bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting glucocorticoid receptors prevents the effects of early life stress on amyloid pathology and cognitive performance in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Lesuis Sylvie L , Weggen Sascha , Baches Sandra , Lucassen Paul J , Krugers Harm J
Published: February 2018

Exposure to chronic stress or elevated glucocorticoid hormone levels in adult life has been associated with cognitive deficits and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since exposure to stress during early life enhances stress-responsiveness and lastingly affects cognition in adult life, we here investigated; (i) whether chronic early life stress (ELS) affects AD pathology and cognition in middle-aged APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, and (ii) whether it is still possible to rescue these late effects by briefly blocking glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) at a translationally relevant, middle age. Transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 mice were subjected to ELS by housing dams and pups with limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal days 2–9 only. In 6- and 12-month-old offspring, this resulted in enhanced hippocampal amyloid-β (Aβ)-40 and -42 levels, and in reduced cognitive flexibility, that correlated well with the Aβ42 levels. In parallel, CORT levels and BACE1 levels were significantly elevated. Surprisingly, blocking GRs for only 3 days at 12 months of age reduced CORT levels, reduced hippocampal Aβ40 and -42, and β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) levels, and notably rescued the cognitive deficits in 12-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. These mouse data demonstrate that exposure to stress during the sensitive period early in life influences later amyloid pathology and cognition in genetically predisposed, mutant mice, and as such, may increase AD vulnerability. The fact that a short treatment with a GR antagonist at middle age lastingly reduced Aβ levels and rescued the cognitive deficits after ELS, highlights the therapeutic potential of this drug for reducing amyloid pathology.
Mitochondria-associated membranes in aging and senescence: structure, function, and dynamics
Authors: Janikiewicz Justyna , Szymański Jędrzej , Malinska Dominika , Patalas-Krawczyk Paulina , Michalska Bernadeta , Duszyński Jerzy , Giorgi Carlotta , Bonora Massimo , Dobrzyn Agnieszka , Wieckowski Mariusz R.
Published: February 2018

Sites of close contact between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM) or mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs), and play an important role in both cell physiology and pathology. A growing body of evidence indicates that changes observed in the molecular composition of MAM and in the number of MERCs predisposes MAM to be considered a dynamic structure. Its involvement in processes such as lipid biosynthesis and trafficking, calcium homeostasis, reactive oxygen species production, and autophagy has been experimentally confirmed. Recently, MAM have also been studied in the context of different pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and GM1-gangliosidosis. An underappreciated amount of data links MAM with aging or senescence processes. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of basic MAM biology, composition and action, and discuss the potential connections supporting the idea that MAM are significant players in longevity.
Emerging molecular mechanisms in chemotherapy: Ca2+ signaling at the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes
Authors: Kerkhofs Martijn , Bittremieux Mart , Morciano Giampaolo , Giorgi Carlotta , Pinton Paolo , Parys Jan B. , Bultynck Geert
Published: February 2018

Inter-organellar communication often takes the form of Ca2+ signals. These Ca2+ signals originate from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and regulate different cellular processes like metabolism, fertilization, migration, and cell fate. A prime target for Ca2+ signals are the mitochondria. ER–mitochondrial Ca2+ transfer is possible through the existence of mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), ER structures that are in the proximity of the mitochondria. This creates a micro-domain in which the Ca2+ concentrations are manifold higher than in the cytosol, allowing for rapid mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In the mitochondria, the Ca2+ signal is decoded differentially depending on its spatiotemporal characteristics. While Ca2+ oscillations stimulate metabolism and constitute pro-survival signaling, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload results in apoptosis. Many chemotherapeutics depend on efficient ER–mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling to exert their function. However, several oncogenes and tumor suppressors present in the MAMs can alter Ca2+ signaling in cancer cells, rendering chemotherapeutics ineffective. In this review, we will discuss recent studies that connect ER–mitochondrial Ca2+ transfer, tumor suppressors and oncogenes at the MAMs, and chemotherapy.
A key role for MAM in mediating mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Area-Gomez Estela , de Groof Ad , Bonilla Eduardo , Montesinos Jorge , Tanji Kurenai , Boldogh Istvan , Pon Liza , Schon Eric A.
Published: February 2018

In the last few years, increased emphasis has been devoted to understanding the contribution of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAM) to human pathology in general, and neurodegenerative diseases in particular. A major reason for this is the central role that this subdomain of the ER plays in metabolic regulation and in mitochondrial biology. As such, aberrant MAM function may help explain the seemingly unrelated metabolic abnormalities often seen in neurodegeneration. In the specific case of Alzheimer disease (AD), besides perturbations in calcium and lipid homeostasis, there are numerous documented alterations in mitochondrial behavior and function, including reduced respiratory chain activity and oxidative phosphorylation, increased free radical production, and altered organellar morphology, dynamics, and positioning (especially perinuclear mitochondria). However, whether these alterations are primary events causative of the disease, or are secondary downstream events that are the result of some other, more fundamental problem, is still unclear. In support of the former possibility, we recently reported that C99, the C-terminal processing product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) derived from its cleavage by β-secretase, is present in MAM, that its level is increased in AD, and that this increase reduces mitochondrial respiration, likely via a C99-induced alteration in cellular sphingolipid homeostasis. Thus, the metabolic disturbances seen in AD likely arise from increased ER-mitochondrial communication that is driven by an increase in the levels of C99 at the MAM.
The role of the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum contact sites in the development of the immune responses
Authors: Martinvalet Denis
Published: February 2018

Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCs) are dynamic modules enriched in subset of lipids and specialized proteins that determine their structure and functions. The MERCs regulate lipid transfer, autophagosome formation, mitochondrial fission, Ca2+homeostasis and apoptosis. Since these functions are essential for cell biology, it is therefore not surprising that MERCs also play a critical role in organ physiology among which the immune system stands by its critical host defense function. This defense system must discriminate and tolerate host cells and beneficial commensal microorganisms while eliminating pathogenic ones in order to preserve normal homeostasis. To meet this goal, the immune system has two lines of defense. First, the fast acting but unspecific innate immune system relies on anatomical physical barriers and subsets of hematopoietically derived cells expressing germline-encoded receptors called pattern recognition receptors (PRR) recognizing conserved motifs on the pathogens. Second, the slower but very specific adaptive immune response is added to complement innate immunity. Adaptive immunity relies on another set of specialized cells, the lymphocytes, harboring receptors requiring somatic recombination to be expressed. Both innate and adaptive immune cells must be activated to phagocytose and process pathogens, migrate, proliferate, release soluble factors and destroy infected cells. Some of these functions are strongly dependent on lipid transfer, autophagosome formation, mitochondrial fission, and Ca2+flux; this indicates that MERCs could regulate immunity.
Anisotropic photoemission time delays close to a Fano resonance
Authors: Cirelli Claudio , Marante Carlos , Heuser Sebastian , Petersson C. L. M. , Galán Álvaro Jiménez , Argenti Luca , Zhong Shiyang , Busto David , Isinger Marcus , Nandi Saikat , Maclot Sylvain , Rading Linnea , Johnsson Per , Gisselbrecht Mathieu , Lucchini Matteo , Gallmann Lukas , Dahlström J. Marcus , Lindroth Eva , L’Huillier Anne , Martín Fernando , Keller Ursula
Published: February 2018

Electron correlation and multielectron effects are fundamental interactions that govern many physical and chemical processes in atomic, molecular and solid state systems. The process of autoionization, induced by resonant excitation of electrons into discrete states present in the spectral continuum of atomic and molecular targets, is mediated by electron correlation. Here we investigate the attosecond photoemission dynamics in argon in the 20–40 eV spectral range, in the vicinity of the 3s−1np autoionizing resonances. We present measurements of the differential photoionization cross section and extract energy and angle-dependent atomic time delays with an attosecond interferometric method. With the support of a theoretical model, we are able to attribute a large part of the measured time delay anisotropy to the presence of autoionizing resonances, which not only distort the phase of the emitted photoelectron wave packet but also introduce an angular dependence.
Publisher Correction: IgG1 memory B cells keep the memory of IgE responses
Authors: He Jin-Shu , Subramaniam Sharrada , Narang Vipin , Srinivasan Kandhadayar , Saunders Sean P. , Carbajo Daniel , Wen-Shan Tsao , Hidayah Hamadee Nur , Lum Josephine , Lee Andrea , Chen Jinmiao , Poidinger Michael , Zolezzi Francesca , Lafaille Juan J. , Curotto de Lafaille Maria A.
Published: February 2018

The originally published version of this Article contained errors in Fig. 4 that were introduced during the production process. In panel c, the two uppermost labels ‘IgE spleen’ and ‘IgE BM’ incorrectly read ‘IgG1 spleen’ and ‘IgE1 BM’, respectively. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Author Correction: Facile single-stranded DNA sequencing of human plasma DNA via thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase template switching
Authors: Wu Douglas C. , Lambowitz Alan M.
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Well-being, problematic alcohol consumption and acute subjective drug effects in past-year ayahuasca users: a large, international, self-selecting online survey
Authors: Lawn Will , Hallak Jaime E. , Crippa Jose A. , Dos Santos Rafael , Porffy Lilla , Barratt Monica J. , Ferris Jason A. , Winstock Adam R. , Morgan Celia J. A.
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Divergent effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling modifiers on the preservation of human limbal epithelial progenitors according to culture condition
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Wolosin J. Mario , Chung So-Hyang
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: A genome scan for milk production traits in dairy goats reveals two new mutations in Dgat1 reducing milk fat content
Authors: Martin Pauline , Palhière Isabelle , Maroteau Cyrielle , Bardou Philippe , Canale-Tabet Kamila , Sarry Julien , Woloszyn Florent , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Racke Ines , Besir Hüseyin , Rupp Rachel , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper
Interaction between alcohol consumption and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms in thyroid cancer risk: National Cancer Center cohort in Korea
Authors: Yang Sarah , Lee Jeonghee , Park Yoon , Lee Eun Kyung , Hwangbo Yul , Ryu Junsun , Sung Joohon , Kim Jeongseon
Published: February 2018

The effect of alcohol intake on thyroid cancer is unestablished, and its interaction effects with genetic susceptibility are unclear. In this case-control study, the relationship among alcohol intake, the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, and thyroid cancer risk has been evaluated. In total, 642 cases and 642 controls of Korean origin were included, and the genetic variants C677T and A1298C of the MTHFR gene were analysed. The interactions between alcohol-consumption behaviour and genetic variants were analysed with a likelihood ratio test, wherein a multiplicative interaction term was added to a logistic regression model. There was an independent association between the C677T polymorphism and thyroid cancer risk but not for drinking history. For C677T C/C homozygotes, individuals with a history of alcohol consumption showed a protective OR (95% CI) of 0.42 (0.15–1.13) when never drinkers were used as the reference. However, this protective association was not observed among individuals with a T+ allele with an OR (95% CI) of 1.27 (0.89–1.82), showing different directions for the association between genotypes with a significant interaction (Pinteraction = 0.009). Based on the genetic characteristics of individuals included, an interaction between alcohol intake and MTHFR C677T may modify the risk of thyroid cancer.
Tunable critical temperature for superconductivity in FeSe thin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Feng Zhongpei , Yuan Jie , He Ge , Hu Wei , Lin Zefeng , Li Dong , Jiang Xingyu , Huang Yulong , Ni Shunli , Li Jun , Zhu Beiyi , Dong Xiaoli , Zhou Fang , Wang Huabing , Zhao Zhongxian , Jin Kui
Published: February 2018

Stabilized FeSe thin films in ambient pressure with tunable superconducting critical temperature would be a promising candidate for superconducting electronic devices. By carefully controlling the depositions on twelve kinds of substrates using a pulsed laser deposition technique single crystalline FeSe thin films were fabricated. The high quality of the thin films was confirmed by X-ray diffraction with a full width at half maximum of 0.515° in the rocking curve and clear four-fold symmetry in φ-scan. The films have a maximum T
c
~ 15 K on the CaF2 substrate and were stable in ambient conditions air for more than half a year. Slightly tuning the stoichiometry of the FeSe targets, the superconducting critical temperature becomes adjustable below 15 K with quite narrow transition width less than 2 K. These FeSe thin films deposited on different substrates are optimized respectively. The Tc of these optimized films show a relation with the out-of-plane (c-axis) lattice parameter of the FeSe films.
A Triplet Parallelizing Spiral Microfluidic Chip for Continuous Separation of Tumor Cells
Authors: Chen Hongmei
Published: February 2018

Inertial and deformability- based particles separations gradually attract more significant attentions. In this work, we present a hybrid chip by combining the advantages of inertial and deformability –based principle. The chip is a triplet parallelizing spiral inertial microfluidic chip interconnected with numerable tilted slits (Spiral-Slits Chip) for continuous separation of circulating tumor cells. Utilizing the inertial lift and viscous drag forces, different sized particles achieve different equilibrium at distinct streamlines of the spiral microchannel. Numerable tilted slits are organized along the flow direction. They frequently transport segregated streamline particles into a paralleled smaller microchannel. These frequent dragging results in the amount of certain sized particles in the original microchannel gradually and dramatically reduced. Inertial separation of distinct sized particles could be achievable. Two arrays of numerable tilted slits function as bridges. This Spiral-Slits Chip could substitute for Red Blood Cells Lysis (RBCL) and is most effective for ultra-high throughput. The overall arrangement of this triplet parallelizing spiral inertial microfluidic reflects stable streamlines distribution in the first main microchannel. Combining with Ellipse filters, robust and reproducible capture of CTCs could be achieved at high flow rates. Optical absorption detection has been tentatively tested, and this could simplify the process.
Cooperative catalysis of cellulose nanofiber and organocatalyst in direct aldol reactions
Authors: Kanomata Kyohei , Tatebayashi Naoko , Habaki Xin , Kitaoka Takuya
Published: February 2018

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are finding a wide range of applications in the forthcoming sustainable society because of their carbon-neutral renewability and superior physicochemical properties. Here, we first show a cooperative organocatalysis by combining TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) and proline to enhance the catalytic efficiency in a direct aldol reaction. The yields of proline-catalyzed aldol products drastically increased in the presence of catalytically-inactive TOCN. This effect was also achieved by simply adding the TOCN to the reaction conditions where various proline analogues including structurally simple pyrrolidine and piperidine were used instead of proline. TOCN was superior to physically-pulverized CNF in the organocatalytic efficiency, and the nanofibrillation of cellulose microfibrils in reaction media was essential to induce the drastic enhancement in catalytic activity. The present finding will bring a new entry in the applications of CNFs, and open up a new phase in developing highly efficient molecular transformations in green chemical industries.
Zerumbone reduces proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells by inhibition of TNF-alpha
Authors: Singh Salam Pradeep , Nongalleima Khumukcham , Singh Ningthoujam Indrajit , Doley Pradip , Singh Chingakham Brajakisor , Singh Thiyam Ramsing , Sahoo Dinabandhu
Published: February 2018

Zerumbone is a known anti-cancer herbal compound. However, the actual protein target is not fully understood or known. This investigation focus on the association of zerumbone in HCT116 colon cancer cell proliferation and its link with TNF-alpha. The study shows that with the increasing concentration of zerumbone, there was a reduction of HCT116 cells proliferation based on the cell line study and hence higher TNF-alpha inhibition based on the TNF-alpha assay. The study also emphasizes on the computational aspect by investigating the molecular docking analysis of zerumbone against TNF-alpha. The docked complex was further validated using molecular dynamics simulation studies. The docking analysis observed that alpha-beta unsaturated carbonyl scaffold is an important moiety for the anti-cancer activity of zerumbone. Furthermore, the DFT analysis also confirms the reactivity nature of zerumbone based on the frontier molecular orbital analysis.
Silver and ultrasmall iron oxides nanoparticles in hydrocolloids: effect of magnetic field and temperature on self-organization
Authors: Ivashchenko Olena , Peplińska Barbara , Gapiński Jacek , Flak Dorota , Jarek Marcin , Załęski Karol , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Pietralik Zuzanna , Jurga Stefan
Published: February 2018

Micro/nanostructures, which are assembled from various nanosized building blocks are of great scientific interests due to their combined features in the micro- and nanometer scale. This study for the first time demonstrates that ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can change the microstructure of their hydrocolloids under the action of external magnetic field. We aimed also at the establishment of the physiological temperature (39 °C) influence on the self-organization of silver and ultrasmall iron oxides nanoparticles (NPs) in hydrocolloids. Consequences of such induced changes were further investigated in terms of their potential effect on the biological activity in vitro. Physicochemical characterization included X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopies (SEM, cryo-SEM, TEM, fluorescence), dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques, energy dispersive (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies, zeta-potential and magnetic measurements. The results showed that magnetic field affected the hydrocolloids microstructure uniformity, fluorescence properties and photodynamic activity. Likewise, increased temperature caused changes in NPs hydrodynamic size distribution and in hydrocolloids microstructure. Magnetic field significantly improved photodynamic activity that was attributed to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species due to reorganization of the microstructure.
Identification of Insulin Receptor Splice Variant B in Neurons by in situ Detection in Human Brain Samples
Authors: Spencer Brian , Rank Logan , Metcalf Jeff , Desplats Paula
Published: February 2018

Insulin and its receptor are widely expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body including liver, adipose tissue, liver and brain. The insulin receptor is expressed as two functionally distinct isoforms, differentiated by a single 12 amino acid exon. The two receptor isoforms, designated IR/A and IR/B, are expressed in a highly tissue and cell specific manner and relative proportions of the different isoforms vary during development, aging and disease states. The high degree of similarity between the two isoforms has prevented detailed studies as differentiation of the two isoforms by traditional immunological methods cannot be achieved. We describe here a new in situ RT-PCR/ FISH assay that allows for the visualization of IR/A and IR/B in tissue along with tissue specific markers. We used this new method to show for the first time that IR/A and IR/B are both expressed in neurons in the adult human brain. Thus, we present a method that enables the investigation of IR/A and IR/B insulin receptor isoform expression in situ in various tissues.
BASIS: High-performance bioinformatics platform for processing of large-scale mass spectrometry imaging data in chemically augmented histology
Authors: Veselkov Kirill , Sleeman Jonathan , Claude Emmanuelle , Vissers Johannes P. C. , Galea Dieter , Mroz Anna , Laponogov Ivan , Towers Mark , Tonge Robert , Mirnezami Reza , Takats Zoltan , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Langridge James I.
Published: February 2018

Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) holds significant promise in augmenting digital histopathologic analysis by generating highly robust big data about the metabolic, lipidomic and proteomic molecular content of the samples. In the process, a vast quantity of unrefined data, that can amount to several hundred gigabytes per tissue section, is produced. Managing, analysing and interpreting this data is a significant challenge and represents a major barrier to the translational application of MSI. Existing data analysis solutions for MSI rely on a set of heterogeneous bioinformatics packages that are not scalable for the reproducible processing of large-scale (hundreds to thousands) biological sample sets. Here, we present a computational platform (pyBASIS) capable of optimized and scalable processing of MSI data for improved information recovery and comparative analysis across tissue specimens using machine learning and related pattern recognition approaches. The proposed solution also provides a means of seamlessly integrating experimental laboratory data with downstream bioinformatics interpretation/analyses, resulting in a truly integrated system for translational MSI.
Impact of growth rate on graphene lattice-defect formation within a single crystalline domain
Authors: Chin Hao-Ting , Lee Jian-Jhang , Hofmann Mario , Hsieh Ya-Ping
Published: February 2018

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is promising for the large scale production of graphene and other two-dimensional materials. Optimization of the CVD process for enhancing their quality is a focus of ongoing effort and significant progress has been made in decreasing the defectiveness associated with grain boundaries and nucleation spots. However, little is known about the quality and origin of structural defects in the outgrowing lattice which are present even in single-crystalline material and represent the limit of current optimization efforts. We here investigate the formation kinetics of such defects by controlling graphene’s growth rate over a wide range using nanoscale confinements. Statistical analysis of Raman spectroscopic results shows a clear trend between growth rate and defectiveness that is in quantitative agreement with a model where defects are healed preferentially at the growth front. Our results suggest that low growth rates are required to avoid the freezing of lattice defects and form high quality material. This conclusion is confirmed by a fourfold enhancement in graphene’s carrier mobility upon optimization of the growth rate.
Correction: Corrigendum: Anderson localization and Mott insulator phase in the time domain
Authors: Sacha Krzysztof
Published: February 2018

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 10787; published online: 15 June 2015; updated: 28 February 2018 This Article contains typographical errors. In the Results section under subheading ‘Mott insulator phase in the time domain’. “In order to describe behaviour of the interacting many-body system wemay truncate the Hilbert space to a subspace spanned by Fock states |n1, …, ns〉 where the occupied modes correspond to localized wave-packets ψj moving along a s-resonant trajectory.
Harnessing chondroitin sulphate in composite scaffolds to direct progenitor and stem cell function for tissue repair
Authors: Farrugia B. L. , Lord M. S. , Whitelock J. M. , Melrose J.
Published: February 2018

This review details the inclusion of chondroitin sulphate in bioscaffolds for superior functional properties in tissue regenerative applications.
Life cycle impact of nanosilver polymer-food storage containers as a case study informed by literature review
Authors: Westerband Edward I. , Hicks Andrea L.
Published: February 2018

Silver nanoparticles may reduce food loss, however, there is an environmental cost.
Ecotoxicological assessment of Ti3C2Tx(MXene) using a zebrafish embryo model
Authors: Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Al-Asmakh Maha , Rasool Kashif , Mahmoud Khaled A.
Published: February 2018

We studied the biocompatibility of Ti3C2TxMXene sheets by analyzing their potential toxicityin vivoand their potential risks on marine biota and ecosystems using a zebrafish embryo model.
Single-gene prognostic signatures for advanced stage serous ovarian cancer based on 1257 patient samples
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yang Kai , Deng Kui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Weiwei , Xu Huan , Rong Zhiwei , Li Kang
Published: February 2018

We integrated 8 datasets with the empirical Bayes method and identified stable prognosis signatures for advanced stage serous ovarian cancer.
Theranostic micelles based on upconversion nanoparticles for dual-modality imaging and photodynamic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Han Yong , An Yanli , Jia Gang , Wang Xihui , He Chen , Ding Yinan , Tang Qiusha
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently metastatic once diagnosed and less likely to respond to curative surgery, emphasizing the need for the development of more sensitive and effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The hydrothermal synthesis of ultra-high aspect ratio Ag nanoflakes and their performance as conductive fillers in heaters and pastes
Authors: Wang Hua , Yang Wenjuan , Li Kaibin , Li Guanghai
Published: February 2018

Ag nanoflakes were formedviaa kinetically controlled hydrothermal synthesis method, through the slow release of Ag+from oxalate compound Ag2C2O4, and show excellent conductivity as conductive fillers in flexible Ag nanowire film heaters and in highly conductive Ag paste.
Ice-regenerated flame retardant and robust film ofBombyx morisilk fibroin and POSS nano-cages
Authors: Valentini Luca , Bittolo Bon Silvia , Pugno Nicola M.
Published: February 2018

In this study, we present a simple method to prepare and control the structure of regenerated hybrid silkworm silk films through icing.
A mitochondria-targeted nanoradiosensitizer activating reactive oxygen species burst for enhanced radiation therapy
Authors: Li Na , Yu Longhai , Wang Jianbo , Gao Xiaonan , Chen Yuanyuan , Pan Wei , Tang Bo
Published: February 2018

We developed a novel strategy for enhanced radiation therapy based on a mitochondria targeted titanium dioxide-gold nanoradiosensitizer.
Computational evaluation of metal pentazolate frameworks: inorganic analogues of azolate metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Arhangelskis Mihails , Katsenis Athanassios D. , Morris Andrew J. , Friščić Tomislav
Published: February 2018

We report a periodic density-functional theory evaluation of putative frameworks, including a topologically novel arhangelskite (arh) structure, based on the pentazolate ion, the ultimate all-nitrogen, inorganic member of the azolate series of aromatic 5-membered ring anions.
Stable 2D anti-ferromagnetically coupled fluorenyl radical dendrons
Authors: Wang Jian , Kim Gakhyun , Sandoval-Salinas María Eugenia , Phan Hoa , Gopalakrishna Tullimilli Y. , Lu Xuefeng , Casanova David , Kim Dongho , Wu Jishan
Published: February 2018

The first class of stable two-dimensional anti-ferromagnetically coupled dendritic polyradicaloids was synthesized, which show polyradical character and unique properties.
Rapid and simple purification of elastin-like polypeptides directly from whole cells and cell lysates by organic solvent extraction
Authors: VerHeul Ross , Sweet Craig , Thompson David H.
Published: February 2018

Elastin-like peptide (ELP) constructs are typically hydrophobic in nature. A rapid organic solvent extraction method is reported that affords highly pure ELP with removal of key contaminants such as nucleic acids and LPS.
Through-conjugation of two phosphaalkyne (‘CP’) moieties mediated by a bimetallic scaffold
Authors: Leech Matthew. C. , Crossley Ian R.
Published: February 2018

The bis-cyaphide complex [{Ru(dppe)2}2{μ-(CC)2C6H4-p}(CP)2] is the first molecule to incorporate two phosphaalkyne ‘CP’ moieties within a through-conjugated scaffold, and demonstrates interesting redox behaviour.
Mitochondria-localizing BODIPY–copper(ii) conjugates for cellular imaging and photo-activated cytotoxicity forming singlet oxygen
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arnab , Jameei Aida , Garai Aditya , Saha Rupak , Karande Anjali A. , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: February 2018

BODIPY–copper(ii) conjugates are prepared and characterized and the complexes showed mitochondrial localization with singlet oxygen mediated visible light-induced apoptotic cell death.
Self-supported one-dimensional materials for enhanced electrochromism
Authors: Tong Zhongqiu , Liu Shikun , Li Xingang , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: February 2018

This review describes recent advances of strategies for the design and morphology control of self-supported 1D nanostructured materials for electrochromism.
Shapes within shapes: how particles arrange inside a cavity
Authors: Wan Duanduan , Glotzer Sharon C.
Published: February 2018

We calculate the configurational entropy of hard particles confined in a cavity using Monte Carlo integration.
Probing the active sites of Co3O4 for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction by modulating the Co2+/Co3+ ratio
Authors: Yan Kai-Li , Qin Jun-Feng , Lin Jia-Hui , Dong Bin , Chi Jing-Qi , Liu Zi-Zhang , Dai Fang-Na , Chai Yong-Ming , Liu Chen-Guang
Published: February 2018

Synthesis of Ag doped Co3O4 with different atomic ratios of Co2+/Co3+ and investigation of the effect of preferential exposure of Co2+ in Co3O4 on the acidic OER.
Correction: Ammonia borane–polyethylene oxide composite materials for solid hydrogen storage
Authors: Nathanson A. S. , Ploszajski A. R. , Billing M. , Cook J. P. , Jenkins D. W. K. , Headen T. F. , Kurban Z. , Lovell A. , Bennington S. M.
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Ammonia borane–polyethylene oxide composite materials for solid hydrogen storage’ by A. S. Nathanson et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 3683–3691.
Correction: Nitrogen-doped carbons prepared from eutectic mixtures as metal-free oxygen reduction catalysts
Authors: López-Salas Nieves , Gutiérrez María C. , Ania Conchi O. , Muñoz-Márquez Miguel A. , Ferrer M. Luisa , Monte Francisco del
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Nitrogen-doped carbons prepared from eutectic mixtures as metal-free oxygen reduction catalysts’ by Nieves López-Salas et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 478–488.
Graphene oxide as a dual Zn/Mg ion carrier and release platform: enhanced osteogenic activity and antibacterial properties
Authors: Qiu Jiajun , Liu Lu , Chen Baohui , Qiao Yuqin , Cao Huiliang , Zhu Hongqin , Liu Xuanyong
Published: February 2018

Graphene oxide as an ion carrier and release platform: enhanced osteogenic activity and antibacterial properties.
Targeting Complex Sentences in Older School Children With Specific Language Impairment: Results From an Early-Phase Treatment Study
Authors: Balthazar Catherine H. , Scott Cheryl M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of a complex sentence treatment at 2 dosage levels on language performance of 30 school-age children ages 10–14 years with specific language impairment.

Method

Three types of complex sentences (adverbial, object complement, relative) were taught in sequence in once or twice weekly dosage conditions. Outcome measures included sentence probes administered at baseline, treatment, and posttreatment phases and comparisons of pre–post performance on oral and written language tests and tasks. Relationships between pretest variables and treatment outcomes were also explored.

Results

Treatment was effective at improving performance on the sentence probes for the majority of participants; however, results differed by sentence type, with the largest effect sizes for adverbial and relative clauses. Significant and clinically meaningful pre–post treatment gains were found on a comprehensive oral language test, but not on reading and writing measures. There was no treatment advantage for the higher dosage group. Several significant correlations indicated a relationship between lower pretest scores and higher outcome measures.

Conclusions

Results suggest that a focused intervention can produce improvements in complex sentence productions of older school children with language impairment. Future research should explore ways to maximize gains and extend impact to natural language contexts.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5923318
Intelligent digital redesign for T–S fuzzy systems: sampled‐data filter approach
Authors: Kim Ho Jun , Park Jin Bae , Joo Young Hoon
Published: February 2018

This study proposes an intelligent digital redesign (IDR) technique for sampled‐data fuzzy filters of non‐linear systems. The technique constructs a closed‐loop system with predesigned continuous‐time and sampled‐data filters based on the Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model. The closed‐loop systems ensure asymptotic stability and state‐matching condition in the IDR problem. Unlike previous techniques, the proposed method solves the IDR problem without a discretization process which degrades the IDR performance. Sufficient conditions for solving the IDR problem are proposed and derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In addition, the performance recovery of the sampled‐data fuzzy filter is shown. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed technique is demonstrated in two simulation examples.
Design and implementation of perturbation observer‐based robust passivity‐based control for VSC‐MTDC systems considering offshore wind power integration
Authors: Sang Yiyan , Yang Bo , Yao Wei , Jiang Lin
Published: February 2018

Voltage source converter‐based multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current (VSC‐MTDC) systems are starting to be commissioned. However, concentrated integration of large‐scale wind power demands stronger robustness against power fluctuation and system disturbances to increase the reliability of the whole system. This study proposes a perturbation observer‐based robust passivity‐based control (PORPC) for VSC‐MTDC systems connected to an offshore wind farm to meet the demands. The aggregated effect of system nonlinearities, parameter uncertainties, unmodelled dynamics and external disturbances includes grid faults and time‐varying wind power output is estimated by a linear perturbation observer and fully compensated by a passive controller, thus no accurate VSC‐MTDC system model is required. PORPC attempts to regulate DC voltage and reactive power at the rectifier side, as well as active power and reactive power at the inverters side connected to an offshore wind farm. Besides, a DC‐link voltage droop controller is introduced so as to provide immediate response to the grid unbalance situation. Moreover, a noticeable robustness against parameter uncertainties can be achieved as no accurate system model is needed. Case studies are carried out to compare the performance of PORPC to other typical approaches. Finally, a hardware‐in‐the‐loop test is undertaken via dSPACE which validate its implementation feasibility.
Reflective liquid crystal terahertz phase shifter with tuning range of over 360°
Authors: Yang Jun , Cai Chenggang , Yin Zhiping , Xia Tianyu , Jing Shuaicheng , Lu Hongbo , Deng Guangsheng
Published: February 2018

This study presents the design and experiment of a terahertz reflective phase shifter based on liquid crystal. The proposed voltage‐tunable phase shifter takes advantage of the variable permittivity of the liquid crystal, adjusted by an external electric field, providing tunable reflective phase shift of terahertz (THz) waves. We analysed the performance of this phase shifter using a simple isotropic and homogeneous model considering the angle of incidence. The phase variation was achieved in a range greater than 360° and frequencies from 349 to 361 GHz. An array constituted of 900 patch elements was fabricated using the photolithographic process. It provided tunable phase range of 350° over the frequency range of 353.5–359.3 GHz at 40 V, where a maximum phase shift 362.6° was achieved at 357 GHz. The LC dielectric constant was obtained by fitting the computed reflectance spectrum to the measured result. We compared accurate model, considering both inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the liquid crystal, with the simplified model. In addition, the differences were analysed between the measurements, accurate and conventional model. The results show the liquid crystal phase shifter is great for beam scanning antenna array in THz.
Fourniture d’information et consentement à payer l’eau d’irrigation dans les groupements de développement agricole tunisiens. Une étude par l’économie expérimentale
Authors: Farolfi Stefano , Dubois Dimitri , Morardet Sylvie , Nouichi Imen , Marlet Serge
Published: February 2018

L’eau d’irrigation est une ressource cruciale pour le développement économique et social en Tunisie. Dans un contexte de décentralisation et de délégation du rôle de l’État, une part importante de la gestion de cette eau d’irrigation a été confiée aux groupements de développement agricole (GDA). Ces groupements souffrent cependant d’un manque de reconnaissance de la part des usagers, qui se manifeste essentiellement par un faible consentement de leur part à payer les redevances. Dans cet article nous nous demandons dans quelle mesure l’information fournie aux usagers sur le fonctionnement du système (information « institutionnelle ») et/ou sur les décisions prises par les autres usagers (information « sociale ») peut influencer leur consentement à payer. Notre analyse s’est faite en deux temps. Nous avons commencé par une enquête sur le terrain, laquelle révèle effectivement une demande des irrigants en matière de diffusion d’informations. Nous avons ensuite élaboré une expérience permettant d’isoler l’impact de différents types d’information sur les décisions prises par les individus dans le cadre d’un jeu qui a des propriétés proches de la situation de terrain. Les données collectées en laboratoire confirment l’existence d’une relation de causalité entre l’information fournie aux usagers et leur consentement à payer pour une ressource commune comme l’eau d’irrigation.
Utilization of robusta coffee waste as a renewable energy material - bioetanol
Authors: Sutarno  , Kholiq Abdul Malik
Published: February 2018

A research on robusta coffee waste has been conducted as a renewable energy material - Bioethanol. This research was carried out by hydrolysis and fermentation process using Zymomonasmobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Zymomonasmobilis) bacteria to obtain the best catalyst type in the process of hydrolysis of coffee skin to glucose and the effect of fermentation time on bioethanol content produced. This research was conducted by varying the fermentation time of 7 days; 8 days; 9 days and 10 days. The fermentation fluid was then distilled and tested for bioethanol using a refractometer. Furthermore, bioethanol concentration in the analysis using.
Simulation of biodiesel production using hydro-esterification process from wet microalgae
Authors: Pradana Yano Surya , Fauzi Ardian , Pratama Sangga Hadi , Sudibyo Hanifrahmawan
Published: February 2018

Recently, algae have received a lot of attention as a new biomass source for the production of renewable energy, such as biodiesel. Conventionally, biodiesel is made through esterification or transesterification of oils where the process involves a catalyst and alcohol to be reacted in a reactor. However, this process is energy intensive for drying and extraction step. To overcome this situation, we studied simulation of a new route of hydro-esterification process which is combine hydrolysis and esterification processes for biodiesel production from wet microalgae. Firstly, wet microalgae treated by hydrolyzer to produce fatty acids (FAs), separated with separator, and then mixed with methanol and esterified at subcritical condition to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) while H2SO4 conducted as the catalyst. Energy and material balance of conventional and hydrolysis-esterification process was evaluated by Aspen Plus. Simulation result indicated that conventional route is energy demanding process, requiring 4.40 MJ/L biodiesel produced. In contrast, the total energy consumption of hydrolysis-esterification method can be reduced significantly into 2.43 MJ/L biodiesel. Based on the energy consumption comparison, hydro-esterification process is less costly than conventional process for biodiesel production.
Bioadsorbent based on water hyacinth modified with citric acid for adsorption of methylene blue in water
Authors: Siswoyo Eko , Adrian Anandhitya Rhezsa , Tanaka Shunitz
Published: February 2018

Recently, textile wastewater contamination has been a common problem in Indonesia because many textile industries disposed their wastewater directly to the river without proper treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of a low-cost adsorbent based on water hyacinth. The adsorbent is prepared from water hyacinth powder (WHP) and water hyacinth modified with citric acid (WHMCA) for removal of dyes methylene blue (MB) in water. In order to know the properties of the adsorbent, WHP and WHMCA were characterized by FTIR and SEM, respectively. The effect of dose of adsorbent (10 – 100 mg), pH condition (2 – 10), contact time (30 min – 24 h) and initial concentration of methylene blue (100 – 600 mg/L) were investigated. Based on Langmuir isotherm adsorption model, it was found that the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent before and after modification with citric acid for MB was 261 mg/g and 320 mg/g, respectively and the optimum contact time was 2 h. The finding of the present study proved that WHMCA should be considered as a promising adsorbent in the near future.
Modification process in nixtamalization of folic acid-rich dent corn (Zea mays identata) and its identification as smart food fortificant
Authors: Susilowati Agustine , Lotulung Puspa Dewi , Maryati Yati , Aspiyanto
Published: February 2018

A modification on nixtamalization process of dent corn (Zea mays identata) was conducted in order to recover natural folic acid-rich corn. Nixtamalization process on varieties of white dent corn and yellow dent corn subsequently were performed by steeping solution of Ca(OH)2 at concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 30 % (w/w corn dissolved protein) for 18 hours, and boiling at 90 °C for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Result of research showed that concentration of Ca(OH)2 solution becoming more and more high and long boiling time increased both folic acid and reducing sugar, dropped total solids and total sugar, and fluctuated dissolved protein for both types of corn. Nixtamalization optimalization of white dent corn and yellow dent corn were achieved at combination of Ca(OH)2 20 % (w/w corn dissolved protein) for 60 minutes of boiling and Ca(OH)2 30 % for 30 minutes of boiling and gave folic acid of 466.81 and 506.74 μg/mL, respectively. In this condition, it is occurred an increase of folic acid 192.3 % (1.9 folds) and 139.89 % (1.4 folds) when compared to initial material of corn. Identification on folic acid monomer and glutamic acid monomer of both nixtamalized dent corn and yellow dent corn at optimum operation condition displayed domination of folic acid monomer with molecular weight (MW) 442.56 Dalton (Da.) with relative intensity 25.51 %, and 441.73 Da. with relative intensity 100 %, while glutamic acid monomer of nixtamalized yellow dent corn and nixtamalized white dent corn were dominated by monomer with MWs of 148.27 Da. and 148.32 Da., and relative intensity 3.73 and 1.8 %.
The effect of organosolv pretreatment on optimization of hydrolysis process to produce the reducing sugar
Authors: Lini Fibrillian Zata , Widjaja Tri , Hendrianie Nuniek , Altway Ali , Nurkhamidah Siti , Tansil Yumarta
Published: February 2018

As the fossil energy decrease such as petroleum and natural gas, that are encourages a lot of research to develop new sources of energy from renewable raw materials. One of the source is through reducing sugar (glucose and xylose) obtained from coffee pulp waste; this is due to abundant production of coffee pulp every year reaching 743 kg/ha. In addition, this waste has not been used optimally and the cellulose and hemicellulose content of the coffee is high. The purpose of this study is to get the optimal operating condition for reducing sugar production from coffee pulp waste. The method used for optimization is Response Surface Methodology with Central Composite Design. The optimum operation condition obtained was pH 4.63 at 34ºC for 16.29 hours of hydrolysis. As a result, the predicted yield gained was 0.147 grams of reducing sugars / gram of cellulose+hemicellulose. The result indicates the gained yield was 0.137 grams of reducing sugars / gram of cellulose+hemicellulose.
Esterification of glycerol with acetic acid over Lewatit catalyst
Authors: Setyaningsih Lucky , Siddiq Fahmi , Pramezy Aqila
Published: February 2018

Tri Acetyl Glycerol or triacetin is one of the glycerol derivative products which can be used as additives in liquid fuels (octane boosters) to reduce knocking on the machine. The use of triacetin as octane booster is considered very promising because it comes from renewable and environmentally friendly raw materials. The resulting glycerol-based additives are suitable for gasoline, biodiesel and diesel. In this study glycerol esterification with acetic acid over Lewatit catalyst was investigated. The effects of various parameters, such as reaction temperature, weight of catalyst and molar ratio of glycerol to acetic acid were studied and the optimum condition for the triacetin synthesis are 100°C, 1: 7 mole of ratio and 3% weight of catalys