bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconscious Representations in Kant’s Early Writings
Authors: Leland Patrick R.
Published: May 2018

There is an emerging consensus among interpreters that in his Critical writings Kant ascribes unconscious representations to the mind. The nature and extent of this ascription over the course of Kant’s philosophical development is however not well understood. I argue that from his earliest published writings Kant consistently ascribes unconscious representations to the mind; that some of these representations are unconscious in the strong sense that they are not available to introspection; and that Kant extends his commitment to unconscious representations by ascribing to the mind unconscious acts of judging and reasoning.
When and How New Policy Creates New Politics: Examining the Feedback Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Public Opinion
Authors: Jacobs Lawrence R. , Mettler Suzanne
Published: May 2018

Following E. E. Schattschneider’s observation that “a new policy creates a new politics,” scholars of “policy feedback” have theorized that policies influence subsequent political behavior and public opinion. Recent studies observe, however, that policy feedback does not always occur and the form it takes varies considerably. To explain such variation, we call for policy feedback studies to draw more thoroughly on public opinion research. We theorize that: (1) feedback effects are not ubiquitous and may in some instances be offset by political factors, such as partisanship and trust in government; (2) policy design may generate self-interested or sociotropic motivations, and (3) feedback effects result not only from policy benefits but also from burdens. We test these expectations by drawing on a unique panel study of Americans’ responses to the Affordable Care Act. We find competing policy and political pathways, which produce variations in policy feedback.
America’s Two Worlds of Welfare: Subnational Institutions and Social Assistance in Metropolitan America
Authors: Weir Margaret , Schirmer Jessica
Published: May 2018

Studies of the “delegated state” highlight the growing role of nongovernmental organizations to fulfill public purposes. We argue that America’s delegated state has taken two distinct forms: a civic-public model prominent in the North and Midwest and a very different religious-private model more evident in the South and the West. Distinctive regional legacies rooted in European immigration, religion, race, and the timing of urban growth gave rise to diverse organizational configurations for assisting the poor in different parts of the country. As a consequence, the institutions for assisting the poor are weaker in the growing regions of the South and Mountain West.
Numerical Studies of Submesoscale Island Wakes in the Kuroshio
Authors: Liu Chih‐Lun , Chang Ming‐Huei
Published: May 2018

Submesoscale wake formation at Green Island (∼7 km) in the Kuroshio is examined by the three‐dimensional numerical simulations, which are validated by field observations. On the basis of geophysical (rotating and stratified) flow, the wake exhibits sequentially detached recirculation, containing upwelling of cold water, propagates downstream via advection, forming an along‐stream oscillating wake, resembling to the von K
rm
n vortex streets (VKVS). Evidence includes (1) the shedding frequency as a function of the horizontal eddy viscosity shows a trend analogous with classical wakes; (2) the wake behaviors depend on the Reynolds number (Re), where the turbulent transition regime is determined; and (3) the aspect ratio of the island wakes is similar to the ratio of the VKVS. Unlike classical wakes, the vortex street features are adapted by inertial and barotropic instabilities. The inertial instability has large growth rate and tends to slightly destabilize the anticyclonic recirculation. The barotropic instability could be a secondary process to generate eddy kinetic energy at downstream. Finally, our model suggests the hotspot of the turbulent mixing in the wake is located at the plane free shear layer as a result of the vertical shear instability, which is induced by the island‐shelf effect and the tilting of the vertical vorticity.
Steam-Driven Blasts Last Seen at Kīlauea in 1924 May Recur
Authors: Loomis Ilima
Published: May 2018

Sinking magma levels and rockfalls prompt warnings, flight restrictions, and the shutdown of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Controlling the coherence of a diamond spin qubit through its strain environment
Authors: Sohn Young-Ik , Meesala Srujan , Pingault Benjamin , Atikian Haig A. , Holzgrafe Jeffrey , Gündoğan Mustafa , Stavrakas Camille , Stanley Megan J. , Sipahigil Alp , Choi Joonhee , Zhang Mian , Pacheco Jose L. , Abraham John , Bielejec Edward , Lukin Mikhail D. , Atatüre Mete , Lončar Marko
Published: May 2018

The uncontrolled interaction of a quantum system with its environment is detrimental for quantum coherence. For quantum bits in the solid state, decoherence from thermal vibrations of the surrounding lattice can typically only be suppressed by lowering the temperature of operation. Here, we use a nano-electro-mechanical system to mitigate the effect of thermal phonons on a spin qubit – the silicon-vacancy colour centre in diamond – without changing the system temperature. By controlling the strain environment of the colour centre, we tune its electronic levels to probe, control, and eventually suppress the interaction of its spin with the thermal bath. Strain control provides both large tunability of the optical transitions and significantly improved spin coherence. Finally, our findings indicate the possibility to achieve strong coupling between the silicon-vacancy spin and single phonons, which can lead to the realisation of phonon-mediated quantum gates and nonlinear quantum phononics.
Deficiency of PRKD2 triggers hyperinsulinemia and metabolic disorders
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wang Can , Chen Jia-Yu , Lu Fujian , Wang Jue , Hou Ning , Hu Xiaomin , Zeng Fanxin , Ma Dongwei , Sun Xueting , Ding Yi , Zhang Yan , Zheng Wen , Liu Yuli , Shang Haibao , Zhu Wenzhen , Han Chensheng , Zhang Yulin , Ouyang Kunfu , Chen Liangyi , Chen Ju , Xiao Rui-Ping , Li Chuan-Yun , Zhang Xiuqin
Published: May 2018

Hyperinsulinemia is the earliest symptom of insulin resistance (IR), but a causal relationship between the two remains to be established. Here we show that a protein kinase D2 (PRKD2) nonsense mutation (K410X) in two rhesus monkeys with extreme hyperinsulinemia along with IR and metabolic defects by using extreme phenotype sampling and deep sequencing analyses. This mutation reducesPRKD2at both the mRNA and the protein levels. Taking advantage of aPRKD2-KOmouse model, we demonstrate thatPRKD2deletion triggers hyperinsulinemia which precedes to IR and metabolic disorders in thePRKD2ablation mice.PRKD2deficiency promotes β-cell insulin secretion by increasing the expression and activity of L-type Ca2+channels and subsequently augmenting high glucose- and membrane depolarization-induced Ca2+influx. Altogether, these results indicate that down-regulation ofPRKD2is involved in the pathogenesis of hyperinsulinemia which, in turn, results in IR and metabolic disorders.
Value added transformation of ubiquitous substrates into highly efficient and flexible electrodes for water splitting
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Atharva , Dixit Harsha , Majee Rahul , Bhattacharyya Sayan
Published: May 2018

Herein, we present an innovative approach for transforming commonly available cellulose paper into a flexible and catalytic current collector for overall water splitting. A solution processed soak-and-coat method of electroless plating was used to render a piece of paper conducting by conformably depositing metallic nickel nanoparticles, while still retaining the open macroporous framework. Proof-of-concept paper-electrodes are realized by modifying nickel-paper current collector with model electrocatalysts nickel-iron oxyhydroxide and nickel-molybdenum bimetallic alloy through electrodeposition route. The paper-electrodes demonstrate exceptional activities towards oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, requiring overpotentials of 240 and 32 mV at 50 and −10 mA cm−2, respectively, even as they endure extreme mechanical stress. The generality of this approach is demonstrated by fabricating similar electrodes on cotton fabric, which also show high activity. Finally, a two-electrode paper-electrolyzer is constructed which can split water with an efficiency of 98.01%, and exhibits robust stability for more than 200 h.
Similar temperature scale for valence changes in Kondo lattices with different Kondo temperatures
Authors: Kummer K. , Geibel C. , Krellner C. , Zwicknagl G. , Laubschat C. , Brookes N. B. , Vyalikh D. V.
Published: May 2018

The Kondo model predicts that both the valence at low temperatures and its temperature dependence scale with the characteristic energy TK of the Kondo interaction. Here, we study the evolution of the 4f occupancy with temperature in a series of Yb Kondo lattices using resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy. In agreement with simple theoretical models, we observe a scaling between the valence at low temperature and TK obtained from thermodynamic measurements. In contrast, the temperature scale Tv at which the valence increases with temperature is almost the same in all investigated materials while the Kondo temperatures differ by almost four orders of magnitude. This observation is in remarkable contradiction to both naive expectation and precise theoretical predictions of the Kondo model, asking for further theoretical work in order to explain our findings. Our data exclude the presence of a quantum critical valence transition in YbRh2Si2.
Hypoxia induces senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via altered gut microbiota
Authors: Xing Junyue , Ying Yongquan , Mao Chenxi , Liu Yiwei , Wang Tingting , Zhao Qian , Zhang Xiaoling , Yan Fuxia , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2018

Systemic chronic hypoxia is a feature of many diseases and may influence the communication between bone marrow (BM) and gut microbiota. Here we analyse patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) who are experiencing chronic hypoxia and characterize the association between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and gut microbiome under systemic hypoxia. We observe premature senescence of BMSCs and abnormald-galactose accumulation in patients with CCHD. The hypoxia that these patients experience results in an altered diversity of gut microbial communities, with a remarkable decrease in the number ofLactobacilliand a noticeable reduction in the amount of enzyme-degradedd-galactose. Replenishing chronic hypoxic rats withLactobacillusreduced the accumulation ofd-galactose and restored the deficient BMSCs. Together, our findings show that chronic hypoxia predisposes BMSCs to premature senescence, which may be due to gut dysbiosis and thus inducedd-galactose accumulation.
Caring for individuals with a difference of sex development (DSD): a Consensus Statement
Authors: Cools Martine , Nordenström Anna , Robeva Ralitsa , Hall Joanne , Westerveld Puck , Flück Christa , Köhler Birgit , Berra Marta , Springer Alexander , Schweizer Katinka , Pasterski Vickie ,   on behalf of the COST Action BM1303 working group 1
Published: May 2018

The term differences of sex development (DSDs; also known as disorders of sex development) refers to a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions affecting human sex determination and differentiation. Several reports highlighting suboptimal physical and psychosexual outcomes in individuals who have a DSD led to a radical revision of nomenclature and management a decade ago. Whereas the resulting recommendations for holistic, multidisciplinary care seem to have been implemented rapidly in specialized paediatric services around the world, adolescents often experience difficulties in finding access to expert adult care and gradually or abruptly cease medical follow-up. Many adults with a DSD have health-related questions that remain unanswered owing to a lack of evidence pertaining to the natural evolution of the various conditions in later life stages. This Consensus Statement, developed by a European multidisciplinary group of experts, including patient representatives, summarizes evidence-based and experience-based recommendations for lifelong care and data collection in individuals with a DSD across ages and highlights clinical research priorities. By doing so, we hope to contribute to improving understanding and management of these conditions by involved medical professionals. In addition, we hope to give impetus to multicentre studies that will shed light on outcomes and comorbidities of DSD conditions across the lifespan.
Efficient Blood-Brain Barrier Opening in Primates with Neuronavigation-Guided Ultrasound and Real-Time Acoustic Mapping
Authors: Wu Shih-Ying , Aurup Christian , Sanchez Carlos Sierra , Grondin Julien , Zheng Wenlan , Kamimura Hermes , Ferrera Vincent P. , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: May 2018

Brain diseases including neurological disorders and tumors remain under treated due to the challenge to access the brain, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricting drug delivery which, also profoundly limits the development of pharmacological treatment. Focused ultrasound (FUS) with microbubbles is the sole method to open the BBB noninvasively, locally, and transiently and facilitate drug delivery, while translation to the clinic is challenging due to long procedure, targeting limitations, or invasiveness of current systems. In order to provide rapid, flexible yet precise applications, we have designed a noninvasive FUS and monitoring system with the protocol tested in monkeys (from in silico preplanning and simulation, real-time targeting and acoustic mapping, to post-treatment assessment). With a short procedure (30 min) similar to current clinical imaging duration or radiation therapy, the achieved targeting (both cerebral cortex and subcortical structures) and monitoring accuracy was close to the predicted 2-mm lower limit. This system would enable rapid clinical transcranial FUS applications outside of the MRI system without a stereotactic frame, thereby benefiting patients especially in the elderly population.
Helicobacter pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice with different gastrointestinal microbiota have contrasting gastric pathology, microbial and host immune responses
Authors: Ge Zhongming , Sheh Alexander , Feng Yan , Muthupalani Sureshkumar , Ge Lili , Wang Chuanwu , Kurnick Susanna , Mannion Anthony , Whary Mark T. , Fox James G.
Published: May 2018

C57BL/6 (B6) mice from Taconic Sciences (Tac) and the Jackson Laboratory (Jax) were infected with H. pylori PMSS1 (Hp) for 16 week; there was no significant difference in the gastric histologic activity index between Hp infected Tac and Jax B6. However, the degree of gastric mucous metaplasia and Th1-associated IgG2c levels in response to Hp infection were increased in Tac mice over Jax mice, whereas the colonization levels of gastric Hp were higher by 8-fold in Jax B6 compared with Tac B6. Additionally, mRNA expression of gastric Il-1β, Il-17A and RegIIIγ were significantly lower in the infected Tac compared to the infected Jax mice. There were significant differences in the microbial community structures in stomach, colon, and feces between Jax and Tac B6 females. Differences in gastric microbial communities between Jax and Tac B6 females are predicted to affect the metagenome. Moreover, Hp infection perturbed the microbial community structures in the stomach, colon and feces of Jax mice, but only altered the colonic microbial composition of Tac mice. Our data indicate that the GI microbiome of Tac B6 mice is compositionally distinct from Jax B6 mice, which likely resulted in different pathological, immunological, and microbial responses to Hp infection.
Molecule-based microelectromechanical sensors
Authors: Urdampilleta Matias , Ayela Cedric , Ducrot Pierre-Henri , Rosario-Amorin Daniel , Mondal Abhishake , Rouzières Mathieu , Dechambenoit Pierre , Mathonière Corine , Mathieu Fabrice , Dufour Isabelle , Clérac Rodolphe
Published: May 2018

Incorporating functional molecules into sensor devices is an emerging area in molecular electronics that aims at exploiting the sensitivity of different molecules to their environment and turning it into an electrical signal. Among the emergent and integrated sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are promising for their extreme sensitivity to mechanical events. However, to bring new functions to these devices, the functionalization of their surface with molecules is required. Herein, we present original electronic devices made of an organic microelectromechanical resonator functionalized with switchable magnetic molecules. The change of their mechanical properties and geometry induced by the switching of their magnetic state at a molecular level alters the device’s dynamical behavior, resulting in a change of the resonance frequency. We demonstrate that these devices can be operated to sense light or thermal excitation. Moreover, thanks to the collective interaction of the switchable molecules, the device behaves as a non-volatile memory. Our results open up broad prospects of new flexible photo- and thermo-active hybrid devices for molecule-based data storage and sensors.
Focal brain lesions induced with ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Nakata Mariko , Nagasaka Kazuaki , Shimoda Masayuki , Takashima Ichiro , Yamamoto Shinya
Published: May 2018

Lesion and inactivation methods have played important roles in neuroscience studies. However, traditional techniques for creating a brain lesion are highly invasive, and control of lesion size and shape using these techniques is not easy. Here, we developed a novel method for creating a lesion on the cortical surface via 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation without breaking the dura mater. We demonstrated that 2.0 mWh UV irradiation, but not the same amount of non-UV light irradiation, induced an inverted bell-shaped lesion with neuronal loss and accumulation of glial cells. Moreover, the volume of the UV irradiation-induced lesion depended on the UV light exposure amount. We further succeeded in visualizing the lesioned site in a living animal using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Importantly, we also observed using an optical imaging technique that the spread of neural activation evoked by adjacent cortical stimulation disappeared only at the UV-irradiated site. In summary, UV irradiation can induce a focal brain lesion with a stable shape and size in a less invasive manner than traditional lesioning methods. This method is applicable to not only neuroscientific lesion experiments but also studies of the focal brain injury recovery process.
Downregulation of Endothelin Receptor B Contributes to Defective B Cell Lymphopoiesis in Trisomy 21 Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: MacLean Glenn A. , McEldoon Jennifer , Huang Jialiang , Allred Jeremy , Canver Matthew C. , Orkin Stuart. H.
Published: May 2018

Individuals with Trisomy 21 (T21) exhibit numerous hematological abnormalities, including reductions in numbers of circulating B and T lymphocytes. To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypes, we differentiated human isogenic disomic and trisomic pluripotent cells, and observed that trisomic cells showed defects in B cell, but not T cell differentiation. Global gene expression of differentiated, trisomic B cells revealed reduced expression of genes encoding endothelin signaling components, namely the Endothelin Receptor B (EDNRB), and its ligand Endothelin1 (EDN1). Depletion of EDNRB mRNA in cord blood-derived CD34+ cells led to defective B cell differentiation, supporting a hypothesis that low EDNRB expression in T21 contributes to intrinsic lymphoid defects. Further evidence for the role of the EDNRB pathway in B cell differentiation was obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting in disomic and trisomic iPS cells. Knockout of EDNRB in both cell backgrounds reduced the capacity for B cell differentiation. Collectively, this work identifies downregulation of EDNRB as a causative factor for impaired B lymphocyte generation in trisomic cells, which may contribute to defects in immune function associated with T21. Furthermore, a novel role for endothelin signaling in regulation of B cell development has been identified.
Sour Promotes Risk-Taking: An Investigation into the Effect of Taste on Risk-Taking Behaviour in Humans
Authors: Vi Chi Thanh , Obrist Marianna
Published: May 2018

Taking risks is part of everyday life. Some people actively pursue risky activities (e.g., jumping out of a plane), while others avoid any risk (e.g., people with anxiety disorders). Paradoxically, risk-taking is a primitive behaviour that may lead to a happier life by offering a sense of excitement through self-actualization. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that sour - amongst the five basic tastes (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and umami) - promotes risk-taking. Based on a series of three experiments, we show that sour has the potential to modulate risk-taking behaviour across two countries (UK and Vietnam), across individual differences in risk-taking personality and styles of thinking (analytic versus intuitive). Modulating risk-taking can improve everyday life for a wide range of people.
Preclinical evaluation of ribociclib and its synergistic effect in combination with alpelisib in non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wong Chi-Hang , Ma Brigette B. Y. , Hui Connie W. C. , Lo Kwok-Wai , Hui Edwin P. , Chan Anthony T. C.
Published: May 2018

Ribociclib is a specific cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) 4/6 inhibitor that induces G1 arrest by blocking the formation of cyclin D1-Cdk4/6 complex and inhibiting retinoblastoma (RB) phosphorylation. Cyclin D1 is overexpressed in over 90% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and CCND1 gene activation plays a critical role in NPC pathogenesis. This study evaluated the preclinical activities of ribociclib in NPC cell lines and patient derived xenograft (PDX) models. Over 95% cell growth inhibition was observed at 96 hours after ribociclib treatment. (IC50 concentrations: HK1 = 1.42 ± 0.23 µM; HK1-LMP1 = 2.18 ± 0.70 µM and C666-1 = 8.26 ± 0.92 µM). HK1 and C666-1 cells were chosen for analysis of ribociclib on kinase signaling, apoptosis and cell cycle. Treatment with ribociclib for 48 hours consistently showed a dose-dependent reduction in phosphorylated and total RB expression and G1 cycle arrest was only observed. Combining ribociclib with the alpha-specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib showed a synergistic effect in two NPC PDX models in nude mice. The co-treatment induced a significant reduction in tumor volume in both xeno-666 and xeno-2117 compared with ribociclib treatment alone and control (p < 0.01). In summary, ribociclib is active in NPC models and the effect on growth inhibition was augmented when combined with alpelisib. This study supports the clinical evaluation of ribociclib in NPC.
The Effects of Anti-LAP Monoclonal Antibody Down-regulation of CD4+LAP+ T Cells on Allogeneic Corneal Transplantation in Mice
Authors: Li Shang , Lu Hongshuang , Sella Ruti , Zhang Wei , Dong Hongwei , Guo Chungang , Afshari Natalie A. , Pan Zhiqiang , Jie Ying
Published: May 2018

CD4+latency-associated peptide (LAP)+ T cells are a newly discovered T cell subset with suppressive function on immune responses. In this study, we investigate the role of CD4+LAP+ T cells on mice corneal allograft survival by down-regulating their expression using anti-LAP mAb. We show that a blockage of LAP leads to a decrease in the percentage of T cells expressing CD4+Foxp3+, CD4+GARP+, CD4+LAP+ and CD4+IL-10+ in the lymph nodes and spleens of mice undergoing orthotopic penetrating transplantation of corneal allograft, without affecting corneal graft survival. In addition, higher percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17A+ T cells in the lymph nodes and spleens, as well as TNF, IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-6 levels in the aqueous humor, significantly increase in mice with rejected corneal grafts. The expression of TGF-β1 decreases in corneal grafts during corneal rejection period. It is therefore possible that anti-LAP mAb can down-regulate the regulatory T cell subsets with its immunosuppressive effects. The rejection of corneal grafts seems to mainly be associated with the up-regulation of Th1 and Th17 cell subsets in peripheral lymph nodes.
Analysis of Moisture Content in Beetroot using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and by Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Nesakumar Noel , Baskar Chanthini , Kesavan Srinivasan , Rayappan John Bosco Balaguru , Alwarappan Subbiah
Published: May 2018

The moisture content of beetroot varies during long-term cold storage. In this work, we propose a strategy to identify the moisture content and age of beetroot using principal component analysis coupled Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Frequent FTIR measurements were recorded directly from the beetroot sample surface over a period of 34 days for analysing its moisture content employing attenuated total reflectance in the spectral ranges of 2614–4000 and 1465–1853 cm−1 with a spectral resolution of 8 cm−1. In order to estimate the transmittance peak height (T
p
) and area under the transmittance curve $$({\int }_{{\bar{\nu }}_{i}}^{{\bar{\nu }}_{f}}{T}_{p}d\bar{\nu })$$
(

∫

ν
¯

i

ν
¯

f

T

p

d

ν
¯

)
over the spectral ranges of 2614–4000 and 1465–1853 cm−1, Gaussian curve fitting algorithm was performed on FTIR data. Principal component and nonlinear regression analyses were utilized for FTIR data analysis. Score plot over the ranges of 2614–4000 and 1465–1853 cm−1 allowed beetroot quality discrimination. Beetroot quality predictive models were developed by employing biphasic dose response function. Validation experiment results confirmed that the accuracy of the beetroot quality predictive model reached 97.5%. This research work proves that FTIR spectroscopy in combination with principal component analysis and beetroot quality predictive models could serve as an effective tool for discriminating moisture content in fresh, half and completely spoiled stages of beetroot samples and for providing status alerts.
Neuromodulation of sensory networks in monkey brain by focused ultrasound with MRI guidance and detection
Authors: Yang Pai-Feng , Phipps M. Anthony , Newton Allen T. , Chaplin Vandiver , Gore John C. , Caskey Charles F. , Chen Li Min
Published: May 2018

Focused ultrasound (FUS) has gained recognition as a technique for non-invasive neuromodulation with high spatial precision and the ability to both excite and inhibit neural activity. Here we demonstrate that MRI-guided FUS is capable of exciting precise targets within areas 3a/3b in the monkey brain, causing downstream activations in off-target somatosensory and associated brain regions which are simultaneously detected by functional MRI. The similarity between natural tactile stimulation-and FUS- evoked fMRI activation patterns suggests that FUS likely can excite populations of neurons and produce associated spiking activities that may be subsequently transmitted to other functionally related touch regions. The across-region differences in fMRI signal changes relative to area 3a/3b between tactile and FUS conditions also indicate that FUS modulated the tactile network differently. The significantly faster rising (>1 sec) fMRI signals elicited by direct FUS stimulation at the targeted cortical region suggest that a different neural hemodynamic coupling mechanism may be involved in generating fMRI signals. This is the first demonstration of imaging neural excitation effects of FUS with BOLD fMRI on a specific functional circuit in non-human primates.
Direct observation of pitting corrosion evolutions on carbon steel surfaces at the nano-to-micro- scales
Authors: Guo Peng , La Plante Erika Callagon , Wang Bu , Chen Xin , Balonis Magdalena , Bauchy Mathieu , Sant Gaurav
Published: May 2018

The Cl−-induced corrosion of metals and alloys is of relevance to a wide range of engineered materials, structures, and systems. Because of the challenges in studying pitting corrosion in a quantitative and statistically significant manner, its kinetics remain poorly understood. Herein, by direct, nano- to micro-scale observations using vertical scanning interferometry (VSI), we examine the temporal evolution of pitting corrosion on AISI 1045 carbon steel over large surface areas in Cl−-free, and Cl−-enriched solutions. Special focus is paid to examine the nucleation and growth of pits, and the associated formation of roughened regions on steel surfaces. By statistical analysis of hundreds of individual pits, three stages of pitting corrosion, namely, induction, propagation, and saturation, are quantitatively distinguished. By quantifying the kinetics of these processes, we contextualize our current understanding of electrochemical corrosion within a framework that considers spatial dynamics and morphology evolutions. In the presence of Cl− ions, corrosion is highly accelerated due to multiple autocatalytic factors including destabilization of protective surface oxide films and preservation of aggressive microenvironments within the pits, both of which promote continued pit nucleation and growth. These findings offer new insights into predicting and modeling steel corrosion processes in mid-pH aqueous environments.
Systematic evaluation of a 171Yb optical clock by synchronous comparison between two lattice systems
Authors: Gao Qi , Zhou Min , Han Chengyin , Li Shangyan , Zhang Shuang , Yao Yuan , Li Bo , Qiao Hao , Ai Di , Lou Ge , Zhang Mengya , Jiang Yanyi , Bi Zhiyi , Ma Longsheng , Xu Xinye
Published: May 2018

Optical clocks are the most precise measurement devices. Here we experimentally characterize one such clock based on the 1S0-3P0 transition of neutral 171Yb atoms confined in an optical lattice. Given that the systematic evaluation using an interleaved stabilization scheme is unable to avoid noise from the clock laser, synchronous comparisons against a second 171Yb lattice system were implemented to accelerate the evaluation. The fractional instability of one clock falls below 4 × 10−17 after an averaging over a time of 5,000 seconds. The systematic frequency shifts were corrected with a total uncertainty of 1.7 × 10−16. The lattice polarizability shift currently contributes the largest source. This work paves the way to measuring the absolute clock transition frequency relative to the primary Cs standard or against the International System of Units (SI) second.
3D Interconnected Binder-Free Electrospun MnO@C Nanofibers for Supercapacitor Devices
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed , Abdellah Ahmed M. , Mohamed Saad G. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: May 2018

Rational design of binder-free materials with high cyclic stability and high conductivity is a great need for high performance supercapacitors. We demonstrate a facile one-step synthesis method of binder-free MnO@C nanofibers as electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The topology of the fabricated nanofibers was investigated using FESEM and HRTEM. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirm the formation of the MnO structure. The electrospun MnO@C electrodes achieve high specific capacitance of 578 F/g at 1 A/g with an outstanding cycling performance. The electrodes also show 127% capacity increasing after 3000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor composed of activated carbon as the negative electrode and MnO@C as the positive electrode shows an ultrahigh energy density of 35.5 Wh/kg with a power density of 1000 W/kg. The device shows a superior columbic efficiency, cycle life, and capacity retention.
Spatial and temporal variations of particulate organic carbon in the Yellow-Bohai Sea over 2002–2016
Authors: Fan Hang , Wang Xiujun , Zhang Haibo , Yu Zhitong
Published: May 2018

The Yellow-Bohai Sea (YBS) is a typical marginal sea in the Northwest Pacific Ocean; however, little is known about the dynamics of particulate organic carbon (POC) and underlying mechanisms. Here, we analyze the spatial and temporal variations of surface POC derived from MODIS-Aqua during 2002–2016. Overall, POC is higher in the Bohai Sea (315–588 mg m−3) than in the Yellow Sea (181–492 mg m−3), and higher in the nearshore than in the offshore. Surface POC is highest in spring in the YBS, and lowest in winter (summer) in the Bohai Sea (the Yellow Sea). The spatial and seasonal patterns of POC are due to combined influences of primary productivity, water exchange, sediment resuspension and terrestrial inputs. Surface POC shows an overall decreasing trend prior to 2012 followed by an upward trend until 2015 in the YBS, which is almost opposite to chlorophyll; the decrease (increase) may result from strengthened (weakened) water exchange with the East China Sea through the Yellow Sea Warm Current. Declined terrestrial runoff is also partly responsible for the decrease prior to 2012. Our study suggests that water exchange and sediment resuspension are dominant factors regulating the spatial and temporal variability of POC in the YBS.
Tuning Alginate-Gelatin Bioink Properties by Varying Solvent and Their Impact on Stem Cell Behavior
Authors: Li Zhao , Huang Sha , Liu Yufan , Yao Bin , Hu Tian , Shi Haigang , Xie Jiangfan , Fu Xiaobing
Published: May 2018

Bioink optimization is considered as one of main challenges in cell-laden 3D bioprinting. Alginate-Gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogel have been extensively used as bioink. However, its properties could be influenced by various parameters, and little is known about the evidence featuring the impact of solvent. Here we investigated four Alg-Gel bioink by varying solvent ionic strength (named B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-4). Mechanical properties and printability of bioink samples and their impacts on behaviors of encapsulated epidermal stem cells (ESCs) were tested. Bioink with increased ionic strength of solvent showed decreased stiffness and viscosity, and increased swelling and degradation by printability and mechanical property tests. Due to the increased swelling and degradation was associated with shape-maintenance of post-printing constructs, B-3 and B-4 were hardly observable after 14 days. Cellular behaviors were assessed through viability, proliferation, aggregation and differentiation tests. B-2 with optimal properties resulted in higher viability and proliferation of ESCs, and further facilitated cellular aggregation and lineage differentiation. We demonstrated that the solvent can be tuned by ionic strength to control the properties of Alg-Gel bioink and post-printing constructs, which represented a promising avenue for promotion of therapeutic stem cell behaviors in 3D bioprinting.
Microstructure guided multi-scale liquid patterning on an open surface
Authors: Park Dohyun , Kang Myeongwoo , Choi Jin Woo , Paik Sang-Min , Ko Jihoon , Lee Somin , Lee Younggyun , Son Kyungmin , Ha Jungmin , Choi Munseok , Park Woohyun , Kim Ho-Young , Jeon Noo Li
Published: May 2018

A simple and fast multi-scale microliquid patterning on an open surface is demonstrated.
Perturbation of microRNA signalling by doxorubicin in spermatogonial, Leydig and Sertoli cell lines in vitro
Authors: Akinjo Oluwajoba O. , Gant Timothy W. , Marczylo Emma L.
Published: May 2018

Doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity involves perturbation of microRNAs within all three of the main testicular cell types, particularly those involved in germ–Sertoli and Sertoli–Sertoli cell junctions.
Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles for inhibiting ribonuclease in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Feng Xiaotong , Ashley Jon , Zhou Tongchang , Halder Arnab , Sun Yi
Published: May 2018

We showed that molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) could efficiently inhibit the activities of the RNase in RT-PCR reactions, demonstrating that the tailor-made nanomaterials are very promising for use in routine biological assays.
Capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF)-based immunoassay for quantifying antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides
Authors: Nguyen Binh Thanh , Park Min , Yoo Young Sook , Kang Min-Jung
Published: May 2018

CE-LIF based immunoassay to quantify antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Ag/AgBr-loaded mesoporous silica for rapid sterilization and promotion of wound healing
Authors: Jin Chen , Liu Xiangmei , Tan Lei , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Zheng Yufeng , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Chu Paul K. , Wu Shuilin
Published: May 2018

Bacterial infection is a major concern during the wound healing process.
Homoleptic uranium and lanthanide phosphinodiboranates
Authors: Blake Anastasia V. , Fetrow Taylor V. , Theiler Zachary J. , Vlaisavljevich Bess , Daly Scott R.
Published: May 2018

The synthesis and structures of a new class of homoleptic f-metal borohydride complexes (phosphinodiboranates) are described with U, Nd, and Er.
Paramagnetic nanoemulsions with unified signals for sensitive 19F MRI cell tracking
Authors: Peng Qiaoli , Li Yu , Bo Shaowei , Yuan Yaping , Yang Zhigang , Chen Shizhen , Zhou Xin , Jiang Zhong-Xing
Published: May 2018

A paramagnetic nanoemulsion with a unified 19F NMR signal facilitates sensitive 19F MRI cell tracking.
Electrochemical instability of highly fluorinated tetraphenyl borates and syntheses of their respective biphenyls
Authors: Beil Sebastian B. , Möhle Sabine , Enders Patrick , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: May 2018

The electrochemical instability of highly fluorinated tetraphenyl borates was studied by cyclic voltammetry and anodic formation of the respective biphenyls.
Zinc-catalyzed reaction of isoxazoles with thioynol ethers involving an unprecedented 1,2-sulfur migration
Authors: Zhu Xin-Qi , Sun Qing , Zhang Zhi-Xin , Zhou Bo , Xie Pei-Xi , Shen Wen-Bo , Lu Xin , Zhou Jin-Mei , Ye Long-Wu
Published: May 2018

A novel zinc-catalyzed reaction of isoxazoles with thioynol ethers involving an unprecedented 1,2-sulfur migration has been developed.
Effect of different seed sources on the hydrothermal crystallization of MCM-22 zeolite catalysts
Authors: V. Rodrigues Mariana , Vieira Luiz H. , Campos Guilherme P. , Martins Leandro
Published: May 2018

Ball-milled MCM-22 and dried mother liquor seeds proved to be effective in the synthesis of the MCM-22P lamellar precursor with a low Si/Al ratio. Crystallization times were reduced from 25 to 2–4 days with a considerable decrease in crystallite sizes.
Solvatomorphism of Reichardt's dye
Authors: Pike Sarah J. , Bond Andrew D. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: May 2018

Six different crystal structures are obtained depending on the crystallization solvent.
Morphology control of anatase TiO2 for well-defined surface chemistry
Authors: Jeantelot Gabriel , Ould-Chikh Samy , Sofack-Kreutzer Julien , Abou-Hamad Edy , Anjum Dalaver H. , Lopatin Sergei , Harb Moussab , Cavallo Luigi , Basset Jean-Marie
Published: May 2018

Surface hydroxyls of titanium dioxide (anatase) are studied by infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory and nuclear magnetic resonance. They are found to be dependent on morphology and fluoride content.
Silica-supported silver nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for aromatic C–H alkylation and fluoroalkylation
Authors: Khrizanforov Mikhail N. , Fedorenko Svetlana V. , Mustafina Asiya R. , Kholin Kirill V. , Nizameev Irek R. , Strekalova Sofia O. , Grinenko Valeriya V. , Gryaznova Tatiana V. , Zairov Rustem R. , Mazzaro Raffaello , Morandi Vittorio , Vomiero Alberto , Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: May 2018

Ag0/+@SiO2efficient catalyst was developed.
Compound parabolic collector solar disinfection system for the treatment of harvested rainwater
Authors: Strauss André , Reyneke Brandon , Waso Monique , Khan Wesaal
Published: May 2018

Cost-effective SODIS-CPC systems significantly improved the microbial quality of harvested rainwater. These point-of-use treatment systems can be implemented on site where standard water infrastructure cannot be employed. The use of a first flush diverter as a pre-filtration step also reduced microbial contamination.
Correction: Potential for manganese biofouling in water transmission lines using model reactors
Authors: Allward Nicole E. , Gregory Brittany S. , Stoddart Amina K. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: May 2018

Correction for ‘Potential for manganese biofouling in water transmission lines using model reactors’ by Nicole E. Allward et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8ew00074c.
The effects of a maternal advanced glycation end product-rich diet on somatic features, reflex ontogeny and metabolic parameters of offspring mice
Authors: Csongová Melinda , Gurecká Radana , Koborová Ivana , Celec Peter , Domonkos Emese , Uličná Oľga , Somoza Veronika , Šebeková Katarína
Published: May 2018

A maternal AGE-rich diet during pregnancy affects the early neuromotor development of offspring consuming a standard diet, and the metabolic status of male progeny.
Coproduction of succinic acid and cadaverine using lysine as a neutralizer and CO2donor withl-lysine decarboxylase overexpressedEscherichia coliAFP111
Authors: Wang Jing , Mao Jingwen , Tian Weilong , Wei Guoguang , Xu Sheng , Ma Weichao , Chen Kequan , Jiang Min , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: May 2018

In the biologic production of succinic acid or cadaverine, an alkali or acid is used for neutralization during the production process and for dissociation during purification.
Plasma processes to detect fluorine with ICPMS/MS as [M–F]+: an argument for building a negative mode ICPMS/MS
Authors: Azua Jamari Nor Laili , Behrens Arne , Raab Andrea , Krupp Eva M. , Feldmann Jörg
Published: May 2018

The paper describes that the 2nd ionisation potential and the difference in bond energy of a metal to fluorine bond and of a metal to oxygen bond are the most important parameters to form a metal fluoride ion for the detection of fluorine in ICPMS/MS.
Modulation of photothermal anisotropy using black phosphorus/rhenium diselenide heterostructures
Authors: Gao Xiao-Guang , Chen Guo-Xing , Li De-Kang , Li Xiao-Kuan , Liu Zhi-Bo , Tian Jian-Guo
Published: May 2018

The photothermal anisotropy of BP/ReSe2 heterostructures was observed to change with different stacking angles.
808 nm-light-excited upconversion nanoprobe based on LRET for the ratiometric detection of nitric oxide in living cancer cells
Authors: Wang Han , Liu Yi , Wang Zhaohui , Yang Man , Gu Yueqing
Published: May 2018

NO (nitric oxide) has dual functions in cancer, promoting carcinogenesis in low concentrations and inducing tumor cell apoptosis at high concentrations.
QM/MM simulations identify the determinants of catalytic activity differences between type II dehydroquinase enzymes
Authors: Lence Emilio , van der Kamp Marc W. , González-Bello Concepción , Mulholland Adrian J.
Published: May 2018

Multiscale simulations pinpoint specific interactions responsible for differences in stabilization of key reacting species in two recognized targets for antibiotic development.
NMR analyses onN-hydroxymethylated nucleobases – implications for formaldehyde toxicity and nucleic acid demethylases
Authors: Shishodia S. , Zhang D. , El-Sagheer A. H. , Brown T. , Claridge T. D. W. , Schofield C. J. , Hopkinson R. J.
Published: May 2018

NMR studies reveal that formaldehyde, a toxic pollutant and metabolite, reacts with nucleotides to formN-hydroxymethylated adducts of varying stabilities.
Caged cyclopropenes for controlling bioorthogonal reactivity
Authors: Kumar Pratik , Jiang Ting , Li Sining , Zainul Omar , Laughlin Scott T.
Published: May 2018

3N-spirocyclopropenes permit spatiotemporal control of the cyclopropene-tetrazine ligation.
Enhanced bioactivity and osteoinductivity of carboxymethyl chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite/graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Zhang , Xiao Caiwen , Huang Yazhuo , Chen Mingjiao , Wei Wei , Yang Xiaoxuan , Zhou Huifang , Bi Xiaoping , Lu Linna , Ruan Jing , Fan Xianqun
Published: May 2018

The CMC/nHA/GO scaffold with the surface chemistry and roughness dual effects and the release of phosphate and calcium ions synergistically assist the mineralization and facilitate the bone regeneration.
An antibiotic agent pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione,hexahydro isolated from a marine bacteria Bacillus tequilensis MSI45 effectively controls multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kiran George Seghal , Priyadharsini Sethu , Sajayan Arya , Ravindran Amrudha , Selvin Joseph
Published: May 2018

A new antibiotic agent from sponge associated marine bacteria.
Advancements in six-membered cyclic carbonate (1,3-dioxan-2-one) synthesis utilizing carbon dioxide as a C1 source
Authors: Hosseinian Akram , Farshbaf Sepideh , Mohammadi Robab , Monfared Aazam , Vessally Esmail
Published: May 2018

This review article surveys literature methods for the synthesis of six-membered cyclic carbonates using various substrates in the presence of CO2 with special emphasis on the mechanistic aspects of the reactions.
Synergistic effect of graphene and silicon dioxide hybrids through hydrogen bonding self-assembly in elastomer composites
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Xie Shicheng , Sun Peipei , Zhao Zheng , Li Lin , Shao Xiaoming , Liu Xiaolin , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: May 2018

A novel graphene–silicon dioxide hybrid (HGS) was prepared by plant polyphenol-tannic acid (TA) functionalized pristine graphene (G-TA) and primary amine-containing silane coupling agent modified SiO2 (Si–NH2).
Preparation of boron nitride nanosheet-coated carbon fibres and their enhanced antioxidant and microwave-absorbing properties
Authors: Xu Zhichao , Chen Yongjun , Li Wei , Li Jianbao , Yu Hui , Liu Longyang , Wu Gaolong , Yang Tao , Luo Lijie
Published: May 2018

The coating of BN nanosheets on carbon fibers could enhance the anti-oxidation and microwave absorbing properties of carbon fibers significantly.
Improved analytical performance of photoionization ion mobility spectrometry for the rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides using K0 patterns with multiple reactant ions
Authors: Zhou Qinghua , Wang Bin , Li Jia , Jin Zanhui , Li Haiyang , Chen Jinyuan
Published: May 2018

The identification of organophosphorus pesticides using ion mobility spectrometry was improved using K0 patterns with multiple reactant ions.
Lindera cyclopentenedione intermediates from the roots of Lindera aggregata
Authors: Chen Lin , Liu Bo , Deng Jun-Jie , Zhang Jun-Sheng , Li Wei , Ahmed Abrar , Yin Sheng , Tang Gui-Hua
Published: May 2018

Lindera cyclopentenediones together with their dimers and novel biosynthetic intermediates were isolated from Lindera aggregata.
New strategy for designing promising mid-infrared nonlinear optical materials: narrowing the band gap for large nonlinear optical efficiencies and reducing the thermal effect for a high laser-induced damage threshold
Authors: Li Shu-Fang , Jiang Xiao-Ming , Fan Yu-Hang , Liu Bin-Wen , Zeng Hui-Yi , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: May 2018

A new strategy towards the search for practical IR NLO materials not restricted by the NLO–LIDT incompatibility is verified.
Conformational landscape of the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase reveals a mutant specific allosteric pocket
Authors: Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Venkatachalam Gireedhar , Lim Hong Hwa , Surana Uttam , Verma Chandra
Published: May 2018

An oncogenic mutant-specific druggable allosteric pocket captured by MD simulations.
Facilitating the charge transfer of ZnMoS4/CuS p–n heterojunctions through ZnO intercalation for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Lim Wei Yang , Wu Hao , Lim Yee-Fun , Ho Ghim Wei
Published: May 2018

A thin intercalation in a p–n heterojunction is utilized to induce interfacial band bending, thus generating a favorable carrier flow for photocatalytic reactions.
A selectively processible instant glue passivation layer for indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistors fabricated at low temperature
Authors: Yoo Hyukjoon , Tak Young Jun , Kim Won-Gi , Kim Yeong-gyu , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: May 2018

IGZO TFTs with an instant glue passivation layer exhibit improved electrical performance and stability due to the atomic diffusion effect.