bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heisenberg-scaling measurement of the single-photon Kerr non-linearity using mixed states
Authors: Chen Geng , Aharon Nati , Sun Yong-Nan , Zhang Zi-Huai , Zhang Wen-Hao , He De-Yong , Tang Jian-Shun , Xu Xiao-Ye , Kedem Yaron , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: January 2018

Improving the precision of measurements is a significant scientific challenge. Previous works suggest that in a photon-coupling scenario the quantum fisher information shows a quantum-enhanced scaling of N2, which in theory allows a better-than-classical scaling in practical measurements. In this work, utilizing mixed states with a large uncertainty and a post-selection of an additional pure system, we present a scheme to extract this amount of quantum fisher information and experimentally attain a practical Heisenberg scaling. We performed a measurement of a single-photon’s Kerr non-linearity with a Heisenberg scaling, where an ultra-small Kerr phase of ≃6 × 10−8 rad was observed with a precision of ≃3.6 × 10−10 rad. From the use of mixed states, the upper bound of quantum fisher information is improved to 2N2. Moreover, by using an imaginary weak-value the scheme is robust to noise originating from the self-phase modulation.
Auditory opportunity and visual constraint enabled the evolution of echolocation in bats
Authors: Thiagavel Jeneni , Cechetto Clément , Santana Sharlene E. , Jakobsen Lasse , Warrant Eric J. , Ratcliffe John M.
Published: January 2018

Substantial evidence now supports the hypothesis that the common ancestor of bats was nocturnal and capable of both powered flight and laryngeal echolocation. This scenario entails a parallel sensory and biomechanical transition from a nonvolant, vision-reliant mammal to one capable of sonar and flight. Here we consider anatomical constraints and opportunities that led to a sonar rather than vision-based solution. We show that bats’ common ancestor had eyes too small to allow for successful aerial hawking of flying insects at night, but an auditory brain design sufficient to afford echolocation. Further, we find that among extant predatory bats (all of which use laryngeal echolocation), those with putatively less sophisticated biosonar have relatively larger eyes than do more sophisticated echolocators. We contend that signs of ancient trade-offs between vision and echolocation persist today, and that non-echolocating, phytophagous pteropodid bats may retain some of the necessary foundations for biosonar.
High temperature limit of photosynthetic excitons
Authors: Rätsep Margus , Muru Renata , Freiberg Arvi
Published: January 2018

Excitons in light-harvesting complexes are known to significantly improve solar-energy harnessing. Here we demonstrate photosynthetic excitons at super-physiological temperatures reaching 60–80 °C in different species of mesophilic photosynthetic bacteria. It is shown that the survival of light-harvesting excitons in the peripheral LH2 antennae is restricted by thermal decomposition of the pigment–protein complex rather than by any intrinsic property of excitons. The regular spatial organization of the bacteriochlorophyllapigments supporting excitons in this complex is lost upon the temperature-induced breakdown of its tertiary structure. Secondary structures of the complexes survive even higher temperatures. The discovered pivotal role of the protein scaffold in the stabilization of excitons comprises an important aspect of structure–function relationship in biology. These results also intimately entangle the fundamental issues of quantum mechanical concepts in biology and in the folding of proteins.
Structural analysis of mtEXO mitochondrial RNA degradosome reveals tight coupling of nuclease and helicase components
Authors: Razew Michal , Warkocki Zbigniew , Taube Michal , Kolondra Adam , Czarnocki-Cieciura Mariusz , Nowak Elzbieta , Labedzka-Dmoch Karolina , Kawinska Aleksandra , Piatkowski Jakub , Golik Pawel , Kozak Maciej , Dziembowski Andrzej , Nowotny Marcin
Published: January 2018

Nuclease and helicase activities play pivotal roles in various aspects of RNA processing and degradation. These two activities are often present in multi-subunit complexes from nucleic acid metabolism. In the mitochondrial exoribonuclease complex (mtEXO) both enzymatic activities are tightly coupled making it an excellent minimal system to study helicase–exoribonuclease coordination. mtEXO is composed of Dss1 3′-to-5′ exoribonuclease and Suv3 helicase. It is the master regulator of mitochondrial gene expression in yeast. Here, we present the structure of mtEXO and a description of its mechanism of action. The crystal structure of Dss1 reveals domains that are responsible for interactions with Suv3. Importantly, these interactions are compatible with the conformational changes of Suv3 domains during the helicase cycle. We demonstrate that mtEXO is an intimate complex which forms an RNA-binding channel spanning its entire structure, with Suv3 helicase feeding the 3′ end of the RNA toward the active site of Dss1.
Regulatory feedback response mechanisms to phosphate starvation in rice
Authors: Ajmera Ishan , Shi Jing , Giri Jitender , Wu Ping , Stekel Dov J. , Lu Chungui , Hodgman T. Charlie
Published: January 2018

Phosphorus is a growth-limiting nutrient for plants. The growing scarcity of phosphate stocks threatens global food security. Phosphate-uptake regulation is so complex and incompletely known that attempts to improve phosphorus use efficiency have had extremely limited success. This study improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate uptake by investigating the transcriptional dynamics of two regulators: the Ubiquitin ligase PHO2 and the long non-coding RNA IPS1. Temporal measurements of RNA levels have been integrated into mechanistic mathematical models using advanced statistical techniques. Models based solely on current knowledge could not adequately explain the temporal expression profiles. Further modeling and bioinformatics analysis have led to the prediction of three regulatory features: the PHO2 protein mediates the degradation of its own transcriptional activator to maintain constant PHO2 mRNA levels; the binding affinity of the transcriptional activator ofPHO2is impaired by a phosphate-sensitive transcriptional repressor/inhibitor; and the extremely high levels of IPS1 and its rapid disappearance upon Pi re-supply are best explained by Pi-sensitive RNA protection. This work offers both new opportunities for plant phosphate research that will be essential for informing the development of phosphate efficient crop varieties, and a foundation for the development of models integrating phosphate with other stress responses.
Short heatwaves during fluctuating incubation regimes produce females under temperature-dependent sex determination with implications for sex ratios in nature
Authors: Carter A. W. , Sadd B. M. , Tuberville T. D. , Paitz R. T. , Bowden R. M.
Published: January 2018

Patterns of temperature fluctuations in nature affect numerous biological processes, yet, empirical studies often utilize constant temperature treatments. This can limit our understanding of how thermally sensitive species respond to ecologically relevant temperatures. Research on turtles with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) provides good examples of this, since nest temperatures from many populations rarely exceed those necessary to produce females under constant laboratory conditions. We hypothesized that exposure to brief periods of warm temperatures (i.e., heat waves) are integral to sex determination in species with TSD, which requires tests that move beyond constant temperatures. We exposedTrachemys scriptaembryos from multiple populations and across the nesting season to heat waves of variable durations and quantified sex ratios. We found that embryos from all populations were highly sensitive to brief exposures to female producing temperatures; only 7.9 days of exposure produced a 50:50 sex ratio, but the response varied across the nesting season. From these findings, a model was developed to estimate sex ratios from field temperature traces, and this model outperformed traditional methods. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of TSD and emphasize the importance of using biologically relevant temperatures when studying thermally sensitive processes.
Adipocyte-activated oxidative and ER stress pathways promote tumor survival in bone via upregulation of Heme Oxygenase 1 and Survivin
Authors: Herroon Mackenzie K. , Rajagurubandara Erandi , Diedrich Jonathan D. , Heath Elisabeth I. , Podgorski Izabela
Published: January 2018

Metastatic tumor cells engage the local tumor microenvironment and activate specific pro-survival mechanisms to thrive and progress in the harsh bone marrow niche. Here we show that the major contributors to the survival of carcinoma cells that have colonized the bone marrow are the adipocyte-induced oxidative stress and ER stress pathways. We demonstrate that upon exposure to adipocyte-rich environments in vitro or in vivo, bone-trophic prostate and breast tumor cells upregulate the oxidative stress enzyme, HO-1. We also show that HO-1 levels are significantly increased in human metastatic prostate cancer tissues and that stable HO-1 overexpression in tumor cells promotes growth and invasiveness. Co-incident with the adipocyte-induced expression of HO-1, there is an upregulation of ER chaperone BIP and splicing of XBP1, indicating adipocyte-driven unfolded protein response, a process that we show to be sensitive to antioxidant treatment. Importantly, we also demonstrate that triggering of the oxidative stress and ER stress responses, or HO-1 induction by adipocyte exposure result in the activation of pro-survival pathways, involving survivin. Collectively, our findings reveal a new link between HO-1 and survivin expression in tumor cells, and provide a new insight into potentially targetable survival pathways in bone-metastatic disease.
Shikonin Protects PC12 Cells Against β-amyloid Peptide-Induced Cell Injury Through Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Activities
Authors: Tong Yuna , Bai Lan , Gong Rong , Chuan Junlan , Duan Xingmei , Zhu Yuxuan
Published: January 2018

Excessive accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) is thought to be a major causative factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pretreating Aβ-induced neurotoxicity is a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate the progression and development of AD. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of shikonin, a naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the roots of the traditional Chinese herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on Aβ1–42-treated neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Pretreating cells with shikonin strongly improved cell viability, decreased the malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential in Aβ1–42-induced PC12 cells. In addition, shikonin strongly improved the response of the antioxidant system to ROS by increasing the levels of superoxidedismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, shikonin has the ability to reduce proapoptotic signaling by reducing the activity of caspase-3 and moderating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. These observations indicate that shikonin holds great potential for neuroprotection via inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.
Poppers use and Sexual Partner Concurrency Increase the HIV Incidence of MSM: a 24-month Prospective Cohort Survey in Shenyang, China
Authors: Chu Zhen-xing , Xu Jun-jie , Zhang Yong-hui , Zhang Jing , Hu Qing-hai , Yun Ke , Wang Hong-yi , Jiang Yong-jun , Geng Wen-qing , Shang Hong
Published: January 2018

The use of poppers is highly prevalent in MSM, but little is known about the association between their use and HIV incidence in China. A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in MSM in Shenyang. 475(79.6%) of eligible HIV-negative MSM participated in this prospective survey and near one fourth MSM (23.4%) ever used poppers. About one-third of the participants had condomless anal intercourse, half had multiple sexual partners and 10.5% were syphilis positive. The HIV incidence densities were15.5 (95% CI:9.4–23.4)/100 PY[person-years]) and 4.6 (95% CI:2.9–7.0)/100 PY in poppers-users and non-poppers-users, respectively. Predictors of HIV seroconversion included poppers-using-behavior, having had more than two male partners, practicing group sex, unprotected anal intercourse(UAI) with male partners, and baseline syphilis positivity (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of poppers, high-risk-sexual behaviors and syphilis infection significantly increase the HIV incidence among Shenyang MSM. It is essential for policy makers to add poppers to the official controlled illicit drug list to reduce HIV transmission among the MSM community. A comprehensive strategy should also be implemented to control both their high-risk-sexual behaviors and risk of syphilis infection, since these may represent novel ways to prevent new HIV infections in these MSM.
Hydroacoustics as a tool to examine the effects of Marine Protected Areas and habitat type on marine fish communities
Authors: Egerton J. P. , Johnson A. F. , Turner J. , LeVay L. , Mascareñas-Osorio I. , Aburto-Oropeza O.
Published: January 2018

Hydroacoustic technologies are widely used in fisheries research but few studies have used them to examine the effects of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We evaluate the efficacy of hydroacoustics to examine the effects of closure to fishing and habitat type on fish populations in the Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP), Mexico, and compare these methods to Underwater Visual Censuses (UVC). Fish density, biomass and size were all significantly higher inside the CPNP (299%, 144% and 52% respectively) than outside in non-MPA control areas. These values were much higher when only accounting for the reefs within the CPNP (4715%, 6970% and 97% respectively) highlighting the importance of both habitat complexity and protection from fishing for fish populations. Acoustic estimates of fish biomass over reef-specific sites did not differ significantly from those estimated using UVC data, although acoustic densities were less due to higher numbers of small fish recorded by UVC. There is thus considerable merit in nesting UVC surveys, also providing species information, within hydroacoustic surveys. This study is a valuable starting point in demonstrating the utility of hydroacoustics to assess the effects of coastal MPAs on fish populations, something that has been underutilised in MPA design, formation and management.
Theory for Perfect Transmodal Fabry-Perot Interferometer
Authors: Yang Xiongwei , Kweun Joshua M. , Kim Yoon Young
Published: January 2018

We establish the theory for perfect transmodal Fabry-Perot interferometers that can convert longitudinal modes solely to transverse modes and vice versa, reaching up to 100% efficiency. Two exact conditions are derived for plane mechanical waves: simultaneous constructive interferences of each of two coupled orthogonal modes, and intermodal interference at the entrance and exit sides of the interferometer with specific skew polarizations. Because the multimodal interferences and specific skew motions require unique anisotropic interferometers, they are realized by metamaterials. The observed peak patterns by the transmodal interferometers are similar to those found in the single-mode Fabry-Perot resonance, but multimodality complicates the involved mechanics. We provide their design principle and experimented with a fabricated interferometer. This theory expands the classical Fabry-Perot resonance to the realm of mode-coupled waves, having profound impact on general wave manipulation. The transmodal interferometer could sever as a device to transfer wave energy freely between dissimilar modes.
The Coupled Straintronic-Photothermic Effect
Authors: Rahneshin Vahid , Ziolkowska Dominika A. , McClelland Arthur , Cromwell Jaya , Jasinski Jacek B. , Panchapakesan Balaji
Published: January 2018

We describe the coupled straintronic-photothermic effect where coupling between bandgap of the 2D layered semiconductor under localized strains, optical absorption and the photo-thermal effect results in a large chromatic mechanical response in TMD-nanocomposites. Under the irradiation of visible light (405 nm to 808 nm), such locally strained atomic thin films based on 2H-MoS2embedded in an elastomer such as poly (dimethyl) siloxane matrix exhibited a large amplitude of photo-thermal actuation compared to their unstrained counterparts. Moreover, the locally strain engineered nanocomposites showed tunable mechanical response giving rise to higher mechanical stress at lower photon energies. Scanning photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed a change in bandgap of 30 meV between regions encompassing highly strained compared to the unstrained few layers. For 1.6% change in the bandgap, the macroscopic photo-thermal response increased by a factor of two. Millimeter scale bending actuators based on the locally strained 2H-MoS2resulted in significantly enhanced photo-thermal actuation displacements compared to their unstrained counterparts at lower photon energies and operated up to 30 Hz. Almost 1 mN photo-activated force was obtained at 50 mW and provided long-term stability. This study demonstrates a new mechanism in TMD-nanocomposites that would be useful for developing broad range of transducers.
A study of the influence of measurement timescale on internal resistance characterisation methodologies for lithium-ion cells
Authors: Barai Anup , Uddin Kotub , Widanage W. D. , McGordon Andrew , Jennings Paul
Published: January 2018

The power capability of a lithium ion battery is governed by its resistance, which changes with battery state such as temperature, state of charge, and state of health. Characterizing resistance, therefore, is integral in defining battery operational boundaries, estimating its performance and tracking its state of health. There are many techniques that have been employed for estimating the resistance of a battery, these include: using DC pulse current signals such as pulse power tests or Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC) tests; using AC current signals, i.e., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and using pulse-multisine measurements. From existing literature, these techniques are perceived to yield differing values of resistance. In this work, we apply these techniques to 20 Ah LiFePO4/C6 pouch cells and use the results to compare the techniques. The results indicate that the computed resistance is strongly dependent on the timescales of the technique employed and that when timescales match, the resistances derived via different techniques align. Furthermore, given that EIS is a perturbative characterisation technique, employing a spectrum of perturbation frequencies, we show that the resistance estimated from any technique can be identified – to a high level of confidence – from EIS by matching their timescales.
Putative functional genes in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nair Nishanth Ulhas , Das Avinash , Amit Uri , Robinson Welles , Park Seung Gu , Basu Mahashweta , Lugo Alex , Leor Jonathan , Ruppin Eytan , Hannenhalli Sridhar
Published: January 2018

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complex disorder with a genetic and an environmental component involving multiple genes, many of which are yet to be discovered. We integrate genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, phenotypic, and evolutionary features into a method – Hridaya, to infer putative functional genes underlying DCM in a genome-wide fashion, using 213 human heart genomes and transcriptomes. Many genes identified by Hridaya are experimentally shown to cause cardiac complications. We validate the top predicted genes, via five different genome-wide analyses: First, the predicted genes are associated with cardiovascular functions. Second, their knockdowns in mice induce cardiac abnormalities. Third, their inhibition by drugs cause cardiac side effects in human. Fourth, they tend to have differential exon usage between DCM and normal samples. Fifth, analyzing 213 individual genotypes, we show that regulatory polymorphisms of the predicted genes are associated with elevated risk of cardiomyopathy. The stratification of DCM patients based on cardiac expression of the functional genes reveals two subgroups differing in key cardiac phenotypes. Integrating predicted functional genes with cardiomyocyte drug treatment experiments reveals novel potential drug targets. We provide a list of investigational drugs that target the newly identified functional genes that may lead to cardiac side effects.
Combined shRNA over CRISPR/cas9 as a methodology to detect off-target effects and a potential compensatory mechanism
Authors: Peretz Liat , Besser Elazar , Hajbi Renana , Casden Natania , Ziv Dan , Kronenberg Nechama , Gigi Liat Ben , Sweetat Sahar , Khawaled Saleh , Aqeilan Rami , Behar Oded
Published: January 2018

Inhibition of genes is a powerful approach to study their function. While RNA interference is a widely used method to achieve this goal, mounting evidence indicates that such an approach is prone to off-target effects. An alternative approach to gene function inhibition is genetic mutation, such as the CRISPR/cas9 method. A recent report, however, demonstrated that genetic mutation and inhibition of gene expression do not always give corresponding results. This can be explained by off-target effects, but it was recently shown, at least in one case, that these differences are the result of a compensatory mechanism induced only by genetic mutation. We present here a combination of RNA inhibition and CRISPR/cas9 methods to identify possible off targets as well as potential compensatory effects. This approach is demonstrated by testing a possible role for Sema4B in glioma biology, in which our results implicate Sema4B as having a critical function. In stark contrast, by using shRNA over CRISPR/cas9 combined methodology, we clearly demonstrate that the Sema4B targeted shRNA effects on cell proliferation is the result of off-target effects. Nevertheless, it also revealed that certain splice variants of Sema4B are important for the ability of glioma cells to grow as individual clones.
Veiled symmetry of disordered Parity-Time lattices: protected PT-threshold and the fate of localization
Authors: Harter Andrew K. , Onanga Franck Assogba , Joglekar Yogesh N.
Published: January 2018

Open, non-equilibrium systems with balanced gain and loss, known as parity-time ($${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
)-symmetric systems, exhibit properties that are absent in closed, isolated systems. A key property is the $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
-symmetry breaking transition, which occurs when the gain-loss strength, a measure of the openness of the system, exceeds the intrinsic energy-scale of the system. We analyze the fate of this transition in disordered lattices with non-Hermitian gain and loss potentials ±iγ at reflection-symmetric sites. Contrary to the popular belief, we show that the $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
-symmetric phase is protected in the presence of a periodic disorder which leads to a positive $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
-symmetry breaking threshold. We uncover a veiled symmetry of such disordered systems that is instrumental for the said protection, and show that this symmetry leads to new localization behavior across the $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
-symmetry breaking transition. We elucidate the interplay between such localization and the $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
-symmetry breaking phenomena in disordered $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$
P
T
-symmetric lattices, with Hermitian disorder or gain-loss disorder, and support our conclusions with a beampropagation- method analysis. Our theoretical predictions provide avenues for experimental realizations of -symmetric systems with engineered disorder.
Severe effects of long-term drought on calcareous grassland seed banks
Authors: Basto Sofía , Thompson Ken , Grime J. Philip , Fridley Jason D. , Calhim Sara , Askew Andrew P. , Rees Mark
Published: January 2018

Climate change models project shifts in precipitation patterns at regional and global scales. Increases in dry areas and the occurrence of drought predicted in future scenarios are likely to threaten grassland ecosystems. Calcareous grassland seed banks have proven to be resistant to short-term drought, but their responses to long-term drought are unknown. Here we show that 14 years of summer drought changed calcareous grassland seed bank composition, reducing its size and richness, and that these responses do not simply reflect patterns in the above-ground vegetation. Moreover, the effect of drought was larger on seed banks than on vegetation, and above-ground responses mediated by soil depth were less evident in the seed bank than in the vegetation. These results demonstrate that the severity of drought effects on calcareous grasslands is larger than previously thought, and show that this ecosystem is highly vulnerable and has low resilience to predicted decreases in soil moisture.
Vitamin C preferentially kills cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma via SVCT-2
Authors: Lv Hongwei , Wang Changzheng , Fang Tian , Li Ting , Lv Guishuai , Han Qin , Yang Wen , Wang Hongyang
Published: January 2018

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ascorbate, VC) is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for cancer patients. However, the anti-tumor effects of pharmacologic VC on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) remain to be fully elucidated. Panels of human HCC cell lines as well as HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were employed to investigate the anti-tumor effects of pharmacologic VC. The use of VC and the risk of HCC recurrence were examined retrospectively in 613 HCC patients who received curative liver resection as their initial treatment. In vitro and in vivo experiments further demonstrated that clinically achievable concentrations of VC induced cell death in liver cancer cells and the response to VC was correlated with sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT-2) expressions. Mechanistically, VC uptake via SVCT-2 increased intracellular ROS, and subsequently caused DNA damage and ATP depletion, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Most importantly, SVCT-2 was highly expressed in liver CSCs, which promoted their self-renewal and rendered them more sensitive to VC. In HCC cell lines xenograft models, as well as in PDX models, VC dramatically impaired tumor growth and eradicated liver CSCs. Finally, retrospective cohort study showed that intravenous VC use was linked to improved disease-free survival (DFS) in HCC patients (adjusted HR = 0.622, 95% CI 0.487 to 0.795, p < 0.001). Our data highlight that pharmacologic VC can effectively kill liver cancer cells and preferentially eradicate liver CSCs, which provide further evidence supporting VC as a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
Image Guided Focused Ultrasound as a New Method of Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Wright M. , Centelles M. , Gedroyc W. , Thanou M.
Published: January 2018

The field of image guided drug delivery has attracted significant interest for researchers from various disciplines. Imaging is used to guide ultrasound to mediate drug delivery improving drug disposition and achieve tissue or organ specific delivery. Targeting drug delivery can be largely beneficial for diseases usually treated with cytotoxic drugs such as chemotherapy or drugs that may affect healthy functions of organs or cells. The term “focal” drug delivery has been introduced to describe the focal targeting of drugs in specific regions with the help of imaging. An example of this method is the use of imaging and a novel non-invasive technique named focused ultrasound (FUS) in combination with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The increased temperature induced by FUS (hyperthermia) can improve blood supply in tissues and therefore improve drug distribution. FUS has also been studied for effects on physiological barrier permeability such as the blood brain barrier (BBB). FUS has been utilised in combination with imaging and theranostics, such as labelled liposomes that respond to temperature increase. This strategy aims to trigger nanoparticles to release their cargo locally when hyperthermia is induced by FUS. MRI guided FUS drug delivery can improve drug bioavailability at targeted tissues and therefore improve the therapeutic profiles of drugs. This strategy can be translated to the clinic as MRgFUS is an established clinically approved approach. However, more basic research is required to understand its physiological mechanisms.
Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Multi-modal Imaging
Authors: Wang J. T.-W. , Bai J. , Al-Jamal K. T.
Published: January 2018

A range of nanoparticles, made of different types of biomaterials, have been developed as carriers to deliver drugs or imaging probes for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes respectively. These can offer better delivery, increase drug loading, improve stability and even achieve desired targeting by means of chemical modifications including incorporation with specific targeting ligands. The more efficient the delivery, the lower the dosage required, which can greatly reduce systemic side effects from the drugs themselves. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been utilised as imaging probes due to their intrinsic magnetic properties and metallic nature. When incorporated with therapeutic agents, they are specially designed to concentrate at the target site with the aid of magnetic force, resulting in dual theranostic function (therapy and diagnosis). MRI with MNPs is one imaging application that is well studied and has been used in the clinic with high resolution. Moreover, MNPs have provided a new avenue in the field of biomedical imaging as tools for multi-modal imaging. Recent developments have shown promise in combining MRI with other imaging approaches as well. The first part of this chapter contains the general introduction of nanoparticles and MNPs. The second part focuses on the applications of MNPs in biomedical imaging, including the utilisation of MNPs in various imaging techniques and the vast recent developments in multi-modal imaging. Finally, the applications and challenges of MNPs in drug delivery, particularly for tumour targeting, are addressed.
Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Hally Cormac , Rodríguez-Amigo Beatriz , Bresolí-Obach Roger , Planas Oriol , Nos Jaume , Boix-Garriga Ester , Ruiz-González Rubén , Nonell Santi
Published: January 2018

Photodynamic therapy is a clinical technique for the treatment of cancers, microbial infections and other medical conditions by means of light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species using photosensitising drugs. The intrinsic fluorescence of many such drugs make them potential theranostic agents for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. This chapter reviews the basic chemical and biological aspects of photodynamic therapy with an emphasis on its applications in theranostics. The roles of nanotechnology is highlighted, as well as emerging trends such as photoimmunotherapy, image-guided surgery and light- and singlet-oxygen dosimetry.
Microwave Imaging and the Potential of Contrast Enhancing Agents for Theranostics Use
Authors: Lahri R. , Rahman M. , Kallos T. , Kosmas P. , Thanou M.
Published: January 2018

Clinical imaging modalities provide clinical data with a variety of resolutions, clinical implementation costs, and various levels of complexity when applied and interpreted. Imaging techniques that are aimed at molecular imaging require the utilization of ionizing radiation that can pose safety risks and questions related to their frequent use. Microwave sensing and imaging (MSI) is emerging as an alternative method based on nonionizing electromagnetic (EM) signals that lie over a wide frequency range. The main advantages of using EM signals is the low health risk, low cost of implementation, low operational cost, ease of use, and user friendliness. The development of such systems may revolutionise treatments and contribute to advanced safe and cost effective detection and/or treatments. MSI has been used for tumour detection (breast), blood clot/stroke detection, heart imaging, bone imaging, cancer detection, and localization of in-body radio frequency (RF) ablation sources. The introduction of tailor made agents to enhance microwave (MW) dielectric contrast may provide a very useful clinical tool. In MSI applications, nanomaterials that change the dielectric constant when concentrated in tumours could be an elegant solution for tumour detection. MW devices used for sensing can also induce focused and controlled elevation of temperature in tissues (hyperthermia, ablation). This dual operation of MW devices can be combined with smart temperature responsive drug delivery systems to provide integrated tumour therapy and targeted drug delivery systems. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of this emerging technique and its potential in diagnostics and therapy.
Monitoring of gas composition in a laboratory biogas plant using cavity enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sieburg Anne , Schneider Sebastian , Yan Di , Popp Jürgen , Frosch Torsten
Published: January 2018

Cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for online detection of multiple gases during the process of biogas production.
Three-dimensional multiscale fiber matrices: development and characterization for increased HepG2 functional maintenance for bio-artificial liver application
Authors: Verma Surendra Kumar , Modi Akshay , Bellare Jayesh
Published: January 2018

One-step development of three-dimensional multiscale fiber matrices to enhance attachment, proliferation, and characteristic functions of HepG2 cells.
Structural basis for controlling the enzymatic properties of polymannuronate preferred alginate lyase FlAlyA from the PL-7 family
Authors: Qin Hui-Min , Miyakawa Takuya , Inoue Akira , Nishiyama Ryuji , Nakamura Akira , Asano Atsuko , Ojima Takao , Tanokura Masaru
Published: January 2018

Alginate-recognition subsites of alginate lyase FlAlyA were characterized as potential targets for engineering alginate oligosaccharides that are useful biomaterials.
Breathing and oscillating growth of solid-electrolyte-interphase upon electrochemical cycling
Authors: Zhuo Zengqing , Lu Peng , Delacourt Charles , Qiao Ruimin , Xu Kang , Pan Feng , Harris Stephen J. , Yang Wanli
Published: January 2018

We report the first direct experimental evidence of the dynamic formation process of the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) on copper electrodes upon electrochemical cycling.
Ni(OH)2–Fe2P hybrid nanoarray for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction with superior activity
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Zhu Shuyun , Xia Lian , Si Chongdian , Qu Fei , Qu Fengli
Published: January 2018

Ni(OH)2–Fe2P nanoarray on Ti mesh (Ni(OH)2–Fe2P/TM) acts as a superior electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction, requiring an overpotential of 76 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Facile three-step synthesis and photophysical properties of [8]-, [9]-, and [12]cyclo-1,4-naphthalene nanorings via platinum-mediated reductive elimination
Authors: Jia Hongxing , Gao Yuyue , Huang Qiang , Cui Shengsheng , Du Pingwu
Published: January 2018

A facile three-step synthesis of [8]-, [9]-, and [12]cyclo-1,4-naphthalene nanorings was for the first time accomplished via a platinum-mediated assembly of 1,4-naphthalene-based units and subsequent reductive elimination reactions.
Indications of magnetic coupling effects in spin cross-over molecular thin films
Authors: Zhang Xin , N'Diaye Alpha T. , Jiang Xuanyuan , Zhang Xiaozhe , Yin Yuewei , Chen Xuegang , Hong Xia , Xu Xiaoshan , Dowben Peter A.
Published: January 2018

Room temperature isothermal reversible spin crossover switching of [Fe(H2B(pz)2)2(bipy)] thin films by external magnetic fields is demonstrated.
Highly stable lipid-encapsulation of fluorescent nanodiamonds for bioimaging applications
Authors: Sotoma Shingo , Hsieh Feng-Jen , Chen Yen-Wei , Tsai Pei-Chang , Chang Huan-Cheng
Published: January 2018

Highly stable lipid-encapsulated fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are produced by photo-crosslinking of diacetylene-containing lipids physically attached to the FND surface for use as bioimaging agents.
A versatile single molecular precursor for the synthesis of layered oxide cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Li Maofan , Liu Jiajie , Liu Tongchao , Zhang Mingjian , Pan Feng
Published: January 2018

A versatile single molecular precursor, LiTM(acac)3, featuring a 1D chain structure, was developed to achieve the layered oxides LiTMO2(TM = Ni/Mn/Co, NMC) for Li-ion batteries.
A tethering directing group strategy for ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular alkene hydroarylation
Authors: Kilaru Praveen , Acharya Sunil P. , Zhao Pinjing
Published: January 2018

An alkene-tethered amide moiety serves as a directing group for C–H activation in a Ru-catalyzed intramolecular alkene hydroarylation for oxindole synthesis.
Facile construction of organometallic rotaxane-terminated dendrimers using neutral platinum–acetylides as the main scaffold
Authors: Wang Yu-Xuan , Zhou Qi-Feng , Chen Li-Jun , Xu Lin , Wang Cui-Hong , Li Xiaopeng , Yang Hai-Bo
Published: January 2018

We present the successful construction of a new family of organometallic rotaxane-terminated dendrimers using neutral platinum–acetylides as the main scaffold.
The Janus-faced chromophore: a donor–acceptor dyad with dual performance in photon up-conversion
Authors: Kiseleva Natalia , Filatov Mikhail A. , Oldenburg Michael , Busko Dmitry , Jakoby Marius , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. , Senge Mathias O. , Borisov Sergey M. , Turshatov Andrey
Published: January 2018

BODIPY–anthracene dyad shows two “faces” in triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) process: behaves either as a triplet sensitizer, or as a singlet emitter, depending on the media polarity.
A cyanine-based fluorescent cassette with aggregation-induced emission for sensitive detection of pH changes in live cells
Authors: Fang Mingxi , Xia Shuai , Bi Jianheng , Wigstrom Travis P. , Valenzano Loredana , Wang Jianbo , Mazi Wafa , Tanasova Marina , Luo Fen-Tair , Liu Haiying
Published: January 2018

A novel fluorescent cassette consisting of a TPE donor and a cyanine acceptor was developed for sensitive detection of pH changes in live cells.
Controlled preparation of amphiphilic triblock-copolyether in a metal- and solvent-free approach for tailored structure-directing agents
Authors: Balint Alexander , Papendick Marius , Clauss Manuel , Müller Carsten , Giesselmann Frank , Naumann Stefan
Published: January 2018

Organocatalysis is employed as a precise tool for the preparation of triblock-copolyethers for a systematic access to structure-direction.
Nucleophilic fluorination facilitated by a CsF–CaF2 packed bed reactor in continuous flow
Authors: Johansen M. B. , Lindhardt A. T.
Published: January 2018

A simple to prepare, dry and handle packed bed reactor carrying CsF on CaF2, towards nucleophilic fluorinations in continuous flow, is reported.
Scission and stitching of adenine structures by water molecules
Authors: Zhang Chi , Xie Lei , Ding Yuanqi , Xu Wei
Published: January 2018

We display the dynamic hydration process of adenine molecular networks by the use of water molecules on Au(111) in real space.
Rapid detection of a dengue virus RNA sequence with single molecule sensitivity using tandem toehold-mediated displacement reactions
Authors: Gao Mingxuan , Daniel Douglas , Zou Hongyan , Jiang Shuoxing , Lin Su , Huang Chengzhi , Hecht Sidney M. , Chen Shengxi
Published: January 2018

Novel tandem toehold-mediated displacement reactions were developed to detect dengue virus RNA. As few as 6 copies of RNA per sample were detected.
Encapsulation-induced emission enhancement (EIEE) of Eu(iii)-complexes by aromatic micelles in water
Authors: Kai Tomokuni , Kishimoto Mai , Akita Munetaka , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: January 2018

Typical Eu(iii)-complexes are readily encapsulated in the hydrophobic cavities of aromatic micelles and the resultant host–guest composites exhibit relatively strong red emission (up to Φ = ∼50%) even in water.
Dynamic or undynamic chirality generated by helical arrangement of a shape-persistent ring and rod doubly bridged in a molecule
Authors: Katoono Ryo , Obara Yudai , Kusaka Keiichi , Suzuki Takanori
Published: January 2018

Dynamic or undynamic chirality is generated in either threaded or unthreaded form of an assembly of phenylene–ethynylene-based ring and rod.
Controlling orthogonal self-assembly through cis–trans isomerization of a non-covalent palladium complex dimer
Authors: Kokan Zoran , Kovačević Borislav , Štefanić Zoran , Tzvetkova Pavleta , Kirin Srećko I.
Published: January 2018

Self-assembly of a chiral complex dimer held by 16 hydrogen bonds was controlled through configurational isomerization of the metal center.
Non-percolating small metallic clusters and sharp suppression of metallicity in RE0.55Sr0.45Mn1−xRuxO3manganites
Authors: Alagoz H. S. , Živković I. , Chow K. H. , Jung J.
Published: January 2018

The origin of the anomalous sharp phase transition from a ferromagnetic metal into a ferromagnetic insulator has been investigated in ruthenium (Ru)-doped RE0.55Sr0.45Mn1−xRuxO3(0 ≤x≤ 0.25) manganites (RESRMO) with RE(A-site) = Sm, Eu and Gd.
Efficient interfacial charge transfer through plasmon sensitized Ag@Bi2O3 hierarchical photoanodes for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of chlorinated phenols
Authors: Eswar Neerugatti KrishnaRao , Adhikari Sangeeta , Ramamurthy Praveen C. , Madras Giridhar
Published: January 2018

Understanding the interfacial charge transfer behavior of plasmonically active Ag decorated hierarchical Bi2O3 photoanodes for the photo-electro-oxidation of chlorinated phenols.
Thermoelectric Bi2Te3−xSex alloys for efficient thermal to electrical energy conversion
Authors: Meroz Omer , Gelbstein Yaniv
Published: January 2018

Eco-friendly renewable energy conversion methods are constantly investigated.
Size-dependent formation of membrane nanotubes: continuum modeling and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Tian Falin , Yue Tongtao , Dong Wei , Yi Xin , Zhang Xianren
Published: January 2018

With continuum theory and molecular dynamics simulations we demonstrated that the lipid membrane upon extraction exhibits size- and tension-dependent mechanical behaviors, and different structural lipid rearrangements in different leaflets.
Enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of C3N4/BiFeO3heterojunctions: the synergistic effects of band alignment and ferroelectricity
Authors: Deng Xian-Zhu , Song Chuang , Tong Yin-Lin , Yuan Guoliang , Gao Feng , Liu Dan-Qing , Zhang Shan-Tao
Published: January 2018

C3N4/BiFeO3heterojunction shows enhanced visible light photocatalytic efficiency.
Investigation of the water-stimulated Mg2+ insertion mechanism in an electrodeposited MnO2 cathode using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Sahadeo Emily , Song Jaehee , Gaskell Karen , Kim Nam , Rubloff Gary , Lee Sang Bok
Published: January 2018

In water-containing organic electrolyte, the charge storage of amorphous MnO2 combines Mg(OH)2 formation at the cathode surface and Mg insertion.
A synergic approach of X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy for crystal structure determination of 2,3-thienoimide capped oligothiophenes
Authors: Cappuccino C. , Mazzeo P. P. , Salzillo T. , Venuti E. , Giunchi A. , Della Valle R. G. , Brillante A. , Bettini C. , Melucci M. , Maini L.
Published: January 2018

This work presents a Raman based approach for the rapid identification of the molecular conformation in a series of new 2,3-thienoimide capped quaterthiophenes.
Process-morphology scaling relations quantify self-organization in capillary densified nanofiber arrays
Authors: Kaiser Ashley L. , Stein Itai Y. , Cui Kehang , Wardle Brian L.
Published: January 2018

Model-informed experiments reveal that cellular pattern formation in capillary-densified aligned carbon nanotube arrays is governed not only by their height, but also by substrate adhesion strength.
Giant spontaneous exchange bias obtained by tuning magnetic compensation in samarium ferrite single crystals
Authors: Wang Xiao-xiong , Gao Shang , Yan Xu , Li Qiang , Zhang Jun-cheng , Long Yun-ze , Ruan Ke-qing , Li Xiao-guang
Published: January 2018

A giant spontaneous exchange bias of 1 T of samarium ferrite single crystals was obtained by tuning magnetic compensation by temperature.
Theoretical investigations on the unsymmetrical effect of β-link Zn–porphyrin sensitizers on the performance for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Xie Miao , Bai Fu-Quan , Wang Jinjian , Zheng Yue-Qing , Lin Zhenyang
Published: January 2018

Dye sensitizers play an important role in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
7-Cyanoindole fluorescence as a local hydration reporter: application to probe the microheterogeneity of nine water-organic binary mixtures
Authors: Mukherjee Debopreeti , Ortiz Rodriguez Lilliana I. , Hilaire Mary Rose , Troxler Thomas , Gai Feng
Published: January 2018

The fluorescence intensity, lifetime and spectrum of 7-cyanaoindole sensitively depend on the amount of water in a series of binary solvent systems, indicating its utility as a hydration probe.
Relationship between lignocellulosic biomass dissolution and physicochemical properties of ionic liquids composed of 3-methylimidazolium cations and carboxylate anions
Authors: Moyer Preenaa , Smith Micholas Dean , Abdoulmoumine Nourredine , Chmely Stephen C. , Smith Jeremy C. , Petridis Loukas , Labbé Nicole
Published: January 2018

Experimental and simulation studies identify 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium formate as an efficient biomass solvent, mainly due to strong interactions with hemicellulose.
Energetics and dynamics of the non-natural fluorescent 4AP:DAP base pair
Authors: Chawla Mohit , Autiero Ida , Oliva Romina , Cavallo Luigi
Published: January 2018

Quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics methods are used to compare the non-natural 4AP–DAP base pair to natural base pairs.
A DFT study of the adsorption of short peptides on Mg and Mg-based alloy surfaces
Authors: Fang Zhe , Wang Jianfeng , Zhu Shijie , Yang Xiaofan , Jia Yu , Sun Qiang , Guan Shaokang
Published: January 2018

Adsorption of short peptides, including three dipeptides: Arg–Gly, Gly–Asp, Arg–Asp, and one tripeptide RGD, on the surfaces of Mg and Mg alloys (Mg–Zn, Mg–Y, and Mg–Nd), was studied using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), considering van der Waals (vdW) correction.
On the coordination of Zn2+ion in Tf2N−based ionic liquids: structural and dynamic properties depending on the nature of the organic cation
Authors: Sessa Francesco , Migliorati Valentina , Serva Alessandra , Lapi Andrea , Aquilanti Giuliana , Mancini Giordano , D'Angelo Paola
Published: January 2018

The Zn2+coordination structure changes when the Zn(Tf2N)2salt is dissolved in ionic liquids resulting in more favorable interactions among solvent cations and anions.
Formation of copper nanoparticles in LTL nanosized zeolite: spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Kharchenko A. , Zholobenko V. , Vicente A. , Fernandez C. , Vezin H. , De Waele V. , Mintova S.
Published: January 2018

The state of copper species stabilized in nanosized LTL zeolite subjected to various post-synthesis treatments was unveiled by a range of spectroscopic techniques.
On the H2interactions with transition metal adatoms supported on graphene: a systematic density functional study
Authors: Manadé Montserrat , Viñes Francesc , Gil Adrià , Illas Francesc
Published: January 2018

The attachment of H2to the full set of transition metal (TM) adatoms supported on graphene is studied by using density functional theory including dispersion, identifying physisorbed, Kubas, and dissociated states.
Pb3(SeO3)Br4: a new nonlinear optical material with enhanced SHG response designedviaan ion-substitution strategy
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Jiang Xingxing , Liu Hongming , Yang Lei , Lin Zheshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Meng Xianggao , Chen Xingguo , Qin Jingui
Published: January 2018

A new NLO material has been designedviaion-substitution from a similar structure. It shows an enhanced SHG response equalling to that of KH2PO4(KDP) and a high laser damage threshold of 67 MW cm−1.