bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fluid membrane determines mechanics of erythrocyte extracellular vesicles and is softened in hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Vorselen Daan , van Dommelen Susan M. , Sorkin Raya , Piontek Melissa C. , Schiller Jürgen , Döpp Sander T. , Kooijmans Sander A. A. , van Oirschot Brigitte A. , Versluijs Birgitta A. , Bierings Marc B. , van Wijk Richard , Schiffelers Raymond M. , Wuite Gijs J. L. , Roos Wouter H.
Published: November 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are widely studied regarding their role in cell-to-cell communication and disease, as well as for applications as biomarkers or drug delivery vehicles. EVs contain membrane and intraluminal proteins, affecting their structure and thereby likely their functioning. Here, we use atomic force microscopy for mechanical characterization of erythrocyte, or red blood cell (RBC), EVs from healthy individuals and from patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) due to ankyrin deficiency. While these EVs are packed with proteins, their response to indentation resembles that of fluid liposomes lacking proteins. The bending modulus of RBC EVs of healthy donors is ~15 kbT, similar to the RBC membrane. Surprisingly, whereas RBCs become more rigid in HS, patient EVs have a significantly (~40%) lower bending modulus than donor EVs. These results shed light on the mechanism and effects of EV budding and might explain the reported increase in vesiculation of RBCs in HS patients.
Major intensification of Atlantic overturning circulation at the onset of Paleogene greenhouse warmth
Authors: Batenburg S. J. , Voigt S. , Friedrich O. , Osborne A. H. , Bornemann A. , Klein T. , Pérez-Díaz L. , Frank M.
Published: November 2018

During the Late Cretaceous and early Cenozoic the Earth experienced prolonged climatic cooling most likely caused by decreasing volcanic activity and atmospheric CO2 levels. However, the causes and mechanisms of subsequent major global warming culminating in the late Paleocene to Eocene greenhouse climate remain enigmatic. We present deep and intermediate water Nd-isotope records from the North and South Atlantic to decipher the control of the opening Atlantic Ocean on ocean circulation and its linkages to the evolution of global climate. The marked convergence of Nd-isotope signatures 59 million years ago indicates a major intensification of deep-water exchange between the North and South Atlantic, which coincided with the turning point of deep-water temperatures towards early Paleogene warming. We propose that this intensification of Atlantic overturning circulation in concert with increased atmospheric CO2 from continental rifting marked a climatic tipping point contributing to a more efficient distribution of heat over the planet.
Oncogenic KRAS supports pancreatic cancer through regulation of nucleotide synthesis
Authors: Santana-Codina Naiara , Roeth Anjali A. , Zhang Yi , Yang Annan , Mashadova Oksana , Asara John M. , Wang Xiaoxu , Bronson Roderick T. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Ying Haoqiang , Kimmelman Alec C.
Published: November 2018

Oncogenic KRAS is the key driver of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We previously described a role for KRAS in PDAC tumor maintenance through rewiring of cellular metabolism to support proliferation. Understanding the details of this metabolic reprogramming in human PDAC may provide novel therapeutic opportunities. Here we show that the dependence on oncogenic KRAS correlates with specific metabolic profiles that involve maintenance of nucleotide pools as key mediators of KRAS-dependence. KRAS promotes these effects by activating a MAPK-dependent signaling pathway leading to MYC upregulation and transcription of the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) gene RPIA, which results in nucleotide biosynthesis. The use of MEK inhibitors recapitulates the KRAS-dependence pattern and the expected metabolic changes. Antagonizing the PPP or pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibits the growth of KRAS-resistant cells. Together, these data reveal differential metabolic rewiring between KRAS-resistant and sensitive cells, and demonstrate that targeting nucleotide metabolism can overcome resistance to KRAS/MEK inhibition.
Studies into the mechanism of measles-associated immune suppression during a measles outbreak in the Netherlands
Authors: Laksono Brigitta M. , de Vries Rory D. , Verburgh R. Joyce , Visser Eline G. , de Jong Alwin , Fraaij Pieter L. A. , Ruijs Wilhemina L. M. , Nieuwenhuijse David F. , van den Ham Henk-Jan , Koopmans Marion P. G. , van Zelm Menno C. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , de Swart Rik L.
Published: November 2018

Measles causes a transient immune suppression, leading to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. In experimentally infected non-human primates (NHPs) measles virus (MV) infects and depletes pre-existing memory lymphocytes, causing immune amnesia. A measles outbreak in the Dutch Orthodox Protestant community provided a unique opportunity to study the pathogenesis of measles immune suppression in unvaccinated children. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of prodromal measles patients, we detected MV-infected memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and naive and memory B cells at similar levels as those observed in NHPs. In paired PBMC collected before and after measles we found reduced frequencies of circulating memory B cells and increased frequencies of regulatory T cells and transitional B cells after measles. These data support our immune amnesia hypothesis and offer an explanation for the previously observed long-term effects of measles on host resistance. This study emphasises the importance of maintaining high measles vaccination coverage.
Moving from risk communication to food information communication and consumer engagement
Authors: Wall Patrick G. , Chen Junshi
Published: November 2018

Consumers in most developed countries have greater access to safer food than ever before, yet the issue of consumer perception on the safety of the food supply, the control infrastructure and existing and new process technologies is often not positive. A series of high profile food incidents, which have been ineffectively managed by both the regulators and the industry, and where there has been a failure to be open and transparent, have sensitised a proportion of consumers to scary stories about the food supply. There has been concomitant damage to consumer confidence in (i) the safety of food, (ii) the food industry’s commitment to producing safe food and (iii) the authorities’ ability to oversee the food chain. Threats to consumers’ health and their genuine concerns have to be addressed with effective risk management and the protection of public health has to be paramount. Dealing with incorrect fears and misperceptions of risk has also to be addressed but achieving this is very difficult. The competencies of social scientists are needed to assist in gaining insights into consumer perceptions of risk, consumer behaviour and the determinants of trust. Conventional risk communication will not succeed on its own and more innovative and creative communication strategies are needed to engage with consumers using all available media channels in an open and transparent way. The digital media affords the opportunity to revolutionise engagement with consumers on food safety and nutrition-related issues.
Comparative analysis of nucleus-encoded plastid-targeting proteins in Rafflesia cantleyi against photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic representatives reveals orthologous systems with potentially divergent functions
Authors: Ng Siuk-Mun , Lee Xin-Wei , Mat-Isa Mohd-Noor , Aizat-Juhari Mohd Afiq , Adam Jumaat Haji , Mohamed Rahmah , Wan Kiew-Lian , Firdaus-Raih Mohd
Published: November 2018

Parasitic plants are known to discard photosynthesis thus leading to the deletion or loss of the plastid genes. Despite plastid genome reduction in non-photosynthetic plants, some nucleus-encoded proteins are transported back to the plastid to carry out specific functions. In this work, we study such proteins in Rafflesia cantleyi, a member of the holoparasitic genus well-known for producing the largest single flower in the world. Our analyses of three transcriptome datasets, two holoparasites (R. cantleyi and Phelipanche aegyptiaca) and one photosynthetic plant (Arabidopsis thaliana), suggest that holoparasites, such as R. cantleyi, retain some common plastid associated processes such as biosynthesis of amino acids and lipids, but are missing photosynthesis components that can be extensions of these pathways. The reconstruction of two selected biosynthetic pathways involving plastids correlates the trend of plastid retention to pathway complexity - transcriptome evidence for R. cantleyi suggests alternate mechanisms in regulating the plastidial heme and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathways. The evolution to holoparasitism from autotrophy trends towards devolving the plastid genes to the nuclear genome despite the functional sites remaining in the plastid, or maintaining non-photosynthetic processes in the plastid, before the eventual loss of the plastid and any site dependent functions.
Association Between Serum Aluminum Level and Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hsu Ching-Wei , Weng Cheng-Hao , Chan Ming-Jen , Lin-Tan Dan-Tzu , Yen Tzung-Hai , Huang Wen-Hung
Published: November 2018

Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common symptom in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The pathogenesis of UP is complex. Aluminum (Al) is a common metal and is toxic to patients undergoing HD. Al is also a known human allergen which can induce immune reactions. However, the correlation between Al and UP remains unclear in dialysis patients. A total of 866 patients on maintenance HD were enrolled for analysis. The HD patients with higher serum Al levels had higher a prevalence of UP than those with lower serum Al levels. After adjusting for confounding variables, the serum Al level was significantly associated with UP. Overall, each 10-fold increase in serum Al level was associated with a 5.64-fold increase in the risk of developing UP in these subjects. The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that serum Al level may be associated with the development of UP in patients on maintenance HD.
Density resistance evaluation of maize varieties through new “Density–Yield Model” and quantification of varietal response to gradual planting density pressure
Authors: Tang Liyuan , Ma Wei , Noor Mehmood Ali , Li Lianlu , Hou Haipeng , Zhang Xiangyun , Zhao Ming
Published: November 2018

Increasing planting density is the main method and key management to enhance the grain yield. Preventing lodging and premature senescence in high planting density, and screening and enhancing the density-tolerance of maize variety is the main goal of agronomy. Differential response of maize hybrids to high plant density greatly affect the dry matter accumulation and its allocation to maize kernel, depending upon various traits responsible for crowding stress tolerance, of which ear characteristics are pivotal. Density resistance as a quality appraisal of certain variety permits the construction of a simple and accurate method to determine this value, useful for plant breeding. Therefore, we created a new quantitative method, which tested several maize varieties planted populary in China (e.g. Zhengdan 958, Xianyu 335, and Denghai 661) to quantify their response to crowding stress through model. We established 13 planting densities (ranging 1.67–16.67 plants m−2) by adopting fixed line spacing (80 × 40 cm) and then gradually increasing row spacing from 1 m to increasing planting density. A conventional standard plot was also established for verification and evaluation of the plant morphologic characteristics, ear traits, and the yield of maize at various standard densities during 5-year study period. By studying the density–yield relationship, a quantitative model was constructed to identify the density resistance of maize. Grain yield of maize varieties under varying planting densities were simulated, and models of population yield and yield per plant that fitted the data well with high biological significance were produced. From the models, the optimal density of the popular main maize varieties planted in China and the morphological characteristics of each variety at that density were identified. The density-resistance of each variety was referred to as the ear-sensitivity classification. With the highest yield at the optimal density, the plant height of each variety reached 98% to that of tallest plant. The ear/plant ratio was about 0.45, and the ratio between the stem diameter and the largest stem diameter was 0.65–0.80. During the harvest period, the ratio between average single-plant yield and the highest single-plant yield was 0.40–0.50. By gradually increasing planting density, the density resistance of the maize and the changes in yield with density were quantified. Present study provides a convenient tool for the effective selection of varieties by plant breeders through this method and model will help to rapidly identify the density resistance for a new variety and accurate confirmation to optimal planting density, it could be optimized to enable practical production at reasonable planting densities.
Analysis of regulator of G-protein signalling 2 (RGS2) expression and function during prostate cancer progression
Authors: Linder Anna , Hagberg Thulin Malin , Damber Jan-Erik , Welén Karin
Published: November 2018

Prostate cancer (PC) represents the second highest cancer-related mortality among men and the call for biomarkers for early discrimination between aggressive and indolent forms is essential. Downregulation of Regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) has been shown in PC, however the underlying mechanism has not been described. Aberrant RGS2 expression has also been reported for other carcinomas in association to both positive and negative prognosis. In this study, we assessed RGS2 expression during PC progression in terms of regulation and impact on tumour phenotype and evaluated its prognostic value. Our experimental data suggest that the RGS2 downregulation seen in early PC is caused by hypoxia. In line with the common indolent phenotype of a primary PC, knockdown of RGS2 induced epithelial features and impaired metastatic properties. However, increased STAT3, TWIST1 and decreased E-cadherin expression suggest priming for EMT. Additionally, improved tumour cell survival and increased BCL-2 expression linked decreased RGS2 levels to fundamental tumour advantages. In contrast, high RGS2 levels in advanced PC were correlated to poor patient survival and a positive metastatic status. This study describes novel roles for RGS2 during PC progression and suggests a prognostic potential discriminating between indolent and metastatic forms of PC.
Comparison of 1D and 3D Models for the Estimation of Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Blanco P. J. , Bulant C. A. , Müller L. O. , Talou G. D. Maso , Bezerra C. Guedes , Lemos P. A. , Feijóo R. A.
Published: November 2018

In this work we propose to validate the predictive capabilities of one-dimensional (1D) blood flow models with full three-dimensional (3D) models in the context of patient-specific coronary hemodynamics in hyperemic conditions. Such conditions mimic the state of coronary circulation during the acquisition of the Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) index. Demonstrating that 1D models accurately reproduce FFR estimates obtained with 3D models has implications in the approach to computationally estimate FFR. To this end, a sample of 20 patients was employed from which 29 3D geometries of arterial trees were constructed, 9 obtained from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and 20 from intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS). For each 3D arterial model, a 1D counterpart was generated. The same outflow and inlet pressure boundary conditions were applied to both (3D and 1D) models. In the 1D setting, pressure losses at stenoses and bifurcations were accounted for through specific lumped models. Comparisons between 1D models (FFR1D) and 3D models (FFR3D) were performed in terms of predicted FFR value. Compared to FFR3D, FFR1D resulted with a difference of 0.00 ± 0.03 and overall predictive capability AUC, Acc, Spe, Sen, PPV and NPV of 0.97, 0.98, 0.90, 0.99, 0.82, and 0.99, with an FFR threshold of 0.8. We conclude that inexpensive FFR1D simulations can be reliably used as a surrogate of demanding FFR3D computations.
The presence of extracellular microRNAs in the media of cultured Drosophila cells
Authors: Van den Brande Stijn , Gijbels Marijke , Wynant Niels , Santos Dulce , Mingels Lina , Gansemans Yannick , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Vanden Broeck Jozef
Published: November 2018

While regulatory RNA pathways, such as RNAi, have commonly been described at an intracellular level, studies investigating extracellular RNA species in insects are lacking. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cell-free conditioned media of two Drosophila cell lines. More specifically, by means of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we analysed the presence of twelve miRNAs in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and in extracellular Argonaute-1 containing immunoprecipitates, obtained from the cell-free conditioned media of S2 and Cl.8 cell cultures. Next-generation RNA-sequencing data confirmed our qRT-PCR results and provided evidence for selective miRNA secretion in EVs. To our knowledge, this is the first time that miRNAs have been identified in the extracellular medium of cultured cells derived from insects, the most speciose group of animals.
Prevalence and Prognosis of Coexisting Frailty and Cognitive Impairment in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Yi Chunyan , Lin Jianxiong , Cao Peiyi , Chen Jingjing , Zhou Ting , Yang Rui , Lu Shuchao , Yu Xueqing , Yang Xiao
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of coexisting frailty and cognitive impairment and its association with clinical outcomes in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Patients on CAPD started to enroll from 2014 to 2016 and ended follow-up by 2017. Frailty was assessed by clinical frailty scale (CFS), and cognitive function was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Totally 784 CAPD patients were recruited, with median duration of PD 30.7 (8.9~54.3) months. The mean age was 48.8 ± 14.6 years, 320 (40.8%) patients were female and 130 (16.6%) had diabetic nephropathy. Patients with cognitive impairment were more than those with frailty (55.5% vs. 27.6%). Coexisting frailty and cognitive impairment was present in 23.9% patients. Pathway analysis showed that CFS score was negatively associated with MoCA score (β = −0.69, P < 0.001). Coexisting frailty and cognitive impairment was associated with decreased patient survival rate (Log-rank = 84.33, P < 0.001) and increased peritonitis rate (0.22 vs. 0.11, 0.15 and 0.12 episodes per patient year, respectively; all P < 0.001). It was concluded that there was a relatively high prevalence of coexisting frailty and cognitive impairment among patients on CAPD. Frailty was positively associated with cognitive impairment. Coexisting frailty and cognitive impairment increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
New insights into mitral heart valve prolapse after chordae rupture through fluid–structure interaction computational modeling
Authors: Caballero Andrés , Mao Wenbin , McKay Raymond , Primiano Charles , Hashim Sabet , Sun Wei
Published: November 2018

Mitral valve (MV) dynamics depends on a force balance across the mitral leaflets, the chordae tendineae, the mitral annulus, the papillary muscles and the adjacent ventricular wall. Chordae rupture disrupts the link between the MV and the left ventricle (LV), causing mitral regurgitation (MR), the most common valvular disease. In this study, a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modeling framework is implemented to investigate the impact of chordae rupture on the left heart (LH) dynamics and severity of MR. A control and seven chordae rupture LH models were developed to simulate a pathological process in which minimal chordae rupture precedes more extensive chordae rupture. Different non-eccentric and eccentric regurgitant jets were identified during systole. Cardiac efficiency was evaluated by the ratio of external stroke work. MV structural results showed that basal/strut chordae were the major load-bearing chordae. An increased number of ruptured chordae resulted in reduced basal/strut tension, but increased marginal/intermediate load. Chordae rupture in a specific scallop did not necessarily involve an increase in the stress of the entire prolapsed leaflet. This work represents a further step towards patient-specific modeling of pathological LH dynamics, and has the potential to improve our understanding of the biomechanical mechanisms and treatment of primary MR.
Historical translocations by Māori may explain the distribution and genetic structure of a threatened surf clam in Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Authors: Ross Philip M. , Knox Matthew A. , Smith Shade , Smith Huhana , Williams James , Hogg Ian D.
Published: November 2018

The population genetic structure of toheroa (Paphies ventricosa), an Aotearoa (New Zealand) endemic surf clam, was assessed to determine levels of inter-population connectivity and test hypotheses regarding life history, habitat distribution and connectivity in coastal vs. estuarine taxa. Ninety-eight toheroa from populations across the length of New Zealand were sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene with analyses suggesting a population genetic structure unique among New Zealand marine invertebrates. Toheroa genetic diversity was high in Te Ika-a Māui (the North Island of New Zealand) but completely lacking in the south of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), an indication of recent isolation. Changes in habitat availability, long distance dispersal events or translocation of toheroa to southern New Zealand by Māori could explain the observed geographic distribution of toheroa and their genetic diversity. Given that early-Māori and their ancestors, were adept at food cultivation and relocation, the toheroa translocation hypothesis is plausible and may explain the disjointed modern distribution of this species. Translocation would also explain the limited success in restoring what may in some cases be ecologically isolated populations located outside their natural distributions and preferred niches.
Large observational bias on discharge in the Indus River since 1970s
Authors: Liu Jingshi , Kang Shichang , Hewitt Kenneth , Hu Linjin , Xianyu Li
Published: November 2018

The discharge of one of the world’s largest river - Indus River was reported to be increasing that was not supported by the Karakoram (KK) glacier expansion. A major hydrometric bias was ignored, which seemed similar to the montage that the Himalayan glaciers would disappear. This study proposed a framework for quantifying the bias resulting from inaccurate data affecting hydrologic studies on the Indus. We constructed a statistical model by converting the rating curves of rivers into air temperature (T) – discharge (Q) curves from an adjacent catchment in China where flow measurement was carried out using a standard method. We found that most flow data for the Indus were much greater than the error limits of T-Q curves estimated by daily data, a greater bias occurred in recent decades when discharge increased, the higher the flow was, the larger the bias was. The estimated mean annual and maximum monthly bias was 22.5% and 210%, respectively. These biases indicated that discharge increase in the Indus probably resulted from the large errors of hydrometrics without a scientific basis. We suggested a montage bias was needed in the hydrologic science of KK’s rivers that may strongly affect water resource management.
The role of mid-insula in the relationship between cardiac interoceptive attention and anxiety: evidence from an fMRI study
Authors: Tan Yafei , Wei Dongtao , Zhang Meng , Yang Junyi , Jelinčić Valentina , Qiu Jiang
Published: November 2018

Interoception refers to the perception of the internal bodily states. Recent accounts highlight the role of the insula in both interoception and the subjective experience of anxiety. The current study aimed to delve deeper into the neural correlates of cardiac interoception; more specifically, the relationship between interoception-related insular activity, interoceptive accuracy, and anxiety. This was done using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in an experimental design in which 40 healthy volunteers focused on their heartbeat and anxious events. Interoceptive accuracy and anxiety levels were measured using the Heartbeat Perception Task and State Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The results showed posterior, mid and anterior insular activity during cardiac interoception, whereas anxiety-related activation showed only anterior insular activity. Activation of the anterior insula when focused on cardiac interoception was positively correlated to state and trait anxiety levels, respectively. Moreover, the mid-insular activity during the cardiac attention condition not only related to individuals’ interoceptive accuracy but also to their levels of state and trait anxiety, respectively. These findings confirm that there are distinct neural representations of heartbeat attention and anxious experience across the insular regions, and suggest the mid-insula as a crucial link between cardiac interoception and anxiety.
Synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) infiltrated MWCNTs buckypaper for strain sensing application
Authors: Yee Min Juey , Mubarak N. M. , Khalid Mohammad , Abdullah E. C. , Jagadish Priyanka
Published: November 2018

Buckypaper (BP)/polymer composites are viewed as a viable option to improve the strain transfer across the buckypaper strain sensor by means of providing better interfacial bonding between the polymer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) BP/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites were fabricated by a sequence of vacuum filtration and polymer intercalation technique. The optimized conditions for achieving a uniform and stable dispersion of MWCNTs were found to be using ethanol as a dispersion medium, 54 μm ultrasonic amplitude and 40 min sonication time. FTIR analysis and SEM spectra further confirmed the introduction of oxygenated groups (-COOH) on the surface of MWCNTs BP and the complete infiltration of PVA into the porous MWCNTs network. At MWCNTs content of 65 wt. %, the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation-at-break of PVA-infiltrated MWCNTs BP achieved a maximum value of 156.28 MPa, 4.02 GPa and 5.85%, improved by 189%, 443% and 166% respectively, as compared to the MWCNTs BP. Electrical characterization performed using both two-point probe method and Hall effect measurement showed that BP/PVA composites exhibited reduced electrical conductivity. From the electromechanical characterization, the BP/PVA composites showed improved sensitivity with a gauge factor of about 1.89–2.92. The cyclic uniaxial tensile test validated the high reproducibility and hysteresis-free operation of 65-BP/PVA composite under 3 loading-unloading cycles. Characterization results confirmed that the flexible BP/PVA composite (65 wt. %) with improved mechanical and electromechanical properties is suitable for strain sensing applications in structural health monitoring and wearable technology, as an alternative choice to the fragile nature of conventional metallic strain sensors.
Effects of Dynamic Perturbation-Based Training on Balance Control of Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Chien Jo-En , Hsu Wei-Li
Published: November 2018

Walking is one of the daily activities that may cause falling in older adults. We developed a novel dynamic balance training program using a perturbation-based training on a custom-made treadmill, which can generate forward, backward, and lateral sway perturbations during walking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the balance performance of community-dwelling older adults after 8-weeks of perturbation-based balance training. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Seventeen community-dwelling older adults performed quiet standing with and without the balance perturbation. Biomechanical parameters such as center of pressure (COP) and center of mass (COM) were calculated. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in balance performance before and after the training. After training, the results showed that the COM control of the older adults was significantly improved during quiet standing with perturbation, while the COP control during quiet standing without perturbation was not changed. The perturbation-based balance training exerted a positive effect on dynamic balance control in older adults. This translational research offers a new paradigm of balance training and can be applied to patient populations who have a high risk of falling.
Enhancement in surface mobility and quantum transport of Bi2−xSbxTe3−ySey topological insulator by controlling the crystal growth conditions
Authors: Han Kyu-Bum , Chong Su Kong , Oliynyk Anton O. , Nagaoka Akira , Petryk Suzanne , Scarpulla Michael A. , Deshpande Vikram V. , Sparks Taylor D.
Published: November 2018

Despite numerous studies on three-dimensional topological insulators (3D TIs), the controlled growth of high quality (bulk-insulating and high mobility) TIs remains a challenging subject. This study investigates the role of growth methods on the synthesis of single crystal stoichiometric BiSbTeSe2 (BSTS). Three types of BSTS samples are prepared using three different methods, namely melting growth (MG), Bridgman growth (BG) and two-step melting-Bridgman growth (MBG). Our results show that the crystal quality of the BSTS depend strongly on the growth method. Crystal structure and composition analyses suggest a better homogeneity and highly-ordered crystal structure in BSTS grown by MBG method. This correlates well to sample electrical transport properties, where a substantial improvement in surface mobility is observed in MBG BSTS devices. The enhancement in crystal quality and mobility allow the observation of well-developed quantum Hall effect at low magnetic field.
Topological photonic crystal nanocavity laser
Authors: Ota Yasutomo , Katsumi Ryota , Watanabe Katsuyuki , Iwamoto Satoshi , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: November 2018

Topological edge states exist at the interfaces between two topologically distinct materials. The presence and number of such modes are deterministically predicted from the bulk band topologies, known as the bulk-edge correspondence. This principle is highly useful for predictably controlling optical modes in resonators made of photonic crystals (PhCs), leading to the recent demonstrations of microscale topological lasers. Meanwhile, zero-dimensional topological trapped states in the nanoscale remained unexplored, despite its importance for enhancing light–matter interactions and for wide applications including single-mode nanolasers. Here, we report a topological PhC nanocavity with a near-diffraction-limited mode volume and its application to single-mode lasing. The topological origin of the nanocavity, formed at the interface between two topologically distinct PhCs, guarantees the existence of only one mode within its photonic bandgap. The observed lasing accompanies a high spontaneous emission coupling factor stemming from the nanoscale confinement. These results encompass a way to greatly downscale topological photonics.
In-line whole blood fractionation for Raman analysis of blood plasma
Authors: Matthiae Moritz , Zhu Xiaolong , Marie Rodolphe , Kristensen Anders
Published: November 2018

Raman studies of dynamically expanded cell-free plasma domains in microfluidic blood flow.
A single-atom Fe–N4 catalytic site mimicking bifunctional antioxidative enzymes for oxidative stress cytoprotection
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Mao Junjie , Yang Xiaoti , Pan Cong , Chen Wenxing , Wang Ming , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun , Li Yadong
Published: November 2018

Single-atom catalysts can serve as single-atom-based enzymes (SAzymes) with multi-antioxidative activities for reactive oxygen species scavenging.
Expanding the chemistry of ring-fused 1,4-diphosphinines by stable mono anion formation
Authors: Begum Imtiaz , Schnakenburg Gregor , Kelemen Zsolt , Nyulászi László , Boeré René. T. , Streubel Rainer
Published: November 2018

Synthesis of a novel tricyclic 1,4-diphosphinine I and, subsequently, of a stable anionic 1,4-diphosphinine II is reported; while II can be used as precursor for 1,4-disubstitution products, its oxidation leads to the formation of the P–P coupling product III.
Characterization of a 4-inch GaN wafer by X-ray diffraction topography
Authors: Kim Jaemyung , Seo Okkyun , Song Chulho , Chen Yanna , Hiroi Satoshi , Irokawa Yoshihiro , Nabatame Toshihide , Koide Yasuo , Sakata Osami
Published: November 2018

We have investigated the crystal quality of a 4-inch GaN wafer by X-ray diffraction topography.
Role of the interfaces and the charge of a molecule in the non-equilibrium crystallization of dipeptide nanomaterials onto solid substrates
Authors: Loskutov Alexander I. , Lokshin Boris V. , Gudasheva Tatiana A. , Oshurko Vadim B. , Solis Pinargote Nestor , Sazonova Nellya M. , Romanov Vadim A.
Published: November 2018

A critical role of the net charge of molecule and nature of interfaces on the structure and properties of crystallized dipeptide layers was established.
The Gigahertz and Terahertz spectrum of monodeutero-oxirane (c-C2H3DO)
Authors: Albert Sieghard , Chen Ziqiu , Keppler Karen , Lerch Philippe , Quack Martin , Schurig Volker , Trapp Oliver
Published: November 2018

The rotational spectrum of monodeutero-oxirane was analysed as measured using the Zurich Gigahertz (GHz) spectrometer and our highest resolution Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer system coupled to synchrotron radiation at the Swiss Light Source (SLS).
Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of room temperature ionic liquids and their application in sodium ion batteries
Authors: Fischer Pauline J. , Do Minh Phuong , Reich Robert M. , Nagasubramanian Arun , Srinivasan Madhavi , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: November 2018

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) based on IL electrolytes have attracted great attention in large-scale energy storage systems due to the abundance of sodium and the excellent safety resulting from the use of non-flammable IL electrolytes.
Surfactant-enhanced heterogeneity of the aqueous interface drives water extraction into organic solvents
Authors: Servis Michael J. , Clark Aurora E.
Published: November 2018

Liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) is one of the most industrially relevant separations methods. Adsorbed surfactant is demonstrated to enhance interfacial heterogeneity and lead to water protrusions that form the basis for transport into the organic phase.
Functional protein nanostructures: a chemical toolbox
Authors: Kuan Seah Ling , Bergamini Fernando R. G. , Weil Tanja
Published: November 2018

Functional protein nanostructures hold immense potential for a broad range of applications,e.g., in material and biomedical sciences. In this article, the development of chemical toolboxes to build precise functional protein nanostructures that go beyond Nature's portfolio and their applications are summarized.
Photoinactivation of uncultured, indigenous enterococci
Authors: McClary Jill S. , Ramos Nathaniel A. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: November 2018

Indigenous enterococci communities photoinactivate at diverse rates that are associated with their source and their degree of pigmentation.
Heteroaggregation and dissolution of silver nanoparticles by iron oxide colloids under environmentally relevant conditions
Authors: Wang Rui , Dang Fei , Liu Cun , Wang Deng-jun , Cui Pei-xin , Yan Hui-jun , Zhou Dong-mei
Published: November 2018

Electrostatic interactions governed the adsorption of AgNPs by iron oxide colloids under environmentally relevant conditions.
Bacillus subtilis causes dissolution of ceria nanoparticles at the nano–bio interface
Authors: Xie Changjian , Zhang Junzhe , Ma Yuhui , Ding Yayun , Zhang Peng , Zheng Lirong , Chai Zhifang , Zhao Yuliang , Zhang Zhiyong , He Xiao
Published: November 2018

This work demonstrates for the first time that ceria nanoparticles can dissolve on the bacterial surface as a result of nano–bio interaction.
Efficient removal of Pb2+ by Tb-MOFs: identifying the adsorption mechanism through experimental and theoretical investigations
Authors: Zhu Hongshan , Yuan Jinyun , Tan Xiaoli , Zhang Wenhua , Fang Ming , Wang Xiangke
Published: November 2018

Porous Tb-MOFs with abundant nitrogenous functional groups show efficient Pb2+ removal.
A solvent-free catalytic protocol for the Achmatowicz rearrangement
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Tong Rongbiao
Published: November 2018

A solvent-free catalytic protocol for the Achmatowicz rearrangement was developed and enabled one-pot sequential reactions.
Development and characterisation of new glycine certified reference materials for SI-traceable13C/12C isotope amount ratio measurements
Authors: Malinovsky D. , Dunn P. J. H. , Holcombe G. , Cowen S. , Goenaga-Infante H.
Published: November 2018

Variations in the stable isotopic composition of carbon are used in diverse fields, including biology, environmental sciences, food and drug authentication and forensic applications.
Genetic, structural, and functional diversity of low and high-affinity siderophores in strains of nitrogen fixingAzotobacter chroococcum
Authors: Zhang Xinning , Baars Oliver , Morel François M. M.
Published: November 2018

Conserved patterns of siderophore production by Azotobacters related to siderophore gene evolution and Fe bioavailability.
A transition metal-free approach towards synthesis of β-carboline tethered 1,3,4-oxadiazoles via oxidative C–O bond formation
Authors: Singh Dharmender , Tiwari Sandip Kumar , Singh Virender
Published: November 2018

An efficient protocol has been developed for one-pot synthesis of biologically interesting β-carboline substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles via an I2-assisted oxidative C–O bond formation strategy.
Functionalized nanoparticles as adjuvant to increase the cytotoxicity of metallodrugs toward tumor cells
Authors: Guimarães Vieira Eduardo , Miguel Rodrigo Bernardi , Rodrigues da Silva Daniel , Boni Fazzi Rodrigo , de Couto Ricardo Alexandre Alves , Marin Jayr Henrique , Temperini Marcia Laudelina Arruda , da Silva Shinohara Jorge , Toma Henrique Eisi , Russo Lilian Cristina , Magalhães Yuli Thamires , Dias Filho Newton Luiz , Forti Fábio Luiz , da Costa Ferreira Ana Maria
Published: November 2018

Silica nanoparticles increasing the cytotoxicity of copper(ii) and zinc(ii) metallodrugs.
Cations mediating proton conductivity in an oxalate based microporous coordination polymer
Authors: Meng Xing , Wang Hai-Ning , Wang Xiao-Kun , Dong Long-Zhang , Zou Yan-Hong
Published: November 2018

Through cation substitution in a zirconium based coordination polymer, an isostructural framework 1@NH4+ has been prepared without any apparent structural change. The proton conductivity of 1@NH4+ is successfully improved. It exhibits high proton conductivity (1.39 × 10−2 S cm−1) at 98% relative humidity and 60 °C.
Rapid microwave-assisted distillation–precipitation polymerization for the synthesis of magnetic molecular imprinted polymers coupled to HPTLC determination of perphenazine in human urine
Authors: Safdarian Mehdi , Ramezani Zahra
Published: November 2018

Microwave-assisted distillation–precipitation polymerization (MWDPP) for the synthesis of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) under atmospheric pressure is reported.
Switchable dissociation of excitons bound at strained CdTe/CdS interfaces
Authors: Enders Florian , Budweg Arne , Zeng Peng , Lauth Jannika , Smith Trevor A. , Brida Daniele , Boldt Klaus
Published: November 2018

Charge separation at a semiconductor nano-heterointerface is switched between an on and an off state based on a combination of lattice strain, coulomb interaction, and interface trap states.
Hydrothermal synthesis of flower-like molybdenum disulfide microspheres and their application in electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Fangping , Li Guifang , Zheng Jinfeng , Ma Jing , Yang Caixia , Wang Qizhao
Published: November 2018

Three-dimensional flower-like molybdenum disulfide microspheres composed of nanosheets were prepared by a hydrothermal method using ammonium molybdate as the molybdenum source and thiourea as the sulfur source.
Quantification of 71 detected elements from Li to U for aqueous samples by simultaneous-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Bäuchle Melanie , Lüdecke Tina , Rabieh Sasan , Calnek Khemet , Bromage Timothy G.
Published: November 2018

Quantitative analyses of multi-element concentrations in aqueous solutions, such as water, beverages and biofluids, are performed by simultaneous MH-ICP-MS.
Selective enrichment of sialylated glycopeptides with a d-allose@SiO2 matrix
Authors: Sun Na , Xiong Yuting , Qing Guangyan , Zhao Yanyan , Li Xiuling , Liang Xinmiao
Published: November 2018

Abnormal sialylation of glycoprotein is associated with different kinds of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Dendritic nanostructured FeS2-based high stability and capacity Li-ion cathodes
Authors: Yu Zhenxing , Wang Junjie , Zhang Na , Shin Jungwoo , Zheng Qiye , Qu Subing , He Xiaoqing , Rockett Angus , Yang Hong , Braun Paul V.
Published: November 2018

High performance dendritically structured FeS2 cathodes are systemically studied. The dendritic structure is resistant to volume changes during cycling, increasing cyclability. The presence of Li2–xFeS2, which also enhances cyclability, is confirmed.
Synthesis of 8′,11′-dihydrospiro[cyclohexane-1,2′-oxepino[2,3-h] chromen]-4′(3′H)-ones with ring closing metathesis as a key step
Authors: K Prathima , D Ashok , M Sarasija , Sripadi Prabhakar , Vemula Madhu , Komarraju Venkata S. , Gorai Biswajit , Prakash Shyam
Published: November 2018

We successfully synthesized these type of angular tetracyclic frameworks.
Charge-induced electromechanical actuation of Mo- and W-dichalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Van Thanh Vuong , Hung Nguyen Tuan , Van Truong Do
Published: November 2018

Using first-principle density functional calculations, we investigate electromechanical properties of two-dimensional MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) monolayers with the 1H and 1T structures as a function of charge doping for both electron and hole doping.
Influence on ferric chloride aqueous solution caused by external electrostatic field: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Zhibo Shi , Liyi Li , Yong Han , Jie Bai
Published: November 2018

A detailed analysis of structural properties and dynamic properties of ferric chloride aqueous solution under external electrostatic fields with different intensities was performed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Ionic organic cage-encapsulating phase-transferable metal clusters
Authors: Zhang Su-Yun , Kochovski Zdravko , Lee Hui-Chun , Lu Yan , Zhang Hemin , Zhang Jie , Sun Jian-Ke , Yuan Jiayin
Published: November 2018

A phase-transferrable metal cluster (MC) in an ionic organic cage serving as a recyclable and reaction-switchable catalyst is presented.
Green electrode processing using a seaweed-derived mesoporous carbon additive and binder for LiMn2O4 and LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 lithium ion battery electrodes
Authors: Kim Sanghoon , De bruyn Mario , Louvain Nicolas , Alauzun Johan G. , Brun Nicolas , Macquarrie Duncan J. , Boury Bruno , Stievano Lorenzo , Mutin P. Hubert , Monconduit Laure
Published: November 2018

Eco-friendly lithium ion battery electrode processing was elaborated using seaweed-derivatives.
Single-stranded DNA oligomer brush structure is dominated by intramolecular interactions mediated by the ion environment
Authors: Gil Phwey S. , Lacks Daniel J. , Parisse Pietro , Casalis Loredana , Nkoua Ngavouka Maryse D.
Published: November 2018

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) brushes, in which ssDNA oligomers are tethered to surfaces in dense monolayers, are being investigated for potential biosensing applications.
ETFE-based anion-exchange membrane ionomer powders for alkaline membrane fuel cells: a first performance comparison of head-group chemistry
Authors: Gonçalves Biancolli Ana Laura , Herranz Daniel , Wang Lianqin , Stehlíková Gabriela , Bance-Soualhi Rachida , Ponce-González Julia , Ocón Pilar , Ticianelli Edson A. , Whelligan Daniel K. , Varcoe John R. , Santiago Elisabete I.
Published: November 2018

Radiation-grafted anion-exchange ionomer powders were tested in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells.
OperandoX-ray absorption investigations into the role of Fe in the electrochemical stability and oxygen evolution activity of Ni1−xFexOynanoparticles
Authors: Abbott Daniel F. , Fabbri Emiliana , Borlaf Mario , Bozza Francesco , Schäublin Robin , Nachtegaal Maarten , Graule Thomas , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: November 2018

The structural and electronic properties of rock salt-type Ni–Fe oxides are investigated under OER conditions. The inclusion of Fe in the rock-salt structure is shown to inhibit the transformation to more layered and disordered polymorphs.
Cationized Bombyx mori silk fibroin as a delivery carrier of the VEGF165–Ang-1 coexpression plasmid for dermal tissue regeneration
Authors: Luo Zuwei , Li Jing , Qu Jing , Sheng Weihua , Yang Jicheng , Li Mingzhong
Published: November 2018

The cationized Bombyx mori silk fibroin as a delivery carrier of the VEGF165–Ang-1 coexpression plasmid promoted neovascularization and dermal regeneration.
Near-infrared fluorescent probes based on TBET and FRET rhodamine acceptors with different pKa values for sensitive ratiometric visualization of pH changes in live cells
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Xia Shuai , Bi Jianheng , Zhang Yibin , Fang Mingxi , Luck Rudy L. , Zeng Yanbo , Chen Tzu-Ho , Lee Hsien-Ming , Liu Haiying
Published: November 2018

Three near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probes with different pKa values were synthesized to achieve sensitive ratiometric visualization of pH variations in lysosomes.
Synthesis of fluorescent ionic liquid-functionalized silicon nanoparticles with tunable amphiphilicity and selective determination of Hg2+
Authors: Li Quan , Peng Kaite , Lu Yanzhen , Li Aoxin , Che Fenfang , Liu Yuanyuan , Xi Xingjun , Chu Qiao , Lan Tao , Wei Yun
Published: November 2018

Label-free fluorescent ionic liquid-functionalized silicon nanoparticles with tunable amphiphilicity for highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ were synthesized.
Partially removing long branched alkyl side chains of regioregular conjugated backbone based diketopyrrolopyrrole polymer for improving field-effect mobility
Authors: Ji Jingjing , Zhou Dagang , Tang Yu , Deng Ping , Guo Zhiyong , Zhan Hongbing , Yu Yan , Lei Yanlian
Published: November 2018

Combining random copolymerization and classical t-Boc precursor approach to achieve a high-performance new type of DPP polymer semiconductor.