bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical conductivity-based ultrasensitive mid-infrared biosensing on a hybrid metasurface
Authors: Zhu Yibo , Li Zhaoyi , Hao Zhuang , DiMarco Christopher , Maturavongsadit Panita , Hao Yufeng , Lu Ming , Stein Aaron , Wang Qian , Hone James , Yu Nanfang , Lin Qiao
Published: September 2018

Optical devices are highly attractive for biosensing as they can not only enable quantitative measurements of analytes but also provide information on molecular structures. Unfortunately, typical refractive index-based optical sensors do not have sufficient sensitivity to probe the binding of low-molecular-weight analytes. Non-optical devices such as field-effect transistors can be more sensitive but do not offer some of the significant features of optical devices, particularly molecular fingerprinting. We present optical conductivity-based mid-infrared (mid-IR) biosensors that allow for sensitive and quantitative measurements of low-molecular-weight analytes as well as the enhancement of spectral fingerprints. The sensors employ a hybrid metasurface consisting of monolayer graphene and metallic nano-antennas and combine individual advantages of plasmonic, electronic and spectroscopic approaches. First, the hybrid metasurface sensors can optically detect target molecule-induced carrier doping to graphene, allowing highly sensitive detection of low-molecular-weight analytes despite their small sizes. Second, the resonance shifts caused by changes in graphene optical conductivity is a well-defined function of graphene carrier density, thereby allowing for quantification of the binding of molecules. Third, the sensor performance is highly stable and consistent thanks to its insensitivity to graphene carrier mobility degradation. Finally, the sensors can also act as substrates for surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy. We demonstrated the measurement of monolayers of sub-nanometer-sized molecules or particles and affinity binding-based quantitative detection of glucose down to 200 pM (36 pg/mL). We also demonstrated enhanced fingerprinting of minute quantities of glucose and polymer molecules.
The intracellular signalosome of PD-L1 in cancer cells
Authors: Escors David , Gato-Cañas María , Zuazo Miren , Arasanz Hugo , García-Granda María Jesus , Vera Ruth , Kochan Grazyna
Published: September 2018

Programmed cell death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) overexpression in cancer cells accelerates tumor progression. PD-L1 possesses two main pro-oncogenic functions. First, PD-L1 is a strong immunosuppressive molecule that inactivates tumor-specific T cells by binding to the inhibitory receptor PD-1. Second, PD-L1 function relies on the delivery of intrinsic intracellular signals that enhance cancer cell survival, regulate stress responses and confer resistance toward pro-apoptotic stimuli, such as interferons. Here, we review the current knowledge on intracellular signal transduction pathways regulated by PD-L1, describe its associated signalosome and discuss potential combinations of targeted therapies against the signalosome with PD-L1/PD-1 blockade therapies.
Back-translating behavioral intervention for autism spectrum disorders to mice with blunted reward restores social abilities
Authors: Pujol Camille N. , Pellissier Lucie P. , Clément Céline , Becker Jérôme A. J. , Le Merrer Julie
Published: September 2018

The mu opioid receptor (MOR) plays a critical role in modulating social behavior in humans and animals. Accordingly, MOR null mice display severe alterations in their social repertoire as well as multiple other behavioral deficits, recapitulating core and secondary symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such behavioral profile suggests that MOR dysfunction, and beyond this, altered reward processes may contribute to ASD etiopathology. Interestingly, the only treatments that proved efficacy in relieving core symptoms of ASD, early behavioral intervention programs, rely principally on positive reinforcement to ameliorate behavior. The neurobiological underpinnings of their beneficial effects, however, remain poorly understood. Here we back-translated applied behavior analysis (ABA)-based behavioral interventions to mice lacking the MOR (Oprm1−/−), as a model of autism with blunted reward processing. By associating a positive reinforcement, palatable food reward, to daily encounter with a wild-type congener, we were able to rescue durably social interaction and preference in Oprm1−/− mice. Along with behavioral improvements, the expression of marker genes of neuronal activity and plasticity as well as genes of the oxytocin/vasopressin system were remarkably normalized in the reward/social circuitry. Our study provides further evidence for a critical involvement of reward processes in driving social behavior and opens new perspectives regarding therapeutic intervention in ASD.
Hallmarks of primate lentiviral immunodeficiency infection recapitulate loss of innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Mudd Joseph C. , Busman-Sahay Kathleen , DiNapoli Sarah R. , Lai Stephen , Sheik Virginia , Lisco Andrea , Deleage Claire , Richardson Brian , Palesch David J. , Paiardini Mirko , Cameron Mark , Sereti Irini , Reeves R. Keith , Estes Jacob D. , Brenchley Jason M.
Published: September 2018

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play critical roles in mucosal barrier defense and tissue homeostasis. While ILCs are depleted in HIV-1 infection, this phenomenon is not a generalized feature of all viral infections. Here we show in untreated SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) that ILC3s are lost rapidly in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), yet preserved in SIV+ RMs with pharmacologic or natural control of viremia. In healthy uninfected RMs, experimental depletion of CD4+ T cells in combination with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is sufficient to reduce ILC frequencies in the MLN. In this setting and in chronic SIV+ RMs, IL-7Rα chain expression diminishes on ILC3s in contrast to the IL-18Rα chain expression which remains stable. In HIV-uninfected patients with durable CD4+ T cell deficiency (deemed idiopathic CD4+ lymphopenia), similar ILC deficiencies in blood were observed, collectively identifying determinants of ILC homeostasis in primates and potential mechanisms underlying their depletion in HIV/SIV infection.
High-resolution NMR studies of antibiotics in cellular membranes
Authors: Medeiros-Silva João , Jekhmane Shehrazade , Paioni Alessandra Lucini , Gawarecka Katarzyna , Baldus Marc , Swiezewska Ewa , Breukink Eefjan , Weingarth Markus
Published: September 2018

The alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance requires antibiotics with unexploited mechanisms. Ideal templates could be antibiotics that target the peptidoglycan precursor lipid II, known as the bacterial Achilles heel, at an irreplaceable pyrophosphate group. Such antibiotics would kill multidrug-resistant pathogens at nanomolecular concentrations without causing antimicrobial resistance. However, due to the challenge of studying small membrane-embedded drug–receptor complexes in native conditions, the structural correlates of the pharmaceutically relevant binding modes are unknown. Here, using advanced highly sensitive solid-state NMR setups, we present a high-resolution approach to study lipid II-binding antibiotics directly in cell membranes. On the example of nisin, the preeminent lantibiotic, we show that the native antibiotic-binding mode strongly differs from previously published structures, and we demonstrate that functional hotspots correspond to plastic drug domains that are critical for the cellular adaptability of nisin. Thereby, our approach provides a foundation for an improved understanding of powerful antibiotics.
Clopidogrel as a donor probe and thioenol derivatives as flexible promoieties for enabling H2S biomedicine
Authors: Zhu Yaoqiu , Romero Elkin L. , Ren Xiaodong , Sanca Angel J. , Du Congkuo , Liu Cai , Karim Zubair A. , Alshbool Fatima Z. , Khasawneh Fadi T. , Zhou Jiang , Zhong Dafang , Geng Bin
Published: September 2018

Hydrogen sulfide has emerged as a critical endogenous signaling transmitter and a potentially versatile therapeutic agent. The key challenges in this field include the lack of approved hydrogen sulfide-releasing probes for in human exploration and the lack of controllable hydrogen sulfide promoieties that can be flexibly installed for therapeutics development. Here we report the identification of the widely used antithrombotic drug clopidogrel as a clinical hydrogen sulfide donor. Clopidogrel is metabolized in patients to form a circulating metabolite that contains a thioenol substructure, which is found to undergo spontaneous degradation to release hydrogen sulfide. Model studies demonstrate that thioenol derivatives are a class of controllable promoieties that can be conveniently installed on a minimal structure of ketone with an α-hydrogen. These results can provide chemical tools for advancing hydrogen sulfide biomedical research as well as developing hydrogen sulfide-releasing drugs.
RNA modification landscape of the human mitochondrial tRNALys regulates protein synthesis
Authors: Richter Uwe , Evans Molly E. , Clark Wesley C. , Marttinen Paula , Shoubridge Eric A. , Suomalainen Anu , Wredenberg Anna , Wedell Anna , Pan Tao , Battersby Brendan J.
Published: September 2018

Post-transcriptional RNA modifications play a critical role in the pathogenesis of human mitochondrial disorders, but the mechanisms by which specific modifications affect mitochondrial protein synthesis remain poorly understood. Here we used a quantitative RNA sequencing approach to investigate, at nucleotide resolution, the stoichiometry and methyl modifications of the entire mitochondrial tRNA pool, and establish the relevance to human disease. We discovered that a N1-methyladenosine (m1A) modification is missing at position 58 in the mitochondrial tRNALys of patients with the mitochondrial DNA mutation m.8344 A > G associated with MERRF (myoclonus epilepsy, ragged-red fibers). By restoring the modification on the mitochondrial tRNALys, we demonstrated the importance of the m1A58 to translation elongation and the stability of selected nascent chains. Our data indicates regulation of post-transcriptional modifications on mitochondrial tRNAs is finely tuned for the control of mitochondrial gene expression. Collectively, our findings provide novel insight into the regulation of mitochondrial tRNAs and reveal greater complexity to the molecular pathogenesis of MERRF.
Clinical cancer genomic profiling by three-platform sequencing of whole genome, whole exome and transcriptome
Authors: Rusch Michael , Nakitandwe Joy , Shurtleff Sheila , Newman Scott , Zhang Zhaojie , Edmonson Michael N. , Parker Matthew , Jiao Yuannian , Ma Xiaotu , Liu Yanling , Gu Jiali , Walsh Michael F. , Becksfort Jared , Thrasher Andrew , Li Yongjin , McMurry James , Hedlund Erin , Patel Aman , Easton John , Yergeau Donald , Vadodaria Bhavin , Tatevossian Ruth G. , Raimondi Susana , Hedges Dale , Chen Xiang , Hagiwara Kohei , McGee Rose , Robinson Giles W. , Klco Jeffery M. , Gruber Tanja A. , Ellison David W. , Downing James R , Zhang Jinghui
Published: September 2018

To evaluate the potential of an integrated clinical test to detect diverse classes of somatic and germline mutations relevant to pediatric oncology, we performed three-platform whole-genome (WGS), whole exome (WES) and transcriptome (RNA-Seq) sequencing of tumors and normal tissue from 78 pediatric cancer patients in a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory. Our analysis pipeline achieves high accuracy by cross-validating variants between sequencing types, thereby removing the need for confirmatory testing, and facilitates comprehensive reporting in a clinically-relevant timeframe. Three-platform sequencing has a positive predictive value of 97–99, 99, and 91% for somatic SNVs, indels and structural variations, respectively, based on independent experimental verification of 15,225 variants. We report 240 pathogenic variants across all cases, including 84 of 86 known from previous diagnostic testing (98% sensitivity). Combined WES and RNA-Seq, the current standard for precision oncology, achieved only 78% sensitivity. These results emphasize the critical need for incorporating WGS in pediatric oncology testing.
Frequency-dependent effects of subthalamic deep brain stimulation on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Su Dongning , Chen Huimin , Hu Wanli , Liu Yuye , Wang Zhan , Wang Xuemei , Liu Genliang , Ma Huizi , Zhou Junhong , Feng Tao
Published: September 2018

This study aims to investigate how the frequency settings of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) influence the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Stimulation with frequencies less than 100 Hz (mostly 60 or 80 Hz) is considered low-frequency stimulation (LFS) and with frequencies greater than 100 Hz (mostly 130 or 150 Hz) is considered high-frequency stimulation (HFS). We conducted a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis with a random-effect model. Ten studies with 132 patients were included in our analysis. The pooled results showed no significant difference in the total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) scores (mean effect, −1.50; p = 0.19) or the rigidity subscore between HFS and LFS. Compared to LFS, HFS induced greater reduction in the tremor subscore within the medication-off condition (mean effect, 1.01; p = 0.002), while no significance was shown within the medication-on condition (mean effect, 0.01; p = 0.92). LFS induced greater reduction in akinesia subscore (mean effect, −1.68, p = 0.003), the time to complete the stand-walk-sit (SWS) test (mean effect, −4.84; p < 0.00001), and the number of freezing of gait (FOG) (mean effect, −1.71; p = 0.03). These results suggest that two types of frequency settings may have different effects, that is, HFS induces better responses for tremor and LFS induces greater response for akinesia, gait, and FOG, respectively, which are worthwhile to be confirmed in future study, and will ultimately inform the clinical practice in the management of PD using STN-DBS.
Author Correction: Identification of urine protein biomarkers with the potential for early detection of lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Hongjuan , Cao Jing , Li Lin , Liu Yanbin , Zhao Hong , Li Nan , Li Bo , Zhang Aiqun , Huang Huanwei , Chen She , Dong Mengqiu , Yu Lei , Zhang Jian , Chen Liang
Published: September 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.
Printable all-dielectric water-based absorber
Authors: Bradley Patrick J. , Torrico Max O. Munoz , Brennan Conor , Hao Yang
Published: September 2018

The phase interplay between overlapping electric and magnetic dipoles of equal amplitude generated by exclusively alldielectric structures presents an intriguing paradigm in the manipulation of electromagnetic energy. Here, we offer a holistic implementation by proposing an additive manufacturing route and associated design principles that enable the programming and fabrication of synthetic multi-material microstructures. In turn, we compose, manufacture and experimentally validate the first demonstrable 3d printed all-dielectric electromagnetic broadband absorbers that point the way to circumventing the technical limitations of conventional metal-dielectric absorber configurations. One of the key innovations is to judicially distribute a dispersive soft matter with a high-dielectric constant, such as water, in a low-dielectric matrix to enhance wave absorption at a reduced length scale. In part, these results extend the promise of additive manufacturing and illustrate the power of topology optimisation to create carefully crafted magnetic and electric responses that are sure to find new applications across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Critical analysis of (Quasi-)Surprise for community detection in complex networks
Authors: Xiang Ju , Li Hui-Jia , Bu Zhan , Wang Zhen , Bao Mei-Hua , Tang Liang , Li Jian-Ming
Published: September 2018

Module or community structures widely exist in complex networks, and optimizing statistical measures is one of the most popular approaches for revealing and identifying such structures in real-world applications. In this paper, we focus on critical behaviors of (Quasi-)Surprise, a type of statistical measure of interest for community structure, accompanied by a series of comparisons with other measures. Specially, the effect of various network parameters on the measures is thoroughly investigated. The critical number of dense subgraphs in partition transition is derived, and a kind of phase diagrams is provided to display and compare the phase transitions of the measures. The effect of “potential well” for (Quasi-)Surprise is revealed, which may be difficult to get across by general greedy (agglomerative or divisive) algorithms. Finally, an extension of Quasi-Surprise is introduced for the study of multi-scale structures. Experimental results are of help for understanding the critical behaviors of (Quasi-)Surprise, and may provide useful insight for the design of effective tools for community detection.
Maintenance DFMO Increases Survival in High Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Sholler Giselle L. Saulnier , Ferguson William , Bergendahl Genevieve , Bond Jeffrey P. , Neville Kathleen , Eslin Don , Brown Valerie , Roberts William , Wada Randal K. , Oesterheld Javier , Mitchell Deanna , Foley Jessica , Parikh Nehal S. , Eshun Francis , Zage Peter , Rawwas Jawhar , Sencer Susan , Pankiewicz Debra , Quinn Monique , Rich Maria , Junewick Joseph , Kraveka Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2018

High risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Despite aggressive therapy approximately half of patients will relapse, typically with only transient responses to second-line therapy. This study evaluated the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse following completion of standard therapy (Stratum 1) or after salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory disease (Stratum 2). This Phase II single agent, single arm multicenter study enrolled from June 2012 to February 2016. Subjects received 2 years of oral DFMO (750 ± 250 mg/m2 twice daily). Event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis. 101 subjects enrolled on Stratum 1 and 100 were eligible for ITT analysis; two-year EFS was 84% (±4%) and OS 97% (±2%). 39 subjects enrolled on Stratum 2, with a two-year EFS of 54% (±8%) and OS 84% (±6%). DFMO was well tolerated. The median survival time is not yet defined for either stratum. DFMO maintenance therapy for HRNB in remission is safe and associated with high EFS and OS. Targeting ODC represents a novel therapeutic mechanism that may provide a new strategy for preventing relapse in children with HRNB.
Minority and Majority Charge Carrier Mobility in Cu2ZnSnSe4 revealed by Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Hempel Hannes , Hages Charles J. , Eichberger Rainer , Repins Ingrid , Unold Thomas
Published: September 2018

The mobilities of electrons and holes determine the applicability of any semiconductor, but their individual measurement remains a major challenge. Here, we show that time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy (TRTS) can distinguish the mobilities of minority and majority charge carriers independently of the doping-type and without electrical contacts. To this end, we combine the well-established determination of the sum of electron and hole mobilities from photo-induced THz absorption spectra with mobility-dependent ambipolar modeling of TRTS transients. The method is demonstrated on a polycrystalline Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film and reveals a minority (electron) mobility of 128 cm2/V-s and a majority (hole) carrier mobility of 7 cm2/V-s in the vertical transport direction relevant for light emitting, photovoltaic and solar water splitting devices. Additionally, the TRTS analysis yields an effective bulk carrier lifetime of 4.4 ns, a surface recombination velocity of 6 * 104 cm/s and a doping concentration of ca. 1016 cm−3, thus offering the potential for contactless screen novel optoelectronic materials.
A one-step procedure to probe the viscoelastic properties of cells by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Chim Ya Hua , Mason Louise M. , Rath Nicola , Olson Michael F. , Tassieri Manlio , Yin Huabing
Published: September 2018

The increasingly recognised importance of viscoelastic properties of cells in pathological conditions requires rapid development of advanced cell microrheology technologies. Here, we present a novel Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-microrheology (AFM2) method for measuring the viscoelastic properties in living cells, over a wide range of continuous frequencies (0.005 Hz ~ 200 Hz), from a simple stress-relaxation nanoindentation. Experimental data were directly analysed without the need for pre-conceived viscoelastic models. We show the method had an excellent agreement with conventional oscillatory bulk-rheology measurements in gels, opening a new avenue for viscoelastic characterisation of soft matter using minute quantity of materials (or cells). Using this capability, we investigate the viscoelastic responses of cells in association with cancer cell invasive activity modulated by two important molecular regulators (i.e. mutation of the p53 gene and Rho kinase activity). The analysis of elastic (G′(ω)) and viscous (G″(ω)) moduli of living cells has led to the discovery of a characteristic transitions of the loss tangent (G″(ω)/G′(ω)) in the low frequency range (0.005 Hz ~ 0.1 Hz) that is indicative of the capability for cell restructuring of F-actin network. Our method is ready to be implemented in conventional AFMs, providing a simple yet powerful tool for measuring the viscoelastic properties of living cells.
Prognostic Value of Tumor Heterogeneity on 18F-FDG PET/CT in HR+HER2− Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients receiving 500 mg Fulvestrant: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Yannan , Liu Cheng , Zhang Yingjian , Gong Chengcheng , Li Yi , Xie Yizhao , Wu Bingrui , Yang Zhongyi , Wang Biyun
Published: September 2018

Heterogeneity has been demonstrated to be a predictor of treatment failure and drug resistance. Our study aimed to investigate imaging parameters, including tumor heterogeneity, as prognostic factors of response to 500 mg fulvestrant using 18F-FDG PET/CT. Twenty-seven estrogen receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients who received 500 mg fulvestrant and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before treatment were retrospectively included. In PET/CT scans, conventional parameters (maximum and mean standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume [MTV], total lesion glycolysis [TLG]) and heterogeneity parameters (intra-tumor heterogeneity index [HI] and inter-tumor heterogeneity coefficient of variation [COV]) were analyzed. Progression-free survival (PFS) was mainly assessed for efficacy. The survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Univariate analysis indicated that a high SUVmax and a high tumor HI at baseline were associated with longer PFS of fulvestrant (P = 0.036 and P = 0.033, respectively). Liver metastasis, SUVmax and HI were statistically significant in multivariate analysis (P values of 0.017, 0.025 and 0.043, respectively). 18F-FDG based intra-tumor heterogeneity appears to be a potential predicator of efficacy of fulvestrant among HR+HER2− metastatic breast cancer patients.
Fasting-dependent Vascular Permeability Enhancement in Brown Adipose Tissues Evidenced by Using Carbon Nanotubes as Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Yudasaka Masako , Yomogida Yohei , Zhang Minfang , Nakahara Masako , Kobayashi Norihiko , Tanaka Takeshi , Okamatsu-Ogura Yuko , Saeki Kumiko , Kataura Hiromichi
Published: September 2018

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is composed of thermogenic brown adipocytes (BA) and non-parenchymal components including vasculatures and extracellular matrix, contribute to the maintenance of body temperature. BAT distribution is detected by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) using 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose (18F-FDG) or single-photon-emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT/CT) using [123/125I]-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid. Although sympathetic nerve activity and thermogenic capacity of BA is downregulated under fasting conditions in mice, fasting-dependent structural changes and fluid kinetics of BAT remain unknown. Here we show that the fasting induces fine and reversible structural changes in the non-parenchymal region in murine BAT with widened intercellular spaces and deformed collagen bands as revealed by electron microscopy. Interestingly, a newly introduced near infrared fluorescent probe of single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coated with phospholipid polyethylene glycol (PLPEG) easily demonstrated enhanced vascular permeability in BAT by the fasting. PLPEG-CNTs extravasated and remained in intercellular spaces or further redistributed in parenchymal cells in fasted mice, which is a previously unknown phenomenon. Thus, PLPEG-CNTs provide a powerful tool to trace fluid kinetics in sub-tissue levels.
Modeling the production of belly button lint
Authors: Deepu P.
Published: September 2018

We show that respiratory cycle provides a periodic traction force for the production of belly button lint or navel fluff. The relative motion induced between clothing and skin, during breathing, transports the clothing fibers over the abdominal skin via an asymmetric sliding mechanism effected by the specific orientation of the cuticle scales of body hair. The source of these fibers can be the piece of clothing worn adjacent the navel area or the drying towel used after shower. The ratchet like topology of hair surface ensures a net unidirectional transport of these fibers. Since the predominant direction of growth of hair in the abdomen is toward the navel, this unidirectional transport leads to a perpetual accumulation of fibers in the navel over the course of the day. By analyzing the force balance on a moving fiber and the transport dynamics of its number density distribution, we develop a mathematical model to describe the accretion rate of lint fibers in the navel.
Enhanced flame retardancy of polyethylene/magnesium hydroxide with polycarbosilane
Authors: Wang Chunfeng , Wang Yongliang , Han Zhidong
Published: September 2018

Polycarbosilane (PCS) was used for surface modification of magnesium hydroxide (MNH) to enhance the flame retardant effectiveness by forming cohesive binding between MgO particles with ceramic adhesive. Chemical interaction and ceramic reaction were revealed between PCS and MNH, which made for a compact, thermal stable and ceramic-like barrier during the combustion of polyethylene (PE). The flame retardancy of PE/MNH/PCS composites was greatly enhanced and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 35.0 was achieved at the PCS/MNH ratio of 4/26 in the composite with 30 wt.% PCS modified MNH. Such results were superior in terms of high LOI value at low global content of MNH. Thanks to the better shielding effect of the integrated and self-supporting ceramic char, the peak heat release rate (p-HRR) and the total heat release (THR) of PE/MNH/PCS composites with 50 wt.% PCS modified MNH were remarkably decreased by 36% and 25% in comparison with PE/MNH with 50 wt.% MNH, respectively. The ceramic reaction between PCS and MNH, the superior thermal stability due to crosslinked PCS and the good barrier function of cohesive ceramic layer play important roles in the effective flame retardant mechanism.
Exploring photosensitization as an efficient antifungal method
Authors: Espinoza César , González Miriam C. Rodríguez , Mendoza Guillermo , Creus Alberto Hernández , Trigos Ángel , Fernández José J.
Published: September 2018

Lipid bilayers containing ergosterol show signs of destruction when they are treated with singlet oxygen, due to the conversion of ergosterol into its peroxy derivative. Applying this previous knowledge, an antifungal method was explored using Candida tropicalis as model, and membrane permeation under photosensitization conditions became evident. These data were complemented through AFM images of artificial lipid bilayers, using cholesterol or ergosterol as structural sterols, showing their corresponding morphologies at the nanoscale. Based on these results, an antifungal method was developed, which shows evidence of the extent of membrane permeation during photosensitization. Such photosensitization offers an effective alternative treatment, especially in membranes with a high ergosterol content, suggesting that this procedure constitutes an easy and efficient antifungal method.
A 300 THz tabletop radar range system with sub-micron distance accuracy
Authors: Blanche Pierre-Alexandre , Neifeld Mark , Tuo Mingguang , Xin Hao , Peyghambarian N.
Published: September 2018

We are presenting a compact radar range system with a scale factor of 105. Replacing the radio frequency (RF) by optical wavelength (300 THz), the system easily fit on a tabletop. We used interferometric time-of-flight to reproduce radar ranging measurements. Sub-micron range accuracy was achieved with a 100 fs laser pulse, which correspond to 3 cm for a s-band (3 GHz) radar. We demonstrated the system potential on a simple target, and compared the results with radio frequency measurement using a vector network analyzer. We also present measurement with a more realistic model, a 3D printed reproduction of the USS Arizona battleship, for which a 3D model is extracted from the ranging data. Together with our previous demonstration of radar cross section measurement with a similar system, this report further validates our proposal to use optics to simulate radar properties of complex radio frequency systems.
Nanometre-scale pattern formation on the surface of a photochromic crystal by optical near-field induced photoisomerization
Authors: Nakagomi Ryo , Uchiyama Kazuharu , Suzui Hirotsugu , Hatano Eri , Uchida Kingo , Naruse Makoto , Hori Hirokazu
Published: September 2018

We observed nanometre-scale optical near-field induced photoisomerization on the surface of a photochromic diarylethene crystal via molecular structural changes using an optical near-field assisted atomic force microscope. A nanometre-scale concavity was formed on the sample surface due to locally induced photoisomerization. By using this optical near-field induced local photoisomerization, we succeeded in generating a pattern of alphabet characters on the surface of the diarylethene crystal below the optical wavelength scale. Further, by exploiting the photochromism of the investigated material, erasure of the generated pattern was also confirmed, where the evolution of the pattern during erasure depended on the local spatial characteristics of the crystal. These experimental findings demonstrate the fundamental abilities of photochromic crystals in dynamic memorization in nanometre-scale light–matter interactions.
Tracking health seeking behavior during an Ebola outbreak via mobile phones and SMS
Authors: Feng Shuo , Grépin Karen A. , Chunara Rumi
Published: September 2018

The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa was an exemplar for the need to rapidly measure population-level health-seeking behaviors, in order to understand healthcare utilization during emergency situations. Taking advantage of the high prevalence of mobile phones, we deployed a national SMS-poll and collected data about individual-level health and health-seeking behavior throughout the outbreak from 6694 individuals from March to June 2015 in Liberia. Using propensity score matching to generate balanced subsamples, we compared outcomes in our survey to those from a recent household survey (the 2013 Liberian Demographic Health Survey). We found that the matched subgroups had similar patterns of delivery location in aggregate, and utilizing data on the date of birth, we were able to show that facility-based deliveries were significantly decreased during, compared to after the outbreak (p < 0.05) consistent with findings from retrospective studies using healthcare-based data. Directly assessing behaviors from individuals via SMS also enabled the measurement of public and private sector facility utilization separately, which has been a challenge in other studies in countries including Liberia which rely mainly on government sources of data. In doing so, our data suggest that public facility-based deliveries returned to baseline values after the outbreak. Thus, we demonstrate that with the appropriate methodological approach to account for different population denominators, data sourced via mobile tools such as SMS polling could serve as an important low-cost complement to existing data collection strategies especially in situations where higher-frequency data than can be feasibly obtained through surveys is useful.
Health intelligence: how artificial intelligence transforms population and personalized health
Authors: Shaban-Nejad Arash , Michalowski Martin , Buckeridge David L.
Published: September 2018

Advances in computational and data sciences for data management, integration, mining, classification, filtering, visualization along with engineering innovations in medical devices have prompted demands for more comprehensive and coherent strategies to address the most fundamental questions in health care and medicine. Theory, methods, and models from artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the health care landscape in clinical and community settings and have already shown promising results in multiple applications in healthcare including, integrated health information systems, patient education, geocoding health data, social media analytics, epidemic and syndromic surveillance, predictive modeling and decision support, mobile health, and medical imaging (e.g. radiology and retinal image analyses). Health intelligence uses tools and methods from artificial intelligence and data science to provide better insights, reduce waste and wait time, and increase speed, service efficiencies, level of accuracy, and productivity in health care and medicine.
Graphene-based Membranes for Barrier Applications
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Zhou Kai-Ge , Ying Hao
Published: September 2018

Graphene, graphene oxide and their composites have shown great potential in the field of advanced protective coating barriers, owing to their impermeability to oxygen and moisture, resistance to fouling species and antibacterial properties. In this chapter, we highlight the recent progress on the barrier materials based on graphene-related membranes. The fundamental theories are introduced, and the experimental performances as gas barriers, anticorrosion and antifouling coatings, and metal diffusion barriers in microelectronics are summarized. The industrialization of graphene-related coatings can be foreseen. This review will inspire the further developments of graphene-related protective coatings and urge their practical applications in industries.
Graphene-based Membranes for Purification and Separation Applications
Authors: Jin Xiaoheng , Poon Chung-Yan , Joshi Rakesh K.
Published: September 2018

This chapter demonstrates the potential of graphene-based membranes for purification and separation applications. The synthesis, fabrication, characterization, and application of this promising membrane material are discussed in detail. To understand the concepts of molecular transport at the sub-nanometer level, examples of molecular dynamics simulation are discussed. Recent advances on graphene-based membrane applications are discussed extensively, and the future scope of this extraordinary membrane material is discussed.
Graphene and 2D Materials Based Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Gugliuzza Annarosa , Politano Antonio , Drioli Enrico
Published: September 2018

Herein, the state-of-the-art in water desalination using two-dimensional-based membranes is discussed with a special focus on membranes containing graphene. Despite a certain discrepancy between molecular modeling and experimental studies that exists, the earliest implementations of graphene-based membranes for water desalination show exceptional performances in terms of salt rejection and transmembrane flux. Likewise, two-dimensional materials beyond graphene are also promising candidates as ultrathin membranes for advanced branches of membrane contactors.
Fuel-independent and membrane-less self-charging biosupercapacitor
Authors: Pankratov Dmitry , Shen Fei , Ortiz Roberto , Toscano Miguel Duarte , Thormann Esben , Zhang Jingdong , Gorton Lo , Chi Qijin
Published: September 2018

A fuel-independent self-charging biosupercapacitor consisting of an enzymatic biocathode and a bioelectrode employing supercapacitive features of immobilized myoglobin is described.
Discrimination of dicarboxylic acids via assembly-induced emission
Authors: Zhang Zhenglin , Hashim Mohamed I. , Wu Chia-Hua , Wu Judy I. , Miljanić Ognjen Š.
Published: September 2018

Dicarboxylic acids are important chemicals in human metabolism and various industries. A triazine-based AIEgen can recognize dicarboxylic acids with selectivity based on the relative position of the two –COOH groups.
Ion fluctuations and intermembrane interactions in the aqueous dispersions of a dialkylchain cationic surfactant studied using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Yanase Keiichi , Obikane Miku , Ogura Taku , Buchner Richard , Igarashi Akinori , Sato Takaaki
Published: September 2018

A dialkylchain cationic surfactant forms the so-called α-gel in water showing virtually no fluidity, which is transformed into a highly fluidic dispersion upon addition of a small amount of salt.
Characterization of transglutaminase from Bacillus subtilis and its cross-linking function with a bovine serum albumin model
Authors: Liu Yihan , Huang Lin , Zheng Dong , Fu Yu , Shan Mengying , Li Yanzhen , Xu Zehua , Jia Leibo , Wang Wenhang , Lu Fuping
Published: September 2018

The functional properties of bovine serum albumin were significantly improved by Bacillus subtilis transglutaminase with good thermal and pH stability.
Leveraging plant exine capsules as pH-responsive delivery vehicles for hydrophobic nutraceutical encapsulation
Authors: Wu Di , Liang Youyan , Huang Kai , Jing Xinyi , Li Bin , Liang Hongshan
Published: September 2018

Plant exine capsules are natural microscale capsules that are highly physically robust and chemically resilient.
Observation of molecular self-assembly events in massively parallel microdroplet arrays
Authors: Toprakcioglu Zenon , Challa Pavan Kumar , Levin Aviad , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: September 2018

Single-layer PDMS-based microfluidic device allowing for the generation of parallel microdroplet arrays for observing stochastic nucleation events and aggregation processes.
Altered zinc balance in the Atp7b−/− mouse reveals a mechanism of copper toxicity in Wilson disease
Authors: Meacham Kelsey A. , Cortés María Paz , Wiggins Eve M. , Maass Alejandro , Latorre Mauricio , Ralle Martina , Burkhead Jason L.
Published: September 2018

Copper accumulation in the Atp7b−/− model of Wilson disease impacts zinc distribution.
A hierarchical functionalized biodegradable PLA electrospun nanofibrous membrane with superhydrophobicity and antibacterial properties for oil/water separation
Authors: Liu Lejing , Yuan Weizhong
Published: September 2018

A hierarchical surface-modified biodegradable electrospun nanofibrous PLA membrane showed excellent superhydrophobicity and antibacterial properties for high-efficient oil/water separation.
A biodegradable fluorescent nanohybrid for photo-driven tumor diagnosis and tumor growth inhibition
Authors: Prasad Rajendra , Chauhan Deepak S. , Yadav Amit S. , Devrukhkar Janhavi , Singh Barkha , Gorain Mahadeo , Temgire Mayur , Bellare Jayesh , Kundu Gopal C. , Srivastava Rohit
Published: September 2018

A successful design of a novel red fluorescent carbon dots liposomal nanopitchers for deep tissue visualization and on demand phototriggered combined cancer therapy. The laser irradiation produces heat and reactive oxygen species that cause cancer cell death and tumor growth inhibition.
Erratic charge transfer dynamics of Au/ZnTiO3nanocomposites under UV and visible light irradiation and their related photocatalytic activities
Authors: Reddy K. Hemalata , Martha Satyabadi , Parida K. M.
Published: September 2018

The multifarious nature of Au nanoparticles in Au/ZnTiO3nanocomposites plays an important role in the variation in the charge transfer mechanism and photocatalytic activities under UV and visible light.
Synthesis of stereochemically-biased spiropyrans by microwave-promoted, one-pot alkylation–condensation
Authors: Perry Alexis , Davis Kane , West Lara
Published: September 2018

Stereochemical control of spiropyran ring-closure was explored through synthesis of sterically-congested spiropyrans by a novel, efficient method.
A supramolecular red to near-infrared fluorescent probe for the detection of drugs in urine
Authors: Aryal Gyan H. , Hunter Kenneth W. , Huang Liming
Published: September 2018

A host–guest complex based on a newly designed and synthesized cationic perylene dye and cucurbit[8]uril exhibits red-NIR emission, high affinity and stability, and large Stokes shift. It can serve as a red-NIR fluorescent displacement probe for the detection of drugs in urine.
Precise synthesis of UCST-type amphiphilic diblock copolymers with pendant imidazolium ionic liquid segments and their thermosensitive physical gelation at extremely low concentrations in water
Authors: Yokota Daichi , Kanazawa Arihiro , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: September 2018

UCST-type amphiphilic diblock copolymers were synthesized via living cationic polymerization and subsequent polymer reaction and they exhibited thermosensitive physical gelation behavior at an extremely low concentration in water.
Recent advances in stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles via click chemistry
Authors: Dai Yu , Chen Xin , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: September 2018

Stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles via click chemistry are divided into six major sections (temperature, light, ultrasound, pH, enzymes, and redox).
A kinetic model for in situ coking denitrification of heavy oil with high nitrogen content based on starch using a structure-oriented lumping method
Authors: He Zhongwen , Xu Hui , Zhou Changlu , Xin Zhong , Liu Jichang , Shen Benxian
Published: September 2018

In this study, in situ coking denitrification technology was utilized to simplify the entire process by adding an appropriate quantity of denitrification agents to the delayed-coking tower without any further follow-up denitrification process.
Negative-capacitance and bulk photovoltaic phenomena in gallium nitride nanorods network
Authors: Thakre Atul , Kushvaha Sunil Singh , Kumar M. Senthil , Kumar Ashok
Published: September 2018

An enhanced self-powered near-ultraviolet photodetection phenomenon was observed in epitaxial gallium nitride (GaN) nanorod networks grown on an intermediate layer of N:GaN on a nitridated HfO2(N:HfO2)/SiO2/p-Si substrate.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance of WON@porous TiO2 nanofibers towards sunlight-assisted degradation of organic contaminants
Authors: Ahmad Yahia H. , Mohamed Assem T. , Sliem Mostafa H. , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Al-Qaradawi Siham Y.
Published: September 2018

Coupling of WON with TiO2 nanofibers creates a novel heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Hydrogenolysis of biorefinery corncob lignin into aromatic phenols over activated carbon-supported nickel
Authors: Wang Shuizhong , Gao Wa , Xiao Ling-Ping , Shi Jia , Sun Run-Cang , Song Guoyong
Published: September 2018

Low-molecular-weight aromatics were selectively obtained from the catalytic hydrogenolysis of biorefinery corncob lignin with a non-precious Ni/AC catalyst.
Highly efficient flexible solar cells based on a room-temperature processed inorganic perovskite
Authors: Hu Yanqiang , Zhang Shufang , Shu Ting , Qiu Ting , Bai Fan , Ruan Wei , Xu Feng
Published: September 2018

A vacuum-assisted drying approach to prepare high-quality α-CsPb0.96Bi0.04I3 at room temperature for flexible solar cells was demonstrated.
Highly stretchable and fatigue resistant hydrogels with low Young's modulus as transparent and flexible strain sensors
Authors: Chen Rui , Xu Xiubin , Yu Danfeng , Xiao Chuanghong , Liu Minhuan , Huang Jianjia , Mao Taoyan , Zheng Cheng , Wang Zhengping , Wu Xu
Published: September 2018

Facile preparation of highly stretchable hydrogels with low Young's modulus and good fatigue resistance as strain sensors.
Hollow spheres of CoCr2O4–Cr2O3 mixed oxides with nanoscale heterojunctions for exclusive detection of indoor xylene
Authors: Kim Bo-Young , Yoon Ji-Won , Lim Kyeorei , Park Sung Hyun , Yoon Ji-Wook , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: September 2018

Ultrahigh selectivity and response to sub-ppm-level of p-xylene was achieved using CoCr2O4–Cr2O3 spheres. The unique catalytic effect and nanoscale heterojunction of CoCr2O4 and Cr2O3 provide a strategy to design high performance volatile organic compounds sensors for monitoring air quality.
Roles for ER:endosome membrane contact sites in ligand-stimulated intraluminal vesicle formation
Authors: Wong Louise H. , Eden Emily R. , Futter Clare E.
Published: September 2018

Multivesicular endosomes/bodies (MVBs) sort membrane proteins between recycling and degradative pathways. Segregation of membrane proteins onto intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) of MVBs removes them from the recycling pathway and facilitates their degradation following fusion of MVBs with lysosomes. Sorting of many cargos onto ILVs depends on the ESCRT (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport) machinery, although ESCRT-independent mechanisms also exist. In mammalian cells, efficient sorting of ligand-stimulated epidermal growth factor receptors onto ILVs also depends on the tyrosine phosphatase, PTP1B, an ER-localised enzyme that interacts with endosomal targets at membrane contacts between MVBs and the ER. This review focuses on the potential roles played by ER:MVB membrane contact sites in regulating ESCRT-dependent ILV formation.
The creatine kinase system as a therapeutic target for myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Cao Fang , Zervou Sevasti , Lygate Craig A.
Published: September 2018

Restoring blood flow following an acute myocardial infarction saves lives, but results in tissue damage due to ischaemia–reperfusion injury (I/R). Ameliorating this damage is a major research goal to improve recovery and reduce subsequent morbidity due to heart failure. Both the ischaemic and reperfusion phases represent crises of cellular energy provision in which the mitochondria play a central role. This mini-review will explore the rationale and therapeutic potential of augmenting the creatine kinase (CK) energy shuttle, which constitutes the primary short-term energy buffer and transport system in the cardiomyocyte. Proof-of-principle data from several transgenic mouse models have demonstrated robust cardioprotection by either raising myocardial creatine levels or by overexpressing specific CK isoforms. The effect on cardiac function, high-energy phosphates and myocardial injury will be discussed and possible directions for future research highlighted. We conclude that the CK system represents a viable target for therapeutic intervention in I/R injury; however, much needed translational studies will require the development of new pharmacological tools.
Lipids and lipid domains of the yeast vacuole
Authors: Tsuji Takuma , Fujimoto Toyoshi
Published: September 2018

The membrane raft has been a focus of intensive research for the past two decades. Liquid-ordered domains form in artificial liposomes containing sterol and saturated lipids, but their presence in living cell membranes has been controversial. The yeast vacuole is exceptional in that micron-sized raft-like domains form in the stationary phase and under several other conditions. The sterol content of the vacuole in the log phase is much lower than that of liposomes showing liquid-ordered domains, suggesting that sterols may need to be supplied to the vacuole for the raft-like domain formation. We will discuss how lipids and lipid domains are organized in the vacuolar membrane and examine whether evidence is strong enough to conclude that the observed micron-sized domains are rafts.