bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correct determination of charge transfer state energy from luminescence spectra in organic solar cells
Authors: List Mathias , Sarkar Tanmoy , Perkhun Pavlo , Ackermann Jörg , Luo Chieh , Würfel Uli
Published: September 2018

Generation and recombination of electrons and holes in organic solar cells occurs via charge transfer states located at the donor/acceptor interface. The energy of these charge transfer states is a crucial factor for the attainable open-circuit voltage and its correct determination is thus of utmost importance for a detailed understanding of such devices. This work reports on drastic changes of electroluminescence spectra of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells upon variation of the absorber layer thickness. It is shown that optical thin-film effects have a large impact on optical out-coupling of luminescence radiation for devices made from different photoactive materials, in configurations with and without indium tin oxide. A scattering matrix approach is presented which accurately reproduces the observed effects and thus delivers the radiative recombination spectra corrected for the wavelength-dependent out-coupling. This approach is proven to enable the correct determination of charge transfer state energies.
Refined efficacy estimates of the Sanofi Pasteur dengue vaccine CYD-TDV using machine learning
Authors: Dorigatti I. , Donnelly C. A. , Laydon D. J. , Small R. , Jackson N. , Coudeville L. , Ferguson N. M.
Published: September 2018

CYD-TDV is the first licensed dengue vaccine for individuals 9–45 (or 60) years of age. Using 12% of the subjects enroled in phase-2b and phase-3 trials for which baseline serostatus was measured, the vaccine-induced protection against virologically confirmed dengue during active surveillance (0–25 months) was found to vary with prior exposure to dengue. Because age and dengue exposure are highly correlated in endemic settings, refined insight into how efficacy varies by serostatus and age is essential to understand the increased risk of hospitalisation observed among vaccinated individuals during the long-term follow-up and to develop safe and effective vaccination strategies. Here we apply machine learning to impute the baseline serostatus for subjects with post-dose 3 titres but missing baseline serostatus. We find evidence for age dependence in efficacy independent of serostatus and estimate that among 9–16 year olds, CYD-TDV is protective against serotypes 1, 3 and 4 regardless of baseline serostatus.
Aberrant splicing and defective mRNA production induced by somatic spliceosome mutations in myelodysplasia
Authors: Shiozawa Yusuke , Malcovati Luca , Gallì Anna , Sato-Otsubo Aiko , Kataoka Keisuke , Sato Yusuke , Watatani Yosaku , Suzuki Hiromichi , Yoshizato Tetsuichi , Yoshida Kenichi , Sanada Masashi , Makishima Hideki , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Cazzola Mario
Published: September 2018

Spliceosome mutations are frequently found in myelodysplasia. Splicing alterations induced by these mutations, their precise targets, and the effect at the transcript level have not been fully elucidated. Here we report transcriptomic analyses of 265 bone marrow samples from myelodysplasia patients, followed by a validation using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing and an assessment of nonsense-mediated decay susceptibility. Small but widespread reduction of intron-retaining isoforms is the most frequent splicing alteration in SF3B1-mutated samples. SF3B1 mutation is also associated with 3′ splice site alterations, leading to the most pronounced reduction of canonical transcripts. Target genes include tumor suppressors and genes of mitochondrial iron metabolism or heme biosynthesis. Alternative exon usage is predominant in SRSF2- and U2AF1-mutated samples. Usage of an EZH2 cryptic exon harboring a premature termination codon is increased in both SRSF2- and U2AF1-mutated samples. Our study reveals a landscape of splicing alterations and precise targets of various spliceosome mutations.
Conservation of epigenetic regulation by the MLL3/4 tumour suppressor in planarian pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Mihaylova Yuliana , Abnave Prasad , Kao Damian , Hughes Samantha , Lai Alvina , Jaber-Hijazi Farah , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Aboobaker A. Aziz
Published: September 2018

Currently, little is known about the evolution of epigenetic regulation in animal stem cells. Here we demonstrate, using the planarian stem cell system to investigate the role of the COMPASS family of MLL3/4 histone methyltransferases that their function as tumor suppressors in mammalian stem cells is conserved over a long evolutionary distance. To investigate the potential conservation of a genome-wide epigenetic regulatory program in animal stem cells, we assess the effects of Mll3/4 loss of function by performing RNA-seq and ChIP-seq on the G2/M planarian stem cell population, part of which contributes to the formation of outgrowths. We find many oncogenes and tumor suppressors among the affected genes that are likely candidates for mediating MLL3/4 tumor suppression function. Our work demonstrates conservation of an important epigenetic regulatory program in animals and highlights the utility of the planarian model system for studying epigenetic regulation.
Selective sorting of polymers with different terminal groups using metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Le Ouay Benjamin , Watanabe Chikara , Mochizuki Shuto , Takayanagi Masayoshi , Nagaoka Masataka , Kitao Takashi , Uemura Takashi
Published: September 2018

Separation of high-molecular-weight polymers differing just by one monomeric unit remains a challenging task. Here, we describe a protocol using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the efficient separation and purification of mixtures of polymers that differ only by their terminal groups. In this process, polymer chains are inserted by threading one of their extremities through a series of MOF nanowindows. Selected termini can be adjusted by tuning the MOF structure, and the insertion methodology. Accordingly, MOFs with permanently opened pores allow for the complete separation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based on steric hindrance of the terminal groups. Excellent separation is achieved, even for high molecular weights (20 kDa). Furthermore, the dynamic character of a flexible MOF is used to separate PEG mixtures with very similar terminal moieties, such as OH, OMe, and OEt, as the slight difference of polarity in these groups significantly changes the pore opening kinetics.
Corrosion of the International Simple Glass under acidic to hyperalkaline conditions
Authors: Backhouse Daniel J. , Fisher Adam J. , Neeway James J. , Corkhill Claire L. , Hyatt Neil C. , Hand Russell J.
Published: September 2018

Assessment of glass dissolution kinetics, under disposal relevant temperature and pH environments, is required to credibly estimate radionuclide release rates from vitrified radioactive waste. Leaching of the International Simple Glass (ISG) under acidic to hyperalkaline conditions was examined. Forward rate measurements have been obtained using the dynamic leaching SPFT protocol and rate parameters for B, Na and Si in the basic regime; errors in rates predicted using these parameters at high pH and temperature are significant because the fitting uses logarithmic data. Longer term behaviour under hyperalkaline conditions, representative of some disposal environments, was investigated using the PCT and MCC-1 static leaching protocols with Ca(OH)2 solutions for up to 120 days (PCT) and 720 days (MCC-1). In hyperalkaline conditions dissolution was incongruent for all elements and the presence of alternating zirconia-rich and zirconia-poor alteration layers was observed on all leached monoliths, indicating the occurrence of a self-organisation phenomenon during leaching.
Optically-active metastable defects in volumetric nanoplasmonic composites
Authors: Gajc Marcin , Surma Hancza B. , Pawlak Dorota A.
Published: September 2018

Metastable defects in semiconductor materials have been well known for decades, but have only recently started to attract attention for their potential applications in information technology. Here, we describe active and passive nanoplasmonic materials with optically active metastable defects that can be switched on or off by cooling with or without laser illumination, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of metastable defects in either passive or active nanoplasmonic materials, and, more generally, in non-semiconducting materials. The nanocomposites are made of a sodium-boron-phosphate glass matrix doped with silver nanoparticles (nAg) or co-doped with nAg and Er3+ ions by NanoParticle Direct Doping method. We further show that the different origins of the two types of defect-related luminescence behaviour are attributable to either a metal-glass defect (MG1) or a metal-glass-rare-earth ion defect (MGR1). Such materials could potentially be used for data writing and erasing using laser illumination with a ‘tight’ focus such as direct laser writing.
High HMGB1 levels in sputum are related to pneumococcal bacteraemia but not to disease severity in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Alpkvist Helena , Athlin Simon , Mölling Paula , Norrby-Teglund Anna , Strålin Kristoffer
Published: September 2018

During bacterial infections, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) activate immune cells. Here, we investigated whether plasma and sputum levels of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), a prototypic DAMP, are associated with disease severity and aetiology in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In addition, in patients with pneumococcal CAP, the impact of the level of sputum lytA DNA load, a PAMP, was investigated. We studied patients hospitalised for bacterial CAP (n = 111), and samples were collected at admission. HMGB1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and pneumococcal lytA DNA load was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plasma and sputum HMGB1 levels did not correlate to disease severity (pneumonia severity index or presence of sepsis), but high sputum HMGB1 level was correlated to pneumococcal aetiology (p = 0.002). In pneumococcal pneumonia, high sputum lytA DNA load was associated with respiratory failure (low PaO2/FiO2 ratio; p = 0.019), and high sputum HMGB1 level was associated with bacteraemia (p = 0.006). To conclude, high sputum HMGB1 was not associated with severe disease, but with pneumococcal bacteraemia, indicating a potential role for HMGB1 in bacterial dissemination. High sputum lytA was associated with severe disease.
Coal with Carbon Capture and Sequestration is not as Land Use Efficient as Solar Photovoltaic Technology for Climate Neutral Electricity Production
Authors: Groesbeck James Gunnar , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: September 2018

Avoiding climate destabilization caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, requires climate-neutral electricity sources. It has been proposed that the GHG emissions from coal-fired power plants can be offset by carbon capture and sequestration or bio-sequestration. However, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has recently declined so far in costs it now offers both technical and economic potential to offset all of coal-fired electricity use. PV only emits GHGs during fabrication and not during use. To determine which technical solution to climate-neutral electricity generation should be preferred, this study aggregates and synthesizes life cycle analysis studies for exergy, GHG emissions and land transformation for climate-neutral electricity. The results show that because of lower exergy efficiencies coal plants emit 13–18 times more GHG and transform 5–13 times more land than PV. Optimal bio-sequestration of coal-fired GHG requires 62% of U.S. arable land or 89% of all U.S land with average forest cover. Carbon capture and storage and enhanced oil recovery can improve coal performance, but for all cases the results clearly show that PV is a far more effective use of land. Overall, for the first time this study found climate-neutral photovoltaic farms are a preferred solution to climate-neutral coal fired electricity generation.
Preliminary report: parasympathetic tone links to functional brain networks during the anticipation and experience of visceral pain
Authors: Ruffle James K. , Coen Steven J. , Giampietro Vincent , Williams Steven C. R. , Aziz Qasim , Farmer Adam D.
Published: September 2018

The mechanisms that underpin the anti-nociceptive effect of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) on visceral pain remain incompletely understood. We sought to describe the effect of resting parasympathetic tone on functional brain networks during the anticipation and experience of oesophageal pain. 21 healthy participants had their resting cardiac vagal tone (CVT), a validated measure of the PNS, quantified, and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during the anticipation and experience of painful oesophageal distention. The relationship between resting CVT and functional brain networks was examined using 11 hypothesis-driven nodes and network-based statistics. A network comprising all nodes was apparent in individuals with high resting CVT, compared to those with low CVT, during oesophageal pain (family wise error rate (FWER)-corrected p < 0.048). Functional connections included the thalamus-amygdala, thalamus-hypothalamus, hypothalamus-nucleus accumbens, amygdala-pallidum, pallidum-nucleus accumbens and insula-pallidum. A smaller network was seen during pain anticipation, comprising the amygdala, pallidum and anterior insula (FWER-corrected p < 0.049). These findings suggest that PNS tone is associated with functional brain networks during the anticipation and experience of visceral pain. Given the role of these subcortical regions in the descending inhibitory modulation of pain, these networks may represent a potential neurobiological explanation for the anti-nociceptive effect of the PNS.
Neuronal microRNA regulation in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Juźwik Camille A. , Drake Sienna , Lécuyer Marc-André , Johnson Radia Marie , Morquette Barbara , Zhang Yang , Charabati Marc , Sagan Selena M. , Bar-Or Amit , Prat Alexandre , Fournier Alyson E.
Published: September 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease but the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative aspects of the disease are poorly understood. microRNAs (miRNAs) are powerful regulators of gene expression that regulate numerous mRNAs simultaneously and can thus regulate programs of gene expression. Here, we describe miRNA expression in neurons captured from mice subjected to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Lumbar motor neurons and retinal neurons were laser captured from EAE mice and miRNA expression was assessed by next-generation sequencing and validated by qPCR. We describe 14 miRNAs that are differentially regulated in both neuronal subtypes and determine putative mRNA targets though in silico analysis. Several upregulated neuronal miRNAs are predicted to target pathways that could mediate repair and regeneration during EAE. This work identifies miRNAs that are affected by inflammation and suggests novel candidates that may be targeted to improve neuroprotection in the context of pathological inflammation.
Barcoding of Chrysomelidae of Euro-Mediterranean area: efficiency and problematic species
Authors: Magoga Giulia , Sahin Didem Coral , Fontaneto Diego , Montagna Matteo
Published: September 2018

Leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with more than 37,000 species worldwide and about 2,300 in the Euro-Mediterranean region, are an ecological and economical relevant family, making their molecular identification of interest also in agriculture. This study, part of the Mediterranean Chrysomelidae Barcoding project (www.c-bar.org), aims to: (i) develop a reference Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) library for the molecular identification of the Euro-Mediterranean Chrysomelidae; (ii) test the efficiency of DNA barcoding for leaf beetles identification; (iii) develop and compare optimal thresholds for distance-based identifications estimated at family and subfamily level, minimizing false positives and false negatives. Within this study, 889 COI nucleotide sequences of 261 species were provided; after the inclusion of information from other sources, a dataset of 7,237 sequences (542 species) was analysed. The average intra-interspecific distances were in the range of those recorded for Coleoptera: 1.6–24%. The estimated barcoding efficiency (~94%) confirmed the usefulness of this tool for Chrysomelidae identification. The few cases of failure were recorded for closely related species (e.g.,Cryptocephalus marginellussuperspecies,Cryptocephalus violaceus - Cryptocephalus duplicatusand someAlticaspecies), even with morphologically different species sharing the same COI haplotype. Different optimal thresholds were achieved for the tested taxonomic levels, confirming that group-specific thresholds significantly improve molecular identifications.
Author Correction: Invasive meningococcal disease in Shanghai, China from 1950 to 2016: implications for serogroup B vaccine implementation
Authors: Chen Mingliang , Rodrigues Charlene M. C. , Harrison Odile B. , Zhang Chi , Tan Tian , Chen Jian , Zhang Xi , Chen Min , Maiden Martin C. J.
Published: September 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Biosorption optimization, characterization, immobilization and application of Gelidium amansii biomass for complete Pb2+ removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Hamouda Ragaa A. , Mousa Ibrahim E. , Abdel-Hamid Marwa S. , Rabei Nashwa H.
Published: September 2018

Lead (Pb2+) is among the most toxic heavy metals even in low concentration and cause toxicity to human’s health and other forms of life. It is released into the environment through different industrial activities. The biosorption of Pb2+from aqueous solutions by biomass of commonly available, marine algaGelidium amansiiwas studied. The effects of different variables on Pb2+removal were estimated by a two-level Plackett–Burman factorial design to determine the most significant variables affecting Pb2+removal % from aqueous solutions. Initial pH, Pb2+concentration and temperature were the most significant factors affecting Pb2+removal chosen for further optimization using rotatable central composite design. The maximum removal percentage (100%) of Pb2+from aqueous solution byGelidium amansiibiomass was found under the optimum conditions: initial Pb2+concentration of 200 mg/L, temperature 45 °C, pH 4.5,Gelidium amansiibiomass of 1 g/L and contact time of 60 minutes at static condition. FTIR analysis of algal biomass revealed the presence of carbonyl, methylene, phosphate, carbonate and phenolic groups, which are involved in the Pb2+ions biosorption process. SEM analysis demonstrates the ability ofGelidium amansiibiomass to adsorb and removes Pb2+from aqueous solution. EDS analysis shows the additional optical absorption peak corresponding to the Pb2+which confirms the involvement ofGelidium amansiibiomass in the adsorption of Pb2+ions from aqueous solution. ImmobilizedGelidium amansiibiomass was effective in Pb2+removal(100%)from aqueous solution at an initial concentration of 200 mg/L for 3 h. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the red marine algaGelidium amansiibiomass is a promising, efficient, ecofriendly, cost-effective and biodegradable biosorbent for the removal of Pb2+from the environment and wastewater effluents.
Multi-scale interplays of biotic and abiotic drivers shape mammalian sub-continental diversity over millions of years
Authors: Cantalapiedra Juan L. , Domingo M. Soledad , Domingo Laura
Published: September 2018

The reconstruction of deep-time diversity trends is key to understanding current and future species richness. Studies that statistically evaluate potential factors affecting paleodiversity have focused on continental and global, clade-wide datasets, and thus we ignore how community species richness build-up to generate large-scale patterns over geological timescales. If community diversity is shaped by biotic interactions and continental and global diversities are governed by abiotic events, which are the modulators of diversity in subcontinental regions? To address this question, we model Iberian mammalian species richness over 13 million years (15 to 2 Ma) using exhaustive fossil evidence for subcontinental species’ ecomorphology, environmental context, and biogeographic affinities, and quantitatively evaluate their impact on species richness. We find that the diversity of large Iberian mammals has been limited over time, with species richness showing marked fluctuations, undergoing substantial depletions as diversity surpasses a critical limit where a significant part of the niches is unviable. The strength of such diversity-dependence has also shifted. Large faunal dispersals and environmental heterogeneity increased the system’s critical diversity limit. Diversity growth rate (net migration and diversification) also oscillated, mainly modulated by functional saturation, patchiness of canopy cover, and local temperature and aridity. Our study provides quantitative support for subcontinental species pools being complex and dynamic systems where diversity is perpetually imbalanced over geological timescales. Subcontinental diversity-dependence dynamics are mainly modulated by a multi-scale interplay of biotic and abiotic factors, with abiotic factors playing a more relevant role.
Preparation of nickel/PA12 composite particles by defect-induced electroless plating for use in SLS processing
Authors: Gui Chengmei , Chen Zhenming , Yao Chenguang , Yang Guisheng
Published: September 2018

In this work, Ni particles/PA12 powders (Ni/PA12) and graphite oxide (GO)-encapsulated Ni particles/PA12 powders (GO-Ni/PA12) composite powders were prepared by defect-included electroless plating technique, and its laser sintered behaviour was investigated. Results showed that a lot of defects could formed on the surface of CH3COOH etched PA12 powders. The defects would induce Ni and GO-Ni particles independently plated on the PA12 surface. Adding GO in the plating solution would facilitate the deposition of Ni particles, GO, and NiO on the PA 12 surface, but inhibit the growth and the crystallinity of the Ni particles. The SLS process involved the contact of PA12 powders, the formation of sintering neck, the growth of sintering neck and the formation of fused solid. Sintering process could facilitate the re-arrangement of Ni particles due to surface tension and the growth of sintering neck. The Ni particles had well wettability, and the interfaces between Ni particles and PA 12 were contacted soundly. The tensile strength and bending strength of the 10 W-sintered Ni/PA12 specimen were 50 MPa and 60 MPa. But SLS process caused the serious aggregation of GO-Ni particles due to higher concentration, activity and surface area of GO-Ni particles.
Selective Deletion of Heparan Sulfotransferase Enzyme, Ndst1, in Donor Endothelial and Myeloid Precursor Cells Significantly Decreases Acute Allograft Rejection
Authors: Chen Hao , Ambadapadi Sriram , Wakefield Dara , Bartee Meeyong , Yaron Jordan R. , Zhang Liqiang , Archer-Hartmann Stephanie A. , Azadi Parastoo , Burgin Michelle , Borges Chad , Zheng Donghang , Ergle Kevin , Muppala Vishnu , Morshed Sufi , Rand Kenneth , Clapp William , Proudfoot Amanda , Lucas Alexandra
Published: September 2018

Early damage to transplanted organs initiates excess inflammation that can cause ongoing injury, a leading cause for late graft loss. The endothelial glycocalyx modulates immune reactions and chemokine-mediated haptotaxis, potentially driving graft loss. In prior work, conditional deficiency of the glycocalyx-modifying enzyme N-deacetylase-N-sulfotransferase-1 (Ndst1f/f TekCre+) reduced aortic allograft inflammation. Here we investigated modification of heparan sulfate (HS) and chemokine interactions in whole-organ renal allografts. Conditional donor allograft Ndst1 deficiency (Ndst1−/−; C57Bl/6 background) was compared to systemic treatment with M-T7, a broad-spectrum chemokine-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) inhibitor. Early rejection was significantly reduced in Ndst1−/− kidneys engrafted into wildtype BALB/c mice (Ndst1+/+) and comparable to M-T7 treatment in C57Bl/6 allografts (P < 0.0081). M-T7 lost activity in Ndst1−/− allografts, while M-T7 point mutants with modified GAG-chemokine binding displayed a range of anti-rejection activity. CD3+ T cells (P < 0.0001), HS (P < 0.005) and CXC chemokine staining (P < 0.012), gene expression in NFκB and JAK/STAT pathways, and HS and CS disaccharide content were significantly altered with reduced rejection. Transplant of donor allografts with conditional Ndst1 deficiency exhibit significantly reduced acute rejection, comparable to systemic chemokine-GAG inhibition. Modified disaccharides in engrafted organs correlate with reduced rejection. Altered disaccharides in engrafted organs provide markers for rejection with potential to guide new therapeutic approaches in allograft rejection.
Prevalence and Possible Factors of Myopia in Norwegian Adolescents
Authors: Hagen Lene A. , Gjelle Jon V. B. , Arnegard Solveig , Pedersen Hilde R. , Gilson Stuart J. , Baraas Rigmor C.
Published: September 2018

East Asia has experienced an excessive increase in myopia in the past decades with more than 80% of the younger generation now affected. Environmental and genetic factors are both assumed to contribute in the development of refractive errors, but the etiology is unknown. The environmental factor argued to be of greatest importance in preventing myopia is high levels of daylight exposure. If true, myopia prevalence would be higher in adolescents living in high latitude countries with fewer daylight hours in the autumn-winter. We examined the prevalence of refractive errors in a representative sample of 16–19-year-old Norwegian Caucasians (n = 393, 41.2% males) in a representative region of Norway (60° latitude North). At this latitude, autumn-winter is 50 days longer than summer. Using gold-standard methods of cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometry, the overall prevalence of myopia [spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤−0.50 D] was 13%, considerably lower than in East Asians. Hyperopia (SER ≥ + 0.50 D), astigmatism (≥1.00 DC) and anisometropia (≥1.00 D) were found in 57%, 9% and 4%. Norwegian adolescents seem to defy the world-wide trend of increasing myopia. This suggests that there is a need to explore why daylight exposure during a relatively short summer outweighs that of the longer autumn-winter.
Theoretical investigation of heterogeneous wettability in porous media using NMR
Authors: Wang Jie , Xiao Lizhi , Liao Guangzhi , Zhang Yan , Guo Long , Arns Christoph H. , Sun Zhe
Published: September 2018

It is highly important to understand the heterogeneous wettability properties of porous media for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, wettability measurements are still challenging in directly investigating the wettability of porous media. In this paper, we propose a multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method and the concept of apparent contact angles to characterize the heterogeneous wettability of porous media. The apparent contact angle, which is determined by both the wetting surface coverage and the local wettability (wetting contact angles of each homogeneous wetting regions or wetting patches), is first introduced as an indicator of the heterogeneous wettability of porous media using the NMR method. For homogeneously wetting patches, the relaxation time ratio T1/T2 is employed to probe the local wettabiity of wetting patches. The T2 − D is introduced to obtain the wetting surface coverage using the effective relaxivity. Numerical simulations are conducted to validate this method.
The Arabidopsis RNA Polymerase II Carboxyl Terminal Domain (CTD) Phosphatase-Like1 (CPL1) is a biotic stress susceptibility gene
Authors: Thatcher Louise F. , Foley Rhonda , Casarotto Hayley J. , Gao Ling-Ling , Kamphuis Lars G. , Melser Su , Singh Karam B.
Published: September 2018

Crop breeding for improved disease resistance may be achieved through the manipulation of host susceptibility genes. Previously we identified multiple Arabidopsis mutants known as enhanced stress response1 (esr1) that have defects in a KH-domain RNA-binding protein and conferred increased resistance to the root fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Here, screening the same mutagenized population we discovered two further enhanced stress response mutants that also conferred enhanced resistance to F. oxysporum. These mutants also have enhanced resistance to a leaf fungal pathogen (Alternaria brassicicola) and an aphid pest (Myzus persicae), but not to the bacterial leaf pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. The causal alleles in these mutants were found to have defects in the ESR1 interacting protein partner RNA Polymerase II Carboxyl Terminal Domain (CTD) Phosphatase-Like1 (CPL1) and subsequently given the allele symbols cpl1-7 and cpl1-8. These results define a new role for CPL1 as a pathogen and pest susceptibility gene. Global transcriptome analysis and oxidative stress assays showed these cpl1 mutants have increased tolerance to oxidative stress. In particular, components of biotic stress responsive pathways were enriched in cpl1 over wild-type up-regulated gene expression datasets including genes related to defence, heat shock proteins and oxidative stress/redox state processes.
Construction of Self-defensive Antibacterial and Osteogenic AgNPs/Gentamicin Coatings with Chitosan as Nanovalves for Controlled release
Authors: Zhou Wenhao , Li Yangyang , Yan Jianglong , Xiong Pan , Li Qiyao , Cheng Yan , Zheng Yufeng
Published: September 2018

To solve the Ti implants-associated infection and poor osseointegration problems, we have constructed the AgNPs/gentamicin (Gen)-loaded silk fibroin (SF) coating with acceptable antibacterial and osteogenic aptitude. Nevertheless, due to uncontrollably sustained drug release, this bactericidal coating encountered some tricky problems, such as local high Ag concentration, short life-span and potential cytotoxicity. In this work, a chitosan (CS) barrier layer was constructed to prebuilt the SF-based film by two means, dip-coating (DCS) and spin-coating (SCS). Intriguingly, the CS barrier layer constructed by spin-coating highly improved the hydrophilic and protein-absorbed performances. As verified in the release profile, both coatings showed a prolonged and pH-dependent pattern of Ag+ with an accelerated release in acidic condition. Also, the multilayer coating with a SCS barrier layer showed an apparent bacteria-trigged antibacterial and biofilm-inhibited performances, whereas the improvements of antibacterial abilities of DCS coating were limited. The mechanisms could be explained that the pH decrease induced by the attachment and proliferation of bacteria triggered collapse of CS barrier layer, accelerating the release of bactericides. Moreover, benefitted from pH-dependent release behavior of Ag and bioactive SCS layer, functional coatings highly enhanced the initial adhesion, migration and proliferation of preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells, and subsequently accelerated osteoblast differentiation (alkaline phosphatase production). A relevant aspect of this work was to demonstrate the essential effect of reasonable construction of self-defensive barrier layer in achieving the balance between the high-efficiency bacterial killing and osteogenic activity, and highlighted its excellent potential in clinical applications.
Subglacial discharge plume behaviour revealed by CTD-instrumented ringed seals
Authors: Everett Alistair , Kohler Jack , Sundfjord Arild , Kovacs Kit M. , Torsvik Tomas , Pramanik Ankit , Boehme Lars , Lydersen Christian
Published: September 2018

Subglacial discharge plumes increase submarine melting of marine-terminating glaciers significantly; however, in-situ data on their properties and behaviour are limited. We present oceanographic data collected by ringed seals (Pusa hispida) instrumented with GPS-equipped conductivity-temperature-depth satellite relay data loggers (GPS-CTD-SRDLs) in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, during 2012. The seals foraged just outside the plumes and collected hydrographic data from within the plumes’ upwelling cores as they returned to the surface. The seals encountered water with fractions of subglacial discharge as high as 27% at 60 m below the ocean surface. The ringed seals responded rapidly to spatial and temporal variations in subglacial discharge at the glacier terminus, suggesting that prey becomes available quickly following the appearance of plumes. The seals’ dive locations were used to monitor the presence of plumes over a four-month period. High surface runoff from Kronebreen catchment created strong plumes, but weak plumes were present even during periods of low surface runoff. The continued retreat of Kronebreen, and other tidewater glaciers, will lead to the loss of these marine-termini as the glaciers retreat onto land. The techniques presented here improve our understanding of the drivers of glacial retreat and the implications of future habitat loss for glacier-associated birds and mammals.
Correction: Synthesis of figure-of-eight helical bisBODIPY macrocycles and their chiroptical properties
Authors: Saikawa Makoto , Nakamura Takashi , Uchida Junji , Yamamura Masaki , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘Synthesis of figure-of-eight helical bisBODIPY macrocycles and their chiroptical properties’ by Makoto Saikawa et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 10727–10730.
Investigating the role of framework topology and accessible active sites in silicoaluminophosphates for modulating acid-catalysis
Authors: Potter Matthew E. , Kezina Julija , Bounds Richard , Carravetta Marina , Mezza Thomas M. , Raja Robert
Published: September 2018

Framework topology and the acid sites significantly influence the Beckmann rearrangement, affecting the design of solid-acid catalysts.
Manipulating the mesostructure of silicoaluminophosphate SAPO-11 via tumbling-assisted, oriented assembly crystallization: a pathway to enhance selectivity in hydroisomerization
Authors: Jin Dongliang , Li Liyuan , Ye Guanghua , Ding Hongxin , Zhao Xiaoling , Zhu Kake , Coppens Marc-Olivier , Zhou Xinggui
Published: September 2018

A house-of-cards architecture of silicoaluminophosphate was fabricated to enhance selectivity for hydroisomerization.
Chemical vapor growth and delamination of α-RuCl3 nanosheets down to the monolayer limit
Authors: Grönke Martin , Schmidt Peer , Valldor Martin , Oswald Steffen , Wolf Daniel , Lubk Axel , Büchner Bernd , Hampel Silke
Published: September 2018

This work demonstrates an elegant way to synthesize α-RuCl3 nanosheets down to the monolayer limit by chemical vapor transport and subsequent delamination techniques.
Azodicarboxylate-free esterification with triphenylphosphine mediated by flavin and visible light: method development and stereoselectivity control
Authors: März Michal , Kohout Michal , Neveselý Tomáš , Chudoba Josef , Prukała Dorota , Niziński Stanislaw , Sikorski Marek , Burdziński Gotard , Cibulka Radek
Published: September 2018

Photoredox catalysis: A new way to induce triphenylphosphine to be able to mediate nucleophilic substitution reactions of alcohols and acids.
Poly(2-oxazoline)s with pendant cubane groups
Authors: Glassner Mathias , Verbraeken Bart , Jerca Valentin Victor , Van Hecke Kristof , Tsanaktsidis John , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: September 2018

The synthesis and properties of poly(2-oxazoline)s with cubane side chains are explored in this work.
Solvent-free N-iodosuccinimide-promoted synthesis of spiroimidazolines from alkenes and amidines under ball-milling conditions
Authors: Xu Hui , Chen Kuan , Liu Hong-Wei , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: September 2018

An environmentally benign and N-iodosuccinimide-promoted intermolecular cyclization between alkenes and amidines has been demonstrated under solvent-free ball-milling conditions, affording a variety of spiroimidazolines with remarkable functional group tolerance and good to excellent yields.
Oxidative C(sp3)–H amidation of tertiary arylamines with nitriles
Authors: Lin Binzhou , Shi Shanshan , Cui Yiqun , Liu Yupei , Tang Guo , Zhao Yufen
Published: September 2018

The first amidation of tertiary arylamines with nitrilesviaa cascade dehydrogenation/heterocoupling/addition reaction has been developed.
SKLB023 as an iNOS inhibitor alleviated liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jinhang , Li Yanping , Liu Qinhui , Li Rui , Pu Shiyun , Yang Lina , Feng Yanhuan , Ma Liang
Published: September 2018

NASH is characterized by hepatocellular injury accompanied by steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. SKLB023 as a potent iNOS inhibitor, suppressed the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway by blocking iNOS expression to attenuate liver fibrosis in MCD diet-induced mice.
Efficient conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to high-value chemicals by chemo- and bio-catalysis
Authors: Xia Haian , Xu Siquan , Hu Hong , An Jiahuan , Li Changzhi
Published: September 2018

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a very important versatile platform compound derived from renewable biomass.
Novel oligopeptide nanoprobe for targeted cancer cell imaging
Authors: Ding Wen-Qiang , Qin Si-Yong , Cheng Yin-Jia , Ma Yi-Han , Zhang Ai-Qing
Published: September 2018

Co-assembly of WFFW tetrapeptide and RGDWFFW heptapeptide generated the photostable and fluorescence-tunable nanoprobe, which could selectively image the cancer cells.
A bifunctional catalyst for efficient dehydrogenation and electro-oxidation of hydrazine
Authors: Wang Jun , Khaniya Asim , Hu Lin , Beazley Melanie J. , Kaden William E. , Feng Xiaofeng
Published: September 2018

A Pt0.2Ni0.8nanocatalyst has been developed and shows superior catalytic performance for both complete dehydrogenation and electro-oxidation of hydrazine.
Modulation of the immune response by helminths: a role for serotonin?
Authors: Wang Susan J. , Sharkey Keith A. , McKay Derek M.
Published: September 2018

The mammalian gut is a remarkable organ: with a nervous system that rivals the spinal cord, it is the body’s largest repository of immune and endocrine cells and houses an immense and complex microbiota. Infection with helminth parasites elicits a conserved program of effector and regulatory immune responses to eradicate the worm, limit tissue damage, and return the gut to homeostasis. Discrete changes in the nervous system, and to a lesser extent the enteroendocrine system, occur following helminth infection but the importance of these adaptations in expelling the worm is poorly understood. Approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) is made in enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut, indicative of the importance of this amine in intestinal function. Signaling via a plethora of receptor subtypes, substantial evidence illustrates that 5-HT affects immunity. A small number of studies document changes in 5-HT levels following infection with helminth parasites, but these have not been complemented by an understanding of the role of 5-HT in the host–parasite interaction. In reviewing this area, the gap in knowledge of how changes in the enteric serotonergic system affects the outcome of infection with intestinal helminths is apparent. We present this as a call-to-action by investigators in the field. We contend that neuronal EC cell–immune interactions in the gut are essential in maintaining homeostasis and, when perturbed, contribute to pathophysiology. The full affect of infection with helminth parasites needs to define, and then mechanistically dissect the role of the enteric nervous and enteroendocrine systems of the gut.
High-redshift quasar selection from the CFHQSIR survey
Authors: Pipien S. , Cuby J.-G. , Basa S. , Willott C. J. , Cuillandre J.-C. , Arnouts S. , Hudelot P.
Published: September 2018

Being observed only one billion years after the Big Bang,z∼ 7 quasars are a unique opportunity for exploring the early Universe. However, only twoz∼ 7 quasars have been discovered in near-infrared surveys: the quasars ULAS J1120+0641 and ULAS J1342+0928 atz= 7.09 andz= 7.54, respectively. The rarity of these distant objects, combined with the difficulty of distinguishing them from the much more numerous population of Galactic low-mass stars, requires using efficient selection procedures. The Canada-France High-zQuasar Survey in the Near Infrared (CFHQSIR) has been carried out to search forz∼ 7 quasars using near-infrared and optical imaging from the Canada-France Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Our data consist of ∼130 deg2of Wide-field Infrared Camera (WIRCam)Y-band images up to a 5σlimit ofYAB∼ 22.4 distributed over the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) Wide fields. After follow-up observations inJband, a first photometric selection based on simple colour criteria led us to identify 36 sources with measured high-redshift quasar colours. However, we expect to detect only ∼2 quasars in the redshift range 6.8 <z< 7.5 down to a rest-frame absolute magnitude ofM1450= −24.6. With the motivation of ranking our high-redshift quasar candidates in the best possible way, we developed an advanced classification method based on Bayesian formalism in which we model the high-redshift quasars and low-mass star populations. The model includes the colour diversity of the two populations and the variation in space density of the low-mass stars with Galactic latitude, and it is combined with our observational data. For each candidate, we compute the probability of being a high-redshift quasar rather than a low-mass star. This results in a refined list of the most promising candidates. Our Bayesian selection procedure has proven to be a powerful technique for identifying the best candidates of any photometrically selected sample of objects, and it is easily extendable to other surveys.
Calculation of orthotropic plates for creep taking into account shear deformations
Authors: Chepurnenko Anton , Yazyev Batyr , Saibel Angelica
Published: September 2018

A system of differential equations is obtained for calculating the creep of orthotropic plates taking into account the deformations of the transverse shear. The basic hypothesis is a parabolic change in tangential stresses over the thickness of the plate. An example of the calculation is given for a GRP plate hinged on the contour under the action of a uniformly distributed load.
Combined Semianalytical and Numerical Static Plate Analysis. Part 2: Resultant Multipoint Boundary Problem
Authors: Negrozov Oleg , Akimov Pavel , Mozgaleva Marina
Published: September 2018

The distinctive paper is devoted to solution of multipoint boundary problem of plate analysis (Kirchhoff model) based on combined application of finite element method (FEM) and discrete-continual finite element method (DCFEM). As is known the Kirchhoff-Love theory of plates is a two-dimensional mathematical model that is normally used to determine the stresses and deformations in thin plates subjected to forces and moments. The given domain, occupied by considering structure, is embordered by extended one. The field of application of DCFEM comprises fragments of structure (subdomains) with regular (constant or piecewise constant) physical and geometrical parameters in some dimension (“basic” dimension). DCFEM presupposes finite element mesh approximation for non-basic dimension of extended domain while in the basic dimension problem remains continual. FEM is used for approximation of all other subdomains (it is convenient to solve plate bending problems in terms of displacements). Coupled multilevel approximation model for extended domain and resultant multipoint boundary problem are constructed. Brief information about software systems and verification samples are presented as well.
The Influence Of Deviation Of The Geometry Of The Model On The Accuracy Of Researching Loads From Wind Pressure In Wind Tunnels
Authors: Egorychev Oleg , Nosyrin Vladislav , Radnaeva Marina , Fedosova Anastasia
Published: September 2018

The construction of unique buildings and structures is widely developing each year; therefore, more attention is paid to investigations of wind influences. The subject of this article describes the effect of deviation in the model geometry of analyzed object on the accuracy of test code on loads from wind pressure in wind tunnel. Four similar models with different geometric shapes are introduced in this article as example, and the results of the test are analyzed below.
Higher frequency dynamic response analysis of the foam concrete block element
Authors: Papán Daniel , Papánová Zuzana
Published: September 2018

In civil engineering structures frequency response are often low. There are some special tasks in innovative material parameters investigation where higher frequency response is important. The small dimension samples are often used to determinate material properties. This paper contains analysis of the natural modes and natural frequencies the foam concrete block sample.
A general form of Drucker-Prager type smooth and convex plastic potential. Part 1: Definition and features
Authors: Szwed Aleksander , Kamińska Inez
Published: September 2018

A general form of Drucker-Prager type plastic potential suitable for concrete and soil is proposed, allowing to distinguish qualitative difference between stress states with prevailing tension from those with dominant compression. The potential includes six material constants and one arbitrarily chosen function g describing deviatoric section of the potential surface. The influence of the parameters on the shape of the considered yield surface is discussed. The verification of convexity of the proposed potential is carried out in order to impose conditions on the parameters and the unknown function g. The calibration based on results of typical tests for concrete presented in the literature is proposed and the values of the coefficients are given out in relation to the yield limit in uniaxial compression test for common proportions of yield limits for other basic tests.
Stress-strain state of a three-layer rod. Comparison of the results of analytical and numerical calculations with the experiment
Authors: Tsybin Nikita , Turusov Robert , Andreev Vladimir , Kolesnikov Alexey
Published: September 2018

The article deals with the stress-strain state of a three-layer rod under central compression. The results of analytical calculation and numerical calculation (FEM) are compared with experimental data. It is assumed that the interaction of layers is accomplished through a contact layer. The contact layer is considered as a transversally anisotropic elastic medium with such parameters that it can be represented as a set of short elastic rods that are not connected to each other and are normally oriented to the contact surface. Such an assumption allows us to obtain an analytical solution of the problem in a closed form, as well as to avoid infinite tangential stresses at the interface of the layers near the model end. The obtained results of calculations coincide qualitatively and quantitatively with the results of the experiment.