bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The discovered chimeric protein plays the cohesive role to maintain scallop byssal root structural integrity
Authors: Xu Pingping , Dai Xiaoting , Wang Dandan , Miao Yan , Zhang Xiaokang , Wang Shuoshuo , Teng Luyao , Dong Bo , Bao Zhenmin , Wang Shi , Lyu Qianqian , Liu Weizhi
Published: November 2018

Adhesion is essential for many marine sessile organisms. Unraveling the compositions and assembly of marine bioadheisves is the fundamental to understand their physiological roles. Despite the remarkable diversity of animal bioadhesion, our understanding of this biological process remains limited to only a few animal lineages, leaving the majority of lineages remain enigmatic. Our previous study demonstrated that scallop byssus had distinct protein composition and unusual assembly mechanism apart from mussels. Here a novel protein (Sbp9) was discovered from the key part of the byssus (byssal root), which contains two Calcium Binding Domain (CBD) and 49 tandem Epidermal Growth Factor-Like (EGFL) domain repeats. Modular architecture of Sbp9 represents a novel chimeric gene family resulting from a gene fusion event through the acquisition of CBD2 domain by tenascin like (TNL) gene from Na+/Ca2+exchanger 1 (NCX1) gene. Finally, free thiols are present in Sbp9 and the results of a rescue assay indicated that Sbp9 likely plays the cohesive role for byssal root integrity. This study not only aids our understanding of byssus assembly but will also inspire biomimetic material design.
Superdislocations and point defects in pyrochlore Yb2Ti2O7 single crystals and implication on magnetic ground states
Authors: Shafieizadeh Zahra , Xin Yan , Koohpayeh Seyed M. , Huang Qing , Zhou Haidong
Published: November 2018

This study reports atomic-scale characterization of structural defects in Yb2Ti2O7, a pyrochlore oxide whose subtle magnetic interactions is prone to small perturbations. Due to discrepancies in the reported magnetic ground states, it has become a pressing issue to determine the nature of defects in this system. In the present study, we use atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques to identify the type of defects in the ytterbium titanate single crystals grown by the conventional optical floating zone (FZ) method. In addition to the known point defects of substitution Yb on Ti B-sites, extended defects such as dissociated superdislocations and anti-phase boundaries were discovered for the first time in this material. Such defects were prevalently observed in the FZ grown single crystals (of a darker color), in contrast to the stoichiometric white polycrystalline powders or high quality colorless single crystals grown by the traveling solvent floating zone technique. The lattice strains from these extended defects result in distortions of Yb-tetrahedron. A change of Ti valance was not detected at the defects. Our findings provide new insights into understanding the nature of defects that are of great importance for the physical property studies of geometrically frustrated compounds. Furthermore, this work sheds light on the complicated core structure of superdislocations that have large Burgers vectors in oxides with complex unit cells.
Transcriptome analysis provides insight into prickle development and its link to defense and secondary metabolism in Solanum viarum Dunal
Authors: Pandey Shatrujeet , Goel Ridhi , Bhardwaj Archana , Asif Mehar H. , Sawant Samir V. , Misra Pratibha
Published: November 2018

Prickles are epidermal outgrowth found on the aerial surface of several terrestrial plants. Microscopic studies on prickles ofS.viarumDunal indicated a crucial role of glandular trichomes (GTs) in their development. A spontaneously obtained prickleless mutant showed normal epidermal GTs, but its downstream developmental process to prickle was perturbed. Thus, prickleless mutant offers an ideal opportunity to unveil molecular regulators working downstream to GTs in the prickle formation. Differential transcriptome analysis of epidermis of prickly and prickleless mutant revealed that expression of several defense regulators like ethylene, salicylic acid, PR-proteins, etc. were significantly down-regulated in prickleless mutant, provide an important link between defense and prickle development. It was also noteworthy that the expression of few essential development related TFs like MADS-box, R2R3-MYB, REM, DRL1, were also down-regulated in the stem, petioles, and leaves of prickleless mutant indicating their potential role in prickle development. Interestingly, the gene expression of terpenoid, steroid, flavonoid, glucosinolate, and lignin biosynthesis pathways were up-regulated in prickleless mutant. The biochemical and qRT-PCR analysis also confirmed metabolite elevation. These results indicated that the loss of prickle was compensated by elevated secondary metabolism in the prickleless mutant which played important role in the biotic and abiotic stress management.
An integrative transcriptome analysis indicates regulatory mRNA-miRNA networks for residual feed intake in Nelore cattle
Authors: De Oliveira Priscila S. N. , Coutinho Luiz L. , Tizioto Polyana C. , Cesar Aline S. M. , de Oliveira Gabriella B. , Diniz Wellison J. da S. , De Lima Andressa O. , Reecy James M. , Mourão Gerson B. , Zerlotini Adhemar , Regitano Luciana C. A.
Published: November 2018

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is an economically relevant trait in beef cattle. Among the molecular regulatory mechanisms, microRNAs (miRNAs) are an important dimension in post-transcriptional regulation and have been associated with different biological pathways. Here, we performed differential miRNAs expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA) to better understand the complex interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs expressed in bovine skeletal muscle and liver. MiRNA and mRNA expression data were obtained from Nelore steers that were genetically divergent for RFI (N = 10 [low RFI or feed efficient]; N = 10 [high RFI or feed inefficient]). Differentially expressed and hub miRNAs such as bta-miR-486, bta-miR-7, bta-miR15a, bta-miR-21, bta-miR 29, bta- miR-30b, bta-miR-106b, bta-miR-199a-3p, bta-miR-204, and bta-miR 296 may have a potential role in variation of RFI. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed (DE) miRNA’s target genes and miRNA–mRNA correlated modules revealed that insulin, lipid, immune system, oxidative stress and muscle development signaling pathways might potentially be involved in RFI in this population. Our study identified DE miRNAs, miRNA - mRNA regulatory networks and hub miRNAs related to RFI. These findings suggest a possible role of miRNAs in regulation of RFI, providing new insights into the potential molecular mechanisms that control feed efficiency in Nelore cattle.
Genome sequences identify three families of Coleoptera as morphologically derived click beetles (Elateridae)
Authors: Kusy Dominik , Motyka Michal , Bocek Matej , Vogler Alfried P. , Bocak Ladislav
Published: November 2018

Plastoceridae Crowson, 1972, Drilidae Blanchard, 1845 and Omalisidae Lacordaire, 1857 (Elateroidea) are families of the Coleoptera with obscure phylogenetic relationships and modified morphology showing neotenic traits such as soft bodies, reduced wing cases and larviform females. We shotgun sequenced genomes ofPlastocerus,DrilusandOmalisusand incorporated them into data matrices of 66 and 4202 single-copy nuclear genes representing Elateroidea. Phylogenetic analyses indicate their terminal positions within the broadly defined well-sclerotized and fully metamorphosed Elateridae and thus Omalisidae should now be considered as Omalisinae stat. nov. in Elateridae Leach, 1815. The results support multiple independent origins of incomplete metamorphosis in Elateridae and indicate the parallel evolution of morphological and ecological traits. Unlike other neotenic elateroids derived from the supposedly pre-adapted aposematically coloured and unpalatable soft-bodied elateroids, such as fireflies (Lampyridae) and net-winged beetles (Lycidae), omalisids and drilids evolved from well-sclerotized click beetles. These findings suggest sudden morphological shifts through incomplete metamorphosis, with important implications for macroevolution, including reduced speciation rate and high extinction risk in unstable habitats. Precise phylogenetic placement is necessary for studies of the molecular mechanisms of ontogenetic shifts leading to profoundly changed morphology.
Strengthening long-lasting insecticidal nets effectiveness monitoring using retrospective analysis of cross-sectional, population-based surveys across sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Janko Mark M. , Churcher Thomas S. , Emch Michael E. , Meshnick Steven R.
Published: November 2018

Bed nets averted 68% of malaria cases in Africa between 2000 and 2015. However, concerns over insecticide resistance, bed net durability and the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) are growing. To assess the effectiveness of LLINs of different ages and insecticides against malaria, we conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study using data from 162,963 children younger than 5 years of age participating in 33 Demographic and Health and Malaria Indicator Surveys conducted in 21 countries between 2009 and 2016. We used Bayesian logistic regression to estimate associations between LLIN age, insecticide type, and malaria. Children sleeping under LLINs the previous night experienced 21% lower odds of malaria infection than children who did not (odds ratio [OR] 0.79; 95% Uncertainty Interval [UI] 0.76–0.82). Nets less than one year of age exhibited the strongest protective effect (OR 0.75; 95% UI 0.72–0.79), and protection weakened as net age increased. LLINs containing different insecticides exhibited similar protection (ORdeltamethrin 0.78 [0.75–0.82]; ORpermethrin 0.79 [0.75–0.83]; ORalphacypermethrin 0.85 [0.76–0.94]). Freely-available, population-based surveys can enhance and guide current entomological monitoring amid concerns of insecticide resistance and bed net durability, and be used with locally-collected data to support decisions on LLIN redistribution campaign timing which insecticide to use.
Metabolomics and transcriptomics pathway approach reveals outcome-specific perturbations in COPD
Authors: Cruickshank-Quinn Charmion I. , Jacobson Sean , Hughes Grant , Powell Roger L. , Petrache Irina , Kechris Katerina , Bowler Russell , Reisdorph Nichole
Published: November 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprises multiple phenotypes such as airflow obstruction, emphysema, and frequent episodes of acute worsening of respiratory symptoms, known as exacerbations. The goal of this pilot study was to test the usefulness of unbiased metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches to delineate biological pathways associated with COPD phenotypes and outcomes. Blood was collected from 149 current or former smokers with or without COPD and separated into peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma. PBMCs and plasma were analyzed using microarray and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, respectively. Statistically significant transcripts and compounds were mapped to pathways using IMPaLA. Results showed that glycerophospholipid metabolism was associated with worse airflow obstruction and more COPD exacerbations. Sphingolipid metabolism was associated with worse lung function outcomes and exacerbation severity requiring hospitalizations. The strongest associations between a pathway and a certain COPD outcome were: fat digestion and absorption and T cell receptor signaling with lung function outcomes; antigen processing with exacerbation frequency; arginine and proline metabolism with exacerbation severity; and oxidative phosphorylation with emphysema. Overlaying transcriptomic and metabolomics datasets across pathways enabled outcome and phenotypic differences to be determined. Findings are relevant for identifying molecular targets for animal intervention studies and early intervention markers in human cohorts.
Understanding the Thalidomide Chirality in Biological Processes by the Self-disproportionation of Enantiomers
Authors: Tokunaga Etsuko , Yamamoto Takeshi , Ito Emi , Shibata Norio
Published: November 2018

Twenty years after the thalidomide disaster in the late 1950s, Blaschkeet al. reported that only the (S)-enantiomer of thalidomide is teratogenic. However, other work has shown that the enantiomers of thalidomide interconvertin vivo, which begs the question: why is teratogen activity not observed in animal experiments that use (R)-thalidomide given the readyin vivoracemization (“thalidomide paradox”)? Herein, we disclose a hypothesis to explain this “thalidomide paradox” through thein-vivoself-disproportionation of enantiomers. Upon stirring a 20% ee solution of thalidomide in a given solvent, significant enantiomeric enrichment of up to 98% ee was observed reproducibly in solution. We hypothesize that a fraction of thalidomide enantiomers epimerizesin vivo, followed by precipitation of racemic thalidomide in (R/S)-heterodimeric form. Thus, racemic thalidomide is most likely removed from biological processes upon racemic precipitation in (R/S)-heterodimeric form. On the other hand, enantiomerically pure thalidomide remains in solution, affording the observed biological experimental results: the (S)-enantiomer is teratogenic, while the (R)-enantiomer is not.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) promotes angiogenesis in-vitro and in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model
Authors: Winter Raimund , Dungel Peter , Reischies Frederike Marie Josephine , Rohringer Sabrina , Slezak Paul , Smolle Christian , Spendel Stephan , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy Nassim , Schicho Kurt
Published: November 2018

The application of light in various therapeutic settings known as Photobiomodulation (PBM) is well established. Indications are the improvement of wound healing and tissue regeneration, scarring, and perfusion as well as pain therapy. Tissue perfusion is mandatory for successful wound healing. Nevertheless, there is a lack of mechanistic studies. We investigate the potential effect of PBM from light emitting diodes (LED) at 635 nm, 80 mW/cm2, 24 J/cm2 on angiogenesis in a two-part study: 1.) Investigation of the effect of PBM on the proliferation of endothelial cells and on vasculogenesis in a co-culture model of endothelial cells and stem cells. 2.) Investigation of the influence of PBM at chick egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays with fresh human skin xenografts. In both study phases, we observed a stimulating effect of PBM at 635 nm; in part 1: for proliferation of HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) (25833 ± 12859 versus 63002 ± 35760 cells/well, p < 0.05, for cellular network formation (2.1 ± 2.1 versus 4.6 ± 3.5, p < 0.05) and for less cell compactness p = 0.01; in part 2: for the increase of number of vessel junctions per ROI (region of interest) (15.9 ± 2.6 versus 20.8 ± 5.4, p < 0.05). Our results suggest significant promotion of angiogenesis by PBM at 635 nm in vitro and in vivo.
Pendimethalin-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and activation of anti-inflammatory and apoptotic markers in male rats
Authors: Ahmad Md. Irshad , Zafeer Mohd Faraz , Javed Mehjbeen , Ahmad Masood
Published: November 2018

Male Wistar rats were exposed to herbicide, pendimethalin (PND) at varying oral doses of 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w. for 14 days. Toxiological effects were assessed in terms of oxidative stress, DNA damage, histopathological alterations and induction of anti-inflammatory and apoptotic responses linked Bax, Bcl-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and caspase-3 gene expression. In comparison with respective untreated controls, all exposure groups of PND exhibited significant changes in the oxidative stress markers (protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant defenses (GSH, SOD, CAT and GST) in liver and kidney tissues. The histopathological changes including leucocyte infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, necrosis, large bowman’s space, shrinked renal cortex, were observed in the liver and kidney tissues of PND exposed rats. Significant DNA damage was recorded through comet assay in liver and kidney cells of treated animals as compared to control. Alteration in anti-inflammatory and apoptotic genes expression determined by RT-PCR, revealed the activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway(s) under the PND induced cellular stress. A pronounced increase in Bax expression, caspase-3 activities and decreased Bcl-2 expressions were also associated with PND-induced apoptosis. Data from this study suggests that PND induces cellular toxicity and genetic perturbations which can alter the normal cellular and physiological functioning in rats.
Tendon Fascicle-Inspired Nanofibrous Scaffold of Polylactic acid/Collagen with Enhanced 3D-Structure and Biomechanical Properties
Authors: Sensini Alberto , Gualandi Chiara , Zucchelli Andrea , Boyle Liam A. , Kao Alexander P. , Reilly Gwendolen C. , Tozzi Gianluca , Cristofolini Luca , Focarete Maria Letizia
Published: November 2018

Surgical treatment of tendon lesions still yields unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The use of bioresorbable scaffolds represents a way forward to improve tissue repair. Scaffolds for tendon reconstruction should have a structure mimicking that of the natural tendon, while providing adequate mechanical strength and stiffness. In this paper, electrospun nanofibers of two crosslinked PLLA/Collagen blends (PLLA/Coll-75/25, PLLA/Coll-50/50) were developed and then wrapped in bundles, where the nanofibers are predominantly aligned along the bundles. Bundle morphology was assessed via SEM and high-resolution x-ray computed tomography (XCT). The 0.4-micron resolution in XCT demonstrated a biomimetic morphology of the bundles for all compositions, with a predominant nanofiber alignment and some scatter (50–60% were within 12° from the axis of the bundle), similar to the tendon microstructure. Human fibroblasts seeded on the bundles had increased metabolic activity from day 7 to day 21 of culture. The stiffness, strength and toughness of the bundles are comparable to tendon fascicles, both in the as-spun condition and after crosslinking, with moderate loss of mechanical properties after ageing in PBS (7 and 14 days). PLLA/Coll-75/25 has more desirable mechanical properties such as stiffness and ductility, compared to the PLLA/Coll-50/50. This study confirms the potential to bioengineer tendon fascicles with enhanced 3D structure and biomechanical properties.
Exposure to Chemical Cues from Predator-Exposed Conspecifics Increases Reproduction in a Wild Rodent
Authors: Haapakoski M. , Hardenbol A. A. , Matson Kevin D.
Published: November 2018

Predation involves more than just predators consuming prey. Indirect effects, such as fear responses caused by predator presence, can have consequences for prey life history. Laboratory experiments have shown that some rodents can recognize fear in conspecifics via alarm pheromones. Individuals exposed to alarm pheromones can exhibit behavioural alterations that are similar to those displayed by predator-exposed individuals. Yet the ecological and evolutionary significance of alarm pheromones in wild mammals remains unclear. We investigated how alarm pheromones affect the behaviour and fitness of wild bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in outdoor enclosures. Specifically, we compared the effects of exposure of voles living in a natural environment to a second-hand fear cue, bedding material used by predator-exposed voles. Control animals were exposed to bedding used by voles with no predator experience. We found a ca. 50% increase in litter size in the group exposed to the predator cue. Furthermore, female voles were attracted to and males were repelled by trap-associated bedding that had been used by predator-exposed voles. Movement and foraging were not significantly affected by the treatment. Our results suggest that predation risk can exert population-level effects through alarm pheromones on prey individuals that did not encounter a direct predator cue.
Comparison of machine learning models for the prediction of mortality of patients with unplanned extubation in intensive care units
Authors: Hsieh Meng Hsuen , Hsieh Meng Ju , Chen Chin-Ming , Hsieh Chia-Chang , Chao Chien-Ming , Lai Chih-Cheng
Published: November 2018

Unplanned extubation (UE) can be associated with fatal outcome; however, an accurate model for predicting the mortality of UE patients in intensive care units (ICU) is lacking. Therefore, we aim to compare the performances of various machine learning models and conventional parameters to predict the mortality of UE patients in the ICU. A total of 341 patients with UE in ICUs of Chi-Mei Medical Center between December 2008 and July 2017 were enrolled and their demographic features, clinical manifestations, and outcomes were collected for analysis. Four machine learning models including artificial neural networks, logistic regression models, random forest models, and support vector machines were constructed and their predictive performances were compared with each other and conventional parameters. Of the 341 UE patients included in the study, the ICU mortality rate is 17.6%. The random forest model is determined to be the most suitable model for this dataset with F1 0.860, precision 0.882, and recall 0.850 in the test set, and an area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.910 (SE: 0.022, 95% CI: 0.867–0.954). The area under ROC curves of the random forest model was significantly greater than that of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II (0.779, 95% CI: 0.716–0.841), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) (0.645, 95% CI: 0.564–0.726), and Glasgow Coma scales (0.577, 95%: CI 0.497–0.657). The results revealed that the random forest model was the best model to predict the mortality of UE patients in ICUs.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation Mediated by Tetracyclines in Vitro and in Vivo: Photochemical Mechanisms and Potentiation by Potassium Iodide
Authors: Xuan Weijun , He Ya , Huang Liyi , Huang Ying-Ying , Bhayana Brijesh , Xi Liyan , Gelfand Jeffrey A. , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: November 2018

Tetracyclines (including demeclocycline, DMCT, or doxycycline, DOTC) represent a class of dual-action antibacterial compounds, which can act as antibiotics in the dark, and also as photosensitizers under illumination with blue or UVA light. It is known that tetracyclines are taken up inside bacterial cells where they bind to ribosomes. In the present study, we investigated the photochemical mechanism: Type 1 (hydroxyl radicals); Type 2 (singlet oxygen); or Type 3 (oxygen independent). Moreover, we asked whether addition of potassium iodide (KI) could potentiate the aPDI activity of tetracyclines. High concentrations of KI (200–400 mM) strongly potentiated (up to 5 logs of extra killing) light-mediated killing of Gram-negative Escherichia coli or Gram-positive MRSA (although the latter was somewhat less susceptible). KI potentiation was still apparent after a washing step showing that the iodide could penetrate the E. coli cells where the tetracycline had bound. When cells were added to the tetracycline + KI mixture after light, killing was observed in the case of E. coli showing formation of free molecular iodine. Addition of azide quenched the formation of iodine but not hydrogen peroxide. DMCT but not DOTC iodinated tyrosine. Both E. coli and MRSA could be killed by tetracyclines plus light in the absence of oxygen and this killing was not quenched by azide. A mouse model of a superficial wound infection caused by bioluminescent E. coli could be treated by topical application of DMCT and blue light and bacterial regrowth did not occur owing to the continued anti biotic activity of the tetracycline.
A study of tuberculosis in road traffic-killed badgers on the edge of the British bovine TB epidemic area
Authors: Sandoval Barron Elsa , Swift Ben , Chantrey Julian , Christley Robert , Gardner Richard , Jewell Chris , McGrath Ian , Mitchell Andrew , O’Cathail Colman , Prosser Alison , Ridout Sue , Sanchez-Cabezudo Gonzalo , Smith Noel , Timofte Dorina , Williams Nicola , Bennett Malcolm
Published: November 2018

The role of badgers in the geographic expansion of the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) epidemic in England is unknown: indeed there have been few published studies of bTB in badgers outside of the Southwest of England where the infection is now endemic in cattle. Cheshire is now on the edge of the expanding area of England in which bTB is considered endemic in cattle. Previous studies, over a decade ago when bovine infection was rare in Cheshire, found no or only few infected badgers in the south eastern area of the county. In this study, carried out in 2014, road-killed badgers were collected through a network of local stakeholders (farmers, veterinarians, wildlife groups, government agencies), and Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from 21% (20/94) badger carcasses. Furthermore, there was strong evidence for co-localisation of M. bovis SB0129 (genotype 25) infection in both badgers and cattle herds at a county scale. While these findings suggest that both badgers and cattle are part of the same geographically expanding epidemic, the direction of any cross-species transmission and the drivers of this expansion cannot be determined. The study also demonstrated the utility of using road-killed badgers collected by stakeholders as a means of wildlife TB surveillance.
Spiral bandwidth of four-wave mixing in Rb vapour
Authors: Offer R. F. , Stulga D. , Riis E. , Franke-Arnold S. , Arnold A. S.
Published: November 2018

Laguerre-Gauss beams, and more generally the orbital angular momentum of light (OAM) provide valuable research tools for optical manipulation, processing, imaging and communication. High-efficiency frequency conversion of OAM is possible via four-wave mixing in rubidium vapour. Conservation of the OAM in the two pump beams determines the total OAM shared by the generated light fields at 420 nm and 5.2 μm—but not its distribution between them. Here we experimentally investigate the spiral bandwidth of the generated light modes as a function of pump OAM. A small pump OAM is transferred almost completely to the 420 nm beam. Increasing the total pump OAM broadens the OAM spectrum of the generated light, indicating OAM entanglement between the generated light fields. This clears the path to high-efficiency OAM entanglement between widely disparate wavelengths.
A selective and sensitive azido near-infrared fluorescent probe for tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine quantitative detection and its application for E. coli determination
Authors: Guo Hui , Tang Wei , Duan Xinrui
Published: November 2018

We developed a sensitive near-infrared fluorescent probe, azido hemicyanine (HC-N3), for the detection of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) with the lowest LOD (92 nM) so far.
A pH-responsive stellate mesoporous silica based nanophotosensitizer for in vivo cancer diagnosis and targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Lin Ai-Lan , Li Song-Zi , Xu Cai-Hong , Li Xing-Shu , Zheng Bi-Yuan , Gu Jun-Jie , Ke Mei-Rong , Huang Jian-Dong
Published: November 2018

A novel stellate mesoporous silica-based pH-responsive nanophotosensitizer can be localized and specifically activated at tumor site for cancer diagnosis and targeted PDT.
The influence of trapping agents on the antitumor efficacy of irinotecan liposomes: head-to-head comparison of ammonium sulfate, sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin and sucrose octasulfate
Authors: Yang Wenqian , Yang Zimeng , Fu Jingru , Guo Mengran , Sun Bingjun , Wei Wei , Liu Dan , Liu Hongzhuo
Published: November 2018

Remote loading technology is an outstanding achievement in liposome-based drug delivery systems.
A DFT study of Co(i) and Ni(ii) pincer complex-catalyzed hydrogenation of ketones: intriguing mechanism dichotomy by ligand field variation
Authors: Hou Cheng , Li Yinwu , Zhao Cunyuan , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: November 2018

Ligand field variation governs the mechanism dichotomy for isoelectronic catalysts.
The thermal stability, structural changeability, and aggregability of glutenin and gliadin proteins induced by wheat bran dietary fiber
Authors: Ma Sen , Han Wen , Li Li , Zheng Xueling , Wang Xiaoxi
Published: November 2018

Wheat bran dietary fiber (WBDF) has been reported to be responsible for the low quality of whole wheat flour products due to its destructive effect on the gluten matrix.
Mesoporous silica-protected silver nanoparticle disinfectant with controlled Ag+ ion release, efficient magnetic separation, and effective antibacterial activity
Authors: Wang Xiaoxin , Sun Wuzhu , Yang Weiyi , Gao Shuang , Sun Caixia , Li Qi
Published: November 2018

Ag is the most effective metal disinfectant against pathogenic microorganisms and thus, various approaches have been exploited to enhance the dispersity and control the release of Ag+ ions from Ag nanoparticles.
A random laser based on electrospun polymeric composite nanofibers with dual-size distribution
Authors: Albuquerque de Oliveira Mário César , de Souza Menezes Leonardo , Pincheira Pablo I. R. , Rojas-Ulloa Carlos , Gomez Nikifor Rakov , de Oliveira Helinando Pequeno , Leônidas Gomes Anderson Stevens
Published: November 2018

Electrospun fiber-based random lasers are environment-friendly flexible systems in which waveguiding/scattering processes provided by their structure with a broad distribution of diameters are essential elements to generate a suitable lasing mechanism.
Shape selection through epitaxy of supported platinum nanocrystals
Authors: Peres Laurent , Yi Deliang , Bustos-Rodriguez Susana , Marcelot Cécile , Pierrot Alexandre , Fazzini Pier-Francesco , Florea Ileana , Arenal Raul , Lacroix Lise-Marie , Warot-Fonrose Bénédicte , Blon Thomas , Soulantica Katerina
Published: November 2018

Epitaxial resolution of a mixture of nanostructures through growth on a crystallographically oriented surface.
Enzyme triggered disassembly of amphiphilic linear-dendritic block copolymer micelles based on poly[N-(2-hydroxyethyl-l-glutamine)]
Authors: Qian Yangyang , You Dan , Lin Feng , Wei Junwu , Wang Yujia , Bi Yunmei
Published: November 2018

New amphiphilic linear-dendritic diblock copolymers based on poly[N-(2-hydroxyethyl-l-glutamine)] have been synthesized, and their micellar assemblies can disassemble and release encapsulated molecular cargo upon enzymatic activation.
Interfacial tension and CO2 diffusion coefficients for a CO2 + water and n-decane system at pressures of 10 to 160 bar
Authors: Bagalkot Nikhil , Hamouda Aly A.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study is to address the influence of different CO2 phases and degrees of CO2 saturation on the interfacial tension and the diffusion of CO2 into a hydrocarbon drop.
A combination of experiment and theoretical methods to study the novel and low-cost corrosion inhibitor 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole for mild steel in 1 M sulfuric acid
Authors: Gao Lanzhou , Peng Shini , Gong Zhili , Chen Jie
Published: November 2018

1-Hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAT) was explored via experimental and theoretical computation methods as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M sulfuric acid.
Chinese liquor extract enhances inflammation resistance in RAW 264.7 and reduces aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Huailing , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Guohao , Pingchang Yang Pingchang Yang , Liu Zhigang
Published: November 2018

Recent reports have indicated that the ingredients in Chinese liquor possess multiple bioactivities.
Luminescent properties of Eu-doped magnetic Na3FeF6
Authors: Jia Hong , Zhou Yiping , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Weiying , Feng Xun , Li Zhiang , Fu Hongzhi , Zhao Jianguo , Liu Zhongli , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2018

Sodium iron fluoride (Na3FeF6) is a colorless ferromagnetic fluoride with a monoclinic crystal structure (space group P21/c), and it is expected to be an ideal platform for exploring magneto-optical interactions.
Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals with different acid anhydrides for improved dispersion in poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: He Yingying , Zhu Jiang , Wang Wentao , Ni Haitao
Published: November 2018

The hydrophobic CNC was dispersed in PBS to become a high dispersity and mechanical property and thermal stability PBS/modified-CNC composite.
Chemical space, diversity and activity landscape analysis of estrogen receptor binders
Authors: Naveja J. Jesús , Norinder Ulf , Mucs Daniel , López-López Edgar , Medina-Franco Josė L.
Published: November 2018

Global diversity and activity landscape analysis of endocrine-disrupting chemicals identifies activity cliffs that are rationalized at the structure level.
Hydration of phenylacetylene on sulfonated carbon materials: active site and intrinsic catalytic activity
Authors: Yan Pengqiang , Xie Zailai , Tian Siyuan , Li Fan , Wang Dan , Su Dang Sheng , Qi Wei
Published: November 2018

Active site and intrinsic catalytic activity study of the phenylacetylene hydration reaction on sulfonated carbon materials.
Metal free oxidation of vinamidine derivatives: a simple synthesis of α-keto-β-diimine ligands
Authors: Tripathi Monika , Regnier Vianney , Ziani Zakaria , Devillard Marc , Philouze Christian , Martin David
Published: November 2018

Oxidation of vinamidinium salts with meta-chloroperbenzoic acid not only provides access to new persistent 1,3-di(amino)oxyallyl radical cations, but also to α-keto-β-diimine ligands, for which no convenient synthesis was previously available.
Anomalous effect of the aging degree on the ionic permeability of silica shells
Authors: Wang Shenghua , Li Chaoran , Chen Zhijie , Zhu Zhijie , Zhu Qishan , Tang Ruijun , Sun Wei , He Le , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: November 2018

We discovered an anomalous effect of the aging degree on the ionic permeability of colloidal silica.
A low-valent dinuclear ruthenium diazadiene complex catalyzes the oxidation of dihydrogen and reversible hydrogenation of quinones
Authors: Yang Xiuxiu , Gianetti Thomas L. , Wörle Michael D. , van Leest Nicolaas P. , de Bruin Bas , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: November 2018

Dinuclear ruthenium with similar functional ligands as [Fe,Fe] hydrogenase active sites catalyzes H2 splitting and reversible hydrogenation of vitamin K.
Free-standing protective films for enhancing the cyclability of organic batteries
Authors: Zhu Shaolong , Tang Mi , Wu Yanchao , Chen Yuan , Jiang Cheng , Xia Cong , Zhuo Shuming , Wang Bo , Wang Chengliang
Published: November 2018

A free-standing protective film is developed, acting like a sandglass, which can inhibit the shuttle effect of electrode materials.
Hemodynamic shear flow regulates biophysical characteristics and functions of circulating breast tumor cells reminiscent of brain metastasis
Authors: Jin Jing , Tang Kai , Xin Ying , Zhang Tianlong , Tan Youhua
Published: November 2018

Tumor cells disseminate to distant organs mainly through blood circulation, where they experience considerable levels of fluid shear flow.
The stabilization of primitive bicontinuous cubic phases with tunable swelling over a wide composition range
Authors: Leung Sherry S. W. , Leal Cecilia
Published: November 2018

Phase behavior of GMO/DOTAP/DOPE-PEG with bicontinuous cubic phases of different symmetry present in a wide composition range.
Triazatruxene-based small molecules with thermally activated delayed fluorescence, aggregation-induced emission and mechanochromic luminescence properties for solution-processable nondoped OLEDs
Authors: Chen Yonghong , Wang Shumeng , Wu Xiaofu , Xu Yuxiang , Li Hua , Liu Yang , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang
Published: November 2018

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence, aggregation-induced emission and mechanochromic luminescence properties are combined in triazatruxene-based small molecules, which exhibit low efficiency roll-off in OLED devices.
Dynamic hierarchical load balancing model for cloud data centre networks
Authors: Chhabra S. , Singh A.K.
Published: November 2018

Today's data centres need efficient traffic management to improve resource utilisation in their networks. It helps to solve the load imbalance problem of each processor. This Letter presents a ‘dynamic hierarchical load balancing’ approach for higher traffic scalability. The method selects the most favourable host satisfying the multi‐dimensional resource constraints in terms of computing capability and its performance. The proposed method achieves significant traffic scalability improvement upto 66% over sequential and random virtual machine placement heuristics.
High‐resolution ISAR imaging via MMV‐based block‐sparse signal recovery
Authors: He Xingyu , Tong Ningning , Hu Xiaowei
Published: November 2018

Recently, compressed sensing (CS) methods are widely used in high‐resolution inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging. However, these CS‐based imaging methods generally do not take the block‐sparse structure of the ISAR images into account, and the image recovery performance needs to be improved. By utilising the block‐sparse structure of the signal, more sparse solution and better focused ISAR images can be obtained. In this study, the authors convert the block‐sparse signal recovery problem into a sparse recovery problem for multiple measurement vector (MMV), which can be solved more efficiently. A sparser and more accurate solution can be obtained based on the MMV model, and therefore better focused ISAR images can be recovered. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Feature extraction of analogue circuit fault signals via cross‐wavelet transform and variational Bayesian matrix factorisation
Authors: He Wei , He Yigang , Li Bing , Zhang Chaolong
Published: November 2018

Analogue circuits are one of the most commonly used components in industrial equipment, but circuit failure may lead to significant causalities and even enormous financial losses. To address this issue, in this work the authors propose a new feature extraction scheme based on cross‐wavelet transform (XWT) and variational Bayesian matrix factorisation (VBMF). Primarily, fault signals acquired from defect circuits are collected and processed by using XWT to obtain the joint time‐frequency representation. VBMF is utilised to fetch the time‐frequency information of the fault signal. A nine‐dimensional feature vector is then constructed. Finally, a support vector machine optimised by a flower pollination algorithm is introduced to locate faults. Results show that the proposed approach can effectively locate the different kinds of defection while achieving a higher accuracy.
Gamma radiation as a source of information about the characteristics of celestial bodies
Authors: Przyborski Marek , Siemieniago Zuzanna
Published: November 2018

The Universe is a violent and hostile environmental. Remote sensing methods give the possibility to search for the answer to the most fundamental question that humankind has ask, how the universe works? In this paper we would like to take a closer look at the some specific objects in the Universe that their influence on its evolution is still a matter of research all over the world. The Gamma Bursts are one of the most dangerous phenomenon that we have ever discovered. Astronomers may observe them also when watching and searching for another form of energy propagated through the time and space gravitational waves caused by binary systems of neutron stars. In the following we would like to explain the fundamentals of multi-messenger astronomy.
Load test of new European record holder in span length among extradosed type bridges
Authors: Miśkiewicz Mikołaj , Pyrzowski Łukasz
Published: November 2018

The article presents acceptance load tests of a newly built extradosed MS-3 bridge located along the national road DK-16 near Ostróda (Poland). The structure features significant dimension in European reference scale. It is a new record holder in span length regarding this distinct bridge category. Its length ranges 206 m. Static and dynamic load tests were performed here. The program was extended by entire structural laser scanning and identification of natural vibration forms.
The concept of anti-collision system of autonomous surface vehicle
Authors: Stateczny Andrzej , Gierski Waldemar
Published: November 2018

The use of unmanned vehicles in various fields of science and the economy is becoming more common. An extremely important aspect of creating this type of solution is to provide autonomous vehicle navigation, which does not require interference of the human factor or in which it is limited to a minimum. This article discusses the concept of autonomous anti-collision system of unmanned surface vehicle. It proposed a sensor system for the comprehensive implementation of the vehicle path in an automatic manner and presented the idea of remote sensing data fusion.
Monitoring of Inland Surface Water Quality Using Remote Sensing on the Example of Wigry Lake
Authors: Lupa Michał , Adamek Katarzyna , Stypień Renata , Sarlej Wojciech
Published: November 2018

The study examines how LANDSAT images can be used to monitor inland surface water quality effectively by using correlations between various indicators. Wigry lake (area 21.7 km2) was selected for the study as an example. The study uses images acquired in the years 1990–2016. Analysis was performed on data from 35 months and seven water condition indicators were analyzed: turbidity, Secchi disc depth, Dissolved Organic Material (DOM), chlorophyll-a, Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The analysis of results also took into consideration the main relationships described by the water circulation cycle. Based on the analysis of all indicators, clear trends describing a systematic improvement of water quality in Lake Wigry were observed.
Low cost real time UAV stereo photogrammetry modelling technique – accuracy considerations
Authors: Burdziakowski Pawel
Published: November 2018

The paper presents accuracy considerations regarding three 3D modelling techniques. The tested new consumer type stereo camera (ZED 3D Stereolabs) has been implemented info an aerial mapping system, on board micro air vehicle MAV) and tested object has been mapped using a real-time photogrammetry with original real-time software application. The evaluated results has been compared with model gained with a state of art unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) photogrammetry process using commercial UAV and commercial software, and the terrestrial photogrammetry modelling process with other commercial software. Papers concludes the tested real-time technology accuracy with compare to the traditional technique, and discusses real-time photogrammetry modelling in terms of engineering applications.
Probing QCD with the ATLAS Detector
Authors: Kulchitsky Yuri
Published: November 2018

Perturbative QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading-order are available for many processes since several years and can be rigorously tested with a large variety of final states. The latest results from the ATLAS Collaboration at the LHC (CERN) involving jets, dijets, photons in association with heavy flavors and vector bosons in association with jets, measured at center of mass energies of √s= 8 and 13 TeV are presented. All measured cross-sections are compared to state-of-the art theory Monte Carlo predictions. The paper concludes with the results of jet-substructure studies at 13 TeV, in particular the measurement of the jet soft-drop mass.
Measurements of open charm production and flow in √sNN = 200GeV Au+Au collisions with the STAR experiment at RHIC
Authors: Margetis Spyridon
Published: November 2018

We present an improved, higher statistics, measurement with respect to the previously published results of the D0 meson elliptic flow (v2) as a function of transverse momentum (pT) in Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV with the STAR Heavy Flavor Tracker (HFT). The D0 v2 results are compared to those of light-flavor hadrons to test the number-of-constituent-quark (NCQ) scaling. They are also compared to recent hydrodynamic and transport model calculations. We also report on the updated measurements of D0 nuclear modification factors RAA and RCP using the 2014 data. The measured D0 RAAin central collisions is less than 1 across the entire pT region. The D0 yields show strong suppression at high pT (> 6 GeV/c) in central collisions, consistent with those of light flavor hadrons.

We also report the measurements of collision centrality and pT dependences of the Λ±c production in Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV, using the HFT. The Λ±c signal significance is greatly improved with the addition of the highstatistics data set collected in 2016 and the use of a supervised machine learning method for a more effcient topological reconstruction of the decay vertices. The measured Λ±c/D0 ratio in 10-80% Au+Au collisions shows a significant enhancement compared to the PYTHIA prediction for p + p collisions, across the measured pT range.
Non-abelian anomalies and transport
Authors: Mañes Juan L. , Megías Eugenio , Valle Manuel , Vázquez-Mozo Miguel Á.
Published: November 2018

We study the role of quantum anomalies in relativistic fluids of nonabelian theories within the hydrodynamic expansion. To this end, we compute the local functional that solves the anomaly equations, and obtain the Bardeen-Zumino terms that covariantize the currents. We particularize these results to a background with an electromagnetic field and chiral imbalance for two flavors.
The Belle II experiment: Status and prospects
Authors: Martini Alberto
Published: November 2018

This article aims to describe the Belle II experiment, its status and physics prospects for the next several years. Belle II is situated in Japan, at the KEK laboratory and it is the upgraded version of the Belle experiment. It uses a new collider named SuperKEKB, a second generation of B-factory based on the innovative Nano-Beam scheme technique, which is expected to collect an integrated luminosity of 50 ab-1. Using this amount of data, together with improved detector performances, it will be possible to provide important contributions about several flavour physics topics (i.e. CKM matrix elements, FCNC processes, quarkonium states etc..) through high precision measurements. The main aim of Belle II is to investigate new physics scenarios and validate highly suppressed SM predictions. The experiment is almost completely assembled; it already took the first data without the vertex detector installed while the data taking will start in February 2019.
Heavy-light mesons in a contact interaction
Authors: Bedolla Marco A. , Santopinto Elena
Published: November 2018

We present a unified formalism for the analysis of mesons. It is provided by a symmetry preserving Schwinger-Dyson-Bethe-Salpeter-Equation (SDBSE) treatment of a vector-vector contact interaction. The contact interaction (CI) model offers a simple-to-implement alternative to perform exploratory studies of QCD, within the SDBSE framework. Within the limitation of this model, we calculate the spectrum of D and B mesons. Our results are in agreement within 2% when compare with experimental data, lattice QCD and other SDBSE calculations involving sophisticated interaction kernels.
(n,γ) reactions on rare Ca isotopes: Valence-hole - core excitation couplings in 47Ca
Authors: Bottoni S. , Cieplicka-Oryńczak N. , Bocchi G. , Leoni S. , Fornal B. , Colò G. , Bortignon P.F. , Benzoni G. , Blanc A. , Bracco A. , Crespi F.C.L. , Jentschel M. , Köster U. , Michelagnoli C. , Million B. , Mutti P. , Soldner T. , Türler A. , Ur C.A. , Urban W. ,   EXILL collaboration
Published: November 2018

Recent results on the structure of 47Ca will be presented. The nucleus of interest was populated via the cold-neutron capture 46Ca(n,γ) reaction, on a rare 46Ca target, during the EXILL experimental campaign at the nuclear reactor of Institut Laue- Langevin in Grenoble. High-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy, performed with a composite array of HPGe detectors, enabled the identification of new transitions deexciting states between the neutron-capture level and the ground state. Experimental data will be compared with a novel microscopic theoretical model, currently under development, specifically designed to describe the low-lying structure of odd-mass nuclei with one valence particle/hole outside a spherical doubly-magic core, using the Skyrme effective interaction self-consistently.