bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular DNA release from the genome-reduced pathogen Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is essential for biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces
Authors: Raymond Benjamin B. A. , Jenkins Cheryl , Turnbull Lynne , Whitchurch Cynthia B. , Djordjevic Steven P.
Published: July 2018

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaeis an economically devastating, globally disseminated pathogen that can maintain a chronic infectious state within its host, swine. Here, we depict the events underpinningM.hyopneumoniaebiofilm formation on an abiotic surface and demonstrate for the first time, biofilms forming on porcine epithelial cell monolayers and in the lungs of pigs, experimentally infected withM.hyopneumoniae. Nuclease treatment prevents biofilms forming on glass but not on porcine epithelial cells indicating that extracellular DNA (eDNA), which localises at the base of biofilms, is critical in the formation of these structures on abiotic surfaces. Subpopulations ofM.hyopneumoniaecells, denoted by their ability to take up the dye TOTO-1 and release eDNA, were identified. A visually distinct sub-population of pleomorphic cells, that we refer to here as large cell variants (LCVs), rapidly transition from phase dark to translucent “ghost” cells. The translucent cells accumulate the membrane-impermeable dye TOTO-1, forming readily discernible membrane breaches immediately prior to lysis and the possible release of eDNA and other intracellular content (public goods) into the extracellular environment. Our novel observations expand knowledge of the lifestyles adopted by this wall-less, genome-reduced pathogen and provide further insights to its survival within farm environments and swine.
Acoustic Analogues of High-Index Optical Waveguide Devices
Authors: Zangeneh-Nejad Farzad , Fleury Romain
Published: July 2018

High index optical waveguide devices such as slab waveguides, strip waveguides and fibers play extremely important roles in a wide range of modern applications including telecommunications, sensing, lasing, interferometry, and resonant amplification. Yet, transposing these advantageous applications from optics to acoustics remains a fundamental practical challenge, since most materials exhibit refractive indices lower than that of air for sound waves. Here, we demonstrate the relevance of acoustic metamaterials for tackling this pivotal problem. More specifically, we consider a metamaterial built from subwavelength air-filled acoustic pipes engineered to effectively exhibit a higher refractive index than homogenous air. We show that such medium can be employed to realize acoustic equivalents of dielectric slab or strip waveguides, and optical fibers. Unlike conventional acoustic pipes, our guiding approach allows the waveguide to remain open to the external medium, which opens an abundance of new opportunities in noise management, medical imaging, underwater communication systems, and sensing.
Quantitative fibre analysis of single-molecule localization microscopy data
Authors: Peters Ruby , Griffié Juliette , Burn Garth L. , Williamson David J. , Owen Dylan M.
Published: July 2018

Single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) methods produce data in the form of a spatial point pattern (SPP) of all localized emitters. Whilst numerous tools exist to quantify molecular clustering in SPP data, the analysis of fibrous structures has remained understudied. Taking the SMLM localization coordinates as input, we present an algorithm capable of tracing fibrous structures in data generated by SMLM. Based upon a density parameter tracing routine, the algorithm outputs several fibre descriptors, such as number of fibres, length of fibres, area of enclosed regions and locations and angles of fibre branch points. The method is validated in a variety of simulated conditions and experimental data acquired using the image reconstruction by integrating exchangeable single-molecule localization (IRIS) technique. For this, the nanoscale architecture of F-actin at the T cell immunological synapse in both untreated and pharmacologically treated cells, designed to perturb actin structure, was analysed.
16S rRNA sequencing reveals likely beneficial core microbes within faecal samples of the EU protected slug Geomalacus maculosus
Authors: Reich Inga , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Gormally Mike , Smith Cindy J.
Published: July 2018

The EU-protected slug Geomalacus maculosus Allman occurs only in the West of Ireland and in northern Spain and Portugal. We explored the microbial community found within the faeces of Irish specimens with a view to determining whether a core microbiome existed among geographically isolated slugs which could give insight into the adaptations of G. maculosus to the available food resources within its habitat. Faecal samples of 30 wild specimens were collected throughout its Irish range and the V3 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. To investigate the influence of diet on the microbial composition, faecal samples were taken and sequenced from six laboratory reared slugs which were raised on two different foods. We found a widely diverse microbiome dominated by Enterobacteriales with three core OTUs shared between all specimens. While the reared specimens appeared clearly separated by diet in NMDS plots, no significant difference between the slugs fed on the two different diets was found. Our results indicate that while the majority of the faecal microbiome of G. maculosus is probably dependent on the microhabitat of the individual slugs, parts of it are likely selected for by the host.
An integrative, multi-omics approach towards the prioritization of Klebsiella pneumoniae drug targets
Authors: Ramos Pablo Ivan Pereira , Fernández Do Porto Darío , Lanzarotti Esteban , Sosa Ezequiel J. , Burguener Germán , Pardo Agustín M. , Klein Cecilia C. , Sagot Marie-France , de Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Gales Ana Cristina , Marti Marcelo , Turjanski Adrián G. , Nicolás Marisa F.
Published: July 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniae(Kp) is a globally disseminated opportunistic pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections. It has been found as the culprit of many infection outbreaks in hospital environments, being particularly aggressive towards newborns and adults under intensive care. ManyKpstrains produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases, enzymes that promote resistance against antibiotics used to fight these infections. The presence of other resistance determinants leading to multidrug-resistance also limit therapeutic options, and the use of ‘last-resort’ drugs, such as polymyxins, is not uncommon. The global emergence and spread of resistant strains underline the need for novel antimicrobials againstKpand related bacterial pathogens. To tackle this great challenge, we generated multiple layers of ‘omics’ data related toKpand prioritized proteins that could serve as attractive targets for antimicrobial development. Genomics, transcriptomics, structuromic and metabolic information were integrated in order to prioritize candidate targets, and this data compendium is freely available as a web server. Twenty-nine proteins with desirable characteristics from a drug development perspective were shortlisted, which participate in important processes such as lipid synthesis, cofactor production, and core metabolism. Collectively, our results point towards novel targets for the control ofKpand related bacterial pathogens.
Electrical resistivity of liquid Fe to 12 GPa: Implications for heat flow in cores of terrestrial bodies
Authors: Silber Reynold E. , Secco Richard A. , Yong Wenjun , Littleton Joshua A. H.
Published: July 2018

Electrical and thermal transport properties of liquid Fe under high pressure have important implications for the dynamics and thermal evolution of planetary cores and the geodynamo. However, electrical resistivity (ρ) and thermal conductivity (k) of liquid Fe at high pressure still remain contentious properties. To date, only two experimental investigations of ρ of liquid Fe in the pressure region below 7 GPa are reported in literature. Here we report the results of measurements of ρ for solid and liquid Fe (inversely proportional to k through the Wiedemann-Franz law) at pressures from 3 to 12 GPa, using a large multi-anvil press. We show that ρ of liquid Fe decreases as a function of pressure up to the δ-γ-liquid triple point at ~5.2 GPa, and subsequently remains invariant from 6 to 12 GPa, which is consistent with an earlier study on liquid Ni. Our results demonstrate an important effect of solid phase on the structure and properties of liquid Fe. Our values of ρ for solid and liquid Fe are used to calculate k in Mercury’s solid inner core and along the adiabat in the liquid outer cores of Moon, Ganymede, Mercury and Mars. Our robust values of thermal conductivity place the focus on uncertainties in thermal expansion as the cause of variation in values of core conducted heat. Except for Mercury, our adiabatic heat flux values in these terrestrial cores validate the use of similar values used in several previous studies. Our high values of core adiabatic heat flux in Mercury would provide a stabilizing effect on, and lead to an increase in thickness of, the thermally stratified layer at the top of the core.
Improved G-AgarTrap: A highly efficient transformation method for intact gemmalings of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Tsuboyama Shoko , Nonaka Satoko , Ezura Hiroshi , Kodama Yutaka
Published: July 2018

Liverworts are key species for studies of plant evolution, occupying a basal position among the land plants. Marchantia polymorpha has emerged as a highly studied model liverwort, and many relevant techniques, including genetic transformation, have been established for this species. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is widely used in many plant species because of its low cost. Recently, we developed a simplified Agrobacterium-mediated method for transforming M. polymorpha, known as AgarTrap (agar-utilized transformation with pouring solutions). The AgarTrap procedure, which involves culturing the liverwort tissue in various solutions on a single solid medium, yields up to a hundred independent transformants. AgarTrap is a simple procedure, requiring minimal expertise, cost, and time. Here, we investigated four factors that influence AgarTrap transformation efficiency: (1) humidity, (2) surfactant in the transformation buffer, (3) Agrobacterium strain, and (4) light/dark condition. We adapted the AgarTrap protocol for transforming intact gemmalings, achieving an exceptionally high transformation efficiency of 97%. The improved AgarTrap method will enhance the molecular biological study of M. polymorpha. Furthermore, this method provides new possibilities for improving transformation techniques for a variety of plant species.
Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 in lung cancer
Authors: Kuemmel Andreas , Alflen Astrid , Schmidt Lars Henning , Sebastian Martin , Wiewrodt Rainer , Schulze Arik Bernard , Buhl Roland , Radsak Markus
Published: July 2018

Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 (sTREM-1) can be found in the sera of patients with infectious, autoimmune and malignant diseases. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of sTREM-1 in lung cancer patients. We analyzed the sera of 164 patients with lung cancer of all histologies and all stages at the time of diagnosis. We employed an ELISA using the anti-TREM-1 clone 6B1.1G12 mAb and recombinant human TREM-1. Patient data was collected retrospectively by chart review. In ROC-analysis, a sTREM-1 serum level of 163.1 pg/ml showed the highest Youden-Index. At this cut-off value sTREM-1 was a marker of short survival in patients with NSCLC (median survival 8.5 vs. 13.3 months, p = 0.04). A Cox regression model showed stage (p < 0.001) and sTREM-1 (p = 0.011) to indicate short survival. There were no differences in sTREM-1 serum values among patients with or without infection, pleural effusion or COPD. sTREM-1 was not associated with metastasis at the time of diagnosis and was not a predictor of subsequent metastasis. In SCLC patients sTREM-1 levels were lower than in NSCLC patients (p = 0.001) and did not predict survival. sTREM-1 did not correlate with CRP or the number of neutrophils. In non-small cell lung cancer patients, sTREM-1 in serum has prognostic significance.
A monocyte gene expression signature in the early clinical course of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Schlachetzki Johannes C. M. , Prots Iryna , Tao Jenhan , Chun Hyun B. , Saijo Kaoru , Gosselin David , Winner Beate , Glass Christopher K. , Winkler Jürgen
Published: July 2018

Microglia are the main immune cells of the brain and express a large genetic pattern of genes linked to Parkinson’s disease risk alleles. Monocytes like microglia are myeloid-lineage cells, raising the questions of the extent to which they share gene expression with microglia and whether they are already altered early in the clinical course of the disease. To decipher a monocytic gene expression signature in Parkinson’s disease, we performed RNA-seq and applied the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to identify differentially expressed genes between controls and patients with Parkinson's disease and changes in gene expression variability and dysregulation. The gene expression profiles of normal human monocytes and microglia showed a plethora of differentially expressed genes. Additionally, we identified a distinct gene expression pattern of monocytes isolated from Parkinson’s disease patients at an early disease stage compared to controls using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Differentially expressed genes included genes involved in immune activation such as HLA-DQB1, MYD88, REL, and TNF-α. Our data suggest that future studies of distinct leukocyte subsets are warranted to identify possible surrogate biomarkers and may lead to the identification of novel interventions early in the disease course.
Ontogenetic transition from specialized root hairs to specific root-fungus symbiosis in the dominant Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica
Authors: Borovec Ondřej , Vohník Martin
Published: July 2018

Terrestrial plants typically take up nutrients through roots or mycorrhizae while freshwater plants additionally utilize leaves. Their nutrient uptake may be enhanced by root hairs whose occurrence is often negatively correlated with mycorrhizal colonization. Seagrasses utilize both leaves and roots and often form root hairs, but seem to be devoid of mycorrhizae. The Mediterranean seagrassPosidonia oceanicais an exception: its adults commonly lack root hairs and regularly form a specific association with a single pleosporalean fungus. Here we show that at two sites in the southern Adriatic, all its seedlings possessed abundant root hairs with peculiar morphology (swollen terminal parts) and anatomy (spirally formed cell walls) as apparent adaptations for better attachment to the substrate and increase of breaking strain. Later on, their roots became colonized by dark septate mycelium while root hairs were reduced. In adults, most of terminal fine roots possessed the specific fungal association while root hairs were absent. These observations indicate for the first time that processes regulating transition from root hairs to root fungal colonization exist also in some seagrasses. This ontogenetic shift in root traits may suggests an involvement of the specific root symbiosis in the nutrient uptake by the dominant Mediterranean seagrass.
Tidally disrupted stars as a possible origin of both cosmic rays and neutrinos at the highest energies
Authors: Biehl Daniel , Boncioli Denise , Lunardini Cecilia , Winter Walter
Published: July 2018

Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) are processes where stars are torn apart by the strong gravitational force near to a massive or supermassive black hole. If a jet is launched in such a process, particle acceleration may take place in internal shocks. We demonstrate that jetted TDEs can simultaneously describe the observed neutrino and cosmic ray fluxes at the highest energies if stars with heavier compositions, such as carbon-oxygen white dwarfs, are tidally disrupted and these events are sufficiently abundant. We simulate the photo-hadronic interactions both in the TDE jet and in the propagation through the extragalactic space and we show that the simultaneous description of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR) and PeV neutrino data implies that a nuclear cascade in the jet is developed by photo-hadronic interactions.
Mild Maternal Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Non-obese Pregnant Women and Accelerated Fetal Growth
Authors: Telerant Ayana , Dunietz Galit Levi , Many Ariel , Tauman Riva
Published: July 2018

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy is rising. OSA during pregnancy has been associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. The effect of maternal OSA on the fetus, particularly on fetal growth, is less apparent. Most of the currently available human data is based on non-objective assessment of OSA and includes heterogeneous populations with inadequate control on confounders, such as maternal obesity and pregnancy complications. Using objective tools in non-obese women with uncomplicated pregnancies, we aimed to investigate the association between maternal OSA and fetal growth. A total of 155 non-obese pregnant women were recruited. Birth-weight percentile of the newborns of women with mild OSA was significantly higher compared with the newborns of non-OSA controls (72% vs. 57%, respectively, P < 0.01). Birth-length and triceps thickness measurements were significantly higher among the newborns of women with OSA compared with controls (P = 0.02 for both). The proportion of large for gestational age (LGA) newborns was higher among women with OSA compared with controls (28% vs. 8%, respectively, P = 0.04). Our results suggest that maternal OSA during the third trimester of pregnancy - even in a mild form -is associated with accelerated fetal growth.
The sources of high airborne radioactivity in cryoconite holes from the Caucasus (Georgia)
Authors: Łokas Edyta , Zawierucha Krzysztof , Cwanek Anna , Szufa Katarzyna , Gaca Paweł , Mietelski Jerzy W. , Tomankiewicz Ewa
Published: July 2018

Cryoconite granules are mixtures of mineral particles, organic substances and organisms on the surface of glaciers where they decrease the ice albedo and are responsible for formation of water-filled holes. The contaminants are effectively trapped in the cryoconite granules and stay there for many years. This study evaluates the contamination level of artificial and natural radionuclides in cryoconite holes from Adishi glacier (Georgia) and identifies the sources of contamination based on activity or mass ratios among artificial radionuclides. Results revealed high activity concentrations of fallout radionuclides reaching 4900 Bq/kg, 2.5 Bq/kg, 107 Bq/kg and 68 Bq/kg for 137Cs, 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am, respectively. The main source of Pu is global fallout, but the low 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios also indicated local tropospheric source of 239Pu, probably from the Kapustin Yar nuclear test site. Also, high activity ratios of 241Am/239+240Pu could originate from Kapustin Yar. The natural radionuclides originate from the surrounding rocks and were measured to control the environmental processes. 210Pb in cryoconite granules comes predominantly from the atmospheric deposition, and its activity concentrations reach high values up to 12000 Bq/kg.
Lethal and sub-lethal effects of the insecticide fipronil on juvenile brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus
Authors: Al-Badran Ali Abdulameer , Fujiwara Masami , Gatlin Delbert M. , Mora Miguel A.
Published: July 2018

Chemical pesticides are widely used around the world, but at the same time, they may cause direct or indirect risks to many non-target organisms. Recent increased use of insecticides in coastal areas, for example to control invasive tawny crazy ants, raises concern that insecticides may affect ecologically and/or commercially important species found in estuaries. Here, we investigated the lethal and sub-lethal effects of fipronil on juvenile brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus over 29 days at five different nominal concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 3.0, 6.4, and 10.0 µg/L) in a laboratory experiment. Exposure to all of the fipronil treatments resulted in all individuals dying before the end of the experiment; whereas, no individual died in the control (0.0 µg/L). The 96-hour LC50 was determined to be 1.3 µg/L. Shrimp also experienced weight loss under all of the fipronil treatments. Inter-moult interval was increased from 12.2 ± 1.64 day in the control group to 15.5 ± 0.53 day in the 1.0 μg/L treatment. Lipid content of shrimp increased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, behavioral and body color changes were also observed under the fipronil treatments. We conclude F. aztecus is very sensitive to fipronil and monitoring is needed in coastal areas.
Proteomic Analysis and Functional Characterization of P4-ATPase Phospholipid Flippases from Murine Tissues
Authors: Wang Jiao , Molday Laurie L. , Hii Theresa , Coleman Jonathan A. , Wen Tieqiao , Andersen Jens P. , Molday Robert S.
Published: July 2018

P4-ATPases are a subfamily of P-type ATPases that flip phospholipids across membranes to generate lipid asymmetry, a property vital to many cellular processes. Mutations in several P4-ATPases have been linked to severe neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Most P4-ATPases associate with one of three accessory subunit isoforms known as CDC50A (TMEM30A), CDC50B (TMEM30B), and CDC50C (TMEM30C). To identify P4-ATPases that associate with CDC50A, in vivo, and determine their tissue distribution, we isolated P4-ATPases-CDC50A complexes from retina, brain, liver, testes, and kidney on a CDC50A immunoaffinity column and identified and quantified P4-ATPases from their tryptic peptides by mass spectrometry. Of the 12 P4-ATPase that associate with CDC50 subunits, 10 P4-ATPases were detected. Four P4-ATPases (ATP8A1, ATP11A, ATP11B, ATP11C) were present in all five tissues. ATP10D was found in low amounts in liver, brain, testes, and kidney, and ATP8A2 was present in significant amounts in retina, brain, and testes. ATP8B1 was detected only in liver, ATP8B3 and ATP10A only in testes, and ATP8B2 primarily in brain. We also show that ATP11A, ATP11B and ATP11C, like ATP8A1 and ATP8A2, selectively flip phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine across membranes. These studies provide new insight into the tissue distribution, relative abundance, subunit interactions and substrate specificity of P4-ATPase-CDC50A complexes.
Enhancing enterocyte fatty acid oxidation in mice affects glycemic control depending on dietary fat
Authors: Ramachandran Deepti , Clara Rosmarie , Fedele Shahana , Michel Ladina , Burkard Johannes , Kaufman Sharon , Diaz Abdiel Alvarado , Weissfeld Nadja , De Bock Katrien , Prip-Buus Carina , Langhans Wolfgang , Mansouri Abdelhak
Published: July 2018

Studies indicate that modulating enterocyte metabolism might affect whole body glucose homeostasis and the development of diet-induced obesity (DIO). We tested whether enhancing enterocyte fatty acid oxidation (FAO) could protect mice from DIO and impaired glycemic control. To this end, we used mice expressing a mutant form of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (CPT1mt), insensitive to inhibition by malonyl-CoA, in their enterocytes (iCPT1mt) and fed them low-fat control diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HFD) chronically. CPT1mt expression led to an upregulation of FAO in the enterocytes. On CD, iCPT1mt mice had impaired glycemic control and showed concomitant activation of lipogenesis, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in their enterocytes. On HFD, both iCPT1mt and control mice developed DIO, but iCPT1mt mice showed improved glycemic control and reduced visceral fat mass. Together these data indicate that modulating enterocyte metabolism in iCPT1mt mice affects glycemic control in a body weight-independent, but dietary fat-dependent manner.
Enhancement of collagen deposition and cross-linking by coupling lysyl oxidase with bone morphogenetic protein-1 and its application in tissue engineering
Authors: Rosell-Garcia T. , Rodriguez-Pascual F.
Published: July 2018

Cultured cell-derived extracellular matrices (ECM)-based biomaterials exploit the inherent capacity of cells to create highly sophisticated supramolecular assemblies. However, standard cell culture conditions are far from ideal given the fact that the diluted microenvironment does not favor the production of ECM components, a circumstance particularly relevant for collagen. An incomplete conversion of procollagen by C-proteinase/bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) has been proposed to severely limit in vitro collagen deposition. BMP1 also catalyzes the proteolytic activation of the precursor of the collagen cross-linking enzyme, lysyl oxidase (LOX) to yield the active form, suggesting a deficit in cross-linking activity under standard conditions. We hypothesized that the implementation of fibroblast cultures with LOX and BMP1 may be an effective way to increase collagen deposition. To test it, we have generated stable cell lines overexpressing LOX and BMP1 and studied the effect of supernatants enriched in LOX and BMP1 on collagen synthesis and deposition from fibroblasts. Herein, we demonstrate that the supplementation with LOX and BMP1 strongly increased the deposition of collagen onto the insoluble matrix at the expense of the soluble fraction in the extracellular medium. Using decellularization protocols, we also show that fibroblast-derived matrices regulate adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and this effect was modulated by LOX/BMP1. Collectively, these data demonstrate that we have developed a convenient protocol to enhance the capacity of in vitro cell cultures to deposit collagen in the ECM, representing this approach a promising technology for application in tissue engineering.
Nitrogen-doping induces tunable magnetism in ReS2
Authors: Zhang Qin , Ren Zemian , Wu Nian , Wang Wenjie , Gao Yingjie , Zhang Qiqi , Shi Jing , Zhuang Lin , Sun Xiangnan , Fu Lei
Published: July 2018

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising for spintronic devices owing to their spin-orbit coupling and loss of inversion symmetry. However, further development was obstructed by their intrinsic nonmagnetic property. Doping TMDs with non-metal light atoms has been predicted to be a good option to induce unexpected magnetic properties which remain rarely explored. Here, we utilize nitrogen doping to introduce magnetic domains into anisotropic ReS2, giving rise to a transition from nonmagnetic to tunable magnetic ordering. Both of the experimental and computational results confirmed that the N-doping in ReS2 prefers to take place at the edge site than in-plane site. With controlled doping concentration, it exhibits a unique ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic (FM-AFM) coupling. Assisted by theoretical calculations, we demonstrated that FM-AFM coupling presents a strong link to doping contents and doping sites. Wherein, the FM ordering mostly comes from N atoms and the AFM ordering originate from Re atoms. At the N-doping content of 4.24%, the saturated magnetization of N-doped ReS2 reached the largest value of 2.1 emu g−1 at 2 K. Further altering the content to 6.64%, the saturated magnetization of N-doped ReS2 decreases, but exhibits a distinct exchange bias (EB) phenomenon of around 200 Oe. With controlled N-doping concentrations, the intrinsic spin in ReS2 could be well altered and resulted in distinct magnetism, presenting tremendous potential for spintronic devices in information storage.
tert-Butylhydroperoxide induces apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophagesviaa mitochondria-mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Han Lu , Wang Yu-Long , Sun Yan-Chi , Hu Zi-Yuan , Hu Kun , Du Li-Bo
Published: July 2018

RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to an Ox LDL analogue in order to understand the mechanism of macrophage apoptosis.
Expert perspectives on potential environmental risks from nanomedicines and adequacy of the current guideline on environmental risk assessment
Authors: Mahapatra Indrani , Clark Julian R. A. , Dobson Peter J. , Owen Richard , Lynch Iseult , Lead Jamie R.
Published: July 2018

Interviews conducted with 66 experts to gather their perspectives on environmental risks from nanomedicines and their responses analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Enhanced removal of heavy metals from electroplating wastewater through electrocoagulation using carboxymethyl chitosan as corrosion inhibitor for steel anode
Authors: Sun Hao , Wang Han , Wang He , Yan Qun
Published: July 2018

To prolong the life of electrodes, application and evaluation of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCT), as a corrosion inhibitor for a steel anode, through electrocoagulation during the treatment process of electroplating wastewater was conducted.
Vanillic acid activates thermogenesis in brown and white adipose tissue
Authors: Han Xue , Guo Jielong , You Yilin , Yin Manwen , Liang Juan , Ren Chenglong , Zhan Jicheng , Huang Weidong
Published: July 2018

Anthocyanins have a positive effect on resistant obesity; however they cannot usually be absorbed directly but, instead, are metabolized by gut microbiota.
Impact of freeNε-carboxymethyllysine, its precursor glyoxal and AGE-modified BSA on serotonin release from human parietal cells in culture
Authors: Holik Ann-Katrin , Stöger Verena , Hölz Kathrin , Somoza Mark M. , Somoza Veronika
Published: July 2018

The advanced glycation endproduct CML, often encountered in a Western diet, increases serotonin release from cultured parietal cells, while a protein-linked AGE showed the opposite effect.
Comparison of the anti-angiogenic potential of hydroxytyrosol and five derivatives
Authors: López-Jiménez Auxiliadora , Gallardo Elena , Espartero José L. , Madrona Andrés , Quesada Ana R. , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2018

The anti-angiogenic potential of several derivatives of hydroxytyrosol, a phenolic compound present in extra virgin olive oil, is compared.
Structural tailoring of nanoporous anodic alumina optical microcavities for enhanced resonant recirculation of light
Authors: Law Cheryl Suwen , Lim Siew Yee , Abell Andrew D. , Marsal Lluís F. , Santos Abel
Published: July 2018

A study about the structural engineering of high quality nanoporous anodic alumina optical microcavities (NAA-μCVs) fabricated by rationally designed anodisation strategies to enhance the light-confining capabilities of these photonic crystal (PC) structures is presented.
Hierarchical MoSe2 nanoflowers as novel nanocarriers for NIR-light-mediated synergistic photo-thermal/dynamic and chemo-therapy
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Feng , Wang Qian , Yang Piaoping , Lin Huiming , Qu Fengyu
Published: July 2018

MoSe2 nanoflowers were synthesized that exhibited the synergistic effect of chemotherapy, PTT and PDT, leading to improved antitumor effectiveness.
Negatively charged 2D black phosphorus for highly efficient covalent functionalization
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gao Lin-Feng , Li Liuxiao , Hu Chen-Xia , Yang Qi-Qi , Zhu Zhi-Yuan , Peng Rui , Wang Qiang , Peng Yong , Jin Jun , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: July 2018

Negatively charged ultrathin 2D BP nanosheets exhibit higher reactivity to diazonium addition than neutral BP nanosheets.
Synthesis of core–shell N-TiO2@CuOx with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wang Shu , Huo Rufei , Zhang Rui , Zheng Yuchuan , Li Changjiang , Pan Le
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a core–shell N-TiO2@CuOx nanomaterial with increased visible light photocatalytic activity was successfully synthesized using a simple method.
Facile metal-free reduction-based synthesis of pristine and cation-doped conductive mayenite
Authors: Khan Karim , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Elshahat Sayed , Muhammad Naseer , Li Jia , Aboodd Israa , Bibbò Luigi , Yadav Ashish , Rehman Sagar Rizwan Ur , Khan Usman , Ouyang Zhengbiao
Published: July 2018

A facile method to prepare pristine nanoscale mayenite electride is presented. The highest achieved conductivity of melted sample was ~28 S cm−1, with 93% mass density.
LC-MS-based plasma metabolomics reveals metabolic variations in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in female Wistar rats
Authors: Hu Yan , Zhang Xiaojian , Shan Yu
Published: July 2018

Osteoporosis with a reduction in bone mineral density has become one of the most common metabolic bone diseases.
Phase transitions in polymorphic materials probed using space-resolved diffusing wave spectroscopy
Authors: Nagazi Med Yassine , Dieudonné-George Philippe , Brambilla Giovanni , Meunier Gérard , Cipelletti Luca
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate light scattering as a new non-invasive, contactless method to detect polymorphic phase transitions in soft matter.
Correction: Predicting oligomer/polymer compatibility and the impact on nanoscale segregation in thin films
Authors: Sabattié Elise F. D. , Tasche Jos , Wilson Mark R. , Skoda Maximilian W. A. , Hughes Arwel , Lindner Torsten , Thompson Richard L.
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Predicting oligomer/polymer compatibility and the impact on nanoscale segregation in thin films’ by Elise F. D. Sabattié et al., Soft Matter, 2017, 13, 3580–3591.
Highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2on the Ti3C2/g-C3N4heterojunction with rich Ti3+and pyri-N species
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Wang Shuai , Yang Jun , Han Bo , Nie Rong , Wang Jixian , Dong Yapeng , Yu Xiaogang , Wang Jianguo , Jing Huanwang
Published: July 2018

A new heterojunction of Ti3C2/g-C3N4with rich Ti3+and pyri-N species can efficiently photoelectrocatalytically convert CO2into hydrocarbons.
Stabilizing NiCo2O4 hybrid architectures by reduced graphene oxide interlayers for improved cycling stability of hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Oh Kyu Hyun , Gund Girish Sambhaji , Park Ho Seok
Published: July 2018

Nickel cobaltite@reduced graphene oxide (NiCo2O4@rGO) hybrid architectures directly deposited on nickel-foam (NF) are synthesized, showing kinetic and structural stability achieved by the rGO interlayers for improved energy density and cyclic stability of the hybrid supercapacitors.
Mo2C-induced solid-phase synthesis of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheet arrays on bagasse-derived porous carbon frameworks for high-energy hybrid sodium-ion capacitors
Authors: Li Yuzhu , Wang Huanwen , Huang Baojun , Wang Libin , Wang Rui , He Beibei , Gong Yansheng , Hu Xianluo
Published: July 2018

Mo2C-induced solid-phase synthesis was reported to grow ultrathin MoS2 nanosheet arrays on bagasse-derived carbon frameworks for high-energy hybrid sodium-ion capacitors.
Binder-free bonding of modularized MXene thin films into thick film electrodes for on-chip micro-supercapacitors with enhanced areal performance metrics
Authors: Hu Haibo , Bai Zhiman , Niu Ben , Wu Mingzai , Hua Tao
Published: July 2018

An efficient and easily-manipulated protocol was developed to prepare binder/conductive-additives free thick MXene film electrodes through bonding the modularized thin films only with water. The thickness can be multiplied by increasing the number of superposed modularized thin MXene films.
Ionic-to-electronic coupling efficiency in PEDOT:PSS films operated in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Savva Achilleas , Wustoni Shofarul , Inal Sahika
Published: July 2018

This work highlights the role of PEDOT:PSS composition in determining the efficiency of coupling between ionic and electronic charges.
Effects of morphology of Mg powder precursor on phase formation and superconducting properties of Mg11B2 low activation superconductor
Authors: Cheng Feng , Ma Zongqing , Yu Liming , Li Chong , Liu Chenxi , Guo Qianying , Li Huijun , Yamauchi Yusuke , Bando Yoshio , Alghamdi Yousef Gamaan , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Liu Yongchang
Published: July 2018

The sintering process of Mg11B2 sample using spherical Mg powder is different from the plate-like one (usual used).
Feasible organic films using noninterfering emitters for sensitive and spatial high-temperature sensing
Authors: Fang Qiyun , Li Ying , Wang Yingnan , Yao Feng , Wang Shuangqing , Qian Yan , Yang Guoqiang , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

Wide-range and spatially thermo-sensitive ratiometric films have been realized with a maximum relative sensitivity of 6.32% K−1 at 440 K.
Modeling of magnetic label field sensing by gmr structure
Authors: Bukunov Kirill , Babaizev Georgy , Chechenin Nikolay
Published: July 2018

An analytical model is developed to calculate 3D spatial distribution of vector magnetic field H(r) around a reference magnetic label of an arbitrary shape. A reliable method of H(r) modelling is important for location and precise positioning of a labelled object using GMR-based magnetic field sensors.
Magnetotransport properties of Coх(MgF2)100-x oxygen-free nanocomposites
Authors: Tregubova Tatyana , Stognei Oleg , Kirpan Veronika , Sitnikov Aleksandr
Published: July 2018

Electric and magnetoresistive properties of Coх(MgF2)100-х thin films (14 ≤ x, ат. % ≤ 62) were investigated. It is established that the received films have a composite structure. Magnetoresistive and electric properties of the films in initial state and after heat treatment have been investigated. The magnetoresistive effect of the studied samples in initial state reaches 7,5% in magnetic field of 10 kOe. It is established that the composites structure is steady against thermal heating up to 250 °C. The change of composites magnetoresistive effect after heat treatment depends on the Co concentration. The particularities of the magnetoresistive changes after annealing are discussed.
Temperature Mössbauer study of the spatial spin-modulated structure in the multiferroic BiFeO3
Authors: Rusakov Vyacheslav , Pokatilov Vyacheslav , Sigov Alexander , Matsnev Mikhail , Pyatakov Alexander
Published: July 2018

57Fe Mössbauer detailed study of the spatial spin-modulated structure of the multiferroic BiFeO3 was carried out in a wide temperature range including the temperature of magnetic phase transition. The Mossbauer spectra have been analysed by fitting in terms of the anharmonic spin cycloid mode. It is established that at temperatures below ~330 K a magnetic anisotropy of the "easy axis" type is realized and above is the magnetic anisotropy of the "easy plane" type. An explanation for the change in the type of magnetic anisotropy is proposed, based on taking into account the different temperature dependences of the two contributions to the effective uniaxial magnetic anisotropy constant: a crystal anisotropy of net antiferromagnet and a weak ferromagnetism.
Complex refractive index of concentrated magnetic fluids
Authors: Yerin Constantine , Lykhmanova Victoria , Erina Marina
Published: July 2018

The spectra of the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index of magnetic fluids based on kerosene with a solids phase concentration of 1% to 35% are experimentally measured. The comparison of calculations results have been made according to Maxwell-Garnett and Bruggeman’s models of effective medium approximation. The influence of refractive index spectra on the extinction of light in magnetic fluids is shown.
Magnetic properties and giant magnetoimpedance effect for CoFeMoSiB surface modified amorphous ribbons covered by water based ferrofluid
Authors: Lotfollahi Zahra , Amirabadizadeh Ahmad , Safronov Alexander P. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V.
Published: July 2018

Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect is a powerful technique for magnetic label detection. Co-based amorphous ribbons are cheap materials showing high GMI effect at low operation frequencies for close to zero magnitostriction compositions. In this work magnetic properties and GMI were studied for CoFeMoSiB amorphous ribbons in as-quenched and surface modified states without and in the presence of water-based ferrofluid with electrostatic stabilization of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Surface modification by ultrasound treatment resulted in appearance of round defects with average diameter of about 150 micrometers. The GMI difference for as-quenched ribbons in absence and in the presence of ferrofluid was measured for the frequency range of 0.5 to 10 MHz. Although proposed surface modification by the ultrasound treatment did not improve the sensitivity limit for ferrofluid detection, it did not decrease it either. Observed changes of GMI are useful for understanding of functionality of GMI biosensors.
Safety analysis of sea border transportation in indonesia, case study : countries between countries in sumatera (batam – singapore and batam – johor)
Authors: Faturachman Danny
Published: July 2018

As a border in Sumatera Island, Batam as a bridge between Indonesia and Singapore, and also Indonesia and Malaysia. Batam located in locations strategic considering in the sea border area, crossing between in Sumatera with Singapore and Johor, Malaysia. This research is aim to know whether the ASEAN Economic Community in order to ASEAN connectivity since 2015 application has already settle or not.. Because connectivity between ASEAN countries considered an important part in the context of creating the implementation of ASEAN economic community characterized by an open market in southeast Asia, therefore sea border transportation needs to develop again .This research is case study directly to see the fact in ferry routes between Batam – Singapore and also Batam – Johor and gain the information about the ferries, terminal and also the impact for the sea border transportation of three countries between Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
Stress Concentration Factor of A Two-Planar Double KT Tubular Joint due to In-Plane Bending Loading in Steel Offshore Structures
Authors: Rudi Walujo Prastianto , Yoyok Setyo Hadiwidodo , Ibnu Fasyin Fuadi
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the proper Stress Concentration Factor (SCF) of a 60° two-planar DKT tubular joint of a tripod wellhead offshore structure. So far, calculation of SCF for a multi-plane tubular joint was based on the formulation for the simple/uniplanar tubular joints that yield in over/under prediction of the SCF of the joint. This situation in turn decreasing the accuracy of fatigue life prediction of the structures. The SCF is one of the most important parameters in the tubular joint fatigue analysis. The tubular joint is modelled as finite element models with bending loads acting on the braces that cover a wide range of dimensionless geometrical parameters (β, τ, γ). The effect of such parameters on the SCF distribution along the weld toe of braces and chord on the joint are investigated. Validation of the finite element model has shown good agreement to the global structural analysis results. The results of parametric studies show that the peak SCF mostly occurs at around crown 2 point of the outer central brace. The increase of the β leads to decrease the SCF. While the increase of the τ and γ leads to increase the SCF. The effect of parameter β and γ on the SCF are greater than the effect of parameter τ.
Le rôle de l’immersion dans l’apprentissage du schwa chez les apprenants alémaniques avancés de FLE
Authors: Isely Romain , Racine Isabelle , Detey Sylvain , Andreassen Helene N. , Eychenne et Julien
Published: July 2018

Dans l’apprentissage du français, le schwa constitue un v éritable défi pour les apprenants. Dans ce travail, effectué dans le cadre du projcet « Interphonologie du Français Contemporain » (IPFC), nous proposons un système de codage alphanumérique des réalisations du schwa d’apprenants de FLE et en illustrons la pertinence à l’aide de données d’apprenants suisses alémaniques avancés, issues de deux des tâches du protocole IPFC (lecture d’un texte et conversation guidée). Les résultats montrent que, si un séjour de longue durée en milieu francophone ne semble pas avoir d’effet à lui seul sur le comportement du schwa, il interagit néanmoins avec la tâche – plus de chute du schwa après un séjour dans les conversations mais pas en lecture – ainsi qu’avec le type de mots – après un séjour, le schwa chute davantage dans les monosyllabes mais n’a pas d’effet sur les polysyllabes, que le schwa soit en syllabe initiale ou interne. Le séjour semble ainsi aider les apprenants à acquérir une compétence sociolinguistique se rapprochant de celle des natifs. Ces résultats préliminaires ouvrent des pistes didactiques afin de fournir du matériel pédagogique permettant de ne pas laisser l’appropriation de cette compétence à la portée des seuls apprenants pouvant effectuer un séjour en immersion mais de la travailler également de manière efficace en classe.
Regard sur les dimensions sous-jacentes dans les épreuves de conscience morphologique
Authors: Bourdages Rosalie , Foucambert Denis
Published: July 2018

Malgré l’importance de la conscience morphologique pour le, développement d’habiletés de haut niveau indispensables au succès, scolaire (Apel, Diehm et Apel, 2013; Kieffer et al. 2016; Tighe et, Schatschneider; 2016), il y a une réelle confusion dans la littérature sur le, plan de la mesure de ce construit, en ce sens que les tâches utilisées pour le, circonscrire font intervenir des habiletés d’ordre cognitif et linguistique, extr êmement variées (Deacon, Parrila et Kirby, 2008). En nous basant sur, les épreuves traditionnellement utilisées pour mesurer la conscience, morphologique, nous avons construit six tâches qui mobilisent à la fois des, unités (morphèmes flexionnel ou dérivationnel), des opérations,(suppression ou ajout) et des types de contrôle (implicites ou explicites),divers (Apel, 2014). Nos données ont été récoltées auprès d’enfants, québécois et français de 8 à 10 ans. Les résultats, issus d’analyses, factorielles confirmatoires (AFC), mettent en relief l’importance du type, d’opérations cognitives effectuées comme facteur permettant de, discriminer les épreuves entre elles.
Risk factors for onset of delirium after neck of femur fracture surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tahir Muaaz , Malik Shahbaz S , Ahmed Usman , Kozdryk Jakub , Naqvi Syeda Huma , Malik Atul
Published: July 2018

Background: Delirium is a common complication after surgery in the elderly that leads to increased length of stay and other adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to better understand the exact causes of post-operative delirium in patients undergoing surgery for neck of femur (NOF) fractures.

Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of 381 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for NOF fractures at a single institution. Baseline cognitive status and risk factors were recorded on admission. Post-operative cognitive status was assessed at regular intervals until discharge. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of delirium.

Results: Patients who developed post-operative delirium (n = 70) were significantly older (average age 83 vs. 78,p = 0.019) and more likely to be female (79% vs. 67%,p = 0.062) than non-affected patients. The presence of delirium was associated with increased length of stay (13 vs. 10 days,p = 0.001) and 1-year mortality (25.7% vs. 15%p = 0.03). Independent predictors of delirium included age ≥65 years (Odds Ratio = 5.8), presence of anaemia (OR = 2.9), hypoxia (OR = 2.86), cardiac disease (OR = 2.8), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (OR = 2.5), new onset electrolyte imbalance (OR = 2.2) and renal failure (OR = 1.9).

Conclusion: Overall analysis demonstrated an increased incidence of delirium in older females with greater comorbid conditions. It was also found to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We recommend clinicians put greater effort into recognising risk factors of delirium and diagnosing it in a timely manner to mitigate its effects.