bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency selection rule for high definition and high frame rate Lissajous scanning
Authors: Hwang Kyungmin , Seo Yeong-Hyeon , Ahn Jinhyo , Kim Pilhan , Jeong Ki-Hun
Published: October 2017

Lissajous microscanners are very attractive in compact laser scanning applications such as endomicroscopy or pro-projection display owing to high mechanical stability and low operating voltages. The scanning frequency serves as a critical factor for determining the scanning imaging quality. Here we report the selection rule of scanning frequencies that can realize high definition and high frame-rate (HDHF) full-repeated Lissajous scanning imaging. The fill factor (FF) monotonically increases with the total lobe number of a Lissajous curve, i.e., the sum of scanning frequencies divided by the great common divisor (GCD) of bi-axial scanning frequencies. The frames per second (FPS), called the pattern repeated rate or the frame rate, linearly increases with GCD. HDHF Lissajous scanning is achieved at the bi-axial scanning frequencies, where the GCD has the maximum value among various sets of the scanning frequencies satisfying the total lobe number for a target FF. Based on this selection rule, the experimental results clearly demonstrate that conventional Lissajous scanners substantially increase both FF and FPS by slightly modulating the scanning frequencies at near the resonance within the resonance bandwidth of a Lissajous scanner. This selection rule provides a new guideline for HDHF Lissajous scanning in compact laser scanning systems.
The Translation of Cyclin B1 and B2 is Differentially Regulated during Mouse Oocyte Reentry into the Meiotic Cell Cycle
Authors: Han Seung Jin , Martins João Pedro Sousa , Yang Ye , Kang Min Kook , Daldello Enrico Maria , Conti Marco
Published: October 2017

Control of protein turnover is critical for meiotic progression. Using RiboTag immunoprecipitation, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay, we investigated how rates of mRNA translation, protein synthesis and degradation contribute to the steady state level of Cyclin B1 and B2 in mouse oocytes. Ribosome loading onto Ccnb1 and Mos mRNAs increases during cell cycle reentry, well after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). This is followed by the translation of reporters containing 3′ untranslated region of Mos or Ccnb1 and the accumulation of Mos and Cyclin B1 proteins. Conversely, ribosome loading onto Ccnb2 mRNA and Cyclin B2 protein level undergo minimal changes during meiotic reentry. Degradation rates of Cyclin B1 or B2 protein at the GV stage are comparable. The translational activation of Mos and Ccnb1, but not Ccnb2, mRNAs is dependent on the RNA binding protein CPEB1. Inhibition of Cdk1 activity, but not Aurora A kinase activity, prevents the translation of Mos or Ccnb1 reporters, suggesting that MPF is required for their translation in mouse oocytes. Conversely, Ccnb2 translation is insensitive to Cdk1 inhibition. Thus, the poised state that allows rapid meiotic reentry in mouse GV oocytes may be determined by the differential translational control of two Cyclins.
Acridine orange exhibits photodamage in human bladder cancer cells under blue light exposure
Authors: Lin Yi-Chia , Lin Ji-Fan , Tsai Te-Fu , Chen Hung-En , Chou Kuang-Yu , Yang Shan-Che , Tang Ya-Ming , Hwang Thomas I.-Sheng
Published: October 2017

Human bladder cancer (BC) cells exhibit a high basal level of autophagic activity with accumulation of acridine-orange(AO)-stained acidic vesicular organelles. The rapid AO relocalization was observed in treated BC cells under blue-light emission. To investigate the cytotoxic effects of AO on human BC cell lines under blue-light exposure, human immortalized uroepithelial (SV-Huc-1) and BC cell lines (5637 and T24) were treated with indicated concentrations of AO or blue-light exposure alone and in combination. The cell viability was then determined using WST-1, time-lapse imaging with a Cytosmart System and continuous quantification with a multi-mode image-based reader. Treatment of AO or blue-light exposure alone did not cause a significant loss of viability in BC cells. However, AO exhibited a dose-dependent increment of cytotoxicity toward BC cells under blue-light exposure. Furthermore, the tumor formation of BC cells with treatment was significantly reduced when evaluated in a mouse xenograft model. The photodamage caused by AO was nearly neglected in SV-Huc-1 cells, suggesting a differential effect of this treatment between cancer and normal cells. In summary, AO, as a photosensitizer, disrupts acidic organelles and induces cancer cell death in BC cells under blue-light irradiation. Our findings may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy against human BC.
Evidence for Stress-like Alterations in the HPA-Axis in Women Taking Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Hertel Johannes , König Johanna , Homuth Georg , Van der Auwera Sandra , Wittfeld Katharina , Pietzner Maik , Kacprowski Tim , Pfeiffer Liliane , Kretschmer Anja , Waldenberger Melanie , Kastenmüller Gabi , Artati Anna , Suhre Karsten , Adamski Jerzy , Langner Sönke , Völker Uwe , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele , Grabe Hans Joergen
Published: October 2017

Using oral contraceptives has been implicated in the aetiology of stress-related disorders like depression. Here, we followed the hypothesis that oral contraceptives deregulate the HPA-axis by elevating circulating cortisol levels. We report for a sample of 233 pre-menopausal women increased circulating cortisol levels in those using oral contraceptives. For women taking oral contraceptives, we observed alterations in circulating phospholipid levels and elevated triglycerides and found evidence for increased glucocorticoid signalling as the transcript levels of the glucocorticoid-regulated genes DDIT4 and FKBP5 were increased in whole blood. The effects were statistically mediated by cortisol. The associations of oral contraceptives with higher FKBP5 mRNA and altered phospholipid levels were modified by rs1360780, a genetic variance implicated in psychiatric diseases. Accordingly, the methylation pattern of FKBP5 intron 7 was altered in women taking oral contraceptives depending on the rs1360780 genotype. Moreover, oral contraceptives modified the association of circulating cortisol with depressive symptoms, potentially explaining conflicting results in the literature. Finally, women taking oral contraceptives displayed smaller hippocampal volumes than non-using women. In conclusion, the integrative analyses of different types of physiological data provided converging evidence indicating that oral contraceptives may cause effects analogous to chronic psychological stressors regarding the regulation of the HPA axis.
Organelle membrane derived patches: reshaping classical methods for new targets
Authors: Shapovalov George , Ritaine Abigaël , Bidaux Gabriel , Slomianny Christian , Borowiec Anne-Sophie , Gordienko Dmitri , Bultynck Geert , Skryma Roman , Prevarskaya Natalia
Published: October 2017

Intracellular ion channels are involved in multiple signaling processes, including such crucial ones as regulation of cellular motility and fate. With 95% of the cellular membrane belonging to intracellular organelles, it is hard to overestimate the importance of intracellular ion channels. Multiple studies have been performed on these channels over the years, however, a unified approach allowing not only to characterize their activity but also to study their regulation by partner proteins, analogous to the patch clamp “golden standard”, is lacking. Here, we present a universal approach that combines the extraction of intracellular membrane fractions with the preparation of patchable substrates that allows to characterize these channels in endogenous protein environment and to study their regulation by partner proteins. We validate this method by characterizing activity of multiple intracellular ion channels localized to different organelles and by providing detailed electrophysiological characterization of the regulation of IP3R activity by endogenous Bcl-2. Thus, after synthesis and reshaping of the well-established approaches, organelle membrane derived patch clamp provides the means to assess ion channels from arbitrary cellular membranes at the single channel level.
Gag P2/NC and pol genetic diversity, polymorphism, and drug resistance mutations in HIV-1 CRF02_AG- and non-CRF02_AG-infected patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Teto Georges , Tagny Claude T. , Mbanya Dora , Fonsah Julius Y. , Fokam Joseph , Nchindap Emilienne , Kenmogne Léopoldine , Njamnshi Alfred K. , Kanmogne Georgette D.
Published: October 2017

In HIV-1 subtype-B, specific mutations in Gag cleavage sites (CS) are associated with treatment failure, with limited knowledge among non-B subtypes. We analyzed non-B HIV-1 gag and pol (protease/reverse-transcriptase) sequences from Cameroonians for drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in the gag P2/NC CS, and pol major DRMs. Phylogeny of the 141 sequences revealed a high genetic diversity (12 subtypes): 67.37% CRF02_AG versus 32.6% non-CRF02_AG. Overall, 7.3% transmitted and 34.3% acquired DRMs were found, including M184V, thymidine analogue mutations (T215F, D67N, K70R, K219Q), NNRTIs (L100I, Y181C, K103N, V108I, Y188L), and PIs (V82L). Twelve subjects [10 with HIV-1 CRF02_AG, 8 treatment-naïve and 4 on 3TC-AZT-NVP] showed 3 to 4 mutations in the Gag P2/NC CS: S373Q/T/A, A374T/S/G/N, T375S/A/N/G, I376V, G381S, and R380K. Subjects with or without Gag P2/NC CS mutations showed no significant difference in viral loads. Treatment-naïve subjects harboring NRTI-DRMs had significantly lower CD4 cells than those with NRTI-DRMs on ART (p = 0.042). Interestingly, two subjects had major DRMs to NRTIs, NNRTIs, and 4 mutations in the Gag P2/NC CS. In this prevailing CRF02_AG population with little exposure to PIs (~3%), mutations in the Gag P2/NC CS could increase the risk of treatment failure if there is increased use of PIs-based therapy.
Degradation by water vapor of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxynitride films grown at low temperature
Authors: Lee Hyung-Ik , Park Jong-Bong , Xianyu Wenxu , Kim Kihong , Chung Jae Gwan , Kyoung Yong Koo , Byun Sunjung , Yang Woo Young , Park Yong Young , Kim Seong Min , Cho Eunae , Shin Jai Kwang
Published: October 2017

We report on the degradation process by water vapor of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxynitride (SiON:H) films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at low temperature. The stability of the films was investigated as a function of the oxygen content and deposition temperature. Degradation by defects such as pinholes was not observed with transmission electron microscopy. However, we observed that SiON:H film degrades by reacting with water vapor through only interstitial paths and nano-defects. To monitor the degradation process, the atomic composition, mass density, and fully oxidized thickness were measured by using high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and X-ray reflectometry. The film rapidly degraded above an oxygen composition of ~27 at%, below a deposition temperature of ~150 °C, and below an mass density of ~2.15 g/cm3. This trend can be explained by the extents of porosity and percolation channel based on the ring model of the network structure. In the case of a high oxygen composition or low temperature, the SiON:H film becomes more porous because the film consists of network channels of rings with a low energy barrier.
Bacillus SEVA siblings: A Golden Gate-based toolbox to create personalized integrative vectors for Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Radeck Jara , Meyer Daniel , Lautenschläger Nina , Mascher Thorsten
Published: October 2017

Bacillus subtilis combines natural competence for genetic transformation with highly efficient homologous recombination. These features allow using vectors that integrate into the genome via double homologous recombination. So far, their utilization is restricted by the fixed combination of resistance markers and integration loci, as well as species- or strain-specific regions of homology. To overcome these limitations, we developed a toolbox for the creation of personalized Bacillus vectors in a standardized manner with a focus on fast and easy adaptation of the sequences specifying the integration loci. We based our vector toolkit on the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) to allow the usage of their vector parts. The Bacillus SEVA siblings are assembled via efficient one-pot Golden Gate reactions from four entry parts with the choice of four different enzymes. The toolbox contains seven Bacillus resistance markers, two Escherichia coli origins of replication, and a free choice of integration loci. Vectors can be customized with a cargo, before or after vector assembly, and could be used in different B. subtilis strains and potentially beyond. Our adaptation of the SEVA-standard provides a powerful and standardized toolkit for the convenient creation of personalized Bacillus vectors.
Helicobacter pylori chemoreceptor TlpC mediates chemotaxis to lactate
Authors: Machuca Mayra A. , Johnson Kevin S. , Liu Yu C. , Steer David L. , Ottemann Karen M. , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: October 2017

It is recently appreciated that many bacterial chemoreceptors have ligand-binding domains (LBD) of the dCACHE family, a structure with two PAS-like subdomains, one membrane-proximal and the other membrane-distal. Previous studies had implicated only the membrane-distal subdomain in ligand recognition. Here, we report the 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of dCACHE LBD of theHelicobacter pylorichemoreceptor TlpC.H.pylori tlpCmutants are outcompeted by wild type during stomach colonisation, but no ligands had been mapped to this receptor. The TlpC dCACHE LBD has two PAS-like subdomains, as predicted. The membrane-distal one possesses a long groove instead of a small, well-defined pocket. The membrane-proximal subdomain, in contrast, had a well-delineated pocket with a small molecule that we identified as lactate. We confirmed that amino acid residues making contact with the ligand in the crystal structure—N213, I218 and Y285 and Y249—were required for lactate binding. We determined that lactate is anH.pylorichemoattractant that is sensed via TlpC with aKD = 155 µM. Lactate is utilised byH.pylori, and our work suggests that this pathogen seeks out lactate using chemotaxis. Furthermore, our work suggests that dCACHE domain proteins can utilise both subdomains for ligand recognition.
In situ TEM observation of alpha-particle induced annealing of radiation damage in Durango apatite
Authors: Li Weixing , Shen Yahui , Zhou Yueqing , Nan Shuai , Chen Chien-Hung , Ewing Rodney C.
Published: October 2017

A major issue in thermochronology and U-Th-Pb dating is the effect of radiation damage, created by α-recoils from α-decay events, on the diffusion of radiogenic elements (e.g., He and Pb) in host mineral. Up until now, thermal events have been considered as the only source of energy for the recovery of radiation-damage. However, irradiation, such as from the α-particle of the α-decay event, can itself induce damage recovery. Quantification of radiation-induced recovery caused by α-particles during α-decay events has not been possible, as the recovery process at the atomic-scale has been difficult to observe. Here we present details of the dynamics of the amorphous-to-crystalline transition process during α-particle irradiations using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and consecutive ion-irradiations: 1 MeV Kr2+ (simulating α-recoil damage), followed by 400 keV He+ (simulating α-particle annealing). Upon the He+ irradiation, partial recrystallization of the original, fully-amorphous Durango apatite was clearly evident and quantified based on the gradual appearance of new crystalline domains in TEM images and new diffraction maxima in selected area electron diffraction patterns. Thus, α-particle induced annealing occurs and must be considered in models of α-decay event damage and its effect on the diffusion of radiogenic elements in geochronology and thermochronology.
Alexithymia and emotional reactions to odors
Authors: Cecchetto Cinzia , Rumiati Raffaella Ida , Aiello Marilena
Published: October 2017

Alexithymia is a psychological construct characterized by deficits in processing emotional stimuli. However, little is known about the processing of odours in alexithymia, even though there is extensive proof that emotion and olfaction are closely linked. The present study is aimed at investigating how alexithymic individuals process emotions conveyed by odors. Emotional responses to unpleasant, neutral odors and clean air were collected through self-report ratings and psychophysiological measures in a sample of 62 healthy participants with high (HA), medium (MA) and low (LA) levels of alexithymia. Moreover, participants performed tests on odors identification and threshold and completed questionnaires assessing olfactory imagery and awareness. Two main results have been found: first, HA and MA groups showed altered physiological responses to odors, compared to LA, while no differences among the groups were observed in odor ratings; and second, affective and cognitive alexithymia components were differently associated with the performance on olfactory tests, skin conductance response to odors, reaction times in the rating task, and scores on olfactory questionnaires. We conclude that alexithymia is characterized by altered physiological reactions to olfactory stimuli; moreover, we stress the importance of evaluating the different alexithymia components since they affect emotional stimuli processing in different ways.
Promoter-level transcriptome in primary lesions of endometrial cancer identified biomarkers associated with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Yoshida Emiko , Terao Yasuhisa , Hayashi Noriko , Mogushi Kaoru , Arakawa Atsushi , Tanaka Yuji , Ito Yosuke , Ohmiya Hiroko , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Takeda Satoru , Itoh Masayoshi , Kawaji Hideya
Published: October 2017

For endometrial cancer patients, lymphadenectomy is recommended to exclude rarely metastasized cancer cells. This procedure is performed even in patients with low risk of recurrence despite the risk of complications such as lymphedema. A method to accurately identify cases with no lymph node metastases (LN−) before lymphadenectomy is therefore highly required. We approached this clinical problem by examining primary lesions of endometrial cancers with CAGE (Cap Analysis Gene Expression), which quantifies promoter-level expression across the genome. Fourteen profiles delineated distinct transcriptional networks between LN + and LN− cases, within those classified as having the low or intermediate risk of recurrence. Subsequent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses of 115 primary tumors showed SEMA3D mRNA and TACC2 isoforms expressed through a novel promoter as promising biomarkers with high accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.929) when used in combination. Our high-resolution transcriptome provided evidence of distinct molecular profiles underlying LN + /LN− status in endometrial cancers, raising the possibility of preoperative diagnosis to reduce unnecessary operations in patients with minimum recurrence risk.
Europium (III) chelate microparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay strips for rapid and quantitative detection of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen
Authors: Liang Rong-Liang , Deng Qiao-Ting , Chen Zhen-Hua , Xu Xu-Ping , Zhou Jian-Wei , Liang Jun-Yu , Dong Zhi-Ning , Liu Tian-Cai , Wu Ying-Song
Published: October 2017

Quantitative hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) measurements could play an important role in evaluating therapeutic outcomes and optimizing the antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B infection. In this study, we have developed a simple and rapid fluorescence point-of-care test based on a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) method integrated with Eu (III) chelate microparticles to quantitatively determine anti-HBc concentrations in serum. This assay is based on a direct competitive immunoassay performed on lateral flow test strips with an assay time of 15 min. The Eu (III) chelate microparticle-based LFIA assay could quantitatively detect anti-HBc levels with a limit of detection of 0.31 IU mL−1, and exhibited a wide linear range (0.63–640 IU mL−1). The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation for anti-HBc were both less than 10% and a satisfactory dilution test and accuracy were demonstrated. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity or specificity in serum samples between the Eu (III) chelate microparticle-based LFIA strips and the Abbott Architect kit. A simple, rapid and effective quantitative detection of anti-HBc was possible using the Eu (III) chelate microparticle-based LFIA strips. The strips will provide diagnostic value for clinical application.
A Proteomic Analysis Provides Novel Insights into the Stress Responses of Caenorhabditis elegans towards Nematicidal Cry6A Toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Haiwen , Xiong Jing , Zhou Qiaoni , Wu Huan , Xia Liqiu , Li Lin , Yu Ziquan
Published: October 2017

Cry6A represents a novel family of nematicidal crystal proteins fromBacillus thuringiensis. It has distinctive architecture as well as mechanism of action from Cry5B, a highly focused family of nematicidal crystal proteins, and even from other insecticidal crystal proteins containing the conserved three-domain. However, how nematode defends against Cry6A toxin remains obscure. In this study, the global defense pattern ofCaenorhabditis elegansagainst Cry6Aa2 toxin was investigated by proteomic analysis. In response to Cry6Aa2, 12 proteins with significantly altered abundances were observed from worms, participating in innate immune defense, insulin-like receptor (ILR) signaling pathway, energy metabolism, and muscle assembly. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) functioning in diverse biological processes suggest that a variety of defense responses participate in the stress responses ofC.elegansto Cry6Aa2. The functional verifications of DEPs suggest that ILR signaling pathway, DIM-1, galectin LEC-6 all are the factors of defense responses to Cry6Aa2. Moreover, Cry6Aa2 also involves in accelerating the metabolic energy production which fulfills the energy demand for the immune responses. In brief, our findings illustrate the global pattern of defense responses of nematode against Cry6A for the first time, and provide a novel insight into the mechanism through which worms respond to Cry6A.
Rebuilding of destroyed spin squeezing in noisy environments
Authors: Xu Peng , Sun Huanying , Yi S. , Zhang Wenxian
Published: October 2017

We investigate the process of spin squeezing in a ferromagnetic dipolar spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate under the driven one-axis twisting scheme, with emphasis on the detrimental effect of noisy environments (stray magnetic fields) which completely destroy the spin squeezing. By applying concatenated dynamical decoupling pulse sequences with a moderate bias magnetic field to suppress the effect of the noisy environments, we faithfully reconstruct the spin squeezing process under realistic experimental conditions. Our noise-resistant method is ready to be employed to generate the spin squeezed state in a dipolar spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate and paves a feasible way to the Heisenberg-limit quantum metrology.
Evaluating anthropogenic threats to endangered killer whales to inform effective recovery plans
Authors: Lacy Robert C. , Williams Rob , Ashe Erin , Balcomb III Kenneth C. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Clark Christopher W. , Croft Darren P. , Giles Deborah A. , MacDuffee Misty , Paquet Paul C.
Published: October 2017

Understanding cumulative effects of multiple threats is key to guiding effective management to conserve endangered species. The critically endangered, Southern Resident killer whale population of the northeastern Pacific Ocean provides a data-rich case to explore anthropogenic threats on population viability. Primary threats include: limitation of preferred prey, Chinook salmon; anthropogenic noise and disturbance, which reduce foraging efficiency; and high levels of stored contaminants, including PCBs. We constructed a population viability analysis to explore possible demographic trajectories and the relative importance of anthropogenic stressors. The population is fragile, with no growth projected under current conditions, and decline expected if new or increased threats are imposed. Improvements in fecundity and calf survival are needed to reach a conservation objective of 2.3% annual population growth. Prey limitation is the most important factor affecting population growth. However, to meet recovery targets through prey management alone, Chinook abundance would have to be sustained near the highest levels since the 1970s. The most optimistic mitigation of noise and contaminants would make the difference between a declining and increasing population, but would be insufficient to reach recovery targets. Reducing acoustic disturbance by 50% combined with increasing Chinook by 15% would allow the population to reach 2.3% growth.
Steroid hormone profiling in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Deng Yuying , Zhang Yifei , Li Shengxian , Zhou Wenzhong , Ye Lei , Wang Lihua , Tao Tao , Gu Junjie , Yang Zuwei , Zhao Dandan , Gu Weiqiong , Hong Jie , Ning Guang , Liu Wei , Wang Weiqing
Published: October 2017

The study explored differences in the steroidogenic pathway between obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). 1044 women with PCOS (including 350 lean, 312 overweight and 382 obese) and 366 control women without PCOS (including 203 lean, 32 overweight and 131 obese) were enrolled. The differences in steroid hormones were amplified in lean PCOS versus lean controls compared with obese PCOS versus obese controls. Compared with obese PCOS, lean PCOS demonstrated increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (P = 0.015), 17-hydropregnenolone (P = 0.003), 17-hydroprogesterone (17-OHP) (P < 0.001), progesterone (P < 0.001) and estrone (P < 0.001) levels. Enzyme activity evaluation showed that lean PCOS had increased activity of P450c17 (17-hydropregnenolone/pregnenolone, P < 0.001), P450aro (P < 0.001), 3βHSD2 (progesterone/ pregnenolone and 17-OHP/17-hydropregnenolone, both P < 0.001) and decreased activity of P450c21(11-deoxycorticorsterone/progesterone and 11-deoxycortisol/17-OHP, P < 0.001). Moreover, we found higher frequencies of CYP21A2- (encoding P450c21) c.552 C > G (p. D184E) in lean PCOS compared with obese PCOS patients (P = 0.006). In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that the adrenal-specific enzyme P450c21 showed decreased activity in lean PCOS patients, and that the adrenal androgen excess may play different roles in lean and obese PCOS patients, which represents as different enzyme activity in the steroidogenic pathway.
A suitable (wide-range + linear) temperature sensor based on Tm3+ ions
Authors: Zanatta A. R. , Scoca D. , Alvarez F.
Published: October 2017

Future advances in the broad fields of photonics, (nano-)electronics or even theranostics rely, in part, on the precise determination and control, with high sensitivity and speed, of the temperature of very well-defined spatial regions. Ideally, these temperature-sensors (T-sensors) should produce minimum (or no) disturbance in the probed regions, as well as to exhibit good resolution and significant dynamic range. Most of these features are consistent with the sharp and distinctive optical transitions of trivalent rare-earth (RE3+) ions that, additionally, are susceptible to their local environment and conditions. Altogether, these aspects form the basis of the present work, in which we propose a new T-sensor involving the light emission of trivalent thulium ions (Tm3+) embedded into crystalline TiO2. The optical characterization of the TiO2:Tm3+ system indicated a Tm3+-related emission at ~676 nm whose main spectral features are: (1) a temperature-induced wavelength shift of −2.2 pm K−1, (2) a rather small line-width increase over the ~85–750 K range, and (3) minimum data deconvolution-processing. The study also included the experimental data of the well-established pressure- and T-sensor ruby (Al2O3:Cr3+) and a comprehensive discussion concerning the identification and the excitation-recombination mechanisms of the Tm3+-related transitions.
A guanidine-appended scyllo-inositol derivative AAD-66 enhances brain delivery and ameliorates Alzheimer’s phenotypes
Authors: Lee Dohyun , Lee Woo-Sirl , Lim Sungsu , Kim Yun Kyung , Jung Hoe-Yune , Das Sanket , Lee Juhyun , Luo Wenjie , Kim Kyong-Tai , Chung Sung-Kee
Published: October 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions but lacks efficient therapeutic agents. Blocking toxic amyloid β (Aβ) could be beneficial for AD and represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD treatment. scyllo-Inositol (SI) is a potential therapeutic for AD by directly interacting with the Aβ peptide to inhibit Aβ42 fiber formation. Clinical studies of SI showed promising benefits on mild to moderate AD, however, with limitations on dosage regime. A new strategy to enhance the brain delivery of SI is needed to achieve the efficacy with minimum adverse effects. Herein, we report that a novel guanidine-appended SI derivative AAD-66 resulted in more effective reductions of brain Aβ and plaque deposits, gliosis, and behavioral memory deficits in the disease-established 5xFAD mice. Overall, our present study reveals the potential of AAD-66 as a promising therapeutic agent for AD.
Label-free analysis of the characteristics of a single cell trapped by acoustic tweezers
Authors: Kim Min Gon , Park Jinhyoung , Lim Hae Gyun , Yoon Sangpil , Lee Changyang , Chang Jin Ho , Shung K. Kirk
Published: October 2017

Single-cell analysis is essential to understand the physical and functional characteristics of cells. The basic knowledge of these characteristics is important to elucidate the unique features of various cells and causative factors of diseases and determine the most effective treatments for diseases. Recently, acoustic tweezers based on tightly focused ultrasound microbeam have attracted considerable attention owing to their capability to grab and separate a single cell from a heterogeneous cell sample and to measure its physical cell properties. However, the measurement cannot be performed while trapping the target cell, because the current method uses long ultrasound pulses for grabbing one cell and short pulses for interrogating the target cell. In this paper, we demonstrate that short ultrasound pulses can be used for generating acoustic trapping force comparable to that with long pulses by adjusting the pulse repetition frequency (PRF). This enables us to capture a single cell and measure its physical properties simultaneously. Furthermore, it is shown that short ultrasound pulses at a PRF of 167 kHz can trap and separate either one red blood cell or one prostate cancer cell and facilitate the simultaneous measurement of its integrated backscattering coefficient related to the cell size and mechanical properties.
Psychotropic in the environment: risperidone residues affect the behavior of fish larvae
Authors: Kalichak Fabiana , Idalencio Renan , da Rosa João Gabriel Santos , Barcellos Heloísa Helena de Alcântara , Fagundes Michele , Piato Angelo , Barcellos Leonardo José Gil
Published: October 2017

The ability to avoid and escape from predators are clearly relevant behaviors from the ecological perspective and directly interfere with the survival of organisms. Detected in the aquatic environment, risperidone can alter the behavior of exposed species. Considering the risk of exposure in the early stages of life, we exposed zebrafish embryos to risperidone during the first 5 days of life. Risperidone caused hyperactivity in exposed larvae, which in an environmental context, the animals may be more vulnerable to predation due to greater visibility or less perception of risk areas.
Field evidence for transfer of plastic debris along a terrestrial food chain
Authors: Huerta Lwanga Esperanza , Mendoza Vega Jorge , Ku Quej Victor , Chi Jesus de los Angeles , Sanchez del Cid Lucero , Chi Cesar , Escalona Segura Griselda , Gertsen Henny , Salánki Tamás , van der Ploeg Martine , Koelmans Albert A. , Geissen Violette
Published: October 2017

Although plastic pollution happens globally, the micro- (<5 mm) and macroplastic (5–150 mm) transfer of plastic to terrestrial species relevant to human consumption has not been examined. We provide first-time evidence for micro- and macroplastic transfer from soil to chickens in traditional Mayan home gardens in Southeast Mexico where waste mismanagement is common. We assessed micro- and macroplastic in soil, earthworm casts, chicken feces, crops and gizzards (used for human consumption). Microplastic concentrations increased from soil (0.87 ± 1.9 particles g−1), to earthworm casts (14.8 ± 28.8 particles g−1), to chicken feces (129.8 ± 82.3 particles g−1). Chicken gizzards contained 10.2 ± 13.8 microplastic particles, while no microplastic was found in crops. An average of 45.82 ± 42.6 macroplastic particles were found per gizzard and 11 ± 15.3 macroplastic particles per crop, with 1–10 mm particles being significantly more abundant per gizzard (31.8 ± 27.27 particles) compared to the crop (1 ± 2.2 particles). The data show that micro- and macroplastic are capable of entering terrestrial food webs.
Potential of mean force between oppositely charged nanoparticles: A comprehensive comparison between Poisson–Boltzmann theory and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Zhang Jin-Si , Zhang Xi , Zhang Zhong-Liang , Tan Zhi-Jie
Published: October 2017

Ion-mediated interactions between like-charged polyelectrolytes have been paid much attention, and the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) theory has been shown to fail in qualitatively predicting multivalent ion-mediated like-charge attraction. However, inadequate attention has been paid to the ion-mediated interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. In this work, the potentials of mean force (PMF) between oppositely charged nanoparticles in 1:1 and 2:2 salt solutions were investigated by Monte Carlo simulations and the PB theory. Our calculations show that the PMFs between oppositely charged nanoparticles are generally attractive in 1:1 and 2:2 salt solutions and that such attractive PMFs become weaker at higher 1:1 or 2:2 salt concentrations. The comprehensive comparisons show that the PB theory can quantitatively predict the PMFs between oppositely charged nanoparticles in 1:1 salt solutions, except for the slight deviation at very high 1:1 salt concentration. However, for 2:2 salt solutions, the PB theory generally overestimates the attractive PMF between oppositely charged nanoparticles, and this overestimation becomes more pronounced for nanoparticles with higher charge density and for higher 2:2 salt concentration. Our microscopic analyses suggest that the overestimation of the PB theory on the attractive PMFs for 2:2 salt solutions is attributed to the underestimation of divalent ions bound to nanoparticles.
Clinical evaluation of corneal changes after phacoemulsification in diabetic and non-diabetic cataract patients, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Yizhen , Chen Xinyi , Zhang Xiaobo , Tang Qiaomei , Liu Siyu , Yao Ke
Published: October 2017

Corneal endothelium morphological abnormalities result in fluid imbalance, stromal swelling, and loss of transparency, thus impairing visual function. Recently, growing number of studies have focused on diabetic corneal abnormalities after cataract surgery and its comparison with non-diabetic patients, the results remain conflicting. Thus, to evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on the corneal properties in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, prospective studies were comprehensively searched through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases updated to Jan 2017. A meta-analysis of the 13 identified studies was performed using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For the dynamic changes between preoperative and postoperative values, significant differences were identified between the two groups in endothelial cell density (ECD) and hexagon cells (HC%) at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, in central corneal thickness (CCT) at 1 month postoperatively, and in coefficient variation (CV) at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. However, no significant differences were observed in CCT at 1 day, 1 week and 3 months postoperatively or in CV at 1 day and 3 months postoperatively. Diabetic corneas are more vulnerable to stress and trauma, resulting in greater morphological abnormalities and longer recovery time.
Ether formation through reductive coupling of ketones or aldehydes catalyzed by a mesoionic carbene iridium complex
Authors: Petronilho A. , Vivancos A. , Albrecht M.
Published: October 2017

A promiscuous triazolylidene iridium complex efficiently catalyses the etherification of ketones and aldehydes and also promotes deoxygenation and hydrosilylation.
Band-gap engineering of porous BiVO4 nanoshuttles by Fe and Mo co-doping for efficient photocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Liu Ren , Ren Jiabin , Zhao Dian , Ning Jiqiang , Zhang Ziyang , Wang Yongjiang , Zhong Yijun , Zheng Changcheng , Hu Yong
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate the first synthesis of uniform Fe and Mo co-doped BiVO4 (Fe/Mo-BVO) porous nanoshuttles (PNSs) through a simple solvothermal method combined with a subsequent impregnation thermal treatment.
Sound transmission loss of hierarchically porous composites produced by hydrogel templating and viscous trapping techniques
Authors: Thompson Benjamin R. , Taylor Brogan L. , Qin Qin , Stoyanov Simeon D. , Horozov Tommy S. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: October 2017

We produced hierarchically porous materials using hydrogel templating and viscous trapping techniques and studied how their sound insulating properties depend on the pore size and porosity.
Metal doped mesoporous FeOOH nanorods for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Barik Rasmita , Jena Bikash Kumar , Mohapatra Mamata
Published: October 2017

In the present study, the effect of doping of foreign atoms on the parent atoms and the application of the resultant material for energy storage are successfully investigated.
Enhancing the electrochromic performance of conjugated polymers using thermal nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Neo Wei Teng , Li Xue , Chua Soo-Jin , Ling Chong Karen Siew , Xu Jianwei
Published: October 2017

Thermal nanoimprinting is employed to create nanopatterned electrochromic conjugated polymer films, giving superior color-changing properties compared to a reference device.
α-Benzoyloxylation of β-keto sulfides at ambient temperature
Authors: Piras Enrico , Secci Francesco , Caboni Pierluigi , Casula Maria Francesca , Frongia Angelo
Published: October 2017

A facile and efficient general protocol for the α-benzoyloxylation of β-keto sulfides at ambient temperature is presented.
Visualization of long-term Mg2+dynamics in apoptotic cells using a novel targetable fluorescent probe
Authors: Matsui Yusuke , Funato Yosuke , Imamura Hiromi , Miki Hiroaki , Mizukami Shin , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: October 2017

Long-term Mg2+imaging during apoptosis using a HaloTag-coupled Mg2+probe demonstrated a Mg2+concentration increase caused by dissociation of Mg2+from ATP.
CFD analysis of laboratory scale phase equilibrium cell operation
Authors: Jama Mohamed Ali , Nikiforow Kaj , Qureshi Muhammad Saad , Alopaeus Ville
Published: October 2017

For the modeling of multiphase chemical reactors or separation processes, it is essential to predict accurately chemical equilibrium data, such as vapor-liquid or liquid-liquid equilibria [M. Šoóš et al., Chem. Eng. Process.: Process Intensif. 42(4), 273–284 (2003)]. The instruments used in these experiments are typically designed based on previous experiences, and their operation verified based on known equilibria of standard components. However, mass transfer limitations with different chemical systems may be very different, potentially falsifying the measured equilibrium compositions. In this work, computational fluid dynamics is utilized to design and analyze laboratory scale experimental gas-liquid equilibrium cell for the first time to augment the traditional analysis based on plug flow assumption. Two-phase dilutor cell, used for measuring limiting activity coefficients at infinite dilution, is used as a test case for the analysis. The Lagrangian discrete model is used to track each bubble and to study the residence time distribution of the carrier gas bubbles in the dilutor cell. This analysis is necessary to assess whether the gas leaving the cell is in equilibrium with the liquid, as required in traditional analysis of such apparatus. Mass transfer for six different bio-oil compounds is calculated to determine the approach equilibrium concentration. Also, residence times assuming plug flow and ideal mixing are used as reference cases to evaluate the influence of mixing on the approach to equilibrium in the dilutor. Results show that the model can be used to predict the dilutor operating conditions for which each of the studied gas-liquid systems reaches equilibrium.
Effect of Sn on the oxide subscale structure formed on a 3% Si steel
Authors: Cesar Maria das G. M. M. , Silveira Carolina C. , Paolinelli Sebastião C. , Cicale Stefano
Published: October 2017

Addition of tin in 3% Si steel is a method to improve magnetic properties since tin in steel is known as an element that segregates at grain boundaries, inhibits grain growth and has a dragging effect on grain boundary movement. However, tin is generally known as an element that has a harmful effect on surface coating properties. The oxide subscale formed on the decarburization annealing of a 3% Si steel containing tin was investigated by SEM, EDS, GDS and FTIR. The forsterite film was evaluated by SEM, EDS and GDS. The higher tin content decreased thickness, oxygen and fayalite/silica ratio in the subscale and resulted into a discontinuous forsterite film with poor oxidation resistance. After secondary coating the samples presented a reddish color due to the formation of iron oxide and poor dielectric property.
Increased thickness uniformity of large-area nanofibrous layers by electrodynamic spinning
Authors: Pokorný Marek , Klemeš Jan , Kotzianová Adéla , Kohoutek Tomáš , Velebný Vladimír
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the causes of thickness inhomogeneities in continuously deposited large-area nanofibrous layers, introduces a new method of their rapid analysis and suggests technical measures to ensure greater thickness uniformity of produced nanofibrous layers. The thickness uniformity of nanofibrous layers over large surface areas and its testing have recently appeared as very important issues following the scale up of the production of nanofibrous layers from laboratory to industrial levels, i.e. from point-to-plate arrangement to roll-to-roll processing. The basic electrostatic spinning method produces layers with thickness distribution corresponding to the bivariate Gaussian distribution. However, increasing production and scaling-up processes often results in variations in the thickness of deposited nanofibrous layers even up to the order of tens of percent. But for most applications, inhomogeneities in the thickness are a critical and even limiting factor. Our results show that by using the method of electrodynamic spinning with moving electrodes, we were able to achieve 30% greater thickness uniformity within the observed area (100 x 26) cm2 than with the electrostatic method. Electrodynamic spinning can therefore be considered a very promising technology for the industrial production. We also demonstrated the digital image analysis as a new and efficient tool to optically determine the thickness uniformity of electrospun layers by analyzing the intensity of transmitted light through the layer on 26 x 22 cm2 sample area. This unique approach brings benefits of non-destructive, rapid and reproducible evaluation of the thickness uniformity of the nanofibrous layers over decimeter-square surface areas at the same time.
A 57GHz overmoded coaxial relativistic backward wave oscillator with high conversion efficiency and pure TM01 mode output
Authors: Chen Siyao , Zhang Jun , Bai Zhen
Published: October 2017

A 57GHz overmoded relativistic backward wave oscillator (RBWO) operating on the quasi-TEM mode with pure TM01 mode output is presented in this paper, by using outer trapezoidal slow wave structure (SWS) with large distance between inner and outer conductors. The large overmoded ratio can be obtained in coaxial devices to improve power handling capacity, while the large distance between inner and outer conductors can guarantee the electron beam transmit effectively. The 8π/9 mode of quasi-TEM synchronously interacts with the electron beam, while the TM01 mode diffracted by the quasi-TEM mode outputs. The existence of TM01 6π/9 mode in SWS can extract energy from the quasi-TEM mode (which has a high value of Qe) thus increasing the power handling capacity. Particle-in-cell simulation shows that generation with high power 560 MW and efficiency 43.5% is obtained under the diode voltage 520 kV and current 2.47 kA. And the microwave has the pure frequency spectrum of 56.8 GHz radiates in the pure TM01 mode (about 98%).
Sexual health and students: the pathways travelled by those with sexual health concerns
Authors: Freeman Georgia , Smith Lucy Watchirs , McNulty Anna , Donovan Basil
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to identify the type of research (Internet, phone lines, friends, family, media or medical journal) undertaken by university students with sexual health concerns, and the effect this research had on their healthcare-seeking behaviour. The Internet was the most common (46%) first point of call for health information, closely followed by doctors (40%). Of those who undertook extra research, the majority subsequently went to a doctor. Health practitioners need to be aware of this tendency for independent research.
The polysemy network of Chinese ‘one’-phrases in a diachronic constructional perspective
Authors: Chen I-Hsuan
Published: October 2017

This study investigates the development of a polysemy network within a constructional framework. The synchronic variation of Chinese ‘one’-phrases is explained by diachronic developments. The results of a quantitative corpus analysis show that each of the senses of the ‘one’ phrase tends to occur in specific syntactic constructions due to inheritance from extant constructions. The results contribute to explaining the formation of a diachronic polysemy network by investigating the hierarchical structure of its constructions, thus allowing a deeper understanding of how semantic extensions have been formed through gradual constructional association.
On the grammaticalization of Finnish colorative construction
Authors: Hamunen Markus Veli Juhani
Published: October 2017

This paper concentrates on the diachronic development of the so-called Colorative Construction (CoC) in Finnish, a two-verb expression consisting of an A-infinitive and an ideophonically based descriptive (or ‘colorative’) finite verb, e.g.susijuos-ta jolkottele-e[wolf run-inf col-prs.3sg] ‘wolf runs trotting’. The paper combines variationist dialectal data, grammaticalization theory, and Construction Grammar formalization. The detailed diachronic description demonstrates that the development from proto-CoC to modern CoC is the epitome of constructionalization, i.e., a gradual process of grammatical changes whereby both the form and the function of an existing construction are altered, creating a new expression type. Major changes in the Balto-Finnic case system were the primary force behind this process. Constructionalization of the CoC itself included the first syntagmatic changes through reanalysis. This gradually created a new paradigmatic expression type, followed by paradigmatic extension through analogy, which widened the frame semantics of the newly coined type.