bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome and proteome analysis reveal new insight into proximal and distal responses of wheat to foliar infection by Xanthomonas translucens
Authors: Garcia-Seco D. , Chiapello M. , Bracale M. , Pesce C. , Bagnaresi P. , Dubois E. , Moulin L. , Vannini C. , Koebnik R.
Published: August 2017

The molecular details of local plant response against Xanthomonas translucens infection is largely unknown. Moreover, there is no knowledge about effects of the pathogen on the root’s transcriptome and proteome. Therefore, we investigated the global gene and protein expression changes both in leaves and roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum) 24 h post leaf infection of X. translucens. This simultaneous analysis allowed us to obtain insight into possible metabolic rearrangements in above- and belowground tissues and to identify common responses as well as specific alterations. At the site of infection, we observed the implication of various components of the recognition, signaling, and amplification mechanisms in plant response to the pathogen. Moreover, data indicate a massive down-regulation of photosynthesis and confirm the chloroplast as crucial signaling hub during pathogen attack. Notably, roots responded as well to foliar attack and their response significantly differed from that locally triggered in infected leaves. Data indicate that roots as a site of energy production and synthesis of various secondary metabolites may actively influence the composition and colonisation level of root-associated microbes. Finally, our results emphasize the accumulation of jasmonic acid, pipecolic acid and/or the downstream mediator of hydrogen peroxide as long distal signals from infected leaves to roots.
Quantifying perinatal transmission of Hepatitis B viral quasispecies by tag linkage deep sequencing
Authors: Du Yushen , Chi Xiumei , Wang Chong , Jiang Jing , Kong Fei , Yan Hongqing , Wang Xiaomei , Li Jie , Wu Nicholas C. , Dai Lei , Zhang Tian-Hao , Shu Sara , Zhou Jian , Yoshizawa Janice M. , Li Xinmin , Bhattacharya Debika , Wu Ting-ting , Niu Junqi , Sun Ren
Published: August 2017

Despite full immunoprophylaxis, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of Hepatitis B Virus still occurs in approximately 2–5% of HBsAg positive mothers. Little is known about the bottleneck of HBV transmission and the evolution of viral quasispecies in the context of MTCT. Here we adopted a newly developed tag linkage deep sequencing method and analyzed the quasispecies of four MTCT pairs that broke through immunoprophylaxis. By assigning unique tags to individual viral sequences, we accurately reconstructed HBV haplotypes in a region of 836 bp, which contains the major immune epitopes and drug resistance mutations. The detection limit of minor viral haplotypes reached 0.1% for individual patient sample. Dominance of “a determinant” polymorphisms were observed in two children, which pre-existed as minor quasispecies in maternal samples. In all four pairs of MTCT samples, we consistently observed a significant overlap of viral haplotypes shared between mother and child. We also demonstrate that the data can be potentially useful to estimate the bottleneck effect during HBV MTCT, which provides information to optimize treatment for reducing the frequency of MTCT.
Experiments support an improved model for particle transport in fluidized beds
Authors: Zhang Huili , Kong Weibin , Tan Tianwei , Gilles Flamant , Baeyens Jan
Published: August 2017

The upwards flow of particles in an Upflow Bubbling Fluidized Bed (UBFB) is studied experimentally and modelled from pressure drop considerations and energy loss equations. For Geldart group A powders tested, the upward solid flux, G
s
, in the tube can be expressed in terms of the applied superficial gas velocity, the free fall (terminal) velocity of the particles during their hindered settling, KU
t
, the pressure exerted at the base of the conveyor tube, and the tube length. The model expression $${{\boldsymbol{G}}}_{{\boldsymbol{s}}}=\frac{{\boldsymbol{\Delta }}{\boldsymbol{P}}}{({U}_{{\boldsymbol{g}}}-{\boldsymbol{K}}{{\boldsymbol{U}}}_{{\boldsymbol{t}}}){\boldsymbol{+}}\frac{{{\boldsymbol{K}}}^{{\boldsymbol{2}}}{\boldsymbol{g}}{\boldsymbol{L}}}{({{\boldsymbol{U}}}_{{\boldsymbol{g}}}-{\boldsymbol{K}}{{\boldsymbol{U}}}_{{\boldsymbol{t}}})}}$$

G

s

=

Δ
P

(

U

g

−
K

U

t

)

+

K

2

g
L

(

U

g

−
K

U

t

)

can be used for design purposes, with K, the correction factor for hindered settling of the particles, approximately equal to 0.1 at high G
s
-values, but a function of the solids fraction in the upward conveying. The energy efficiency of the system increases with increasing U and Gs. The model equation was tentatively applied to predict the effects of particle size, tube length and operation in Circulating Fluidized Bed mode. It is demonstrated that the UBFB is an efficient and flexible way of transporting particles upwards, with limited particle attrition or tube erosion due to the low gas velocity applied.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of TCP transcription factor genes in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Li Wen , Li Deng-Di , Han Li-Hong , Tao Miao , Hu Qian-Qian , Wu Wen-Ying , Zhang Jing-Bo , Li Xue-Bao , Huang Geng-Qing
Published: August 2017

TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors (TFs), and perform a variety of physiological functions in plant growth and development. In this study, 74 non-redundant TCP genes were identified in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genome. Cotton TCP family can be classified into two classes (class I and class II) that can be further divided into 11 types (groups) based on their motif composition. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that GhTCPs display different expression patterns in cotton tissues. The majority of these genes are preferentially or specifically expressed in cotton leaves, while some GhTCP genes are highly expressed in initiating fibers and/or elongating fibers of cotton. Yeast two-hybrid results indicated that GhTCPs can interact with each other to form homodimers or heterodimers. In addition, GhTCP14a and GhTCP22 can interact with some transcription factors which are involved in fiber development. These results lay solid foundation for further study on the functions of TCP genes during cotton fiber development.
Antagonistic interaction between jasmonic acid and cytokinin in xylem development
Authors: Jang Geupil , Chang Sun Hyun , Um Tae Young , Lee Sangyool , Kim Ju-Kon , Choi Yang Do
Published: August 2017

Developmental flexibility under stress conditions largely relies on the interactions between hormones that mediate stress responses and developmental processes. In this study, we showed that the stress hormone jasmonic acid (JA) induces formation of extra xylem in the roots of wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0). JA signaling mutants such as coronatine insensitive1-1 and jasmonate resistant1-1 did not form extra xylem in response to JA, but the JA biosynthesis mutant oxophytodienoate-reductase3 did form extra xylem. These observations suggested that the JA response promotes xylem development. To understand the mechanism, we examined the regulatory interaction between JA and cytokinin, a negative regulator of xylem development. JA treatment reduced cytokinin responses in the vasculature, and exogenous cytokinin nullified the effect of JA on formation of extra xylem. A time-course experiment showed that suppression of cytokinin responses by JA does not occur rapidly, but the JA-mediated xylem phenotype is tightly linked to the suppression of the cytokinin response. Further analysis of arabidopsis histidine phosphotransfer protein6-1 and myc2-3 mutants revealed that the JA-responsive transcription factor MYC2 regulates the expression of AHP6 in response to JA and expression of AHP6 is involved in the JA-mediated xylem phenotype.
An intra-population analysis of the indris’ song dissimilarity in the light of genetic distance
Authors: Torti Valeria , Bonadonna Giovanna , De Gregorio Chiara , Valente Daria , Randrianarison Rose Marie , Friard Olivier , Pozzi Luca , Gamba Marco , Giacoma Cristina
Published: August 2017

The increasing interest in the evolution of human language has led several fields of research to focus on primate vocal communication. The ‘singing primates’, which produce elaborated and complex sequences of vocalizations, are of particular interest for this topic. Indris (Indri indri) are the only singing lemurs and emit songs whose most distinctive portions are “descending phrases” consisting of 2-5 units. We examined how the structure of the indris’ phrases varied with genetic relatedness among individuals. We tested whether the acoustic structure could provide conspecifics with information about individual identity and group membership. When analyzing phrase dissimilarity and genetic distance of both sexes, we found significant results for males but not for females. We found that similarity of male song-phrases correlates with kin in both time and frequency parameters, while, for females, this information is encoded only in the frequency of a single type. Song phrases have consistent individual-specific features, but we did not find any potential for advertising group membership. We emphasize the fact that genetic and social factors may play a role in the acoustic plasticity of female indris. Altogether, these findings open a new perspective for future research on the possibility of vocal production learning in these primates.
The Molecular Dynamics Study of Vacancy Formation During Solidification of Pure Metals
Authors: Zhang H. Y. , Liu F. , Yang Y. , Sun D. Y.
Published: August 2017

In order to understand the defect trapping during solidification in pure elements, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations on both aluminum and nickel. We find that vacancies are the dominant defects in the product crystals for both metals. For slight undercooling, the vacancy concentration strongly depends on the growth velocity, rather than the growth orientations, and there is an approximately linear relationship between the growth velocity and vacancy concentration. However, for deep undercooling, the vacancy concentration shows a remarkable anisotropy between (100) and (110) orientations. Based on the competition between atomic diffusion and growth, a possible mechanism for vacancy trapping is suggested.
Heterologous expression of the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I dictates a reinvestigation of the N-glycosylation pathway in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Vanier Gaëtan , Lucas Pierre-Louis , Loutelier-Bourhis Corinne , Vanier Jessica , Plasson Carole , Walet-Balieu Marie-Laure , Tchi-Song Philippe Chan , Remy-Jouet Isabelle , Richard Vincent , Bernard Sophie , Driouich Azeddine , Afonso Carlos , Lerouge Patrice , Mathieu-Rivet Elodie , Bardor Muriel
Published: August 2017

Eukaryotic N-glycosylation pathways are dependent of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnTI), a key glycosyltransferase opening the door to the formation of complex-type N-glycans by transferring a N-acetylglucosamine residue onto the Man5GlcNAc2 intermediate. In contrast, glycans N-linked to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii proteins arise from a GnTI-independent Golgi processing of oligomannosides giving rise to Man5GlcNAc2 substituted eventually with one or two xylose(s). Here, complementation of C. reinhardtii with heterologous GnTI was investigated by expression of GnTI cDNAs originated from Arabidopsis and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. No modification of the N-glycans was observed in the GnTI transformed cells. Consequently, the structure of the Man5GlcNAc2 synthesized by C. reinhardtii was reinvestigated. Mass spectrometry analyses combined with enzyme sequencing showed that C. reinhardtii proteins carry linear Man5GlcNAc2 instead of the branched structure usually found in eukaryotes. Moreover, characterization of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor demonstrated that C. reinhardtii exhibit a Glc3Man5GlcNAc2 dolichol pyrophosphate precursor. We propose that this precursor is then trimmed into a linear Man5GlcNAc2 that is not substrate for GnTI. Furthermore, cells expressing GnTI exhibited an altered phenotype with large vacuoles, increase of ROS production and accumulation of starch granules, suggesting the activation of stress responses likely due to the perturbation of the Golgi apparatus.
Low-molecular-weight organic acids correlate with cultivar variation in ciprofloxacin accumulation in Brassica parachinensis L.
Authors: Zhao Hai-Ming , Xiang Lei , Wu Xiao-Lian , Jiang Yuan-Neng , Li Hui , Li Yan-Wen , Cai Quan-Ying , Mo Ce-Hui , Liu Jie-Sheng , Wong Ming-Hung
Published: August 2017

To understand the mechanism controlling cultivar differences in the accumulation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica parachinensis L.), low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) secreted from the roots of high- and low-CIP cultivars (Sijiu and Cutai, respectively) and their effects on the bioavailability of CIP in soil were investigated. Significant differences in the content of LMWOAs (especially maleic acid) between the two cultivars played a key role in the variation in CIP accumulation. Based on the Freundlich sorption coefficient (K
f
) and distribution coefficient (K
d
), the presence of LMWOAs reduced the CIP sorption onto soil particles, and higher concentrations of LMWOAs led to less CIP sorption onto soil. On the other hand, LMWOAs enhanced CIP desorption by lowering the solution pH, which changed the surface charge of soil particles and the degree of CIP ionization. LMWOAs promoted CIP desorption from soil by breaking cation bridges and dissolving metal cations, particularly Cu2+. These results implied that the LMWOAs (mainly maleic acid) secreted from Sijiu inhibited CIP sorption onto soil and improved CIP desorption from soil to a greater extent than those secreted from Cutai, resulting in higher bioavailability of CIP and more uptake and accumulation of CIP in the former.
A systematic analysis of orphan cyclins reveals CNTD2 as a new oncogenic driver in lung cancer
Authors: Gasa L. , Sanchez-Botet A. , Quandt E. , Hernández-Ortega S. , Jiménez J. , Carrasco-García M. A. , Simonetti S. , Kron S. J. , Ribeiro M. P. , Nadal E. , Villanueva A. , Clotet J.
Published: August 2017

As lung cancer has increased to the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, prognostic biomarkers and effective targeted treatments remain lacking despite advances based on patients’ stratification. Multiple core cyclins, best known as drivers of cell proliferation, are commonly deregulated in lung cancer where they may serve as oncogenes. The recent expansion of the cyclin family raises the question whether new members might play oncogenic roles as well. Here, we investigated the protein levels of eight atypical cyclins in lung cancer cell lines and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tumors, as well as their functional role in lung cancer cells. Of the new cyclins evaluated, CNTD2 was significantly overexpressed in lung cancer compared to adjacent normal tissue, and exhibited a predominant nuclear location. CNTD2 overexpression increased lung cancer cell viability, Ki-67 intensity and clonogenicity and promoted lung cancer cell migration. Accordingly, CNTD2 enhanced tumor growth in vivo on A549 xenograft models. Finally, the analysis of gene expression data revealed a high correlation between elevated levels of CNTD2 and decreased overall survival in lung cancer patients. Our results reveal CNTD2 as a new oncogenic driver in lung cancer, suggesting value as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in this disease.
Towards large-scale in free-standing graphene and N-graphene sheets
Authors: Tatarova E. , Dias A. , Henriques J. , Abrashev M. , Bundaleska N. , Kovacevic E. , Bundaleski N. , Cvelbar U. , Valcheva E. , Arnaudov B. , do Rego A. M. Botelho , Ferraria A. M. , Berndt J. , Felizardo E. , Teodoro O. M. N. D. , Strunskus Th. , Alves L. L. , Gonçalves B.
Published: August 2017

One of the greatest challenges in the commercialization of graphene and derivatives is production of high quality material in bulk quantities at low price and in a reproducible manner. The very limited control, or even lack of, over the synthesis process is one of the main problems of conventional approaches. Herein, we present a microwave plasma-enabled scalable route for continuous, large-scale fabrication of free-standing graphene and nitrogen doped graphene sheets. The method’s crucial advantage relies on harnessing unique plasma mechanisms to control the material and energy fluxes of the main building units at the atomic scale. By tailoring the high energy density plasma environment and complementarily applying in situ IR and soft UV radiation, a controllable selective synthesis of high quality graphene sheets at 2 mg/min yield with prescribed structural qualities was achieved. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Near Edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectroscopy were used to probe the morphological, chemical and microstructural features of the produced material. The method described here is scalable and show a potential for controllable, large-scale fabrication of other graphene derivatives and promotes microwave plasmas as a competitive, green, and cost-effective alternative to presently used chemical methods.
Pupil response components: attention-light interaction in patients with Parinaud’s syndrome
Authors: Binda Paola , Straßer Torsten , Stingl Krunoslav , Richter Paul , Peters Tobias , Wilhelm Helmut , Wilhelm Barbara , Kelbsch Carina
Published: August 2017

Covertly shifting attention to a brighter or darker image (without moving one’s eyes) is sufficient to evoke pupillary constriction or dilation, respectively. One possibility is that this attentional modulation involves the pupillary light response pathway, which pivots around the olivary pretectal nucleus. We investigate this possibility by studying patients with Parinaud’s syndrome, where the normal pupillary light response is strongly impaired due to lesions in the pretectal area. Four patients and nine control participants covertly attended (while maintaining fixation at the center of a monitor screen) to one of two disks located in the left and right periphery: one brighter, the other darker than the background. Patients and control subjects behaved alike, showing smaller pupils when attending to the brighter stimulus (despite no eye movements); consistent results were obtained with a dynamic version of the stimulus. We interpret this as proof of principle that attention to bright or dark stimuli can dynamically modulate pupil size in patients with Parinaud’s syndrome, suggesting that attention acts independently of the pretectal circuit for the pupillary light response and indicating that several components of the pupillary response can be isolated – including one related to the focus of covert attention.
Modification of the response of olfactory receptors to acetophenone by CYP1a2
Authors: Asakawa Masashi , Fukutani Yosuke , Savangsuksa Aulaphan , Noguchi Keiich , Matsunami Hiroaki , Yohda Masafumi
Published: August 2017

Olfaction is mediated by the binding of odorant molecules to olfactory receptors (ORs). There are numerous proteins in the nasal mucus, and they contribute to olfaction through various mechanisms. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) family members are known to be present in the olfactory epithelium and are thought to affect olfaction by enzymatic conversion of odorant molecules. In this study, we examined the effects of CYPs on the ligand responses of ORs in heterologous cells. Among the CYPs tested, co-expression of CYP1a2 significantly affected the responses of various ORs, including MOR161-2, to acetophenone. Conversion of acetophenone to methyl salicylate was observed in the medium of CYP1a2-expressing cells. MOR161-2-expressing cells exhibited significantly greater responses to methyl salicylate than to acetophenone. Finally, we analyzed the responses of olfactory neurons expressing MOR161-2 in vivo using the phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 as a marker. MOR161-2 responded to both acetophenone and methyl salicylate in vivo. When the olfactory mucus was washed out by the injection of PBS to mouse nasal cavity, the response of MOR161-2 to acetophenone was reduced, while that to methyl salicylate did not change. Our data suggest that CYP1a2 affects OR activation by converting acetophenone to methyl salicylate.
Fatigue-Assisted Grain Growth in Al Alloys
Authors: Goswami R. , Feng C. R. , Qadri S. B. , Pande C. S.
Published: August 2017

Stress-assisted grain growth at room temperature is known for materials with nanocrystalline grains. For larger grain sizes, the grain growth usually takes place at higher homologous temperatures even under stress. Here we report, for the first time, significant grain growth at room temperature under fatigue loading in microcrystalline grains (≥10 μm) in Al 7075. We demonstrate that this grain growth at room temperature is similar to non-uniform grain growth due to grain rotation and coalescence rather than the thermally and the stress-assisted driven grain growth. We show that the grain growth is associated with the formation of a strong near-Cu {112}<111> texture component as a result of fatigue-assisted deformation. These changes in microstructural features (viz., grain size, grain orientations and texture) are fundamentally important in understanding the cyclic crack induced deformation behavior and for predicting the fatigue lifetime in structural materials.
Self-induction system for cellulase production by cellobiose produced from glucose in Rhizopus stolonifer
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Tang Bin , Du Guocheng
Published: August 2017

Cellulolytic fungi have evolved a sophisticated genetic regulatory network of cellulase synthesis to adapt to the natural environment. Even in the absence of lignocellulose, it still secretes low levels of “constitutive” cellulase for standby application. However, the mechanisms of this constitutive expression remain incompletely understood. Here we identified a cellobiose synthetase (CBS) from Rhizopus stolonifer, which has the capacity to catalyse the synthesis of cellobiose from uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG). Through the construction of R. stolonifer Δcbs strain, we found that CBS plays a key role in the synthesis of cellulase. Further analysis of cellulase synthesis under glucose culture reveals that the cellobiose-responsive regulator CLR1 was activated by CBS-synthesized cellobiose, thereby promoting the expression of CLR2 and finally opening the transcription of cellulase genes. Our results suggest that R. stolonifer can be induced by self-synthesized cellobiose to produce cellulase, which can be used to reconstruct the expression regulation network to achieve rapid production of cellulase using simple carbon source. Based on our data, the “constitutive expression” of cellulase actually derives from the induction of cellobiose that synthesized by CBS from carbohydrate metabolites, which updates our knowledge of cellulase, and provides a novel insight into the regulation of cellulase synthesis.
Elevated mean platelet volume predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Na , Yu Zhiwei , Zhang Xin , Liu Tiemin , Sun Yu-xiang , Wang Rui-tao , Yu Kai-jiang
Published: August 2017

Altered mean platelet volume (MPV) is implicated in several malignancies. However, the clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of MPV in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still elusive. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the predictive significance of MPV in CRC. The retrospective study recruited 509 consecutive CRC patients between January 2009 and December 2009. The relationships between MPV and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to evaluate the prognostic impact of MPV. Of the 509 CRC patients, high MPV levels were detected in 150 (29.5%) patients. Elevated MPV was associated with tumor differentiation (p < 0.001). Patients with increased MPV had poor overall survival compared with those with normal level (60.0% vs. 83.6%, log-rank test, p = 0.035). Cox regression analysis showed that MPV was an independent prognostic factor in CRC (HR = 1.452, 95% CI = 1.118–1.884, p = 0.005). In conclusion, MPV is easily available in routine blood test. Elevated MPV might act as a marker of prognosis and therapeutic target for CRC.
Features of cardiac remodeling in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Complicated with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Pan Lili , Wang Tian
Published: August 2017

Cardiovascular diseases are important factors to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of RA on cardiac remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sixty-one patients with ACS complicated with RA (RA group) and 55 age- and sex-matched patients with ACS without RA (control group) were enrolled. We compared the parameters of laboratory and echocardiogram across the 2 groups. Levels of serum brain natriuretic peptide in patients with RA were significantly higher than control group. Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and LV diastolic dysfunction (E/A < 1) were significantly higher in the RA patients, while the LV ejection fraction (EF%) was significantly lower in RA patients. Incidence of tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary regurgitation were significantly higher in ACS patients with RA than in the ACS patients without RA. In RA group, levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol were negatively correlated with C reactive protein (CRP), EF% was also negatively correlated with CRP. The prevalence of LVH and mitral regurgitation showed positive correlations with ESR. Early intervention for controlling the inflammation associated with RA can play a significant role in preventing cardiac remodeling in ACS patients.
An unsymmetrical non-fullerene acceptor: synthesis via direct heteroarylation, self-assembly, and utility as a low energy absorber in organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Payne Abby-Jo , Li Shi , Dayneko Sergey V. , Risko Chad , Welch Gregory C.
Published: August 2017

This study reports on the design and synthesis of an unsymmetrical π-conjugated organic molecule composed of perylene diimide, thienyl diketopyrrolopyrrole, and indoloquinoxaline pieced together using direct heteroarylation.
Lipidated polymers for the stabilization of cubosomes: nanostructured drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Grace James L. , Alcaraz Nicolas , Truong Nghia P. , Davis Thomas P. , Boyd Ben J. , Quinn John F. , Whittaker Michael R.
Published: August 2017

We report a straightforward approach for preparing polymers with lipidic chain ends, and show their application in stabilising nanostructured drug delivery vehicles.
Effect of countercation on the water stability of an anionic metal–organic framework
Authors: Spore A. B. , Rosi N. L.
Published: August 2017

The water stability of an anionic metal–organic framework is tuned by adjusting the chemical nature of the organic countercations within the pore environment.
Nano needle decorated ZnO hollow spheres with exposed (0001) planes and their corrosion using acetic acid
Authors: Liu Yujie , Liu Haixia , Huang Baibiao , Li Tianduo , Wang Jingui
Published: August 2017

ZnO hollow spheres, which were made of ZnO nanoneedles and had larger (0001) planes than conventional structures, were successfully prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method.
Beta transmutations in apatites with ferric iron as an electron acceptor – implication for nuclear waste form development
Authors: Yao Ge , Zhang Zelong , Wang Jianwei
Published: August 2017

The electron from beta decay is captured by the neighboring ferric ion, which is changed to the ferrous ion.
Electron ionization of helium droplets containing C60 and alcohol clusters
Authors: Goulart M. , Zappa F. , Ellis A. M. , Bartl P. , Ralser S. , Scheier P.
Published: August 2017

Alcoholic chemical reactions at similar conditions as the interstellar medium can be heavily hampered by the presence of C60.
Surface effects on converse piezoelectricity of crystals
Authors: Molayem Mohammad , Springborg Michael , Kirtman Bernard
Published: August 2017

The contribution of surface units to bulk properties are often neglected in theoretical and computational studies of crystalline systems. We demonstrate that this assumption has to be made with caution in the case of (electric field) polarization.
On the critical Casimir interaction between anisotropic inclusions on a membrane
Authors: Benet Jorge , Paillusson Fabien , Kusumaatmaja Halim
Published: August 2017

Affinity patterns and orientation strongly affect the strength and range of critical Casimir forces between anisotropic inclusions in critical mixture.
Understanding the influence of low-frequency vibrations on the hydrogen bonds of acetic acid and acetamide dimers
Authors: Copeland Christopher , Menon Omkaran , Majumdar D. , Roszak Szczepan , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: August 2017

Low-frequency vibrations coupled to high-frequency modes are known to influence the hydrogen bond strengths in a weakly interacting dimer.
Correction: Colloidal Cu/ZnO catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol: investigating catalyst preparation and ligand effects
Authors: Pike Sebastian D. , García-Trenco Andrés , White Edward R. , Leung Alice H. M. , Weiner Jonathan , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: August 2017

Correction for ‘Colloidal Cu/ZnO catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol: investigating catalyst preparation and ligand effects’ by Sebastian D. Pike et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7cy01191a.
Calcium looping CO2 capture system for back-up power plants
Authors: Criado Y. A. , Arias B. , Abanades J. C.
Published: August 2017

This work presents a highly flexible calcium looping CO2 capture system able to adapt to existing power plants forced to operate under very low capacity factors.
Bioaccumulation of hexachlorobutadiene in pumpkin seedlings after waterborne exposure
Authors: Hou Xingwang , Zhang Haiyan , Li Yanlin , Yu Miao , Liu Jiyan , Jiang Guibin
Published: August 2017

Uptake, bioaccumulation and bidirectional translocation of HCBD occurred in pumpkin plants upon waterborne exposure.
The phenolic profiles of Radix Tetrastigma after solid phase extraction (SPE) and their antitumor effects and antioxidant activities in H22 tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Sun Yong , Tsao Rong , Chen Fang , Li Hongyan , Peng Han , Jiang Li , Chen Yuhuan , Deng Zeyuan
Published: August 2017

Photographic illustrations of phenolic profiles, antitumor effects and antioxidant activities of Radix Tetrastigma after solid phase extraction (SPE) in H22 tumor-bearing mice.
Sugar modified pyrimido[4,5-b]indole nucleosides: synthesis and antiviral activity
Authors: Konč Juraj , Tichý Michal , Pohl Radek , Hodek Jan , Džubák Petr , Hajdúch Marián , Hocek Michal
Published: August 2017

Sugar-modified pyrimido[4,5-b]indole nucleosides (2′-deoxy-2′-fluororibo-, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabino- and arabinonucleosides) were found to be low micromolar antivirals against HCV or dengue.
New chemical and radiochemical routes to [18F]Rho6G-DEG-F, a delocalized lipophilic cation for myocardial perfusion imaging with PET
Authors: Inkster J. A. H. , Zhang S. , Akurathi V. , Belanger A. , Dubey S. , Treves S. T. , Packard A. B.
Published: August 2017

Synthesis of the tosyl precursor (2) facilitates automated synthesis of 18F-labeled rhodamine 6G, a potential PET myocardial perfusion tracer.
A high areal capacity lithium–sulfur battery cathode prepared by site-selective vapor infiltration of hierarchical carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Carter Rachel , Davis Benjamin , Oakes Landon , Maschmann Matthew R. , Pint Cary L.
Published: August 2017

Site-selective sulfur infiltration into a hierarchical carbon nanotube material overcomes limitations in processing high areal capacity sulfur battery cathodes.
Electron transfer dynamics from single near infrared emitting lead sulfide–cadmium sulfide nanocrystals to titanium dioxide
Authors: Zang Huidong , Routh Prahlad K. , Meng Qingping , Cotlet Mircea
Published: August 2017

Electron transfer is demonstrated between single near infrared emitting nanocrystals of PbS/CdS and titanium dioxide.
Survival of Verwey transition in gadolinium-doped ultrasmall magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Yeo Sunmog , Choi Hyunkyung , Kim Chul Sung , Lee Gyeong Tae , Seo Jeong Hyun , Cha Hyung Joon , Park Jeong Chan
Published: August 2017

Although the Verwey transition disappears even due to a small amount of impurities, Gd doping on magnetite nanoparticles shows robust transition.
Vertical dielectric screening of few-layer van der Waals semiconductors
Authors: Koo Jahyun , Gao Shiyuan , Lee Hoonkyung , Yang Li
Published: August 2017

Vertical dielectric screening is a fundamental parameter of few-layer van der Waals two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors.
High efficiency quantum dot light emitting diodes from positive aging
Authors: Acharya Krishna P. , Titov Alexandre , Hyvonen Jake , Wang Chenggong , Tokarz Jean , Holloway Paul H.
Published: August 2017

Colloidal quantum dot-polymer hybrid light emitting diodes (QLEDs) that exhibit external quantum efficiencies >12% for all three primary colors (21% from green) have been demonstrated.
All acrylic-based thermoplastic elastomers with high upper service temperature and superior mechanical properties
Authors: Lu Wei , Wang Yangyang , Wang Weiyu , Cheng Shiwang , Zhu Jiahua , Xu Yuewen , Hong Kunlun , Kang Nam-Goo , Mays Jimmy
Published: August 2017

All acrylic-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) offer potential alternatives to the widely-used styrenic TPEs.
Total synthesis of orientalol F via gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of alkynediol
Authors: Gu Yueqing , Huang Jun , Gong Jianxian , Yang Zhen
Published: August 2017

The total synthesis of orientalol F was accomplished in 13 steps using gold-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization of alkynediol as a key step.
Conformational stability, spectroscopic signatures and biological interactions of proton pump inhibitor drug lansoprazole based on structural motifs
Authors: Agrawal Megha , Kumar Amit , Gupta Archana
Published: August 2017

Structure based biological and chemical properties of lansoprazole (LSP) have been studied by spectroscopic and quantum chemical methods.
Ni(ii) and Co(ii) complexes of an asymmetrical aroylhydrazone: synthesis, molecular structures, DNA binding, protein interaction, radical scavenging and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Li Yueqin , Yang Zhiwei , Zhou Minya , Li Yun , He Jing , Wang Xuehong , Lin Zhengfeng
Published: August 2017

The DNA/BSA binding, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Ni(ii) and Co(ii) complexes bearing aroylhydrazone were investigated to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
Carbon nanofiber/poly(tetrahydro[1,4]dioxino[2,3-b]thieno[3,4-e][1,4]dioxine) binder-free composite redox-active electrode for electrochemical energy storage applications
Authors: Yiğit Deniz , Soysal Furkan , Güngör Tuğba , Çiçek Burhanettin , Güllü Mustafa
Published: August 2017

A novel CNF/PTDTD composite electrode was firstly prepared. The corresponding solid-state supercapacitor delivered a specific capacitance of 332 F g−1, reaching an energy density of 166 W h kg−1 with 89% capacitance retention.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephtlatate)-block-poly(tetramethylene oxide) copolymers
Authors: Paszkiewicz Sandra , Szymczyk Anna , Pawlikowska Daria , Irska Izabela , Taraghi Iman , Pilawka Ryszard , Gu Jiali , Li Xiaohong , Tu Yingfeng , Piesowicz Elzbieta
Published: August 2017

A series of PETG-block-PTMO copolymers were synthesized by means of a polycondensation process and characterized using1H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, that confirm the successful synthesis of the material.
Theoretical prediction of the mechanical properties of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhu Yihan , Fu Fang , Wang Lian Li , Wang Jinlei , Du Huiling
Published: August 2017

The mechanical properties of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) was controlled by the electronegativity of the terminal groups.
Solvatochromism of bright carbon dots with tunable long-wavelength emission from green to red and their application as solid-state materials for warm WLEDs
Authors: Lin Sai , Lin Chun , He Meiling , Yuan Rongrong , Zhang Yijun , Zhou Yongqiang , Xiang Weidong , Liang Xiaojuan
Published: August 2017

Herein, we present a facile approach to produce long-wavelength emitting carbon dots (CDs) without separation.
Dearomatization of electron poor six-membered N-heterocycles through [3 + 2] annulation with aminocyclopropanes
Authors: Preindl Johannes , Chakrabarty Shyamal , Waser Jérôme
Published: August 2017

Dearomative [3 + 2] annulation of N-heterocycles with donor–acceptor aminocyclopropanes: fast access to indolizidine building blocks.
Multiscale crack initiator promoted super-low ice adhesion surfaces
Authors: He Zhiwei , Xiao Senbo , Gao Huajian , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: August 2017

A new approach to designing super-low ice adhesion surfaces is demonstrated by introducing sub-structures into smooth polydimethylsiloxane coatings.
A highly selective and fast-response photoluminescence humidity sensor based on F− decorated NH2-MIL-53(Al) nanorods
Authors: Lu Ting , Song Hongjie , Dong Xiaoqun , Hu Jianyu , Lv Yi
Published: August 2017

NH2-MIL-53(Al) nanorods studded with F− were successfully synthesized via coordination modulation with HF as a modulator.
Fabrication of a solution-processed, highly flexible few layer MoS2(n)–CuO (p) piezotronic diode on a paper substrate for an active analog frequency modulator and enhanced broadband photodetector
Authors: Sahatiya Parikshit , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: August 2017

In this work, we demonstrate for the first time, a solution-processed MoS2(n)–CuO (p) piezotronic diode on a flexible paper substrate for an enhanced broadband photodetector and active analog frequency modulator by application of external mechanical strain.
Monodisperse β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ hexagonal microplates with efficient NIR-to-NIR up-conversion emission developed via ion exchange
Authors: Fan Shaohua , Gao Guojun , Busko Dmitry , Lin Zhiquan , Wang Shikai , Wang Xue , Sun Shiyu , Turshatov Andrey , Richards Bryce S. , Sun Hongtao , Hu Lili
Published: August 2017

Efficient NIR-to-NIR up-conversion emission (UCQY: 3.1%, 10 W cm−2) in β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ is obtained via ion-exchange for applications in security.
Structural insights into the substrate specificity of a glycoside hydrolase family 5 lichenase from Caldicellulosiruptor sp. F32
Authors: Meng Dong-Dong , Liu Xi , Dong Sheng , Wang Ye-Fei , Ma Xiao-Qing , Zhou Haixia , Wang Xinquan , Yao Li-Shan , Feng Yingang , Li Fu-Li
Published: August 2017

Glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 5 is one of the largest GH families with various GH activities including lichenase, but the structural basis of the GH5 lichenase activity is still unknown. A novel thermostable lichenase F32EG5 belonging to GH5 was identified from an extremely thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor sp. F32. F32EG5 is a bi-functional cellulose and a lichenan-degrading enzyme, and exhibited a high activity on β-1,3-1,4-glucan but side activity on cellulose. Thin-layer chromatography and NMR analyses indicated that F32EG5 cleaved the β-1,4 linkage or the β-1,3 linkage while a 4-O-substitued glucose residue linked to a glucose residue through a β-1,3 linkage, which is completely different from extensively studied GH16 lichenase that catalyses strict endo-hydrolysis of the β-1,4-glycosidic linkage adjacent to a 3-O-substitued glucose residue in the mixed-linked β-glucans. The crystal structure of F32EG5 was determined to 2.8 Å resolution, and the crystal structure of the complex of F32EG5 E193Q mutant and cellotetraose was determined to 1.7 Å resolution, which revealed that the exit subsites of substrate-binding sites contribute to both thermostability and substrate specificity of F32EG5. The sugar chain showed a sharp bend in the complex structure, suggesting that a substrate cleft fitting to the bent sugar chains in lichenan is a common feature of GH5 lichenases. The mechanism of thermostability and substrate selectivity of F32EG5 was further demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation and site-directed mutagenesis. These results provide biochemical and structural insights into thermostability and substrate selectivity of GH5 lichenases, which have potential in industrial processes.
Efficacy of Electropalatography for Treating Misarticulation of /r/
Authors: Hitchcock Elaine R. , Byun Tara McAllister , Swartz Michelle , Lazarus Roberta
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to document the efficacy of electropalatography (EPG) for the treatment of rhotic errors in school-age children. Despite a growing body of literature using EPG for the treatment of speech sound errors, there is little systematic evidence about the relative efficacy of EPG for rhotic errors.

Method

Participants were 5 English-speaking children aged 6;10 to 9;10, who produced /r/ at the word level with < 30% accuracy but otherwise showed typical speech, language, and hearing abilities. Therapy was delivered in twice-weekly 30-min sessions for 8 weeks.

Results

Four out of 5 participants were successful in achieving perceptually and acoustically accurate /r/ productions during within-treatment trials. Two participants demonstrated generalization of /r/ productions to nontreated targets, per blinded listener ratings.

Conclusions

The present findings support the hypothesis that EPG can improve production accuracy in some children with rhotic errors. However, the utility of EPG is likely to remain variable across individuals. For rhotics, EPG training emphasizes one possible tongue configuration consistent with accurate rhotic production (lateral tongue contact). Although some speakers respond well to this cue, the narrow focus may limit lingual exploration of other acceptable tongue shapes known to facilitate rhotic productions.
How Stuttering Develops: The Multifactorial Dynamic Pathways Theory
Authors: Smith Anne , Weber Christine
Published: August 2017

Purpose

We advanced a multifactorial, dynamic account of the complex, nonlinear interactions of motor, linguistic, and emotional factors contributing to the development of stuttering. Our purpose here is to update our account as the multifactorial dynamic pathways theory.

Method

We review evidence related to how stuttering develops, including genetic/epigenetic factors; motor, linguistic, and emotional features; and advances in neuroimaging studies. We update evidence for our earlier claim: Although stuttering ultimately reflects impairment in speech sensorimotor processes, its course over the life span is strongly conditioned by linguistic and emotional factors.

Results

Our current account places primary emphasis on the dynamic developmental context in which stuttering emerges and follows its course during the preschool years. Rapid changes in many neurobehavioral systems are ongoing, and critical interactions among these systems likely play a major role in determining persistence of or recovery from stuttering.

Conclusion

Stuttering, or childhood onset fluency disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins when neural networks supporting speech, language, and emotional functions are rapidly developing. The multifactorial dynamic pathways theory motivates experimental and clinical work to determine the specific factors that contribute to each child's pathway to the diagnosis of stuttering and those most likely to promote recovery.
Semidefinite programming‐based localisation and tracking algorithm using Gaussian mixture modelling
Authors: Zhang Yueyue , Zhu Yaping , Xia Weiwei , Yan Feng , Shen Lianfeng
Published: August 2017

In this study, the authors propose a semidefinite programming (SDP)‐based localisation and tracking algorithm, which mitigates the non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) error of range measurement and calibrates the accumulative error within the inertial sensing data. Both the range measurement in a mixed line‐of‐sight/NLOS environment and the step length estimated from inertial sensing information are approximated parametrically using Gaussian mixture modelling, and a maximum‐likelihood estimator (MLE) is formulated to obtain the optimal position estimation. Since the Gaussian mixture models are non‐linear functions of positions, the MLE is a non‐convex problem, which global optimum is difficult to attain. Then, the non‐convex MLE is transformed into an SDP‐based localisation and tracking problem, relying on Jensen's inequality and semidefinite relaxation. Thus, a sub‐optimal solution to the original MLE can be achieved. Moreover, the Cramer‐Rao lower bound is also derived to serve as a performance indicator for localisation errors. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Compared with the existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm owns the best localisation accuracy, and can achieve a sub‐metre level accuracy to a root mean square error of 0.46 m in the real deployments.
Joint cache policy and transmit power for cache‐enabled D2D networks
Authors: Long Yanshan , Wu Dan , Cai Yueming , Qu Junyue
Published: August 2017

The cache‐enabled device‐to‐device (D2D) communication is a burgeoning technique to offload cellular traffic. In this study, the authors conducted the joint cache policy and transmit power to maximise the content‐related energy efficiency (CREE) for the cache‐enabled D2D network. Specifically, the authors model the random distribution of mobile users by the Poisson point process and derive the closed‐form CREE via considering the D2D establishment threshold and signal‐to‐interference ratio threshold at the same time. Then the authors aim to determine the optimal cache policy and transmit power for maximising the CREE in two practical cases, respectively. Since the optimisation problem in both cases are non‐linear non‐convex problems and share the same mathematical form, the authors focus on the first case and propose a two‐step iterative algorithm to find a stationary solution due to its intractability. This iterative algorithm builds on two subproblems which are proved to have optimal solutions. Numerical simulations show that the joint optimisation can obtain more than two times the CREE compared with either of the single optimisation for cache policy or transmit power.
Robust adaptive beamforming of coherent signals in the presence of the unknown mutual coupling
Authors: Yang Xue , Xie Julan , Li Huiyong , He Zishu
Published: August 2017

A new method based on the matrices reconstruction is proposed to deal with coherent signals in the presence of the unknown mutual coupling. By using a novel expression of the spatial covariance matrix in the presence of mutual coupling, the interference‐plus‐noise covariance matrix and the desired signal covariance matrix can be reconstructed via estimating the autocorrelation matrix of the signal envelope with unknown mutual coupling in an iteration process. Based on the criterion of the maximum output signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio, a subspace orthogonal to the interference subspace can be then found out by using these reconstructed matrices. Therefore, the desired signal and the noise can be let out by mapping this estimated subspace to the observed data. Finally, an optimal weight vector can be obtained by maximising the output power of the desired signal. The performance of the proposed method is quite close to the optimal beamforming. The simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed beamformer.