bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Magnetic States Emergent Under Electric Field, In A Room Temperature Composite Magnetoelectric Multiferroic
Authors: Clarkson J. D. , Fina I. , Liu Z. Q. , Lee Y. , Kim J. , Frontera C. , Cordero K. , Wisotzki S. , Sanchez F. , Sort J. , Hsu S. L. , Ko C. , Aballe L. , Foerster M. , Wu J. , Christen H. M. , Heron J. T. , Schlom D. G. , Salahuddin S. , Kioussis N. , Fontcuberta J. , Marti X. , Ramesh R.
Published: November 2017

The ability to control a magnetic phase with an electric field is of great current interest for a variety of low power electronics in which the magnetic state is used either for information storage or logic operations. Over the past several years, there has been a considerable amount of research on pathways to control the direction of magnetization with an electric field. More recently, an alternative pathway involving the change of the magnetic state (ferromagnet to antiferromagnet) has been proposed. In this paper, we demonstrate electric field control of the Anomalous Hall Transport in a metamagnetic FeRh thin film, accompanying an antiferromagnet (AFM) to ferromagnet (FM) phase transition. This approach provides us with a pathway to “hide” or “reveal” a given ferromagnetic region at zero magnetic field. By converting the AFM phase into the FM phase, the stray field, and hence sensitivity to external fields, is decreased or eliminated. Using detailed structural analyses of FeRh films of varying crystalline quality and chemical order, we relate the direct nanoscale origins of this memory effect to site disorder as well as variations of the net magnetic anisotropy of FM nuclei. Our work opens pathways toward a new generation of antiferromagnetic – ferromagnetic interactions for spintronics.
A real-time Global Warming Index
Authors: Haustein K. , Allen M. R. , Forster P. M. , Otto F. E. L. , Mitchell D. M. , Matthews H. D. , Frame D. J.
Published: November 2017

We propose a simple real-time index of global human-induced warming and assess its robustness to uncertainties in climate forcing and short-term climate fluctuations. This index provides improved scientific context for temperature stabilisation targets and has the potential to decrease the volatility of climate policy. We quantify uncertainties arising from temperature observations, climate radiative forcings, internal variability and the model response. Our index and the associated rate of human-induced warming is compatible with a range of other more sophisticated methods to estimate the human contribution to observed global temperature change.
Effect of Time-Delayed Feedback on the Interaction of a Dimer System with its Environment
Authors: Farhat M. , Kais S. , Alharbi F. H.
Published: November 2017

In this work, we report modeling of non-Markovian open quantum systems, consisting of an excitonic dimer that displays memory effect due to time delayed interaction with its environment. We, indeed investigate the effect of these time delays on quantum coherence and excitation dynamical behavior in the time domain generally considered for photosynthetic experiments (few hundred femtoseconds). In particular, we show that the coherence is maintained for periods proportional to time delays. Additionally, if delay is taken into account, coupling to the environment can be tuned to lower values, unlike in previous studies. This kind of intriguing effect can, therefore, when generalized to complete systems, permit more control on the experimental parameters, which may lead to more accurate description of the photosynthetic energy transfer functioning and subsequent applications in artificial photovoltaic research.
A Study on Image Quality in Polarization-Resolved Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy
Authors: Stanciu Stefan G. , Ávila Francisco J. , Hristu Radu , Bueno Juan M.
Published: November 2017

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy represents a very powerful tool for tissue characterization. Polarization-resolved SHG (PSHG) microscopy extends the potential of SHG, by exploiting the dependence of SHG signals on the polarization state of the excitation beam. Among others, this dependence translates to the fact that SHG images collected under different polarization configurations exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of content and appearance. These characteristics hold deep implications over image quality, as perceived by human observers or by image analysis methods custom designed to automatically extract a quality factor from digital images. Our work addresses this subject, by investigating how basic image properties and the outputs of no-reference image quality assessment methods correlate to human expert opinion in the case of PSHG micrographs. Our evaluation framework is based on SHG imaging of collagen-based ocular tissues under different linear and elliptical polarization states of the incident light.
The food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni responds to the bile salt deoxycholate with countermeasures to reactive oxygen species
Authors: Negretti Nicholas M. , Gourley Christopher R. , Clair Geremy , Adkins Joshua N. , Konkel Michael E.
Published: November 2017

Bile plays an important role in digestion, absorption of fats, and the excretion of waste products, while concurrently providing a critical barrier against colonization by harmful bacteria. Previous studies have demonstrated that gut pathogens react to bile by adapting their protein synthesis. The ability of pathogens to respond to bile is remarkably complex and still incompletely understood. Here we show that Campylobacter jejuni, a leading bacterial cause of human diarrheal illness worldwide, responds to deoxycholate, a component of bile, by altering global gene transcription in a manner consistent with a strategy to mitigate exposure to reactive oxygen stress. More specifically, continuous growth of C. jejuni in deoxycholate was found to: 1) induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); 2) decrease succinate dehydrogenase activity (complex II of the electron transport chain); 3) increase catalase activity that is involved in H2O2 breakdown; and 4) result in DNA strand breaks. Congruently, the addition of 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (TEMPOL), a superoxide dismutase mimic that reacts with superoxide, rescued the growth of C. jejuni cultured in the presence of deoxycholate. We postulate that continuous exposure of a number of enteric pathogens to deoxycholate stimulates a conserved survival response to this stressor.
Xanthine oxidoreductase activity is associated with serum uric acid and glycemic control in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Nakatani Ayumi , Nakatani Shinya , Ishimura Eiji , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Sakura Mari , Tateishi Yu , Tsuda Akihiro , Kurajoh Masafumi , Mori Katsuhito , Emoto Masanori , Inaba Masaaki
Published: November 2017

Xanthine oxidoreductase activity (XOR-a) plays an important role as a pivotal source of reactive oxygen species. In the present study, we investigated factors associated with plasma XOR-a in 163 hemodialysis patients (age 67.3 ± 10.9 years; 89 males and 74 females), using a newly established, highly-sensitive assay based on [13C2,15N2] xanthine and liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Plasma glucose and serum uric acid levels correlated significantly and positively with plasma XOR-a. In multiple regression analyses, the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and plasma glucose were associated significantly, independently, and positively with plasma XOR-a. While serum uric acid correlated significantly and positively with plasma XOR-a in hemodialysis patients without T2DM, plasma glucose and serum glycated albumin, a new marker of glycemic control in diabetic hemodialysis patients, correlated significantly and positively with plasma XOR-a in those with T2DM. Multivariate analyses in those with T2DM revealed that plasma glucose and serum glycated albumin were associated significantly and independently with plasma XOR-a, and that serum uric acid was associated significantly and independently with XOR-a in those without T2DM. Our results suggested that glycemic control in hemodialysis patients may be important in regard to a decrease in ROS induced by XOR.
LC-MS guided isolation of three pairs of enantiomeric alkaloids from Macleaya cordata and their enantioseparations, antiproliferative activity, apoptosis-inducing property
Authors: Sai Chunmei , Li Dahong , Li Shengge , Han Tong , Guo Yongzhi , Li Zhanlin , Hua Huiming
Published: November 2017

(±)-Macleayins F–H (1–3), three pairs of new enantiomeric alkaloid dimers, along with four known alkaloids (4–7) as their plausible biogenetic precursors, were isolated from the aerial parts of Macleaya cordata. Compounds 1–3 were obtained under the guidance of LC-MS investigation, and their structures were elucidated by analysis of the 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The racemic mixtures were successfully separated by chiral HPLC, and the absolute configurations of enantiomers were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Compounds 1–7 showed antiproliferative activity against HL-60 with IC50 values of 1.34–41.30 μM, especially compounds 1–2 exhibited the best inhibitory activity against HL-60 cell lines. In addition, the preliminary mechanism investigation for compound 2 using Annexin V/7-AAD double-staining assay, DAPI staining assay and JC-1 staining method, indicated that 2 inhibited cancer cell proliferation potentially through inducing apoptosis via the mitochondria-related pathway and arrested cell cycle of HL-60 cells at S phase.
A non-smooth tumor margin on preoperative imaging assesses microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu HangTong , Zheng Qiao , Huang Yang , Huang Xiao Wen , Lai Zhi Cheng , Liu JingYa , Xie XiaoYan , Feng Shi Ting , Wang Wei , Lu Ming De
Published: November 2017

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is rarely diagnosed preoperatively in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the diagnostic power of a non-smooth tumor margin on preoperative imaging for MVI. We performed a literature search using the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, and 11 studies were included involving 618 MVI-positive cases and 1030 MVI-negative cases. Considerable heterogeneity was found, and was indicated to be attributable to the mean patient ages in the included studies. In subgroups of studies with a mean patient age older than 60 years and studies with computed tomography (CT) as the imaging method (as opposed to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), heterogeneity was low, and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of the single two-dimensional imaging feature for MVI was 21.30 (95% CI [12.52, 36.23]) and 28.78 (95% CI [13.92, 59.36]), respectively; this power was equivalent to or greater than that of certain multivariable-based scoring systems. In conclusion, a non-smooth tumor margin on preoperative imaging is of great value for MVI assessment and should be considered for inclusion in future scoring systems.
Validation of Self-reported Smoking with Urinary Cotinine Levels and Influence of Second-hand Smoke among Conscripts
Authors: Chiu Yu-Lung , Huang Shu-Jia , Lai Ching-Huang , Huang Chung-Chi , Jiang Shiang-Huei , Li Shan-Ru , Hwang Shu-Ling , Lin Fu-Gong , Tzeng Ya-Mei , Kao Senyeong
Published: November 2017

Accurate identification of smoking behaviour is crucial to monitor the smoking rate. This study used urinary cotinine (UC) as a biomarker to verify the effectiveness of self-reported smoking behaviour among conscripts during recruit training. The influence of second-hand smoke (SHS) on the UC concentration was also analysed. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2014 to December 2014. The participants comprised a total of 621 military service and basic military training conscripts. A self-administered questionnaire survey and a urine test were performed to verify the participants’ smoking behaviour. The UC concentration of 100 ng/mL was adopted as the baseline to identify smokers. A high level of consistency was observed between the conscripts’ self-reported results and the results validated by the UC concentrations (the overall kappa coefficient was 0.918). Moreover, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 92.9% and 98.1%, respectively. The sensitivity for the military service conscripts was significantly lower than that for the basic military training conscripts (86.1% vs. 97.5%, P-value = 0.002). For the self-reported nonsmokers among the military service conscripts, SHS exposure was related to their UC concentrations. The method of self-reporting through a questionnaire survey can serve as a tool to assess conscripts’ smoking behaviour.
Absorption and Extinction Cross Sections and Photon Streamlines in the Optical Near-field
Authors: Striebel Moritz , Wrachtrup Jӧrg , Gerhardt Ilja
Published: November 2017

The optical interaction of light and matter is modeled as an oscillating dipole in a plane wave electromagnetic field. We analyze absorption, scattering and extinction for this system by the energy flow, visualized as streamlines of the Poynting vector. Depending on the dissipative damping of the oscillator, a part of the streamlines ends up in the dipole. Based on a graphical investigation of the streamlines, this represents the absorption cross section, and forms a far-field absorption aperture. In the near-field of the oscillator, a modification of the aperture is observed. As in the case for a linear dipole, we model the energy flow and derive the effective absorption apertures for an oscillator with a circular dipole characteristics – such as an atom in free space.
Selectivity and ligand-based molecular modeling of an odorant-binding protein from the leaf beetle Ambrostoma quadriimpressum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in relation to habitat-related volatiles
Authors: Wang Yinliang , Jin Yincan , Chen Qi , Wen Ming , Zhao Hanbo , Duan Hongxia , Ren Bingzhong
Published: November 2017

In this study, the most abundant and antenna-specific odorant-binding protein (OBP) of the elm pest A. quadriimpressum, AquaOBP4, was expressed and purified. The selectivity of AquaOBP4 was investigated by screening against a panel of 40 habitat-relevant compounds. Based on the obtained results, a homologous model of AquaOBP4 was established. This model indicated that AquaOBP4 is highly homologous to DmelOBP LUSH and includes two main binding sites. A docking analysis showed that four of five active ligands bound at Site 1, whereas the other ligand was situated at Site 2. Furthermore, new ligands were docked in the model, and the results of fluorescence-based binding assays of these compounds were highly consistent with the binding conformation and binding affinity predicted by our model. Additionally, three binding odorants derived from elm leaves elicited a strong electroantennogram response and exerted a significant attractive effect on adult A. quadriimpressum. All of the results showed that AquaOBP4 is likely linked to the foraging behavior of A. quadriimpressum. This study provides a new reliable tool for future large-scale compound screenings and revealed several functional chemicals that might aid the development of a better pest management approach for A. quadriimpressum.
Decreased oxygen saturation levels in neonates with transposition of great arteries: Impact on appearance of cerebral veins in susceptibility-weighted imaging
Authors: Verma Rajeev Kumar , Keller Desislava , Grunt Sebastian , Bigi Sandra , Weisstanner Christian , Wiest Roland , Gralla Jan , Hutter Damian , Wagner Bendicht
Published: November 2017

Purpose of this study was to investigate a potential correlation between the pattern of cerebral veins (CV) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and blood oxygen saturation, as well as preoperative brain injury, in neonates with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Eleven neonates with TGA underwent MRI preoperatively, including SWI, T1- and T2-weighted scans. Images were retrospectively evaluated and appearance of CV was graded from 0 (normal appearance) to 3 (severe prominent appearance). White matter injuries (WMI) and strokes were analysed. Results were correlated with preductal arterial oxygen saturation. As findings one subject showed a normal CV appearance (grade 0) whereas 10 showed pathological prominent CV (grades 1–3); median 2. Mean oxygen saturation ranged between 67.5% and 89.0% (median 81.0%). CV grade and mean oxygen saturation correlated significantly (p = 0.011). WMI were absent in 5 cases, mild in 4, and moderate in 2 cases. We conclude, that SWI has the potential to be used to estimate the current hypoxic burden on brain tissue in TGA newborns by assessing the prominence of the CV.
Effects of microgravity on osteoblast mitochondria: a proteomic and metabolomics profile
Authors: Michaletti Anna , Gioia Magda , Tarantino Umberto , Zolla Lello
Published: November 2017

The response of human primary osteoblasts exposed to simulated microgravity has been investigated and analysis of metabolomic and proteomic profiles demonstrated a prominent dysregulation of mitochondrion homeostasis. Gravitational unloading treatment induced a decrease in mitochondrial proteins, mainly affecting efficiency of the respiratory chain. Metabolomic analysis revealed that microgravity influenced several metabolic pathways; stimulating glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathways, while the Krebs cycle was interrupted at succinate-fumarate transformation. Interestingly, proteomic analysis revealed that Complex II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which catalyses the biotransformation of this step, was under-represented by 50%. Accordingly, down-regulation of quinones 9 and 10 was measured. Complex III resulted in up-regulation by 60%, while Complex IV was down-regulated by 14%, accompanied by a reduction in proton transport synthesis of ATP. Finally, microgravity treatment induced an oxidative stress response, indicated by significant decreases in oxidised glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. Decrease in malate dehydrogenase induced a reverse in the malate-aspartate shuttle, contributing to dysregulation of ATP synthesis. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids was inhibited, promoting triglyceride production along with a reduction in the glycerol shuttle. Taken together, our findings suggest that microgravity may suppress bone cell functions, impairing mitochondrial energy potential and the energy state of the cell.
Low perceptual sensitivity to altered video speed in viewing a soccer match
Authors: de’Sperati Claudio , Baud Bovy Gabriel
Published: November 2017

When watching videos, our sense of reality is continuously challenged. How much can a fundamental dimension of experience such as visual flow be modified before breaking the perception of real time? Here we found a remarkable indifference to speed manipulations applied to a popular video content, a soccer match. In a condition that mimicked real-life TV watching, none of 100 naïve observers spontaneously noticed speed alterations up/down to 12%, even when asked to report motion anomalies, and showed very low sensitivity to video speed changes (Just Noticeable Difference, JND = 18%). When tested with a constant-stimuli speed discrimination task, JND was still high, though much reduced (9%). The presence of the original voice-over with compensation for pitch did not affect perceptual performance. Thus, our results document a rather broad tolerance to speed manipulations in video viewing, even under attentive scrutiny. This finding may have important implications. For example, it can validate video compression strategies based on sub-threshold temporal squeezing. This way, a soccer match can last only 80 min and still be perceived as natural. More generally, knowing the boundaries of natural speed perception may help to optimize the flow of artificial visual stimuli which increasingly surround us.
Deglacial Tropical Atlantic subsurface warming links ocean circulation variability to the West African Monsoon
Authors: Schmidt Matthew W. , Chang Ping , Parker Andrew O. , Ji Link , He Feng
Published: November 2017

Multiple lines of evidence show that cold stadials in the North Atlantic were accompanied by both reductions in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and collapses of the West African Monsoon (WAM). Although records of terrestrial change identify abrupt WAM variability across the deglaciation, few studies show how ocean temperatures evolved across the deglaciation. To identify the mechanism linking AMOC to the WAM, we generated a new record of subsurface temperature variability over the last 21 kyr based on Mg/Ca ratios in a sub-thermocline dwelling planktonic foraminifera in an Eastern Equatorial Atlantic (EEA) sediment core from the Niger Delta. Our subsurface temperature record shows abrupt subsurface warming during both the Younger Dryas (YD) and Heinrich Event 1. We also conducted a new transient coupled ocean-atmosphere model simulation across the YD that better resolves the western boundary current dynamics and find a strong negative correlation between AMOC strength and EEA subsurface temperatures caused by changes in ocean circulation and rainfall responses that are consistent with the observed WAM change. Our combined proxy and modeling results provide the first evidence that an oceanic teleconnection between AMOC strength and subsurface temperature in the EEA impacted the intensity of the WAM on millennial time scales.
Blastocyst Formation Rate and Transgene Expression are Associated with Gene Insertion into Safe and Non-Safe Harbors in the Cattle Genome
Authors: Ghahfarokhi Milad Khorramian , Dormiani Kianoush , Mohammadi Ali , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2017

Integration target site is the most important factor in successful production of transgenic animals. However, stable expression of transgene without disturbing the function of the host genome depends on promoter methylation, transgene copy number and transcriptional activity in integration regions. Recently, new genome-editing tools have made much progress, however little attention has been paid to the identification of genomic safe harbors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of insertion site, promoter and copy number of transgene on the production of embryos from cattle fibroblast cells following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). So, three donor vectors were constructed with EGFP gene under control of different promoters. Each vector was integrated into safe and non-safe harbors in the genome using phiC31 integrase. Transgenic clones with a single copy of each vector were isolated. Each clone was analyzed to find site and frequency of integration, expression level and promoter methylation before SCNT, as well as transgene expression level and blastocyst formation rate after SCNT. The data obtained demonstrated that BF5, as a safe harbor, not only showed a stable expression, but also the rate of in vitro-produced embryos from BF5-clones are similar to that of non-transfected cells.
Comparison and evaluation of two different methods to establish the cigarette smoke exposure mouse model of COPD
Authors: Shu Jiaze , Li Defu , Ouyang Haiping , Huang Junyi , Long Zhen , Liang Zhihao , Chen Yuqin , Chen Yiguan , Zheng Qiuyu , Kuang Meidan , Tang Haiyang , Wang Jian , Lu Wenju
Published: November 2017

Animal model of cigarette smoke (CS) –induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the primary testing methodology for drug therapies and studies on pathogenic mechanisms of disease. However, researchers have rarely run simultaneous or side-by-side tests of whole-body and nose-only CS exposure in building their mouse models of COPD. We compared and evaluated these two different methods of CS exposure, plus airway Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) inhalation, in building our COPD mouse model. Compared with the control group, CS exposed mice showed significant increased inspiratory resistance, functional residual capacity, right ventricular hypertrophy index, and total cell count in BALF. Moreover, histological staining exhibited goblet cell hyperplasia, lung inflammation, thickening of smooth muscle layer on bronchia, and lung angiogenesis in both methods of CS exposure. Our data indicated that a viable mouse model of COPD can be established by combining the results from whole-body CS exposure, nose-only CS exposure, and airway LPS inhalation testing. However, in our study, we also found that, given the same amount of particulate intake, changes in right ventricular pressure and intimal thickening of pulmonary small artery are a little more serious in nose-only CS exposure method than changes in the whole-body CS exposure method.
Post-earthquake Zika virus surge: Disaster and public health threat amid climatic conduciveness
Authors: Reina Ortiz Miguel , Le Nicole K. , Sharma Vinita , Hoare Ismael , Quizhpe Edy , Teran Enrique , Naik Eknath , Salihu Hamisu M. , Izurieta Ricardo
Published: November 2017

A recent major earthquake (M7.8), coupled with appropriate climatic conditions, led to significant destruction in Ecuador. Temperature variations, which may be induced by anthropogenic climate change, are often associated with changes in rainfall, humidity and pressure. Temperature and humidity are associated with ecological modifications that may favour mosquito breeding. We hypothesized that the disruptive ecological changes triggered by the earthquake, in the context of appropriate climatic conditions, led to an upsurge in Zika virus (ZIKV) infections. Here we show that, after controlling for climatic and socioeconomic conditions, earthquake severity was associated with incident ZIKV cases. Pre-earthquake mean maximum monthly temperature and post-earthquake mean monthly pressure were negatively associated with ZIKV incidence rates. These results demonstrate the dynamics of post-disaster vector-borne disease transmission, in the context of conducive/favourable climatic conditions, which are relevant in a climate change-affected world where disasters may occur in largely populated areas.
Community effect of cardiomyocytes in beating rhythms is determined by stable cells
Authors: Hayashi Tatsuya , Tokihiro Tetsuji , Kurihara Hiroki , Yasuda Kenji
Published: November 2017

The community effect of cardiomyocytes was investigated in silico by the change in number and features of cells, as well as configurations of networks. The theoretical model was based on experimental data and accurately reproduced recently published experimental results regarding coupled cultured cardiomyocytes. We showed that the synchronised beating of two coupled cells was tuned not to the cell with a faster beating rate, but to the cell with a more stable rhythm. In a network of cardiomyocytes, a cell with low fluctuation, but not a hight frequency, became a pacemaker and stabilised the beating rhythm. Fluctuation in beating rapidly decreased with an increase in the number of cells (N), almost irrespective of the configuration of the network, and a cell comes to have natural and stable beating rhythms, even for N of approximately 10. The universality of this community effect lies in the fluctuation-dissipation theorem in statistical mechanics.
Canine Parvovirus ns1 gene and Chicken Anemia vp3 gene induce partial oncolysis of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor
Authors: Bhat Aubid Hussain , Ganguly Bhaskar , Tiwari Ashok Kumar , Das Arup Kumar
Published: November 2017

The oncolytic effect of Canine Parvovirus ns1 gene and Chicken Anemia vp3 gene in naturally occurring cases of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) is being reported. Dogs suffering from CTVT (N = 18) were systematically randomized into three groups viz. A, B, and C (n = 6). Animals of the groups A, B, and C received 100 µg of the ns1 gene, vp3 gene, and ns1 + vp3 gene combination, respectively, for three weeks intratumorally at weekly intervals; results were normalized against base values before commencement of therapy and after complete remission that were taken as negative and positive controls, respectively. Initiation of oncolytic gene therapy arrested the further progression of the tumor but most of the animals in the study underwent incomplete remission, indicating incomplete activity of ns1 and vp3 genes. The oncolytic effect of the treatments was in the order ns1 > vp3 > ns1 + vp3. Oncolysis was accompanied by decreased mitotic index and AgNOR count, and increased TUNEL positive cells and CD4+ lymphocyte counts. Our findings show that Canine Parvovirus ns1 may eventually find an important role as an oncolytic agent.
Plug-and-play round-robin differential phase-shift quantum key distribution
Authors: Mao Qian-Ping , Wang Le , Zhao Sheng-Mei
Published: November 2017

The round-robin differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution (RRDPS-QKD) protocol could provide an effective way to estimate the leakage information without monitoring the signal disturbance. Moreover, the self-compensating property of plug-and-play (P&P) setup can eliminate the variations of phase or polarization in QKD procedure. In the paper, we introduce the P&P concept into RRDPS-QKD, and propose a QKD protocol, named P&P RRDPS-QKD protocol, to make the RRDPS-QKD scheme more practical. We analyze the security, and discuss the key generation rate with infinite-intensity decoy state method. The results show that the proposed protocol is a good solution to RRDPS-QKD protocol with untrusted sources. It has a high security and its key generation rate could be as good as the protocol with trusted sources when the average input photon number N is greater than 106. In addition, the proposed protocol has a high noise tolerance in comparison with P&P BB84-QKD protocol.
Utilization of Stainless-steel Furnace Dust as an Admixture for Synthesis of Cement-based Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Composites
Authors: Fan Yong , Zhang Ling , Volski Vladimir , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. , Blanpain Bart , Guo Muxing
Published: November 2017

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding receives attention due to the increasing abundance of electronics. The Cement based material can obtain EMI shielding properties through the use of appropriate “fillers” such as carbon, metal, and ferrite. As the most important by-product of stainless steelmaking operations, through the metal droplets and ferrite that it contains, stainless-steel dust can be considered as a potential filler for EMI shielding applications. We have therefore utilized stainless-steel dust as an admixture for the synthesis of cement-based EMI shielding composites and show that it raises the EMI shielding effectiveness. In particular, a 45 mass pct of stainless-steel dust mixture of 5 mm thickness results in the enhancement of EMI shielding effectiveness to 6–9 dB as tested in the frequency range of 500 MHz–1.5 GHz.
Pumpless microfluidic system driven by hydrostatic pressure induces and maintains mouse spermatogenesis in vitro
Authors: Komeya Mitsuru , Hayashi Kazuaki , Nakamura Hiroko , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Sanjo Hiroyuki , Kojima Kazuaki , Sato Takuya , Yao Masahiro , Kimura Hiroshi , Fujii Teruo , Ogawa Takehiko
Published: November 2017

Three-dimensional aggregation and organ culture methods are critical for recreating in vivo cellular phenomena outside the body. Previously, we used the conventional gas liquid interphase organ culture method to induce complete mouse spermatogenesis. After incorporating microfluidic systems, we achieved a significant increase in efficiency and duration of spermatogenesis. One of the major drawbacks preventing the popularization of microfluidics, however, is the use of a power-pump to generate medium flow. In this study, we produced a pumpless microfluidic device using hydrostatic pressure and a resistance circuit to facilitate slow, longer lasting medium flow. During three months of culture, results in induction and maintenance of spermatogenesis showed no difference between pumpless and pump-driven devices. Correspondingly, the spermatogonial population was favorably maintained in the pumpless device compared to the conventional method. These results show the advantage of using microfluidic systems for organ culture experiments. Our pumpless device could be applied to a variety of other tissues and organs, and may revolutionize organ culture methods as a whole.
Serotonin regulates prostate growth through androgen receptor modulation
Authors: Carvalho-Dias Emanuel , Miranda Alice , Martinho Olga , Mota Paulo , Costa Ângela , Nogueira-Silva Cristina , Moura Rute S. , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , Autorino Riccardo , Lima Estêvão , Correia-Pinto Jorge
Published: November 2017

Aging and testosterone almost inexorably cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Human males. However, etiology of BPH is largely unknown. Serotonin (5-HT) is produced by neuroendocrine prostatic cells and presents in high concentration in normal prostatic transition zone, but its function in prostate physiology is unknown. Previous evidence demonstrated that neuroendocrine cells and 5-HT are decreased in BPH compared to normal prostate. Here, we show that 5-HT is a strong negative regulator of prostate growth. In vitro, 5-HT inhibits rat prostate branching through down-regulation of androgen receptor (AR). This 5-HT’s inhibitory mechanism is also present in human cells of normal prostate and BPH, namely in cell lines expressing AR when treated with testosterone. In both models, 5-HT’s inhibitory mechanism was replicated by specific agonists of 5-Htr1a and 5-Htr1b. Since peripheral 5-HT production is specifically regulated by tryptophan hydroxylase 1(Tph1), we showed that Tph1 knockout mice present higher prostate mass and up-regulation of AR when compared to wild-type, whereas 5-HT treatment restored the prostate weight and AR levels. As 5-HT is decreased in BPH, we present here evidence that links 5-HT depletion to BPH etiology through modulation of AR. Serotoninergic prostate pathway should be explored as a new therapeutic target for BPH.
Different molecular weight chitosan derivatives employed for enantiomeric separation
Authors: Qiu Guo-Song , Yan Kui , Zhang Shan , Chen Wei , Huang Shao-Hua , Bai Zheng-Wu
Published: November 2017

The interaction between two single enantiomers in a racemic mixture impacts the chromatographic retention of the enantiomers to different degrees.
Exploration of VPO4 as a new anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liang Xinghui , Ou Xing , Dai Hong , Zheng Fenghua , Pan Qichang , Liu Peipei , Xiong Xunhui , Liu Meilin , Yang Chenghao
Published: November 2017

Carbon-coated VPO4 nanoparticles embedded into a porous carbon matrix were synthesized via a facile sol–gel approach and investigated as a novel polyanion anode material for sodium-ion batteries.
An acyclic zincagermylene: rapid activation of dihydrogen at sub-ambient temperature
Authors: Juckel Martin M. , Hicks Jamie , Jiang Dandan , Zhao Lili , Frenking Gernot , Jones Cameron
Published: November 2017

The first zincagermylene (see picture) has been prepared and shown to have unprecedented reactivity for a germylene, with respect to the activation of dihydrogen; partially a result of its narrow HOMO–LUMO separation.
Atomistic potential for graphene and other sp2carbon systems
Authors: Fthenakis Zacharias G. , Kalosakas George , Chatzidakis Georgios D. , Galiotis Costas , Papagelis Konstantinos , Lathiotakis Nektarios N.
Published: November 2017

We introduce a torsional force field for sp2carbon to augment an in-plane atomistic potential of a previous work [G. Kalosakaset al.,J. Appl. Phys., 2013,113, 134307] so that it is applicable to out-of-plane deformations of graphene and related carbon materials.
Featuring Xantphos
Authors: van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: November 2017

This review highlights the use of the bisphosphine ligand group in homogeneous catalysis.
Using data mining technology in screening potential additives to Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for methanation
Authors: Han Xiaoxia , Zhao Chaofan , Li Haixia , Liu Shusen , Han Yahong , Zhang Zhilei , Ren Jun
Published: November 2017

Data mining reduces the number of catalysts to be empirically analyzed and accelerates the discovery of new catalysts.
Photocatalytic reduction of CO2with H2O vapor under visible light over Ce doped ZnFe2O4
Authors: Guo Jiajia , Wang Kang , Wang Xitao
Published: November 2017

The schematic mechanism of CO2photoreduction with H2O vapour over Ce doped ZnFe2O4.
Large CuI8 chalcogenone cubic cages with non-interacting counter ions
Authors: Katam Srinivas , Ganesan Prabusankar
Published: November 2017

Synthesis and applications of two mega size octanuclear copper(i) chalcogenone cages have been reported.
The protective effect of phloretin in osteoarthritis: anin vitroandin vivostudy
Authors: Zheng Wenhao , Chen Chunhui , Zhang Chuanxu , Cai Leyi , Chen Hua
Published: November 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the degradation and inflammation of cartilage.
Correction: Development of highly active anti-Pneumocystis bisbenzamidines: insight into the influence of selected substituents on the in vitro activity
Authors: Maciejewska D. , Żabiński J. , Rezler M. , Kaźmierczak P. , Collins M. S. , Ficker L. , Cushion M. T.
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Development of highly active anti-Pneumocystis bisbenzamidines: insight into the influence of selected substituents on the in vitro activity’ by D. Maciejewska et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2017, 8, 2003–2011.
Oxidative amidation of benzaldehydes and benzylamines withN-substituted formamides over a Co/Al hydrotalcite-derived catalyst
Authors: Gupta Shyam Sunder R. , Nakhate Akhil V. , Rasal Kalidas B. , Deshmukh Gunjan P. , Mannepalli Lakshmi Kantam
Published: November 2017

A highly efficient synthetic strategy for amidesviaoxidative amidation of benzaldehydes or benzylamines withN-substituted formamides has been developed using cobalt based heterogeneous catalyst.
Microwave-assisted one-step preparation of macadamia nut shell-based activated carbon for efficient adsorption of Reactive Blue
Authors: Du Chunfeng , Xue Yongtao , Wu Zhansheng , Wu Zhilin
Published: November 2017

In this work, macadamia nut shell-based activated carbon (MNSAC) was prepared using macadamia nut shells (MNS) through KOH activation under microwave radiation.
Fe3O4-AuNPs anchored 2D metal–organic framework nanosheets with DNA regulated switchable peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Tan Bing , Zhao Huimin , Wu Weihao , Liu Xuan , Zhang Yaobin , Quan Xie
Published: November 2017

Two-dimensional bimetallic anchored metal–organic framework nanosheets (Cu(HBTC)-1/Fe3O4-AuNPs) with switchable peroxidase-like activity regulated by ssDNA.
Polycrystalline soft carbon semi-hollow microrods as anode for advanced K-ion full batteries
Authors: Wang Xuanpeng , Han Kang , Qin Dongdong , Li Qi , Wang Chenyang , Niu Chaojiang , Mai Liqiang
Published: November 2017

Polycrystalline semi-hollow microrod soft carbon was tested as an anode for K-ion full batteries and it exhibits both high capacity and excellent cycling stability.
Rational one-step synthesis of porous PtPdRu nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation reaction with a superior tolerance for CO-poisoning
Authors: Eid Kamel , Ahmad Yahia H. , Yu Hongjie , Li Yinghao , Li Xiaonian , AlQaradawi Siham Y. , Wang Hongjing , Wang Liang
Published: November 2017

The electrocatalysts of porous PtPdRu nanodendrites and PtPdRu nanoflowers were obtained by a one-step ultrasonic irradiation method and magnetic stirring, respectively.
Organocatalytic umpolung annulative dimerization of ynones for the synthesis of 5-alkylidene-2-cyclopentenones
Authors: Ramachary Dhevalapally B. , Prabhakar Reddy T. , Suresh Kumar A.
Published: November 2017

A novel phosphine-catalyzed umpolung [3 + 2]-annulative dimerization of ynones was developed to furnish functionally rich 5-alkylidene-2-cyclopentenones.
Electrochemical sensor based on novel two-dimensional nanohybrids: MoS2nanosheets conjugated with organic copper nanowires for simultaneous detection of hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid
Authors: Li Dapeng , Liu Xueying , Yi Ran , Zhang Jiaxian , Su Zhiqiang , Wei Gang
Published: November 2017

MoS2nanosheets were conjugated with organic copper nanowires for fabrication of electrochemical hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid sensors.
A new two-dimensional layered germanate with in situ embedded carbon dots for optical temperature sensing
Authors: Liu Jiancong , Ren Xiaoyan , Yan Yan , Wang Ning , Wang Shuang , Zhang Hongyue , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong
Published: November 2017

A carbon dots@germanate composite has been synthesized by embedding carbon dots into a double-layered germanate in situ, which exhibits excitation-dependent and temperature-responsive photoluminescence.
Photoredox and cobalt co-catalyzed C(sp2)–H functionalization/C–O bond formation for synthesis of lactones under oxidant- and acceptor-free conditions
Authors: Zhang Muliang , Ruzi Rehanguli , Li Nan , Xie Jin , Zhu Chengjian
Published: November 2017

A practical photoredox and cobalt co-catalyzed C(sp2)–H functionalization/C–O bond formation is achieved with dihydrogen as the only by-product.
Mechanistic insight into the C7-selective C–H functionalization of N-acyl indole catalyzed by a rhodium complex: a theoretical study
Authors: Han Lingli , Ma Xiaoying , Liu Yuxia , Yu Zhangyu , Liu Tao
Published: November 2017

The role of the additive AgNTf2 and the origins of the reaction are clarified through our calculations.
Structural features of FAP174, a MYCBP-1 orthologue from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, revealed by computational and experimental analyses
Authors: Yogesha M. , Rao Venkatramanan G. , Martis Elvis A. F. , Coutinho Evans C. , Gohlke Holger , Chidangil Santhosh , Dongre Prabhakar M. , D'Souza Jacinta S.
Published: November 2017

The ciliary MYCBP-1 (FAP174) fromChlamydomonas reinhardtiiis an R2D2 protein and harbors a Dimerization and Docking domain.
Synthesis of fluorinated nanoparticles via RAFT dispersion polymerization-induced self-assembly using fluorinated macro-RAFT agents in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Xu Anhou , Lu Quanxuan , Huo Zhiyuan , Ma Jiachen , Geng Bing , Azhar Umair , Zhang Luqing , Zhang Shuxiang
Published: November 2017

Nano-sized fluorinated block copolymer particles are prepared by RAFT dispersion polymerization with polymerization-induced self-assembly proceeding in supercritical carbon dioxide.
In vitro antimicrobial and in vivo wound healing effect of actinobacterially synthesised nanoparticles of silver, gold and their alloy
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Thangavel , Radhakrishnan Manikkam , Gopikrishnan Venugopal , Kadirvelu Krishna , Balagurunathan Ramasamy
Published: November 2017

Antibacterial, antifungal and wound healing potential of actinobacterially synthesised Ag, Au and Ag/Au nanoparticles.
FAM172A controls endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related to NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shen Wenfeng , Feng Zhiqiang , Wang Ping , Zhang Jinqian
Published: November 2017

FAM172A is an anti-oncogene and plays a vital role in controlling cell proliferation and cell cycle by inducing the arrest of G1/S.
Well protected SmCo nanoclusters: fabrication and transformation to single crystals
Authors: Abbas Nadeem , Ding Jian-zhong , Liu J. Ping , Du Juan , Xia Wei-xing , Yan A-ru , Wang Fang , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2017

Highly pure SmCo nanoclusters (NCs) were prepared by a cluster beam deposition (CBD) method.
Desorption and crystallisation of binary 2-propanol and water ices adsorbed on graphite
Authors: Ayling Sean A. , Burke Daren J. , Salter Tara L. , Brown Wendy A.
Published: November 2017

Strong interactions between 2-propanol and water ice cause marked changes in the crystallisation kinetics and desorption of water.
Compositional dependence of ferromagnetic and magnetoelectric effect properties in BaTiO3–BiFeO3–LaFeO3solid solutions
Authors: Qi Xiwei , Zhang Min , Zhang Xiaoyan , Gu Yaohang , Zhu Hongen , Yang Weicheng , Li Ying
Published: November 2017

The maximum value of the magnetoelectric coefficient reached 354 mV (cm−1Oe−1) for the ceramic withx= 0.4.
Influences of the heme-lysine crosslink in cytochrome P460 over redox catalysis and nitric oxide sensitivity
Authors: Vilbert Avery C. , Caranto Jonathan D. , Lancaster Kyle M.
Published: November 2017

A vital role has been identified for the heme-lysine cross-link unique to cytochromes P460: preventing enzyme deactivation during catalysis by the obligate nitrification metabolite nitric oxide.
A detailed evaluation of charge recombination dynamics in dye solar cells based on starburst triphenylamine dyes
Authors: Vinayak Manikkedath V. , Yoosuf Muhammed , Pradhan Sourava C. , Lakshmykanth Thyagarajan M. , Soman Suraj , Gopidas Karical R.
Published: November 2017

Molecularly engineered starburst triphenylamine dyes, endowed with better hole separation and structural effects preventing recombination leading towards improved efficiencies.
Bifunctional electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Davari E. , Ivey D. G.
Published: November 2017

This review focuses on the latest advances related to the development of non-precious metal catalysts for the air electrode in Zn–air batteries (ZABs), which are promising devices to power energy grids and electric vehicles.
Mitigating the capacity and voltage decay of lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes by fabricating Ni/Mn graded surface
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Yangyang , Gao Shilun , Hou Peiyu , Zhang Lianqi
Published: November 2017

A Ni/Mn-graded surface is proposed to suppress the unwanted phase transformations and side-reactions of high-energy lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes, and thus to mitigate their capacity and voltage decay.
Single parabolic band transport in p-type EuZn2Sb2 thermoelectrics
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Wen , Wang Chen , Li Juan , Zhang Xinyue , Zhou Binqiang , Chen Yue , Pei Yanzhong
Published: November 2017

Thermoelectric transport properties of EuZn2Sb2 can be well understood by a SPB conduction and the κL-reduction leads to zT-enhancement.
Tailored biomimetic hydrogel based on a photopolymerised DMP1/MCF/gelatin hybrid system for calvarial bone regeneration
Authors: Lin Shuxian , Cao Lingyan , Wang Qian , Du Jiahui , Jiao Delong , Duan Shengzhong , Wu Jiannan , Gan Qi , Jiang Xinquan
Published: November 2017

Searching for effective osteoinduction factors with higher specificity and biosafety for the preparation of biomimetic materials, which mimic the natural bone extracellular matrix (ECM), seems to be an optimum strategy for achieving ideal bone regeneration.
Stable, polyvalent aptamer-conjugated near-infrared fluorescent nanocomposite for high-performance cancer cell-targeted imaging and therapy
Authors: Zhu Yan-Jun , Li Wen-Jing , Hong Zhang-Yong , Tang An-Na , Kong De-Ming
Published: November 2017

A novel nanocomposite with improved biostability has been designed and used for cancer cell-specific imaging and targeted therapy.
Hyperbranched polyglycerols: recent advances in synthesis, biocompatibility and biomedical applications
Authors: Abbina Srinivas , Vappala Sreeparna , Kumar Prashant , Siren Erika M. J. , La Chanel C. , Abbasi Usama , Brooks Donald E. , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N.
Published: November 2017

Hyperbranched polyglycerol is one of the most widely studied biocompatible dendritic polymer and showed promising applications. Here, we summarized the recent advancements in the field.
Correction: Stent containing CD44-targeting polymeric prodrug nanoparticles that release paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a time interval-controlled manner for synergistic human biliary cancer therapy
Authors: Yun Dayeon , Kim Hyun-Ouk , Son Hye Young , Choi Yuna , Noh Ilkoo , Lim Jong-Woo , Kim Jihye , Chun Haejin , Park Geunseon , Lee Dong Ki , Jang Sung Il , Jang Eunji , Huh Yong-Min , Haam Seungjoo
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Stent containing CD44-targeting polymeric prodrug nanoparticles that release paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a time interval-controlled manner for synergistic human biliary cancer therapy’ by Dayeon Yun et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 6317–6324.
Recent progress on organic donor–acceptor complexes as active elements in organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Zhang Jing , Jin Jianqun , Xu Haixiao , Zhang Qichun , Huang Wei
Published: November 2017

The recent progress on the methods to prepare donor (D)–acceptor (A) co-crystals and their potential applications in OFETs has been reviewed.