bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Three-gene Prognostic Signature for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Binghua , Feng Wendu , Luo Ouyang , Xu Tiancheng , Cao Yajuan , Wu Hongyan , Yu Decai , Ding Yitao
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, because recurrence often occurs in most HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy. It is necessary to identify patients with high risk for recurrence and adopt effective therapies. An obstacle to monitor patients at high risk for poor prognosis has been the lack of useful predictive biomarkers. Fortunately, recent progress in system biology allows to screen the biomarkers for HCC prognosis in a high-throughput manner. In this study, we performed systematic Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of the whole mRNA transcriptomics based on the Cancer Genome Atlas project (TCGA) and developed a three-gene prognostic signature composing of three genes UPB1, SOCS2 and RTN3. The model was validated in two independent microarray data sets retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the expression pattern of these three predictive genes in HCC was confirmed by western blot and immunohistochemistry with our HCC samples. In conclusion, our results showed that this three-gene signature has prognostic value for HCC patients.
The right way to kiss: directionality bias in head-turning during kissing
Authors: Karim A. K. M. Rezaul , Proulx Michael J. , de Sousa Alexandra A. , Karmaker Chhanda , Rahman Arifa , Karim Fahria , Nigar Naima
Published: July 2017

Humans have a bias for turning to the right in a number of settings. Here we document a bias in head-turning to the right in adult humans, as tested in the act of kissing. We investigated head-turning bias in both kiss initiators and kiss recipients for lip kissing, and took into consideration differences due to sex and handedness, in 48 Bangladeshi heterosexual married couples. We report a significant male bias in the initiation of kissing and a significant bias in head-turning to the right in both kiss initiators and kiss recipients, with a tendency among kiss recipients to match their partners’ head-turning direction. These interesting outcomes are explained by the influences of societal learning or cultural norms and the potential neurophysiological underpinnings which together offer novel insights about the mechanisms underlying behavioral laterality in humans.
Dietary lipid content reorganizes gut microbiota and probiotic L. rhamnosus attenuates obesity and enhances catabolic hormonal milieu in zebrafish
Authors: Falcinelli Silvia , Rodiles Ana , Hatef Azadeh , Picchietti Simona , Cossignani Lina , Merrifield Daniel L. , Unniappan Suraj , Carnevali Oliana
Published: July 2017

In the present study, we explored whether dietary lipid content influences the gut microbiome in adult zebrafish. Diets containing three different lipid levels (high [HFD], medium [MFD], and low [LFD]) were administered with or without the supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (P) to zebrafish in order to explore how the dietary lipid content may influence the gut microbiome. Dietary lipid content shifted the gut microbiome structure. The addition of L. rhamnosus in the diets, induced transcriptional reduction of orexigenic genes, upregulation of anorexigenic genes, and transcriptional decrease of genes involved in cholesterol and triglyceride (TAG) metabolism, concomitantly with lower content of cholesterol and TAG. Probiotic feeding also decreased nesfatin-1 peptide in HFD-P and attenuated weight gain in HFD-P and MFD-P fed zebrafish, but not in LFD-P group. Intestinal ultrastructure was not affected by dietary fat level or probiotic inclusion. In conclusion, these findings underline the role of fat content in the diet in altering gut microbiota community by shifting phylotype composition and highlight the potential of probiotics to attenuate high-fat diet-related metabolic disorder.
Quantifying Retail Agglomeration using Diverse Spatial Data
Authors: Piovani Duccio , Zachariadis Vassilis , Batty Michael
Published: July 2017

Newly available data on the spatial distribution of retail activities in cities makes it possible to build models formalized at the level of the single retailer. Current models tackle consumer location choices at an aggregate level and the opportunity new data offers for modeling at the retail unit level lacks an appropriate theoretical framework. The model we present here helps to address these issues. Based on random utility theory, we have built it around the idea of quantifying the role of floor-space and agglomeration in retail location choice. We test this model on the inner area of Greater London. The results are consistent with a super linear scaling of a retailer’s attractiveness with its floorspace, and with an agglomeration effect approximated as the total retail floorspace within a 300 m radius from each shop. Our model illustrates many of the issues involved in testing and validating urban simulation models involving spatial data and its aggregation to different spatial scales.
HIV-1 enhances mTORC1 activity and repositions lysosomes to the periphery by co-opting Rag GTPases
Authors: Cinti Alessandro , Le Sage Valerie , Milev Miroslav P. , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Crossie Christina , Miron Marie-Joelle , Panté Nelly , Olivier Martin , Mouland Andrew J.
Published: July 2017

HIV-1 co-opts several host machinery to generate a permissive environment for viral replication and transmission. In this work we reveal how HIV-1 impacts the host translation and intracellular vesicular trafficking machineries for protein synthesis and to impede the physiological late endosome/lysosome (LEL) trafficking in stressful conditions. First, HIV-1 enhances the activity of the master regulator of protein synthesis, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Second, the virus commandeers mTOR-associated late endosome/lysosome (LEL) trafficking and counteracts metabolic and environmental stress-induced intracellular repositioning of LEL. We then show that the small Rag GTPases, RagA and RagB, are required for the HIV-1-mediated LEL repositioning that is likely mediated by interactions between the Rags and the viral proteins, Gag and Vif. siRNA-mediated depletion of RagA and RagB leads to a loss in mTOR association to LEL and to a blockade of viral particle assembly and release at the plasma membrane with a marked concomitant reduction in virus production. These results show that HIV-1 co-opts fundamental mechanisms that regulate LEL motility and positioning and support the notion that LEL positioning is critical for HIV-1 replication.
Ssu72 attenuates autoimmune arthritis via targeting of STAT3 signaling and Th17 activation
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kwon Jeong-Eun , Lee Jin-Kwan , Lee DoHyeong , Kim Se-Young , Seo Hyeon-Beom , Na Hyun Sik , Jung KyoungAh , Kwok Seung-Ki , Lee Chang-Woo , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: July 2017

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) orchestrates the differentiation of several cell types, including interleukin-17 (IL-17)-releasing Th17 cells. Dysregulation of Th17 cells results in chronic inflammatory responses. Ssu72 is a C-terminal domain phosphatase required for transcriptional regulation. However, the mechanism by which Ssu72 affects STAT3 activation and Th17 cell differentiation is unclear. Here, we found that Ssu72 overexpression suppresses STAT3 activation and Th17 cell responsesin vitro. A systemic infusion of Ssu72 attenuates experimental autoimmune arthritis by reducing STAT3 activity and the differentiation of Th17 cells. It also reduces joint destruction, serum immunoglobulin concentrations and osteoclastogenesis but increases the number of marginal zone B cells and B10 cells. These effects are associated with reduced p-STAT3 levels and the suppression of Th17 cell formationin vivo. Based on these data, Ssu72 is related to STAT3 activation and the inflammatory response; and Ssu72 overexpression in T-cell-mediated immunity has potential utility for the treatment of autoimmune arthritis.
Super-resolution Surface Microscopy of Conductors using Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Ilott Andrew J. , Jerschow Alexej
Published: July 2017

The spatial resolution of traditional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques is typically dictated by the strength of the applied magnetic field gradients, resulting in hard resolution limits of the order of 20–50 μm in favorable circumstances. We demonstrate here a technique which is suitable for the interrogation of regions at specified distances below the surface of conducting objects with a resolution well below these limiting values. This approach does not rely on magnetic field gradients, but rather on the spatial variation of the radiofrequency field within a conductor. Samples of aluminium and lithium metal with different sizes and morphologies are examined with this technique using 27Al and 7Li NMR. In this implementation, the slice selectivity depends on the conductivity of the material, as well as on the frequency of operation, although in the most general case, the technique could also be used to provide spatial selectivity with arbitrary B1 field distributions in non-conductors.
Design of Carbon Dots Photoluminescence through Organo-Functional Silane Grafting for Solid-State Emitting Devices
Authors: Suzuki Kazumasa , Malfatti Luca , Takahashi Masahide , Carboni Davide , Messina Fabrizio , Tokudome Yasuaki , Takemoto Masanori , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: July 2017

Advanced optical applications of fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) require highly integrated host-guest solid-state materials with a careful design of C-dots – matrix interface to control the optical response. We have developed a new synthesis based on the grafting of an organo-functional silane (3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, GPTMS) on amino-functionalized C-dots, which enables the fabrication of highly fluorescent organosilica-based hybrid organic-inorganic films through sol-gel process. The GPTMS grafting onto C-dots has been achieved via an epoxy–amine reaction under controlled conditions. Besides providing an efficient strategy to embed C-dots into a hybrid solid-state material, the modification of C-dots surface by GPTMS allows tuning their photoluminescence properties and gives rise to an additional, intense emission around 490 nm. Photoluminescence spectra reveal an interaction between C-dots surface and the polymeric chains which are locally formed by GPTMS polymerization. The present method is a step forward to the development of a surface modification technology aimed at controlling C-dots host-guest systems at the nanoscale.
Environmental surveillance identifies multiple introductions of MRSA CC398 in an Equine Veterinary Hospital in the UK, 2011–2016
Authors: Bortolami Alessio , Williams Nicola J. , McGowan Catherine M. , Kelly Padraig G. , Archer Debra C. , Corrò Michela , Pinchbeck Gina , Saunders Christine J. , Timofte Dorina
Published: July 2017

Bacterial environmental and surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance was implemented from 2011–2016 in a UK Equine Referral Veterinary Hospital and identified 81 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates. A cluster of MRSA SSIs occurred in early 2016 with the isolates confirmed as ST398 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which prompted retrospective analysis of all MRSA isolates obtained from the environment (n = 62), SSIs (n = 13) and hand plates (n = 6) in the past five years. Sixty five of these isolates were typed to CC398 and a selection of these (n = 38) were further characterised for resistance and virulence genes, SCCmec and spa typing. Overall, MRSA was identified in 62/540 (11.5%) of environmental samples, 6/81 of the hand-plates (7.4%) and 13/208 of the SSIs (6.3%). spa t011 was the most frequent (24/38) and Based Upon Repeat Pattern (BURP) analysis identified spa t011 as one of the two group founders of the main spa CC identified across the five years (spa CC011/3423). However, 3 singletons (t073, t786, t064) were also identified suggesting separate introductions into the hospital environment. This long-term MRSA surveillance study revealed multiple introductions of MRSA CC398 in a UK Equine Hospital, identifying an emerging zoonotic pathogen so far only sporadically recorded in the UK.
Persistent circulation of Coxsackievirus A6 of genotype D3 in mainland of China between 2008 and 2015
Authors: Song Yang , Zhang Yong , Ji Tianjiao , Gu Xinrui , Yang Qian , Zhu Shuangli , Xu Wen , Xu Yi , Shi Yong , Huang Xueyong , Li Qi , Deng Hong , Wang Xianjun , Yan Dongmei , Yu Wei , Wang Shuang , Yu Deshan , Xu Wenbo
Published: July 2017

A total of 807 entire VP1 sequences of Coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) from mainland of China from 1992 to 2015, including 520 in this study and 287 from the GenBank database, were analysed to provide a basic framework of molecular epidemiological characteristics of CV-A6 in China. Sixty-five VP1 sequences including 46 representative CV-A6 isolates from 807 Chinese strains and 19 international strains from GenBank were used for describing the genotypes and sub-genotypes. The results revealed that CV-A6 strains can be categorised into 4 genotypes designated as A, B, C, and D according to previous data and can be further subdivided into B1–B2, C1–C2, and D1–D3 sub-genotypes. D3 is the predominant sub-genotype that circulated in recent years in mainland of China and represents 734 of 807 Chinese isolates. Sixty-six strains belong to D2, whereas B1 and C1 comprise a single strain each, and five AFP strains formed B2. Sub-genotype D3 first circulated in 2008 and has become the predominant sub-genotype since 2009 and then reached a peak in 2013, while D2 was mostly undetectable in the past years. These data revealed different transmission stages of CV-A6 in mainland of China and that sub-genotype D3 may have stronger transmission ability.
DOM-mediated membrane retention of fluoroquinolone as revealed by fluorescence quenching properties
Authors: Liang Shuang , Lu Li , Meng Fangang
Published: July 2017

In this study, membrane filtration tests showed that the membrane rejection degree of difloxacin hydrochloride (DFHC) increased significantly in the presence of Suwannee River DOM or Aldrich humic acid (2–10 mg-C/L). Titration experiments showed that the excitation and emission of Peak R belonging to DFHC exhibited blue shifts by 5 nm and 10 nm, respectively, in the presence of DOM. The presence of DFHC can, in turn, lead to more significant overlapping of the fluorescence peaks of the Suwannee River DOM and Aldrich humic acid. The parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of the excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra can well decompose the components belonging to DFHC from the DOM + DFHC mixtures. The maximum fluorescence intensity (FImax) of the antibiotic-like component (C1) sharply decreased upon the initial addition of DOM. More specifically, the Aldrich humic acid showed a larger quenching effect on DFHC than the Suwannee River DOM. The stability constants (KM) obtained by the Ryan and Weber model also corroborated that the Aldrich humic acid had a much higher binding stability (KM = 4.07 L/mg) than the Suwannee River DOM (KM = 0.86 L/mg). These results have great implications for our understanding of the membrane filtration behavior of trace contaminants in natural waters.
IgG3-antigen complexes are deposited on follicular dendritic cells in the presence of C1q and C3
Authors: Zhang Lu , Ding Zhoujie , Heyman Birgitta
Published: July 2017

IgG3, passively administered together with small proteins, induces enhanced primary humoral responses against these proteins. We previously found that, within 2 h of immunization, marginal zone (MZ) B cells capture IgG3-antigen complexes and transport them into splenic follicles and that this requires the presence of complement receptors 1 and 2. We have here investigated the localization of IgG3 anti-2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl (TNP)/biotin-ovalbumin-TNP immune complexes in the follicles and the involvement of classical versus total complement activation in this process. The majority (50–90%) of antigen inside the follicles of mice immunized with IgG3-antigen complexes co-localized with the follicular dendritic cell (FDC) network. Capture of antigen by MZ B cells as well as antigen deposition on FDC was severely impaired in mice lacking C1q or C3, and lack of either C1q or C3 also impaired the ability of IgG3 to enhance antibody responses. Finally, IgG3 efficiently primed for a memory response against small proteins as well as against the large protein keyhole limpet hemocyanine.
The CINSARC signature as a prognostic marker for clinical outcome in multiple neoplasms
Authors: Lesluyes Tom , Delespaul Lucile , Coindre Jean-Michel , Chibon Frédéric
Published: July 2017

We previously reported the CINSARC signature as a prognostic marker for metastatic events in soft tissue sarcomas, breast carcinomas and lymphomas through genomic instability, acting as a major factor for tumor aggressiveness. In this study, we used a published resource to investigate CINSARC enrichment in poor outcome-associated genes at pan-cancer level and in 39 cancer types. CINSARC outperformed more than 15,000 defined signatures (including cancer-related), being enriched in top-ranked poor outcome-associated genes of 21 cancer types, widest coverage reached among all tested signatures. Independently, this signature demonstrated significant survival differences between risk-groups in 33 published studies, representing 17 tumor types. As a consequence, we propose the CINSARC prognostication as a general marker for tumor aggressiveness to optimize the clinical managements of patients.
Recombinant Fasciola hepatica fatty acid binding protein suppresses toll-like receptor stimulation in response to multiple bacterial ligands
Authors: Ramos-Benítez Marcos J. , Ruiz-Jiménez Caleb , Aguayo Vasti , Espino Ana M.
Published: July 2017

Recently, we reported that a nativeFasciola hepaticafatty acid binding protein (FABP) termed Fh12 is a powerful anti-inflammatory protein capable of suppressing the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory markersin vivoandin vitro. Because the purification of a protein in native form is, in many situations not cost-beneficial and unsuitable for industrial grade scale-up, this study accomplished the task of optimizing the expression and purification of a recombinant form of FABP (Fh15). Additionally, we ascertained whether this molecule could exhibit a similar suppressive effect on TLR-stimulation and inflammatory cytokine expression from macrophages than those previously demonstrated for the native molecule. Results demonstrated that Fh15 suppresses the expression of IL-1β and TNFα in murine macrophages and THP1 Blue CD14 cells. Additionally, Fh15 suppress the LPS-induced TLR4 stimulation. This effect was not impaired by a thermal denaturing process or blocked by the presence of anti-Fh12 antibodies. Fh15 also suppressed the stimulation of various TLRs in response to whole bacteria extracts, suggesting that Fh15 could have a broad spectrum of action. These results support the possibility of using Fh15 as an excellent alternative for an anti-inflammatory drug in preclinical studies in the near future.
Hyperuricemia and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in the Chinese adult population
Authors: Wu Jie , Qiu Ling , Cheng Xin-qi , Xu Tao , Wu Wei , Zeng Xue-jun , Ye Yi-cong , Guo Xiu-zhi , Cheng Qian , Liu Qian , Liu Li , Xu Cheng-li , Zhu Guang-jin
Published: July 2017

Hyperuricemia is common in China and the relevance of hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been highlighted, but to date there has been rarely nation-wide study in China. Here, we aim to estimate the current prevalence of hyperuricemia and evaluate the associations between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) clustering in a large sample of China adults including a plurality of ethnic minorities. Generally, a nationally representative sample of 22983 adults aged ≥18 years was recruited from 2007 to 2011. Questionnaire data and information on anthropometric characteristics, and laboratory measurements were collected. We define hyperuricemia as SUA ≥416 mmol/L for men and SUA ≥357 mmol/L for women. We found that the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 13.0% (18.5% in men and 8.0% in women). To our estimation, hyperuricemic subjects had higher prevalence rates of CRFs clustering than non-hyperuricemic subjects. Furthermore, there was a dose-response association between the number of CVD risk factors clustering and hyperuricemia. Our study revealed a high prevalence of hyperuricemia and CVD risk factors clustering among Chinese adults, and hyperuricemia was significantly associated with coexistence of more CVD risk factors. Therefore, guidance and effective lifestyle intervention are required to prevent hyperuricemia and CVD risk factors in China.
Ecological interactions in Cloudina from the Ediacaran of Brazil: implications for the rise of animal biomineralization
Authors: Becker-Kerber Bruno , Pacheco Mírian Liza Alves Forancelli , Rudnitzki Isaac Daniel , Galante Douglas , Rodrigues Fabio , Leme Juliana de Moraes
Published: July 2017

At the Ediacaran/Cambrian boundary, ecosystems witnessed an unparalleled biological innovation: the appearance of shelled animals. Here, we report new paleoecological and paleobiological data on Cloudina, which was one of the most abundant shelled animals at the end of the Ediacaran. We report the close association of Cloudina tubes with microbial mat textures as well as organic-rich material, syndepositional calcite and goethite cement between their flanges, thus reinforcing the awareness of metazoan/microorganism interactions at the end of the Ediacaran. The preservation of in situ tubes suggests a great plasticity of substrate utilization, with evidence of different life modes and avoidance behavior. Geochemical analysis revealed walls composed of two secondary laminae and organic sheets. Some walls presented boreholes that are here described as predation marks. Taken together, these data add further information regarding the structuring of shelled animal communities in marine ecosystems.
Differential NF2 Gene Status in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas and its Prognostic Impact on Tumour Growth Patterns
Authors: Chen Hongsai , Xue Lu , Wang Hantao , Wang Zhaoyan , Wu Hao
Published: July 2017

The great majority of sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are due to the inactivation of the NF2 gene. In this study, we found age-dependent differences in the clinical parameters of sporadic VSs. Young patients were characterized by progressive tumour behaviours, including earlier onset of initial symptoms, shorter symptom duration and larger tumour size. An increased rate of “two-hits” of both NF2 alleles, usually by mutation and allelic loss, was observed in young cases compared to older, and this correlated with the loss of protein and mRNA expression. In contrast, the tumours with a single mutation (referred to as ‘one-hit’) exhibited obvious expression levels. Moreover, a mixture of merlin-expressing tumour cells and non-expressing tumour cells was observed in ‘one-hit’ schwannomas, suggesting that a subset of ‘one-hit’ tumour cells was present in these tumours. To mimic the growth promoting effects by the second hit, we performed lentivirus-mediated NF2 knockdown in the ‘one-hit’ schwannoma cultures. Following the loss of NF2 expression, schwannoma cultures demonstrated increased proliferation rates. Above all, we have identified a correlation between the NF2 status and the growth patterns of sporadic VSs. The treatment decision-making, microsurgery or “wait and scan” strategy, should be carried out according to the tumour’s genetic background.
RLR-mediated antiviral innate immunity requires oxidative phosphorylation activity
Authors: Yoshizumi Takuma , Imamura Hiromi , Taku Tomohiro , Kuroki Takahiro , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Ishikawa Kaori , Nakada Kazuto , Koshiba Takumi
Published: July 2017

Mitochondria act as a platform for antiviral innate immunity, and the immune system depends on activation of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLR) signaling pathway via an adaptor molecule, mitochondrial antiviral signaling. We report that RLR-mediated antiviral innate immunity requires oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity, a prominent physiologic function of mitochondria. Cells lacking mitochondrial DNA or mutant cells with respiratory defects exhibited severely impaired virus-induced induction of interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Recovery of the OXPHOS activity in these mutants, however, re-established RLR-mediated signal transduction. Using in vivo approaches, we found that mice with OXPHOS defects were highly susceptible to viral infection and exhibited significant lung inflammation. Studies to elucidate the molecular mechanism of OXPHOS-coupled immune activity revealed that optic atrophy 1, a mediator of mitochondrial fusion, contributes to regulate the antiviral immune response. Our findings provide evidence for functional coordination between RLR-mediated antiviral innate immunity and the mitochondrial energy-generating system in mammals.
Isotopic signature and nano-texture of cesium-rich micro-particles: Release of uranium and fission products from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Imoto Junpei , Ochiai Asumi , Furuki Genki , Suetake Mizuki , Ikehara Ryohei , Horie Kenji , Takehara Mami , Yamasaki Shinya , Nanba Kenji , Ohnuki Toshihiko , Law Gareth T. W. , Grambow Bernd , Ewing Rodney C. , Utsunomiya Satoshi
Published: July 2017

Highly radioactive cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) provide nano-scale chemical fingerprints of the 2011 tragedy. U, Cs, Ba, Rb, K, and Ca isotopic ratios were determined on three CsMPs (3.79–780 Bq) collected within ~10 km from the FDNPP to determine the CsMPs’ origin and mechanism of formation. Apart from crystalline Fe-pollucite, CsFeSi2O6 · nH2O, CsMPs are comprised mainly of Zn–Fe-oxide nanoparticles in a SiO2 glass matrix (up to ~30 wt% of Cs and ~1 wt% of U mainly associated with Zn–Fe-oxide). The 235U/238U values in two CsMPs: 0.030 (±0.005) and 0.029 (±0.003), are consistent with that of enriched nuclear fuel. The values are higher than the average burnup estimated by the ORIGEN code and lower than non-irradiated fuel, suggesting non-uniform volatilization of U from melted fuels with different levels of burnup, followed by sorption onto Zn–Fe-oxides. The nano-scale texture and isotopic analyses provide a partial record of the chemical reactions that occurred in the fuel during meltdown. Also, the CsMPs were an important medium of transport for the released radionuclides in a respirable form.
Beam propagation management in a fractional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Huang Changming , Dong Liangwei
Published: July 2017

Generalization of Fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) into optics is fundamentally important, since optics usually provides a fertile ground where FSE-related phenomena can be effectively observed. Beam propagation management is a topic of considerable interest in the field of optics. Here, we put forward a simple scheme for the realization of propagation management of light beams by introducing a double-barrier potential into the FSE. Transmission, partial transmission/reflection, and total reflection of light fields can be controlled by varying the potential depth. Oblique input beams with arbitrary distributions obey the same propagation dynamics. Some unique properties, including strong self-healing ability, high capacity of resisting disturbance, beam reshaping, and Goos-Hänchen-like shift are revealed. Theoretical analysis results are qualitatively in agreements with the numerical findings. This work opens up new possibilities for beam management and can be generalized into other fields involving fractional effects.
Generation of clade- and symbiont-specific antibodies to characterize marker molecules during Cnidaria-Symbiodinium endosymbiosis
Authors: Huang Kao-Jean , Huang Zi-Yu , Lin Ching-Yen , Wang Li-Hsueh , Chou Pin-Hsiang , Chen Chii-Shiarng , Li Hsing-Hui
Published: July 2017

The endosymbiosis between cnidarians and dinoflagellates is responsible for the formation of coral reefs. Changes in molecules have been identified during the process of cnidaria-Symbiodiniumendosymbiosis. However, the complexity of the molecular interaction has prevented the establishment of a mechanistic explanation of cellular regulation in this mutualistic symbiosis. To date, no marker molecules have been identified to specifically represent the symbiotic status. Because the endosymbiotic association occurs in the symbiotic gastrodermal cells (SGCs), whole cells of isolated SGCs were used as an antigen to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to screen possible molecular candidates of symbiotic markers. The results showed that one of the generated monoclonal antibodies, 2–6F, specifically recognized clade C symbioticSymbiodiniumbut not its free-living counterpart or otherSymbiodiniumclades. The expression levels of 2–6F mAb-recognized proteins are highly correlated with the symbiotic status, and these proteins were characterized asN-linked glycoproteins via treatment with peptide N-glycosidase F. Furthermore, their glycan moieties were markedly different from those of free-livingSymbiodinium, potentially suggesting host regulation of post-translational modification. Consequently, the 2–6F mAb can be used to detect the symbiotic state of corals and investigate the complex molecular interactions in cnidaria-Symbiodiniumendosymbiosis.
ELISA-based Sensing in Food Safety and Quality Analysis
Authors: Lu Yang , Sheng Wei , Liu Bing , Wang Shuo
Published: July 2017

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a widely used biochemical technique for the analysis of food safety and quality. It is extensively applied for the identification of allergens and contaminants (e.g., microbes, herbicides, antibiotics, etc.) in foods. The assay is based upon the interaction between certain analytes and their corresponding antibodies. Compared with other instrumental techniques, ELISA has several advantages, such as small sample volume requirement, low cost, quantitative analysis, simplicity of operation, high-throughput parallel sample processing and fewer extraction steps. In this chapter, the principles, assay development and examples of sample preparation of ELISA are introduced. Its applications for the detection of foodstuffs are described as well. In addition, we introduce lateral-flow immunochromatographic strips – a highly applicable ELISA-based technique for on-site food detection.
Specific fluorescence labeling of target proteins by using a ligand–4-azidophthalimide conjugate
Authors: Chiba Kosuke , Asanuma Miwako , Ishikawa Minoru , Hashimoto Yuichi , Dodo Kosuke , Sodeoka Mikiko , Yamaguchi Takao
Published: July 2017

Two distinct model studies demonstrate that the ligand–4-azidophthalimide conjugate strategy is useful for specific fluorescence labeling of target proteins.
Elongation of magnetic relaxation times in a single-molecule magnet through intermetallic interactions: a clamshell-type dinuclear terbium(iii)-phthalocynaninato quadruple-decker complex
Authors: Horii Yoji , Katoh Keiichi , Breedlove Brian K. , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: July 2017

Clamshell-type terbium(iii)-phthalocyaninato quadruple-decker complex was synthesized. Magnetic measurements revealed that Tb–Tb interactions caused an increase in the magnetic relaxation time.
Chemical proteomics reveal CD147 as a functional target of pseudolaric acid B in human cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Yiqing , Di Zhengao , Li Xiaoming , Shan Yuanhong , Li Weichao , Zhang Haibing , Xiao Youli
Published: July 2017

Pseudolaric acid B targets CD147 in human cancer cells.
Copper-catalyzed Mannich-type oxidative β-functionalization of tertiary amines
Authors: Zhou Min-Jie , Zhu Shou-Fei , Zhou Qi-Lin
Published: July 2017

A copper-catalyzed Mannich-type oxidative β-functionalization reaction of amines has been developed.
Structure–property relationships in protic ionic liquids: a thermochemical study
Authors: Reid Joshua E. S. J. , Agapito Filipe , Bernardes Carlos E. S. , Martins Filomena , Walker Adam J. , Shimizu Seishi , Minas da Piedade Manuel E.
Published: July 2017

How does cation functionality influence the strength of intermolecular interactions in protic ionic liquids (PILs)? Quantifying the energetics of PILs can be an invaluable tool to answer this fundamental question.
Polysaccharide zeta-potentials and protein-affinity
Authors: Comert Fatih , Azarikia Fatemeh , Dubin Paul L.
Published: July 2017

Theζ-potential, a parameter typically obtained by model-dependent transformation of the measured electrophoretic mobility, is frequently used to understand polysaccharide–protein complexation.
Enhanced interfacial activity of multi-arm poly(ethylene oxide) star polymers relative to linear poly(ethylene oxide) at fluid interfaces
Authors: Huang Yun-Ru , Lamson Melissa , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Tilton Robert D.
Published: July 2017

Interfacial tension reduction, dynamic dilatational elasticity and extent of adsorption were investigated for linear poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains of varying molecular weight and for PEO star polymers with an average of 64 arms per star at air/water, xylene/water, and cyclohexane/water interfaces.
The long-range convergence of the energetic properties of the water monomer in bulk water at room temperature
Authors: Davie Stuart J. , Maxwell Peter I. , Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: July 2017

The Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) energy partitioning scheme has been applied to a set of liquid water largely spherical clusters (henceforth called spheres) of up to 9 Å radius, with a maximum cluster size of 113 molecules.
Energetics and diffusion of liquid water and hydrated ions through nanopores in graphene: ab initio molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Guerrero-Avilés Raúl , Orellana Walter
Published: July 2017

The energetics and diffusion of water molecules and hydrated ions (Na+, Cl−) passing through nanopores in graphene are addressed by dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Linking hygroscopicity and the surface microstructure of model inorganic salts, simple and complex carbohydrates, and authentic sea spray aerosol particles
Authors: Estillore Armando D. , Morris Holly S. , Or Victor W. , Lee Hansol D. , Alves Michael R. , Marciano Meagan A. , Laskina Olga , Qin Zhen , Tivanski Alexei V. , Grassian Vicki H.
Published: July 2017

Sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles are mixtures of organics and salts that show diversity in their morphologies and water uptake properties.
Motion-induced change in emission (MICE) for developing fluorescent probes
Authors: Su Dongdong , Teoh Chai Lean , Wang Lu , Liu Xiaogang , Chang Young-Tae
Published: July 2017

A new concept of motion-induced change in emission (MICE) in a single molecule for developing fluorescent probes is presented and summarized.
The influence of coordination modes and active sites of a 5-(triazol-1-yl) nicotinic ligand on the assembly of diverse MOFs
Authors: Yan Yang-Tian , Zhang Si-Si , Yang Guo-Ping , Zhang Wen-Yan , Zhang Fang , Cao Feng , Yang Rui-Feng , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: July 2017

Six new complexes were successfully assembled via 5-(triazol-1-yl) nicotinic acid (HL). The L− ligand shows versatile coordination modes and can form various clusters in the final structures to fine-tune the properties of MOFs.
Structural and reactivity insights into covalently linked Cu(i) complex-Anderson polyoxometalates
Authors: Schönweiz S. , Sorsche D. , Schwarz B. , Rau S. , Streb C.
Published: July 2017

Synthesis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures and reactivity information is reported for covalently linked photoactive metal complex – polyoxometalate aggregates.
Development of algae biorefinery concepts for biofuels and bioproducts; a perspective on process-compatible products and their impact on cost-reduction
Authors: Laurens Lieve M. L. , Markham Jennifer , Templeton David W. , Christensen Earl D. , Van Wychen Stefanie , Vadelius Eric W. , Chen-Glasser Melodie , Dong Tao , Davis Ryan , Pienkos Philip T.
Published: July 2017

Biomass and bioproduct composition critical improvements are a priority for the nascent algae-based bioeconomy.
The preference for dual-gold(i) catalysis in the hydro(alkoxylation vs. phenoxylation) of alkynes
Authors: Casals-Cruañas Èric , González-Belman Oscar F. , Besalú-Sala Pau , Nelson David J. , Poater Albert
Published: July 2017

Dinuclear gold complexes and their use in catalysis have received significant recent attention, but there are few critical comparisons of mono- versus dual gold-catalysed pathways.
Bio-inks for 3D bioprinting: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Donderwinkel Ilze , van Hest Jan C. M. , Cameron Neil R.
Published: July 2017

In the last decade, interest in the field of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has increased enormously. This review describes all the currently used bio-printing inks, including polymeric hydrogels, polymer bead microcarriers, cell aggregates and extracellular matrix proteins.
Self-assembly and functionalization of alternating copolymer vesicles
Authors: Li Chuanlong , Chen Chuanshuang , Li Shanlong , Rasheed Tahir , Huang Ping , Huang Tong , Zhang Yinglin , Huang Wei , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: July 2017

This work reports novel alternating copolymer vesicles and their facile functionalization with carboxyl and amino groups through click copolymerization.
A general and facile chemical avenue for the controlled and extreme regulation of water wettability in air and oil wettability under water
Authors: Parbat Dibyangana , Gaffar Sana , Rather Adil Majeed , Gupta Aditi , Manna Uttam
Published: July 2017

A chemical approach for the regulation of oil (under water) and water (in air) wettability. The super-wetting properties are highly durable at harsh physical/chemical settings.
Three‐dimensional high‐isolated dual‐band balun using double‐sided parallel‐strip line with inserted conductor plane
Authors: Yao Lidan , Wu Yongle , Li Mingxing , Liu Yuanan
Published: July 2017

A novel three‐dimensional high‐isolated dual‐band balun is proposed for the first time. A horizontal feeding plane, a vertically mounted plane, and four grounded resistors constitute the entire structure. By introducing the double‐sided parallel‐strip line with an inserted conductor plane to the middle of the vertical plane, the output matching and isolation, frequency‐independent phase difference, and complete ground in the bottom layer of the horizontal plane are perfectly integrated in this novel balun. To prove this conception, a practical balun operating at 1.3/2.5 GHz is designed. As expected, remarkable consistency between the simulation and measurement is obtained.
Event‐triggered distributed dynamic state estimation with imperfect measurements over a finite horizon
Authors: Chen Haiyang , Liu Meiqin , Zhang Senlin
Published: July 2017

This study addresses distributed state estimation problems for a power system subject to imperfect measurements over a finite horizon. The power system under discussion is assumed to be a time‐variant model with varying delays, random non‐linearity, and external disturbances. Imperfect measurements through the sensor network include both sensor saturations and signal quantisation. A set of novel distributed state estimators were designed, where each of them utilises the information from both the local sensor node and its neighbours according to the topology. To cater for the various package dropouts that are possible, a random process is introduced during the information transmission between each sensor node and the local estimator. In addition, a novel event‐triggered mechanism is also developed for energy reduction. The main work focuses on the analysis and synthesis of event‐triggered robust state estimators for the system being addressed, such that the estimation error is bounded in the mean square. In comparison to the existing literature, the transient performances over a finite horizon are emphasised here and a recursive algorithm is provided to obtain the estimator gains. Finally, a power system example is presented to validate the proposed estimator design laws.
An 80 au cavity in the disk around HD 34282
Authors: van der Plas G. , Ménard F. , Canovas H. , Avenhaus H. , Casassus S. , Pinte C. , Caceres C. , Cieza L.
Published: July 2017

Context. Large cavities in disks are important testing grounds for the mechanisms proposed to drive disk evolution and dispersion, such as dynamical clearing by planets and photoevaporation.

Aims. We aim to resolve the large cavity in the disk around HD 34282, whose presence has been predicted by previous studies modeling the spectral energy distribution of the disk.

Methods. Using ALMA band 7 observations we studied HD 34282 with a spatial resolution of 0.10″ × 0.17′′ at 345 GHz.

Results. We resolve the disk around HD 34282 into a ring between 0.24′′ and 1.15′′ (78+7-11 and 374+33-54 au adopting a distance of 325+29-47 pc). The emission in this ring shows azimuthal asymmetry centered at a radial distance of 0.46′′ and a position angle of 135° and an azimuthal FWHM of 51°. We detect CO emission both inside the disk cavity and as far out as 2.7 times the radial extent of the dust emission.

Conclusions. Both the large disk cavity and the azimuthal structure in the disk around HD 34282 can be explained by the presence of a 50 Mjup brown dwarf companion at a separation of ≈0.1′′.
Fluctuations of eigenvalues of patterned random matrices
Authors: Adhikari Kartick , Saha Koushik
Published: July 2017

In this article, we study the fluctuations of linear statistics of eigenvalues of circulant, symmetric circulant, reverse circulant, and Hankel matrices. We show that the linear spectral statistics of these matrices converge to the Gaussian distribution in total variation norm when the matrices are constructed using independent copies of a standard normal random variable. We also calculate the limiting variance of the linear spectral statistics for circulant, symmetric circulant, and reverse circulant matrices.
Binary Darboux transformation for the coupled Sasa-Satsuma equations
Authors: Zhang Hai-Qiang , Wang Yue , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: July 2017

The binary Darboux transformation method is applied to the coupled Sasa-Satsuma equations, which can be used to describe the propagation dynamics of femtosecond vector solitons in the birefringent fibers with third-order dispersion, self-steepening, and stimulated Raman scattering higher-order effects. An N-fold iterative formula of the resulting binary Darboux transformation is presented in terms of the quasideterminants. Via the simplest case of this formula, a few of illustrative explicit solutions to the coupled Sasa-Satsuma equations are generated from vanishing and non-vanishing backgrounds, which include the breathers, single- and double-hump bright vector solitons, and anti-dark vector solitons.
Realization of bicovariant differential calculus on the Lie algebra type noncommutative spaces
Authors: Meljanac Stjepan , Krešić–Jurić Saša , Martinić Tea
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates bicovariant differential calculus on noncommutative spaces of the Lie algebra type. For a given Lie algebra g0, we construct a Lie superalgebra g=g0⊕g1 containing noncommutative coordinates and one-forms. We show that g can be extended by a set of generators TAB whose action on the enveloping algebra U(g) gives the commutation relations between monomials in U(g0) and one-forms. Realizations of noncommutative coordinates, one-forms, and the generators TAB as formal power series in a semicompleted Weyl superalgebra are found. In the special case dim(g0)=dim(g1), we also find a realization of the exterior derivative on U(g0). The realizations of these geometric objects yield a bicovariant differential calculus on U(g0) as a deformation of the standard calculus on the Euclidean space.
Development of an ultrafast electron source based on a cold-field emission gun for ultrafast coherent TEM
Authors: Caruso Giuseppe Mario , Houdellier Florent , Abeilhou Pierre , Arbouet Arnaud
Published: July 2017

We report on the design of a femtosecond laser-driven electron source for ultrafast coherent transmission electron microscopy. The proposed architecture allows introducing an ultrafast laser beam inside the cold field emission source of a commercial TEM, aligning and focusing the laser spot on the apex of the nanoemitter. The modifications of the gun assembly do not deteriorate the performances of the electron source in conventional DC mode and allow easy switching between the conventional and ultrafast laser-driven emission modes. We describe here this ultrafast electron source and discuss its properties.
Time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements of anisotropic thermal conductivity using a variable spot size approach
Authors: Jiang Puqing , Qian Xin , Yang Ronggui
Published: July 2017

It is challenging to characterize thermal conductivity of materials with strong anisotropy. In this work, we extend the time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) method with a variable spot size approach to simultaneously measure the in-plane (Kr) and the through-plane (Kz) thermal conductivity of materials with strong anisotropy. We first determine Kz from the measurement using a larger spot size, when the heat flow is mainly one-dimensional along the through-plane direction, and the measured signals are only sensitive to Kz. We then extract the in-plane thermal conductivity Kr from a second measurement using the same modulation frequency but with a smaller spot size, when the heat flow becomes three-dimensional, and the signal is sensitive to both Kr and Kz. By choosing the same modulation frequency for the two sets of measurements, we can avoid potential artifacts introduced by the frequency-dependent Kz, which we have found to be non-negligible, especially for some two-dimensional layered materials like MoS2. After careful evaluation of the sensitivity of a series of hypothetical samples, we provided guidelines on choosing the most appropriate laser spot size and modulation frequency that yield the smallest uncertainty, and established a criterion for the range of thermal conductivity that can be measured reliably using our proposed variable spot size TDTR approach. We have demonstrated this variable spot size TDTR approach on samples with a wide range of in-plane thermal conductivity, including fused silica, rutile titania (TiO2 [001]), zinc oxide (ZnO [0001]), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite.