , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: December 2018

A thermodynamically inaccessible phase of Ag–Cu is prepared at room temperature using a photodeposition methodology.
Electrolyte regulation enhances the stability of Prussian blue analogues in aqueous Na-ion storage
Authors: Shao Tielei , Li Chang , Liu Chunyi , Deng Wenjun , Wang Weijian , Xue Mianqi , Li Rui
Published: December 2018

The cycle performance was significantly improved by adding an electrolyte additive in the aqueous electrolyte.
High strength of hybrid double-network hydrogels imparted by inter-network ionic bonds
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Liang Jun , Shan Guorong , Pan Pengju
Published: December 2018

Interaction between networks has been proven to be of importance for mechanical property enhancement of double-network (DN) hydrogels.
Co-repressor, co-activator and general transcription factor: the many faces of the Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex
Authors: Adams Grace E. , Chandru Aditya , Cowley Shaun M.
Published: December 2018

At face value, the Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex appears to be a prototypical co-repressor complex, that is, a multi-protein complex recruited to chromatin by DNA bound repressor proteins to facilitate local histone deacetylation and transcriptional repression. While this is almost certainly part of its role, Sin3 stubbornly refuses to be pigeon-holed in quite this way. Genome-wide mapping studies have found that Sin3 localises predominantly to the promoters of actively transcribed genes. While Sin3 knockout studies in various species result in a combination of both up- and down-regulated genes. Furthermore, genes such as the stem cell factor, Nanog, are dependent on the direct association of Sin3 for active transcription to occur. Sin3 appears to have properties of a co-repressor, co-activator and general transcription factor, and has thus been termed a co-regulator complex. Through a series of unique domains, Sin3 is able to assemble HDAC1/2, chromatin adaptors and transcription factors in a series of functionally and compositionally distinct complexes to modify chromatin at both gene-specific and global levels. Unsurprisingly, therefore, Sin3/HDAC1 have been implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular processes, including mammalian development, maintenance of pluripotency, cell cycle regulation and diseases such as cancer.
A journey through the evolutionary diversification of archaeal Lsm and Hfq proteins
Authors: Reichelt Robert , Grohmann Dina , Willkomm Sarah
Published: December 2018

Sm-like (Lsm) proteins are found in all three domains of life. They are crucially involved in the RNA metabolism of prokaryotic organisms. To exert their function, they assemble into hexa- or heptameric rings and bind RNA via a conserved binding pocket for uridine stretches in the inner pore of the ring. Despite the conserved secondary structure of Lsm proteins, there are several features that lead to a structural diversification of this protein family that mediates their participation in a variety of processes related to RNA metabolism. Until recently, the cellular function of archaeal Sm-like proteins was not well understood. In this review, we discuss structural features of Lsm proteins with a strong focus on archaeal variants, reflect on the evolutionary development of archaeal Lsm proteins and present recent insights into their biological function.
Low-cost deposition of cupric oxide thin films for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Saralch Sudhir , Pathak Dinesh
Published: December 2018

Copper oxide is a compound that has been considered significant owing to its many advantages such as easy availability of copper in huge quantity, its non-toxic nature and the good electrical and optical properties. It is p-type with bandgap range of 1.21–1.51 eV and has potential of absorption of solar spectrum. In this work, sol–gel chemistry is explored to deposit CuO using cupric chloride dihydrate (CuCl2 · 2H2O) with 5, 10 and 15% concentration of EDTA (capping agent) using low-cost dip-coating and annealed at 400 °C. The bandgap of the CuO films was found to be in the range of 1.3–1.8 eV, which is comparable with the reported values and also suggests quantum shift in these nanostructures. These investigations suggest suitability of these layers as absorber for photovoltaic applications. SEM investigation suggests the uniform growth of layers by dip-coating techniques. Capping also appears to control the grain growth as observed by electron microscopy. Sol–gel dip-coating technique is presented in this study for deposition of flat layers.
The informative nature of the tests for evaluating the processability of a steel product
Authors: Katanina Alla , Shuvalov Alexander , Kornev Oleg
Published: December 2018

The reasons for the appearance of cracks in the mounting connection, which is an unequal angle obtained by a plate at a right angle of 8x210x100, are investigated. The limited information received at the standard scope of material tests is shown to assess the processability of the product. Investigation of the composition, structure and viscosity of the material made it possible to establish that in order to obtain a quality product from rolled steel of St3sp, it is necessary to make changes in the technological operations of cutting and bending the production of the part. When performing the cutting operation of sheet metal, the long side of the plate (210 mm) should be placed along the direction of the fibers of the structure. During bending, the edge of the folding of the sheet must be made across the rolled fiber. For steels that are prone to splitting along the fibers of the structure, correct cutting of the sheet will prevent the formation of cracks along the stretched bending surface and fatigue failure during welding and operation of the assembly line.
Formation of innovative methods for ecological safety systems of construction
Authors: Slesarev Mikhail , Telichenko Valery , Dinh Dap Nguyen
Published: December 2018

For the first time, formation of innovative methods for ecological safety of construction which called to treat as a result a complex of new technical solutions (more than 15 patents for inventions) focused on the solution of ecological safety problem in construction areas, and also for the first time the set four projects of national standards «“Green” standard. “Green” technologies of living environment and “green” innovative production»: “Terms and definitions”; “Classification”; “Criteria of reference”; “conformity assessment according to the requirements of the green standards. General provisions”.
Architectural design in accordance with fire requirements for condominiums in Vietnam
Authors: Thuat Pham Trong
Published: December 2018

Development of condominium is unavoidable by developing urban area, in order to utilize the infrastructure within a limited surface area, as an addition to the number of housing, targeting residents with average and below average income. Large cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang etc. have been able to develop similar condominium buildings in order to provide shelter to the residents mentioned above. Projects of condominium buildings have been able to solve the need of shelter for many urban, as well as authorized organization by the government would have more options of changing the appearance of the developing cities, heading towards the model of other developed cities in the world. In the last decade, in large and developing cities, a large number of condominium have been built with improving quality and design over time. However, the minimum requirements of general infrastructure in case of fire emergency are not met by some buildings. The number of fire incidents in buildings like these is increasing due to a various numbers of reasons, including lack of precautions in the designing phase of the buildings.
Investigation of wooden sheet pile wall in an aggressive environment using non-destructive methods
Authors: Wyjadłowski Marek , Nowak Tomasz , Karolak Anna
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the study of the strength parameters of wood samples from the retaining structure, working for about 60 years in an aggressive sea water environment. Samples from the variable water level zone and situated in the watered ground were tested. Non-destructive examinations were performed using the following methods: the stress wave technique and the ultrasonic wave technique. The results presented below can lead to the conclusion that both methods: the stress wave by Fakopp Microsecond Timer device and the ultrasonic wave by Sylvatest Trio correspond with each other and result in similar outcomes. However, in order to obtain more detailed and comprehensive information on the elements properties, more research should be conducted.