bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blue light excited retinal intercepts cellular signaling
Authors: Ratnayake Kasun , Payton John L. , Lakmal O. Harshana , Karunarathne Ajith
Published: June 2018

Photoreceptor chromophore, 11-cis retinal (11CR) and the photoproduct, all-trans retinal (ATR), are present in the retina at higher concentrations and interact with the visual cells. Non-visual cells in the body are also exposed to retinal that enters the circulation. Although the cornea and the lens of the eye are transparent to the blue light region where retinal can absorb and undergo excitation, the reported phototoxicity in the eye has been assigned to lipophilic non-degradable materials known as lipofuscins, which also includes retinal condensation products. The possibility of blue light excited retinal interacting with cells; intercepting signaling in the presence or absence of light has not been explored. Using live cell imaging and optogenetic signaling control, we uncovered that blue light-excited ATR and 11CR irreversibly change/distort plasma membrane (PM) bound phospholipid; phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) and disrupt its function. This distortion in PIP2 was independent of visual or non-visual G-protein coupled receptor activation. The change in PIP2 was followed by an increase in the cytosolic calcium, excessive cell shape change, and cell death. Blue light alone or retinal alone did not perturb PIP2 or elicit cytosolic calcium increase. Our data also suggest that photoexcited retinal-induced PIP2 distortion and subsequent oxidative damage incur in the core of the PM. These findings suggest that retinal exerts light sensitivity to both photoreceptor and non-photoreceptor cells, and intercepts crucial signaling events, altering the cellular fate.
A novel endoscopic classification for craniopharyngioma based on its origin
Authors: Tang Bin , Xie Shen Hao , Xiao Li Min , Huang Guan Lin , Wang Zhi Gang , Yang Le , Yang Xuan Yong , Xu Shan , Chen Ye Yuan , Ji Yu Qiang , Zeng Er Ming , Hong Tao
Published: June 2018

Endoscopic endonasal approach for craniopharyngioma (CP) resection provides a wide view and direct observation of hypothalamus and origin of tumor. Under endoscopy, 92 CPs were classified into 2 types: Peripheral and Central, according to its relation to pituitary stalk. Peripheral type was further divided into 3 subtypes: Hypothalamic stalk, Suprasellar stalk and Intrasellar stalk CP, according to the different origin site along hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Peripheral type arisen from the stalk but expanded and grown laterally in an exophytic pattern, accounting for 71.7% of all CPs, preservation rate of stalk was higher (76.0%). Central type grew within and along pituitary stalk and located strictly in the midline. The pituitary stalk was hardly preserved (only15.4%). Hypothalamic stalk CPs (n = 36, 54.6%) developed from the junction of hypothalamus and stalk, hypothalamus damage was found in all of this subtype after surgery. Suprasellar stalk CPs (n = 14, 21.2%) originated from the lower portion of stalk and displaced hypothalamus upward rather than infiltrated it. Intrasellar stalk CPs (n = 16, 24.2%) arose from the subdiaphragma portion of the stalk, with less hypothalamus damage. Recoginzing the origin of CP is helpful to understand its growth pattern and relation to hypothalamus, which is critical in planning the most appropriate surgical approach and degree of excision.
DNA methylation landscape of the genes regulating D-serine and D-aspartate metabolism in post-mortem brain from controls and subjects with schizophrenia
Authors: Keller Simona , Punzo Daniela , Cuomo Mariella , Affinito Ornella , Coretti Lorena , Sacchi Silvia , Florio Ermanno , Lembo Francesca , Carella Massimo , Copetti Massimiliano , Cocozza Sergio , Balu Darrick T. , Errico Francesco , Usiello Alessandro , Chiariotti Lorenzo
Published: June 2018

The spatio-temporal regulation of genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of D-serine and D-aspartate such as serine racemase (SR), D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), G72 and D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), play pivotal roles in determining the correct levels of these D-amino acids in the human brain. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of these genes in post-mortem samples from hippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum from patients with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric controls. DNA methylation analysis was performed at an ultradeep level, measuring individual epialleles frequency by single molecule approach. Differential CpG methylation and expression was detected across different brain regions, although no significant correlations were found with diagnosis. G72 showed the highest CpG and non-CpG methylation degree, which may explain the repression of G72 transcription in the brain regions considered here. Conversely, in line with the sustained SR mRNA expression in the analyzed areas, very low methylation levels were detected at this gene’s regulatory regions. Furthermore, for DAO and DDO, our single-molecule methylation approach demonstrated that analysis of epiallele distribution was able to detect differences in DNA methylation representing area-specific methylation signatures, which are likely not detectable with targeted or genome-wide classic methylation analyses.
Contactless Fluid Manipulation in Air: Droplet Coalescence and Active Mixing by Acoustic Levitation
Authors: Watanabe Ayumu , Hasegawa Koji , Abe Yutaka
Published: June 2018

Acoustic manipulation by an ultrasonic phased array provides an entirely new approach to processes such as coalescence, mixing, separation, and evaporation occurring in the generation of new materials, physical property measurement, the biomedical industry, etc. However, to date, ultrasonic phased arrays have not been fully investigated for applications in fluid manipulation. This paper provides contactless coalescence and mixing techniques for droplets in air by controlling the acoustic potential by using an ultrasonic phased array. We focused on mode oscillation to propose an efficient mixing technique for liquid without contact. A comparison of mixing performance between cases with mode oscillation and without mode oscillation showed that the flow induced by mode oscillation promotes droplet mixing. Our paper demonstrates the feasibility of contactless coalescence and mixing as a first step in fluid manipulation with a phased array.
Genome Sequencing and analyses of Two Marine Fungi from the North Sea Unraveled a Plethora of Novel Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Sørensen Jens Laurids , Hansen Frederik Teilfeldt , Arvas Mikko , Syed Muhammad Fahad , Hassan Lara , Benz J. Philipp , Record Eric , Henrissat Bernard , Pöggeler Stefanie , Kempken Frank
Published: June 2018

Marine Fungi are potent secondary metabolite producers. However, limited genetic information are available their biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and their biotechnological applications. To overcome this lack of information, herein, we used next-generation sequencing methods for genome sequencing of two marine fungi, isolated from the German Wadden Sea, namely Calcarisporium sp. KF525 and Pestalotiopsis sp. KF079. The assembled genome size of the marine isolate Calcarisporium sp. KF525 is about 36.8 Mb with 60 BGCs, while Pestalotiopsis sp. KF079 has a genome size of 47.5 Mb harboring 67 BGCs. Of all BGCs, 98% and 97% are novel clusters of Calcarisporium sp. and Pestalotiopsis sp., respectively. Only few of the BGCs were found to be expressed under laboratory conditions by RNA-seq analysis. The vast majority of all BGCs were found to be novel and unique for these two marine fungi. Along with a description of the identified gene clusters, we furthermore present important genomic features and life-style properties of these two fungi. The two novel fungal genomes provide a plethora of new BGCs, which may have biotechnological applications in the future, for example as novel drugs. The genomic characterizations will provide assistance in future genetics and genomic analyses of marine fungi.
Potential invasion of exotic ambrosia beetles Xyleborus glabratus and Euwallacea sp. in Mexico: A major threat for native and cultivated forest ecosystems
Authors: Lira-Noriega Andrés , Soberón Jorge , Equihua Julián
Published: June 2018

We analyze the invasive potential of two Asian ambrosia beetles, Xyleborus glabratus and Euwallacea sp., into Mexico and the southern United States. The fungal symbionts of these beetles have been responsible for damage to trees of the family Lauraceae, including Persea americana and other non-cultivated tree species on both coasts of the United States. We estimate their potential threat using ecological niche modeling and spatial multi-criteria evaluation protocols to incorporate plant and beetle suitabilities as well as forest stress factors across Mexico. Mexico contains higher climatic and habitat suitability for X. glabratus than for Euwallacea sp. Within this country, the neotropical region is most vulnerable to invasion by both of these species. We also identify a corridor of potential invasion for X. glabratus along the Gulf of Mexico coast where most Lauraceae and native Xyleborus species are present; dispersal of either X. glabratus or Euwallacea sp. into this region would likely lead to major disease spread. However, the overall potential damage that these beetles can cause may be a function of how many reproductive hosts and how many other ambrosia beetles are present, as well as of their capacity to disperse. This work can also alert relevant managers and authorities regarding this threat.
Physiological and genetic characterization of calcium phosphate precipitation by Pseudomonas species
Authors: Fishman Maxwell R. , Giglio Krista , Fay David , Filiatrault Melanie J.
Published: June 2018

Microbial biomineralization is a widespread phenomenon. The ability to induce calcium precipitation around bacterial cells has been reported in severalPseudomonasspecies but has not been thoroughly tested. We assayed 14Pseudomonasstrains representing five different species for the ability to precipitate calcium. Calcium phosphate precipitated adjacent to the colonies of all thePseudomonasstrains tested and also precipitated on the surface of colonies for several of thePseudomonasstrains assayed. The precipitate was commonly precipitated as amorphous calcium phosphate, however seven of the 14Pseudomonasstrains tested precipitated amorphous apatite in agar adjacent to the colonies. Out of the sevenPseudomonasstrains that precipitated amorphous apatite, six are plant pathogenic. The formation of amorphous apatite was commonly observed in the area of the agar where amorphous calcium phosphate had previously formed. A transposon mutagenesis screen inPseudomonas syringaepv. tomato DC3000 revealed genes involved in general metabolism, lipopolysaccharide and cell wall biogenesis, and in regulation of virulence play a role in calcium precipitation. These results shed light on the common ability ofPseudomonasspecies to perform calcium precipitation and the underlying genetic regulation involved in biomineralization.
Association of meteorological factors and air NO2 and O3 concentrations with acute exacerbation of elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lin Ming-Tai , Kor Chew-Teng , Chang Chun-Chi , Chai Woei-Horng , Soon Maw-Soan , Ciou Yi-Siang , Bin Lian Ie , Chang Chia-Chu
Published: June 2018

We studied the combined effect of air pollutant concentrations and meteorological factors [e.g., temperature and atmospheric pressure (AP)] on the acute exacerbation of coronary obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 277 older patients with COPD (240 men and 37 women; average age, 75.3 ± 9.3 years). Average air pollutant concentrations, AP, temperature, and relative humidity corresponding to each of the 7 days before the date of hospitalisation were identified as the case and the two other weekly averages, 4 and 8 weeks prior to admission, were considered the controls. During the warming-up season, COPD exacerbation more likely occurred on days of temperature increase or AP decrease than on other days. Increments in CO, NO2 and O3 concentrations were significantly associated with 5%, 11% and 4% increases in COPD exacerbation risks, respectively. During the cooling-down season, increments in PM10 concentrations were significant risk factors; the exacerbation likely occurred on days of temperature decreases than on other days. Air pollution with increased NO2, CO, O3 and PM10 concentrations and continual temperature changes (colder during cooling-down seasons or hotter during warning-up seasons) were associated with acute exacerbation of COPD in older patients.
Reuse of malaria rapid diagnostic tests for amplicon deep sequencing to estimate Plasmodium falciparum transmission intensity in western Uganda
Authors: Boyce Ross M. , Hathaway Nick , Fulton Travis , Reyes Raquel , Matte Michael , Ntaro Moses , Mulogo Edgar , Waltmann Andreea , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Siedner Mark J. , Juliano Jonathan J.
Published: June 2018

Molecular techniques are not routinely employed for malaria surveillance, while cross-sectional, community-based parasite surveys require significant resources. Here, we describe a novel use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) collected at a single facility as source material for sequencing to esimtate malaria transmission intensity across a relatively large catchment area. We extracted Plasmodium falciparum DNA from RDTs, then amplified and sequenced a region of the apical membrane antigen 1 (pfama1) using targeted amplicon deep sequencing. We determined the multiplicity of infection (MOI) for each sample and examined associations with demographic, clinical, and spatial factors. We successfully genotyped 223 of 287 (77.7%) of the samples. We demonstrated an inverse relationship between the MOI and elevation with individuals presenting from the highest elevation villages harboring infections approximately half as complex as those from the lowest (MOI 1.85 vs. 3.51, AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09–0.65, p = 0.004). This study demonstrates the feasibility and validity of using routinely-collected RDTs for molecular surveillance of malaria and has real-world utility, especially as the cost of high-throughpout sequencing continues to decline.
A Mouse Model of Schnyder Corneal Dystrophy with the N100S Point Mutation
Authors: Dong Fei , Jin Xueting , Boettler Michelle A. , Sciulli Harrison , Abu-Asab Mones , Del Greco Christina , Wang Shurong , Hu Yueh-Chiang , Campos Maria M. , Jackson Shelley N. , Muller Ludovic , Woods Amina S. , Combs Christian A. , Zhang Jianhua , Nickerson Michael L. , Kruth Howard S. , Weiss Jayne S. , Kao Winston W.
Published: June 2018

Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease in humans, characterized by abnormal deposition of cholesterol and phospholipids in cornea caused by mutations in the UbiA prenyltransferase domain containing 1 (UBIAD1) gene. In this study, we generated a mouse line carrying Ubiad1 N100S point mutation using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to investigate the pathogenesis of SCD. In vivo confocal microscopy revealed hyper-reflective dot-like deposits in the anterior cornea in heterozygotes and homozygotes. No significant change was found in corneal epithelial barrier function or wound healing. Electron microscopy revealed abnormal mitochondrial morphology in corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. Mitochondrial DNA copy number assay showed 1.27 ± 0.07 fold change in homozygotes versus 0.98 ± 0.05 variation in wild type mice (P < 0.05). Lipidomic analysis indicated abnormal metabolism of glycerophosphoglycerols, a lipid class found in mitochondria. Four (34:1, 34:2, 36:2, and 44:8) of the 11 glycerophosphoglycerols species identified by mass spectrometry showed a significant increase in homozygous corneas compared with heterozygous and wild-type mouse corneas. Unexpectedly, we did not find a difference in the corneal cholesterol level between different genotypes by filipin staining or lipidomic analysis. The Ubiad1N100S mouse provides a promising animal model of SCD revealing that mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent component of the disease. The different phenotype in human and mouse may due to difference in cholesterol metabolism between species.
Melatonin alleviates low-sulfur stress by promoting sulfur homeostasis in tomato plants
Authors: Hasan Md. Kamrul , Liu Chen-Xu , Pan Yan-Ting , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Qi Zhen-Yu , Zhou Jie
Published: June 2018

Despite involvement of melatonin (MT) in plant growth and stress tolerance, its role in sulfur (S) acquisition and assimilation remains unclear. Here we report that low-S conditions cause serious growth inhibition by reducing chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and biomass accumulation. S deficiency evoked oxidative stress leading to the cell structural alterations and DNA damage. In contrast, MT supplementation to the S-deprived plants resulted in a significant diminution in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, thereby mitigating S deficiency-induced damages to cellular macromolecules and ultrastructures. Moreover, MT promoted S uptake and assimilation by regulating the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in S transport and metabolism. MT also protected cells from ROS-induced damage by regulating 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin and biosynthesis of S-compounds. These results provide strong evidence that MT can enhance plant tolerance to low-S-induced stress by improving S uptake, metabolism and redox homeostasis, and thus advocating beneficial effects of MT on increasing the sulfur utilization efficiency.
Comparison between renal denervation and metoprolol on the susceptibility of ventricular arrhythmias in rats with myocardial infarction
Authors: Jiang Wanying , Chen Chu , Huo Junyu , Lu Dasheng , Jiang Zhixin , Geng Jie , Xu Hai , Shan Qijun
Published: June 2018

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to compare effects of renal denervation (RDN) and metoprolol on VAs after MI. Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery to induce MI, while 6 rats served as Control. Metoprolol was given 20 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks after MI surgery. RDN/Sham-RDN procedure was performed at 1 week after MI. At 5 weeks after MI, electrical programmed stimulation (EPS) was performed in all groups for evaluation of VAs. After EPS, heart and kidneys were harvested. Compared with MI group, RDN and metoprolol significantly decreased the incidence of VAs, and RDN is superior to metoprolol. Compared with metoprolol group, Masson staining showed that RDN significantly reduced the myocardial fibrosis. Both RDN and metoprolol decreased the protein expression of connexin43 (Cx43) compared with MI group, while only RDN lighted this decrease remarkably. Immunohistochemical staining of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) revealed that RDN and metoprolol had similar effect on reducing densities of sympathetic nerve in infarction border zone. According to this study, RDN is more effective in reducing VAs than metoprolol in ischemic cardiomyopathy model.
Quantification of radioactivity by planar gamma-camera images, a promoted method of absorbed dose in the thyroid after iodine-131 treatment
Authors: Li Yuhao , Cai Huawei , Shen Guohua , Pang Fuwen , Dong Ping , Li Lin
Published: June 2018

Iodine-131 (131I) is an essential and widely used radioisotope in thyroid diseases and animal experiments. Planar imaging has been considered the most popular method for 131I thyroid uptake radioactive activity quantification. The ROI defining section is essential and can affect the accuracy of quantitative results. However, a consistent method has not been proposed. In this study, a UC-ROI defining method based on ULWL setting and colour display grade was applied. Three steps were performed: image acquisition of five standard activity models and obtaining the exact value that the counts per radioactive activity contributes to the ROI; image acquisition of 20 rat thyroids and obtaining the counts of the ROI (thyroid); and calculating the rat thyroid radioactive activity and comparing these values with the true values. The accuracy of quantification activity of 131I in rat thyroid reached 2.62% ± 0.41%. The mean quantification within 5% could be achieved in 19 of 20 rat thyroids. No significant difference existed between calculated thyroid 131I activity and true values with a paired matched-test (t = −0.384, P = 0.706 > 0.05). The results indicated that with the UC-ROI defining method, more accurate thyroid uptake 131I radioactive activity quantification by SPECT planar imaging can be achieved in vivo rat study.
Anticoagulants impact on innate immune responses and bacterial survival in whole blood models of Neisseria meningitidis infection
Authors: Strobel Lea , Johswich Kay O.
Published: June 2018

Neisseria meningitidis(meningococcus) causes invasive diseases such as meningitis or septicaemia.Ex vivoinfection of human whole blood is a valuable tool to study meningococcal virulence factors and the host innate immune responses. In order to consider effects of cellular mediators, the coagulation cascade must be inhibited to avoid clotting. There is considerable variation in the anticoagulants used among studies ofN.meningitidiswhole blood infections, featuring citrate, heparin or derivatives of hirudin, a polypeptide from leech saliva. Here, we compare the influence of these three different anticoagulants, and additionally Mg/EGTA, on host innate immune responses as well as on viability ofN.meningitidisstrains isolated from healthy carriers and disease cases, reflecting different sequence types and capsule phenotypes. We found that the anticoagulants significantly impact on cellular responses and, strain-dependently, also on bacterial survival. Hirudin does not inhibit complement and is therefore superior over the other anticoagulants; indeed hirudin-plasma most closely reflects the characteristics of serum duringN.meningitidisinfection. We further demonstrate the impact of heparin on complement activation onN.meningitidisand its consequences on meningococcal survival in immune sera, which appears to be independent of the heparin binding antigens Opc and NHBA.
Increased risk for inflammatory bowel disease in congenital hypothyroidism supports the existence of a shared susceptibility factor
Authors: Grasberger Helmut , Noureldin Mohamed , Kao Timothy D. , Adler Jeremy , Lee Joyce M. , Bishu Shrinivas , El-Zaatari Mohamad , Kao John Y. , Waljee Akbar K.
Published: June 2018

Loss-of-function mutations in dual oxidase (DUOX) 2 are the most common genetic variants found in congenital hypothyroidism (CH), and similar mutations have been recently reported in few very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients without CH. If DUOX2 variants indeed increase susceptibility for IBD, the enrichment of DUOX2 mutation carriers among CH patients should be reflected in higher risk for developing IBD. Using a database containing health insurance claims data for over 230 million patients in the United States, 42,922 subjects with CH were identified based on strict inclusion criteria using diagnostic codes. For subgroup analysis, CH patients with pharmacy records were stratified as transient or permanent CH based on the absence or presence of levothyroxine treatment, respectively. Patients were matched to an equal-sized, age- and gender-matched non-CH group. Compared to controls, CH patients had a 73% higher overall IBD prevalence (0.52% vs 0.30%; P < 0.0001). The CH-associated relative risk was higher for indeterminate or ulcerative colitis than Crohn’s disease. Patients with transient CH had higher odds for IBD (OR 2.39 (95% CI 1.77–3.23) than those with permanent CH (1.69 (95% CI 1.31–2.18). We conclude that patients with CH are at an increased risk of developing IBD. The risk was highest for patients with transient CH, for which partial defects in the DUOX2 system are a particularly common finding.
Electronic and reactivity characteristics of CL-20 covalent chains and networks: a density functional theory study
Authors: Gimaldinova Margarita A. , Maslov Mikhail M. , Katin Konstantin P.
Published: June 2018

The low-dimensional nanostructures built with CL-20 units were studied in order to investigate the possibility of creating covalent CL-20 crystals.
Reviving lithium cobalt oxide-based lithium secondary batteries-toward a higher energy density
Authors: Wang Longlong , Chen Bingbing , Ma Jun , Cui Guanglei , Chen Liquan
Published: June 2018

This review summarizes the key challenges, effective modification strategies and perspectives regarding reviving lithium cobalt oxide-based lithium secondary batteries-toward a higher energy density.
Elucidating the active sites for CO2 electroreduction on ligand-protected Au25 nanoclusters
Authors: Austin Natalie , Zhao Shuo , McKone James R. , Jin Rongchao , Mpourmpakis Giannis
Published: June 2018

This work reveals the mechanism of CO2 electrochemical reduction on ligand-protected Au nanoclusters and catalytic sites responsible for increased selectivity towards CO.
Synthesis, structure, and photophysical and electrochemical properties of Ru(ii) complexes of arylene–vinylene terpyridyl conjugates
Authors: Sil Amit , Roy Chowdhury Sabyasachi , Mishra Sabyashachi , Patra Sanjib K.
Published: June 2018

A series of arylene–vinylene π-conjugated terpyridyl ruthenium(ii) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by varying the aryl group and ancillary ligands to modulate their redox and photophysical properties.
Capacity fading mechanism of tin phosphide anodes in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Mogensen Ronnie , Maibach Julia , Naylor Andrew J. , Younesi Reza
Published: June 2018

Tin phosphide (Sn4P3) is here investigated as an anode material in half-cell, symmetrical, and full-cell sodium-ion batteries.
Redox-enhanced hemilability of a tris(tert-butoxy)siloxy ligand at cerium
Authors: Friedrich Jochen , Qiao Yusen , Maichle-Mössmer Cäcilia , Schelter Eric J. , Anwander Reiner
Published: June 2018

Combined structural/electrochemical/computational studies of ceric Ce[OSi(OtBu)3]4and cerous [Ce{OSi(OtBu)3}4][K(2.2.2-crypt)] suggest a redox-modulated coordination switch of a tris(tert-butoxy)siloxy ligand.
Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(tpy)(bbibH2)Cl][PF6] and [Ir(tpy)(bmbib)Cl][PF6]: intramolecular π⋯π interactions leading to facile synthesis and enhanced luminescence
Authors: Qu Zhong-Ze , Gao Tai-Bao , Wen Jing , Rui Kai , Ma Haibo , Cao Deng-Ke
Published: June 2018

Complexes [Ir(tpy)(bbibH2)Cl][PF6] (1·PF6) and [Ir(tpy)(bmbib)Cl][PF6] (2·PF6) show facile synthesis and enhanced luminescence due to intramolecular π⋯π interactions.
Microwave-assisted dry-gel conversion-a new sustainable route for the rapid synthesis of metal–organic frameworks with solvent re-use
Authors: Tannert Niels , Gökpinar Serkan , Hastürk Emrah , Nießing Sandra , Janiak Christoph
Published: June 2018

Microwave-assisted dry-gel conversion (MW-DGC) combines the advantages of concentrated reactants in DGC with fast heating by microwave irradiation.
Role of metastable-adsorbed charges in the stability degradation of carbon-based electrodes for capacitive deionization
Authors: Li Bei , Zheng Tianye , Ran Sijia , Lee Po-Heng , Liu Baojun , Boles Steven T.
Published: June 2018

The dynamic movement of metastable ions at the surface of aged anodes is illustrated to elucidate the inversion effect.
Lactose malabsorption and intolerance: a review
Authors: Ugidos-Rodríguez Santiago , Matallana-González María Cruz , Sánchez-Mata María Cortes
Published: June 2018

A review on the current knowledge about lactose malabsorption and intolerance is presented including biochemistry, physiology, diagnosis and dietary management.
Development of a general acid method for the digestion of gold ore samples together with a comparison of extraction solvents for gold and determination by microwave-induced plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MIP-AES)
Authors: Helmeczi Wryan , Helmeczi Erick , Baker Laura A. , Wang Yong , Brindle Ian D.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we explore a variety of aqueous digestion techniques for the determination of gold in a wide variety of mineral matrices.
Synthetic glycopeptides as a designated standard in focused glycoproteomics to discover serum cancer biomarkers
Authors: Yogesh K. V. , Kamiyama Toshiya , Ohyama Chikara , Yoneyama Tohru , Nouso Kazuhiro , Kimura Satoshi , Hinou Hiroshi , Nishimura Shin-Ichiro
Published: June 2018

The serum glycoproteins of cancer patients often have more dominant and specific glycoforms, namely, branched tri- and tetra-antennary N-glycans, most cancer patient groups than normal control groups.
One-pot synthesis of highly fluorescent Fe2+-doped carbon dots for a dual-emissive nanohybrid for the detection of zinc ions and histidine
Authors: Han Bingyan , Peng Tingting , Yu Mingbo , Chi Chen , Li Ying , Hu Xixi , He Gaohong
Published: June 2018

Fe2+ was confirmed to be the only definitive one of the common metal ions to synthesize the highly fluorescent carbon dots with proline as the carbon resource at 80 °C for visual fluorescence sensing Zn2+ and histidine, respectively.
Continuous detection of HCl and NH3 gases with a high-performance fluorescent polymer sensor
Authors: Xu Ning , Wang Rui-Lei , Li Dong-Peng , Zhou Zi-Yan , Zhang Tian , Xie Yu-Zhong , Su Zhong-Min
Published: June 2018

A novel fluorescent triazine-based covalent organic polymer (COP-1) sensor for HCl and NH3 gases has been designed and synthesized.
Unravelling the role of polyols with increasing carbon chain length and OH groups on the phase transition behavior of PNIPAM
Authors: Narang Payal , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: June 2018

In advanced applications of pharmaceutical, agricultural and biomedical research, thermoresponsive polymers (TRPs) are potential candidates which show conformational transitions at given temperatures.
A computational mechanistic study of substrate-controlled competitive O–H and C–H insertion reactions catalyzed by dirhodium(ii) carbenoids: insight into the origin of chemoselectivity
Authors: Zhu Li-Han , Yuan Hai-Yan , Li Wen-Liang , Zhang Jing-Ping
Published: June 2018

DFT calculations disclosed the chemoselectivity of rhodium carbenoid and water co-catalyzed O–H and C–H insertion reactions with three 1,3-diketone substrates.
Design and virtual screening of novel fluoroquinolone analogs as effective mutant DNA GyrA inhibitors against urinary tract infection-causing fluoroquinolone resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Sakthivel , Irfan Navabshan , Umamaheswari Appavoo , Puratchikody Ayarivan
Published: June 2018

Design and development of novel fluoroquinolones analogs using target (mutant DNA GyrA), ligand-based SAR and virtual screening techniques.
Estimation of the tensile modulus of polymer carbon nanotube nanocomposites containing filler networks and interphase regions by development of the Kolarik model
Authors: Chen Shenggui , Sarafbidabad Mohsen , Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: June 2018

The Kolarik model for the tensile modulus of co-continuous blends is developed for polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites assuming continuous CNT networks and the reinforcing and percolating efficiencies of the interphase.
Characterization of key aroma compounds in Meilanchun sesame flavor style baijiu by application of aroma extract dilution analysis, quantitative measurements, aroma recombination, and omission/addition experiments
Authors: Sun Jinyuan , Li Qinya , Luo Siqi , Zhang Jinglin , Huang Mingquan , Chen Feng , Zheng Fuping , Sun Xiaotao , Li Hehe
Published: June 2018

The aroma components in Meilanchun sesame flavor style baijiu were identified by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), quantitative analysis, aroma active compound recombination, and omission/addition experiments.
Flowery nickel–cobalt hydroxide via a solid–liquid sulphur ion grafting route and its application in hybrid supercapacitive storage
Authors: Ye Lin , Bao Zepei , Zhao Yuguang , Zhao Lijun
Published: June 2018

The Ni1Co2–S material fabricated via a solid–liquid route achieves high-performance supercapacitive storage.
Ultrasensitive determination of ascorbic acid by using cobalt oxyhydroxide nanosheets to enhance the chemiluminescence of the luminol–H2O2 system
Authors: Xu Huihui , Cai Qiyong , Nie Qiuyu , Qiao Zhun , Liu Song , Li Zhaohui
Published: June 2018

An ultrasensitive CL system for the determination of ascorbic acid in medicinal tablets was developed based on the enhancement effect of cobalt oxyhydroxide nanosheets on the luminol–H2O2 system.
Current progress, challenges and future prospects of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Rajasekhar K. , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: June 2018

The diverse pathological mechanisms and their implications for the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease are presented with current progress, challenges and future prospects.
Procyanidin B2 mitigates behavioral impairment and protects myelin integrity in cuprizone-induced schizophrenia in mice
Authors: Tian Hui , Sun Wanchun , Zhang Qianying , Li Xiaofei , Sang Ying , Li Jian , Niu Yunhui , Ding Hong
Published: June 2018

Numerous studies have suggested that neuropathological changes in schizophrenia may be related to damage to white matter or demyelination.
Synthesis of arrays containing porphyrin, chlorin, and perylene-imide constituents for panchromatic light-harvesting and charge separation
Authors: Hu Gongfang , Kang Hyun Suk , Mandal Amit Kumar , Roy Arpita , Kirmaier Christine , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: June 2018

Twelve arrays containing porphyrin, chlorin, and/or perylene-imide units were synthesized to investigate panchromatic absorption integrated with charge separation.
Exploring weak intermolecular interactions in thiocyanate-bonded Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes with methylimidazole: crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis and luminescence properties
Authors: Di Santo Alejandro , Pérez Hiram , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Piro Oscar E. , Iglesias Rodrigo A. , Carbonio Raúl E. , Ben Altabef Aida , Gil Diego M.
Published: June 2018

We report the synthesis, spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structures of four Cd(ii) and Zn(ii) coordination compounds with imidazole derivatives and thiocyanate as co-ligands.
Photoinduced viscosity control of lecithin-based reverse wormlike micellar systems using azobenzene derivatives
Authors: Akamatsu Masaaki , Shiina Mayu , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Sakai Kenichi , Abe Masahiko , Sakai Hideki
Published: June 2018

This report describes the controlled viscosity changes of photoresponsive reverse wormlike micellar systems formed by soybean lecithin (SoyPC), d-ribose, and azobenzene derivatives in decane.
Correction: Porous monoliths synthesized via polymerization of styrene and divinyl benzene in nonaqueous deep-eutectic solvent-based HIPEs
Authors: Pérez-García M. G. , Carranza A. , Puig J. E. , Pojman J. A. , del Monte F. , Luna-Bárcenas G. , Mota-Morales J. D.
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Porous monoliths synthesized via polymerization of styrene and divinyl benzene in nonaqueous deep-eutectic solvent-based HIPEs’ by M. G. Pérez-García et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 23255–23260.
Exploration of biocompatible AIEgens from natural resources
Authors: Gu Yuan , Zhao Zheng , Su Huifang , Zhang Pengfei , Liu Junkai , Niu Guangle , Li Shiwu , Wang Zhaoyang , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Ni Xin-Long , Sun Jingzhi , Qin Anjun , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2018

In this contribution, we propose natural resources as a new source to acquire biocompatible AIEgens.
Electrophile-promoted Fe-to-N2hydride migration in highly reduced Fe(N2)(H) complexes
Authors: Deegan Meaghan M. , Peters Jonas C.
Published: June 2018

An emerging challenge in nitrogen fixation catalysis is the formation of hydride species, which can play a role in catalyst deactivation and unproductive hydrogen evolution. A new pathway for productive N–H bond formation from an iron hydride precursor is described.
Exploration of the NaxMoO2phase diagram for low sodium contents (x≤ 0.5)
Authors: Vitoux Laura , Guignard Marie , Darriet Jacques , Delmas Claude
Published: June 2018

Phase diagram in the NaxMoO2system (x≤ 0.5) determined using electrochemistry andin situX-ray powder diffraction.
Optimization of energy transfer in a polymer composite with perylene chromophores
Authors: Yasarapudi Vineeth B. , Frazer Laszlo , Davis Nathaniel J. L. K. , Booker Edward P. , Macmillan Alexander , Gallaher Joseph K. , Roberts Derrick , Perrier Sébastien , Schmidt Timothy W.
Published: June 2018

Luminescent solar concentrators based on molecular dyes are a promising approach to light collection.
A giant 2-dimensional dielectric response in a compressed hydrogen-bonded hybrid organic–inorganic salt
Authors: Paliwoda Damian , Szafrański Marek , Hanfland Michael , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: June 2018

A giant pressure effect on 2-dimensional relaxor-like response in a stoichiometric organic–inorganic NH⋯N bonded salt has been evidenced.
Controllable synthesis and evolution mechanism of tungsten bronze nanocrystals with excellent optical performance for energy-saving glass
Authors: Huang Xie-Jun , Bao Jun , Han Yue , Cui Chang-Wei , Wang Jie-Xin , Zeng Xiao-Fei , Chen Jian-Feng
Published: June 2018

The excellent optical performance of monodispersed tungsten bronze nanocrystals preparedviaan effective solvothermal method is shown.
After the boring billion and before the freezing millions: evolutionary patterns and innovations in the Tonian Period
Authors: Xiao Shuhai , Tang Qing
Published: June 2018

The Tonian Period (ca. 1000–720 Ma) follows the ‘boring billion' in the Mesoproterozoic Era and precedes ‘snowball Earth' glaciations in the Cryogenian Period. It represents a critical transition in Earth history. Geochemical data indicate that the Tonian Period may have witnessed a significant increase in atmospheric pO2 levels and a major transition from predominantly sulfidic to ferruginous mid-depth seawaters. Molecular clock estimates suggest that early animals may have diverged in the Tonian Period, raising the intriguing possibility of coupled environmental changes and evolutionary innovations. The co-evolution of life and its environment during the Tonian Period can be tested against the fossil record by examining diversity trends in the Proterozoic and evolutionary innovations in the Tonian. Compilations of Proterozoic microfossils and macrofossils apparently support a Tonian increase in global taxonomic diversity and morphological range relative to the Mesoproterozoic Era, although this is not reflected in assemblage-level diversity patterns. The fossil record suggests that major eukaryote groups (including Opisthokonta, Amoebozoa, Plantae, and SAR) may have diverged and important evolutionary innovations (e.g. multicellularity and cell differentiation in several groups, eukaryovory, eukaryote biomineralization, and heterocystous cyanobacteria) may have arisen by the Tonian Period, but thus far no convincing animal fossils have been found in the Tonian. Tonian paleontology is still in its nascent stage, and it offers many opportunities to explore Earth-life evolution in this critical geological period.
Minimum pulse reservation‐based switching frequency reduction for wideband supply modulated power amplifiers
Authors: Meng Fan , Yu Chao , Zhu Xiao‐Wei
Published: June 2018

A minimum pulse reservation method is proposed to reduce the switching frequencies of the supply modulated power amplifier (PA). It is achieved by expanding the minimum pulse length of the multi‐level supply voltage. Also, by comparing the maximum voltage of the minimum pulse with the designed chopped voltage, the minimum pulse is reserved in an optimised way to maximise the PA efficiency. To validate the proposed technique, a four‐level supply modulated PA is fabricated, which is excited by a wideband modulated signal, that is 40‐MHz long‐term evolution signal. Experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce the switching frequencies and achieve higher efficiency than state‐of‐the‐art bandwidth reduction methods, which is very promising for the wideband supply modulated PA design.
Tunable surface plasma resonance of gold nanorods superstructure and their SERS properties
Authors: Sun Yufei , Wang Liwei , Liu Junhui , Li Ruoping , Huang Mingju
Published: June 2018

High‐quality gold nanorods (GNRs) with different aspect ratios and uniform morphology were synthesised using the seed‐mediated growth method. The GNRs were assembled into two different type superstructures: the one is arranged vertically to the substrate (V‐GNR superstructure); the other is arranged parallel to the substrate (P‐GNR superstructure). Their work at present is devoted to study the Raman enhancement effect and signal repeatability of GNR superstructures. The influence of GNRs arrangement on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was investigated experimentally. In addition, the electromagnetic field coupling of GNR superstructures with different arrangement modes was simulated by the finite‐different time‐domain method. Both experiments and theories have proved that the required resonance wavelength of Raman laser can be obtained by adjusting the aspect ratio of GNRs. Furthermore, the P‐GNR superstructure can bring high and repeatable SERS signal intensity of molecules compared with V‐GNR superstructure and other nanostructures. It can be concluded that P‐GNR superstructure is a good substrate mode for SERS technique.
Approach to Topographic Map, Hydrogeological and Environmental Isotopes Analysis to Delineation of Watersheds in Drought-prone Areas
Authors: Budhie Wijatna Agus , Aris Sunantyo Tarsisius
Published: June 2018

Gunung Kidul regency is one of the regencies in Indonesia that almost every year (often) is susceptible to drought, there is an even in term of synonymous with a drought in the province. Water is the essential lifeblood on Earth, with the power to generate, sustain, receive, and ultimately to unify life. Water is also one of the most important resources that need to be protected, conserved, and maintained to support humanity and all life on earth. Drought is a state of shortage of water supply in an area in which a prolonged period (several months to years). Usually, these events appear if a region is continuously subjected to rainfall below the average. Dry season long will cause drought. Drought is also a lack of water for human life and other living things in an area that is usually not a lack of water.

The environmental isotopes most widely used as a tracer in the study of hydrology cycle are the stable isotopes deuterium (2H), oxygen-18 (18O) and carbon-13 and the radioisotopes tritium (3H) and carbon-14 (14C). The use of environmental isotopes as a tracer in groundwater studies are usually complementary to approach topography, hydro geology, and geology which has been frequently used.

The result of this research show that elevation as an orthometric height of the 15 wells water in the research has a variation elevation which spread at most of the district in The from -18.390 m at Girisubo district up to 238.599 at Nglipar district m. Concerning with elevation of the water table at several geological cross section (East - West) are close to orthometric height.
Analysis Characteristics Of Pendulum Oscillation In PLTGL-SB
Authors: Arif I.S. , Utama I.K.A.P , Hartono R. , Prananda J. , Isnaini R. , Rachmattra A T.
Published: June 2018

Energy is an everlasting demand which sustains humanity and its activity throughout the world. The main problem energy for all country is still using fossil energy. Using fossil energy caused pollution and contaminate environment. Adopting Ocean wave energy we can convert the wave into eco-green energy. Wave energy in Indonesia very abundant, it’s coastal line is 95,181 km number 2 in the world after Canada. The device that used to convert ocean wave energy into electrical energy is called WECs (Wave Energy Converters). Latterly, there are many kinds of WECs that already developed by an engineer. Pendulum system is one sample of WECs, its has uncomplicated working principle. Zamrisyaf is The man who first invented the device in 2010. Recently, the researcher still haven’t found the parameter of pontoon geometry that can afford a good sea keeping for this WECs. In this research, the authors has been performed using experimental approach to test the pendulum system. The purpose of this study is to analyze the novel geometry of pontoon that identical to trimaran that can produce a large amplitude of pendulum oscillation through an experimental approach. The analyzed aspect is the combination of outrigger length, outrigger height, pendulum rod length, pendulum mass, and wave periods which have a maximum amplitude of pendulum oscillation. The analysis results show that the better solution is pontoon thus has outrigger height of 40 mm, pendulum rod length of 106.7 mm, outrigger length of 413 mm, pendulum mass of 20, and wave periods of 0.8 s have a maximum amplitude of pendulum oscillation as big as 60 degrees.
Design of new ultrasonic transducer with two elements for flow rate measurement using ultrasonic Doppler method
Authors: Tanius Owen Jevin , Hamdani Ari , Ihara Tomonori , Takahashi Hideharu , Kikura Hiroshige
Published: June 2018

In this present study, we developed a new two-dimensional velocity profile measurement system by utilizing two-elements ultrasonic transducer with both elements acting as transmitter and receiver. The aim is to obtain two-dimensional velocity information along measurement line and calculate the flow rate. We evaluate the transducer with sound pressure measurement and flow measurement. From the sound pressure measurement, there is one main lobe exist at the center between the elements due to the interference of both waves generated from each element. Therefore two-dimensional velocity measurement is possible. From the flow measurement, we can get two-dimensional velocity profile and calculate the flow rate. We compared the flow rate result with the flow rate reading from the electromagnetic flow meter, and we obtained the error of 4.98% for pipe flow and 10.43% for pipe flow under swirl effect with the measurement range from 8 mm to 50 mm. We used B-spline interpolation with Gaussian fitting to estimate the profile from range 0 mm to 8 mm and finally we were able to obtain full vector profile.
Design of PLC Integrated Process Simulation Software for Steam Generator Using Matlab Simulink
Authors: Ikhtiander  , Santoso Soekirno
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the work done in order to make Matlab Simulink based steam generator simulator in the simulation of a steam generator. The steam generator under this research is operated with the steam quality of 72%, O2 content is 1.2%, designed steam volume flow is 3600 barrel per day at a maximum and designed fuel gas volume flow is 1300 Thousand Standard Cubic Feet (MSCF) per day at a maximum. The simulator program of the steam generator is separated into individual components consisting of Burner, Radiant, Convection, Exhaust Stack, Feedwater Pump Discharge and Steam Discharge. Within the components, thermodynamics and heat transfer principles such as conduction, convection, radiation and also conservation of mass, momentum, and energy were applied to compute the pressure values, temperature values, and flow rate values of simulated field device based on the command and setpoint from PLC. The validation process has been done with the steam generator is operating in a steady state to the 10 important process parameters of the steam generator. The error percentage calculated from a difference between the simulation result value and the actual value from field data reference divide by actual value from field data reference. The error percentage results are as following : Fuel Gas Orifice Differential Pressure : 2.39%, Fuel Gas Pressure : 1.37%, Fuel Gas Temperature : 5.95%, Fuel Gas Flow Rate : 1.25%, Feedwater Orifice Differential Pressure : 1.94%, Feedwater Pressure : 1.54%, Feedwater Flow Rate : 0.92%, Steam Orifice Differential Pressure 3.26%, Steam Discharge Pressure 1.93% and Steam Quality : 0.05%.