bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparum parasites with histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) and pfhrp3 gene deletions in two endemic regions of Kenya
Authors: Beshir Khalid B. , Sepúlveda Nuno , Bharmal Jameel , Robinson Ailie , Mwanguzi Julian , Busula Annette Obukosia , de Boer Jetske Gudrun , Sutherland Colin , Cunningham Jane , Hopkins Heidi
Published: November 2017

Deletions of the Plasmodium falciparum hrp2 and hrp3 genes can affect the performance of HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Such deletions have been reported from South America, India and Eritrea. Whether these parasites are widespread in East Africa is unknown. A total of 274 samples from asymptomatic children in Mbita, western Kenya, and 61 genomic  data from Kilifi, eastern Kenya, were available for analysis. PCR-confirmed samples were investigated for the presence of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. In samples with evidence of deletion, parasite presence was confirmed by amplifying three independent genes. We failed to amplify pfhrp2 from 25 of 131 (19.1%) PCR-confirmed samples. Of these, only 8 (10%) samples were microscopic positive and were classified as pfhrp2-deleted. Eight microscopically-confirmed pfhrp2-deleted samples with intact pfhrp3 locus were positive by HRP2-based RDT. In addition, one PCR-confirmed infection showed a deletion at the pfhrp3 locus. One genomic sample lacked pfhrp2 and one lacked pfhrp3. No sample harbored parasites lacking both genes. Parasites lacking pfhrp2 are present in Kenya, but may be detectable by HRP-based RDT at higher parasitaemia, possibly due to the presence of intact pfhrp3. These findings warrant further systematic study to establish prevalence and diagnostic significance.
Atomic Configuration of Point Defect Clusters in Ion-Irradiated Silicon Carbide
Authors: Lin Y. R. , Chen L. G. , Hsieh C. Y. , Chang M. T. , Fung K. Y. , Hu A. , Lo S. C. , Chen F. R. , Kai J. J.
Published: November 2017

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a promising cladding material for accident-tolerant fuel in light water reactors due to its excellent resistance to chemical attacks at high temperatures, which can prevent severe accident-induced environmental disasters. Although it has been known for decades that radiation-induced swelling at low temperatures is driven by the formation of black spot defects with sizes smaller than 2 nm in irradiated SiC, the structure of these defect clusters and the mechanism of lattice expansion have not been clarified and remain as one of the most important scientific issues in nuclear materials research. Here we report the atomic configuration of defect clusters using Cs-corrected transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics to determine the mechanism of these defects to radiation swelling. This study also provides compelling evidence that irradiation-induced point defect clusters are vacancy-rich clusters and lattice expansion results from the homogenous distribution of unrecovered interstitials in the material.
A Zika Vaccine Targeting NS1 Protein Protects Immunocompetent Adult Mice in a Lethal Challenge Model
Authors: Brault Aaron C. , Domi Arban , McDonald Erin M. , Talmi-Frank Dalit , McCurley Nathanael , Basu Rahul , Robinson Harriet L. , Hellerstein Michael , Duggal Nisha K. , Bowen Richard A. , Guirakhoo Farshad
Published: November 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has rapidly extended its geographic range around the world. Its association with abnormal fetal brain development, sexual transmission, and lack of a preventive vaccine have constituted a global health concern. Designing a safe and effective vaccine requires significant caution due to overlapping geographical distribution of ZIKV with dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses, possibly resulting in more severe disease manifestations in flavivirus immune vaccinees such as Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE, a phenomenon involved in pathogenesis of DENV, and a risk associated with ZIKV vaccines using the envelope proteins as immunogens). Here, we describe the development of an alternative vaccine strategy encompassing the expression of ZIKV non-structural-1 (NS1) protein from a clinically proven safe, Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector, thus averting the potential risk of ADE associated with structural protein-based ZIKV vaccines. A single intramuscular immunization of immunocompetent mice with the MVA-ZIKV-NS1 vaccine candidate provided robust humoral and cellular responses, and afforded 100% protection against a lethal intracerebral dose of ZIKV (strain MR766). This is the first report of (i) a ZIKV vaccine based on the NS1 protein and (ii) single dose protection against ZIKV using an immunocompetent lethal mouse challenge model.
Detection of subclonal L1 transductions in colorectal cancer by long-distance inverse-PCR and Nanopore sequencing
Authors: Pradhan Barun , Cajuso Tatiana , Katainen Riku , Sulo Päivi , Tanskanen Tomas , Kilpivaara Outi , Pitkänen Esa , Aaltonen Lauri A. , Kauppi Liisa , Palin Kimmo
Published: October 2017

Long interspersed nuclear elements-1 (L1s) are a large family of retrotransposons. Retrotransposons are repetitive sequences that are capable of autonomous mobility via a copy-and-paste mechanism. In most copy events, only the L1 sequence is inserted, however, they can also mobilize the flanking non-repetitive region by a process known as 3′ transduction. L1 insertions can contribute to genome plasticity and cause potentially tumorigenic genomic instability. However, detecting the activity of a particular source L1 and identifying new insertions stemming from it is a challenging task with current methodological approaches. We developed a long-distance inverse PCR (LDI-PCR) based approach to monitor the mobility of active L1 elements based on their 3′ transduction activity. LDI-PCR requires no prior knowledge of the insertion target region. By applying LDI-PCR in conjunction with Nanopore sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) on one L1 reported to be particularly active in human cancer genomes, we detected 14 out of 15 3′ transductions previously identified by whole genome sequencing in two different colorectal tumour samples. In addition we discovered 25 novel highly subclonal insertions. Furthermore, the long sequencing reads produced by LDI-PCR/Nanopore sequencing enabled the identification of both the 5′ and 3′ junctions and revealed detailed insertion sequence information.
Butyrate and propionate inhibit antigen-specific CD8+ T cell activation by suppressing IL-12 production by antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Nastasi Claudia , Fredholm Simon , Willerslev-Olsen Andreas , Hansen Morten , Bonefeld Charlotte Menné , Geisler Carsten , Andersen Mads Hald , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders
Published: October 2017

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, butyrate and propionate, are products of microbial macronutrients fermentation that distribute systemically and are believed to modulate host immune responses. Recent data have indicated that certain SCFAs, such as butyrate and propionate, directly modulate human dendritic cell (DC) function. Given the role of DCs in initiating and shaping the adaptive immune response, we now explore how SCFAs affect the activation of antigen-specific CD8+T cells stimulated with autologous, MART1 peptide-pulsed DC. We show that butyrate reduces the frequency of peptide-specific CD8+T cells and, together with propionate, inhibit the activity of those cells. On the contrary, acetate does not affect them. Importantly, butyrate and propionate inhibit the production of IL-12 and IL-23 in the DCs and exogenous IL-12 fully restores the activation of the MART-1-specific CD8+T cells, whereas IL-23 has no effect. In conclusion, these results point to a pivotal role of butyrate and propionate in modulating CD8+T cell activation via the inhibition of IL-12 secretion from DCs. These findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby bacterial fermentation products may modulate CD8+T cell function with possible implications in anti-cancer immunotherapy.
Time-resolved analysis of a denitrifying bacterial community revealed a core microbiome responsible for the anaerobic degradation of quinoline
Authors: Wang Yun , Tian Hao , Huang Fei , Long Wenmin , Zhang Qianpeng , Wang Jing , Zhu Ying , Wu Xiaogang , Chen Guanzhou , Zhao Liping , Bakken Lars R. , Frostegård Åsa , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: November 2017

Quinoline is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions, but information about the degradation kinetics and the involved microorganisms is scarce. Here, the dynamics of a quinoline-degrading bacterial consortium were studied in anoxic batch cultures containing nitrate. The cultures removed 83.5% of the quinoline during the first 80 hours, which were dominated by denitrification, and then switched to methanogenesis when the nitrogen oxyanions were depleted. Time-resolved community analysis using pyrosequencing revealed that denitrifiying bacteria belonging to the genusThauerawere enriched during the denitrification stage from 12.2% to 38.8% and 50.1% relative abundance in DNA and cDNA libraries, respectively. This suggests that they are key organisms responsible for the initial attack on quinoline. Altogether, 13 different co-abundance groups (CAGs) containing 76 different phylotypes were involved, directly or indirectly, in quinoline degradation. The dynamics of these CAGs show that specific phylotypes were associated with different phases of the degradation. Members ofRhodococcusandDesulfobacterium, as well asRhodocyclaceae- andSyntrophobacteraceae-related phylotypes, utilized initial metabolites of the quinoline, while the resulting smaller molecules were used by secondary fermenters belonging toAnaerolineae. The concerted action by the different members of this consortium resulted in an almost complete anaerobic mineralization of the quinoline.
Passage-dependent accumulation of somatic mutations in mesenchymal stromal cells during in vitro culture revealed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Kim Myungshin , Rhee Je-Keun , Choi Hayoung , Kwon Ahlm , Kim Jiyeon , Lee Gun Dong , Jekarl Dong Wook , Lee Seungok , Kim Yonggoo , Kim Tae-Min
Published: October 2017

Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have served as a major cellular resource for cell-based immunomodulatory and regenerative therapies. However, genomic instability may accumulate during ex vivo expansion of MSCs, thereby increasing the potential of malignant transformation. Here, we performed whole genome sequencing of two peripheral blood-derived MSC lines (MSC1 and MSC2) at various passages (passage 1 [P1] to P9). The majority of single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) occurred in later passages; specifically, 90% and 70% of all SNVs in MSC1 and MSC2 were observed in P9 and P7/P9, respectively. These late-occurring SNVs were enriched with C > A transversions and were overrepresented in intronic regions compared to intergenic regions, suggesting that the mutational forces are not constant across the passages. Clonality analyses also distinguished early-occurring, subclonal SNVs from late-occurring, clonally fixed SNVs. In addition, MSCs were largely devoid of copy number alterations (CNAs) (i.e., 0–2 CNAs per passage), with one exception (MSC2-P3) harboring 29 passage-specific CNAs. Our findings suggest that the SNVs found to be abundant at later passages likely resulted from the accumulation of replication stress, which can be associated with proliferation activity. Thus, the genomic instability associated with proliferation records should be considered for clinical applications of MSCs.
Dynamic self-assembly and self-organized transport of magnetic micro-swimmers
Authors: Kokot Gašper , Kolmakov German V. , Aranson Igor S. , Snezhko Alexey
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate experimentally and in computer simulations that magnetic microfloaters can self-organize into various functional structures while energized by an external alternating (ac) magnetic field. The structures exhibit self-propelled motion and an ability to carry a cargo along a pre-defined path. The morphology of the self-assembled swimmers is controlled by the frequency and amplitude of the magnetic field.
The EphB6 receptor is overexpressed in pediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and increases its sensitivity to doxorubicin treatment
Authors: El Zawily Amr , McEwen Emily , Toosi Behzad , Vizeacoumar Frederick S. , Freywald Tanya , Vizeacoumar Franco J. , Freywald Andrew
Published: November 2017

While impressive improvements have been achieved in T-ALL therapy, current treatment approaches fail in approximately 25% of patients and these patients have limited treatment options. Another significant group of patients is being overtreated, which causes long-lasting side effects. Identification of molecules controlling drug resistance in T-ALL is crucial for treatment optimisation in both scenarios. We report here the EphB6 receptor is frequently overexpressed in T-ALL. Remarkably, our observations indicate that EphB6 acts in T-ALL cells to enhance sensitivity to a DNA-damaging drug, doxorubicin, as interruption of EphB6 activity interferes with the efficiency of doxorubicin-induced eradication of T-ALL cells in cell culture and in xenograft animals. This effect relies on the protection of Akt kinase signaling, while Akt inhibition combined with doxorubicin application produces synergistic effects on the elimination of EphB6-deficient T-ALL cells. These data imply that EphB6 suppresses T-ALL resistance by interfering with Akt activity. Our observations highlight a novel role for EphB6 in reducing drug resistance of T-ALL and suggest that doxorubicin treatment should produce better results if personalised based on EphB6 levels. If successfully verified in clinical studies, this approach should improve outcomes for T-ALL patients resistant to current therapies and for patients, who are being overtreated.
Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing to generate C. difficile mutants defective in selenoproteins synthesis
Authors: McAllister Kathleen N. , Bouillaut Laurent , Kahn Jennifer N. , Self William T. , Sorg Joseph A.
Published: November 2017

Clostridium difficile is a significant concern as a nosocomial pathogen, and genetic tools are important when analyzing the physiology of such organisms so that the underlying physiology/pathogenesis of the organisms can be studied. Here, we used TargeTron to investigate the role of selenoproteins in C. difficile Stickland metabolism and found that a TargeTron insertion into selD, encoding the selenophosphate synthetase that is essential for the specific incorporation of selenium into selenoproteins, results in a significant growth defect and a global loss of selenium incorporation. However, because of potential polar effects of the TargeTron insertion, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis system for C. difficile. This system rapidly and efficiently introduces site-specific mutations into the C. difficile genome (20–50% mutation frequency). The selD CRISPR deletion mutant had a growth defect in protein-rich medium and mimicked the phenotype of a generated TargeTron selD mutation. Our findings suggest that Stickland metabolism could be a target for future antibiotic therapies and that the CRISPR-Cas9 system can introduce rapid and efficient modifications into the C. difficile genome.
Breeding and study of two new photoperiod- and thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines of polyploid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Xianhua , Zuo Bo , Song Zhaojian , Wang Wei , He Yuchi , Liu Yuhua , Cai Detian
Published: November 2017

Male sterile lines play an important role in the utilization of heterosis. To explore and exploit the heterosis of polyploid hybrid rice, two photoperiod- and thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines of polyploid rice, PS006 and PS012, were bred via chromosome doubling, complex hybridization and self-breeding. The characteristics of these two lines, including the agronomic traits, growth, development, fertility transformation and combining ability, were investigated. Both lines had good agronomic characteristics and flowering habits, a high outcrossing rate, obvious fertility alterations and good combining abilities. Their hybrids showed strong heterosis and great potential for increasing rice productivity and quality. The new polyploid rice photoperiod- and thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines will provide material for further research into polyploidy and hybrid vigour in rice and promote the exploitation of polyploid hybrid rice.
Metasurface electrode light emitting diodes with planar light control
Authors: Park Yeonsang , Kim Jineun , Cho Kyung-Sang , Kim Hyochul , Lee Min-kyung , Lee Jae-soong , Kim Un Jeong , Hwang Sung Woo , Brongersma Mark L. , Roh Young-Geun , Park Q-Han
Published: November 2017

The ability of metasurfaces to manipulate light at the subwavelength scale offers unprecedented functionalities for passive and active lasing devices. However, applications of metasurfaces to optical devices are rare due to fabrication difficulties. Here, we present quantum dot light emitting diodes (QDLEDs) with a metasurface-integrated metal electrode and demonstrate microscopically controlled LED emission. By incorporating slot-groove antennas into the metal electrode, we show that LED emission from randomly polarized QD sources can be polarized and directed at will. Utilizing the relation between polarization and emission direction, we also demonstrate microscopic LED beam splitting through the selective choice of polarization.
Resistance monitoring and cross-resistance role of CYP6CW1 between buprofezin and pymetrozine in field populations of Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén)
Authors: Zhang Yueliang , Han Yangchun , Liu Baosheng , Yang Qiong , Guo Huifang , Liu Zewen , Wang Lihua , Fang Jichao
Published: November 2017

Monitoring resistance and investigating insecticide resistance mechanisms are necessary for controlling the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus. The susceptibility to four common insecticides of L. striatellus collected from Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang and Jilin provinces of China in 2015 was monitored. The results showed that all field populations remained susceptible to chlorpyrifos and thiamethoxam with resistance ratios (RRs) of 2.3- to 9.5 and 1.6- to 3.3, respectively, while the insects had developed moderate pymetrozine resistance with RRs of 18.7 to 34.5. Resistance against buprofezin had developed to an alarmingly high level in three southeastern provinces of China with RRs of 108.8 to 156.1, but in Jilin it had an RR of only 26.6. Moreover, in line with both the buprofezin and pymetrozine resistance levels, we found LsCYP6CW1 to be over-expressed in all field L. striatellus populations, which indicated that it might be important for cross-resistance between buprofezin and pymetrozine. RNA interference (RNAi) ingestion resulted in the effective suppression of LsCYP6CW1 expression, and significantly increased susceptibility to both buprofezin and pymetrozine compared with the control, which further confirmed that overexpression of LsCYP6CW1 was involved in the cross-resistance to buprofezin and pymetrozine in field L. Striatellus populations.
Activation of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir3/GirK) channels rescues hippocampal functions in a mouse model of early amyloid-β pathology
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez Irene , Temprano-Carazo Sara , Nájera Alberto , Djebari Souhail , Yajeya Javier , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García José M. , Jiménez-Díaz Lydia , Navarro-López Juan D.
Published: November 2017

The hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory. Its correct performance relies on excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission balance. In early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neuronal hyperexcitability leads to network dysfunction observed in cortical regions such as the hippocampus. G-protein-gated potassium (GirK) channels induce neurons to hyperpolarize, contribute to the resting membrane potential and could compensate any excesses of excitation. Here, we have studied the relationship between GirK channels and hippocampal function in a mouse model of early AD pathology. Intracerebroventricular injections of amyloid-β (Aβ1-42) peptide—which have a causal role in AD pathogenesis—were performed to evaluate CA3–CA1 hippocampal synapse functionality in behaving mice. Aβ increased the excitability of the CA3–CA1 synapse, impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) and hippocampal oscillatory activity, and induced deficits in novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Injection of ML297 alone, a selective GirK activator, was also translated in LTP and NOR deficits. However, increasing GirK activity rescued all hippocampal deficits induced by Aβ due to the restoration of excitability values in the CA3–CA1 synapse. Our results show a synaptic mechanism, through GirK channel modulation, for the prevention of the hyperexcitability that causally contributes to synaptic, network, and cognitive deficits found in early AD pathogenesis.
Tighter bound of quantum randomness certification for independent-devices scenario
Authors: Fei Xin-Wei , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Huang Wei , Xu Bing-Jie , Wang Shuang , Chen Wei , Han Yun-Guang , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: November 2017

Quantum random number generation attracts considerable attention, since its randomness inherently originates in quantum mechanics, but not mathematical assumptions. Randomness certification, e.g. entropy estimation, becomes a key issue in the context of quantum random number generation protocol. We study a self-testing protocol based on dimension witness, with the assumption of independent devices. It addresses the random number extraction problem in a practical prepare-and-measure scenario with uncharacterized devices. However, the lower bound of min-entropy as a function of dimension witness is not tight in existing works. We present a tighter bound of analytic form, by introducing the Lagrangian multiplier method to closely analyze the optimization problem on average guessing probability. Through simulation, it turns out that a significantly higher random number generation rate can be achieved in practice.
One-step Synthesis of Ordered Pd@TiO2 Nanofibers Array Film as Outstanding NH3 Gas Sensor at Room Temperature
Authors: Wu Hongyuan , Huang Haitao , Zhou Jiao , Hong Dahai , Ikram Muhammad , Rehman Afrasiab Ur , Li Li , Shi Keying
Published: November 2017

The one dimensional (1D) ordered porous Pd@TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) array film have been fabricated via a facile one-step synthesis of the electrospinning approach. The Pd@TiO2 NFs (PTND3) contained Pd (2.0 wt %) and C, N element (16.2 wt %) display high dispersion of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on TiO2 NFs. Adding Pd meshed with C, N element to TiO2 based NFs might contribute to generation of Lewis acid sites and Brønsted acid sites, which have been recently shown to enhance NH3 adsorption-desorption ability; Pd NPs could increase the quantity of adsorbed O2 on the surface of TiO2 based NFs, and accelerated the O2 molecule-ion conversion rate, enhanced the ability of electron transmission. The response time of PTND3 sensor towards 100 ppm NH3 is only 3 s at room temperature (RT). Meantime, the response and response time of the PTND3 to the NH3 is 1 and 14s even at the concentration of 100 ppb. Therefore, the ordered Pd@TiO2 NFs array NH3 sensor display great potential for practical applications.
Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography for Characterization of Atherosclerosis with a 1.7 Micron Swept-Source Laser
Authors: Li Yan , Jing Joseph , Heidari Emon , Zhu Jiang , Qu Yueqiao , Chen Zhongping
Published: October 2017

The main cause of acute coronary events, such as thrombosis, is the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Typical intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) imaging systems that utilize a 1.3 μm swept source laser are often used for identifying fibrous cap thickness of plaques, yet cannot provide adequate depth penetration to resolve the size of the lipid pool. Here, we present a novel  IVOCT system with a 1.7 μm center wavelength swept light source that can readily penetrate deeper into the tissue because of the longer wavelength and allows for better identification of plaques due to the lipid absorption spectrum at 1.7 μm. Using this system, we have imaged a human coronary artery to evaluate the performance of the novel OCT system and verified the results by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histology. The significantly improved imaging depth and better identification sensitivity suggest that the 1.7 μm OCT system holds great potential  that can be further translated for in-vivo applications of atherosclerosis characterization.
Organic-inorganic hybrid electrochromic materials, polysilsesquioxanes containing triarylamine, changing color from colorless to blue
Authors: Wang Shuzhong , Cai Shuwei , Cai Wanan , Niu Haijun , Wang Cheng , Bai Xuduo , Wang Wen , Hou Yanjun
Published: November 2017

Four kinds of soluble monomers, containing triarylamine (TAA) group with reactive siloxane group, were synthesized under mild conditions via the reaction between 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate (TEOSPIC) and four TAA derivatives, respectively. Then the corresponding colorless organic-inorganic hybrid materials (PSSOs) were derived from the hydrolytic condensation of the monomers. PSSOs revealed good solubility in polar solvents on account of the effect of propeller-like TAA unit as well as the auxo-action effect of the flexible chain within the monomers. The structural characteristics of these PSSOs were identified by 1H NMR, 29Si NMR, FT-IR spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology, dynamic changes of the transmittance and current before and after electro-oxidizing reaction were studied, and didn’t show significant change suggesting good stability of the PSSOs. Meanwhile, these PSSOs performed high contrast of optical transmittance change up to 84% with the highest coloration efficiency to 241 cm2·C−1. Furthermore, electrofluorescent properties of PSSOs were investigated with high-contrast.
Task engagement and mental workload involved in variation and repetition of a motor skill
Authors: Lelis-Torres Natália , Ugrinowitsch Herbert , Apolinário-Souza Tércio , Benda Rodolfo N. , Lage Guilherme M.
Published: November 2017

Explanatory hypotheses proposed in behavioral studies assumed that less repetitive practice schedules, such as random practice, seem to demand greater cognitive effort than more repetitive types of practice organization, such as constant. All of these hypotheses emphasize the enhanced demand to memory processes promoted by less repetitive practice schedules. In the present study, we investigated the cognitive effort involved in random and constant practice schedules with an electrophysiological approach. Twenty-one male participants practiced a sequential key-pressing task with two goals: learning the relative timing dimension and learning the absolute timing dimension. Sixty trials were performed in a constant practice schedule (only one absolute timing goal), and sixty trials were performed in random order (three absolute timing goals). Two electroencephalography based measures of cognitive states were used: (a) task engagement (sensory processing and attention resources) and (b) mental workload (working memory load). The results showed that random practice induced greater cognitive effort than constant practice when task engagement was analyzed. Throughout practice, both task engagement and mental workload decreased more in the constant practice condition than in the random practice condition. The increased demand for sensory processing observed in random practice opens a new exciting field of study in practice organization.
Comparative evaluation of tumor targeting using the anti-HER2 ADAPT scaffold protein labeled at the C-terminus with indium-111 or technetium-99m
Authors: Garousi Javad , Lindbo Sarah , Mitran Bogdan , Buijs Jos , Vorobyeva Anzhelika , Orlova Anna , Tolmachev Vladimir , Hober Sophia
Published: November 2017

ABD-Derived Affinity Proteins (ADAPTs) is a novel class of engineered scaffold proteins derived from an albumin-binding domain of protein G. The use of ADAPT6 derivatives as targeting moiety have provided excellent preclinical radionuclide imaging of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) tumor xenografts. Previous studies have demonstrated that selection of nuclide and chelator for its conjugation has an appreciable effect on imaging properties of scaffold proteins. In this study we performed a comparative evaluation of the anti-HER2 ADAPT having an aspartate-glutamate-alanine-valine-aspartate-alanine-asparagine-serine (DEAVDANS) N-terminal sequence and labeled at C-terminus with 99mTc using a cysteine-containing peptide based chelator, glycine-serine-serine-cysteine (GSSC), and a similar variant labeled with 111In using a maleimido derivative of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator. Both 99mTc-DEAVDANS-ADAPT6-GSSC and 111In-DEAVDANS-ADAPT6-GSSC-DOTA accumulated specifically in HER2-expressing SKOV3 xenografts. The tumor uptake of both variants did not differ significantly and average values were in the range of 19–21%ID/g. However, there was an appreciable variation in uptake of conjugates in normal tissues that resulted in a notable difference in the tumor-to-organ ratios. The 111In-DOTA label provided 2–6 fold higher tumor-to-organ ratios than 99mTc-GSSC and is therefore the preferable label for ADAPTs.
Enhanced and Stable Upconverted White-light Emission in Ho3+/Yb3+/Tm3+-doped LiNbO3 Single Crystal via Mg2+ Ion Doping
Authors: Xing Lili , Yang Weiqi , Lin Jincheng , Huang Mei , Xue Yuqi
Published: November 2017

A strategy to enhance the upconversion white-light intensity via Mg2+ ion doping was demonstrated in Ho3+/Yb3+/Tm3+/LiNbO3 single crystal. It is found Mg2+ ion doping affects the crystal field symmetry around RE3+ ions and enhance the upconversion emission intensity. Bright white-light is obtained when the Mg2+ ion concentration is 0.5 mol% in the melt. And the CIE coordinates are hardly changed with Mg2+ ion doping. In addition, the upconversion mechanism is discussed in detail. It is observed the longer lifetimes of intermediate levels result in the lower upconversion photon numbers, which are beneficial to the upconversion process. Therefore, Mg2+ ion doped Ho3+/Yb3+/Tm3+/LiNbO3 single crystals would have potential applications in stable white-light devices and photoelectric instruments.
Proton irradiation: a key to the challenge of N-glycosidic bond formation in a prebiotic context
Authors: Saladino Raffaele , Bizzarri Bruno M. , Botta Lorenzo , Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit E. , Georgelin Thomas , Jaber Maguy , Rigaud Baptiste , Kapralov Mikhail , Timoshenko Gennady N. , Rozanov Alexei , Krasavin Eugene , Timperio Anna Maria , Mauro Ernesto Di
Published: November 2017

The formation of nucleosides in abiotic conditions is a major hurdle in origin-of-life studies. We have determined the pathway of a general reaction leading to the one-pot synthesis of ribo- and 2′-deoxy-ribonucleosides from sugars and purine nucleobases under proton irradiation in the presence of a chondrite meteorite. These conditions simulate the presumptive conditions in space or on an early Earth fluxed by slow protons from the solar wind, potentially mimicking a plausible prebiotic scenario. The reaction (i) requires neither pre-activated precursors nor intermediate purification/concentration steps, (ii) is based on a defined radical mechanism, and (iii) is characterized by stereoselectivity, regioselectivity and (poly)glycosylation. The yield is enhanced by formamide and meteorite relative to the control reaction.
Transcription start site profiling of 15 anatomical regions of the Macaca mulatta central nervous system
Authors: Francescatto Margherita , Lizio Marina , Philippens Ingrid , Pardo Luba M. , Bontrop Ronald , Sakai Mizuho , Watanabe Shoko , Itoh Masayoshi , Hasegawa Akira , Lassmann Timo , Severin Jessica , Harshbarger Jayson , Abugessaisa Imad , Kasukawa Takeya , Carninci Piero , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Kawaji Hideya , Rizzu Patrizia , Heutink Peter
Published: October 2017

Rhesus macaque was the second non-human primate whose genome has been fully sequenced and is one of the most used model organisms to study human biology and disease, thanks to the close evolutionary relationship between the two species. But compared to human, where several previously unknown RNAs have been uncovered, the macaque transcriptome is less studied. Publicly available RNA expression resources for macaque are limited, even for brain, which is highly relevant to study human cognitive abilities. In an effort to complement those resources, FANTOM5 profiled 15 distinct anatomical regions of the aged macaque central nervous system using Cap Analysis of Gene Expression, a high-resolution, annotation-independent technology that allows monitoring of transcription initiation events with high accuracy. We identified 25,869 CAGE peaks, representing bona fide promoters. For each peak we provide detailed annotation, expanding the landscape of ‘known’ macaque genes, and we show concrete examples on how to use the resulting data. We believe this data represents a useful resource to understand the central nervous system in macaque.
A dataset quantifying polypharmacy in the United States
Authors: Quinn Katie J. , Shah Nigam H.
Published: October 2017

Polypharmacy is increasingly common in the United States, and contributes to the substantial burden of drug-related morbidity. Yet real-world polypharmacy patterns remain poorly characterized. We have counted the incidence of multi-drug combinations observed in four billion patient-months of outpatient prescription drug claims from 2007–2014 in the Truven Health MarketScan® Databases. Prescriptions are grouped into discrete windows of concomitant drug exposure, which are used to count exposure incidences for combinations of up to five drug ingredients or ATC drug classes. Among patients taking any prescription drug, half are exposed to two or more drugs, and 5% are exposed to 8 or more. The most common multi-drug combinations treat manifestations of metabolic syndrome. Patients are exposed to unique drug combinations in 10% of all exposure windows. Our analysis of multi-drug exposure incidences provides a detailed summary of polypharmacy in a large US cohort, which can prioritize common drug combinations for future safety and efficacy studies.
Programming membrane permeability using integrated membrane pores and blockers as molecular regulators
Authors: Thomas Julia M. , Friddin Mark S. , Ces Oscar , Elani Yuval
Published: November 2017

Vesicle permeability could be tuned using α-hemolysin pores and varying concentrations of TRIMEB blockers, which act as molecular regulators
Palladium-catalyzed direct sulfonylation of C–H bonds with the insertion of sulfur dioxide
Authors: Xia Hongguang , An Yuanyuan , Zeng Xincheng , Wu Jie
Published: November 2017

A palladium-catalyzed direct sulfonylation of C–H bonds with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions is reported. The sulfonylative couplings with the insertion of sulfur dioxide into C–H bonds are effective, and two classes of sulfonylative products are formed in moderate to good yields by the combination of radical chemistry and palladium-catalyzed C–H activation.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of fluorescence solvatochromism of dialkoxyphenyl-pyrene molecules
Authors: Lu Fengniu , Kitamura Naoki , Takaya Tomohisa , Iwata Koichi , Nakanishi Takashi , Kurashige Yuki
Published: November 2017

The uncommon fluorescence solvatochromic behaviour of dialkoxyphenyl-pyrene isomers was confirmed by experiments and elucidated by quantum chemical calculations.
Cooperative chiral salen TiIV catalyst supported on ionic liquid-functionalized graphene oxide accelerates asymmetric sulfoxidation in water
Authors: Xing Chen , Deng Jiang , Tan Rong , Gao Mengqiao , Hao Pengbo , Yin Donghong , Yin Dulin
Published: October 2017

Multiple chiral salen TiIV complexes appended on an IL-functionalized GO surface reinforced intramolecular cooperative catalysis of asymmetric sulfoxidation in water.
In situ synthesis of NiSe@CoP core–shell nanowire arrays on nickel foam as a highly efficient and robust electrode for electrochemical hydrogen generation in both alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Xu Yuan-Zi , Yuan Cheng-Zong , Liu Zi-Wei , Chen Xue-Ping
Published: October 2017

The efficient generation of hydrogen through the electro-splitting of water has attracted great attention.
Enhanced Congo red dye removal from aqueous solutions using iron nanoparticles: adsorption, kinetics, and equilibrium studies
Authors: Kim Se-Ho , Choi Pyuck-Pa
Published: November 2017

Congo red adsorption tests reveal that the highest adsorption capacity (1735 mg g−1) is achieved for amorphous iron nanoparticles synthesized under ambient conditions.
Machine learning provides predictive analysis into silver nanoparticle protein corona formation from physicochemical properties
Authors: Findlay Matthew R. , Freitas Daniel N. , Mobed-Miremadi Maryam , Wheeler Korin E.
Published: November 2017

Proteins encountered in biological and environmental systems bind to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) to form a protein corona (PC) that alters the surface chemistry, reactivity, and fate of the ENMs.
Direct observation of the external force mediated conformational dynamics of an IHF bound Holliday junction
Authors: Bera Subhas C. , Paul Tapas , Iyengar A. N. Sekar , Mishra Padmaja P.
Published: November 2017

We have investigated the isomerization dynamics and plausible energy landscape of 4-way Holliday junctions (4WHJs) bound to integration host factor (IHF, a DNA binding protein), considering the effect of applied external force, by single-molecule FRET methods.
Highly selective sp3C–N bond activation of tertiary anilines modulated by steric and thermodynamic factors
Authors: Jia Xiaodong , Li Pengfei , Shao Yu , Yuan Yu , Ji Honghe , Hou Wentao , Liu Xiaofei , Zhang Xuewen
Published: November 2017

A highly selective sp3C–N cleavage of tertiary anilines was achieved using the TBN/TEMPO catalyst system.
An acoustic on-chip goniometer for room temperature macromolecular crystallography
Authors: Burton C. G. , Axford D. , Edwards A. M. J. , Gildea R. J. , Morris R. H. , Newton M. I. , Orville A. M. , Prince M. , Topham P. D. , Docker P. T.
Published: November 2017

Development and successful operation of an on-chip goniometer for macromolecular protein crystallography.
2D transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets for photo/thermo-based tumor imaging and therapy
Authors: Chen Hang , Liu Tianjiao , Su Zhiqiang , Shang Li , Wei Gang
Published: October 2017

TMD nanosheets exhibit promising applications for both photo/thermo-based tumor bioimaging and therapy.
Microwave activated gold nanoparticles for catalytic growth of monocrystal CdSe nanowires in solution
Authors: Li Xiang , Dong Cun-Ku , Qiao Shi-Zhang , Liu Hui , Du Xi-Wen
Published: November 2017

Microwave irradiation was adopted to activate gold nanoparticles, which catalysed the growth of monocrystal CdSe nanowires in solution.
Super-resolution imaging by metamaterial-based compressive spatial-to-spectral transformation
Authors: Ma Qian , Hu Huan , Huang Eric , Liu Zhaowei
Published: October 2017

We present a new far-field super-resolution imaging approach called compressive spatial to spectral transformation microscopy (CSSTM).
Probing the first steps of photoinduced free radical polymerization at water–oil interfaces
Authors: Darvasiová Denisa , Barberiková Zuzana , Eibel Anna , Schmallegger Max , Gescheidt Georg , Zalibera Michal , Neshchadin Dmytro
Published: October 2017

Oil-soluble photoinitiators can initiate free radical polymerization in the aqueous phase of microemulsions with high efficiency.
Nickel-catalyzed direct difluoromethylation of aryl boronic acids with BrCF2H
Authors: Sheng Jie , Ni Hui-Qi , Bian Kang-Jie , Li Yan , Wang Yi-Ning , Wang Xi-Sheng
Published: November 2017

Nickel-catalyzed direct difluoromethylation of aryl boronic acids has been developed with the industrial raw material BrCF2H.
Preparation and characterization of Co and Ga2O3-codoped ZnS and ZnSe bulk ceramics
Authors: Pan Yong , Wang Li , Li ShuFeng , Gao DongWen , Han XiaoWei
Published: November 2017

The bulk ceramics (Co)x(Ga2O3)0.6−x(ZnS/Se)0.4 (x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) were fabricated via a solid state reaction in a high temperature pipe boiler at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1400 °C.
Characteristics of mechanical properties of sulphur cross-linked guayule and dandelion natural rubbers
Authors: Junkong P. , Cornish K. , Ikeda Y.
Published: November 2017

Roles of non-rubber components in guayule and dandelion natural rubbers on the mechanical properties are firstly revealed by analysing the Mullins effect, dynamic mechanical properties and strain-induced crystallization from a new viewpoint.
A general synthesis of abundant metal nanoparticles functionalized mesoporous graphitized carbon
Authors: Wang Tao , Sun Yan , Li Ang , Ma Yali , Feng Danyang , Fang Youxing , Liu Yunling , Huo Qisheng , Qiao Zhen-An , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2017

A general coordination–polymerization strategy combining flexible coordination mode with stable polymer network is reported to construct metal–gallic acid resin and mesoporous graphitized carbon materials with abundant metal nanoparticles.
Hydrothermal synthesis and Cl2 sensing performance of porous-sheets-like In2O3 structures with phase transformation
Authors: Li Pei , Cai Chenglong , Cheng Tiedong , Huang Yanguo
Published: November 2017

Phase transformation (bcc-In2O3 to rh-In2O3) and high Cl2 sensing performance of Fe doped porous-sheets-like In2O3.
Electrochemical properties of NiCoO2synthesized by hydrothermal method
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Li Weixia , Wang Xiaoer , Zhang Jingjie , Sun Lingyun , Gao Chang , Shang Jun , Hu Yanchun , Zhu Qianqian
Published: November 2017

NiCoO2microspheres were successfully synthesizedviaan easy hydrothermal method, followed by an annealing process at 350 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere.
Facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of noble-metal-free hetero-structural ternary composites and their application in photocatalytic water purification
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ma Yongchao , Wang Lili , Sun Qinxing , Zhang Fan , Shi Jinsheng
Published: November 2017

The development of heterostructured and metal decorated photocatalysts using a relatively simple, efficient and economical one-step strategy is crucial for commercial applications.
Thermo-activatable PNIPAM-functionalized lanthanide-doped upconversion luminescence nanocomposites used for in vitro imaging
Authors: Li Po , Liu Li , Zhou Jing , Zhao Li , Fan Haiming , Huang Xiaonan
Published: November 2017

Stimuli-responsive nanocomposite has a great potential application for cell imaging, drug delivery, and improving therapeutic effect.
Tandem intramolecular cyclisation/1,3-aryl shift in N-(4,4-diethoxybutyl)-1-arylmethanimines (Kazan reaction): synthesis of 3-benzylidene-1-pyrrolines
Authors: Smolobochkin A. V. , Gazizov A. S. , Melyashova A. S. , Voronina J. K. , Strelnik A. G. , Vatsadze S. Z. , Burilov A. R. , Pudovik M. A. , Fedorova O. A. , Sinyashin O. G.
Published: November 2017

A novel tandem reaction, which transforms N-(4,4-diethoxybutyl)imines to 3-arylidene-1-pyrrolines via intramolecular Mannich reaction/[1,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of the aryl fragment is described.
Evaluating spinel ferrites MFe2O4 (M = Cu, Mg, Zn) as photoanodes for solar water oxidation: prospects and limitations
Authors: Guijarro N. , Bornoz P. , Prévot M. , Yu X. , Zhu X. , Johnson M. , Jeanbourquin X. , Le Formal F. , Sivula K.
Published: October 2017

The search for ideal semiconductors for photoelectrochemical solar fuel conversion has recently recognized the spinel ferrites as promising candidates due to their optoelectronic tunability together with superb chemical stability.
Macroscopic chiral symmetry breaking in monolayers of achiral nonconvex platelets
Authors: Pakalidou Nikoletta , Cheung David L. , Masters Andrew J. , Avendaño Carlos
Published: October 2017

The fabrication of chiral structures using achiral building blocks is a fundamental problem that remains a challenge in materials science. Pictured are local chiral configurations formed by non-convex (achiral) platelets with 6- and 4-fold symmetries.
A novel glass-fiber-aided cold-press method for fabrication of n-type Ag2Te nanowires thermoelectric film on flexible copy-paper substrate
Authors: Gao Jie , Miao Lei , Liu Chengyan , Wang Xiaoyang , Peng Ying , Wei Xingyu , Zhou Jianhua , Chen Yu , Hashimoto Ryo , Asaka Toru , Koumoto Kunihito
Published: November 2017

A novel glass-fiber aided cold-press method for achieving n-type Ag2Te nanowires film on a flexible copy paper substrate.
Enhanced biostability and cellular uptake of zinc oxide nanocrystals shielded with a phospholipid bilayer
Authors: Dumontel B. , Canta M. , Engelke H. , Chiodoni A. , Racca L. , Ancona A. , Limongi T. , Canavese G. , Cauda V.
Published: November 2017

The surface chemistry and charge of zinc oxide nanocrystals influence their behaviour in biological fluids. A novel lipid bilayer assembly is developed to shield ZnO nanocrystals improving their stability and cell internalization.
Sub-second photonic processing of solution-deposited single layer and heterojunction metal oxide thin-film transistors using a high-power xenon flash lamp
Authors: Tetzner Kornelius , Lin Yen-Hung , Regoutz Anna , Seitkhan Akmaral , Payne David J. , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: November 2017

We report the rapid fabrication of high performance solution-processed In2O3 and heterojunction In2O3/ZnO based transistors via photonic processing in ambient air.
Temperature-dependent photoluminescence properties of mixed-cation methylammonium–formamidium lead iodide [HC(NH2)2]x[CH3NH3]1−xPbI3 perovskite nanostructures
Authors: Zheng Hongge , Dai Jun , Duan Junjie , Chen Feng , Zhu Gangyi , Wang Fang , Xu Chunxiang
Published: November 2017

Orthorhombic–tetragonal phase transition, temperature-dependent PL related optical properties and Urbach tail characteristics are systematically investigated in the FAxMA1−xPbI3 nanostructures.
Energy‐efficient power allocation scheme for distributed antenna system over spatially correlated Rayleigh channels
Authors: Xu Weiye , Wen Benben , Lin Min , Yu Xiangbin
Published: November 2017

The energy‐efficient power allocation (PA) of distributed antenna system using multiple receive antennas is studied over spatially correlated Rayleigh channels. A new energy efficiency (EE) defined as the ratio of the average transmission rate to the consumed total power is presented. According to this definition, subject to the maximum power constraint, an optimal PA scheme is developed by maximising the EE. It is shown that the solution of PA in the constrained EE optimisation does exist and is unique. A Newton method with iterative algorithm is proposed to attain the PA. To avoid iterative calculation of the optimal scheme, a suboptimal PA scheme is derived by means of the Lambert function. As a result, closed‐form PA is obtained. The developed schemes only need the statistical channel information and large scale information, and thus they have lower overhead and better robustness. Moreover, they may include the ones over spatially independent channel as special cases. The theoretical EE is further derived for performance evaluation, and the resultant closed‐form expression is obtained. Computer simulation indicates that the theoretical EE agrees well the simulation result, and the suboptimal PA scheme can achieve the EE value near to the optimal one with lower complexity.