bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glacial Iron Sources Stimulate the Southern Ocean Carbon Cycle
Authors: Laufkötter C. , Stern Alon A. , John Jasmin G. , Stock Charles A. , Dunne John P.
Published: December 2018

Icebergs and glacial meltwater have been observed to significantly affect chlorophyll concentrations, primary production, and particle export locally, yet the quantitative influence of glacial iron on the carbon cycle of the Southern Ocean remains unknown. We analyze the impact of icebergs and glacial meltwater on the Southern Ocean carbon cycle in a global Earth System Model. We consider several simulations spanning low and high bounds of current estimates of glacial iron concentration. We find that a high glacial iron input produces the best agreement with observed iron and chlorophyll distributions. These high glacial iron input results indicate that about 30% of the Southern Ocean particle export production, that is, the flux of particulate organic matter through the 100 m depth level, is driven by glacial iron sources. This export production is associated with an uptake of 0.14 Pg carbon per year, which reduces carbon outgassing in the Southern Ocean by 30%.
A Clustering Preprocessing Framework for the Subannual Calibration of a Hydrological Model Considering Climate‐Land Surface Variations
Authors: Lan T. , Lin K. R. , Liu Z. Y. , He Y. H. , Xu C. Y. , Zhang H. B. , Chen X. H.
Published: December 2018

One model structural deficiency is that some dynamic characteristics (such as seasonal dynamics) in catchment conditions are not explicitly represented by hydrological models. This study integrates data mining techniques to develop a clustering preprocessing framework for the subannual calibration of hydrological models to simulate seasonal dynamic behaviors. The proposed framework aims to solve the problems caused by missing processes and deficiencies of hydrological models, providing guidance for future model development. A set of climatic‐land surface indices is provided and preprocessed using the maximal information coefficient and the principal component analysis. Two clustering operations are performed based on the preprocessed climatic index and land‐surface index systems. Hydrological data are clustered into subannual periods for calibration. The parameters are independently optimized for each subperiod using a modified parallel calibration scheme and are then combined to generate a continuous simulation. The framework is applied in calibrating the TOPMODEL. The results show that the performance of the model with a clustering preprocessing framework in the middle‐ and low‐flow conditions is significantly improved without reducing the simulation accuracy for high flows. The transposability of the model parameters from the calibration to validation period has been improved significantly as well. The anomalous parameter values may be attributed in part to the convergence problem when using an optimization algorithm. Though well applied in the TOPMODEL, the framework has the potential to be used in other hydrological models.
Scaling of next generation solution processed organic and perovskite solar cells
Authors: Meredith Paul , Armin Ardalan
Published: December 2018

Why, despite considerable R&D efforts and significant translational investment over the past 20 years, has the technology of solution-processed thin film solar cells not become a commercial reality? The manufacturing cost-to-power conversion efficiency ratio seems persuasive, as do the energy payback and embodied energy metrics. As new perovskite-based semiconductors achieve impressive efficiencies and organic semiconductors enjoy a resurgence, the lab-to-manufacturing translation and scaling questions require urgent attention. This comment addresses the challenges in solution processable photovoltaic technologies faced by scientists and engineers in addressing these questions, and highlights the concept of thick junctions as a promising solution.
Genome-wide study of hair colour in UK Biobank explains most of the SNP heritability
Authors: Morgan Michael D. , Pairo-Castineira Erola , Rawlik Konrad , Canela-Xandri Oriol , Rees Jonathan , Sims David , Tenesa Albert , Jackson Ian J.
Published: December 2018

Natural hair colour within European populations is a complex genetic trait. Previous work has established that MC1R variants are the principal genetic cause of red hair colour, but with variable penetrance. Here, we have extensively mapped the genes responsible for hair colour in the white, British ancestry, participants in UK Biobank. MC1R only explains 73% of the SNP heritability for red hair in UK Biobank, and in fact most individuals with two MC1R variants have blonde or light brown hair. We identify other genes contributing to red hair, the combined effect of which accounts for ~90% of the SNP heritability. Blonde hair is associated with over 200 genetic variants and we find a continuum from black through dark and light brown to blonde and account for 73% of the SNP heritability of blonde hair. Many of the associated genes are involved in hair growth or texture, emphasising the cellular connections between keratinocytes and melanocytes in the determination of hair colour.
Near-zero effective impedance with finite phase velocity for sensing and actuation enhancement by resonator pairing
Authors: Kim Kiyean , Park Chung Il , Lee Hyuk , Kim Yoon Young
Published: December 2018

In spite of the extensive studies of zero-index metamaterials, the realization of zero impedance with finite phase velocity has not been explored. Here, we show that this extreme case, realized by elaborately-tuned paired resonators, can effectively enhance sensing and actuation. To explain the formation mechanism of the near-zero effective impedance with finite phase velocity by paired resonators at a target frequency, a theory using an equivalent model based on mechanical longitudinal waves is developed. If the frequency of the extreme property is further tuned at a Fabry–Pérot resonance frequency, highly efficient enhancement is possible. Experiments using a piezoceramic transducer (PZT) installed on the plate region bounded by two resonators confirm that the proposed extreme property mechanism highly enhances the sensing and actuation outputs of the transducer.
Northern forest tree populations are physiologically maladapted to drought
Authors: Isaac-Renton Miriam , Montwé David , Hamann Andreas , Spiecker Heinrich , Cherubini Paolo , Treydte Kerstin
Published: December 2018

Northern forests at the leading edge of their distributions may not show increased primary productivity under climate warming, being limited by climatic extremes such as drought. Looking beyond tree growth to underlying physiological mechanisms is fundamental for accurate predictions of forest responses to climate warming and drought stress. Within a 32-year genetic field trial, we analyze relative contributions of xylem plasticity and inferred stomatal response to drought tolerance in regional populations of a widespread conifer. Genetic adaptation leads to varying responses under drought. Trailing-edge tree populations produce fewer tracheids with thicker cell walls, characteristic of drought-tolerance. Stomatal response explains the moderate drought tolerance of tree populations in central areas of the species range. Growth loss of the northern population is linked to low stomatal responsiveness combined with the production of tracheids with thinner cell walls. Forests of the western boreal may therefore lack physiological adaptations necessary to tolerate drier conditions.
Epigenetic silencing of Lgr5 induces senescence of intestinal epithelial organoids during the process of aging
Authors: Uchida Ryoei , Saito Yoshimasa , Nogami Kazuki , Kajiyama Yohei , Suzuki Yukana , Kawase Yasuhiro , Nakaoka Toshiaki , Muramatsu Toshihide , Kimura Masaki , Saito Hidetsugu
Published: December 2018

To understand the molecular features underlying stem cell aging, we established intestinal epithelial organoids derived from both young and aged mice and investigated alterations in their senescence and epigenetic status. Senescence-related changes including accumulation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and up-regulation of Cdkn1a (p21) by DNA demethylation were observed in intestinal epithelial organoids derived from aged mice. We also demonstrated that the important stem cell marker Lgr5 was epigenetically silenced by trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27, inducing suppression of Wnt signaling and a decrease of cell proliferation in organoids from aged mice. We further treated intestinal epithelial organoids from aged mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a key NAD+ intermediate. As a result, the organoids showed a higher NAD+ level, increased cell proliferative ability, activation of Lgr5 and suppression of senescence-associated genes, indicating that treatment with NMN could ameliorate senescence-related changes in intestinal epithelia. These findings suggest that organoids derived from aged animals could be a powerful research tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell aging and for development of some form of anti-aging intervention, thus contributing to prolongation of healthy life expectancy.
Gene expression profiling of the olfactory tissues of sex-separated and sex-combined female and male mice
Authors: Santoro Stephen W. , Jakob Susanne
Published: December 2018

Olfactory experience can alter the molecular and cellular composition of chemosensory neurons within the olfactory sensory epithelia of mice. We sought to investigate the scope of cellular and molecular changes within a mouse’s olfactory system as a function of its exposure to complex and salient sets of odors: those emitted from members of the opposite sex. We housed mice either separated from members of the opposite sex (sex-separated) or together with members of the opposite sex (sex-combined) until six months of age, resulting in the generation of four cohorts of mice. From each mouse, the main olfactory epithelium (MOE), vomeronasal organ (VNO), and olfactory bulb (OB) were removed and RNA-extracted. A total of 36 RNA samples, representing three biological replicates per sex/condition/tissue combination, were analyzed for integrity and used to prepare RNA-seq libraries, which were subsequently analyzed via qPCR for the presence of tissue- or sex-specific markers. Libraries were paired-end sequenced to a depth of ~20 million fragments per replicate and the data were analyzed using the Tuxedo suite.
Reversible regulation of CdTe quantum dots fluorescence intensity based on Prussian blue with high anti-fatigue performance
Authors: Ma Qian , Zhang Hui , Chen Jinxing , Dong Shaojun , Fang Youxing
Published: December 2018

Excellent anti-fatigue performance of the fluorescence switching device based on electrochromic material Prussian blue and fluorophore CdTe quantum dots was realized.
Molecular tectonics: from a rigid achiral organic tecton to 3D chiral Co and Fe coordination networks
Authors: Larpent Patrick , Jouaiti Abdelaziz , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: December 2018

The combination of an achiral tetradentate coordinating tecton with achiral Co(SCN)2 and Fe(SCN)2 neutral complexes leads to the formation of isostructural crystals composed of 3D helical strands.
Asymmetric construction of dihydrobenzofuran-2,5-dione derivatives via desymmetrization of p-quinols with azlactones
Authors: Xie Lihua , Dong Shunxi , Zhang Qian , Feng Xiaoming , Liu Xiaohua
Published: December 2018

3-Amino-benzofuran-2,5-diones containing a chiral amino acid residue were achieved through BG-1·HBPh4 catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition/lactonization cascade reaction of p-quinols with azlactones.
A rhodamine based fluorescent probe validates substrate and cellular hypoxia specific NADH expression
Authors: Podder Arup , Koo Seyoung , Lee Jiyeong , Mun Sora , Khatun Sabina , Kang Hee-Gyoo , Bhuniya Sankarprasad , Kim Jong Seung
Published: December 2018

A novel rhodamine-based redox probe (MQR) was developed to visualize the alteration of the NADH level under diverse metabolic perturbations.
New rhenium-tricarbonyl complexes bearing halogen-substituted bidentate ligands: structural, computational and Hirshfeld surfaces studies
Authors: Kia Reza , Mahmoudi Soheil , Raithby Paul R.
Published: December 2018

The intermolecular interactions in a series of new complexes Re(CO)3(N,N)X (N,N is a halogen substituted bidentate N–N donor and X is Cl or Br) have been studied crystallographically and computationally. Metal-bound halogens are more effective than carbon-bound halogens in forming significant intermolecular interactions.
Remarkably improved electrochemical hydrogen storage by multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with nanoporous bimetallic Fe–Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Akbarzadeh Raziyeh , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Nasiri Kokhdan Syamak , Vashaee Daryoosh
Published: December 2018

The hydrogen storage capacity of a (0.04)Fe–Ag/TiO2/CNT electrode is 10.94 wt%, which is nearly 5 times higher than pristine MWCNTs.
DHA-phospholipids (DHA-PL) and EPA-phospholipids (EPA-PL) prevent intestinal dysfunction induced by chronic stress
Authors: Cao Wanxiu , Wang Chengcheng , Chin Yaoxian , Chen Xin , Gao Yuan , Yuan Shihan , Xue Changhu , Wang Yuming , Tang Qingjuan
Published: December 2018

DHA-PL and EPA-PL may effectively protect mice against intestinal dysfunction under chronic stress exposure.
Making metals linear super-elastic with ultralow modulus and nearly zero hysteresis
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Gao Yipeng , Wang Dong , Li Ju , Zhang Tong-Yi , Wang Yunzhi
Published: December 2018

A design to achieve unprecedented mechanical properties for ferroelastic smart materials by regulating martensitic transformations through concentration modulation by spinodal decomposition and pre-straining is described.
Different coordination geometries of lighter lanthanates driven by the symmetry of guanidines as charge compensators
Authors: Packiaraj S. , Kanchana P. , Pushpaveni A. , Puschmann H. , Govindarajan S.
Published: December 2018

Six and nine coordination geometries of lighter lanthanates have been successfully synthesized using a controlled process under oil-bath conditions.
An I6P7peptide modified fluorescent probe for bio-imaging
Authors: Yao Yuxin , Gui Lijuan , Gao Beike , Yuan Zhenwei , Chen Yisha , Wei Chen , He Qing , Wang Fei , Xu Mingjun , Chen Haiyan
Published: December 2018

DMPexhibits high tumor cell affinity and favorable mitochondria-targeting capability.DMPexhibits high pH stability and good water-solubility.
Highly active enzymes immobilized in large pore colloidal mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Gößl Dorothée , Singer Helena , Chiu Hsin-Yi , Schmidt Alexandra , Lichtnecker Martina , Engelke Hanna , Bein Thomas
Published: December 2018

Carbonic anhydrase and horseradish peroxidase are immobilized inside the ordered material by click reactions. Colorimetric assays prove their catalytic activity.
Bisphosphonate ligand mediated ultrasensitive capacitive protein sensor: complementary match of supramolecular and dynamic chemistry
Authors: Ertürk Gizem , Akhoundian Maedeh , Lueg-Althoff Kyra , Shinde Sudhirkumar , Yeung Sing Yee , Hedström Martin , Schrader Thomas , Mattiasson Bo , Sellergren Börje
Published: December 2018

A powerful polymeric protein sensor was constructed by microcontact imprinting taking advantage of the specific interaction between a bisphosphonate binding monomer and lysine/arginine residues on the surface of trypsin.
Substrate selectivity and its mechanistic insight of the photo-responsive non-nucleoside triphosphate for myosin and kinesin
Authors: Islam Md. Jahirul , Matsuo Kazuya , Menezes Halley M. , Takahashi Masayuki , Nakagawa Hidehiko , Kakugo Akira , Sada Kazuki , Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Published: December 2018

Selective photoregulation of myosin over kinesin using azobenzene-tethered triphosphate.
Visible light promoted coupling of alkynyl bromides and Hantzsch esters for the synthesis of internal alkynes
Authors: Song Zhi-Yong , Zhang Chun-Lin , Ye Song
Published: December 2018

A metal-free visible light promoted synthesis of internal alkynes was developed via the C(sp3)–C(sp) coupling of alkynyl bromides and Hantzsch esters.
A potassium thiocyanate additive for hysteresis elimination in highly efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Ruxiao , Li Minghua , Huan Yahuan , Xi Jiahao , Zhang Suicai , Cheng Xiaoqin , Wu Hailin , Peng Wencai , Bai Zhiming , Yan Xiaoqin
Published: December 2018

Potassium thiocyanate as a cheap additive effectively eliminates the hysteresis effect of perovskite solar cells.
Metal–organic framework-derived shuttle-like V2O3/C for electrocatalytic N2 reduction under ambient conditions
Authors: Zhang Rong , Han Jingrui , Zheng Baozhan , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: December 2018

Metal–organic framework-derived shuttle-like V2O3/C is efficient for ambient electrocatalytic N2-to-NH3 fixation with excellent selectivity in 0.1 M Na2SO4.
3D confined assembly of polymer-tethered gold nanoparticles into size-segregated structures
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Yulan , Jin Seon-Mi , Xu Jiangping , Hou Zaiyan , Ren Jingli , Wang Ke , Lee Eunji , Zhang Lianbin , Zhang Yufeng , Zhu Jintao
Published: December 2018

A mixture of binary polystyrene (PS)-tethered gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with different sizes can co-assemble into size-segregated core–shell structures under 3D confinement. The location and arrangement of GNPs can be effectively tuned by varying the chain length of the modified PS.
The effect of different environments on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer in 4′-methoxy-3-hydroxyflavone
Authors: Chen Yunpeng , Yang Yunfan , Zhao Yu , Liu Shixing , Li Yongqing
Published: December 2018

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer reaction occurs with increasing difficulty in the solvents tested in the order toluene → ACN → DMF.
A straightforward and convenient synthesis of functionalized allyl thiosulfonates and allyl disulfanes
Authors: Reddy Raju Jannapu , Waheed Md. , Kumar Jangam Jagadesh
Published: December 2018

A practical, highly efficient and eco-friendly method for synthesis of multifunctional allyl thiosulfonates and allyl disulfanes is reported under mild reaction conditions.
A novel optical diffuser based on polymer micro-balls-filled nematic liquid crystal composite film
Authors: Zhou Le , Han Cheng , Zhang Cuihong , Zhang Lanying
Published: December 2018

A novel optical diffuser (transmission >94%, haze >94%) with the A6 polymer morphology has excellent light diffusing ability.
Cancer cell membrane-modified biodegradable mesoporous silica nanocarriers for berberine therapy of liver cancer
Authors: Yue Juan , Wang Zheng , Shao Dan , Chang Zhimin , Hu Rui , Li Li , Luo Shi-zhong , Dong Wen-fei
Published: December 2018

We described biodegrade mesoporous silica nanoparticles coating cancer cell membrane for berberine therapy of liver cancer.
Agricultural wastes from wheat, barley, flax and grape for the efficient removal of Cd from contaminated water
Authors: Melia Patrick M. , Busquets Rosa , Ray Santanu , Cundy Andrew B.
Published: December 2018

Agricultural production results in wastes that can be re-used to improve the quality of the environment.
Study of the effect of DIO additive on charge extraction and recombination in organic–inorganic hybrid MAPbI3−xClx perovskite solar cell
Authors: Peng Liping , Xie Wei , Yang Changquan
Published: December 2018

The additive of DIO not only can increase the PCE of perovskite solar cell, but also can decrease the bimolecular recombination.
Co-metabolism kinetics and electrogenesis change during cyanide degradation in a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Wu Hao , Feng Ya-li , Li Hao-ran , Wang Hong-jun , Wang Jun-jie
Published: December 2018

The co-metabolic degradation kinetics, microbial growth kinetics and electricity generation capacity were researched for strain MC-1 in a MFC.
Insights into Ag(i)-catalyzed addition reactions of amino alcohols to electron-deficient olefins: competing mechanisms, role of catalyst, and origin of chemoselectivity
Authors: Liu Chunhui , Han Peilin , Xie Zhizhong , Xu Zhihong , Wei Donghui
Published: December 2018

The origin of the chemoselectivities of Ag(i)-catalyzed addition reactions of amino alcohols to olefin has been predicted for the first time.
PseudoGTPase domains in p190RhoGAP proteins: a mini-review
Authors: Stiegler Amy L. , Boggon Titus J.
Published: December 2018

Pseudoenzymes generally lack detectable catalytic activity despite adopting the overall protein fold of their catalytically competent counterparts, indeed ‘pseudo’ family members seem to be incorporated in all enzyme classes. The small GTPase enzymes are important signaling proteins, and recent studies have identified many new family members with noncanonical residues within the catalytic cleft, termed pseudoGTPases. To illustrate recent discoveries in the field, we use the p190RhoGAP proteins as an example. p190RhoGAP proteins (ARHGAP5 and ARHGAP35) are the most abundant GTPase activating proteins for the Rho family of small GTPases. These are key regulators of Rho signaling in processes such as cell migration, adhesion and cytokinesis. Structural biology has complemented and guided biochemical analyses for these proteins and has allowed discovery of two cryptic pseudoGTPase domains, and the re-classification of a third, previously identified, GTPase-fold domain as a pseudoGTPase. The three domains within p190RhoGAP proteins illustrate the diversity of this rapidly expanding pseudoGTPase group.
Finite‐time asynchronous control for positive discrete‐time Markovian jump systems
Authors: Shang Hui , Qi Wenhai , Zong Guangdeng
Published: December 2018

Finite‐time asynchronous control problem is discussed for positive Markovian jump systems in this study. The non‐synchronous behaviours generated between the system modes and controller modes are fully considered. To ensure the closed‐loop system positivity and finite‐time boundedness with a guaranteed performance level, a sufficient condition on the existence of an asynchronous controller is first established by applying Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional approach and recursive matrix inequality methods. Then, with the aid of matrix conversions, the specific form of controller gain matrices can be constructed by solving linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions. A numerical example is presented and application is illustrated to validate the proposed results by employing a pest's age‐structured population dynamic model.
Guaranteed cost control of networked systems with stochastic medium‐access protocols: methodology and applications
Authors: Wen Shixi , Guo Ge , Chen Bo , Gao Xiue
Published: December 2018

This study investigates a switching control problem for a set of plants which share communication channels, and for which medium‐access control is achieved based on contention‐based protocols such as the binary exponential back‐off algorithm. The medium‐access procedure can be modelled by a Markov chain with completely or partially known transition probabilities. The entire networked system operates as a stochastic switching system (SSS). Based on the average dwell time technique, guaranteed cost control method, and SSS theory, sufficient conditions are derived to establish the relation between the mean‐square exponential stability and the property of the Markov chain‐driven medium‐access control for the SSS. Depending on these conditions, the designed feedback controller can stabilise the SSS using the mean‐square exponential and guarantee the desired robust performance. The proposed control framework is extended and applied to the cooperative adaptive cruise control of vehicles within the context of intelligent vehicle highway systems, which can reject the disturbance resulting from the fluctuating acceleration of preceding vehicles. Numerical simulations and experiments using laboratory‐scale cars show the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Anti‐windup compensator design for power system subjected to time‐delay and actuator saturation
Authors: Obaiah Maddela Chinna , Subudhi Bidyadhar
Published: December 2018

In this study, a delay‐dependent anti‐windup compensator (AWC) is designed for supplementary damping control (SDC) of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device to enhance the damping of inter‐area oscillations of the power system subjected to time‐delay and actuator saturation. By employing global signal measurements, an SDC of FACTS device is designed without considering the effect of time‐delay and actuator saturation to stabilise the power system using a robust output feedback controller with pole placement approach. Then, based on the generalised sector condition and Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, an add‐on delay‐dependent AWC is designed to mitigate the adverse effect of time‐delay and actuator saturation non‐linearity. For the design of delay‐dependent AWC, sufficient conditions guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop power system are formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). These conditions are cast into the LMI‐based convex optimisation problem to compute the AWC gains. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, non‐linear simulations were performed first using MATLAB/Simulink. Then, the authors implemented the proposed controller in real‐time using the Opal‐RT digital simulator. From the obtained results, it is observed that the proposed controller enhances the damping of inter‐area oscillations by compensating the effect of time delay and actuator saturation.
Versatile decentralised control of the DC microgrid
Authors: Mohammadi Jafar , Badrkhani Ajaei Firouz
Published: December 2018

This study proposes a versatile decentralised control strategy for the direct current (DC) microgrid based on the DC bus signalling method. Performance of the proposed control strategy is investigated under various generation and load disturbances in both grid‐connected and islanded operation modes of the DC microgrid. The studies are conducted using a realistic DC microgrid study system simulated in the PSCAD/EMTDC software. The study results indicate that the proposed control strategy: (i) effectively maintains the power balance in the DC microgrid, (ii) effectively limits the DC bus voltage deviations under large disturbances, (iii) improves stability and dynamic response, (iv) does not curtail renewable power generation unless it is necessary, (v) does not require excessively large grid‐tied converter and battery energy storage systems, and (vi) enhances system reliability, flexibility, modularity, and expandability.
The Petroleum Ether Extract from Hypericum perforatum Root Cultures Exhibits Potent Antiproliferative Activity in Human Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts
Authors: Gaid Mariam , Füller Jendrik , Müller-Goymann Christel
Published: December 2018

The hyperforin content of Hypericum perforatum herb was repeatedly reported to be responsible for a multitude of pharmacological activities. Our recent report about the hyperforin accumulation in in vitro root cultures of H. perforatum provides an alternative perspective to achieve constant product quality and to serve the rapidly growing market. In this study, the antiproliferative effect of a petroleum ether extract from the in vitro root cultures was investigated. When normalized to 1 µM hyperforin content, the extract reduced the viability of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblast monolayers to 33 and 36%, respectively, after 72 h of incubation. A cytotoxicity assay and live-dead cell staining confirmed that the extract lacked a cytotoxic effect and that the reduction in cell viability was mainly due to the antiproliferative activity. Application of the 1 µM hyperforin-normalized extract to a 3D artificial skin construct significantly reduced the proliferation of HaCaT in the presence of fibroblasts. This effect was proved by the reduction in thickness of the epidermal construct from 100 µm (control) to 17 µm (treated). Notably, 1 µM pure hyperforin lacked effectiveness in both monolayer cultures and 3D artificial skin constructs. Nor were fractions of the extract containing colupulone and xanthones active. The combination of these constituents also failed to reassemble the antiproliferative activity, which indicates a synergistic role of yet unidentified components present in the extract. Our findings may introduce H. perforatum root cultures as a novel lead system for the treatment of hypertrophic scars.
Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Spirooxindoles via Mizoroki–Heck Coupling of Aryl Iodides
Authors: Larhed Mats , Adeyemi Ahmed , Wetzel Alexander , Bergman Joakim , Brånalt Jonas
Published: December 2018

A method for highly regio- and stereoselective intramolecular Mizoroki–Heck 5-exo cyclization of aryl iodides to the corresponding spirooxindoles has been developed. Electron-rich and electron-deficient aryl iodide precursors were selectively ring-closed with high stereoselectivity and good yields. The double-bond position in the cyclopentene ring was controlled by careful choice of reaction conditions. These rare spiro compounds were further functionalized to rigidified unnatural amino acid derivatives by a subsequent gas-free Pd(0)-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation, followed by selective O- and N-deprotections.
A New Technique for Reconstruction of Medium-Sized Eyelid Defects (A Modification of Tessier Nasojugal Flap)
Authors: Yousefiazar Awat , Hassanzadazar Mohsen
Published: December 2018

Eyelid reconstructions are considered challenging surgical procedures, which are mostly performed due to trauma, tumor resections, and congenital defects. Several techniques can be used to reconstruct the lower eyelid defects. In this study, the authors aimed to introduce a new single-step technique for the reconstruction of medium-sized lower eyelid defects while preventing ectropion. A modified nasojugal flap was designed and harvested after making a complete incision. A dermal extension from the nasolabial area was added to the end of the nasojugal flap. A tunnel was created under the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the dermal tail was passed through this tunnel toward the lateral canthus. The flap was fixed in its new position by suturing. The defect in the nasojugal area was repaired by bilateral advancement of the surrounding tissue. The recovery of the patients was followed up for 6 months, which included assessment of the eyelid position and donor site morbidity. A total of four patients with an age range of 64 ± 8 years who suffered from basal cell carcinoma were treated using the technique introduced in this study. No ectropion or abnormal eyelid position nor donor site morbidity was observed during the follow-up period. Reconstruction of a medium-sized lower eyelid defect using nasolabial flap with local modification combined with orbital canthus fixation resulted in appropriate functional and cosmetic outcomes and limited the risk of complications and morbidity.
Proximal Hamstring Injuries: Review of Operative and Nonoperative Management
Authors: Duchman Kyle , Amendola Ned , Buckwalter V Joseph
Published: December 2018

While uncommon, proximal hamstring injuries can result in significant pain and dysfunction, while also posing considerable treatment dilemmas due to the spectrum of injury that exists. Recent literature suggests that outcomes are improved with acute surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring avulsions, highlighting the importance of timely management of these unique injuries. While chronic repair or reconstruction can result in predictable improvements in pain and function postoperatively, the results are less predictable than acute surgical repair. Nonoperative management should be considered as the initial treatment strategy for patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy or partial tears, as delayed surgical intervention in this setting has not been shown to significantly affect outcomes. Although current evidence is limited, evolving therapeutic techniques, including biologic injections and endoscopic repair techniques, need to be carefully evaluated to determine their role moving forward. This review aims to provide updated information on the relevant anatomy, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and management of proximal hamstring injuries, with a specific focus on surgical indications, techniques, and outcomes.
A Case of Congenital Bronchial Pulmonary Arterial Malformation Successfully Treated by Embolization
Authors: Chu Ferdinand , Sit Ko , Kwok King
Published: December 2018

Idiopathic bronchial pulmonary arterial malformation (BPAM) is a very rare condition. The authors present a case of BPAM in which a right bronchial artery communicates with a main upper lobe branch of the right pulmonary artery. It was successfully treated by embolization in one setting. The patient remained asymptomatic and well during the follow-up period. The authors therefore conclude that if the embolic material/device is carefully chosen, it is a safe and effective means of treating BPAM.
Scanning frequency comb microscopy—A new method in scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Hagmann M. J.
Published: December 2018

A method for superimposing a microwave frequency comb (MFC) on the DC tunneling current in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is described in which a mode-locked laser is focused on the tunneling junction. The MFC is caused by optical rectification of the regular sequence of laser pulses due to the nonlinear current-voltage characteristics of the tunneling junction. Hundreds of harmonics, at integer multiples of the laser pulse-repetition frequency, are generated with a metal tip and sample. However, the harmonics have less power with a resistive sample due to the loss in its spreading resistance. The microwave power is greatest at a tip-sample distance that is unique for each sample resistivity. This distance may be set by using different pairs of the applied DC bias and the set-point for the DC tunneling current. However, the laser, and not the applied DC bias or the DC tunneling current, is the source of energy for the MFC so they are not required. Feedback control of the tip-sample distance may be based on maximizing the attowatt-level microwave power of the harmonics, which have a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB. This method shows promise for nondestructive carrier profiling of semiconductors with true sub-nanometer resolution which is essential in the continued progress below the 40-nm technology node. It may enable carrier profiling with 2-D materials such as graphene, and it also shows promise for finer resolution in images of biological materials or other resistive samples.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Fe-doped MnCoGe alloys
Authors: Mandal K. , Das S. C. , Dutta P. , Pramanick S. , Dasgupta P. , Chatterjee S.
Published: December 2018

Detailed structural and magnetic investigations have been performed on two equally Fe-doped MnCoGe alloys of nominal compositions Mn0.875Fe0.125CoGe and MnCo0.875Fe0.125Ge. The presence of martensitic phase transition (MPT) in both alloys is clear from the temperature variation of structural and magnetic properties. The nature of MPT is found to be complete in the Mn site Fe-doped alloy. On the other hand, a partial nature of the MPT is observed for the Co site Fe-doped alloy. The application of external hydrostatic pressure hardly affects the magnetic and structural transition temperatures. Both alloys show a significant amount of the magnetocaloric effect in ambient as well as in high pressure situation around their magnetic and structural transition regions.
Dimensional variation of reconfigurable serpentine graphene nanoribbon under tension
Authors: Wang Yafei , Wang Changguo , Zhang Yunce , Guo Jiaming , Tan Huifeng
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we resort to single-layer graphene nanoribbon (GN) and atomistic simulation to explore the dimensional variation of serpentine graphene. A tensile model of serpentine GN is established, and its topology responses are investigated with some counterintuitive expectations. A laser scanning experiment on the serpentine sheet of paper is performed and compared, which can indirectly reflect the reduced-dimensionality tendency of serpentine GN in tension. As a result, serpentine GN provides a dynamic route of transforming lateral and longitudinal dimensions. Our obtained results can be used to the thermal, electric, or magnetic controlling in future applications.
Reversible elastocaloric effects with small hysteresis in nanocrystalline Ni-Ti microwires
Authors: Zhu Xuejie , Zhang Xuexi , Qian Mingfang
Published: December 2018

The elastocaloric effect (eCE) with high reversibility and small hysteresis associated with the B2↔R transformation was demonstrated in nanocrystalline Ni50.5Ti49.5 microwires. The microwire, with diameter of 100 μm and nanoscale grains 15-75 nm, was perpared by multi-step cold-drawing followed by low-temperature annealing. R—B2 transition occurs in the annealed microwire at ambient temperatures. Large isothermal entropy change (ΔSiso) 20.5 J/kg·K during cooling and 21.4 J/kg·K during heating under a stress of 335 MPa associated with the R—B2 transformation was confirmed. As a result, a refrigeration capacity (RC) 257.3 J/kg during cooling and 249.5 J/kg during heating over a working temperature window (ΔTFWHM) 298.5-313.6 K and 304.5-313.6 K, respectively, was achieved. Furthermore, the annealed microwire exhibited a small temperature hysteresis 5-8.5 K and very equivalent ΔSiso during forward and backward R phase transitions, giving rise to a highly reversible eCE with small hysteresis.
Switching domain wall motion on and off using a gate voltage for domain wall transistor applications
Authors: Ma Chuang , Jin Tianli , Liu Xiaoxi , Piramanayagam S. N.
Published: December 2018

Spintronic devices such as magnetic random access memory and domain wall (DW) memory are attracting significant attention. Spin-field effect transistor devices have been proposed and researched for logic applications. In domain wall memory, the information is stored in magnetic domain states, which can be moved with a current above a certain threshold value. So far, the domain wall motion is only determined by the current density for most of the DW devices. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that a significant change in domain wall mobility can be achieved by applying a gate voltage. By applying a positive gate voltage, we show that the threshold current density for DW motion can be reduced by more than 10%. By choosing a suitable operating current, the domain wall motion can be switched on or off by the use of a gate voltage. These results are promising for designing high performance domain wall based transistor devices with faster operation speed and lower power consumption.
Expansion characteristics of a plasma jet in the stepped-wall liquid chamber
Authors: Liu Yi , Yu Yonggang , Mang Shanshan
Published: December 2018

The stepped-wall liquid chamber is an effective way to control the interaction instability during the expansion process of a plasma jet in the working fluid. The experiment was carried on to observe the plasma-liquid interaction in the stepped-wall liquid chamber. Based on the experiment, a two-dimension unsteady calculated model of a plasma jet expanding in liquid was established to investigate the jet expansion and flow field characteristics. The plasma jet gradually fills the steps of the liquid chamber, and its axial expansion is faster than the radial expansion. The vortex formed internal the plasma jet splits into two small vortices as time goes on. The low-pressure vortex is formed at the corner of the step, which increases the radial expansion of the plasma jet. Increasing the wall structure factor (n), the turbulent mixing is increased, the axial expansion ability of the plasma jet is decreased, and the pressure of the head high-pressure area and the thermal diffusion range of the plasma jet are decreased. The formula for estimating the axial displacement of a plasma jet is obtained for n is 0.4∼0.8.
Joan Mary Anderson 1932–2015
Authors: Horton Peter , Chow Wah Soon , Barrett Christopher
Published: December 2018

Joan Mary (Jan) Anderson pioneered the investigation of the molecular organisation of the plant thylakoid membrane, making seminal discoveries that laid the foundations for the current understanding of photosynthesis. She grew up in Queenstown, New Zealand, obtaining a BSc and MSc at the University of Otago in Dunedin. After completing her PhD at the University of California, she embarked on a glittering career at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and then Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Not only a gifted experimentalist, Jan was a creative thinker, not afraid to put her insightful and prophetic hypotheses into the public domain. Her many notable achievements include establishing the details and the physiological significance of lateral heterogeneity in the distribution of the two photosystems between stacked and unstacked thylakoid membranes and the dynamic changes in the extent of stacking that occur in response to changes in the light environment. Her investigations brought her into collaboration with prominent researchers throughout the world. Recognised with many honours as a leading scientist in Australia, international recognition included Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Photosynthesis Research, and Honorary Fellowships at Universities in the UK and USA.
Systematic revision, diversity patterns and trophic ecology of the tropical Indo-West Pacific sea slug genus Phanerophthalmus A. Adams, 1850 (Cephalaspidea, Haminoeidae)
Authors: Austin Jennifer , Gosliner Terrence , Malaquias Manuel A. E.
Published: December 2018

Phanerophthalmus is a genus of Indo-West Pacific sea slugs inhabiting seagrass and coral reefs with up to now seven species currently recognised as valid. The goals of this study are to revise the systematics of Phanerophthalmus, infer its phylogeny and patterns of diversity, as well as study its diet. Morphology was combined with molecular phylogenetics based on two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA) and one nuclear (28S rRNA) genes. Molecular species delimitation methods (ABGD, DISSECT) were employed to aid delimiting species. Diet was assessed by gut content analysis. Seventeen species were recognised, 10 of them new to science (P. albotriangulatum, sp. nov., P. anettae, sp. nov., P. batangas, sp. nov., P. boucheti, sp. nov., P. cerverai, sp. nov., P. lentigines, sp. nov., P. paulayi, sp. nov., P. purpura, sp. nov., P. rudmani, sp. nov., P. tibiricae, sp. nov.). Phanerophthalmus has its highest diversity in the Western Pacific where 13 species occur with a peak in the Coral Triangle (11 species; three only known from here). Diversity decreases towards the Central Pacific with five species and Indian Ocean/Red Sea with four species. Only two species are distributed across the Indo-West Pacific. Preliminary gut content analysis suggests these slugs feed on diatoms.
MRL/MpJ mice produce more oocytes and exhibit impaired fertilisation and accelerated luteinisation after superovulation treatment
Authors: Hosotani Marina , Ichii Osamu , Nakamura Teppei , Masum Md Abdul , Otani Yuki , Otsuka-Kanazawa Saori , Elewa Yaser H. A. , Kon Yasuhiro
Published: December 2018

MRL/MpJ mice exhibit distinct phenotypes in several biological processes, including wound healing. Herein we report two unique phenotypes in the female reproductive system of MRL/MpJ mice that affect ovulation and luteinisation. We found that superovulation treatment resulted in the production of significantly more oocytes in MRL/MpJ than C57BL/6 mice (71.0±13.4 vs 26.8±2.8 respectively). However, no exon mutations were detected in genes coding for female reproductive hormones or their receptors in MRL/MpJ mice. In addition, the fertilisation rate was lower for ovulated oocytes from MRL/MpJ than C57BL/6 mice, with most of the fertilised oocytes showing abnormal morphology, characterised by deformation and cytolysis. Histological tracing of luteinisation showed that MRL/MpJ mice formed corpora lutea within 36h after ovulation, whereas C57BL/6 mice were still at the corpora haemorrhagica formation stage after 36h. The balance between the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors shifted towards the former earlier after ovulation in MRL/MpJ than C57BL/6 mice. This result indicates a possible link between accelerated extracellular matrix remodelling in the ovulated or ruptured follicles and luteinisation in MRL/MpJ mice. Together, these findings reveal novel phenotypes in MRL/MpJ mice that provide novel insights into reproductive biology.
Extensive cellular heterogeneity of X inactivation revealed by single-cell allele-specific expression in human fibroblasts
Authors: Garieri Marco , Stamoulis Georgios , Blanc Xavier , Falconnet Emilie , Ribaux Pascale , Borel Christelle , Santoni Federico , Antonarakis Stylianos E.
Published: December 2018

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) provides a dosage compensation mechanism where, in each female cell, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly silenced. However, some genes on the inactive X chromosome and outside the pseudoautosomal regions escape from XCI and are expressed from both alleles (escapees). We investigated XCI at single-cell resolution combining deep single-cell RNA sequencing with whole-genome sequencing to examine allelic-specific expression in 935 primary fibroblast and 48 lymphoblastoid single cells from five female individuals. In this framework we integrated an original method to identify and exclude doublets of cells. In fibroblast cells, we have identified 55 genes as escapees including five undescribed escapee genes. Moreover, we observed that all genes exhibit a variable propensity to escape XCI in each cell and cell type and that each cell displays a distinct expression profile of the escapee genes. A metric, the Inactivation Score—defined as the mean of the allelic expression profiles of the escapees per cell—enables us to discover a heterogeneous and continuous degree of cellular XCI with extremes represented by “inactive” cells, i.e., cells exclusively expressing the escaping genes from the active X chromosome and “escaping” cells expressing the escapees from both alleles. We found that this effect is associated with cell-cycle phases and, independently, with the XIST expression level, which is higher in the quiescent phase (G0). Single-cell allele-specific expression is a powerful tool to identify novel escapees in different tissues and provide evidence of an unexpected cellular heterogeneity of XCI.
Folate deficiency drives mitotic missegregation of the human
FRAXA
locus
Authors: Bjerregaard Victoria A. , Garribba Lorenza , McMurray Cynthia T. , Hickson Ian D. , Liu Ying
Published: December 2018

Significance

Dietary folate deficiency is associated with fetal neural tube defects, psychological disorders, and age-associated dementia. However, it remains unclear how folate deficiency could be a causative factor in such a diverse range of disorders. Through analysis of the
FRAXA
locus, which contains an extensive CGG repeat sequence, we show that folate deprivation triggers extensive mitotic missegregation of the locus. Moreover, the entire chromosome X becomes unstable during a period of long-term folate deprivation. Considering that the human genome contains several loci associated with extensive CGG repeat regions, these findings suggest a mechanism by which folate deficiency contributes to the onset of a wide range of human diseases.
Law’s promises and its limits: a reply to Cramer and McNulty
Authors: Hampson Sarah Cote
Published: December 2018

Cote Hampson discusses the ways in which Cramer and McNulty's pieces are linked to her own article in terms of their focus on the law's failure to live up to its promises. She highlights the tensions raised in each piece between seeking cultural versus legal remedies to social inequities, and argues that critical scholarship may offer one of the best “solutions” to the problems posed by the law's limits.