bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant neighbor detection and allelochemical response are driven by root-secreted signaling chemicals
Authors: Kong Chui-Hua , Zhang Song-Zhu , Li Yong-Hua , Xia Zhi-Chao , Yang Xue-Fang , Meiners Scott J. , Wang Peng
Published: September 2018

Plant neighbor detection and response strategies are important mediators of interactions among species. Despite increasing knowledge of neighbor detection and response involving plant volatiles, less is known about how soil-borne signaling chemicals may act belowground in plant–plant interactions. Here, we experimentally demonstrate neighbor detection and allelopathic responses between wheat and 100 other plant species via belowground signaling. Wheat can detect both conspecific and heterospecific neighbors and responds by increasing allelochemical production. Furthermore, we show that (-)-loliolide and jasmonic acid are present in root exudates from a diverse range of species and are able to trigger allelochemical production in wheat. These findings suggest that root-secreted (-)-loliolide and jasmonic acid are involved in plant neighbor detection and allelochemical response and may be widespread mediators of belowground plant-plant interactions.
A room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high capacity and stable cycling performance
Authors: Xu Xiaofu , Zhou Dong , Qin Xianying , Lin Kui , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Rojo Teofilo , Armand Michel , Wang Guoxiu
Published: September 2018

High-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries operating at 300–350 °C have been commercially applied for large-scale energy storage and conversion. However, the safety concerns greatly inhibit their widespread adoption. Herein, we report a room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high electrochemical performances and enhanced safety by employing a “cocktail optimized” electrolyte system, containing propylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate as co-solvents, highly concentrated sodium salt, and indium triiodide as an additive. As verified by first-principle calculation and experimental characterization, the fluoroethylene carbonate solvent and high salt concentration not only dramatically reduce the solubility of sodium polysulfides, but also construct a robust solid-electrolyte interface on the sodium anode upon cycling. Indium triiodide as redox mediator simultaneously increases the kinetic transformation of sodium sulfide on the cathode and forms a passivating indium layer on the anode to prevent it from polysulfide corrosion. The as-developed sodium–sulfur batteries deliver high capacity and long cycling stability.
Effectiveness of endothelial progenitor cell culture under microgravity for improved angiogenic potential
Authors: Hagiwara Hiroko , Higashibata Akira , Ogawa Shiho , Kanazawa Shigeyuki , Mizuno Hiroshi , Tanaka Rica
Published: September 2018

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation is beneficial for ischemic diseases such as critical limb ischemia and ischemic heart disease. The scarcity of functional EPCs in adults is a limiting factor for EPC transplantation therapy. The quality and quantity culture (QQc) system is an effective ex vivo method for enhancing the number and angiogenic potential of EPCs. Further, microgravity environments have been shown to enhance the functional potential of stem cells. We therefore hypothesized that cells cultured with QQc under microgravity may have enhanced functionality. We cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using QQc under normal (E), microgravity (MG), or microgravity followed by normal (ME) conditions and found that ME resulted in the most significant increase in CD34+ and double positive Dil-Ac-LDL-FITC-Ulex-Lectin cells, both EPC markers. Furthermore, angiogenic potential was determined by an EPC-colony forming assay. While numbers of primitive EPC-colony forming units (pEPC-CFU) did not change, numbers of definitive EPC-CFU colonies increased most under ME conditions. Gene-expression profiling also identified increases in angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, under MG and ME conditions. Thus, QQc along with ME conditions could be an efficient system for significantly enhancing the number and angiogenic potential of EPCs.
The Fab fragment of anti-IgE Cε2 domain prevents allergic reactions through interacting with IgE-FcεRIα complex on rat mast cells
Authors: Hirano Takao , Koyanagi Akemi , Kotoshiba Kaoru , Shinkai Yoichi , Kasai Masataka , Ando Tomoaki , Kaitani Ayako , Okumura Ko , Kitaura Jiro
Published: September 2018

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Type I hypersensitivity through interaction with a high-affinity receptor (FcεRIα). For therapeutic applications, substantial attention has been focused recently on the blockade of the IgE interaction with FcεRIα. While exploring better options for preventing allergic diseases, we found that the Fab fragment of the rat anti-murine IgE antibody (Fab-6HD5) strongly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA)in vivo, as well as spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) activity and β-hexosaminidase release from basophilic leukemia cellsin vitro. Thein vivoeffects of Fab-6HD5 pre-administration were maintained over a long period of time for at least 10 days. Using flow cytometry analysis, we also found that Fab-6HD5 did not recognize the IgE Cε3 domain containing specific binding sites for FcεRIα. Furthermore, deletion-mapping studies revealed that Fab-6HD5 recognized conformational epitopes on the Cε2 domain of IgE. Given that the Cε2 domain plays a key role in stabilizing the interaction of IgE with FcRIα, our results suggest that the specific binding of Fab-6HD5 to the Cε2 domain prevents allergic reactions through destabilizing the preformed IgE-FcεRIα complex on rat mast cells. Although the present study was performed using animal models, these findings support the idea that a certain antibody directed against IgE CH domains may contribute to preventing allergic diseases through interacting with IgE-FcεRIα complex.
On-Demand Design of Tunable Complete Photonic Band Gaps based on Bloch Mode Analysis
Authors: Li Shuo , Lin Han , Meng Fei , Moss David , Huang Xiaodong , Jia Baohua
Published: September 2018

The fundamental property of photonic crystals is the band gap effect, which arises from the periodic dielectric modulation of electromagnetic waves and plays an indispensable role in manipulating light. Ever since the first photonic-bandgap structure was discovered, the ability to tune its bandgap across a wide wavelength range has been highly desirable. Therefore, obtaining photonic crystals possessing large on-demand bandgaps has been an ever-attractive study but has remained a challenge. Here we present an analytical design method for achieving high-order two-dimensional photonic crystals with tunable photonic band gaps on-demand. Based on the Bloch mode analysis for periodic structures, we are able to determine the geometric structure of the unit cell that will realize a nearly optimal photonic band gap for one polarization between the appointed adjacent bands. More importantly, this method generates a complete bandgap for all polarizations, with frequencies tuned by the number of photonic bands below the gap. The lowest dielectric contrast needed to generate a photonic band gap, as well as conditions for generating complete bandgaps, are investigated. Our work first highlights the systematic approach to complete photonic band gaps design based on Bloch mode analysis. The physical principles behind our work are then generalized to other photonic lattices.
Noise-robust quantum sensing via optimal multi-probe spectroscopy
Authors: Müller Matthias M. , Gherardini Stefano , Caruso Filippo
Published: September 2018

The dynamics of quantum systems are unavoidably influenced by their environment, but in turn observing a quantum system (probe) can allow one to measure its environment: Measurements and controlled manipulation of the probe such as dynamical decoupling sequences as an extension of the Ramsey interference measurement allow to spectrally resolve a noise field coupled to the probe. Here, we introduce fast and robust estimation strategies for the characterization of the spectral properties of classical and quantum dephasing environments. These strategies are based on filter function orthogonalization, optimal control filters maximizing the relevant Fisher Information and multi-qubit entanglement. We investigate and quantify the robustness of the schemes under different types of noise such as finite-precision measurements, dephasing of the probe, spectral leakage and slow temporal fluctuations of the spectrum.
Giant reversible elongation upon cooling and contraction upon heating for a crosslinked cis poly(1,4-butadiene) system at temperatures below zero Celsius
Authors: Lu Lu , Cao Jinbao , Li Guoqiang
Published: September 2018

Polymers with reversible elongation upon cooling (EUC) and contraction upon heating (CUH) enabled applications in actuators, fasteners, dampers, grippers, swimmers, sealants, etc. With the current working temperature being limited to mainly above zero Celsius, applications for subzero Celsius environments are obstructed. In addition, current reversible actuation needs a constant tensile load, or for the best case, under zero tensile load. Reversible EUC and CUH under compressive load is almost impossible and has not been explored. In this work, a cis poly(1,4-butadiene) based system has been developed. Actuated below zero Celsius, 69% EUC occurred under a tensile load; and 6.2% EUC and 17.9% CUH occurred under 0.05 MPa compressive load. The reversible actuation was driven by both entropy and enthalpy, which was validated by a series of characterization tools.
Enhanced Prediction of Hot Spots at Protein-Protein Interfaces Using Extreme Gradient Boosting
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Chuyao , Deng Lei
Published: September 2018

Identification of hot spots, a small portion of protein-protein interface residues that contribute the majority of the binding free energy, can provide crucial information for understanding the function of proteins and studying their interactions. Based on our previous method (PredHS), we propose a new computational approach, PredHS2, that can further improve the accuracy of predicting hot spots at protein-protein interfaces. Firstly we build a new training dataset of 313 alanine-mutated interface residues extracted from 34 protein complexes. Then we generate a wide variety of 600 sequence, structure, exposure and energy features, together with Euclidean and Voronoi neighborhood properties. To remove redundant and irrelevant information, we select a set of 26 optimal features utilizing a two-step feature selection method, which consist of a minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR) procedure and a sequential forward selection process. Based on the selected 26 features, we use Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to build our prediction model. Performance of our PredHS2 approach outperforms other machine learning algorithms and other state-of-the-art hot spot prediction methods on the training dataset and the independent test set (BID) respectively. Several novel features, such as solvent exposure characteristics, second structure features and disorder scores, are found to be more effective in discriminating hot spots. Moreover, the update of the training dataset and the new feature selection and classification algorithms play a vital role in improving the prediction quality.
Unscrambling phylogenetic effects and ecological determinants of chromosome number in major angiosperm clades
Authors: Carta Angelino , Bedini Gianni , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: September 2018

As variations in the chromosome number are recognized to be of evolutionary interest but are also widely debated in the literature, we aimed to quantitatively test for possible relationships among the chromosome number, plant traits, and environmental factors. In particular, the chromosome number and drivers of its variation were examined in 801 Italian endemic vascular plants, for a total of 1364 accessions. We estimated phylogenetic inertia and adaptation in chromosome number - based on an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process - and related chromosome numbers with other plant traits and environmental variables. Phylogenetic effects in chromosome number varied among the examined clades but were generally high. Chromosome numbers were poorly related to large scale climatic conditions, while a stronger relationship with categorical variables was found. Specifically, open, disturbed, drought-prone habitats selected for low chromosome numbers, while perennial herbs, living in shaded, stable environments were associated with high chromosome numbers. Altogether, our findings support an evolutionary role of chromosome number variation, and we argue that environmental stability favours higher recombination rates in comparison to unstable environments. In addition, by comparing the results of models testing for the evolvability of 2nand ofx, we provide insight into the presumptive ecological significance of polyploidy.
Integrative metabolic and transcriptomic profiling of prostate cancer tissue containing reactive stroma
Authors: Andersen Maria K. , Rise Kjersti , Giskeødegård Guro F. , Richardsen Elin , Bertilsson Helena , Størkersen Øystein , Bathen Tone F. , Rye Morten , Tessem May-Britt
Published: September 2018

Reactive stroma is a tissue feature commonly observed in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer and has previously been associated with more aggressive tumors. The aim of this study was to detect differentially expressed genes and metabolites according to reactive stroma content measured on the exact same prostate cancer tissue sample. Reactive stroma was evaluated using histopathology from 108 fresh frozen prostate cancer samples gathered from 43 patients after prostatectomy (Biobank1). A subset of the samples was analyzed both for metabolic (n = 85) and transcriptomic alterations (n = 78) using high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS MRS) and RNA microarray, respectively. Recurrence-free survival was assessed in patients with clinical follow-up of minimum five years (n = 38) using biochemical recurrence (BCR) as endpoint. Multivariate metabolomics and gene expression analysis compared low (≤15%) against high reactive stroma content (≥16%). High reactive stroma content was associated with BCR in prostate cancer patients even when accounting for the influence of Grade Group (Cox hazard proportional analysis, p = 0.013). In samples with high reactive stroma content, metabolites and genes linked to immune functions and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling were significantly upregulated. Future validation of these findings is important to reveal novel biomarkers and drug targets connected to immune mechanisms and ECM in prostate cancer. The fact that high reactive stroma grading is connected to BCR adds further support for the clinical integration of this histopathological evaluation.
PHD3 regulates glucose metabolism by suppressing stress-induced signalling and optimising gluconeogenesis and insulin signalling in hepatocytes
Authors: Yano Hiroyuki , Sakai Mashito , Matsukawa Toshiya , Yagi Takashi , Naganuma Takao , Mitsushima Masaru , Iida Satoshi , Inaba Yuka , Inoue Hiroshi , Unoki-Kubota Hiroyuki , Kaburagi Yasushi , Asahara Shun-ichiro , Kido Yoshiaki , Minami Shiro , Kasuga Masato , Matsumoto Michihiro
Published: September 2018

Glucagon-mediated gene transcription in the liver is critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis. Promoting the induction of gluconeogenic genes and blocking that of insulin receptor substrate (Irs)2 in hepatocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanism by which glucagon signalling regulates hepatocyte metabolism is not fully understood. We previously showed that a fasting-inducible signalling module consisting of general control non-repressed protein 5, co-regulator cAMP response element-binding protein binding protein/p300-interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2, and protein kinase A is required for glucagon-induced transcription of gluconeogenic genes. The present study aimed to identify the downstream effectors of this module in hepatocytes by examining glucagon-induced potential target genes. One of these genes was prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)3, which suppressed stress signalling through inhibition of the IκB kinase–nuclear factor-κB pathway in a proline hydroxylase-independent manner to maintain insulin signalling. PHD3 was also required for peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α-induced gluconeogenesis, which was dependent on proline hydroxylase activity, suggesting that PHD3 regulates metabolism in response to glucagon as well as insulin. These findings demonstrate that glucagon-inducible PHD3 regulates glucose metabolism by suppressing stress signalling and optimising gluconeogenesis and insulin signalling in hepatocytes.
Neuronal MAP kinase p38α inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase to modulate anxiety-related behaviour
Authors: Stefanoska Kristie , Bertz Josefine , Volkerling Alexander M. , van der Hoven Julia , Ittner Lars M. , Ittner Arne
Published: September 2018

Modulation of behavioural responses by neuronal signalling pathways remains incompletely understood. Signalling via mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades regulates multiple neuronal functions. Here, we show that neuronal p38α, a MAP kinase of the p38 kinase family, has a critical and specific role in modulating anxiety-related behaviour in mice. Neuron-specific p38α-knockout mice show increased levels of anxiety in behaviour tests, yet no other behavioural, cognitive or motor deficits. Using CRISPR-mediated deletion of p38α in cells, we show that p38α inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, a function that is specific to p38α over other p38 kinases. Consistently, brains of neuron-specific p38α-knockout mice show increased JNK activity. Inhibiting JNK using a specific blood-brain barrier-permeable inhibitor reduces JNK activity in brains of p38α-knockout mice to physiological levels and reverts anxiety behaviour. Thus, our results suggest that neuronal p38α negatively regulates JNK activity that is required for specific modulation of anxiety-related behaviour.
Sharing an environment with sick conspecifics alters odors of healthy animals
Authors: Gervasi Stephanie S. , Opiekun Maryanne , Martin Talia , Beauchamp Gary K. , Kimball Bruce A.
Published: September 2018

Body odors change with health status and the odors of sick animals can induce avoidance behaviors in healthy conspecifics. Exposure to sickness odors might also alter the physiology of healthy conspecifics and modify the odors they produce. We hypothesized that exposure to odors of sick (but non-infectious) animals would alter the odors of healthy cagemates. To induce sickness, we injected mice with a bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide. We used behavioral odor discrimination assays and analytical chemistry techniques followed by predictive classification modeling to ask about differences in volatile odorants produced by two types of healthy mice: those cohoused with healthy conspecifics and those cohoused with sick conspecifics. Mice trained in Y-maze behavioral assays to discriminate between the odors of healthy versus sick mice also discriminated between the odors of healthy mice cohoused with sick conspecifics and odors of healthy mice cohoused with healthy conspecifics. Chemical analyses paired with statistical modeling revealed a parallel phenomenon. Urine volatiles of healthy mice cohoused with sick partners were more likely to be classified as those of sick rather than healthy mice based on discriminant model predictions. Sickness-related odors could have cascading effects on neuroendocrine or immune responses of healthy conspecifics, and could affect individual behaviors, social dynamics, and pathogen spread.
A new ESI-LC/MS approach for comprehensive metabolic profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis
Authors: Berman Paula , Futoran Kate , Lewitus Gil M. , Mukha Dzmitry , Benami Maya , Shlomi Tomer , Meiri David
Published: September 2018

Most clinical studies of Cannabis today focus on the contents of two phytocannabinoids: (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), regardless of the fact that the plant contains over 100 additional phytocannabinoids whose therapeutic effects and interplay have not yet been fully elucidated. This narrow view of a complex Cannabis plant is insufficient to comprehend the medicinal and pharmacological effects of the whole plant. In this study we suggest a new ESI-LC/MS/MS approach to identify phytocannabinoids from 10 different subclasses, and comprehensively profile the identified compounds in diverse medical Cannabis plants. Overall, 94 phytocannabinoids were identified and used for profiling 36 of the most commonly used Cannabis plants prescribed to patients in Israel. In order to demonstrate the importance of comprehensive phytocannabinoid analysis before and throughout medical Cannabis clinical trials, treatments, or experiments, we evaluated the anticonvulsant effects of several equally high-CBD Cannabis extracts (50% w/w). We found that despite the similarity in CBD contents, not all Cannabis extracts produced the same effects. This study’s approach for phytocannabinoid profiling can enable researchers and physicians to analyze the effects of specific Cannabis compositions and is therefore critical when performing biological, medical and pharmacological-based research using Cannabis.
Identification of RSPO2 Fusion Mutations and Target Therapy Using a Porcupine Inhibitor
Authors: Li Chong , Cao Jing , Zhang Ning , Tu Meiqing , Xu Fengwei , Wei Shuang , Chen Xiaojing , Xu Yuhong
Published: September 2018

Cancers are driven by a variety of somatic gene mutations and identifying these mutations enables the development of novel target drugs. We have sought to identify abnormalities in Wnt pathway-related genes that are sensitive to Wnt inhibitor treatment. We examined Patient Derived Xenograft (PDX) RNA samples and found new R-Spondin 2 (RSPO2) transcript fusions with the EMC2, PVT1 or HNF4G genes. These fusion events were identified in about 1.4% of the digestive system cancer samples. We then examined the oncogenic effects of the RSPO2-EMC2 fusion gene and confirmed that it can drive oncogenesis, sustain tumor growth and promote metastasis. Finally, we used a Wnt pathway Porcupine inhibitor CGX1321 to treat PDX mouse models containing RSPO2 fusion genes. All the RSPO2 fusion tumors responded to the treatment and stopped progression. Our data show that Wnt pathway inhibition could provide an effective treatment for cancers containing RSPO2 fusion. The RSPO2 fusion will serve as a good biomarker for screening patients to support clinical treatment of digestive system cancers using Wnt pathway inhibitors.
Enrichment and detection of bone disseminated tumor cells in models of low tumor burden
Authors: Sowder Miranda E. , Johnson Rachelle W.
Published: September 2018

Breast cancer cells frequently home to the bone, but the mechanisms controlling tumor colonization of the bone marrow remain unclear. We report significant enrichment of bone-disseminated estrogen receptor positive human MCF7 cells by 17 β-estradiol (E2) following intracardiac inoculation. Using flow cytometric and quantitative PCR approaches, tumor cells were detected in >80% of MCF7 tumor-inoculated mice, regardless of E2, suggesting that E2 is not required for MCF7 dissemination to the bone marrow. Furthermore, we propose two additional models in which to study prolonged latency periods by bone-disseminated tumor cells: murine D2.0R and human SUM159 breast carcinoma cells. Tumor cells were detected in bone marrow of up to 100% of D2.0R and SUM159-inoculated mice depending on the detection method. These findings establish novel models of bone colonization in which to study mechanisms underlying tumor cell seeding to the marrow and prolonged latency, and provide highly sensitive methods to detect these rare events.
Future scenarios of marine resources and ecosystem conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean under the impacts of fishing, alien species and sea warming
Authors: Corrales X. , Coll M. , Ofir E. , Heymans J. J. , Steenbeek J. , Goren M. , Edelist D. , Gal G.
Published: September 2018

Using a temporal-dynamic calibrated Ecosim food web model, we assess the effects of future changes on marine resources and ecosystem conditions of the Israeli Mediterranean continental shelf. This region has been intensely invaded by Indo-Pacific species. The region is exposed to extreme environmental conditions, is subjected to high rates of climate change and has experienced intense fishing pressure. We test the impacts of a new set of fishing regulations currently being implemented, a continued increase in sea temperatures following IPCC projections, and a continued increase in alien species biomass. We first investigate the impacts of the stressors separately, and then we combine them to evaluate their cumulative effects. Our results show overall potential future benefits of fishing effort reductions, and detrimental impacts of increasing sea temperature and increasing biomass of alien species. Cumulative scenarios suggest that the beneficial effects of fisheries reduction may be dampened by the impact of increasing sea temperature and alien species when acting together. These results illustrate the importance of including stressors other than fisheries, such as climate change and biological invasions, in an ecosystem-based management approach. These results support the need for reducing local and regional stressors, such as fishing and biological invasions, in order to promote resilience to sea warming.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in the Very Elderly Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure: Importance of Pharmacologic Guideline Adherence
Authors: Sung Shih-Hsien , Wang Ta-Jung , Cheng Hao-Min , Yu Wen-Chung , Guo Chao-Yu , Chiang Chern-En , Chen Chen-Huan
Published: September 2018

The prognostic factors and pharmacological effects of the very elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) with acute heart failure (AHF) remain unclear. The study, therefore, investigated the prognostic impacts of the guideline-recommended pharmacological therapy in these patients. A cohort of 1297 very elderly patients [85.1 ± 4.0 years, 69.7% male, 32.6% heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), HFrEF], hospitalized for AHF, was studied. The percentage of the recommended prescription for HFrEF at discharge, including renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, was calculated as guideline adherence indicator (GAI). Among the 1233 survivors at discharge, 495 subjects (40.1%) died during a mean follow-up of 27.1 ± 23.9 months. Mean GAIs in HFrEF and HFpEF were 70.6 ± 34.9% and 64.1 ± 35.9%, respectively. A higher GAI was associated with less overall mortality [hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval per-1SD: 0.781, 0.655–0.930] and cardiovascular death (0.718, 0.558–0.925), independent of age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, mean blood pressure, LVEF, eGFR, sodium, and NT-proBNP. A GAI of 100% was associated with a better survival in both HFrEF and HFpEF. A prescription of the three recommended medications for HFrEF to the very elderly AHF patients was associated with a better survival after discharge.
Double-passage ground-state cooling induced by quantum interference in the hybrid optomechanical system
Authors: Li Lingchao , Luo Ren-Hua , Liu Longjiang , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Jian-Qi
Published: September 2018

We propose a quantum interference cooling scheme for a nano-mechanical resonator (NAMR) in a hybrid optomechanical system. In our scheme, atoms are trapped in an optomechanical cavity, and this optomechanical cavity interacts both atoms and an optical cavity. Therefore, the absorption of the optomechanical resonator can be modified by quantum interference effects induced by the atom-cavity and cavity-cavity couplings. With the modification of the quantum interference, the desired transition for cooling is enhanced, while the undesired transition for heating can be suppressed. As a result, the NAMR vibration can be cooled down to its ground state. Particularly, with the assistance of the atoms, the experimental difficulty can be reduced since the effective decay rate of the cavity can be decreased via the quantum interference for the atom-cavity coupling.
Intermediate predator naïveté and sex-skewed vulnerability predict the impact of an invasive higher predator
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Dalu Tatenda , Wasserman Ryan J. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Mofu Lubabalo , Callaghan Amanda , Weyl Olaf L. F.
Published: September 2018

The spread of invasive species continues to reduce biodiversity across all regions and habitat types globally. However, invader impact prediction can be nebulous, and approaches often fail to integrate coupled direct and indirect invader effects. Here, we examine the ecological impacts of an invasive higher predator on lower trophic groups, further developing methodologies to more holistically quantify invader impact. We employ functional response (FR, resource use under different densities) and prey switching experiments to examine the trait- and density-mediated impacts of the invasive mosquitofishGambusia affinison an endemic intermediate predatorLovenula raynerae(Copepoda).Lovenula rayneraeeffectively consumed larval mosquitoes, but was naïve to mosquitofish cues, with attack rates and handling times of the intermediate predator unaffected by mosquitofish cue-treated water. Mosquitofish did not switch between male and female prey, consistently displaying a strong preference for female copepods. We thus demonstrate a lack of risk-reduction activity in the presence of invasive fish byL. rayneraeand, in turn, high susceptibility of such intermediate trophic groups to invader impact. Further, we show that mosquitofish demonstrate sex-skewed predator selectivity towards intermediate predators of mosquito larvae, which may affect predator population demographics and, perversely, increase disease vector proliferations. We advocate the utility of FRs and prey switching combined to holistically quantify invasive species impact potential on native organisms at multiple trophic levels.
Qualitative analysis of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs): an experimental comparison of analytical techniques of cysteine-linked ADCs
Authors: Källsten Malin , Hartmann Rafael , Artemenko Konstantin , Lind Sara Bergström , Lehmann Fredrik , Bergquist Jonas
Published: September 2018

Four different cysteine linked antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) consisting of Trastuzumab-vc-MMAE were analysed with four common analytical techniques with respect to drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) and molecular weight.
Confocal Raman microscopy combined with optical clearing for identification of inks in multicolored tattooed skinin vivo
Authors: Darvin Maxim E. , Schleusener Johannes , Parenz Franziska , Seidel Olaf , Krafft Christoph , Popp Jürgen , Lademann Jürgen
Published: September 2018

Tattoo ink pigments were non-invasively identified in multicolored tattooed human skinin vivousing optical clearing enhanced confocal Raman microscopy.
Determination of the illegal adulteration of natural healthcare products with chemical drugs using surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Zhang Lixia , Bu Xiangfeng , Li Peng , Zhao Bing , Tian Yuan
Published: September 2018

Silver nanoparticles stabilized using sodium alginate were synthesized as SERS substrate to determine vardenafil and rosiglitazone maleate based on the coffee ring effect.
Benzimidazole-containing aramid nanofiber for naked-eye detection of heavy metal ions
Authors: Cheng Zheng , Bai Zhenyuan , Dai Yu , Luo Longbo , Liu Xiangyang
Published: September 2018

The rapid detection of heavy metal ions in wastewater has received significant attention in modern society.
Sensitive fluorescence detection of heparin based on self-assembly of mesoporous silica nanoparticle–gold nanoclusters with emission enhancement characteristics
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhang Mengyue , Yang Aijun , Wang Qin , Qu Fei , Qu Fengli , Kong Rong-Mei
Published: September 2018

Sensitive fluorescence detection of heparin based on self-assembly of mesoporous silica nanoparticle–gold nanoclusters with emission enhancement characteristics was reported.
Plasma metabolic profiling analysis of normal and ANIT-induced cholestasis rats after oral administration of Da-Huang-Xiao-Shi decoction using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS coupled with pattern recognition
Authors: Zhu Guoxue , Chen Yiling , Hu Qing , Zhang Qianying , Lv Qi , Feng Fang
Published: September 2018

Plasma metabolic profiling of normal and ANIT-induced cholestasis rats after oral administration of DHXSD was analysis by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS.
P-glycoprotein targeted photodynamic therapy of chemoresistant tumors using recombinant Fab fragment conjugates
Authors: Mao Chengqiong , Qu Ping , Miley Michael J. , Zhao Yan , Li Zibo , Ming Xin
Published: September 2018

The conjugates of recombinant antibody fragments were developed for Pgp-targeted PDT, providing a highly cancer-specific approach to combat chemoresistant tumors.
Effective reduction of non-specific binding of blood cells in a microfluidic chip for isolation of rare cancer cells
Authors: Yu Dan , Tang Ling , Dong Ziye , Loftis Kevin A. , Ding Zhenya , Cheng Jianjian , Qin Bingyu , Yan Jiangtao , Li Wei
Published: September 2018

Effective reducing non-specific binding of blood cells in microchips by sheathing the surface with a biodegradable multilayer nanofilm.
Reversible dispersion and precipitation of single-walled carbon nanotubes using a pH-responsive rigid surfactant
Authors: Zhai Zhaolan , Yan Xinyan , Xu Ji , Song Zhanqian , Shang Shibin , Rao Xiaoping
Published: September 2018

Sonication is not required to re-disperse the precipitated SWNTs in a pH-responsive SWNTs dispersion using a rigid surfactant.
A titanium-based photo-Fenton bifunctional catalyst of mp-MXene/TiO2−xnanodots for dramatic enhancement of catalytic efficiency in advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Cheng Xiaomei , Zu Lianhai , Jiang Yue , Shi Donglu , Cai Xiaoming , Ni Yonghong , Lin Sijie , Qin Yao
Published: September 2018

A pseudo-Fenton reaction works synergistically with photocatalysis to greatly accelerate the oxidative degradation rate.
Photosynthesis-inspired bifunctional energy-harvesting devices that convert light and salinity gradients into electricity
Authors: Ren Huihui , Xiao Tianliang , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Zhaoyue
Published: September 2018

An energy-harvesting device that is capable of converting light and a salinity gradient into electricity simultaneously was demonstrated conceptually.
MOF based on a longer linear ligand: electrochemical performance, reaction kinetics, and use as a novel anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Shihui , Chang Xiaoya , Guo Huinan , Li Yunwei , Wang Mengying , Li Weinqin , Jiao Lifang , Wang Yijing
Published: September 2018

A novel longer linear ligand based MOF for SIBs.
Structure-based discovery of a specific TLR1–TLR2 small molecule agonist from the ZINC drug library database
Authors: Chen Zhipeng , Cen Xiaohong , Yang Junjie , Tang Xiaoshan , Cui Kai , Cheng Kui
Published: September 2018

We report herein the identification of urea structure-like small molecules TLR1/2 agonists by structure-based virtual screening of 10.5 million compounds.
Palladium(0)-catalyzed C(sp3)–Si bond formation via formal carbene insertion into a Si–H bond
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Huo Jingfeng , Fu Tianren , Tan Haocheng , Ye Fei , Hossain Mohammad Lokman , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2018

Pd(0)-Catalyzed formal carbene insertion into Si–H bonds has been achieved as an efficient method for C(sp3)–Si bond formation.
Microporous mixed-metal mixed-ligand metal organic framework for selective CO2 capture
Authors: Maity Rahul , Chakraborty Debanjan , Nandi Shyamapada , Rinku Kushwaha , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: September 2018

Layered-pillared framework of the CO2-loaded MOF developed using this mixed-metal mixed-ligand approach showing the multiple-adsorption sites within the MOF.
Influence of lithium and magnesium on the real structure and dielectric properties of Ca9Y(VO4)7 single crystals
Authors: Lazoryak Bogdan , Deyneko Dina , Aksenov Sergey , Grebenev Vadim , Stefanovich Sergey , Belikov Konstantin , Kosmyna Miron , Shekhovtsov Alexey , Sulich Adrian , Paszkowicz Wojciech
Published: September 2018

The real crystal structure was oxyaminated by complex methods; the influence of impurity and point defects is shown.
Surface species during ALD of platinum observed with in situ reflection IR spectroscopy
Authors: Van Daele Michiel , Detavernier Christophe , Dendooven Jolien
Published: September 2018

Thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) and plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) of Pt, using MeCpPtMe3 as the precursor and O2 gas or O2 plasma as the reactant, are studied with in situ reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at different substrate temperatures.
Narrowing the gap between experimental and computational determination of methyl group dynamics in proteins
Authors: Hoffmann Falk , Xue Mengjun , Schäfer Lars V. , Mulder Frans A. A.
Published: September 2018

A synergistic analysis of methyl NMR relaxation data and MD simulations identifies ways to improve studies of protein dynamics.
Aggregation of lactic acid in cold rare-gas matrices and the link to solution: a matrix isolation-vibrational circular dichroism study
Authors: Perera Angelo Shehan , Cheramy Joseph , Poopari Mohammad Reza , Xu Yunjie
Published: September 2018

Crucial insight into lactic acid self-aggregation in solution is obtained by following its unique VCD spectral features in cold matrices.
Ultrafast unidirectional chiral rotation in the Z–E photoisomerization of two azoheteroarene photoswitches
Authors: Pang Xiaojuan , Jiang Chenwei , Qi Yongnan , Yuan Ling , Hu Deping , Zhang Xiuxing , Zhao Di , Wang Dongdong , Lan Zhenggang , Li Fuli
Published: September 2018

Based on a large number of trajectories starting from the Z-isomer, for both azoheteroarenes, more than 99% of the trajectories decay through conical intersections with the same helicities as their initial geometries.
Effect of temperature and ligand protonation on the electronic ground state in Cu(ii) polymers having unusual secondary interactions: a magnetic and catechol oxidase study
Authors: Saha Sandeepta , Biswas Niladri , Sasmal Ashok , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Garribba Eugenio , Bauza Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Pilet Guillaume , Rosair Georgina M. , Mitra Samiran , Roy Choudhury Chirantan
Published: September 2018

Two new polymeric Cu(ii) compounds with significant catecholase activity are described.
A new salicylaldehyde-based azo dye and its two lanthanide(iii) complexes displaying slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: He Jian-Qiang , Xie Shang-Fang , Lai Bi-Lin , Yang Meng , Chen Wen-Bin , Zhang Yi-Quan , Dong Wen
Published: September 2018

A new salicylaldehyde-based azo dye 5-azotriazolyl-3-methoxysalicylaldehyde (H2TMSA) displaying pH-dependent azo-hydrazone tautomerism and its two Ln3+ complexes displaying slow magnetic relaxation were reported.
Mechanisms of the polyol reduction of copper(ii) salts depending on the anion type and diol chain length
Authors: Teichert Johannes , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: September 2018

Systematic experiments were carried out to identify the main factors influencing the polyol reduction of copper(ii) compounds to elemental copper.
Crosslinking chemistry of poly(vinylmethyl-co-methyl)silazanes toward low-temperature formable preceramic polymers as precursors of functional aluminium-modified Si–C–N ceramics
Authors: Fonblanc Diane , Lopez-Ferber David , Wynn Mélanie , Lale Abhijeet , Soleilhavoup Anne , Leriche Anne , Iwamoto Yuji , Rossignol Fabrice , Gervais Christel , Bernard Samuel
Published: September 2018

Study of the crosslinking chemistry of liquid polysilazanes with alane hydride-based complex.
All inorganic coordination polymers have been made possible with them-carboranylphosphinate ligand
Authors: Oleshkevich Elena , Romero Isabel , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara
Published: September 2018

All inorganic coordination polymers (CPs) of MnII, CdIIand ZnIIhave been achieved by using purely inorganicm-carboranylphosphinate ligands as a versatile building block bridging each of the two metal centres. The first described CdIIpolymer with phosphinate ligands is reported in this work.
Impact of oxide and electrode materials on the switching characteristics of oxide ReRAM devices
Authors: Ambrosi Elia , Bricalli Alessandro , Laudato Mario , Ielmini Daniele
Published: September 2018

We compare SiOx and HfO2 ReRAM technologies with fixed C and Ti electrodes to understand the role played by the switching layer.
Di-ionic multifunctional porous organic frameworks for efficient CO2 fixation under mild and co-catalyst free conditions
Authors: Ma Dingxuan , Li Jixin , Liu Kang , Li Baiyan , Li Chunguang , Shi Zhan
Published: September 2018

A series of di-ionic multifunctional POF heterogeneous catalysts were reported for CO2 conversion under mild and co-catalyst free conditions.
Translating solid state organic synthesis from a mixer mill to a continuous twin screw extruder
Authors: Cao Qun , Howard Joseph L. , Crawford Deborah E. , James Stuart L. , Browne Duncan L.
Published: September 2018

A study on the translation of a solid-state fluorination reaction from a mechanochemical mixer-mill to a continuous twin-screw extruder is discussed herein.
Environmentally benign indole-catalyzed position-selective halogenation of thioarenes and other aromatics
Authors: Shi Yao , Ke Zhihai , Yeung Ying-Yeung
Published: September 2018

Position-selective halogenation of thioarenes and a wide range of aromatics using a highly lipophilic indole organocatalyst has been developed.
Integrative proteomics and metabolomics analysis reveals the toxicity of cationic liposomes to human normal hepatocyte cell line L02
Authors: Yu Jing , Chen Jun , Zhao Hongxia , Gao Jie , Li Ying , Li Yang , Xue Jiyang , Dahan Arik , Sun Duxin , Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Hai
Published: September 2018

Changes in the expression of proteins and profiles of metabolites in L02 cells were investigated after exposure to CLs based on the iTRAQ and UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and proteomics data were coupled with metabolomics data to comprehensively assess the potential toxicity mechanisms of CLs.
Cyclometallated Au(iii) dithiocarbamate complexes: synthesis, anticancer evaluation and mechanistic studies
Authors: Williams Morwen R. M. , Bertrand Benoît , Hughes David L. , Waller Zoë A. E. , Schmidt Claudia , Ott Ingo , O’Connell Maria , Searcey Mark , Bochmann Manfred
Published: September 2018

Investigations of the mechanism of action of cyclometallated Au(iii) dithiocarbamate complexes highlighting new possible targets.
One-step highly selective borylation/Suzuki cross-coupling of two distinct aryl bromides in pure water
Authors: Xu Shan Dong , Sun Fang Zhou , Deng Wei Hang , Hao Han , Duan Xin Hong
Published: September 2018

A one-step borylation/Suzuki cross-coupling of two distinct aryl bromides by Na2PdCl4catalysis mediated by B2(OH)4was developed in pure water, allowing the synthesis of various biaryls and heterobiaryls.
In situ analysis of the adsorption behaviors of CO2 on the surface of MIL-91(Al)
Authors: Kong Zhaoni , Niu Zhaodong , He Liang , Chen Qiuling , Zhou Lingling , Cheng Yongwei , Guan Qingqing
Published: September 2018

We have successfully synthesized layered MIL-91(Al) via a reflux method and investigated the adsorption behaviors of CO2 on its surface.
Optimized single-layer MoS2 field-effect transistors by non-covalent functionalisation
Authors: Kim HyunJeong , Kim WungYeon , O'Brien Maria , McEvoy Niall , Yim Chanyoung , Marcia Mario , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas , Kim Gyu-Tae , Duesberg Georg S.
Published: September 2018

High mobility, fully encapsulated field-effect transistors with non-covalently functionalised molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) channels grown by chemical vapour deposition are reported.
Robust Buchwald–Hartwig amination enabled by ball-milling
Authors: Cao Qun , Nicholson William I. , Jones Andrew C. , Browne Duncan L.
Published: September 2018

An operationally simple mechanochemical method for the Pd catalysed Buchwald–Hartwig amination of arylhalides with secondary amines has been developed using a Pd PEPPSI catalyst system.
Ru-Catalyzed dehydrogenative synthesis of antimalarial arylidene oxindoles
Authors: Bisht Girish Singh , Pandey Akanksha M. , Chaudhari Moreshwar B. , Agalave Sandip G. , Kanyal Abhishek , Karmodiya Krishanpal , Gnanaprakasam Boopathy
Published: September 2018

Ru(ii)-NHC catalyzes α-olefination of 2-oxindole via dehydrogenative coupling of 2-oxindole and diaryl methanol to generate selectively antimalarial 3-(diphenylmethylene)indolin-2-one derivatives.
Dual function of amino acid ionic liquids (Bmim[AA]) on the degradation of the organophosphorus pesticide, Paraoxon®
Authors: Morales Javiera I. , Figueroa Roberto , Rojas Mabel , Millán Daniela , Tapia Ricardo A. , Pavez Paulina
Published: September 2018

The degradation of Paraoxon using Bmim[AA] ILs, is reached with a higher efficiency and without an extra nucleophile.
Acidolysis-dominated pretreatment elevates distillation yield and impacts composition, antioxidant and antifungal activities of essential oil from Cuminum cyminum seeds
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Qin Qiang , Ding Ruojun , Xia Yibing , Xiong Libo , Bi Yang , Prusky Dov
Published: September 2018

Proper acidolysis-dominated pretreatment elevates distillation yield and impacts composition, antioxidant and antifungal activities of essential oil from Cuminum cyminum seeds.
BiOBr hybrids for organic pollutant removal by the combined treatments of adsorption and photocatalysis
Authors: Yu Yichang , Li Chengjun , Huang Shoushuang , Hu Zhangjun , Chen Zhiwen , Gao Hongwen
Published: September 2018

The xSiO2–BiOBr (x = 0–5) and SN–SiO2–BiOBr hybrids were synthesized via a facile one step co-precipitation method.
Photosensitizer-loaded biomimetic platform for multimodal imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy
Authors: Tian Ying , Zhao Ying , Liu Wenfei , Liu Ying , Tang Yuxia , Teng Zhaogang , Zhang Chunni , Wang Shouju , Lu Guangming
Published: September 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted much attention as a strategy for tumor therapy.
Electrolyte and pH-sensitive amphiphilic alginate: synthesis, self-assembly and controlled release of acetamiprid
Authors: Tang Yiyuan , Chen Kai , Li Jiacheng , Feng Yuhong , Yu Gaobo , Wang Longzheng , Zhao Xinyu , Peng Yang , Zhang Quan
Published: September 2018

Schematic of Ugi-Alg aggregation in aqueous solution of different NaCl concentrations and pH values.
Niobium phosphotungstates: excellent solid acid catalysts for the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural under mild conditions
Authors: Qiu Guo , Wang Xincheng , Huang Chongpin , Li Yingxia , Chen Biaohua
Published: September 2018

A 5-HMF yield of 96.7% was obtained over an excellent heterogeneous catalyst NbPW-06 in DMSO at 80 °C.
Chemical bond parameters, bond energy and the local crystal sites of Eu3+ in Ca5(BO3)3F:1% Eu3+ phosphor
Authors: Zhu Yuhan , Pan Yu , Wang Wenjun , Xu Haibing , Zhou Liqun , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Ling
Published: September 2018

The coordination environment mechanism of Ca1 (or Eu1), Ca2 (or Eu2), Ca3 (or Eu3) in Ca5(BO3)3F:1% Eu.
In situ combined analysis of gases and electrochemical signals of an activated carbon-based supercapacitor at 2.7–4 V
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Zhou , Zhang ZhiAn
Published: September 2018

Charging supercapacitors with high purity activated carbon provided different gas information and suggested the decomposition of salt prior to the solvent (PC).
From grass to battery anode: agricultural biomass hemp-derived carbon for lithium storage
Authors: Um Ji Hyun , Ahn Chi-Yeong , Kim Jinsoo , Jeong Mihee , Sung Yung-Eun , Cho Yong-Hun , Kim Seung-Soo , Yoon Won-Sub
Published: September 2018

Hemp-derived carbon was prepared by physical activation using only steam, and directly applied as an electrode for lithium storage.