bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of commercial hatchery processing on short- and long-term stress responses in laying hens
Authors: Hedlund Louise , Whittle Rosemary , Jensen Per
Published: February 2019

In commercial egg production, chicks are exposed to a potentially stressful procedure during their first day of life. Here, we investigated how this procedure affects the chickens in a short- as well as long-term perspective by conducting two behaviour tests and measuring corticosterone (CORT) and sex hormone levels at different time points. These results were compared with a group of control chickens from the same hatchery and incubator that did not go through the commercial hatchery routine. Chickens were continuously weighed, egg production data was collected and feather scoring was performed. We found that chicks have a significant increase in CORT during the hatchery process, which implies they are exposed to stress. During first weeks of life, these chicks were more fearful, had a higher CORT reactivity during restraint and weighed more than control chicks. Later in life, hatchery treated chickens had more feather damages and injuries on combs and wattles, a faster onset of egg laying and higher levels of estradiol. We conclude that processing at the commercial hatchery was a stressful event with short- and long-term effects on behaviour and stress reactivity, and potentially also positive effects on production. The results are relevant for a large number of individuals, since the chicken is by far the globally most common farm animal.
Brain allopregnanolone induces marked scratching behaviour in diet-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model
Authors: Fujii Masanori , Ohgami Sayaka , Asano Erika , Nakayama Takanori , Toda Takahiro , Nabe Takeshi , Ohya Susumu
Published: February 2019

Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a neurosteroid produced in the brain, but so far, no study has explored its link with itching. Herein, we used a diet-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model to examine whether exogenously administered and endogenously produced ALLO contribute to inducing scratching. Systemic administration of ALLO elicited robust scratching in the atopic dermatitis model, while it did not affect spontaneous and pruritogen-induced scratching in normal mice. ALLO caused scratching when administered intracisternally, but not when administered intrathecally or intradermally, suggesting the involvement of supraspinal mechanisms. Pharmacological analyses suggested that both γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor activation and serotonin type 3 receptor inhibition were involved in ALLO-induced scratching. We next examined whether endogenously produced ALLO is involved in ethanol-induced scratching in atopic dermatitis mice, because ethanol administration increases ALLO in rodent brain. Acute ethanol administration increased brain ALLO levels, which coincided with increased scratching. Pre-treatment with finasteride, a synthetic ALLO inhibitor, suppressed ethanol-induced scratching and ALLO production in the brain. Collectively, our results demonstrated for the first time that ALLO administration caused marked scratching in atopic dermatitis mice, and ethanol-induced scratching may be mediated through endogenously produced brain ALLO.
SDS-induced oligomerization of Lys49-phospholipase A2 from snake venom
Authors: Matsui Takashi , Kamata Shizuka , Ishii Kentaro , Maruno Takahiro , Ghanem Nouran , Uchiyama Susumu , Kato Koichi , Suzuki Atsuo , Oda-Ueda Naoko , Ogawa Tomohisa , Tanaka Yoshikazu
Published: February 2019

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is one of the representative toxic components of snake venom. PLA2s are categorized into several subgroups according to the amino acid at position 49, which comprises either Asp49, Lys49, Arg49 or Ser49. Previous studies suggested that the Lys49-PLA2 assembles into an extremely stable dimer. Although the behavior on Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under reducing or non-reducing conditions suggested the presence of intermolecular disulfide bonds, these bonds were not observed in the crystal structure of Lys49-PLA2. The reason for this discrepancy between the crystal structure and SDS-PAGE of Lys49-PLA2 remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed a Lys49-PLA2 homologue from Protobothrops flavoviridis (PflLys49-PLA2 BPII), by biophysical analyses including X-ray crystallography, SDS-PAGE, native-mass spectrometry, and analytical ultracentrifugation. The results demonstrated that PflLys49-PLA2 BPII spontaneously oligomerized in the presence of SDS, which is one of the strongest protein denaturants.
Intranasal and epicutaneous administration of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists provides protection against influenza A virus-induced morbidity in mice
Authors: To Eunice E. , Erlich Jonathan , Liong Felicia , Luong Raymond , Liong Stella , Bozinovski Steven , Seow Huei Jiunn , O’Leary John J. , Brooks Doug A. , Vlahos Ross , Selemidis Stavros
Published: February 2019

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes viral RNA following endocytosis of the virus and initiates a powerful immune response characterized by Type I IFN production and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Despite this immune response, the virus causes very significant pathology, which may be inflammation-dependent. In the present study, we examined the effect of intranasal delivery of the TLR7 agonist, imiquimod or its topical formulation Aldara, on the inflammation and pathogenesis caused by IAV infection. In mice, daily intranasal delivery of imiquimod prevented peak viral replication, bodyweight loss, airway and pulmonary inflammation, and lung neutrophils. Imiquimod treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory neutrophil chemotactic cytokines and prevented the increase in viral-induced lung dysfunction. Various antibody isotypes (IgG1, IgG2a, total IgG, IgE and IgM), which were increased in the BALF following influenza A virus infection, were further increased with imiquimod. While epicutaneous application of Aldara had a significant effect on body weight, it did not reduce neutrophil and eosinophil airway infiltration; indicating less effective drug delivery for this formulation. We concluded that intranasal imiquimod facilitates a more effective immune response, which can limit the pathology associated with influenza A virus infection.
Gibberellins negatively regulate the development of Medicago truncatula root system
Authors: Fonouni-Farde Camille , Miassod Ambre , Laffont Carole , Morin Halima , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Diet Anouck , Frugier Florian
Published: February 2019

The root system displays a remarkable plasticity that enables plants to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This plasticity is tightly linked to the activity of root apical meristems (RAMs) and to the formation of lateral roots, both controlled by related hormonal crosstalks. In Arabidopsis thaliana, gibberellins (GAs) were shown to positively control RAM growth and the formation of lateral roots. However, we showed in Medicago truncatula that GAs negatively regulate root growth and RAM size as well as the number of lateral roots depending at least on the MtDELLA1 protein. By using confocal microscopy and molecular analyses, we showed that GAs primarily regulate RAM size by affecting cortical cell expansion and additionally negatively regulate a subset of cytokinin-induced root expansin encoding genes. Moreover, GAs reduce the number of cortical cell layers, resulting in the formation of both shorter and thinner roots. These results suggest contrasting effects of GA regulations on the root system architecture depending on plant species.
High Dialysate Calcium Concentration is Associated with Worsening Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Silva V. B. , Macedo T. A. , Braga T. M. S. , Silva B. C. , Graciolli F. G. , Dominguez W. V. , Drager L. F. , Moysés R. M. , Elias R. M.
Published: February 2019

Dialysate calcium concentration (d[Ca]) might have a cardiovascular impact in patients on haemodialysis (HD) since a higher d[Ca] determines better hemodynamic tolerability. We have assessed the influence of d[Ca] on global longitudinal strain (GLS) by two-dimensional echocardiography using speckle-tracking imaging before and in the last hour of HD. This is an observational crossover study using d[Ca] 1.75 mmol/L and 1.25 mmol/L. Ultrafiltration was the same between interventions; patients aged 44 ± 13 years (N = 19). The 1.75 mmol/L d[Ca] was associated with lighter drop of blood pressure. Post HD serum total calcium was higher with d[Ca] 1.75 than with 1.25 mmol/L (11.5 ± 0.8 vs. 9.1 ± 0.5 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.01). In almost all segments strain values were significantly worse in the peak HD with 1.75 mmol/L d[Ca] than with 1.25 mmol/L d[Ca]. GLS decreased from −19.8 ± 3.7% at baseline to −17.3 ± 2.9% and −16.1 ± 2.6% with 1.25 d[Ca] and 1.75 d[Ca] mmol/L, respectively (p < 0.05 for both d[Ca] vs. baseline and 1.25 d[Ca] vs. 1.75 d[Ca] mmol/L). Factors associated with a worse GLS included transferrin, C-reactive protein, weight lost, and post dialysis serum total calcium. We concluded that d[Ca] of 1.75 mmol/L was associated with higher post dialysis serum calcium, which contributed to a worse ventricular performance. Whether this finding would lead to myocardial stunning needs further investigation.
Continuous culture of Escherichia coli, under selective pressure by a novel antimicrobial complex, does not result in development of resistance
Authors: Tonoyan Lilit , Fleming Gerard T. A. , Friel Ruairi , O’Flaherty Vincent
Published: February 2019

We attempted to generate de novo resistance to a newly described biocidal complex, ITC (iodo-thiocyanate complex), and to levofloxacin (LVX) in Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, by means of selective chemostat culture. We measured resistance by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for these agents. E. coli underwent 20-day parallel adaptive evolution routes under no antimicrobial selection, and gradually increasing ITC and LVX selection pressure. Long-term exposure of E. coli to ITC did not induce resistance to ITC, or cross-resistance to LVX. No distinct mutational pattern was evidenced from whole-genome sequence (WGS)-based comparisons of ITC-challenged and unchallenged bacterial populations. Moreover, the exposed E. coli population could not survive a 2 × MIC challenge of ITC. By contrast, resistance to LVX was rapidly induced (on day 1 the MIC had increased 16-fold), selected for (by day 14 the MIC had increased 64-fold) and enriched with a highly characteristic genome mutational pattern. WGS of this evolving population revealed that the majority of mutations appeared in the genes of LVX target proteins (GyrA, ParC, ParE) and drug influx (OmpF). This study suggests that the usage of ITC may not trigger the emergence of facile resistance or cross-resistance, in contrast to common antibiotics.
Grass and tree cover responses to intra-seasonal rainfall variability vary along a rainfall gradient in African tropical grassy biomes
Authors: D’Onofrio Donatella , Sweeney Luke , von Hardenberg Jost , Baudena Mara
Published: February 2019

Although it is well known that mean annual rainfall (MAR) and rainfall seasonality have a key role in influencing the distribution of tree and grass cover in African tropical grassy biomes (TGBs), the impact of intra-seasonal rainfall variability on these distributions is less agreed upon. Since the prevalent mechanisms determining biome occurrence and distribution change with MAR, this research investigates the role of intra-seasonal rainfall variability for three different MAR ranges, assessing satellite data on grass and tree cover, rainfall and fire intervals at a sub-continental scale in sub-Saharan Africa. For MAR below 630 mm y−1, rainfall frequency had a positive relationship with grass cover; this relationship however became mostly negative at intermediate MAR (630–1200 mm y−1), where tree cover correspondingly mostly increased with rainfall frequency. In humid TGBs, tree cover decreased with rainfall intensity. Overall, intra-seasonal rainfall variability plays a role in determining vegetation cover, especially in mesic TGBs, where the relative dominance of trees and grasses has previously been largely unexplained. Importantly, the direction of the effect of intra-seasonal variability changes with MAR. Given the predicted increases in rainfall intensity in Africa as a consequence of climate change, the effects on TGBs are thus likely to vary depending on the MAR levels.
Resistance mechanisms and population structure of highly drug resistant Klebsiella in Pakistan during the introduction of the carbapenemase NDM-1
Authors: Heinz Eva , Ejaz Hasan , Bartholdson Scott Josefin , Wang Nancy , Gujaran Shruti , Pickard Derek , Wilksch Jonathan , Cao Hanwei , Haq Ikram-ul , Dougan Gordon , Strugnell Richard A.
Published: February 2019

Klebsiella pneumoniaeis a major threat to public health with the emergence of isolates resistant to most, if not all, useful antibiotics. We present an in-depth analysis of 178 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producingK. pneumoniaecollected from patients resident in a region of Pakistan, during the period 2010–2012, when the now globally-distributed carbapenemasebla-NDM-1 was being acquired byKlebsiella. We observed two dominant lineages, but neither the overall resistance profile nor virulence-associated factors, explain their evolutionary success. Phenotypic analysis of resistance shows few differences between the acquisition of resistance genes and the phenotypic resistance profile, including beta-lactam antibiotics that were used to treat ESBL-positive strains. Resistance against these drugs could be explained by inhibitor-resistant beta-lactamase enzymes, carbapenemases orampCtype beta-lactamases, at least one of which was detected in most, but not all relevant strains analysed. Complete genomes for six selected strains are reported, these provide detailed insights into the mobile elements present in these isolates during the initial spread of NDM-1. The unexplained success of some lineages within this pool of highly resistant strains, and the discontinuity between phenotypic resistance and genotype at the macro level, indicate that intrinsic mechanisms contribute to competitive advantage and/or resistance.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Pinto Lana C. , Falcetta Mariana R. , Rados Dimitris V. , Leitão Cristiane B. , Gross Jorge L.
Published: February 2019

We aimed to assess if GLP-1 agonists are associated with pancreatic cancer. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials with GLP-1 agonists as an intervention was performed. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to assess if the available information is sufficient to reject this association. Twelve trials met the study criteria, with a total of 36, 397 patients. GLP-1 analogues did not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer when compared to other treatments (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.67; I2 14%). TSA confirmed that enough patients were randomized and again no association of the medications and pancreatic cancer was observed considering a NNH of 1000 and the short mean follow-up of the included trials (1.7 years). Larger studies with longer duration would be required to exclude a greater NNH and to aside concerns regarding possible influence of study duration and the outcome.
Inotilone from Inonotus linteus suppresses lung cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo through ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT/MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Chao Wei , Deng Jeng-Shyan , Li Pei-Ying , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: February 2019

Metastasis is one of the main causes of mortality in cancer patients. Inotilone, a major component of Inonotus linteus, is a traditional Chinese medical herb. In this study, MTT results showed that inotilone had no obvious cytotoxicity. Animal model results revealed that inotilone suppressed cancer metastatic efficacy. Serum results showed that inotilone reduced the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) activity as well as NO content. Additionally, inotilone affected MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 protein expression and improved the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the lung tissues of LLC-bearing mice. In addition, cell experimental results showed that inotilone reduced the activity of MMP-2/-9 and inhibited the ability for cellular migration and invasion. Inotilone decreased interleukin (IL)-8 expression in A549 cells. Western blot results revealed that inotilone affected the protein expression of MMPs, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, anti-oxidant enzymes, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-AKT, and nuclear factor (NF)κB. Therefore, we propose that inotilone is a potential therapeutic candidate against metastatic lung cancer cells.
Time dynamics of quantum coherence and monogamy in a non-Markovian environment
Authors: Radhakrishnan Chandrashekar , Chen Po-Wen , Jambulingam Segar , Byrnes Tim , Ali Md. Manirul
Published: February 2019

The time evolution of the distribution and shareability of quantum coherence of a tripartite system in a non-Markovian environment is examined. The total coherence can be decomposed into various contributions, ranging from local, global bipartite and global tripartite, which characterize the type of state. We identify coherence revivals for non-Markovian systems for all the contributions of coherence. The local coherence is found to be much more robust under the environmental coupling due to an effective smaller coupling to the reservoir. This allows us to devise a characterization of a quantum state in terms of a coherence tuple on a multipartite state simply by examining various combinations of reservoir couplings. The effect of the environment on the shareability of quantum coherence, as defined using the monogamy of coherence, is investigated and found that the sign of the monogamy is a preserved quantity under the decoherence. We conjecture that the monogamy of coherence is a conserved property under local incoherent processes.
Predictive Modeling of the Hospital Readmission Risk from Patients’ Claims Data Using Machine Learning: A Case Study on COPD
Authors: Min Xu , Yu Bin , Wang Fei
Published: February 2019

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent chronic pulmonary condition that affects hundreds of millions of people all over the world. Many COPD patients got readmitted to hospital within 30 days after discharge due to various reasons. Such readmission can usually be avoided if additional attention is paid to patients with high readmission risk and appropriate actions are taken. This makes early prediction of the hospital readmission risk an important problem. The goal of this paper is to conduct a systematic study on developing different types of machine learning models, including both deep and non-deep ones, for predicting the readmission risk of COPD patients. We evaluate those different approaches on a real world database containing the medical claims of 111,992 patients from the Geisinger Health System from January 2004 to September 2015. The patient features we build the machine learning models upon include both knowledge-driven ones, which are the features extracted according to clinical knowledge potentially related to COPD readmission, and data-driven features, which are extracted from the patient data themselves. Our analysis showed that the prediction performance in terms of Area Under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC) can be improved from around 0.60 using knowledge-driven features, to 0.653 by combining both knowledge-driven and data-driven features, based on the one-year claims history before discharge. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the complex deep learning models in this case cannot really improve the prediction performance, with the best AUC around 0.65.
The germ cell marker dead end reveals alternatively spliced transcripts with dissimilar expression
Authors: Vasconcelos Ana Carina Nogueira , Streit Danilo Pedro , Octavera Anna , Miwa Misako , Kabeya Naoki , Yoshizaki Goro
Published: February 2019

Since the late 19th century, the Amazon species Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) has been exploited commercially and the climate change has contributed to decline in tambaqui numbers. Although germ cell cryopreservation and transplantation can help preserve the species’ genetic resources semipermanently, its germ cell behavior has not been analyzed to date. In this study, we isolated the tambaqui’s dead end gene (dnd) homolog (tdnd) and used it as a molecular marker for germ cells to obtain basic information essential for transplantation. The amino acid sequence showed 98% similarity and 53% identity with the zebrafish dnd. Phylogenetic analysis and the presence of consensus motifs known for dnd revealed that tdnd encodes the dnd ortholog and its transcript is detectable only in the testes and ovaries, showing a strong positive signal in oocytes and spermatogonia. The tambaqui possesses, at least, three different transcripts of tdnd which show dissimilar expression profile in undifferentiated and sexually mature animals, suggesting that they play distinct roles in germline development and they may influence the choice of donors for the cell transplantation study.
A softening laminar electrode for recording single unit activity from the rat hippocampus
Authors: Zátonyi A. , Orbán G. , Modi R. , Márton G. , Meszéna D. , Ulbert I. , Pongrácz A. , Ecker M. , Voit W. E. , Joshi-Imre A. , Fekete Z.
Published: February 2019

Softening neural implants that change their elastic modulus under physiological conditions are promising candidates to mitigate neuroinflammatory response due to the reduced mechanical mismatch between the artificial interface and the brain tissue. Intracortical neural probes have been used to demonstrate the viability of this material engineering approach. In our paper, we present a robust technology of softening neural microelectrode and demonstrate its recording performance in the hippocampus of rat subjects. The 5 mm long, single shank, multi-channel probes are composed of a custom thiol-ene/acrylate thermoset polymer substrate, and were micromachined by standard MEMS processes. A special packaging technique is also developed, which guarantees the stable functionality and longevity of the device, which were tested under in vitro conditions prior to animal studies. The 60 micron thick device was successfully implanted to 4.5 mm deep in the hippocampus without the aid of any insertion shuttle. Spike amplitudes of 84 µV peak-to-peak and signal-to-noise ratio of 6.24 were achieved in acute experiments. Our study demonstrates that softening neural probes may be used to investigate deep layers of the rat brain.
MG53 promotes corneal wound healing and mitigates fibrotic remodeling in rodents
Authors: Chandler Heather L. , Tan Tao , Yang Chunlin , Gemensky-Metzler Anne J. , Wehrman Rita F. , Jiang Qiwei , Peterson Cornelia M. W. , Geng Bingchuan , Zhou Xinyu , Wang Qiang , Kaili Denis , Adesanya T. M. Ayodele , Yi Frank , Zhu Hua , Ma Jianjie
Published: February 2019

The cornea plays an important role in transmitting light and providing protection to the eye, but is susceptible to injury and infection. Standard treatments for corneal wounds include topical lubricants, antibiotics, bandage contact lens, and surgery. However, these measures are often ineffective. Here we show that MG53, a protein with an essential role in cell membrane repair, contributes to the corneal injury-repair process. Native MG53 is present in the corneal epithelia, tear film, and aqueous humor, suggesting its potential function in corneal homeostasis. Knockout of MG53 in mice causes impaired healing and regenerative capacity following injury. Exogenous recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein protects the corneal epithelia against mechanical injury and enhances healing by promoting migration of corneal fibroblasts. Using in vivo alkaline-induced injury to the rat cornea, we show that rhMG53 promotes re-epithelialization and reduces post-injury fibrosis and vascularization. Finally, we show that rhMG53 modulates TGF-β-mediated fibrotic remodeling associated with corneal injury. Overall, our data support the bi-functional role of MG53 in facilitating corneal healing and maintaining corneal transparency by reducing fibrosis and vascularization associated with corneal injuries.
Photo-triggered phase transition of a crystal
Authors: Taniguchi Takuya , Sato Hiroyasu , Hagiwara Yuki , Asahi Toru , Koshima Hideko
Published: February 2019

Structural phase transitions induced by external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, electromagnetic fields, and light play crucial roles in controlling the functions of solid-state materials. Here we report a new phase transition, referred to as the photo-triggered phase transition, of a photochromic chiral salicylideneamine crystal. The crystal, which exhibits a thermal single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transition which is reversible upon heating and cooling, transforms to the identical phase upon light irradiation at temperatures lower than the thermal transition temperature. The photo-triggered phase transition originates from the strain of trans-keto molecules produced by enol–keto photoisomerization owing to the small energy barrier associated with changes in the crystal structure. The photo-triggered phase is metastable and returns to the initial stable phase via back isomerization from the trans-keto to enol form.
Fast quantification of nanorod geometry by DMA-spICP-MS
Authors: Tan Jiaojie , Yang Yong , El Hadri Hind , Li Mingdong , Hackley Vincent A. , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: February 2019

Fast, quantitative measurement of nanorod dimensions using tandem ion mobility spectrometry-single particle inductively coupled mass spectrometry.
A new point-of-care test for the diagnosis of infectious diseases based on multiplex lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Kim Hanbi , Chung Doo-Ryeon , Kang Minhee
Published: February 2019

Multiplex lateral flow immunoassays for outstanding POCT of infectious diseases.
Deep eutectic solvent-based emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography for the determination of thiophenols in water samples
Authors: Babaee Shirin , Daneshfar Ali , Sahraei Reza
Published: February 2019

A simple, fast, cheap, and effective method named deep eutectic solvent-based emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction (DES-ELLME) was employed to extract thiophenols from water samples.
Negative thermal expansion in high pressure layered perovskite Ca2GeO4
Authors: Chen Wei-Tin , Ablitt Chris , Bristowe Nicholas C. , Mostofi Arash A. , Saito Takashi , Shimakawa Yuichi , Senn Mark S.
Published: February 2019

We report the high pressure synthesis of a layered perovskite Ca2GeO4 which is found to have the Ruddlesden–Popper structure with I41/acd symmetry, and to display pronounced uniaxial negative thermal expansion.
Oxidative addition of carbon dioxide into mesoionics
Authors: Mathieu Simon , Trinquier Georges
Published: February 2019

To what extent can purpose-built carbenes capture CO2 in mesoionic compounds?
A new method to analyze and understand molecular linear and nonlinear optical responses via field-induced functions: a straightforward alternative to sum-over-states (SOS) analysis
Authors: Otero Nicolás , Karamanis Panaghiotis , Mandado Marcos
Published: February 2019

Using coupled-perturbed theory the same excited state/orbital analysis as the sum-over-states method may be performed.
Structural evolution and electronic properties of CoSin− (n = 3–12) clusters: mass-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations
Authors: Yang Bin , Xu Xi-Ling , Xu Hong-Guang , Farooq Umar , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: February 2019

Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations show that CoSi10− has the highest vertical detachment energy among all the CoSin− (n = 3–12) clusters, implying CoSi10− has special stability.
When are negative emissions negative emissions?
Authors: Tanzer Samantha Eleanor , Ramírez Andrea
Published: February 2019

In recent research, there are notable inconsistencies in what is called “negative emissions”, and those inconsistences could have unintended consequences.
From waste biomass to chemicals and energy via microwave-assisted processes
Authors: Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Cravotto Giancarlo , Manzoli Maela , Tabasso Silvia
Published: February 2019

Lignocellulosic waste material serves as a considerable renewable feedstock that could be used to replace oil refineries with biorefineries.
Electrochemical generation of palladium volatile species enhanced with Sn(ii): application for detection of Pd(ii) by pyrolytic graphite-coated furnace atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Shams Alireza , Ashraf Narges , Arbab-Zavar Mohammad Hossein , Masrournia Mahboubeh
Published: February 2019

Electrochemical generation of palladium volatile species is performed using the tungsten-inert gas welding electrode enhanced with Sn(ii).
Rotating magnetic particles for lab-on-chip applications – a comprehensive review
Authors: Moerland C. P. , van IJzendoorn L. J. , Prins M. W. J.
Published: February 2019

Magnetic particles are widely used in lab-on-chip and biosensing applications, because they have a high surface-to-volume ratio, they can be actuated with magnetic fields and many biofunctionalization options are available. This review focuses on the use of rotating magnetic particles for lab-on-chip applications.
Hygroscopy-induced nanoparticle reshuffling in ionic-gold-residue-stabilized gold suprananoparticles
Authors: Choi Sungmoon , Lim Minyoung , Zhao Yanlu , Yu Junhua
Published: February 2019

Gold ions in gold suprananoparticles absorb moisture to form a micro-water pool which facilitates the fusion of ultra-small nanoparticles.
Environmentally benign modification of breathable nanofibrous membranes exhibiting superior waterproof and photocatalytic self-cleaning properties
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhu Weixia , Wang Xianfeng , Liu Lifang , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: February 2019

Environmentally benign PAN@PM3635/ZnO nanofibrous membranes exhibit superior waterproof breathable properties and significant photocatalytic self-cleaning performance.
Mussel-inspired fabrication of pH-sensitive biomimetic hydrogels based on greenhouse gas carbon dioxide
Authors: Yin Yunfan , Wu Qianghua , Liu Qingxian , Du Longchao
Published: February 2019

Biomimetic hydrogels were prepared from carbon dioxide using a facile method. The PPC block and catechol groups contained in PPC-PU-LDA enable the hydrogel to have good cell compatibility and adhesion.
The protosteryl and dammarenyl cation dichotomy in polycyclic triterpene biosynthesis revisited: has this ‘rule’ finally been broken?
Authors: Stephenson Michael J. , Field Robert A. , Osbourn Anne
Published: February 2019

A well-established dichotomy in the biogenesis of polycyclic triterpenes is outlined and contrasted with a recently reported novel pentacyclic scaffold.
Resettable and enzyme-free molecular logic devices for the intelligent amplification detection of multiple miRNAs via catalyzed hairpin assembly
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Li Kai-Bin , Shi Wei , Zhang Jie , Han De-Man , Xu Jing-Juan
Published: February 2019

In this work, we developed a magnetic bead/DNA system to construct a library of logic gates, enabling the sensing of multiplex target miRNAs. The CHA-based multiplex detection system can distinguish individual target miRNAs under a logic function control.
Iron-catalyzed boration of cinnamyl carbonates: a highly stereoselective approach to cyclopropylboronates
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Yuhan , Li Dong , Chen Han , Zhao Jinfeng , Qu Jingping
Published: February 2019

An efficient approach to cyclopropylboronates with excellent stereoselectivities via iron-catalyzed boration/cyclopropylation of cinnamyl carbonates is developed.
An ROS-responsive and self-accelerating drug release nanoplatform for overcoming multidrug resistance
Authors: Lv Xueming , Zhu Yiyong , Ghandehari Hamidreza , Yu Ao , Wang Yongjian
Published: February 2019

A novel ROS-responsive and self-accelerating nanoplatform was fabricated for circumventing multidrug resistance and enhancing tumour chemotherapy.
Selective C–C and C–N bond activation in dopamine and norepinephrine under deep ultraviolet laser irradiation
Authors: Wu Haiming , Guo Mengdi , Yang Mengzhou , Luo Zhixun , Hansen Klavs
Published: February 2019

Selective C–C bond and C–N bond activation in dopamine and norepinephrine is analyzed utilizing deep-ultraviolet laser ionization mass spectrometry (DUV-LIMS).
A quantitative transmetalation with a metal organic framework compound in a solid–liquid interface reaction: synthesis, structure, kinetics, spectroscopy and electrochemistry
Authors: Bommakanti Suresh , Das Samar K.
Published: February 2019

A Zn(ii)-MOF (1) can be transformed to its isomorphous Cu(ii)-MOF (2) quantitatively in a single crystal to single crystal metal exchange process in a solid–liquid interface reaction.
Halide-bi-bridged polymers of amide substituted pyridines and -pyrazines: polymorphism, structures, thermal stability and magnetism
Authors: Hearne Neil , Turnbull Mark M. , Landee Christopher P. , van der Merwe Elizabet M. , Rademeyer Melanie
Published: February 2019

The structural trends, polymorphic behaviour, magnetic properties and thermal stability of a family of halide-bi-bridged polymers of CuX2 and amide-substituted pyridines and -pyrazines are reported, and compared with related compounds in the literature.
On the structural origin of free volume in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquid mixtures: a SAXS and 129Xe NMR study
Authors: Weber Cameron C. , Brooks Nicholas J. , Castiglione Franca , Mauri Michele , Simonutti Roberto , Mele Andrea , Welton Tom
Published: February 2019

The structural origins of excess free volume in mixtures of ionic liquids featuring different alkyl chain lengths are identified by combining 129Xe NMR and SAXS techniques.
Endohedral metal-nitride cluster ordering in metallofullerene–NiII(OEP) complexes and crystals: a theoretical study
Authors: Dubrovin Vasilii , Gan Li-Hua , Büchner Bernd , Popov Alexey A. , Avdoshenko Stanislav M.
Published: February 2019

The ordering of endohedral clusterfullerenes Sc3N@C80 and YSc2N@C80 co-crystallized with Ni(OEP) and isolated complexes with Ni(OEP) have been investigated theoretically.
A turn-on phosphorescent sensor of Pb2+ in water by the formation of a coordination polymer
Authors: Villa Marco , Roy Myriam , Bergamini Giacomo , Gingras Marc , Ceroni Paola
Published: February 2019

Persulfurated asterisks functionalized with six carboxylic groups form a strongly green phosphorescent coordination polymer upon addition of Pb2+ ions in aqueous solution. The self-assembly process is selective and reversible, enabling Pb2+ sensing with a detection limit of 6.0 × 10−7 M.
An efficient polymer moist-electric generator
Authors: Xu Tong , Ding Xiaoteng , Huang Yaxin , Shao Changxiang , Song Long , Gao Xue , Zhang Zhipan , Qu Liangti
Published: February 2019

An efficient polymer moist-electric generator is developed on the basis of conventional polyelectrolyte membrane to output considerable electric power under moisture.
Macrocyclic host appended carbon nanotubes for selective adsorption of metal ions: combined experimental, DFT and MD studies
Authors: Singha Deb A. K. , Sahu P. , Ali Sk. M.
Published: February 2019

Crown ethers are very useful for metal ion recognition due to their nanocavity based specific ion selectivity, which on functionalization with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be employed as specific metal ion filters by exploiting their different interactions with metal ions.
Rotational isomerism of the amide units in rotaxanes based on a cyclic tetraamide and secondary ammonium ions
Authors: Okuma Yukari , Tsukamoto Toshihiro , Inagaki Takayuki , Miyagawa Shinobu , Kimura Masaki , Naito Masaya , Takaya Hikaru , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Tokunaga Yuji
Published: February 2019

We describe the synthesis of [2]rotaxanes consisting of a macrocyclic tetraamide and mono- and bis-ammonium ions and their conformational isomerism.
Antibacterial nanoparticles: enhanced antibacterial efficiency of coral-like crystalline rhodium nanoplates
Authors: Shin Woojun , Han Hyuk Seung , Le Nghia T. K. , Kang Kyungtae , Jang Hongje
Published: February 2019

This paper deals with the newly found antibacterial efficiency of coral-like crystalline Rh nanoplates.
Culture in 10% O2 enhances the production of active hormones in neuro-endocrine cells by up-regulating the expression of processing enzymes
Authors: Sato Eri , Maeda Yoshinori , Sato Yui , Hinata Airi , Gomi Hiroshi , Koga Daisuke , Torii Seiji , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Hosaka Masahiro
Published: February 2019

To closely mimic physiological conditions, low oxygen cultures have been employed in stem cell and cancer research. Although in vivo oxygen concentrations in tissues are often much lower than ambient 21% O2 (ranging from 3.6 to 12.8% O2), most cell cultures are maintained at 21% O2. To clarify the effects of the O2 culture concentration on the regulated secretion of peptide hormones in neuro-endocrine cells, we examined the changes in the storage and release of peptide hormones in neuro-endocrine cell lines and endocrine tissues cultured in a relatively lower O2 concentration. In both AtT-20 cells derived from the mouse anterior pituitary and freshly prepared mouse pituitaries cultured in 10% O2 for 24 h, the storage and regulated secretion of the mature peptide hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone were significantly increased compared with those in cells and pituitaries cultured in ambient 21% O2, whereas its precursor proopiomelanocortin was not increased in the cells and tissues after being cultured in 10% O2. Simultaneously, the prohormone-processing enzymes PC1/3 and carboxypeptidase E were up-regulated in cells cultured in 10% O2, thus facilitating the conversion of prohormones to their active form. Similarly, culturing the mouse β-cell line MIN6 and islet tissue in 10% O2 also significantly increased the conversion of proinsulin into mature insulin, which was secreted in a regulated manner. These results suggest that culture under 10% O2 is more optimal for endocrine tissues/cells to efficiently generate and secrete active peptide hormones than ambient 21% O2.
Thymosin β 10 is overexpressed and associated with unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Song Chunrong , Su Zhong , Guo Jing
Published: February 2019

Thymosin β 10 (TMSB10) has been demonstrated to be overexpressed and function as an oncogene in most types of human cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our study, we present more evidence about the clinical significance and biological function of TMSB10 in HCC. First, we observed levels of TMSB10 expression were obviously increased in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues at The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Furthermore, we confirmed that TMSB10 mRNA and protein levels were also increased in HCC tissue samples compared with normal adjacent normal liver tissue samples. In addition, we found high TMSB10 expression was remarkably associated with the advanced tumor stage, large tumor size, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis, and acted as an independent factor for predicting poor overall survival in HCC patients. Loss-of-function studies suggested silencing of TMSB10 expression dramatically reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC. In conclusion, TMSB10 may hold promise as a tumor biomarker for predicting prognosis and a potential target for developing a novel therapeutic strategy.
Deficits in the Use of Verb Bias Information in Real-Time Processing by College Students With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Hall Jessica E. , Owen Van Horne Amanda , McGregor Karla K. , Farmer Thomas A.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study examined whether college students with developmental language disorder (DLD) showed similar sensitivity to verb bias information during real-time sentence processing as typically developing (TD) peers.

Method

Seventeen college students with DLD and 16 TD college students participated in a mouse-tracking experiment that utilized the visual world paradigm to examine real-time sentence processing. In experimental trials, participants chose 1 of 2 pictured interpretations of a sentence. Measures of interest were the choice of interpretation and the amount of competition from the unchosen picture as measured by mouse curvature.

Results

Choice of interpretation and mouse movements by college students with DLD suggested less sensitivity to verb bias information than their TD peers.

Conclusion

College students with DLD showed less evidence of sensitivity to verb bias information than their TD peers in this task. Their performance may reflect the use of compensatory processing strategies and may be related to poor comprehension abilities often observed in this population.
Performance analysis of a parameter‐tuned bistable parallel array system for binary pulse amplitude modulation signal processing
Authors: Liang Linlin , Zhang Nina , Huang Haiyan , Wang Danyang , Li Zan
Published: February 2019

In order to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) gain and lower the bit error rate (BER) when a weak signal is buried in the noise, the parameter‐tuned stochastic resonator (PSR) is studied in more detail. In this study, the authors explore the impact of the number of branches on performance. Hence, they build the parameter‐tuned bistable parallel array system, which consists of a group of PSRs and propose a novel method to derive the probability density function (PDF) of the output signal, which combines the conventional PDF based on the approximation theory with Gaussian distribution. Based on this method, an analytical expression for BER of the system is derived. It is of interest to note that for an input binary pulse amplitude modulation signal buried in noise, the weak signal can be detected by using the parameter‐tuned bistable parallel array system. It is found that via the array PSR effect, the system output SNR gain can be improved. Moreover, the BER can also be reduced with the increase of the array size as the array size increases.
Benchmark of machine learning algorithms on capturing future distribution network anomalies
Authors: Mohammadpourfard Mostafa , Weng Yang , Tajdinian Mohsen
Published: February 2019

The conventional distribution network is undergoing structural changes and becoming an active grid due to the advent of smart grid technologies encompassing distributed energy resources (DERs), aggregated demand response and electric vehicles (EVs). This establishes a need for state estimation‐based tools and real‐time monitoring of the distribution grid to correctly apply active controls. Although such new tools may be vulnerable to cyber‐attacks, cyber‐security of distribution grid has not received enough attention. As smart distribution grid intensively relies on communication infrastructures, the authors assume in this study that an attacker can compromise the communication and successfully conduct attacks against crucial functions of the distribution management system, making the distribution system prone to instability boundaries for collapses. They formulate the attack detection problem in the distribution grid as a statistical learning problem and demonstrate a comprehensive benchmark of statistical learning methods on various IEEE distribution test systems. The proposed learning algorithms are tested using various attack scenarios which include distinct features of modern distribution grid such as integration of DERs and EVs. Furthermore, the interaction between transmission and distribution systems and its effect on the attack detection problem are investigated. Simulation results show attack detection is more challenging in the distribution grid.
Low phase‐noise X‐band oscillator based on elliptic filter and branchline coupler
Authors: Nimehvari Varcheh Hamed , Rezaei Pejman
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a procedure for designing of a very low phase‐noise (LPN) X‐band planar microwave oscillator based on a closely packed four‐pole elliptic band‐pass filter as a frequency stabilisation section. The elliptic band‐pass filter as improving phase‐noise is realised, and branchline coupler as a key factor in the feedback loop is introduced. The design method to obtain LPN applications for optimum performance is presented. As a proof of concept, the X‐band oscillator employing a packaged GaAs FET transistor is designed and measured. The oscillator, operating at 8.172 GHz, exhibits a measured phase‐noise of −160 dBc/Hz at 1‐MHz frequency offset with 4 dBm output power. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this oscillator indicates the lowest phase‐noise in the class of published X‐band planar oscillators, to date.
Planar beam‐switching dipole antenna
Authors: Jin GuiPing , Li Miaolan , Wang Wei , Li Long , Liao Shaowei
Published: February 2019

A new planar beam‐switching dipole antenna is proposed in this study. It consists of a peanut‐shaped dipole with folded slots and a pair of parasitic elements with two positive intrinsic‐negative (PIN) diodes. The feeding structure is made up of a short microstrip line, which is excited by a differential signal. Based on the Yagi–Uda antenna, pattern reconfigurability is realised by changing the states of PIN diodes. The proposed antenna is simulated, fabricated and measured. Experimental results indicate that the proposed antenna obtains an impedance bandwidth for |Sdd| < −10 dB of 13.7% from 3.25 to 3.73 GHz. The average gain of the antenna is about 5.7 dBi, with the radiation efficiency up to 60%. The antenna realises the radiation bandwidth of 11.6% covering 3.25–3.65 GHz. The proposed antenna shows good performances, which makes it suitable for the applications of 5G communication system.
GD analysis of arbitrary terminated PD with an unequal power‐dividing ratio
Authors: Chaudhary Girdhari , Jeong Yongchae
Published: February 2019

This study presents the group delay (GD) analysis of an arbitrary terminated unequal power‐dividing ratio of a power divider (PD) combined with a negative group delay (NGD) circuit. The proposed circuit can provide an arbitrary prescribed positive group delay (PGD) between ports 2 and 1, whereas it can provide NGD between ports 3 and 1. From analytical analysis, it is found that the magnitude and GD of the PGD path depend only on the power‐division ratio, whereas the magnitude and GD of the NGD path depend on the power‐division ratio as well as the on NGD circuit. For an experimental verification, the arbitrary terminated unequal PD was designed, fabricated, and measured at the centre frequency of 2.14 GHz. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation and predicted theoretical results. For the NGD bandwidth and magnitude flatness enhancement, coupled‐line NGD circuits with slightly different centre frequencies connected in parallel were designed and fabricated providing wider bandwidth than the single stage and showed a practical applicability.
InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells with quantum dots in the base region
Authors: Chan Shun , Kim Dongyoung , Sanchez Ana M. , Zhang Yunyan , Tang Mingchu , Wu Jiang , Liu Huiyun
Published: February 2019

In this work, the influence of quantum dot (QD) position on the performance of solar cells was studied. The presence of QDs within the base regions leads to improved open circuit voltage (Voc) from 0.73 to 0.90 V. Despite a slight reduction in short‐circuit current (Jsc) due to carrier collection loss, the enhancement of the Voc of QDSCs with QDs in base region is significant enough to ensure that power conversion efficiencies (η) are higher than the reference quantum dot solar cell (QDSC) of which QDs are embedded in the intrinsic region. Moreover, sample with QDs in deep base region achieved the highest η of 9.75%, an increase of 29% with regard to the reference quantum dot solar cell.