bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanopore sequencing as a revolutionary diagnostic tool for porcine viral enteric disease complexes identifies porcine kobuvirus as an important enteric virus
Authors: Theuns Sebastiaan , Vanmechelen Bert , Bernaert Quinten , Deboutte Ward , Vandenhole Marilou , Beller Leen , Matthijnssens Jelle , Maes Piet , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: June 2018

Enteric diseases in swine are often caused by different pathogens and thus metagenomics are a useful tool for diagnostics. The capacities of nanopore sequencing for viral diagnostics were investigated here. First, cell culture-grown porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and rotavirus A were pooled and sequenced on a MinION. Reads were already detected at 7 seconds after start of sequencing, resulting in high sequencing depths (19.2 to 103.5X) after 3 h. Next, diarrheic feces of a one-week-old piglet was analyzed. Almost all reads (99%) belonged to bacteriophages, which may have reshaped the piglet’s microbiome. Contigs matched Bacteroides, Escherichia and Enterococcus phages. Moreover, porcine kobuvirus was discovered in the feces for the first time in Belgium. Suckling piglets shed kobuvirus from one week of age, but an association between peak of viral shedding (106.42–107.01 copies/swab) and diarrheic signs was not observed during a follow-up study. Retrospective analysis showed the widespread (n = 25, 56.8% positive) of genetically moderately related kobuviruses among Belgian diarrheic piglets. MinION enables rapid detection of enteric viruses. Such new methodologies will change diagnostics, but more extensive validations should be conducted. The true enteric pathogenicity of porcine kobuvirus should be questioned, while its subclinical importance cannot be excluded.
Creation of independently controllable multiple focal spots from segmented Pancharatnam-Berry phases
Authors: Li Peng , Guo Xuyue , Qi Shuxia , Han Lei , Zhang Yi , Liu Sheng , Li Yu , Zhao Jianlin
Published: June 2018

Recently, based on space-variant Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phases, various flat devices allowing abrupt changes of beam parameters have been predicted and demonstrated to implement intriguing manipulation on spin states in three dimensions, including the efficient generation of vector beams, spin Hall effect of light and light-guiding confinement, and so on. Here, we report on the construction of independently controllable multiple focal spots with different inhomogeneous polarization states by utilizing segmented PB phases. Combining the phase shift approach with PB phases, we engineer fan-shaped segmented PB phases and encode them onto two spin components that compose a hybrid polarized vector beam in a modified common-path interferometer system. Experimental results demonstrate that the fan-shaped segmented PB phase enables the flexible manipulation of focal number, array structure and polarization state of each focal spot. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this fan-shaped approach enables to flexibly tailor the polarization state and the spin angular momentum distribution of a tightly focused field, which have potential applications in optical manipulation, tailored optical response and imaging etc.
Circa 1 Ga sub-seafloor hydrothermal alteration imprinted on the Horoman peridotite massif
Authors: Ranaweera Lalindra V. , Ota Tsutomu , Moriguti Takuya , Tanaka Ryoji , Nakamura Eizo
Published: June 2018

The chemical compositions of the residues of the mantle melting that produces mid-ocean ridge basalt can be altered by fluid–rock interactions at spreading ridges and, possibly, during seawater penetration along bending-related faults in plates approaching trenches. This chemically modified rock, if subducted deeply and after long-term residence within the deep Earth, is a potential source of chemical heterogeneity in the mantle. Here, we demonstrate that peridotites from the Horoman massif preserve the chemical signatures of sub-seafloor hydrothermal (SSH) alteration at a mid-ocean ridge approximately one billion years ago. These rocks have evolved chemically subsequent to this SSH alteration; however, they retain the SSH-associated enrichments in fluid mobile elements and H2O despite their long-term residence within the mantle. Our results indicate that ancient SSH alteration resulting in the production of sulfide leads to Pb enrichment that could affect the present-day Pb isotopic evolution of the silicate earth. Evidence from the Horoman massif of the recycling of hydrous refractory domains into the mantle suggests that both the flux of H2O content into the mantle and the size of the mantle H2O reservoir are higher than have been estimated recently.
Gait Estimation from Anatomical Foot Parameters Measured by a Foot Feature Measurement System using a Deep Neural Network Model
Authors: Mun Kyung-Ryoul , Song Gyuwon , Chun Sungkuk , Kim Jinwook
Published: June 2018

An accurate and credible measurement of human gait is essential in multiple areas of medical science and rehabilitation. Yet, the methods currently available are not only arduous but also costly. Researchers who investigated the relationship between foot and gait parameters have found that the two parameters are closely interrelated and suggested that measuring foot characteristics can be an alternative to the strenuous quantification currently in use. This study aims to verify the potential of foot characteristics in predicting the actual gait temporo-spatial parameters and to develop a deep neural network (DNN) model that can estimate and quantify the gait temporo-spatial parameters from foot characteristics. The foot features in sitting, standing, and one-leg standing conditions of 42 subjects were used as the input data and gait temporo-spatial parameters at fast, normal, and slow speed were set as the output of the DNN regressor. With the prediction accuracy of 95% or higher, the feasibility of the developed model was verified. This study might be the first in attempting experimental verification of the foot features serving as predictors of individual gait. The DNN regressor will help researchers improve the data pool with less labor and expense when some limitations get properly overcome.
Human and Microbial Proteins From Corpora Amylacea of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pisa Diana , Alonso Ruth , Marina Ana Isabel , Rábano Alberto , Carrasco Luis
Published: June 2018

Corpora amylacea (CA) are spherical bodies mainly composed of polyglucans and, to a lesser extent, proteins. They are abundant in brains from patients with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Although CA were discovered many years ago, their precise origin and function remain obscure. CA from the insular cortex of two Alzheimer’s patients were purified and the protein composition was assessed by proteomic analysis. A number of microbial proteins were identified and fungal DNA was detected by nested PCR.A wide variety of human proteins form part of CA. In addition, we unequivocally demonstrated several fungal and bacterial proteins in purified CA. In addition to a variety of human proteins, CA also contain fungal and bacterial polypeptides.In conclusion, this paper suggests that the function of CA is to scavenge cellular debris provoked by microbial infections.
Crystallization of a human galectin-3 variant with two ordered segments in the shortened N-terminal tail
Authors: Flores-Ibarra Andrea , Vértesy Sabine , Medrano Francisco J. , Gabius Hans-Joachim , Romero Antonio
Published: June 2018

Among members of the family of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins, galectin-3 (Gal-3) bears a unique modular architecture. A N-terminal tail (NT) consisting of the N-terminal segment (NTS) and nine collagen-like repeats is linked to the canonical lectin domain. In contrast to bivalent proto- and tandem-repeat-type galectins, Gal-3 is monomeric in solution, capable to self-associate in the presence of bi- to multivalent ligands, and the NTS is involved in cellular compartmentalization. Since no crystallographic information on Gal-3 beyond the lectin domain is available, we used a shortened variant with NTS and repeats VII-IX. This protein crystallized as tetramers with contacts between the lectin domains. The region from Tyr101 (in repeat IX) to Leu114 (in the CRD) formed a hairpin. The NTS extends the canonical β-sheet of F1-F5 strands with two new β-strands on the F face. Together, crystallographic and SAXS data reveal a mode of intramolecular structure building involving the highly flexible Gal-3’s NT.
Utilization of lactic acid in human myotubes and interplay with glucose and fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Lund Jenny , Aas Vigdis , Tingstad Ragna H. , Van Hees Alfons , Nikolić Nataša
Published: June 2018

Once assumed only to be a waste product of anaerobe glycolytic activity, lactate is now recognized as an energy source in skeletal muscles. While lactate metabolism has been extensively studied in vivo, underlying cellular processes are poorly described. This study aimed to examine lactate metabolism in cultured human myotubes and to investigate effects of lactate exposure on metabolism of oleic acid and glucose. Lactic acid, fatty acid and glucose metabolism were studied in myotubes using [14C(U)]lactic acid, [14C]oleic acid and [14C(U)]glucose, respectively. Myotubes expressed both the MCT1, MCT2, MCT3 and MCT4 lactate transporters, and lactic acid was found to be a substrate for both glycogen synthesis and lipid storage. Pyruvate and palmitic acid inhibited lactic acid oxidation, whilst glucose and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid inhibited lactic acid uptake. Acute addition of lactic acid inhibited glucose and oleic acid oxidation, whereas oleic acid uptake was increased. Pretreatment with lactic acid for 24 h did not affect glucose or oleic acid metabolism. By replacing glucose with lactic acid during the whole culturing period, glucose uptake and oxidation were increased by 2.8-fold and 3-fold, respectively, and oleic acid oxidation was increased 1.4-fold. Thus, lactic acid has an important role in energy metabolism of human myotubes.
Estimation of intraocular lens position from full crystalline lens geometry: towards a new generation of intraocular lens power calculation formulas
Authors: Martinez-Enriquez Eduardo , Pérez-Merino Pablo , Durán-Poveda Sonia , Jiménez-Alfaro Ignacio , Marcos Susana
Published: June 2018

In a cataract surgery, the opacified crystalline lens is replaced by an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). To optimize the visual quality after surgery, the intraocular lens to be implanted must be selected preoperatively for every individual patient. Different generations of formulas have been proposed for selecting the intraocular lens dioptric power as a function of its estimated postoperative position. However, very few formulas include crystalline lens information, in most cases only one-dimensional. The present study proposes a new formula to preoperatively estimate the postoperative IOL position (ELP) based on information of the 3-dimensional full shape of the crystalline lens, obtained from quantitative eye anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging. Real patients were measured before and after cataract surgery (IOL implantation). The IOL position and the postoperative refraction estimation errors were calculated by subtracting the preoperative estimations from the actual values measured after surgery. The proposed ELP formula produced lower estimation errors for both parameters -ELP and refraction- than the predictions obtained with standard state-of-the-art methods, and opens new avenues to the development of new generation IOL power calculation formulas that improve refractive and visual outcomes.
Thermal blanketing by ivy (Hedera helix L.) can protect building stone from damaging frosts
Authors: Coombes Martin A. , Viles Heather A. , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2018

The impact of plants growing on buildings remains controversial, especially for vulnerable historic walls and ruins requiring on-going conservation. English ivy (Hedera helix L.) can cause considerable damage where it is able to grow into deteriorating masonry, yet in some circumstances it may be protective. Here we focus on the potential of ivy to buffer damaging thermal cycles and frost events that can contribute to the deterioration of masonry materials. On limestone masonry test walls in central Southern England (Wytham near Oxford, UK), ivy foliage had a significant influence on stone-surface freezing regimes. Over two successive winters (2012/13 and 2013/14) the frequency of freezing events under ivy was reduced on average by 26%, their duration by 34% and their severity by 32%. A subsequent laboratory simulation showed that stone mass loss, surface softening, and textural development were all significantly reduced under an ‘ivy covered’ thermal regime. Cautious extrapolation indicates that ivy can reduce frost-driven granular-scale decay of limestone by the order of 30 g m−2 yr−1, depending on the local freezing regime. Whilst the capacity of ivy to cause damage should not be underplayed, vertical greenery can aid heritage conservation efforts by mitigating specific environmental threats.
Alteration of circulating natural autoantibodies to CD25-derived peptide antigens and FOXP3 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Huan , Zhang Xuan , Han Zhifeng , Xie Wenjing , Yang Wei , Wei Jun
Published: June 2018

Natural autoantibody is a key component for immune surveillance function. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play indispensable roles in promoting tumorigenesis via immune escape mechanisms. Both CD25 and FOXP3 are specific markers for Treg cells and their natural autoantibodies may be involved in anticancer activities. This work was designed to develop an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to examine plasma natural IgG against CD25 and FOXP3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared with control subjects, NSCLC patients had significantly higher levels of plasma IgG for CD25a (Z = −8.05,P < 0.001) and FOXP3 (Z = −4.17,P < 0.001), lower levels for CD25b (Z = −3.58,P < 0.001), and a trend toward lower levels for CD25c (Z = −1.70,P = 0.09). Interestingly, the anti-CD25b IgG assay had a sensitivity of 25.0% against a specificity of 95.0% in an early stage patients (T1N0M0) who showed the lowest anti-CD25b IgG levels among 4 subgroups classified based on staging information. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high anti-FOXP3 IgG levels had shorter survival than those with low anti-FOXP3 IgG levels (χ2 = 3.75,P = 0.05). In conclusion, anti-CD25b IgG may be a promising biomarker in terms of screening individuals at high risk of lung cancer.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors and their relationships with renal function in Chinese centenarians
Authors: Fu Shihui , Yao Yao , Luan Fuxin , Zhao Yali
Published: June 2018

As the first time, this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors and explore their relationships with renal function in Chinese centenarians. China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study was performed in 18 cities and counties of Hainan Province. Home interview, physical examination and blood analysis were performed in 874 centenarians following standard procedures. Prevalence of MetS was 15.6% (136 centenarians). There were 229 centenarians with abdominal obesity (26.2%), 645 centenarians (73.8%) with hypertension, 349 centenarians with dyslipidemia (39.9%) and 92 centenarians with diabetes mellitus (10.5%). In multivariate linear regression, age, smoking, waist circumstance (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and triglyceride levels were inversely and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels were positively associated with glomerular filtration rate levels (P < 0.05 for all). This study reported low prevalence of MetS risk factors and demonstrated that age, smoking, abdominal obesity (WC), hypertension (SBP and DBP) and triglyceride levels were independently associated with renal function in Chinese centenarians. This study provided reliable data about Chinese centenarians, analyzed significant relationships between Mets risk factors and renal function, and explained possible reason (low prevalence of MetS and its risk factors) and mechanism (interrelationship of age, Mets risk factors with renal function) of longevity.
De novo genome assembly of Oryza granulata reveals rapid genome expansion and adaptive evolution
Authors: Wu Zhigang , Fang Dongming , Yang Rui , Gao Fei , An Xingyu , Zhuo Xiaoxuan , Li Yafei , Yi Chuandeng , Zhang Tao , Liang Chengzhi , Cui Peng , Cheng Zhukuan , Luo Qiong
Published: June 2018

The wild relatives of rice have adapted to different ecological environments and constitute a useful reservoir of agronomic traits for genetic improvement. Here we present the ~777 Mb de novo assembled genome sequence ofOryza granulata. Recent bursts of long-terminal repeat retrotransposons, especiallyRIRE2, led to a rapid twofold increase in genome size afterO. granulataspeciation. Universal centromeric tandem repeats are absent within its centromeres, whilegypsy-type LTRs constitute the main centromere-specific repetitive elements. A total of 40,116 protein-coding genes were predicted inO. granulata, which is close to that ofOryza sativa. Both the copy number and function of genes involved in photosynthesis and energy production have undergone positive selection during the evolution ofO. granulata, which might have facilitated its adaptation to the low light habitats. Together, our findings reveal the rapid genome expansion, distinctive centromere organization, and adaptive evolution ofO. granulata.
Modification of oligodeoxynucleotides by on-column Suzuki cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Ejlersen Maria , Lou Chenguang , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Tor Yitzhak , Wengel Jesper
Published: June 2018

Base-free Pd-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions as a convenient strategy for postsynthetic on-column modification of oligodeoxynucleotides.
Towards a sustainable synthesis of amides: chemoselective palladium-catalysed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Messa Francesco , Perrone Serena , Capua Martina , Tolomeo Francesco , Troisi Luigino , Capriati Vito , Salomone Antonio
Published: June 2018

A Pd-catalysed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides has been first achieved in environmentally responsible and recyclable deep eutectic solvents.
Periodic and nonperiodic chiral self-assembled networks from 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid on Ag(111)
Authors: Lipton-Duffin Joshua , Abyazisani Maryam , MacLeod Jennifer
Published: June 2018

An activated reaction can lead to a diversity of intermolecular bonding motifs through partially-reacted molecules.
Synergetic effect of H and He impurities in Ti3AlC2: first principles calculations
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Wang Canglong , Zhu Xiaolu , Liu Jitao , Zhang Xingming , Gou Xueqiang , Duan Wenshan , Yang Lei
Published: June 2018

First principles calculations have been performed to investigate the synergetic effect of H and He impurities with vacancies in Ti3AlC2.
A facile synthesis of segmented silver nanowires and enhancement of the performance of polymer solar cells
Authors: Wei You , Zhang Qi-lun , Wan Hui-jun , Zhang Ying-nan , Zheng Shu-wen , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2018

Segmented AgNWs synthesized by a polyol method at a suitable reaction temperature and time were blended into PEDOT:PSS hole transporting layers to enhance the performance of polymer solar cells.
X-Ray scattering and physicochemical studies of trialkylamine/carboxylic acid mixtures: nanoscale structure in pseudoprotic ionic liquids and related solutions
Authors: Kobrak Mark N. , Yager Kevin G.
Published: June 2018

We use X-ray scattering and physical measurements to observe the spontaneous formation of nanoscale structure in water-saturated trialkylamine/carboxylic acid mixtures.
Contagious degradation of a chemically active surface on the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Fangtian , Yuan Zhengqiu , Yang Tao , Qian Bin
Published: June 2018

A new physicochemical model has been built based on the contagious degradation of the chemically active surface to study the quantitative behavior and unravel the mechanism of the decrease in the durability of lithium-ion batteries.
Engineering and modeling the effect of Mg doping in TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to fuels
Authors: Olowoyo Joshua O. , Kumar Manoj , Singhal Nikita , Jain Suman L. , Babalola Jonathan O. , Vorontsov Alexander V. , Kumar Umesh
Published: June 2018

The synthesized Mg-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are superior photocatalysts for CO2 reduction. Most energetically profitable doping is obtained for sites by the use of quantum chemical computations.
Nitrogen-enriched carbon spheres coupled with graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Jun , Kong Lirong , Shen Xiaoping , Zhou Hu , Zhu Guoxing , Ji Zhenyuan , Xu Keqiang , Shah Sayyar Ali
Published: June 2018

A facile two-step method is proposed to synthesize g-CN/NCS composites, which exhibit an excellent electrochemical performance in clean energy storage devices.
Geometric distortions in nickel (oxy)hydroxide electrocatalysts by redox inactive iron ions
Authors: Smith Rodney D. L. , Pasquini Chiara , Loos Stefan , Chernev Petko , Klingan Katharina , Kubella Paul , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , González-Flores Diego , Dau Holger
Published: June 2018

Iron is observed to induce geometric distortions in oxidized nickel oxyhydroxide that activate the material for the oxygen evolution reaction.
One-pot synthesis of dispersible thermally stable organic downconversion materials under DBU catalyzation for high performance hybrid-LED lamps
Authors: He Junjie , Yang Shixing , Zheng Kai , Zhang Youming , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: June 2018

Hybrid white LED lamps with high Ra (92) and efficiency (82 lm W−1) are reported. Using remote downconversion structure realizes 85% fluorescence remaining after 2870 h aging.
Metal analysis in polymers using tandem LA-ICP-MS/LIBS: eliminating matrix effects using multivariate calibration
Authors: Bonta Maximilian , Limbeck Andreas
Published: June 2018

Multivariate calibration using combined LIBS and LA-ICP-MS data allows overcoming matrix effects.
Atomic Spectrometry Update: review of advances in elemental speciation
Authors: Clough Robert , Harrington Chris F. , Hill Steve J. , Madrid Yolanda , Tyson Julian F.
Published: June 2018

This review covers advances in elemental speciation by a range of coupled techniques, including HPLC-ICP-MS, HPLC-HG-AFS and GC-ICP-MS.
A supramolecular host–guest complex for heparin binding and sensing
Authors: Välimäki Salla , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Linko Veikko , Ras Robin H. A. , Kostiainen Mauri A.
Published: June 2018

A cationic pillararene-dye host–guest complex capable of heparin binding and sensing is presented.
Chitosan-templated Pt nanocatalyst loaded mesoporous SnO2 nanofibers: a superior chemiresistor toward acetone molecules
Authors: Jeong Yong Jin , Koo Won-Tae , Jang Ji-Soo , Kim Dong-Ha , Cho Hee-Jin , Kim Il-Doo
Published: June 2018

In this work, we introduce a chitosan–Pt complex (CS–Pt) as an effective template for catalytic Pt sensitization and creation of abundant mesopores in SnO2 nanofibers (NFs).
Hexacene generated on passivated silicon
Authors: Eisenhut Frank , Krüger Justus , Skidin Dmitry , Nikipar Seddigheh , Alonso José M. , Guitián Enrique , Pérez Dolores , Ryndyk Dmitry A. , Peña Diego , Moresco Francesca , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: June 2018

On-surface generation of hexacene by surface-assisted reduction on a H-passivated Si(001) surface.
CeO2−x nanorods with intrinsic urease-like activity
Authors: Korschelt K. , Schwidetzky R. , Pfitzner F. , Strugatchi J. , Schilling C. , von der Au M. , Kirchhoff K. , Panthöfer M. , Lieberwirth I. , Tahir M. N. , Hess C. , Meermann B. , Tremel W.
Published: June 2018

CeO2−x nanorods mimic the reactions of native urease with an activity comparable to that of native jack bean urease.
Luminescence phenomena of carbon dots derived from citric acid and urea – a molecular insight
Authors: Kasprzyk Wiktor , Świergosz Tomasz , Bednarz Szczepan , Walas Karolina , Bashmakova Natalia V. , Bogdał Dariusz
Published: June 2018

Elucidation of the molecular origins of the green and blue fluorescence of CDs derived from citric acid and urea.
The aerolysin nanopore: from peptidomic to genomic applications
Authors: Wang Yong , Gu Li-Qun , Tian Kai
Published: June 2018

The aerolysin pore (ARP) is a newly emerging nanopore that is richly charged, extensively used for peptide and protein sensing, as well as DNA sensing by different mechanisms.
Rapid cationic defect and anion dual-regulated layered double hydroxides for efficient water oxidation
Authors: Huang Liangliang , Chen Ru , Xie Chao , Chen Chen , Wang Yanyong , Zeng Yifan , Chen Dawei , Wang Shuangyin
Published: June 2018

Rapid Al3+ defect and S2− dual-regulated CoAl LDHs were realized via a modified water DBD plasma treatment, achieving efficient water oxidation.
Recent advances in the annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts
Authors: Zhong Neng-Jun , Wang Yi-Zhan , Cheng Liang , Wang Dong , Liu Li
Published: June 2018

In this review, we summarize some of the most recent advances in the construction of cyclic compounds from the annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts, which have demonstrated their importance by possessing diverse functional groups.
Copper-catalyzed oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 2H-chromenes and terminal alkynes
Authors: Yang Fei , Li Yangshan , Floreancig Paul E. , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Lei
Published: June 2018

A practical cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 2H-chromenes with terminal alkynes is described.
Palladium-catalyzed selective synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinazolines from electron-rich arylamines, electron-poor arylamines and glyoxalates
Authors: Wu Chao , Wang Jie , Zhang Xing-Yu , Jia Guo-Kai , Cao Zhong , Tang Zilong , Yu Xianyong , Xu Xinhua , He Wei-Min
Published: June 2018

Palladium-catalyzed selective synthesis of various 3,4-dihydroquinazolines from electron-rich arylamines, electron-poor arylamines and glyoxalates was developed.
An elusive thermal [2 + 2] cycloaddition driven by visible light photocatalysis: tapping into strain to access C2-symmetric tricyclic rings
Authors: Singh Kamaljeet , Trinh Winston , Weaver Jimmie D.
Published: June 2018

A mild and operationally simple methodology is reported for the synthesis of cyclobutane rings imbedded within a C2-symmetric tricyclic framework.
Disulphide crosslinked star block copolypeptide hydrogels: influence of block sequence order on hydrogel properties
Authors: Murphy Robert D. , in het Panhuis Marc , Cryan Sally-Ann , Heise Andreas
Published: June 2018

Strong redox responsive hydrogels with mechanical properties depending on the positioning of oligo(cysteine) within the star polypeptides were obtained.
CuAAC click chemistry: a versatile approach towards PVDF-based block copolymers
Authors: Terzic I. , Meereboer N. L. , Loos K.
Published: June 2018

Functionalized benzoyl peroxide-initiated polymerization of vinylidene fluoride allows straightforward preparation of PVDF-based block copolymers with an appealing crystallization behavior.
Theoretical studies on the chiral polyoxoanions [P2Mo18O62]6− and [PMo9O31(OH2)3]3− with histidine: chiral inversion and chiral induction
Authors: Liu Kun , Wu Caixia , Yan Likai , Tan Huaqiao , Su Zhongmin
Published: June 2018

Theoretical studies on the chiral polyoxoanions [P2Mo18O62]6− and [PMo9O31(OH2)3]3− with histidine: Chiral inversion and chiral induction.
Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of anticancer and antioxidant compounds from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino
Authors: Wang Tian-Xing , Shi Man-Man , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: June 2018

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a medicinal and edible plant in China whose buds and leaves are used for making a popular kind of tea drink.
Highly diastereoselective synthesis of tricyclic fused-pyrans by sequential hydride shift mediated double C(sp3)–H bond functionalization
Authors: Mori Keiji , Umehara Nobuaki , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: June 2018

Highly diastereoselective synthesis of tricyclic fused-pyrans was achieved by Brønsted acid catalyzed double C(sp3)–H bond functionalization.
Enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of furan with α-ketimino esters induced by a conjugated double hydrogen bond network of chiral bis(phosphoric acid) catalysts
Authors: Hatano Manabu , Okamoto Haruka , Kawakami Taro , Toh Kohei , Nakatsuji Hidefumi , Sakakura Akira , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: June 2018

Chiral C2- and C1-symmetric BINOL-derived bis(phosphoric acid) catalysts facilitated the enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2-methoxyfuran with α-ketimino esters.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from neutral aqueous solution by a water-soluble cobalt(ii) porphyrin
Authors: Beyene Belete B. , Hung Chen-Hsiung
Published: June 2018

Efficient storage of solar energy via light-driven hydrogen evolution is an attractive and promising strategy to address challenges related to increasing global energy demand.
Charge regulating macro-ions in salt solutions: screening properties and electrostatic interactions
Authors: Avni Yael , Markovich Tomer , Podgornik Rudolf , Andelman David
Published: June 2018

We revisit the charge-regulation mechanism of macro-ions and apply it to mobile macro-ions in a bathing salt solution.
Efficient photocatalytic oxidation sensitized by conjugated polymers in a batch reaction and microreactors under visible light
Authors: Li Anqi , Tan Chunyan , Yuan Tianying , Liang Jiamei , Gao Dan , Tan Ying , Jiang Yuyang
Published: June 2018

Conjugated polymer photosensitized oxidation of α-terpinene in a batch reaction and different microreactors including mono- and dual-channel, and polymer-coated dual-channel microreactors was studied.
Sustainable, recyclable and robust elastomers enabled by exchangeable interfacial cross-linking
Authors: Qiu Min , Wu Siwu , Fang Shifeng , Tang Zhenghai , Guo Baochun
Published: June 2018

Sustainable, recyclable and robust elastomers are prepared via the construction of exchangeable ester linkages between natural rubber and carbon black.
Pomegranate-like microclusters organized by ultrafine Co nanoparticles@nitrogen-doped carbon subunits as sulfur hosts for long-life lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Zhian , Yan Xiaolin , Xu Ming , Chen Yuxiang , Li Junming , Li Jie , Zhang Kai , Lai Yanqing
Published: June 2018

Long-term cycling stability of 80S/Co-NPC-MCs electrode at 1 and 2C and the schematic of the trapping effect of sulfur and PSs in Co-NPC-MCs.
Novel photoactivation and solar-light-driven thermocatalysis on ε-MnO2 nanosheets lead to highly efficient catalytic abatement of ethyl acetate without acetaldehyde as unfavorable by-product
Authors: Yang Yi , Li Yuanzhi , Zhang Qian , Zeng Min , Wu Shaowen , Lan Lan , Zhao Xiujian
Published: June 2018

ε-MnO2 nanosheets exhibit excellent photothermocatalytic performance promoted by a novel photoactivation without unfavorable by-product of acetaldehyde for abatement of ethyl acetate under UV-vis-IR irradiation.
A heterogenized Ni-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework to guide efficient trapping and catalytic conversion of polysulfides for greatly improved lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Wang Zhenhua , Jiang Taizhi , Dong Chen , Mao Zhu , Lu Chengyi , Sun Wang , Sun Kening
Published: June 2018

Ni-Doped ZIF-8 (Ni-ZIF-8) not only restrains the shuttling of LiPSs by chemical adsorption but also facilitates the redox reaction kinetics.
“Click-chemical” modification of cellulose acetate nanofibers: a versatile platform for biofunctionalization
Authors: Dong Yishi , Lu Xiaowen , Wang Peixi , Liu Wenying , Zhang Shuxiang , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: June 2018

We demonstrated a platform for the biofunctionalization of cellulose acetate nanofibers using a new type of click chemistry, namely “sulfur(vi)–fluoride exchange reaction”.
Synthesis of dual-functional Ag/Au nanoparticles based on the decreased cavitating rate under alkaline conditions and the colorimetric detection of mercury(ii) and lead(ii)
Authors: Xing Ting-Yang , Zhao Jing , Weng Guo-Jun , Li Jian-Jun , Zhu Jian , Zhao Jun-Wu
Published: June 2018

Synthesis of Ag/Au core–shell nanoparticles with two LSPR modes and the specific detection of Hg2+and Pb2+.
Design of novel graphdiyne-based materials with large second-order nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Li Xiaojun
Published: June 2018

A series of graphdiyne-based nonlinear optical materials were theoretically designed through adsorbing alkali metals (Li, Na, K) on a largely delocalized π-conjugated graphdiyne surface, and the K3@GDY cluster has a significantly enhanced first hyperpolarizability of ∼1.61 × 105 a.u.
Carbon nanotube-based flexible electronics
Authors: Xiang Li , Zhang Heng , Hu Youfan , Peng Lian-Mao
Published: June 2018

A review of CNT-based high-performance flexible ICs, including the recent progresses of this technology and emerging implementation of this technology in system-level applications.
Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in pain treatment
Authors: Kumar Raj
Published: June 2018

Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent molecule known to mankind. A neurotoxin, with high affinity for cholinergic synapse, is effectively capable of inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. On the other hand, botulinum toxin is therapeutically used for several musculoskeletal disorders. Although most of the therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin is due to temporary skeletal muscle relaxation (mainly due to inhibition of the acetylcholine release), other effects on the nervous system are also investigated. One of the therapeutically investigated areas of the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the treatment of pain. At present, it is used for several chronic pain diseases, such as myofascial syndrome, headaches, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Although the effect of botulinum toxin in pain is mainly due to its effect on cholinergic transmission in the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, research suggests that botulinum toxin can also provide benefits related to effects on cholinergic control of cholinergic nociceptive and antinociceptive systems. Furthermore, evidence suggests that botulinum toxin can also affect central nervous system (CNS). In summary, botulinum toxin holds great potential for pain treatments. It may be also useful for the pain treatments where other methods are ineffective with no side effect(s). Further studies will establish the exact analgesic mechanisms, efficacy, and complication of botulinum toxin in chronic pain disorders, and to some extent acute pain disorders.
Dissecting star formation in the “Atoms-for-Peace” galaxy
Authors: George K. , Joseph P , Côté P. , Ghosh S. K. , Hutchings J. B. , Mohan R. , Postma J. , Sankarasubramanian K. , Sreekumar P. , Stalin C. S. , Subramaniam A. , Tandon S. N.
Published: June 2018

Context. The tidal tails of post-merger galaxies exhibit ongoing star formation far from their disks. The study of such systems can be useful for our understanding of gas condensation in diverse environments. Aims. The ongoing star formation in the tidal tails of post-merger galaxies can be directly studied from ultraviolet (UV) imaging observations.

Methods. The post merger galaxy NGC7252 (“Atoms-for-Peace” galaxy) is observed with the Astrosat UV imaging telescope (UVIT) in broadband NUV and FUV filters to isolate the star-forming regions in the tidal tails and study the spatial variation in star formation rates.

Results. Based on ultraviolet imaging observations, we discuss star-forming regions of ages <200 Myr in the tidal tails. We measure star formation rates in these regions and in the main body of the galaxy. The integrated star formation rate (SFR) of NGC7252 (i.e., that in the galaxy and tidal tails combined) without correcting for extinction is found to be 0.81 ± 0.01 M⊙ yr−1. We show that the integrated SFR can change by an order of magnitude if the extinction correction used in SFR derived from other proxies are taken into consideration. The star formation rates in the associated tidal dwarf galaxies (NGC7252E, SFR = 0.02 M⊙ yr−1 and NGC7252NW, SFR = 0.03 M⊙ yr−1) are typical of dwarf galaxies in the local Universe. The spatial resolution of the UV images reveals a gradient in star formation within the tidal dwarf galaxy. The star formation rates show a dependence on the distance from the centre of the galaxy. This can be due to the different initial conditions responsible for the triggering of star formation in the gas reservoir that was expelled during the recent merger in NGC7252.
Unlocking the secrets of the midplane gas and dust distribution in the young hybrid disc HD 141569
Authors: Miley J. M. , Panić O. , Wyatt M. , Kennedy G. M.
Published: June 2018

Context. HD 141569 is a pre-main sequence star with a disc uniquely placed between protoplanetary and debris discs, similar to the older “hybrid” type discs.

Aims. This work aims to place the mass and spatial structure of the disc midplane in the context of the debris, hybrid and protoplanetary discs.

Methods. We observed HD 141569 with ALMA in 1.3 mm continuum and 13CO (2-1). This is the first detection and image of the optically thin gas emission from the midplane of this disc.

Results. In continuum emission, we detect a combination of an unresolved central peak and a ring of millimetre emission at 220 ± 10 au, slightly interior to one of the rings discovered in scattered light. The minimum dust mass of the ring is 0.13 ± 0.02 M⊕ while the unresolved millimetre peak at the stellar location is predominantly thermal emission due to a minimum of 1.2 ± 0.2 M⊕ of dust. 13CO is distributed asymmetrically around the stellar position with a peak at 1ʺ̣1 distance and a PA of −33°. The gas is detected as far as 220 ± 10 au, a radial separation the same as that of the mm ring. Assuming optically thin emission and standard ISM abundances, we used our 13CO data to derive the gas mass in the disc of (6.0 ± 0.9) × 10−4M⊙. Comparison to published 12CO data shows that 12CO is optically thick, explaining why estimates based on 12CO underestimated the gas mass.
The kaonic atoms research program at DAΦNE: from SIDDHARTA to SIDDHARTA-2
Authors: Scordo A. , Amirkhani A. , Bazzi M. , Bellotti G. , Berucci C. , Bosnar D. , Bragadireanu A.M. , Cargnelli M. , Curceanu C. , Dawood Butt A. , Del Grande R. , Fabbietti L. , Fiorini C. , Ghio F. , Guaraldo C. , Hayano R.S. , Iliescu M. , Iwasaki M. , Levi Sandri P. , Marton J. , Miliucci M. , Moskal P. , Pietreanu D. , Piscicchia K. , Shi H. , Silarski M. , Sirghi D. , Sirghi F. , Skurzok M. , Spallone A. , Tatsuno H. , Vazquez Doce O. , Widmann E. , Zmeskal J.
Published: June 2018

The interaction of antikaons with nucleons and nuclei in the low-energy regime represents an active research field in hadron physics with still many important open questions. The investigation of light kaonic atoms, in which one electron is replaced by a negatively charged kaon, is a unique tool to provide precise information on this interaction; the energy shift and the broadening of the low-lying states of such atoms, induced by the kaon-nucleus hadronic interaction, can be determined with high precision from the atomic X-ray spectroscopy, and this experimental method provides unique information to understand the low energy kaon-nucleus interaction at the production threshold. The lightest atomic systems, like the kaonic hydrogen and the kaonic deuterium deliver, in a model-independent way, the isospin-dependent kaon-nucleon scattering lengths. The most precise kaonic hydrogen measurement to-date, together with an exploratory measurement of kaonic deuterium, were carried out in 2009 by the SIDDHARTA collaboration at the DAΦNE electron-positron collider of LNF-INFN, combining the excellent quality kaon beam delivered by the collider with new experimental techniques, as fast and very precise X-ray detectors, like the Silicon Drift Detectors. The SIDDHARTA results triggered new theoretical work, which achieved major progress in the understanding of the low-energy strong interaction with strangeness reflected by the antikaon-nucleon scattering lengths calculated with the antikaon-proton amplitudes constrained by the SIDDHARTA data. The most important open question is the experimental determination of the hadronic energy shift and width of kaonic deuterium; presently, a major upgrade of the setup, SIDDHARTA-2, is being realized to reach this goal. In this paper, the results obtained in 2009 and the proposed SIDDHARTA-2 upgrades are presented.
Low energy interaction studies of negative kaons in light nuclear targets by AMADEUS
Authors: Piscicchia K. , Bazzi M. , Belloti G. , Bragadireanu A. M. , Bosnar D. , Butt A. D. , Cargnelli M. , Curceanu C. , Del Grande R. , De Paolis L. , Fabbietti L. , Fiorini C. , Ghio F. , Guaraldo C. , Hayano R. S , Iliescu M. , Iwasaki M. , Levi Sandri P. , Marton J. , Miliucci M. , Moskal P. , Okada S. , Pietreanu D. , Scordo A. , Silarski M. , Sirghi D. L. , Sirghi F. , Skurzok M. , Spallone A. , Vazquez Doce O. , Widmann E. , Wycech S. , Zmeskal J.
Published: June 2018

The AMADEUS collaboration is performing experimental investigations in the sector of the low energy strangeness hadron physics by taking advantage of the DAΦNE collider, which provides a unique source of monochromatic low-momentum kaons and exploiting the KLOE detector as an active target. The K− single and multi-nuclear absorption on H, 4He, 9Be and 12C, both at-rest and in-flight, are studied with the aim to determine the nature of the controversial Λ(1405), the non-resonant hyperon pion formation amplitude below the K̅N threshold, the yield and cross sections of K− multi-nucleon absorptions intimately connected to the antikaon multi-nucleon clusters properties and the K− scattering cross sections on light nuclear targets.

These studies have a strong impact on the non-perturbative strangeness QCD with implications ranging from nuclear physics to the equation of state of neutron stars.
Kaonic deuterium and low-energy antikaon-nucleon interaction
Authors: Horiuchi Wataru , Hyodo Tetsuo , Weise Wolfram
Published: June 2018

A new evaluation of the 1s level shift and width of kaonic deuterium is presented based on an accurate K̅ NN three-body calculation, using as input a realistic antikaon-nucleon interaction constrained by the SIDDHARTA kaonic hydrogen data. The three-body Schrödinger equation is solved with a superposition of a large number of correlated Gaussian basis functions extending over distance scales up to several hundred fm. The resulting energy shift and width of the kaonic deuterium 1s level are △E ≃ 0:67 keV and Γ ≃ 1.02 keV, with estimated uncertainties at the 10 % level.
Search for time-reversal-invariance violation in double polarized antiproton-deuteron scattering
Authors: Uzikov Yuriy , Haidenbauer Johann
Published: June 2018

Apart from the pd reaction also the scattering of antiprotons with transversal polarization PPY on deuterons with tensor polarization Pxz provides a null-test signal for time-reversal-invariance violating but parity conserving effects. Assuming that the time-reversal-invariance violating N̅N interaction contains the same operator structure as the NN interaction, we discuss the energy dependence of the null-test signal in p̅d scattering on the basis of a calculation within the spin-dependent Glauber theory at beam energies of 50-300 MeV.
Studies of discrete symmetries in decays of positronium atoms
Authors: Czerwiński Eryk , Curceanu Catalina , Dulski Kamil , Gajos Aleksander , Gorgol Marek , Heczko Andrzej , Hiesmayr Beatrix C. , Jasińska Bożena , Kisielewska Daria , Korcyl Grzegorz , Korzeniak Bartłomiej , Kowalski Paweł , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Kubicz Ewelina , Migdał Wojciech , Mohammed Muhsin , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Pawlik-Niedźwiecka Monika , Raczyński Lech , Raj Juhi , Rudy Zbigniew , Sharma Sushil , Shivani Shivani , Shopa Roman Y. , Silarski Michał , Skurzok Magdalena , Wiślicki Wojciech , Zgardzińska Bożena , Zieliński Marcin , Moskal Paweł
Published: June 2018

A positronium - a bound state of electron and positron - is an eigenstate of parity and charge conjugation operators which decays into photons. It is a unique laboratory to study discrete symmetries whose precision is limited, in principle, by the effects due to the weak interactions expected at the level of 10−14 and photon-photon interactions expected at the level of 10−9.

The Jagiellonian Positron Emission Tomograph (J-PET) is a detector for medical imaging as well as for physics studies involving detection of electronpositron annihilation into photons. The physics case covers the areas of discrete symmetries studies and genuine multipartite entanglement. The J-PET detector has high angular and time resolution and allows for determination of spin of the positronium and the momenta and polarization vectors of annihilation quanta. In this article, we present the potential of the J-PET system for studies of discrete symmetries in decays of positronium atoms.
Dalitz Plot Analysis of Three-body Charmonium Decays at BABAR
Authors: Palano Antimo
Published: June 2018

We present results on the measurement of the I=½ Kπ S-wave through a model independent partial wave analysis of ηc decays to K0sK+π− and K+K−π0 produced in two-photon interactions. We also perform Dalitz plot analyses of the J/Ψ decays to π+π−π0, K+K−π0 and K0sK±π∓ produced in the initial state radiation process.
Production of Hypernuclei by Antiprotons
Authors: Lenske Horst , Larionov Alexei
Published: June 2018

The production of hypernuclei is investigated for p̅+A→Λ‾+ΛA reactions in a covariant meson exchange approach. Besides the conventional pseudo-scalar (K) and vector (K*) channels, we study for the first time also contributions from the correlated πK scalar channel, described by the k/K*0 meson. Initial and final state interactions are considered by eikonal theory. The total and angular differential cross sections of the coherent process p̅+AZ→ΛA(Z−1)+Λ̅ are evaluated at the beam momenta 1:5…20 GeV/c within the meson exchange model with bound proton and Λ-hyperon wave functions. It is shown that the shape of the beam momentum dependence of the hypernucleus production cross sections with various discrete Λ states is strongly sensitive to the presence of the scalar k meson exchange in the p̅p→Λ̅Λ amplitude. This can be used as a clean test of the exchange by scalar πK correlation in coherent p̅A reactions.
Antinucleon-nucleon interaction in chiral effective field theory
Authors: Haidenbauer Johann
Published: June 2018

A study of the antinucleon-nucleon interaction within chiral effective theory is presented. This novel approach suggested by Weinberg for investigating nucleon-nucleon interaction can be adapted straightforwardly to the antinucleon-system. The antinucleon-nucleon potential is derived up to next-to-next-to-next-order in the chiral expansion. The low-energy constants associated with arising contact interactions are fixed by a fit to phase shifts and inelasticities provided by a recently published phase-shift analysis of antiproton-proton scattering data. Theachieved description of the antinucleon-nucleon amplitudes is excellent and of a qualitycomparable to the one found in case of the nucleon-nucleon interaction at the same order.
A New Silicon Drift Detector For Kaonic Deuterium Measurements: On behalf of the E57 collaboration at J-PARC
Authors: Trippl Carina , Zmeskal Johann
Published: June 2018

The interaction of antikaons with nucleons and nuclei in the lowenergy regime is a very active research field in hadron physics. Specially, the antikaon-nucleon interaction close to threshold provides crucial information on the interplay between spontaneous and explicit chiral symmetry breaking in low-energy QCD and touching one of the fundamental problems in hadron physic today - the still unsolved question of how hadron masses are generated. To study this problem, we have developed a new X–ray detector system and constructed an experimental apparatus to measure the kaonic deuterium 1s ground state shift and width with an accuracy of 60 eV and 140 eV, respectively.