bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major Issues in Simulating Some Arctic Snowpack Properties Using Current Detailed Snow Physics Models: Consequences for the Thermal Regime and Water Budget of Permafrost
Authors: Domine Florent , Picard Ghislain , Morin Samuel , Barrere Mathieu , Madore Jean‐Benoît , Langlois Alexandre
Published: December 2018

Accurately simulating the physical properties of Arctic snowpacks is essential for modeling the surface energy budget and the permafrost thermal regime. We show that the detailed snow physics models Crocus and SNOWPACK cannot simulate critical snow physical variables. Both models simulate basal layers with high density and high thermal conductivity, and top layers with low values for both variables, while field measurements yield opposite results. We explore the impact of an inverted snow stratigraphy on the permafrost thermal regime at a high Arctic site using a simplified heat transfer model and idealized snowpacks with three layers. One snowpack has a typical Arctic stratification with a low‐density insulating basal layer, while the other (called Alpine‐type snowpack) has a dense conducting basal layer. Snowpack stratification impacts simulated ground temperatures at 5 cm depth by less than 0.3 °C. Heat conduction through layered snowpacks is therefore determined by thermal insulance rather than by stratification. Ground dehydration caused by upward water vapor diffusion is 4 times greater under Arctic stratification, leading to a larger latent heat loss, but also to a lower soil thermal conductivity caused by ice loss, so that the overall effect of dehydration on ground temperature is uncertain. Snowpack stratification is found to affect snow surface temperature by up to 4 °C. Lastly, different snow metamorphism rates lead to a lower Alpine snowpack albedo, contributing to a warmer ground. Quantifying all these effects is needed for adequately simulating permafrost temperature. This requires the development of a snow and soil model that describes water vapor fluxes.
Dependence of Aspen Stands on a Subsurface Water Subsidy: Implications for Climate Change Impacts
Authors: Love D. M. , Venturas M. D. , Sperry J. S. , Brooks P. D. , Pettit J. L. , Wang Y. , Anderegg W. R. L. , Tai X. , Mackay D. S.
Published: December 2018

The reliance of 10 Utah (USA) aspen forests on direct infiltration of growing season rain versus an additional subsurface water subsidy was determined from a trait‐ and process‐based model of stomatal control. The model simulated the relationship between water supply to the root zone versus canopy transpiration and assimilation over a growing season. Canopy flux thresholds were identified that distinguished nonstressed, stressed, and dying stands. We found growing season rain and local soil moisture were insufficient for the survival of 5 of 10 stands. Six stands required a substantial subsidy (31–80% of potential seasonal transpiration) to avoid water stress and maximize photosynthetic potential. Subsidy dependence increased with stand hydraulic conductance. Four of the six “subsidized” stands were predicted to be stressed during the survey year owing to a subsidy shortfall. Since winter snowpack is closely related to groundwater recharge in the region, we compared winter precipitation with tree‐ring chronologies. Consistent with model predictions, chronologies were more sensitive to snowpack in subsidized stands than in nonsubsidized ones. The results imply that aspen stand health in the region is more coupled to winter snowpack than to growing season water supply. Winters are predicted to have less precipitation as snow, indicating a stressful future for the region's aspen forests.
Critical Zone Water Balance Over 13 Years in a Semiarid Savanna
Authors: Scott Russell L. , Biederman Joel A.
Published: December 2018

Quantifying how much and when precipitation (P) becomes runoff (R), evapotranspiration (ET), and drainage from the root zone (D) is key to understanding how climate and land use impact hydrology of the critical zone. We quantify water balance dynamics of a semiarid savanna with a summer/winter rainfall pattern with 13 years of water fluxes and soil moisture. We find multiyear P is partitioned 96% to ET and 7% to R, while D (−3%) is negligible when considering measurement uncertainty. While weather regulates ET over diurnal time scales, soil water inputs control seasonal to annual ET amounts. Seasonal water availability, estimated by soil moisture inputs, is more closely tracked by ET rather than time‐averaged soil moisture or P. Surprisingly, we find significant, episodic carryover of soil moisture from the summer to spring growing season. Abundant late‐summer P can supply ET in the subsequent spring, even after multimonth dry periods. However, over an annual cycle beginning in early summer, nearly all soil moisture is used by ET. Likewise, D beyond the monitored root zone, assisted by downward hydraulic distribution in plant roots, occurs within a season, but this is counteracted by subsequent ET extraction of deep moisture over the year. Thus, negligible long‐term D occurs, though there is considerable uncertainty in estimation of this small flux as the residual of much larger ones. These comprehensive, long‐term measurements support expectations about the overriding importance of ET in the dryland critical zone water balance and reveal an unexpected degree of interseasonal water storage.
Optoacoustic microscopy at multiple discrete frequencies
Authors: Kellnberger Stephan , Soliman Dominik , Tserevelakis George J. , Seeger Markus , Yang Hong , Karlas Angelos , Prade Ludwig , Omar Murad , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: December 2018

Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) sensing employs illumination of transient energy and is typically implemented in the time domain using nanosecond photon pulses. However, the generation of high-energy short photon pulses requires complex laser technology that imposes a low pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and limits the number of wavelengths that are concurrently available for spectral imaging. To avoid the limitations of working in the time domain, we have developed frequency-domain optoacoustic microscopy (FDOM), in which light intensity is modulated at multiple discrete frequencies. We integrated FDOM into a hybrid system with multiphoton microscopy, and we examine the relationship between image formation and modulation frequency, showcase high-fidelity images with increasing numbers of modulation frequencies from phantoms and in vivo, and identify a redundancy in optoacoustic measurements performed at multiple frequencies. We demonstrate that due to high repetition rates, FDOM achieves signal-to-noise ratios similar to those obtained by time-domain methods, using commonly available laser diodes. Moreover, we experimentally confirm various advantages of the frequency-domain implementation at discrete modulation frequencies, including concurrent illumination at two wavelengths that are carried out at different modulation frequencies as well as flow measurements in microfluidic chips and in vivo based on the optoacoustic Doppler effect. Furthermore, we discuss how FDOM redefines possibilities for optoacoustic imaging by capitalizing on the advantages of working in the frequency domain.
Loss of Phd2 cooperates with BRAFV600E to drive melanomagenesis
Authors: Liu Shujing , Zhang Gao , Guo Jianping , Chen Xiang , Lei Jingce , Ze Kan , Dong Liyun , Dai Xiangpeng , Gao Yang , Song Daisheng , Ecker Brett L. , Yang Ruifeng , Feltcher Caitlin , Peng Kai , Feng Cheng , Chen Hui , Lee Rebecca X. , Kerestes Heddy , Niu Jingwen , Kumar Suresh , Xu Weiting , Zhang Jie , Wei Zhi , Martin James S. , Liu Xiaoming , Mills Gordon , Lu Yiling , Guo Wei , Sun Lunquan , Zhang Lin , Weeraratna Ashani , Herlyn Meenhard , Wei Wenyi , Lee Frank S. , Xu Xiaowei
Published: December 2018

Prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) is a well-known master oxygen sensor. However, the role of PHD2 in tumor initiation remains controversial. We find that during the transition of human nevi to melanoma, the expression of PHD2 protein is significantly decreased and lower expression PHD2 in melanoma is associated with worse clinical outcome. Knockdown of PHD2 leads to elevated Akt phosphorylation in human melanocytes. Mice with conditional melanocyte-specific expression of Phd2lox/lox (Tyr::CreER;Phd2lox/lox) fail to develop pigmented lesions. However, deletion of Phd2 in combination with expression of BRafV600E in melanocytes (Tyr::CreER;Phd2lox/lox;BRafCA) leads to the development of melanoma with 100% penetrance and frequent lymph node metastasis. Analysis of tumor tissues using reverse phase protein arrays demonstrates that Phd2 deletion activates the AKT-mTOR-S6 signaling axis in the recovered tumors. These data indicate that PHD2 is capable of suppressing tumor initiation largely mediated through inhibiting of the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the melanocyte lineage.
Genomic analysis identifies frequent deletions of Dystrophin in olfactory neuroblastoma
Authors: Gallia Gary L. , Zhang Ming , Ning Yi , Haffner Michael C. , Batista Denise , Binder Zev A. , Bishop Justin A. , Hann Christine L. , Hruban Ralph H. , Ishii Masaru , Klein Alison P. , Reh Douglas D. , Rooper Lisa M. , Salmasi Vafi , Tamargo Rafael J. , Wang Qing , Williamson Tara , Zhao Tianna , Zou Ying , Meeker Alan K. , Agrawal Nishant , Vogelstein Bert , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Bettegowda Chetan
Published: December 2018

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising in the upper portion of the sinonasal cavity. To better understand the genetic bases for ONB, here we perform whole exome and whole genome sequencing as well as single nucleotide polymorphism array analyses in a series of ONB patient samples. Deletions involving the dystrophin (DMD) locus are found in 12 of 14 (86%) tumors. Interestingly, one of the remaining tumors has a deletion in LAMA2, bringing the number of ONBs with deletions of genes involved in the development of muscular dystrophies to 13 or 93%. This high prevalence implicates an unexpected functional role for genes causing hereditary muscular dystrophies in ONB.
The H/ACA complex disrupts triplex in hTR precursor to permit processing by RRP6 and PARN
Authors: Tseng Chi-Kang , Wang Hui-Fang , Schroeder Morgan R. , Baumann Peter
Published: December 2018

Human telomerase RNA (hTR) is transcribed as a precursor that is then posttranscriptionally modified and processed. A fraction of the transcripts is oligoadenylated by TRAMP and either processed into the mature hTR or degraded by the exosome. Here, we characterize the processing of 3′ extended forms of varying length by PARN and RRP6. We show that tertiary RNA interactions unique to the longer transcripts favor RNA degradation, whereas H/ACA RNP assembly stimulates productive processing. Interestingly, the H/ACA complex actively promotes processing in addition to protecting the mature 3′ end. Processing occurs in two steps with longer forms first being trimmed by RRP6 and shorter forms then being processed by PARN. These results reveal how RNA structure and RNP assembly affect the kinetics of processing and degradation and ultimately determine the amount of functional telomerase produced in cells.
Self-assembled membrane composed of amyloid-like proteins for efficient size-selective molecular separation and dialysis
Authors: Yang Facui , Tao Fei , Li Chen , Gao Lingxiang , Yang Peng
Published: December 2018

The design and scalable construction of robust ultrathin protein membranes with tunable separation properties remain a key challenge in chemistry and materials science. Here, we report a macroscopic ultrathin protein membrane with the potential for scaled-up fabrication and excellent separation efficiency. This membrane, which is formed by fast amyloid-like lysozyme aggregation at air/water interface, has a controllable thickness that can be tuned to 30–250 nm and pores with a mean size that can be tailored from 1.8 to 3.2 nm by the protein concentration. This membrane can retain > 3 nm molecules and particles while permitting the transport of small molecules at a rate that is 1~4 orders of magnitude faster than the rate of existing materials. This membrane further exhibits excellent hemodialysis performance, especially for the removal of middle-molecular-weight uremic toxins, which is 5~6 times higher in the clearance per unit area than the typical literature values reported to date.
Genomic effects of population collapse in a critically endangered ironwood tree Ostrya rehderiana
Authors: Yang Yongzhi , Ma Tao , Wang Zefu , Lu Zhiqiang , Li Ying , Fu Chengxin , Chen Xiaoyong , Zhao Mingshui , Olson Matthew S. , Liu Jianquan
Published: December 2018

Increased human activity and climate change are driving numerous tree species to endangered status, and in the worst cases extinction. Here we examine the genomic signatures of the critically endangered ironwood treeOstrya rehderianaand its widespread congenerO. chinensis. Both species have similar demographic histories prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM); however, the effective population size ofO. rehderianacontinued to decrease through the last 10,000 years, whereasO. chinensisrecovered to Pre-LGM numbers.O. rehderianaaccumulated more deleterious mutations, but purged more severely deleterious recessive variations than inO. chinensis. This purging and the gradually reduced inbreeding depression together may have mitigated extinction and contributed to the possible future survival of the outcrossingO. rehderiana. Our findings provide critical insights into the evolutionary history of population collapse and the potential for future recovery of the endangered trees.
Sustained release of decorin to the surface of the eye enables scarless corneal regeneration
Authors: Hill Lisa J. , Moakes Richard J. A. , Vareechon Chairut , Butt Gibran , Ng Aaron , Brock Kristian , Chouhan Gurpreet , Vincent Rachel C. , Abbondante Serena , Williams Richard L. , Barnes Nicholas M. , Pearlman Eric , Wallace Graham R. , Rauz Saaeha , Logan Ann , Grover Liam M.
Published: December 2018

Disorganization of the transparent collagenous matrix in the cornea, as a consequence of a variety of infections and inflammatory conditions, leads to corneal opacity and sight-loss. Such corneal opacities are a leading cause of blindness, according to the WHO. Public health programs target prevention of corneal scarring, but the only curative treatment of established scarring is through transplantation. Although attempts to minimize corneal scarring through aggressive control of infection and inflammation are made, there has been little progress in the development of anti-scarring therapies. This is owing to eye drop formulations using low viscosity or weak gelling materials having short retention times on the ocular surface. In this study, we report an innovative eye drop formulation that has the ability to provide sustained delivery of decorin, an anti-scarring agent. The novelty of this eye drop lies in the method of structuring during manufacture, which creates a material that can transition between solid and liquid states, allowing retention in a dynamic environment being slowly removed through blinking. In a murine model of Pseudomonaskeratitis, applying the eye drop resulted in reductions of corneal opacity within 16 days. More remarkably, the addition of hrDecorin resulted in restoration of corneal epithelial integrity with minimal stromal opacity endorsed by reduced α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), fibronectin, and laminin levels. We believe that this drug delivery system is an ideal non-invasive anti-fibrotic treatment for patients with microbial keratitis, potentially without recourse to surgery, saving the sight of many in the developing world, where corneal transplantation may not be available.
Non-destructive inspection of food and technical oils by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Karaliūnas Mindaugas , Nasser Kinan E. , Urbanowicz Andrzej , Kašalynas Irmantas , Bražinskienė Dalia , Asadauskas Svajus , Valušis Gintaras
Published: December 2018

Quality control and non-destructive monitoring are of notable interest of food and pharmaceutical industries. It relies on the ability of non-invasive inspection which can be employed for manufacturing process control. We hereby apply terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy as non-destructive technique to monitor pure and degraded oils as well as hydrocarbon chemicals. Significant differences in the spectra of refractive index (RI) and absorption coefficient arising from the presence of ester linkages in the edible and technical oils were obtained. Explicit increase from 1.38 to 1.5 of the RI in all THz spectrum range was observed in hydrocarbons and mono-functional esters with the increase of molar mass. This fact is in contrast of RI dependence on molar mass in multi-functional esters, such as Adipate or vegetable oils, where it is around 1.54. Degradation products, Oleic Acid (OA) and water in particular, lead only to some changes in absorption coefficient and RI spectra of vegetable oils. We demonstrate that complex colloidal and supramolecular processes, such as dynamics of inverse micelles and oil hydrolysis, take part during oil degradation and are responsible for non-uniform dependence of optical properties on extent of degradation.
Freestanding Three-Dimensional CuO/NiO Core–Shell Nanowire Arrays as High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Cheng Yin-Wei , Chen Chun-Hung , Yang Shu-Wei , Li Yi-Chang , Peng Bo-Liang , Chang Chia-Chin , Wang Ruey-Chi , Liu Chuan-Pu
Published: December 2018

We demonstrate significant improvement of CuO nanowire arrays as anode materials for lithium ion batteries by coating with thin NiO nanosheets conformally. The NiO nanosheets were designed two kinds of morphologies, which are porous and non-porous. By the NiO nanosheets coating, the major active CuO nanowires were protected from direct contact with the electrolyte to improve the surface chemical stability. Simultaneously, through the observation and comparison of TEM results of crystalline non-porous NiO nanosheets, before and after lithiation process, we clearly prove the effect of expected protection of CuO, and clarify the differences of phase transition, crystallinity change, ionic conduction and the mechanisms of the capacity decay further. Subsequently, the electrochemical performances exhibit lithiation and delithiation differences of the porous and non-porous NiO nanosheets, and confirm that the presence of the non-porous NiO coating can still effectively assist the diffusion of Li+ ions into the CuO nanowires, maintaining the advantage of high surface area, and improves the cycle performance of CuO nanowires, leading to enhanced battery capacity. Optimally, the best structure is validated to be non-porous NiO nanosheets, in contrary to the anticipated porous NiO nanosheets. In addition, considering the low cost and facile fabrication process can be realized further for practical applications.
Expression of the human antimicrobial peptide β-defensin-1 is repressed by the EGFR-ERK-MYC axis in colonic epithelial cells
Authors: Bonamy Clément , Sechet Emmanuel , Amiot Aurélien , Alam Antoine , Mourez Michael , Fraisse Laurent , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Sperandio Brice
Published: December 2018

The human β-defensin-1 (HBD1) is an antimicrobial peptide constitutively expressed by epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces. In addition to its microbicidal properties, the loss of HBD1 expression in several cancers suggests that it may also have an anti-tumor activity. Here, we investigated the link between HBD1 expression and cancer signaling pathways in the human colon cancer cell lines TC7 and HT-29, and in normal human colonic primary cells, using a mini-gut organoid model. Using available datasets from patient cohorts, we found that HBD1 transcription is decreased in colorectal cancer. We demonstrated that inhibiting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) increased HBD1 expression, whereas activating EGFR repressed HBD1 expression, through the MEKK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway that ultimately regulates MYC. We finally present evidences supporting a role of MYC, together with the MIZ1 coregulator, in HBD1 regulation. Our work uncovers the role and deciphers the function of the EGFR-ERK-MYC axis as a repressor of HBD1 expression and contributes to the understanding of HBD1 suppression observed in colorectal cancer.
A single-cell micro-trench platform for automatic monitoring of cell division and apoptosis after chemotherapeutic drug administration
Authors: Chatzopoulou E. I. , Raharja-Liu P. , Murschhauser A. , Sekhavati F. , Buggenthin F. , Vollmar A. M. , Marr C. , Rädler J. O.
Published: December 2018

Cells vary in their dynamic response to external stimuli, due to stochastic fluctuations and non-uniform progression through the cell cycle. Hence, single-cell studies are required to reveal the range of heterogeneity in their responses to defined perturbations, which provides detailed insight into signaling processes. Here, we present a time-lapse study using arrays of micro-trenches to monitor the timing of cell division and apoptosis in non-adherent cells at the single-cell level. By employing automated cell tracking and division detection, we precisely determine cell cycle duration and sister-cell correlations for hundreds of individual cells in parallel. As a model application we study the response of leukemia cells to the chemostatic drug vincristine as a function of cell cycle phase. The time-to-death after drug addition is found to depend both on drug concentration and cell cycle phase. The resulting timing and dose-response distributions were reproduced in control experiments using synchronized cell populations. Interestingly, in non-synchronized cells, the time-to-death intervals for sister cells appear to be correlated. Our study demonstrates the practical benefits of micro-trench arrays as a platform for high-throughput, single-cell time-lapse studies on cell cycle dependence, correlations and cell fate decisions in general.
Toll-Like Receptor-4 Disruption Suppresses Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Increases Survival in Cancer Cachexia Syndrome
Authors: Henriques Felipe , Lopes Magno A. , Franco Felipe O. , Knobl Pamela , Santos Kaltinaitis B. , Bueno Luana L. , Correa Victor A. , Bedard Alexander H. , Guilherme Adilson , Birbrair Alexander , Peres Sidney B. , Farmer Stephen R. , Batista Miguel L.
Published: December 2018

Cancer-induced cachexia, characterized by systemic inflammation, body weight loss, adipose tissue (AT) remodeling and muscle wasting, is a malignant metabolic syndrome with undefined etiology. Here, we show that both genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 were able to attenuate the main clinical markers of cachexia in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). AT remodelling was not found in LLC tumor-bearing (TB) TLR4−/−mice due to reduced macrophage infiltration and adipocyte atrophy. TLR4−/−mice were also resistant to cold-induced browning of subcutaneous AT (scAT). Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 (Atorvastatin) reproduced the main protective effect against AT remodeling found in TLR4−/−TB mice. Moreover, the treatment was effective in prolonging survival and attenuating tumor mass growth when compared to non-treated-TB animals. Furthermore, tumor-induced elevation of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines was similarly abolished in both genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of TLR4. These data suggest that TLR4 is a critical mediator and a promising target for novel anti-cachexia therapies.
Identification of specialized pro-resolving mediator clusters from healthy adults after intravenous low-dose endotoxin and omega-3 supplementation: a methodological validation
Authors: Norris Paul C. , Skulas-Ray Ann C. , Riley Ian , Richter Chesney K. , Kris-Etherton Penny M. , Jensen Gordon L. , Serhan Charles N. , Maddipati Krishna Rao
Published: December 2018

Specialized pro-resolving mediator(s) (SPMs) are produced from the endogenous ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and accelerate resolution of acute inflammation. We identified specific clusters of SPM in human plasma and serum using LC-MS/MS based lipid mediator (LM) metabololipidomics in two separate laboratories for inter-laboratory validation. The human plasma cluster consisted of resolvin (Rv)E1, RvD1, lipoxin (LX)B4, 18-HEPE, and 17-HDHA, and the human serum cluster consisted of RvE1, RvD1, AT-LXA4, 18-HEPE, and 17-HDHA. Human plasma and serum SPM clusters were increased after ω-3 supplementation (triglyceride dietary supplements or prescription ethyl esters) and low dose intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. These results were corroborated by parallel determinations with the same coded samples in a second, separate laboratory using essentially identical metabololipidomic operational parameters. In these healthy subjects, two ω-3 supplementation protocols (Study A and Study B) temporally increased the SPM cluster throughout the endotoxin-challenge time course. Study A and Study B were randomized and Study B also had a crossover design with placebo and endotoxin challenge. Endotoxin challenge temporally regulated lipid mediator production in human serum, where pro-inflammatory eicosanoid (prostaglandins and thromboxane) concentrations peaked by 8 hours post-endotoxin and SPMs such as resolvins and lipoxins initially decreased by 2 h and were then elevated at 24 hours. In healthy adults given ω-3 supplementation, the plasma concentration of the SPM cluster (RvE1, RvD1, LXB4, 18-HEPE, and 17-HDHA) peaked at two hours post endotoxin challenge. These results from two separate laboratories with the same samples provide evidence for temporal production of specific pro-resolving mediators with ω-3 supplementation that together support the role of SPM in vivo in inflammation-resolution in humans.
Intraoperative hyponatremia is an independent predictor of one-year mortality after liver transplantation
Authors: Yang Seong-Mi , Choi Sheung-Nyoung , Yu Je Hyuk , Yoon Hyun-Kyu , Kim Won Ho , Jung Chul-Woo , Suh Kyung-Suk , Lee Kook Hyun
Published: December 2018

Preoperative hyponatremia is associated with an increased risk of mortality on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list. We sought to investigate the impact of pre- and intraoperative serum sodium levels on the one-year mortality after LT. We identified 1,164 patients for whom preoperative and intraoperative serum sodium levels were available. Cox regression analysis with multivariable adjustment was performed for one-year mortality. A propensity score matching analysis was performed for preoperative and intraoperative serum sodium groups to compare one-year survival. The cutoff of sodium level with minimal p-value was 130 mEq/L for both preoperative and intraoperative sodium. Intraoperative hyponatremia was an independent predictor of one-year mortality in the multivariable Cox regression analysis, while preoperative hyponatremia was not. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that there was a significant difference in the one-year mortality between preoperative and intraoperative serum sodium groups. However, after propensity score matching, there was no difference in the one-year mortality among the preoperative sodium groups, while there was a significant difference among the intraoperative sodium groups. Intraoperative hyponatremia defined by mean sodium <130 mEq/L was independently associated with a significantly high one-year mortality. Mean intraoperative serum sodium levels may be a better prognostic predictor than preoperative serum sodium levels.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of microorganisms: limitations and applicability on the single-cell level
Authors: Weiss Ruben , Palatinszky Márton , Wagner Michael , Niessner Reinhard , Elsner Martin , Seidel Michael , Ivleva Natalia P.
Published: December 2018

Detection and characterization of microorganisms is essential for both clinical diagnostics and environmental studies.
Logical stimuli-triggered delivery of small molecules from hydrogel biomaterials
Authors: Ruskowitz Emily R. , Comerford Michael P. , Badeau Barry A. , DeForest Cole A.
Published: December 2018

Triggered release of small molecule model therapeutics from hydrogel biomaterials is governed by user-programmable Boolean logic.
A novel tumor and mitochondria dual-targeted photosensitizer showing ultra-efficient photodynamic anticancer activities
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Huang Yuchao , Yuan Gankun , Zuo Ke , Huang Yafan , Chen Juanjuan , Li Jinyu , Xue Jinping
Published: December 2018

A novel effective dual-targeted photosensitizer based on phthalocyanine can precisely target the mitochondria of EGFR overexpressing cancer cells.
Preparation, growth mechanism, size manipulation and near-infrared luminescence enhancement of β-NaYF4:Nd3+ microcrystals via Ca2+ doping
Authors: Shao Qinqin , Zhang Hong , Dai Jiangyun , Yang Chao , Chen Xiaoxu , Feng Guoying , Zhou Shouhuan
Published: December 2018

The near-infrared emission intensity of NaYF4:3% Nd3+ doped with 20 mol% Ca2+ is 3 times that of the Ca2+-free samples.
Selective CO2 adsorption and theoretical simulation of a stable Co(ii)-based metal–organic framework with tunable crystal size
Authors: Qin Bo-Wen , Zhou Bao-Lei , Cui Zheng , Zhou Lei , Zhang Xiao-Ying , Li Wen-Liang , Zhang Jing-Ping
Published: December 2018

A stable Co(ii)-MOF shows selective CO2 adsorption and high H2 uptake. The simulations of sorption confirm this reasonable design approach.
Chemical exchange at the ferroelectric phase transition of lead germanate revealed by solid state 207Pb nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Avalos Claudia E. , Walder Brennan J. , Viger-Gravel Jasmine , Magrez Arnaud , Emsley Lyndon
Published: December 2018

Multi-dimensional NMR is used to quantitatively identify a mixed order–disorder and displacive mechanism for the ferroelectric phase transition of lead germanate.
Electro-oxidation competency of palladium nanocatalysts over ceria–carbon composite supports during alkaline ethylene glycol oxidation
Authors: Sankar Sasidharan , Watanabe Naoto , Anilkumar Gopinathan M. , Nair Balagopal N. , Sivakamiammal Sailaja G. , Tamaki Takanori , Yamaguchi Takeo
Published: December 2018

The effect of varying Pd–CeO2 ratios on the oxidation efficiency of ethylene glycol and low molecular weight alcohols in alkaline medium.
Combining MCR-ALS and EXAFS as tools for speciation of highly chlorinated chromium(iii) in mixtures of deep eutectic solvents and water
Authors: Verdonck Tim , Verpoort Philippe , De Strycker Joost , De Cleene Ansbert , Banerjee Dipanjan , Nockemann Peter , Van Deun Rik , Van Hecke Kristof
Published: December 2018

Spectral signatures of Cr(iii) complexes in deep eutectic mixtures were remarkably different from aqueous solutions due to exchange of the water ligands with ethylene glycol.
Differences in photochemistry between seawater and freshwater for two natural organic matter samples
Authors: Stirchak Laura T. , Moor Kyle J. , McNeill Kristopher , Donaldson D. James
Published: December 2018

NOM displays different photochemistry in seawater than in freshwater due to its complexation with Mg2+.
Influence of interlayer interactions on the relaxation dynamics of excitons in ultrathin MoS2
Authors: Lu Dongxiao , Zhou Qiang , Li Fangfei , Li Xiaowei , Lu Geyu
Published: December 2018

The enhancement of the relaxation rate of A excitons in bilayer MoS2 was found to be highly related to interlayer interactions.
Organic positive-electrode material utilizing both an anion and cation: a benzoquinone-tetrathiafulvalene triad molecule, Q-TTF-Q, for rechargeable Li, Na, and K batteries
Authors: Kato Minami , Masese Titus , Yao Masaru , Takeichi Nobuhiko , Kiyobayashi Tetsu
Published: December 2018

This study highlights the design concept of a positive electrode material which can accommodate both cations and anions during the charge/discharge process for realizing high energy density rechargeable batteries.
Multi-layered zeolitic imidazolate framework based self-templated synthesis of nitrogen-doped hollow porous carbon dodecahedrons as robust substrates for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jingcheng , Liu Lanhua , Qian Gang , Zhou Zijue , Xiao Kesong , Cheng Sheng , Wang Yang , Liu Yanfang , Feng Yi
Published: December 2018

N-Doped hierarchical hollow porous carbon dodecahedrons derived from multi-layered core–shell ZIFs exhibit superior performance as supercapacitor electrodes.
Catalyst-controlled positional-selectivity in C–H functionalizations
Authors: Tiwari Virendra Kumar , Kapur Manmohan
Published: December 2018

C–H bonds are ubiquitous in organic molecules and typically these bonds are chemically indistinct from each other and it would be highly advantageous for a synthetic chemist to have the ability to choose which C–H bond is functionalized in a given molecule.
Recent progress in ligand-centered homogeneous electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Luo Geng-Geng , Zhang Hai-Lin , Tao Yun-Wen , Wu Qiao-Yu , Tian Dan , Zhang Qichun
Published: December 2018

Recent advances in metal and metal-free ligand-centred electrocatalytic H2 evolution have been reviewed.
Defect mediated mechanism in undoped, Cu and Zn-doped TiO2 nanocrystals for tailoring the band gap and magnetic properties
Authors: Akshay V. R. , Arun B. , Dash Shubhra , Patra Ajit K. , Mandal Guruprasad , Mutta Geeta R. , Chanda Anupama , Vasundhara M.
Published: December 2018

Oxide based dilute magnetic semiconductor materials are of great interest and this study focusses on the optical and magnetic behavior of non-magnetic element doped TiO2 nanocrystals which provides a significant reduction in bandgap with enhanced magnetization.
Fast adsorption of methylene blue, basic fuchsin, and malachite green by a novel sulfonic-grafted triptycene-based porous organic polymer
Authors: Li Cheng , He Yan , Zhou Li , Xu Ting , Hu Jun , Peng Changjun , Liu Honglai
Published: December 2018

In this study, a novel triptycene-based porous polymer grafted with sulfonic acid (TPP-SO3H) was successfully synthesized by the post-synthetic modification of the non-functionalized polymer TPP.
Aromatic fluorocopolymers based on α-(difluoromethyl)styrene and styrene: synthesis, characterization, and thermal and surface properties
Authors: Wolska Joanna , Walkowiak-Kulikowska Justyna , Szwajca Anna , Koroniak Henryk , Améduri Bruno
Published: December 2018

A study on the α-(difluoromethyl)styrene (DFMST) reactivity under conventional radical (co)polymerization conditions is presented.
Isolation and characterization of a novel bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosafor biofertilizer production from kitchen waste oil
Authors: Li Ying , Cui Ting , Wang Yaxin , Ge Xizhen
Published: December 2018

Kitchen waste oil is composed of long chain triglycerides (LCTs) that has high energy density.
Optical control of the antigen translocation by synthetic photo-conditional viral inhibitors
Authors: Braner M. , Koller N. , Knauer J. , Herbring V. , Hank S. , Wieneke R. , Tampé R.
Published: December 2018

By designing and engineering photo-conditional viral inhibitors, spatiotemporal control of the transporter associated with antigen processing TAP was sustained, allowing the on-demand antigen translocation in human immune cell lines and primary cells by light.
Universal localization transition accompanying glass formation: insights from efficient molecular dynamics simulations of diverse supercooled liquids
Authors: Hung Jui-Hsiang , Patra Tarak K. , Meenakshisundaram Venkatesh , Mangalara Jayachandra Hari , Simmons David S.
Published: December 2018

High-throughput simulations reveal a universal onset of particle localization in diverse glass-forming liquids.
Cellular carbon-wrapped FeSe2 nanocavities with ultrathin walls and multiple rooms for ion diffusion-confined ultrafast sodium storage
Authors: Tang Yongchao , Zhao Zongbin , Hao Xiaojuan , Wei Yue , Zhang Han , Dong Yanfeng , Wang Yuwei , Pan Xin , Hou Yanan , Wang Xuzhen , Qiu Jieshan
Published: December 2018

Cellular carbon-wrapped FeSe2 nanocavities with ultrathin walls and multiple rooms were synthesized by stress-induced cracking–hollowing reassembly processes for sodium storage, showing superb rate capability and cyclability.
A bismuthene-based multifunctional all-optical phase and intensity modulator enabled by photothermal effect
Authors: Wang Yunzheng , Huang Weichun , Zhao Jinlai , Huang Hao , Wang Cong , Zhang Feng , Liu Jie , Li Jianqing , Zhang Meng , Zhang Han
Published: December 2018

Based on the excellent photothermal effect in few-layer bismuthene, an all-optical phase and intensity modulator has been designed and successfully verified with multifunctional properties, including phase shifting, wavelength tuning, intensity modulating and information loading.
Lead-free A2Bi4Ti5O18 thin film capacitors (A = Ba and Sr) with large energy storage density, high efficiency, and excellent thermal stability
Authors: Yang Bingbing , Guo Mengyao , Tang Xianwu , Wei Renhuai , Hu Ling , Yang Jie , Song Wenhai , Dai Jianming , Lou Xiaojie , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: December 2018

The energy storage performance of Ba2Bi4Ti5O18 thin film (left) and the atomic schematic structure of A2Bi4Ti5O18 (right).
Understanding cellular glycan surfaces in the central nervous system
Authors: Iqbal Sameera , Ghanimi Fard Mina , Everest-Dass Arun , Packer Nicolle H. , Parker Lindsay M.
Published: December 2018

Glycosylation, the enzymatic process by which glycans are attached to proteins and lipids, is the most abundant and functionally important type of post-translational modification associated with brain development, neurodegenerative disorders, psychopathologies and brain cancers. Glycan structures are diverse and complex; however, they have been detected and targeted in the central nervous system (CNS) by various immunohistochemical detection methods using glycan-binding proteins such as anti-glycan antibodies or lectins and/or characterized with analytical techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. The glycan structures on glycoproteins and glycolipids expressed in neural stem cells play key roles in neural development, biological processes and CNS maintenance, such as cell adhesion, signal transduction, molecular trafficking and differentiation. This brief review will highlight some of the important findings on differential glycan expression across stages of CNS cell differentiation and in pathological disorders and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia and brain cancer.
Learning RuBisCO's birth and subsequent environmental adaptation
Authors: Ashida Hiroki , Mizohata Eiichi , Yokota Akiho
Published: December 2018

It is believed that organisms that first appeared after the formation of the earth lived in a very limited environment, making full use of the limited number of genes. From these early organisms' genes, more were created by replication, mutation, recombination, translocation, and transmission of other organisms' DNA; thus, it became possible for ancient organisms to grow in various environments. The photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme RuBisCO (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) began to function in primitive methanogenic archaea and has been evolved as a central CO2-fixing enzyme in response to the large changes in CO2 and O2 concentrations that occurred in the subsequent 4 billion years. In this review, the processes of its adaptation to be specialized for CO2 fixation will be presented from the viewpoint of functions and structures of RuBisCO.
Stability of Filament-Wound Composite Cylinders Subjected to Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Shen Kechun , Pan Guang , Jiang Jun , Huang Qiaogao , Shi Yao
Published: December 2018

In order to know the mechanical properties of filament-wound composite cylindrical shells subjected to hydrostatic pressure, solve the buckling problem of pressure hull in deep sea and provide reference for engineering design, it is necessary to research the stability of filament-wound composite cylindrical shells. Based on the theory of thin shells, the governing equations were derived. Stability of composite cylindrical shells was researched by employing Galerkin method to solve the eigenvalue equation. The critical buckling pressure was calculated for cross filament-wound, metal-filament-wound and angle filament-wound composite cylinders under hydrostatic pressure. Compared to the test results, the numerical solution was illustrated to be feasibility. On this basis, the numerical method was interacted with genetic algorithm to search optimum stacking sequence and filament winding angle. Three types of winding pattern [(±θ)12], [(±θ1)x/(±θ2)12-x] and [(±θ1)4/(±θ2)4/(±θ3)4] were investigated, . Further, the effects of winding angle and the corresponding layer number on the critical buckling pressure were evaluated. It was shown that winding angle variation affected the critical buckling pressure significantly. Stability was greatly improved by numerical optimization, and the maximum critical buckling loads are increased by 31.31%, 43.25% and 57.51% compared with the base line, respectively. As the number of design variable increased, the carrying capacity was improved markedly. The optimal critical buckling pressure was increased by 57.17%.
Influence of the Storage Energy Capacitance on Their Electrical Output Characteristics of Piezoelectric Ceramic during the Process of High-Velocity Impact
Authors: Tang Enling , Wang Li , Wang Ruizhi , Han Yafei , Lin Xiaochu , Gao Guowen , He Liping , Xiang Shenghai , Wang Meng
Published: December 2018

In order to reveal influence of external capacitance on the voltage input and input energy provided by the PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic composite structure under high-speed impact loading, experiments have been performed by using one-stage light gas gun loading system combining with a power supplier circuit and power output testing system, which the aspect ratio of 1:1 column projectile impact monolithic and multi-piece piezoelectric ceramic composite structure at the near impact velocity and different storage capacity. The experimental results show that the more larger storage capacitance is, the smaller the piezoelectric ceramic output voltage is. However, the smaller of the capacitor voltage is, the smaller the value of energy storage is; with the energy storage capacitance increasing, the piezoelectric capacitance ratio and the energy conversion rate of piezoelectric ceramics decreases; In addition, the storage energy capacitor increases with the increasing of the piezoelectric ceramic layers; the relationships of storage energy capacitor and piezoelectric ceramic capacitor has a great influence on the input voltage and storage energy for storage energy capacitor.
Labial lesions by human bite
Authors: Millogo Mathieu , Ouedraogo Richard W-L , Ily Vincent , Konsem Tarcissus , Ouedraogo Dieudonné
Published: December 2018

Introduction: A bite from another human is an unusual cause of maxillo-facial traumatology. Our objective was to describe the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of labial lesions caused by this kind of bite. Patients and methods: A descriptive prospective study was carried out at the University hospitals of Yalgado OUEDRAOGO and Blaise COMPAORE in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso between June 2012 and May 2017. Results: We collected a sample of 28 patients with an average age of 32.5 years. The sex ratio was about 0.3. All the bites had been inflicted by women. The victims generally came from an underprivileged socioprofessional background. The bite had occurred during a brawl in 26 patients (92.9% cases) and in some context of aggression among 2 patients. The lesions were located on the lower lip among 21 patients, the upper lip among 4 patients, and along the commissure among 3 patients and resulted in a loss of tissue among 23 patients (82.1%). The treatment was surgical in nature, using trimming and labialization with satisfactory results in all cases. Conclusion: The circumstances surrounding the bites are not always clear and the lesions are almost always serious and require delicate treatment.
Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines with a Benzothiazoline: Application to Enantioselective Synthesis of 2-Arylquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Miyagawa Masamichi , Yamamoto Ryota , Kobayashi Nanako , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: December 2018

The metal-free reduction of nitroarenes to aniline derivatives was accomplished in a short time by using a benzothiazoline as the hydrogen donor in combination with a Brønsted acid. An enantioselective synthesis of 2-arylquinolines was achieved by using 1-aryl-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propan-1-ones as starting materials and a combination of a benzothiazoline and a chiral phosphoric acid.
Polarization investigation of Mn-doped 0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.28PbTiO3 single crystals for infrared detecting application
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Jianwei , Zeng Zhou , Li Yue , Zhao Xiangyong , Luo Haosu
Published: December 2018

This work has been carried out to investigate the poling temperature and poling field dependences of pyroelectric and dielectric properties of ⟨111⟩ oriented Mn-doped 0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.28PbTiO3 single crystals. Poling treatments are implemented at 25 °C, 90 °C, and 120 °C with DC poling electric fields of 1, 2, 3, and 4 times the corresponding coercive field, respectively. The correlation between ferroelectric domain transition and pyroelectric properties is investigated. The optimized pyroelectric and dielectric performances with the highest pyroelectric coefficient p and the lowest dielectric loss tan δ, as well as the optimized figures of merit, are achieved by poling samples at 90 °C in this study, instead of those conventionally poled at nearly Curie temperature (120 °C). Moreover, excellent long-term performances of 90 °C poled Mn-PMN-0.28PT crystals are disclosed over a 30-day range.
Tutorial: An introduction to terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS)
Authors: Neu Jens , Schmuttenmaer Charles A.
Published: December 2018

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is a powerful technique for material’s characterization and process control. It has been used for contact-free conductivity measurements of metals, semiconductors, 2D materials, and superconductors. Furthermore, THz-TDS has been used to identify chemical components such as amino acids, peptides, pharmaceuticals, and explosives, which makes it particularly valuable for fundamental science, security, and medical applications. This tutorial is intended for a reader completely new to the field of THz-TDS and presents a basic understanding of THz-TDS. Hundreds of articles and many books can be consulted after reading this tutorial. We explore the basic concepts of TDS and discuss the relationship between temporal and frequency domain information. We illustrate how THz radiation can be generated and detected, and we discuss common noise sources and limitations for THz-TDS. This tutorial concludes by discussing some common experimental scenarios and explains how THz-TDS measurements can be used to identify materials, determine complex refractive indices (phase delay and absorption), and extract conductivity.
Nanoindentation unidirectional sliding and lateral force microscopy: Evaluation of experimental techniques to measure friction at the nanoscale
Authors: Echeverrigaray F. G. , Sales de Mello S. R. , Boeira C. D. , Leidens L. M. , Maia da Costa M. E. H. , Freire F. L. , Alvarez F. , Michels A. F. , Figueroa C. A.
Published: December 2018

Lateral force microscopy (LFM) is an established technique to assess friction forces at the nanoscale. Nanoindentation followed by unidirectional sliding (NUS) is also used to evaluate friction forces at the micro/nanoscale. However, comparative studies between NUS and LFM evaluating the experimental results at different scales are still missing. In this work, a-C:D/H and a-C:H thin films with different [D]/[C] and [H]/[C] contents were used to analyze the friction forces by NUS and LFM. The results show that the friction behavior assessed by these two techniques in different scales is the same. The correlation between friction forces measured by NUS and LFM depends mainly on a contact area factor that makes invariant the friction force from nanoscale to microscale. Such behavior suggests a similar damping mechanism, probably phonon-coupling phenomena, for the friction force origin.