bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Emission Location of the Crab Pulsar’s Giant Pulses
Authors: Main Robert , van Kerkwijk Marten H.
Published: June 2018

The Crab pulsar has a striking radio profile, dominated by two pulse components (the main pulse and interpulse) which are comprised of giant pulses. These pulses are randomly occurring, they extend to extremely high flux densities, and are closely aligned with emission across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The Crab, like many pulsars, exhibits scintillation – a pattern in frequency and time arising from interfering scattered images. The pattern varies with location, with the physical scale over which it changes by order unity corresponding to the spatial resolution of the scattering surface. For the Crab, the scattering is in the nebula and the estimated spatial resolution is of order the light cylinder radius. Comparing scintillation spectra of the two components, we infer a difference in physical location of the same order.
Search for and study of pulsars with the Nançay Radio Telescope
Authors: Octau Franck , Desvignes Grégory , Cognard Ismaël , Champion David , Lazarus Patrick , Smith David , Theureau Gilles
Published: June 2018

Since the discovery of the first pulsar in 1967, over 2500 pulsars have been discovered. Pulsars enable a broad range of studies: from the study of the properties of the interstellar medium and of pulsar magnetospheres to tests of gravity in the strong-field regime and the characterisation of the cosmological gravitation wave background. These reasons are the main drive for searching for more pulsars. A blind pulsar survey, named SPAN512, was initiated with the Nançay Radio Telescope in 2012. Conducted at 1.4 GHz with a sampling time of 64μs and 500-kHz frequency channels, SPAN512 was designed to search for fast and distant pulsars in the Galactic plane. Here we describe the current status of the survey and present the latest discovery, PSR J2055+3829, a 2.08-ms pulsar in a black widow system.
The Puzzling Source at the Center of the SNR RCW 103
Authors: Borghese A. , Rea N. , Zelati F. Coti , Esposito P.
Published: June 2018

1E 161348-5055 (1E 1613), the source at the center of the supernova remnant RCW 103, has defied any easy classification since its discovery, owing to its long-term variability (a factor of ~ 100 in flux on time scales from months to years) and a periodicity of 6.67 hr with a variable light curve profile across different flux levels. On June 2016, 1E 1613 emitted a magnetar-like millisecond burst of hard X-rays accompanied with a factor ~ 100 brightening in the persistent soft X-ray emission. The duration and spectral decomposition of the burst, the discovery of a hard X-ray tail in the spectrum, and the long-term outburst history suggest that 1E 1613 is an isolated magnetar and the periodicity of 6.67 hr is the rotational spin period, making 1E 1613 the slowest neutron star ever detected.
Cassini RPWS Dust Observation Near the Janus/Epimetheus Orbit
Authors: Ye S.‐Y. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Persoon A. M. , Gurnett D. A. , Morooka M. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Hsu H.‐W. , Seiß M. , Srama R.
Published: June 2018

During the Ring Grazing orbits near the end of Cassini mission, the spacecraft crossed the equatorial plane near the orbit of Janus/Epimetheus (~2.5 Rs). This region is populated with dust particles that can be detected by the Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument via an electric field antenna signal. Analysis of the voltage waveforms recorded on the RPWS antennas provides estimations of the density and size distribution of the dust particles. Measured RPWS profiles, fitted with Lorentzian functions, are shown to be mostly consistent with the Cosmic Dust Analyzer, the dedicated dust instrument on board Cassini. The thickness of the dusty ring varies between 600 and 1,000 km. The peak location shifts north and south within 100 km of the ring plane, likely a function of the precession phase of Janus orbit.
How Can We Find Out How Much Snow Is in the World?
Authors: Kim Edward
Published: June 2018

In Colorado forests, NASA scientists and a multinational team of researchers test the limits of satellite remote sensing for measuring the water content of snow.
Climatic Effect of Antarctic Meltwater Overwhelmed by Concurrent Northern Hemispheric Melt
Authors: Ivanovic R. F. , Gregoire L. J. , Wickert A. D. , Burke A.
Published: June 2018

Records indicate that 14,500 years ago, sea level rose by 12–22 m in under 340 years. However, the source of the sea level rise remains contentious, partly due to the competing climatic impact of different hemispheric contributions. Antarctic meltwater could indirectly strengthen the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), causing northern warming, whereas Northern Hemisphere ice sheet meltwater has the opposite effect. This story has recently become more intriguing, due to increasing evidence for sea level contributions from both hemispheres. Using a coupled climate model with freshwater forcing, we demonstrate that the climatic influence of southern‐sourced meltwater is overridden by northern sources even when the Antarctic flux is double the North American contribution. This is because the Southern Ocean is quickly resalinized by Antarctic Circumpolar water. These results imply that the pattern of surface climate changes caused by ice sheet melting cannot be used to fingerprint the hemispheric source of the meltwater.
Generation of Electron Acoustic Waves in the Topside Ionosphere From Coupling With Kinetic Alfven Waves: A New Electron Energization Mechanism
Authors: Shi Run , Ni Binbin , Summers Danny , Liu Huixin , Yoshikawa Akimasa , Zhang Beichen
Published: June 2018

Results from a new drift kinetic model in the topside ionosphere capture the mode conversion from kinetic Alfven waves to electron acoustic waves. When the kinetic Alfven waves propagate into the transition region, where the electron density of ionospheric origin becomes comparable to that of magnetospheric origin, the steep temperature gradient leads to the mode conversion. The electron acoustic waves are short‐lived by dissipating their energy into the electron energization, thus revealing a new type of electron acceleration in the topside ionosphere.
MMS/FEEPS Observations of Electron Microinjections Due to Kelvin‐Helmholtz Waves and Flux Transfer Events: A Case Study
Authors: Kavosi S. , Spence H. E. , Fennell J. F. , Turner D. L. , Connor H. K. , Raeder J.
Published: June 2018

The Energetic Particle Detector (EPD) suite onboard the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft observes dispersive and repetitive fluxes of high‐energy (50–400 keV) electrons within the Pc5 frequency band (2–8 MHz) in the dusk to midnight region of Earth's magnetotail. These microinjections are a new phenomenon in this region of the magnetosphere, presently poorly understood, but clearly a new signature that remotely senses large‐scale magnetospheric boundary dynamics. It is therefore important to understand their properties and driver mechanisms. Here we have combined global magnetohydrodynamic simulations and particle tracing results with the MMS EPD Fly's Eye Energetic Particle Spectrometer (FEEPS) observations to investigate possible origins and source regions of the electron microinjections. Our simulation results suggest that the electron microinjections, observed in the dusk to premidnight sector, are associated with Kelvin‐Helmholtz waves (KHWs) and flux transfer events (FTEs). Energetic electrons launched from a limited range of locations near the postnoon dusk magnetopause and at times when KHWs and FTEs pass by that region have drift paths that connect with MMS and thus create time‐dependent microinjection electron signatures. Test‐particle tracing results in the magnetohydrodynamic fields also support the field‐aligned nature of electron microinjections observed by MMS. Though identifying the mechanism by which KHWs and FTEs might periodically inject electrons is beyond the scope of this work, our study does identify these duskside magnetopause boundary phenomena as likely agents of microinjection origins.
The Simultaneous Observations of Nighttime Ionospheric E Region Irregularities and F Region Medium‐Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances in Midlatitude China
Authors: Zhou Chen , Tang Qiong , Huang Fuqing , Liu Yi , Gu Xudong , Lei Jiuhou , Ni Binbin , Zhao Zhengyu
Published: June 2018

Coupling of ionospheric E and F regions in the midlatitude region has been studied for a couple of years. In this study, we investigate the nighttime disturbances in E and F regions in midlatitude China region by using Wuhan ionosonde, Wuhan very high frequency coherent scatter radar, and Mengcheng airglow imager. We present two case studies of simultaneous observations of diffuse sporadic E (Es) layers, quasiperiodic echoes of E region irregularities, spread F, and medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances. Results of case studies indicate that diffuse Es layers and E region irregularities can be associated with the F region medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances or spread F through polarization electric field mapping along the field lines. We then analyze the data set of Wuhan ionosonde and Wuhan very high frequency radar during 2015–2016 and find that the coincidence of diffuse Es layers, quasiperiodic echoes of E region irregularities, and spread F is high at local nighttime. Our results provide the first observational evidence in midlatitude China region to support the concept that polarization electric field generated in the E region irregularities could map along the magnetic field lines and excite electrodynamic disturbances in F region, such as Perkins instability.
Yields and Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter From Different Aged Soils in Northern Alaska
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhou Zhengzhen , Reyes Alberto V. , Guo Laodong
Published: June 2018

Soil organic matter (SOM) in northern high‐latitude regions is a major component of the global carbon cycle. However, the yield of soil‐dissolved organic matter (DOM) during soil‐water interactions and its chemical characteristics and reactivities remain poorly understood. We report here elemental composition and isotopic signatures of bulk‐SOM from northern Alaska, and yields of water‐leachable soil‐DOM, including dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, and dissolved organic phosphorus, and nutrients (dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate). The bulk‐SOM contained 5,400–373,900 μg‐C/g‐soil, 500–12,610 μg‐N/g‐soil, and 38.6–384 μg‐P/g‐soil, with a C/N ratio of 13–37 and a C/P ratio of 80–3,911. The water‐extractable dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, and dissolved organic phosphorus only accounted for 0.58–2.5%, 0.91–3.4%, and 1.2–3.0% of their corresponding total soil‐OC, N, and OP, respectively. While SOM‐δ13C was less variable (−27.08‰ to −26.49‰) showing the same overall C source, 14C‐ages varied widely from 1,170 ± 20 to 16,200 ± 55 years before present, indicating different deposition‐conditions and subsequent‐processes among the soil samples. The specific‐UV‐absorbance at 254 nm (or aromaticity) of soil‐DOM differed considerably and was negatively correlated to spectral slope values. A humic‐like (C1), a low‐molecular‐weight fulvic‐like (C2), and a protein‐like component (C3) were identified as the major fluorescent‐DOM components. The C3/C2 and C3/C1 ratios generally increased with SOM‐14C‐age, suggesting a preferential degradation/transformation of humic‐like and fulvic‐like components or a transformation/production of protein‐like components within permafrost. Both biological and humification indices increased with 14C‐age, excluding the oldest soil, which pointed to a preferential preservation or transformation/production of protein‐like DOM within permafrost, implying that soil‐DOM derived from old permafrost can be highly vulnerable and readily decomposed upon permafrost thaw.
Succinate induces aberrant mitochondrial fission in cardiomyocytes through GPR91 signaling
Authors: Lu Yi-Tong , Li Lan-Zhu , Yang Yi-Lin , Yin Xiaojian , Liu Qun , Zhang Lei , Liu Kang , Liu Baolin , Li Jia , Qi Lian-Wen
Published: June 2018

Altered mitochondrial metabolism acts as an initial cause for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic intermediate succinate emerges as a mediator of mitochondrial dysfunction. This work aims to investigate whether or not extracellular succinate accumulation and its targeted G protein-coupled receptor-91 (GPR91) activation induce cardiac injury through mitochondrial impairment. The results showed that extracellular succinate promoted the translocation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) to mitochondria via protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) activation, and induced mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) phosphorylation via extracellular signal-regulated kinases-1/2 (ERK1/2) activation in a GPR91-dependent manner. As a result, enhanced localization of MFF and Drp1 in mitochondria promoted mitochondrial fission, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We further showed that inhibition of succinate release and GPR91 signaling ameliorated oxygen–glucose deprivation-induced injury in cardiomyocytes and isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia injury in mice. Taken together, these results showed that in response to cardiac ischemia, succinate release activated GPR91 and induced mitochondrial fission via regulation of PKCδ and ERK1/2 signaling branches. These findings suggest that inhibition of extracellular succinate-mediated GPR91 activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for protecting cardiomyocytes from ischemic injury.
Individuality and convergence of the infant gut microbiota during the first year of life
Authors: de Muinck Eric J. , Trosvik Pål
Published: June 2018

The human gut microbiota plays a vital role in health and disease, and microbial colonization is a key process in infant development. Here, we analyze 2684 fecal specimens from 12 infants during their first year of life, providing detailed insights into the human gut colonization process. Maturation of the gut microbial community shows strong temporal structure and specific developmental stages. At 2–4 months of age, there is a period of accelerated convergence concurrent with a bloom ofBifidobacterium, a genus associated with metabolism of oligosaccharides found in breast milk. The end of this period coincides with the introduction of solid food, a reduction in the relative abundance ofBifidobacterium, and an increase in several groups of Firmicutes. Our findings highlight the dynamic nature and individuality of the gut colonization process, and the need for high-frequency sampling over an extended period when designing and interpreting infant microbiome studies.
Topologically frustrated dynamics of crowded charged macromolecules in charged hydrogels
Authors: Jia Di , Muthukumar Murugappan
Published: June 2018

Movement of charged macromolecules in crowded aqueous environments is a ubiquitous phenomenon vital to the various living processes and formulations of materials for health care. While study of diffusion of tracer amounts of probe macromolecules trapped inside concentrated solutions, gels, or random media has led to an enhanced understanding of this complex process, the collective dynamics of charged macromolecules embedded inside congested charge-bearing matrices still remains to be fully explored. Here we report a frustrated dynamics of DNA and synthetic polyelectrolytes inside a charged host hydrogel where the guest molecules do not diffuse. Instead, they exhibit a family of relaxation processes arising from a combination of conformational entropy and local chain dynamics, which are frustrated by the confinement from the gel. We also have developed a model explaining this new universality class of non-diffusive topologically frustrated dynamics of charged macromolecules.
In vivo detection of nanometer-scale structural changes of the human tympanic membrane in otitis media
Authors: Dsouza Roshan , Won Jungeun , Monroy Guillermo L. , Hill Malcolm C. , Porter Ryan G. , Novak Michael A. , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: June 2018

Otitis media (OM) is a common ear infection and a leading cause of conductive hearing loss in the pediatric population. Current technologies such as otoscopy, pneumatic otoscopy, tympanometry, and acoustic reflectometry are used to diagnose OM, which can reasonably diagnose the infection with a sensitivity and specificity of 50–90% and 60–90%, respectively. However, these techniques provide limited information about the physical architecture of the tympanic membrane (TM), or what may lie behind it. Here, we report the detection of nanometer-scale structural changes of the TM using nano-sensitive optical coherence tomography (nsOCT). In total, an image dataset from 65 pediatric subjects from three different groups (normal, acute OM, and chronic OM) and with longitudinal image-based analysis of ear infections were included in this study. The nsOCT data were correlated with physician diagnosis and with OCT thickness measurements and were found to be in good agreement with these results. We report that nsOCT detects in vivo structural deformations of the TM earlier than OCT alone, and enhances the detection sensitivity of OCT measurements. This unique technique for early detection of nano-scale structural modifications in the TM has the potential to aid in our understanding of microbiological effects, and possibly for early diagnosis and more effective treatment of OM.
Chloroquine and amodiaquine enhance AMPK phosphorylation and improve mitochondrial fragmentation in diabetic tubulopathy
Authors: Jeong Hye Yun , Kang Jun Mo , Jun Hak Hoon , Kim Dong-Jin , Park Seon Hwa , Sung Min Ji , Heo Jin Hyung , Yang Dong Ho , Lee Sang Ho , Lee So-Young
Published: June 2018

We investigated the effects of chloroquine (CQ) and amodiaquine (AQ) on AMPK phosphorylation in renal tubular cells in a diabetic environmentin vivoandin vitro. We also examined whether CQ- or AQ-mediated AMPK activity restoration attenuated diabetic tubulopathy by normalizing mitochondrial fragmentation. Human renal proximal epithelial cells (HKC8) were incubated in high-glucose conditions. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin in male C57/BL6J mice. Treatment with CQ or AQ abolished high-glucose-induced phospho-AMPK and phosph-PGC1α down-regulation in HKC8 cells. Improvements in functional mitochondrial mass and balanced fusion/fission protein expression were observed in HKC8 cells after treatment with CQ or AQ in high-glucose conditions. Moreover, decreased mitochondrial ROS production and reduced apoptotic and fibrotic protein expression were noted in HKC8 cells after treatment with CQ or AQ, even in high-glucose conditions. CQ and AQ treatment effectively mitigated albuminuria and renal histopathologic changes and increased AMPK activity in the kidneys of diabetic mice. Electron microscopy analysis showed that mitochondrial fragmentation was decreased, and 8-OHdG content was low in the renal tubular cells of the CQ and AQ treatment groups compared with those of the diabetic control group. Our results suggest that CQ and AQ may be useful treatments for patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Control of Spreading Depression with Electrical Fields
Authors: Whalen Andrew J. , Xiao Ying , Kadji Herve , Dahlem Markus A. , Gluckman Bruce J. , Schiff Steven J.
Published: June 2018

Spreading depression or depolarization is a large-scale pathological brain phenomenon related to migraine, stroke, hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury. Once initiated, spreading depression propagates across gray matter extruding potassium and other active molecules, collapsing the resting membrane electro-chemical gradient of cells leading to spike inactivation and cellular swelling, and propagates independently of synaptic transmission. We demonstrate the modulation, suppression and prevention of spreading depression utilizing applied transcortical DC electric fields in brain slices, measured with intrinsic optical imaging and potassium dye epifluorescence. We experimentally observe a surface-positive electric field induced forcing of spreading depression propagation to locations in cortex deeper than the unmodulated propagation path, whereby further propagation is confined and arrested even after field termination. The opposite surface-negative electric field polarity produces an increase in propagation velocity and a confinement of the wave to more superficial layers of cortex than the unmodulated propagation path. These field polarities are of opposite sign to the polarity that blocks neuronal spiking and seizures, and are consistent with biophysical models of spreading depression. The results demonstrate the potential feasibility of electrical control and prevention of spreading depression.
Simple, low-cost fabrication of acrylic based droplet microfluidics and its use to generate DNA-coated particles
Authors: Islam Md. Mamunul , Loewen Amanda , Allen Peter B.
Published: June 2018

Hydrogel microparticles were copolymerized with surface-immobilized DNA. Particles derived from a microfluidic device and particles derived from mechanical homogenization were compared. The hypothesis was tested that a controlled droplet generation mechanism would produce more homogeneous particles. Surprisingly, the DNA content of both particle types was similarly inhomogeneous. To make this test possible, a simple, low cost, and rapid method was developed to fabricate a microfluidic chip for droplet generation and in-line polymerization. This method used a low-cost laser cutter ($400) and direct heat bonding (no adhesives or intermediate layers). The flow focusing droplet generator produced droplets and hydrogel particles 10–200 μm in diameter.
Impact of physical confinement on nuclei geometry and cell division dynamics in 3D spheroids
Authors: Desmaison Annaïck , Guillaume Ludivine , Triclin Sarah , Weiss Pierre , Ducommun Bernard , Lobjois Valérie
Published: June 2018

Multicellular tumour spheroids are used as a culture model to reproduce the 3D architecture, proliferation gradient and cell interactions of a tumour micro-domain. However, their 3D characterization at the cell scale remains challenging due to size and cell density issues. In this study, we developed a methodology based on 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) image analysis and convex hull calculation that allows characterizing the 3D shape and orientation of cell nuclei relative to the spheroid surface. By using this technique and optically cleared spheroids, we found that in freely growing spheroids, nuclei display an elongated shape and are preferentially oriented parallel to the spheroid surface. This geometry is lost when spheroids are grown in conditions of physical confinement. Live 3D LSFM analysis of cell division revealed that confined growth also altered the preferential cell division axis orientation parallel to the spheroid surface and induced prometaphase delay. These results provide key information and parameters that help understanding the impact of physical confinement on cell proliferation within tumour micro-domains.
Mutations in blind cavefish target the light-regulated circadian clock gene, period 2
Authors: Ceinos Rosa Maria , Frigato Elena , Pagano Cristina , Fröhlich Nadine , Negrini Pietro , Cavallari Nicola , Vallone Daniela , Fuselli Silvia , Bertolucci Cristiano , Foulkes Nicholas S.
Published: June 2018

Light represents the principal signal driving circadian clock entrainment. However, how light influences the evolution of the clock remains poorly understood. The cavefishPhreatichthys andruzziirepresents a fascinating model to explore how evolution under extreme aphotic conditions shapes the circadian clock, since in this species the clock is unresponsive to light. We have previously demonstrated that loss-of-function mutations targeting non-visual opsins contribute in part to this blind clock phenotype. Here, we have compared orthologs of two core clock genes that play a key role in photic entrainment,cry1aandper2, in both zebrafish andP. andruzzii. We encountered aberrantly spliced variants for theP. andruzzii per2transcript. The most abundant transcript encodes a truncated protein lacking the C-terminal Cry binding domain and incorporating an intronic, transposon-derived coding sequence. We demonstrate that the transposon insertion leads to a predominantly cytoplasmic localization of the cavefish Per2 protein in contrast to the zebrafish ortholog which is distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Thus, it seems that during evolution in complete darkness, the photic entrainment pathway of the circadian clock has been subject to mutation at multiple levels, extending from opsin photoreceptors to nuclear effectors.
Angiogenesis in human brain tumors: screening of drug response through a patient-specific cell platform for personalized therapy
Authors: Guarnaccia Laura , Navone Stefania Elena , Trombetta Elena , Cordiglieri Chiara , Cherubini Alessandro , Crisà Francesco Maria , Rampini Paolo , Miozzo Monica , Fontana Laura , Caroli Manuela , Locatelli Marco , Riboni Laura , Campanella Rolando , Marfia Giovanni
Published: June 2018

Gliomas are the most common brain tumors, with diverse biological behaviour. Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and with the worst prognosis, is characterized by an intense and aberrant angiogenesis, which distinguishes it from low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and benign expansive lesions, as meningiomas (MNGs). With increasing evidence for the importance of vascularization in tumor biology, we focused on the isolation and characterization of endothelial cells (ECs) from primary GBMs, LGGs and MNGs. Gene expression analysis by Real-Time PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis, tube-like structures formation and vascular permeability assays were performed. Our results showed a higher efficiency of ECs to form a complex vascular architecture, as well as a greater impairment of a brain blood barrier model, and an overexpression of pro-angiogenic mediators in GBM than in LGG and MNG. Furthermore, administration of temozolomide, bevacizumab, and sunitinib triggered a different proliferative, apoptotic and angiogenic response, in a dose and time-dependent manner. An increased resistance to temozolomide was observed in T98G cells co-cultured in GBM-EC conditioned media. Therefore, we developed a novel platform to reproduce tumor vascularization as “disease in a dish”, which allows us to perform screening of sensitivity/resistance to drugs, in order to optimize targeted approaches to GBM therapy.
Music playschool enhances children’s linguistic skills
Authors: Linnavalli Tanja , Putkinen Vesa , Lipsanen Jari , Huotilainen Minna , Tervaniemi Mari
Published: June 2018

Several studies have suggested that intensive musical training enhances children’s linguistic skills. Such training, however, is not available to all children. We studied in a community setting whether a low-cost, weekly music playschool provided to 5–6-year-old children in kindergartens could already affect their linguistic abilities. Children (N = 66) were tested four times over two school-years with Phoneme processing and Vocabulary subtests, along with tests for Perceptual reasoning skills and Inhibitory control. We compared the development of music playschool children to their peers either attending to similarly organized dance lessons or not attending to either activity. Music playschool significantly improved the development of children’s phoneme processing and vocabulary skills. No such improvements on children’s scores for non-verbal reasoning and inhibition were obtained. Our data suggest that even playful group music activities – if attended to for several years – have a positive effect on pre-schoolers’ linguistic skills. Therefore we promote the concept of implementing regular music playschool lessons given by professional teachers in early childhood education.
Controlling the orientation of a cell-synthesized extracellular matrix by using engineered gelatin-based building blocks
Authors: Pennacchio Fabrizio A. , Casale Costantino , Urciuolo Francesco , Imparato Giorgia , Vecchione Raffaele , Netti Paolo A.
Published: June 2018

Surface micropatterned gelatin building blocks clearly increment the alignment degree of collagen-based microtissues synthesized by human dermal fibroblasts.
Acute and chronic toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles in chemical mechanical planarization slurries with Daphnia magna
Authors: Karimi Sarah , Troeung Meiline , Wang Ruhung , Draper Rockford , Pantano Paul
Published: June 2018

This work reports the first toxicity assessment with Daphnia magna of model chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) slurries containing specialized nanoparticles used in CMP slurry formulations.
An approach combining enzymatic 18O-labeling and label-free methods for the quantitative dynamic analysis of hemogen phosphorylation
Authors: Sui Shaohui , Li Lei , Li Changyan , Zhang Wanjun , Wu Weihui , Yu Wenfeng , Jiang Zhigang , Ying Wantao
Published: June 2018

Combining label-free methods and 18O-labeling for temporal analysis of the changes for the phosphorylated hemogen stimulated with PMA.
Decomposition of P4O10 in DMSO
Authors: Johansson Sebastian , Kuhlmann Christopher , Weber Johannes , Paululat Thomas , Engelhard Carsten , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn
Published: June 2018

Intermediate states of degradation of phosphorus pentoxide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), also known as Onodera reagent, are studied.
Stille cross-coupling of secondary and tertiary α-(trifluoromethyl)-benzyl chlorides with allylstannanes
Authors: Punna Nagender , Harada Kyosuke , Shibata Norio
Published: June 2018

A Stille cross-coupling reaction was developed for the first time by secondary (trifluoromethyl)benzyl chlorides and allylstannanes.
Impact of disorder on optical reflectivity contrast of epitaxial Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films
Authors: Behrens Mario , Lotnyk Andriy , Roß Ulrich , Griebel Jan , Schumacher Philipp , Gerlach Jürgen W. , Rauschenbach Bernd
Published: June 2018

Classification of the optical reflectivity contrasts of single-phase, epitaxial Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films with respect to the vacancy arrangements.
MOF-derived porous Fe2O3 with controllable shapes and improved catalytic activities in H2S selective oxidation
Authors: Zhan Yingying , Shen Lijuan , Xu Congbo , Zhao Wentao , Cao Yanning , Jiang Lilong
Published: June 2018

Porous Fe2O3 architectures with controllable shapes are synthesized by the MOF-template method and show excellent catalytic activity for H2S selective oxidation.
Ultra-low friction mechanism of highly sp3-hybridized amorphous carbon controlled by interfacial molecule adsorption
Authors: Shi Jing , Xia Tiandong , Wang Chengbing , Yuan Kun , Zhang Junyan
Published: June 2018

The friction behaviors of highly sp3-hybridized carbon films, including ultra-nanocrystalline diamond and diamond-like carbon materials, strongly depend on atmospheres.
Two photon spectroscopy and microscopy of the fluorescent flavoprotein, iLOV
Authors: Homans Rachael J. , Khan Raja U. , Andrews Michael B. , Kjeldsen Annemette E. , Natrajan Louise S. , Marsden Steven , McKenzie Edward A. , Christie John M. , Jones Alex R.
Published: June 2018

Homans et al. show that engineered LOV-domains are amenable to two photon activation both in vitro and in human cells.
Ab initio identification of the Li-rich phase in LiFePO4
Authors: Zeng Hua , Gu Yue , Teng Gaofeng , Liu Yimeng , Zheng Jiaxin , Pan Feng
Published: June 2018

This article provides a systematic theoretical study of Li-rich phase Li1+xFe1−xPO4 (x ≤ 12.5%) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Distinguishing different classes of secondary relaxations from vapour deposited ultrastable glasses
Authors: Rodríguez-Tinoco Cristian , Ngai K. L. , Rams-Baron Marzena , Rodríguez-Viejo Javier , Paluch Marian
Published: June 2018

Two groups of secondary relaxations: those becoming slower in the ultrastable state, in strong concordance with the structural relaxation, and those becoming faster.
Effect of reduced graphene oxide on the solvent transport characteristics and sorption kinetics of fluoroelastomer nanocomposites
Authors: Moni Grace , Abraham Jiji , Kurian Chinchu , Joseph Ayarin , George Soney C.
Published: June 2018

Molecular transport characteristics of fluoroelastomer nanocomposites in aromatic hydrocarbons exhibited improved chemical resistivity by the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide, due to its better reinforcing efficiency and improved polymer-filler interactions.
Measurement of adsorption constants of laccase on gold nanoparticles to evaluate the enhancement in enzyme activity of adsorbed laccase
Authors: Peixoto de Almeida Miguel , Quaresma Pedro , Sousa Susana , Couto Cláudia , Gomes Inês , Krippahl Ludwig , Franco Ricardo , Pereira Eulália
Published: June 2018

Laccase adsorption on gold nanoparticles increases the enzyme activity. Results from adsorption studies were used in a model to assess the activity of adsorbed laccase.
Salt-promoted catalytic methanol carbonylation using iridium pincer-crown ether complexes
Authors: Gregor Lauren C. , Grajeda Javier , White Peter S. , Vetter Andrew J. , Miller Alexander J. M.
Published: June 2018

Iridium complexes of pincer ligands containing aza-crown ether macrocycles are precatalysts for methanol carbonylation. Turnover numbers for all acetyl-containing products could be tuned from 265 to 1950 using metal and tetrabutylammonium salts.
Chiral coordination polymers based on d10 metals and 2-aminonicotinate with blue fluorescent/green phosphorescent anisotropic emissions
Authors: Pajuelo-Corral Oier , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , García Jose A. , San Sebastián Eider , Seco Jose M. , Cepeda Javier
Published: June 2018

Two isostructural and chiral 2D-layered coordination polymers present bright blue steady-state fluorescence that turns into pale green long-lasting phosphorescence.
A thermosensitive fluorescent Eu-based metal–organic framework and its polyether sulfone composite film as a thermal sensor
Authors: Shen Mei-Lin , Xu Ling , Liu Bing , Jiao Huan , Kwon Young-Uk
Published: June 2018

Thermosensitive fluorescent [Eu(NDC)(H2O)Cl] (1) (H2NDC = 2,6-Naphthalene dicarboxylic acid) was fabricated with polyether sulfone (PES) into composite films. 40% 1@PES film showed highly sensitive and repeatable thermal sensor properties in an alarm device.
Ni–Co layered double hydroxide on carbon nanorods and graphene nanoribbons derived from MOFs for supercapacitors
Authors: Jin Hongxing , Yuan Daqing , Zhu Shengyun , Zhu Xiaohong , Zhu Jiliang
Published: June 2018

In this study, carbon nanorods (CNR) and graphene nanoribbons (GNR) derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were first prepared by solvothermal method.
A pumpless body-on-a-chip model using a primary culture of human intestinal cells and a 3D culture of liver cells
Authors: Chen Huanhuan Joyce , Miller Paula , Shuler Michael L.
Published: June 2018

A pumpless GI–Liver system using primary human intestinal epithelial cells serves as an improved model for drug studies.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of benzimidazole–rhodanine conjugates as potent topoisomerase II inhibitors
Authors: Li Penghui , Zhang Wenjin , Jiang Hong , Li Yongliang , Dong Changzhi , Chen Huixiong , Zhang Kun , Du Zhiyun
Published: June 2018

In this study, a series of benzimidazole–rhodanine conjugates were designed, synthesized and investigated for their topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitory and cytotoxic activities.
Trehalose elevates brain zinc levels following controlled cortical impact in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Portbury Stuart D. , Hare Dominic J. , Bishop David P. , Finkelstein David I. , Doble Philip A. , Adlard Paul A.
Published: June 2018

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a clinical consequence of brain injury that can result in neuropathological outcomes that are exacerbated with age.
Catalytic reduction mechanism of deoxygenation of NOviathe CO-reaction pathway using nanoalloy Ag7Au6clusters: density functional theory investigation
Authors: Wongnongwa Yutthana , Namuangruk Supawadee , Kungwan Nawee , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn
Published: June 2018

The crucial step involves Ag7Au6-catalysed reduction of NO to generate N2O; deoxygenation of NOviathe CO-reaction pathway is more favorable than that in the absence of CO.
A polystyrene supported [PdCl–(SeCSe)] complex: a novel, reusable and robust heterogeneous catalyst for the Sonogashira synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted alkynes and 1,3-enynes
Authors: Mohammadi Elmira , Movassagh Barahman
Published: June 2018

PS-[PdCl–(SeCSe)] has been introduced as a novel and heterogeneous catalyst, which exhibits outstanding catalytic activity in the Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.
Synthesis and structural characterisation of Group 11 metal complexes with a phosphinoferrocene oxazoline
Authors: Bárta Ondřej , Drusan Michal , Císařová Ivana , Šebesta Radovan , Štěpnička Petr
Published: June 2018

Interactions of phosphinoferrocene oxazolines with Group 11 metals were elucidated. The differences dictated by the metal ions are discussed.
Ionic-liquid supported rapid synthesis of anN-glycan core pentasaccharide on a 10 g scale
Authors: Li Wei , Gao Yu , Li Qing , Li Zhong-Jun
Published: June 2018

A hetero-branchedN-glycan core pentasaccharide was rapidly assembled on a new ionic liquid support on a 10 g scale.
In situgeneration of nitrile oxides from copper carbene andtert-butyl nitrite: synthesis of fully substituted isoxazoles
Authors: Chen Rongxiang , Ogunlana Abosede Adejoke , Fang Shangwen , Long Wenhao , Sun Hongmei , Bao Xiaoguang , Wan Xiaobing
Published: June 2018

Herein, a novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters with nitrile oxides, which were generatedin situfrom copper carbene andtert-butyl nitrite, was developed effectively to give fully substituted isoxazoles.
Enhanced catalytic activity and thermal stability of lipase bound to oxide nanosheets
Authors: Yamada Akane , Kamada Kai , Ueda Taro , Hyodo Takeo , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Soh Nobuaki
Published: June 2018

The present study reports the preferable effects of binding of lipase to titanate nanosheets. The binding largely enhanced biocatalytic activity and thermal stability of lipase especially at diluted concentrations.
A general strategy to synthesize high-level N-doped porous carbons via Schiff-base chemistry for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Dazhang , Jiang Juxiang , Sun Dongmei , Qian Xiaoyu , Wang Yawei , Li Liangchun , Wang Zhiwei , Chai Xiaolan , Gan Lihua , Liu Mingxian
Published: June 2018

A general Schiff-base strategy was developed to efficiently synthesize high-level N-doped porous carbons with tunable geometry and pore structure for supercapacitors.
The progress of metal-free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction based on theoretical simulations
Authors: Ji Yujin , Dong Huilong , Liu Cheng , Li Youyong
Published: June 2018

Theoretical simulations on the structure–activity relationship of metal-free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells and Li–oxygen batteries.
A 3D well-matched electrode pair of Ni–Co–S//Ni–Co–P nanoarrays grown on nickel foam as a high-performance electrocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Gong Yaqiong , Xu Zhoufeng , Pan Hailong , Lin Yu , Yang Zhi , Wang Jinlei
Published: June 2018

The as-obtained Ni–Co–S//Ni–Co–P electrode pair can serve as a high-performance electrocatalyst for water splitting under electrochemical reaction conditions.
Facile phthalocyanine doping into PEDOT leads to highly efficient and stable inverted metal halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Xian-Fu , Zhou Xianyong , Zhang Luozhen , Xu Baomin
Published: June 2018

Facile phthalocyanine doping leads to 18.9% PCE of inverted perovskite solar cells.
Toward advanced sodium-ion batteries: a wheel-inspired yolk–shell design for large-volume-change anode materials
Authors: Xu Hui , Qin Liguang , Chen Jian , Wang Zuankai , Zhang Wei , Zhang Peigen , Tian Wubian , Zhang Yao , Guo Xinli , Sun Zhengming
Published: June 2018

The WS structure with a multipoint model succeeds in addressing the sluggish electron/ion transfer at the yolk–shell interface and structural degradation.
Graphene size-dependent modulation of graphene frameworks contributing to the superior thermal conductivity of epoxy composites
Authors: Hou Hao , Dai Wen , Yan Qingwei , Lv Le , Alam Fakhr E. , Yang Minghui , Yao Yagang , Zeng Xiaoliang , Xu Jian-Bin , Yu Jinhong , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng-Te
Published: June 2018

Graphene frameworks composed of quasi-isotropic and interconnected graphene were constructed via the filtration of graphene sheets with a small lateral size, endowing an epoxy composite (5.5 wt% graphene addition) with in- and through-plane thermal conductivities ∼55 and 29 times higher than those of neat epoxy, respectively.
A biomimetic hierarchical structure with a hydrophilic surface and a hydrophobic subsurface constructed from waterborne polyurethanes containing a self-assembling peptide extender
Authors: Zhang Fanjun , Wang Rong , He Yuanyuan , Lin Weiwei , Li Yuxi , Shao Yiqi , Li Jiehua , Ding Mingming , Luo Feng , Tan Hong , Fu Qiang
Published: June 2018

A biomimetic hierarchical structure with a hydrophilic surface and a hydrophobic subsurface is constructed from waterborne polyurethanes.
Doped polyaniline-hybridized tungsten oxide nanocrystals as hole injection layers for efficient organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhu Wenjuan , Chen Xu-Lin , Chang Jianfei , Yu Rong-Min , Li Haoran , Liang Dong , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Wang Yuansheng , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: June 2018

A novel PANI:PSS–WO3 nanocomposite is introduced as a hole injection layer in OLEDs.
Hole-doping-induced half-metallic ferromagnetism in a highly-air-stable PdSe2 monolayer under uniaxial stress
Authors: Zhang Shi-Hao , Liu Bang-Gui
Published: June 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) high-temperature ferromagnetic materials are important for spintronic applications.
A dibenzo[a,c]phenazine-11,12-dicarbonitrile (DBPzDCN) acceptor based thermally activated delayed fluorescent compound for efficient near-infrared electroluminescent devices
Authors: Wang Shipan , Miao Yang , Yan Xianju , Ye Kaiqi , Wang Yue
Published: June 2018

A high external quantum efficiency of 7.68% was achieved in a near-infrared organic light-emitting diode with a novel TADF molecule.
Efficient and moisture-resistant hole transport layer for inverted perovskite solar cells using solution-processed polyaniline
Authors: Lee Kisu , Yu Haejun , Lee Jong Woo , Oh Jungkyun , Bae Sohyeon , Kim Seong Keun , Jang Jyongsik
Published: June 2018

Polyaniline doped with camphorsulfonic acid (PANI-CSA) was successfully utilized as a hole transport layer to realize efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Overlayer induced air gap acting as a responsivity amplifier for majority carrier graphene–insulator–silicon photodetectors
Authors: Park Hong-Ki , Choi Jaewu
Published: June 2018

Photo-responsivity of majority carrier graphene–insulator–silicon (GIS) photodetectors, which act as photocurrent amplifiers and thus have high potential for various future electro-optic applications requiring their high responsivity, low dark current, high on–off ratio and high detectivity.
Autonomous high‐speed serial link power management depending on required link performance for HMC
Authors: Jeon D.‐I. , Chung K.‐S.
Published: June 2018

Many studies on 3D‐stacked dynamic RAMs (DRAMs) have been conducted to overcome the shortcomings of conventional DRAM. The hybrid memory cube (HMC) is one of the most promising 3D‐stacked DRAMs, thanks to its high bandwidth and expandable structure. However, a high‐speed serial link that interfaces the CPU and HMC consumes significant power, primarily because of the high overhead incurred in synchronising its clock. Although the link provides low‐power modes, managing them is very difficult because of their long mode transition times. An autonomous power management method for the high‐speed link is proposed. The proposed method determines the optimal number of active links while satisfying the required link performance. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed method reduces link power consumption by an average of 63.06% with a performance degradation of only 1.36%. Therefore, this proposed autonomous link power management is an outstanding option for low‐power HMC‐based systems.
FPGA implementation of adaptive digital pre‐distorter with improving accuracy of lookup table by Taylor series method
Authors: Ren Jijun
Published: June 2018

Due to the non‐linear behaviour of the power amplifier (PA), the amplification of signals with fluctuating envelopes leads to distortion inevitably. These non‐linear effects can be counteracted by the digital pre‐distortion (DPD) with the adaption and updating of lookup table (LUT). In this Letter, a low‐complexity LUT implemented by FPGA of pre‐distortion PA lineariser is proposed to obtain more accurate linearisation. The algorithm utilises interpolation of the LUT with the method of Taylor series. The experiment shows that this method can be used to obtain the more accurate indexed value of LUT to estimate the PA behaviour for effective DPD.
Wide‐input dynamic range 1 MHz clock ultra‐low supply flip‐flop
Authors: Ramaswami Palaniappan A. , Siek L.
Published: June 2018

A new wide‐input dynamic range flip‐flop capable of operation at an ultra‐low supply voltage of 0.16 V is presented. The proposed flip‐flop named as capacitively boosted sense‐amplifier flip‐flop (CB‐SAFF) utilises a capacitively boosted sense‐amplifier master stage to sense the data signals and amplify them to a voltage higher than the supply and below the ground for driving the slave latch stage with improved strength. Using the same size of input/output transistors and load capacitance, the proposed CB‐SAFF outperforms existing state‐of‐the‐art sense‐amplifier flip‐flop designs at a low supply voltage operation from 0.16 to 0.6 V in terms of power delay product and clock to output propagation delay performance metrics. In addition, the proposed CB‐SAFF can also sample low‐swing data signals down to 0.2 V even at a 0.16 V supply voltage and 1 MHz clock frequency, thus making it highly suitable for applications that demand high speed and low power consumption such as for use in ultra‐low voltage Internet of Things, wireless sensor nodes and smart motes.
ARCADES: analysis of risk from cyberattack against defensive strategies for the power grid
Authors: Touhiduzzaman Md , Hahn Adam , Srivastava Anurag
Published: June 2018

In this study, the authors introduce ARCADES (Analysis of Risk from Cyberattack against DEfensive Strategy), a technique to systematically explore the cybersecurity defence strategies based on contingency rankings in power systems. While cybersecurity defensive standards exist, these approaches are primarily based on expert opinions, rather than systematic studies of risk. ARCADES presents an approach to identify improved cybersecurity defensive strategies based on a graph‐based cyber‐physical security model that is evaluated by resistance‐distance metrics and then prioritised based on contingency analysis studies of the system. This study also proposed a technique that identifies the most critical cybersecurity mechanisms to protect the power grid. Planning and operation: those two applications for cybersecurity on power grid mainly explored in this study. For planning, a systematic method is developed to verify the effectiveness of security strategies and for operation, prioritised the security mechanism for auditing and monitoring purpose. As a case study, they analyse the IEEE‐14 bus, IEEE‐30 bus, and IEEE‐118 bus systems, observe the defensive strategies, and calculate substation criticality ranking by using the authors’ proposed method.