bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a hairless phenotype in barley roots treated with gold nanoparticles is accompanied by changes in the symplasmic communication
Authors: Milewska-Hendel Anna , Witek Weronika , Rypień Aleksandra , Zubko Maciej , Baranski Rafal , Stróż Danuta , Kurczyńska Ewa U.
Published: March 2019

Uptake of water and nutrients by roots affects the ontogenesis of the whole plant. Nanoparticles, e.g. gold nanoparticles, have a broad range of applications in many fields which leads to the transfer of these materials into the environment. Thus, the understanding of their impact on the growth and development of the root system is an emerging issue. During our studies on the effect of positively charged gold nanoparticles on the barley roots, a hairless phenotype was found. We investigated whether this phenotype correlates with changes in symplasmic communication, which is an important factor that regulates, among others, differentiation of the rhizodermis into hair and non-hair cells. The results showed no restriction in symplasmic communication in the treated roots, in contrast to the control roots, in which the trichoblasts and atrichoblasts were symplasmically isolated during their differentiation. Moreover, differences concerning the root morphology, histology, ultrastructure and the cell wall composition were detected between the control and the treated roots. These findings suggest that the harmful effect of nanoparticles on plant growth may, among others, consist in disrupting the symplasmic communication/isolation, which leads to the development of a hairless root phenotype, thus limiting the functioning of the roots.
Single-photon transistor based on cavity electromagnetically induced transparency with Rydberg atomic ensemble
Authors: Hao Y. M. , Lin G. W. , Lin X. M. , Niu Y. P. , Gong S. Q.
Published: March 2019

A scheme is presented to realize a single-photon transistor based on cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) with Rydberg atomic ensemble. By combining the advantages of the cavity-enhanced interaction and Rydberg blockade, we achieve a high gain single-photon transistor. The numerical calculation shows that by using one single gate photon more than one thousand source photons can be switched.
North-south dipole in winter hydroclimate in the western United States during the last deglaciation
Authors: Hudson Adam M. , Hatchett Benjamin J. , Quade Jay , Boyle Douglas P. , Bassett Scott D. , Ali Guleed , De los Santos Marie G.
Published: March 2019

During the termination of the last glacial period the western U.S. experienced exceptionally wet conditions, driven by changes in location and strength of the mid-latitude winter storm track. The distribution of modern winter precipitation is frequently characterized by a north-south wet/dry dipole pattern, controlled by interaction of the storm track with ocean-atmosphere conditions over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Here we show that a dipole pattern of similar geographic extent persisted and switched sign during millennial-scale abrupt climate changes of the last deglaciation, based on a new lake level reconstruction for pluvial Lake Chewaucan (northwestern U.S.), and a compilation of regional paleoclimate records. This suggests the dipole pattern is robust, and one mode may be favored for centuries, thereby creating persistent contrasting wet/dry conditions across the western U.S. The TraCE-21k climate model simulation shows an equatorward enhancement of winter storm track activity in the northeastern Pacific, favoring wet conditions in southwestern U.S. during the second half of Heinrich Stadial 1 (16.1–14.6 ka) and consistent with paleoclimate evidence. During the Bølling/Allerød (14.6–12.8 ka), the northeastern Pacific storm track contracted poleward, consistent with wetter conditions concentrated poleward toward the northwest U.S.
Rapid genetic and phenotypic changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains during ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Persyn Elise , Sassi Mohamed , Aubry Marc , Broly Martin , Delanou Sandie , Asehnoune Karim , Caroff Nathalie , Crémet Lise
Published: March 2019

Treatment with antibiotics leads to the selection of isolates with increased resistance. We investigated if evolution towards resistance was associated with virulence changes, in the context of P. aeruginosa ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Four patients were selected because they had multiple VAP episodes during short periods (12 days to 5 weeks), with emergence of resistance. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 12 P. aeruginosa from bronchoalveolar lavages or blood culture (3 isolates per patient). Production of quorum sensing-dependent virulence factors, serum resistance, cytotoxicity against A549 cells, biofilm production, and twitching motility were studied. Each patient was infected with a unique strain. For all patients, resistance development was explained by genetic events in ampD, mexR or oprD. Additional variations were detected in virulence- and/or fitness-associated genes (algB, gacA, groEL, lasR, mpl, pilE, pilM, rhlR) depending on the strain. We noticed a convergence towards quorum sensing deficiency, correlated with a decrease of pyocyanin and protease production, survival in serum, twitching motility and cytotoxicity. In one patient, changes in pilM and pilE were related to enhanced twitching. We show that the emergence of resistance in P. aeruginosa is associated with virulence modification, even in acute infections. The consequences of this short-term pathoadaptation need to be explored.
Reconfigurable Acrylic-tape Hybrid Microfluidics
Authors: Ren Yundong , Ray Subhrodeep , Liu Yuxiang
Published: March 2019

There is a great interest in low-cost, versatile microfluidic platforms of which the fabrication processes are rapid, straightforward, and translatable to industrial mass productions. In addition, it is beneficial for microfluidic devices to be reconfigurable in the field, so that multiple functions can be realized by a minimum number of devices. Here, we present a versatile acrylic-tape platform which allows highly accessible rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, as well as device reconfiguration to realize different functions. The clean-room-free fabrication and sealing process only requires a laser cutter, acrylic, and tapes and can be done by an untrained person in the field. We experimentally characterized the relationship between the capillary flow speed and the channel height, the latter of which can be well controlled by the fabrication process. Reconfiguration of microfluidic functions was demonstrated on a single acrylic-tape device, thanks to the reversible sealing enabled by functional tapes. Different pumping mechanisms, including on-chip pumps for better portability and syringe pumps for precise fluid control, have been employed for the demonstration of two-phase flow and droplet generation, respectively. The low-cost and versatile acrylic-tape microfluidic devices are promising tools for applications in a wide range of fields, especially for point-of-care biomedical and clinical applications.
Genetic dissection of seedling vigour in a diverse panel from the 3,000 Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genome Project
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhang Qiang , Wang Chun-Chao , Liu Zhi-Xia , Jiang Yi-Jun , Zhai Lai-Yuan , Zheng Tian-Qing , Xu Jian-Long , Li Zhi-Kang
Published: March 2019

Seedling vigour (SV) is important for direct seeding rice (Oryza sativa L.), especially in a paddy-direct seeding system, but the genetic mechanisms behind the related traits remain largely unknown. Here, we used 744 germplasms, having at least two subsets, for the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting the SV-related traits tiller number, plant height, and aboveground dry weight at three sampling stages, 27, 34, and 41 d after sowing. A joint map based on GAPIT and mrMLM produced a satisfying balance between type I and II errors. In total, 42 QTL regions, containing 18 (42.9%) previously reported overlapping QTL regions and 24 new ones, responsible for SV were detected throughout the genome. Four QTL regions, qSV1a, qSV3e, qSV4c, and qSV7c, were delimited and harboured quantitative trait nucleotides that are responsible for SV-related traits. Favourable haplotype mining for the candidate genes within these four regions, as well as the early SV gene OsGA20ox1, was performed, and the favourable haplotypes were presented with donors from the 3,000 Rice Genome Project. This work provides new information and materials for the future molecular breeding of direct seeding rice, especially in paddy-direct seeding cultivation systems.
Direction control of quasi-stokeslet induced by thermoplasmonic heating of a water vapor microbubble
Authors: Namura Kyoko , Imafuku Souki , Kumar Samir , Nakajima Kaoru , Sakakura Masaaki , Suzuki Motofumi
Published: March 2019

We investigate the control of flow direction around a water vapor bubble using the thermoplasmonic effect of a gold nanoisland film (GNF) under laser irradiation with multiple spots. By focusing a laser spot on the GNF immersed in degassed water, a water vapor bubble with a diameter of ~10 μm is generated. Simultaneously, a sub laser spot was focused next to the bubble to yield a temperature gradient in the direction parallel to the GNF surface. Consequently, rapid flow was generated around the bubble, whose flow direction was dependent on the power of the sub laser spot. The observed flow was well-described using a stokeslet; the latter contained components normal and parallel to the GNF surface and was set to 10 μm above the GNF. This technique allows us to apply a significant force on the microfluid at the vicinity of the wall in the direction parallel to the wall surface, where the flow speed is generally suppressed by viscosity. It is expected to be useful for microfluidic pumping and microfluidic thermal management.
Elovl4a participates in LC-PUFA biosynthesis and is regulated by PPARαβ in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Zhu Ke-Cheng , Song Ling , Guo Hua-Yang , Guo Liang , Zhang Nan , Liu Bao-Suo , Jiang Shi-Gui , Zhang Dian-Chang
Published: March 2019

The elongases of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovls) are responsible for the rate-limiting elongation process in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis. The transcription factor, PPARα, regulates lipid metabolism in mammals; however, the detailed mechanism whereby PPARαb regulates Elovls remains largely unknown in fish. In the present study, we report the full length cDNA sequence of Trachinotus ovatus Elovl4a (ToElovl4a), which encodes a 320 amino acid polypeptide that possesses five putative membrane-spanning domains, a conserved HXXHH histidine motif and an ER retrieval signal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the deduced protein of ToElovl4a is highly conserved with the Oreochromis niloticus corresponding homologue. Moreover, functional characterization by heterologous expression in yeast indicated that ToElovl4a can elongate C18 up to C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A nutritional study showed that the protein expressions of ToElovl4a in the brain and liver were not significantly affected among the different treatments. The region from PGL3-basic-Elovl4a-5 (−148 bp to +258 bp) is defined as the core promoter via a progressive deletion mutation of ToElovl4a. The results from promoter activity assays suggest that ToElovl4a transcription is positively regulated by PPARαb. Mutation analyses indicated that the M2 binding site of PPARαb is functionally important for protein binding, and transcriptional activity of the ToElovl4a promoter significantly decreased after targeted mutation. Furthermore, PPARαb RNA interference reduced ToPPARαb and ToElovl4a expression at the protein levels in a time-dependent manner. In summary, PPARαb may promote the biosynthesis of LC-PUFA by regulating ToElovl4a expression in fish.
N-(1-carbamoyl-2-phenylethyl) butyramide reduces antibiotic-induced intestinal injury, innate immune activation and modulates microbiota composition
Authors: Lama Adriano , Annunziata Chiara , Coretti Lorena , Pirozzi Claudio , Di Guida Francesca , Nitrato Izzo Allegra , Cristiano Claudia , Mollica Maria Pina , Chiariotti Lorenzo , Pelagalli Alessandra , Lembo Francesca , Meli Rosaria , Mattace Raso Giuseppina
Published: March 2019

The use/misuse of antibiotics leads to pathological features referring to antibiotic-induced intestinal injury (AIJ), a clinical issue that plays a prominent role in the development of severe digestive disturbances. AIJ is characterized by loss of intestinal architecture and function, dysbiosis and bacterial translocation into the liver, triggering hepatic inflammation. This study aimed at determining the beneficial effect of N-(1-carbamoyl-2-phenylethyl) butyramide (FBA), a butyrate releasing compound, in ceftriaxone-induced intestinal injury. To this purpose, mice receiving ceftriaxone (8 g∙kg−1/die, per os) for five days, were treated with FBA (212,5 mg∙kg−1/die, per os) for five or fifteen days. FBA modulated key players of innate immunity in antibiotic-injured gut tissues, reducing inflammatory process and improving the anti-inflammatory and resolving pattern. FBA also improved colonic architecture and intestinal integrity. Interestingly, we also observed a remodeling of gut microbiota composition related to an increase of metabolic pathways related to lactate and butyrate production. At mechanistic level, FBA induced histone acetylation and increased the expression of GPR43 and monocarboxylate transporter 1 in colon. Our data clearly demonstrated that FBA has multiple converging mechanisms in limiting intestinal and hepatic alterations to counteract AIJ.
Specific modification at the C-terminal lysine residue of the green fluorescent protein variant, GFPuv, expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Nakatani Takahiro , Yasui Norihisa , Tamura Issei , Yamashita Atsuko
Published: March 2019

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is amenable to recombinant expression in various kinds of cells and is widely used in life science research. We found that the recombinant expression of GFPuv, a commonly-used mutant of GFP, in E. coli produced two distinct molecular species as judged by in-gel fluorescence SDS-PAGE. These molecular species, namely form I and II, could be separately purified by anion-exchange chromatography without any remarkable differences in the fluorescence spectra. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed that the molecular mass of form I is almost the same as the calculated value, while that of form II is approximately 1 Da larger than that of form I. Further mass spectrometric top-down sequencing pinpointed the modification in GFPuv form II, where the ε-amino group of the C-terminal Lys238 residue is converted into the hydroxyl group. No equivalent modification was observed in the native GFP in jellyfish Aequorea victoria, suggesting that this modification is not physiologically relevant. Crystal structure analysis of the two species verified the structural identity of the backbone and the vicinity of the chromophore. The modification found in this study may also be generated in other GFP variants as well as in other recombinant expression systems.
Molecular characterization and antiapoptotic function analysis of the duck plague virus Us5 gene
Authors: Zhao Chuankuo , He Tianqiong , Xu Yang , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Zhao XinXin , Zhu Dekang , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng , Yang Qiao , Jia Renyong , Chen Xiaoyue , wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Liu Yunya , Yu Yanling , Zhang Ling
Published: March 2019

Thus far, there have been no reports on the molecular characterization and antiapoptotic function of the DPV Us5 gene. To perform molecular characterization of DPV Us5, RT-PCR and pharmacological inhibition tests were used to ascertain the kinetic class of the Us5 gene. Western blotting and an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were used to analyze the expression level and subcellular localization of Us5 in infected cells at different time points. Us5 in purified DPV virions was identified by mass spectrometry. The results of RT-PCR, Western blotting, and pharmacological inhibition tests revealed that Us5 is transcribed mainly in the late stage of viral replication. The IFA results revealed that Us5 was localized throughout DPV-infected cells but was localized only to the cytoplasm of transfected cells. Mass spectrometry and Western blot analysis showed that Us5 was a virion component. Next, to study the antiapoptotic function of DPV Us5, we found that DPV CHv without gJ could induce more apoptosis cells than DPV-CHv BAC and rescue virus. we constructed a model of apoptosis in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Transfected cells expressing the Us5 gene were protected from apoptosis induced by H2O2, as measured by a TUNEL assay, a caspase activation assay and Flow Cytometry assay. The TUNEL assay and Flow Cytometry assay results showed that the recombinant plasmid pCAGGS-Us5 could inhibit apoptosis induced by H2O2 in DEF cells. However, caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 protein activity upregulated by H2O2 was significantly reduced in cells expressing the recombinant plasmid pCAGGS-Us5. Overall, these results show that the DPV Us5 gene is a late gene and that the Us5 protein is a component of the virion, is localized in the cytoplasm, and can inhibit apoptosis induced by H2O2 in DEF cells.
Microstructural Evolution of Hybrid Perovskites Promoted by Chlorine and its Impact on the Performance of Solar Cell
Authors: Lee Byungho , Hwang Taehyun , Lee Sangheon , Shin Byungha , Park Byungwoo
Published: March 2019

The role of Cl in halide hybrid perovskites CH3NH3PbI3(Cl) (MAPbI3(Cl)) on the augmentation of grain size is still unclear although many reports have referred to these phenomena. Herein, we synthesized MAPbI3(Cl) perovskite films by using excess MACl-containing precursors, which exhibited approximately an order of magnitude larger grain size with higher <110>-preferred orientation compared with that from stoichiometric precursors. Comprehensive mechanisms for the large grain evolution by Cl incorporation were elucidated in detail by correlating the changes in grain orientation, distribution of grain size, and the remaining Cl in the perovskite during thermal annealing. In the presence of Cl, <110>- and <001>-oriented grains grew faster than other grains at the initial stage of annealing. Further annealing led to the dissipation of Cl, resulting in the shrinkage of <001> grains while <110> grains continuously grew, as analyzed by x-ray rocking curve and diffraction. As a result of reduced grain boundaries and enhanced <110> texture, the trap density of perovskite solar cells diminished by ~10% by incorporating MACl in the precursor, resulting in a fill factor more than 80%.
Persistence and continuous evolution of the human respiratory syncytial virus in northern Taiwan for two decades
Authors: Chi Hsin , Hsiao Kuang-Liang , Weng Li-Chuan , Liu Chang-Pan , Liu Hsin-Fu
Published: March 2019

The study aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology, phylogenetic relationship, and population dynamics of the G protein gene in clinical respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains isolated from northern Taiwan. We analyzed a total of 160 and 116 G protein gene sequences of RSV-A and RSV-B representative strains, respectively, from 804 clinical viral stocks collected between July 2000 and June 2016. Population dynamic patterns of the RSV G protein gene were analyzed using Bayesian inference through the Markov chain Monte Carlo framework. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that RSV-A from Taiwan could be categorized into GA2, GA5, and GA7 lineages. GA2 of RSV-A could be further divided into NA1, NA2, NA4, and ON1 clades. These RSV-A lineages has been replaced over time, whereas RSV-B strains from Taiwan continually evolved from a single lineage with significant time-dependent waves. Four putative positive selection sites were observed in both RSV-A and RSV-B. The Bayesian skyline plot revealed that the local population dynamics of RSV were associated with lineage displacement events. Both circulating subtypes and population dynamics represented a unique local pattern. Our results affirm the necessity of continuing molecular surveillance of RSV to attain a more comprehensive understanding of epidemics.
Stability of radiomics features in apparent diffusion coefficient maps from a multi-centre test-retest trial
Authors: Peerlings Jurgen , Woodruff Henry C. , Winfield Jessica M. , Ibrahim Abdalla , Van Beers Bernard E. , Heerschap Arend , Jackson Alan , Wildberger Joachim E. , Mottaghy Felix M. , DeSouza Nandita M. , Lambin Philippe
Published: March 2019

Quantitative radiomics features, extracted from medical images, characterize tumour-phenotypes and have been shown to provide prognostic value in predicting clinical outcomes. Stability of radiomics features extracted from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-maps is essential for reliable correlation with the underlying pathology and its clinical applications. Within a multicentre, multi-vendor trial we established a method to analyse radiomics features from ADC-maps of ovarian (n = 12), lung (n = 19), and colorectal liver metastasis (n = 30) cancer patients who underwent repeated (<7 days) diffusion-weighted imaging at 1.5 T and 3 T. From these ADC-maps, 1322 features describing tumour shape, texture and intensity were retrospectively extracted and stable features were selected using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC > 0.85). Although some features were tissue- and/or respiratory motion-specific, 122 features were stable for all tumour-entities. A large proportion of features were stable across different vendors and field strengths. By extracting stable phenotypic features, fitting-dimensionality is reduced and reliable prognostic models can be created, paving the way for clinical implementation of ADC-based radiomics.
MR1 recycling and blockade of endosomal trafficking reveal distinguishable antigen presentation pathways between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and exogenously delivered antigens
Authors: Karamooz Elham , Harriff Melanie J. , Narayanan Gitanjali A. , Worley Aneta , Lewinsohn David M.
Published: March 2019

The MHC-Ib molecule MR1 presents microbial metabolites to MR1-restricted T cells (MR1Ts). Given the ubiquitous expression of MR1 and the high prevalence of human MR1Ts, it is important to understand the mechanisms of MR1-dependent antigen presentation. Here, we show that MR1-dependent antigen presentation can be distinguished between intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and exogenously added antigens. Although both Mtb infection and exogenously added antigens are presented by preformed MR1, only exogenously added antigens are capable of reusing MR1 that had been bound to the folic acid metabolite 6-formylpterin (6-FP). In addition, we identify an endosomal trafficking protein, Syntaxin 4, which is specifically involved in the presentation of exogenously delivered antigens but not Mtb-dependent antigen presentation. These data reveal there are multiple ways that MR1 can sample antigens and that MR1-mediated sampling of intracellular Mtb infection is distinguishable from the sampling of exogenously added antigens.
The influence of a year-round tillage and residue management model on soil N fractions in a wheat-maize cropping system in central China
Authors: Ye Xinxin , Ye Yin , Chai Rushan , Li Junli , Ma Chao , Li Hongying , Xiong Qizhong , Gao Hongjian
Published: March 2019

Tillage practice and residue management play important roles in N pool in soils. This study determined the impacts of tillage practice and residue management on crop yield. It also investigated the distribution, fractionation, and stratification of N at soil at depths ranging from 0 to 60 cm under wheat–maize cropping systems. Three treatments were established in 2009: no-tillage with straw removal for winter wheat and summer maize (NT), no-tillage with straw mulching for winter wheat and summer maize (NTS), no-tillage with straw mulching for summer maize and plow tillage with straw incorporation for winter wheat (NPTS). After 8 years, soil total nitrogen (TN) content in NTS was greater than in NT, but only in 0–10 cm layer. NPTS treatment increased TN content over NT and NTS in 10–20 cm layer by 18.0% and 13.9%, and by 16.8% and 18.1% in 20–30 cm layer, respectively. Particulate organic N, microbial biomass N and water-extractable organic N levels were the greatest in 0–10 cm layer under NTS treatment; and in 10–30 cm layer, the corresponding values were the highest under NPTS treatment. NPTS treatment could immobilize the mineral N in 10–30 cm layer, and reduced leaching losses into deeper soil layers (40–60 cm). Furthermore, total yield increased by 14.7% and 8.5% in NPTS treatment compared to NT and NTS treatments, respectively. These results indicate that NPTS is an effective and sustainable management practice, which will improve soil fertility, sustainable crop production, and environmental quality in low-productivity soils in central China.
Drug-loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel as a sustained-release regimen with dual effects in early intervention of tendinopathy
Authors: Hsiao Ming-Yen , Lin An-Ci , Liao Wei-Hao , Wang Tyng-Guey , Hsu Chia-Hsien , Chen Wen-Shiang , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: March 2019

Resulting from accumulative microtrauma, impaired healing and oxidative stress, tendinopathy is a debilitating and relentlessly deteriorating disease that greatly affects daily function and quality of life. Current therapy usually provides symptomatic relief only. Sufferers undergo repetitive and protracted treatment courses that rarely alter the disease process. We aim to develop a sustained-release regimen with an intrinsic therapeutic effect in tendinopathy treatment, using oxidised hyaluronic acid/adipic acid dihydrazide hydrogel (HA hydrogel) as both the drug carrier and a mitigating agent of symptoms. We show that HA hydrogel can mitigate tendinopathy changes both in vitro (mechanically induced tendinopathy model) and in vivo (collagenase-induced tendinopathy model). A potent anti-oxidative (pigallocatechin gallate) incorporated into HA hydrogel conferred an additional protective effect in both models. The results indicate that when administered early, combined medications targeting different pathogenesis pathways can resolve tendinopathy. Although facilitating the healing process and mitigating oxidative stress are promising therapeutic strategies, the most effective regimen for tendinopathy treatment has to be determined yet. The established experimental model and drug carrier system provide a platform for exploring new therapeutics against this debilitating disease.
Correlating anisotropic mobility and intermolecular phonons in organic semiconductors to investigate transient localization
Authors: Bittle Emily G. , Biacchi Adam J. , Fredin Lisa A. , Herzing Andrew A. , Allison Thomas C. , Hight Walker Angela R. , Gundlach David J.
Published: March 2019

Developing a fundamental understanding of charge transport in organic semiconductors has been a decades-long challenge that hinders performance improvement. In particular, recent work suggests that organic semiconductors have unique charge–phonon interactions where phonons temporarily interrupt the band structure causing a transient localization of charge carriers. Despite growing evidence to support this mechanism, further understanding and control will depend on pinpointing the molecular motions that cause substantial change to the band structure. Here we combine experimental and theoretical techniques to demonstrate the phonon energies and associated molecular motions governing the charge–phonon interaction in single crystal tetracene. We investigate phonon properties using polarized Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and density functional theory, and correlate this with the anisotropic mobility. We find that specific phonons disrupt the band orbital in the high-mobility direction, evident in the discrepancy between measured and static calculations of the mobility anisotropy ratio in tetracene.
A cancellous bone matrix system with specific mineralisation degrees for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and bone regeneration
Authors: Liu Shijie , Wang Yiyun , Wang Jian , Qiu Pengcheng , Wang Shengyu , Shi Yiling , Li Mobai , Chen Pengfei , Lin Xianfeng , Fang Xiangqian
Published: March 2019

Bone regenerative therapies have been explored using various biomaterial systems.
Humic acid alleviates the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastic particles toDaphnia magna
Authors: Fadare Oluniyi O. , Wan Bin , Guo Liang-Hong , Xin Yan , Qin Weiping , Yang Yu
Published: March 2019

Humic acid alleviates the toxicity of nanoplastic particles by altering the chemistry and distribution pattern of nanoplastic particles inDaphnia magna.
Encapsulation of stilbazolium-type dyes into layered metal–organic frameworks: solvent-dependent luminescence chromisms and their mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Li-Ming , Shen Xia-Qiang , Tan Li-Ting , Zhang Wen-Ting , Song Kai-Yue , Jiang Rong , Li Hao-Hong , Chen Zhi-Rong
Published: March 2019

Dye@Cd-LMOCs composites exhibit interesting solvent-dependent chromismic fluorescence, in which a two step solvent exchange process and a new electron transfer route are proposed.
High-efficiency robust organic solar cells using transfer-printed PEDOT:PSS electrodes through interface bonding engineering
Authors: Fan Xi , Song Wei , Lei Tao , Xu Bingang , Yan Feng , Wang Naixiang , Cui Huiqin , Ge Ziyi
Published: March 2019

High-efficiency robust flexible OSCs with transfer-printed PEDOT:PSS electrodes are realized. The flexible OSC devices yield the highest PCE of 10.19% and retain most of initial efficiency in harsh flexing and even fully folding tests.
Revisiting and improving the preparation of silicon-based electrodes for lithium-ion batteries: ball milling impact on poly(acrylic acid) polymer binders
Authors: Chartrel Thibaut , Ndour Mariama , Bonnet Véronique , Cavalaglio Sébastien , Aymard Luc , Dolhem Franck , Monconduit Laure , Bonnet Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2019

This study revisits and optimizes silicon/carbon/poly(acrylic acid) – (PAA) composite anode preparation for lithium-ion batteries.
Rubidium ion Capture with a phosphotungstic acid-functionalized finger-citron-residue-based carbon
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhao Guihua , Dai Yifang , Ma Na , Dai Wei
Published: March 2019

A new type of adsorbent PTA@FMC, which was designed and fabricated using the ordered mesoporous material FMC as the support, shows a promising potential for the practical capture of rubidium ion.
Constructing channel-mediated facilitated transport membranes by incorporating covalent organic framework nanosheets with tunable microenvironments
Authors: Wang Meidi , Pan Fusheng , Yang Hao , Cao Yu , Wang Hongjian , Song Yimeng , Lu Zean , Sun Mingze , Wu Hong , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: March 2019

Facilitated transport membranes with tunable microenvironments are fabricated via incorporation of metal-ion loaded COF nanosheets for gasoline desulfurization.
Efficient large guanidinium mixed perovskite solar cells with enhanced photovoltage and low energy losses
Authors: Wu Shengfan , Li Zhen , Zhang Jie , Liu Tiantian , Zhu Zonglong , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: March 2019

We present a strategy for suppressing the open-circuit voltage (Voc) loss of perovskite solar cells by incorporating large guanidinium cations (Gua+) into a perovskite lattice, leading to a significantly improved Voc of 1.19 V and an impressive power conversion efficiency of >21%.
Room temperature synthesis of blue and green emitting CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals confined in mesoporous alumina film
Authors: Takhellambam Daimiota , Meena Tinku Ram , Jana Debrina
Published: March 2019

A synthetic protocol has been described which demonstrates the room temperature synthesis of stable CsPbBr3 nanocrystals inside mesoporous alumina film showing tunable emission.
Ru(O2CCF3)2(PPh3)2 and ruthenium phosphine complexes bearing fluoroacetate ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity
Authors: Hey Daniela A. , Fischer Pauline J. , Baratta Walter , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: March 2019

The versatile precursor Ru(O2CCF3)2(PPh3)2 was isolated and used for the synthesis of ruthenium(ii) trifluoroacetate complexes, active in ketone transfer hydrogenation.
Morphological adaptability of graphitic carbon nanofibers to enhance sodium insertion in a diglyme-based electrolyte
Authors: Nacimiento Francisco , Cabello Marta , Ortiz Gregorio F. , Alcántara Ricardo , Lavela Pedro , Tirado José L.
Published: March 2019

A novel sodium insertion mechanism by an activation process that enhances its accessibility to redox centres at the interlayer space.
A Mn(iv)–peroxo complex in the reactions with proton donors
Authors: Lee Chien-Ming , Sankaralingam Muniyandi , Chuo Chi-He , Tseng Tzu-Hsien , Chen Peter P.-Y. , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Li Xiao-Xi , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo
Published: March 2019

Protons play an important role in promoting O–O or M–O bond cleavage of metal–peroxo complexes.
The interconversion between THF·B3H7 and B3H8−: an efficient synthetic method for MB3H8 (M = Li and Na)
Authors: Liu Xin-Ran , Chen Xi-Meng , Zhang Jie , Jensen Torben R. , Chen Xuenian
Published: March 2019

Efficient synthetic methods for Li/NaB3H8 have been developed based on the nucleophilicity of the B–H bonding pair electrons.
Grafting of a new bis-silylamido aluminum species on silica: insight from solid-state NMR into interactions with the surface
Authors: Vancompernolle Tom , Merle Nicolas , Capet Frédéric , Del Rosal Iker , Laurent Maron , Delevoye Laurent , Pourpoint Frédérique , Gauvin Régis M.
Published: March 2019

The structure of silica-supported aluminum amides has been investigated through combined MAS NMR and DFT investigations, highlighting metal–support interactions.
Table salt as a catalyst for the oxidation of aromatic alcohols and amines to acids and imines in aqueous medium: effectively carrying out oxidation reactions in sea water
Authors: Hazra Susanta , Kushawaha Ajay Kishor , Yadav Deepak , Dolui Pritam , Deb Mayukh , Elias Anil J.
Published: March 2019

A simple, efficient, sustainable and economical method for the oxidation of alcohols and amines has been developed using chloride, a sea abundant anionic catalyst for the synthesis of a range of carboxylic acids, ketones and imines.
Structural and electronic properties of MB22− (M = Na, K) clusters: tubular boron versus quasi-planar boron forms
Authors: Liang Wei-yan , Das Anita , Dong Xue , Wang Meng-hui , Cui Zhong-hua
Published: March 2019

Electron deficiency of boron atom has led to the abundant chemical properties of boron clusters, such as intriguing structures, unique multi-center bonding and electronic properties, as well as the structural evolution from planar to three-dimensional forms.
Transition metal-free α-Csp3–H oxidative sulfuration of benzyl thiosulfates with anilines to form N-aryl thioamides
Authors: Qiao Mengjun , Zhang Jinli , Chen Ling , Zhou Fengyi , Zhang Yali , Zhou Lingfei , Wu Yangjie
Published: March 2019

A transition metal-free synthesis of N-aryl thioamides was realized by the oxidative sulfuration of Bunte salts in DMSO with anilines.
A cell-permeant small molecule for the super-resolution imaging of the endoplasmic reticulum in live cells
Authors: Sekhar Adiki Raja , Mallik Bhagaban , Kumar Vimlesh , Sankar Jeyaraman
Published: March 2019

A simple BODIPY-based small molecule has been identified to selectively label the endoplasmic reticulum for high-resolution imaging with negligible cytotoxicity.
Oligopeptide-CB[8] complexation with switchable binding pathways
Authors: Wu Guanglu , Clarke David E. , Wu Ce , Scherman Oren A.
Published: March 2019

Two-stage binding of dipeptide with CB[8] leads to the unambiguous determination of n : n stoichiometric complexation.
Mesoporogen-free synthesis of nanosized hierarchical ITQ-21 zeolites
Authors: Wang Yilin , Zhang Qiang , Meng Xianyu , Bai Risheng , Yu Yue , Liu Yuchuan , Song Xiaowei , Yu Jihong
Published: March 2019

Nanosized hierarchical ITQ-21 zeolites have been synthesized in concentrated gel system upon modulating crystallization process.
Antibacterial supramolecular polymers constructedviaself-sorting: promoting antibacterial performance and controllable degradation
Authors: Yang Yuchong , Hu Hao , Chen Linghui , Bai Haotian , Wang Shu , Xu Jiang-Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: March 2019

An antibacterial supramolecular polymer is developed that exhibits enhanced antibacterial efficacy and controlled degradability.
A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of pyrroles using MIL-53(Al) as a catalyst under solvent-free sonication
Authors: Nguyen Hai Truong , Thuy Nguyen Linh Ho , Le Hoang Doan Tan , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: March 2019

Catalytic activity of MIL-53(Al) in the synthesis of pyrroles under solvent-free sonication.
Plasma modification of a Ni based metal–organic framework for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Guo Yanru , Gao Xing , Zhang Chunmei , Wu Yong , Chang Xinghua , Wang Teng , Zheng Xingyao , Du Aijun , Wang Bo , Zheng Jie , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Li Xingguo
Published: March 2019

Low temperature NH3 plasma modification of Ni MOF-74 yields a highly efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst with a carambola-like hierarchical 3D structure, which is composed of ultrafine Ni nanocrystals encapsulated in a thin layer of N doped carbon.
Enhanced sinterability and electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cellsviaa roll calendering process
Authors: Kim Junseok , Ahn Junsung , Shin Jisu , Yoon Kyung Joong , Son Ji-Won , Lee Jong-Ho , Shin Dongwook , Lee Hae-Weon , Ji Ho-Il
Published: March 2019

The facilitated rearrangement of electrolyte particlesviaroll calendering owing to shearing effects enhances sinterability and electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).
Controlling intermolecular redox-doping of naphthalene diimides
Authors: Schmidt Simon B. , Biskup Till , Jiao Xuechen , McNeill Christopher R. , Sommer Michael
Published: March 2019

Naphthalene diimide (NDI) with tertiary amine side chains is used to n-dope NDI derivatives of varying energy levels.
Using GLCM features in Haar wavelet transformed space for moving object classification
Authors: Kiaee Nadia , Hashemizadeh Elham , Zarrinpanjeh Nima
Published: March 2019

This article proposes an integrated system for segmentation and classification of two moving objects, including car and pedestrian from their side‐view in a video sequence. Based on the use of grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) in Haar wavelet transformed space, the authors calculated features of texture data from different sub‐bands separately. Haar wavelet transform is chosen because the resulting wavelet sub‐bands are strongly affecting on the orientation elements in the GLCM computation. To evaluate the proposed method, the results of different sub‐bands are compared with each other. Extracted features of objects are classified by using a support vector machine (SVM). Finally, the experimental results showed that use of three sub‐bands of wavelets instead of two sub‐bands is more effective and has good precision.
Driving behaviour characterisation by using phase‐space reconstruction and pre‐trained convolutional neural network
Authors: He Xin , Xu Li , Zhang Zhe
Published: March 2019

Driving behaviour analysis is important for both intelligent transportation and public security. The authors propose to characterise driving behaviours by using the phase‐space reconstruction (PSR) and the pre‐trained convolutional neural network (CNN). PSR is first applied to the raw vehicle test data (VTD) to obtain the reconstructed trajectories. Second, the corresponding feature vectors are acquired by using the pre‐trained CNN. Third, the t ‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t ‐SNE) algorithm is applied to the feature vectors to validate their characterising ability. Finally, an index is proposed based on the aforementioned feature vectors for quantitative evaluation, i.e. driving style recognition and abnormal driving detection. Simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Freeway travel time estimation based on the general motors model: a genetic algorithm calibration framework
Authors: Yang Shu , Ou Jishun , Feng Yiheng , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2019

Travel time estimation plays an important role in freeway performance assessment and reliability management. Conventional estimation methods based on speed information do not consider the level of congestion during modelling, leading to unreliable estimations under congested conditions. This study presents a freeway travel time estimation method based on the general motors (GM) model, where the concept ‘virtual vehicle’ was proposed to apply macroscopic traffic flow data to the microscopic GM model. First, a GM‐based travel time estimation (GMTTE) model was developed to estimate link travel time. Three sets of parameters , and were separately used under free‐flowing, congestion and transition conditions. Next, two corridor estimation models, namely GMTTE time‐slice‐based (GMTTE‐TSB) model and GMTTE continuous‐speed (GMTTE‐CS) model, were proposed. To calibrate the three parameters, a genetic algorithm framework was developed. The proposed method was calibrated and evaluated using traffic data collected from seven freeway segments in the greater St. Louis, Missouri region. Results show that (i) the GMTTE‐CS model outperformed the GMTTE‐TSB model; (ii) the optimal parameters of the GMTTE‐CS model under free‐flowing and congested conditions are and , respectively; (iii) the GMTTE‐CS model outperformed the instantaneous and time‐slice models under congested conditions, while showing similar accuracies with the two models under free‐flowing and status‐transition conditions; and (iv) the optimal time interval was found to be 9–10 min for free‐flowing conditions and 6–7 min for congested conditions.
Transit Lyman-α
signatures of terrestrial planets in the habitable zones of M dwarfs
Authors: Kislyakova K. G. , Holmström M. , Odert P. , Lammer H. , Erkaev N. V. , Khodachenko M. L. , Shaikhislamov I. F. , Dorfi E. , Güdel M.
Published: March 2019

Aims. We modeled the transit signatures in the Lyman-alpha (Ly-α) line of a putative Earth-sized planet orbiting in the habitable zone (HZ) of the M dwarf GJ 436. We estimated the transit depth in the Ly-α line for an exo-Earth with three types of atmospheres: a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere, and a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere with an amount of hydrogen equal to that of the Earth. For all types of atmospheres, we calculated in-transit absorption they would produce in the stellar Ly-α line. We applied it to the out-of-transit Ly-α observations of GJ 436 obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and compared the calculated in-transit absorption with observational uncertainties to determine if it would be detectable. To validate the model, we also used our method to simulate the deep absorption signature observed during the transit of GJ 436b and showed that our model is capable of reproducing the observations.

Methods. We used a direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code to model the planetary exospheres. The code includes several species and traces neutral particles and ions. It includes several ionization mechanisms, such as charge exchange with the stellar wind, photo- and electron impact ionization, and allows to trace particles collisions. At the lower boundary of the DSMC model we assumed an atmosphere density, temperature, and velocity obtained with a hydrodynamic model for the lower atmosphere.

Results. We showed that for a small rocky Earth-like planet orbiting in the HZ of GJ 436 only the hydrogen-dominated atmosphere is marginally detectable with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on board the HST. Neither a pure nitrogen atmosphere nor a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere with an Earth-like hydrogen concentration in the upper atmosphere are detectable. We also showed that the Ly-α observations of GJ 436b can be reproduced reasonably well assuming a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, both in the blue and red wings of the Ly-α line, which indicates that warm Neptune-like planets are a suitable target for Ly-α observations. Terrestrial planets, on the other hand, can be observed in the Ly-α line if they orbit very nearby stars, or if several observational visits are available.
Reclassification of Cepheids in the Gaia Data Release 2
Authors: Ripepi V. , Molinaro R. , Musella I. , Marconi M. , Leccia S. , Eyer L.
Published: March 2019

Context. Classical Cepheids are the most important primary indicators for the extragalactic distance scale. Establishing the precise zero points of their period-luminosity and period-Wesenheit (PL/PW) relations has profound consequences on the estimate of H0. Type II Cepheids are also important distance indicators and tracers of old stellar populations.

Aims. The recent Data Release 2 (DR2) of the Gaia spacecraft includes photometry and parallaxes for thousands of classical and Type II Cepheids. We seek to review the classification of Gaia DR2 Cepheids and to derive precise PL/PW for the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) and Galactic Cepheids.

Methods. We adopted information from the literature and the Gaia astrometry and photometry to assign DR2 Galactic Cepheids to the classical, anomalous, and Type II Cepheids classes.

Results. We reclassified the DR2 Galactic Cepheids and derived new precise PL/PW relations in the Gaia passbands for the MCs and Milky Way Cepheids. We investigated for the first time the dependence on metallicity of the PW relation for classical Cepheids in the Gaia bands, finding inconclusive results.

Conclusions. According to our analysis, the zero point of the Gaia DR2 parallaxes as estimated from classical and Type II Cepheids seems likely to be underestimated by ∼0.07 mas, which agrees with recent literature. The next Gaia data releases are expected to fix this zero point offset to allow eventually a determination of H0 to less than 1%.
On the continuity of the trace operator inGSBV(Ω) andGSBD(Ω)
Authors: Tasso Emanuele
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we present a new result of continuity for the trace operator acting on functions that might jump on a prescribed (n− 1)-dimensional set Γ, with the only hypothesis of being rectifiable and of finite measure. We also show an application of our result in relation to the variational model of elasticity with cracks, when the associated minimum problems are coupled with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions.
Neuromuskuläre Erkrankungen und Schlaf
Authors: Spießhöfer Jens , Young Peter , Boentert Matthias
Published: March 2019

Viele neuromuskuläre Erkrankungen (NME) sind mit Begleitsymptomen verbunden, die den Schlaf und die Schlafqualität beeinträchtigen. Schlafstörungen können eine unspezifische Folge der Immobilisierung darstellen, aber besonders bei Erkrankungen des peripheren Nervensystems auch auf nächtliche Crampi oder ein Restless-legs-Syndrom zurückzuführen sein. Motoneuronerkrankungen, akute Immunneuropathien und viele Myopathien können im Verlauf mit einer relevanten Schwäche der Atemmuskulatur einhergehen, die sich initial als schlafbezogene Hypoventilation manifestiert und bis zur hyperkapnischen respiratorischen Insuffizienz voranschreiten kann. Zahlreiche Erkrankungen sind zudem mit einem erhöhten Risiko für eine obstruktive Schlafapnoe assoziiert. Schlafbezogene Symptome sind bei NME häufig und sollten gezielt erfragt werden, um eine geeignete Diagnostik und Therapie zu ermöglichen.
Alkoholintoxikation – ein psychiatrischer Notfall
Authors: Wetterling Tilman , Junghanns Klaus
Published: March 2019

Eine Alkoholintoxikation ist der häufigste Grund für eine psychiatrische Konsultation in Notfallambulanzen von Krankenhäusern. Viele der betroffenen Patienten verweigern eine adäquate Überwachung und Behandlung. In diesen Fällen muss dann der Dienstarzt entscheiden, ob eine Entlassung medizinisch vertretbar ist. Dabei muss insbesondere die Frage der Einwilligungsfähigkeit des Patienten geklärt werden. Das Risiko einer erheblichen unmittelbaren Eigengefährdung durch Unfälle, komplizierten Alkoholentzug oder Suizid und das Risiko der unmittelbaren Fremdgefährdung durch aggressives Verhalten gegenüber Dritten muss in der Entscheidung angemessen berücksichtigt werden. In dem Artikel werden die wesentlichen Punkte beim Notfall-Management von Alkoholintoxikierten erörtert und in Checklisten zusammengefasst.