bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mGlu1 Receptors Monopolize the Synaptic Control of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells by Epigenetically Down-Regulating mGlu5 Receptors
Authors: Notartomaso Serena , Nakao Harumi , Mascio Giada , Scarselli Pamela , Cannella Milena , Zappulla Cristina , Madonna Michele , Motolese Marta , Gradini Roberto , Liberatore Francesca , Zonta Micaela , Carmignoto Giorgio , Battaglia Giuseppe , Bruno Valeria , Watanabe Masahiko , Aiba Atsu , Nicoletti Ferdinando
Published: August 2018

In cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) type-1 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu1) receptors play a key role in motor learning and drive the refinement of synaptic innervation during postnatal development. The cognate mGlu5 receptor is absent in mature PCs and shows low expression levels in the adult cerebellar cortex. Here we found that mGlu5 receptors were heavily expressed by PCs in the early postnatal life, when mGlu1α receptors were barely detectable. The developmental decline of mGlu5 receptors coincided with the appearance of mGlu1α receptors in PCs, and both processes were associated with specular changes in CpG methylation in the corresponding gene promoters. It was the mGlu1 receptor that drove the elimination of mGlu5 receptors from PCs, as shown by data obtained with conditional mGlu1α receptor knockout mice and with targeted pharmacological treatments during critical developmental time windows. The suppressing activity of mGlu1 receptors on mGlu5 receptor was maintained in mature PCs, suggesting that expression of mGlu1α and mGlu5 receptors is mutually exclusive in PCs. These findings add complexity to the the finely tuned mechanisms that regulate PC biology during development and in the adult life and lay the groundwork for an in-depth analysis of the role played by mGlu5 receptors in PC maturation.
High Trapped Fields in C-doped MgB2 Bulk Superconductors Fabricated by Infiltration and Growth Process
Authors: Bhagurkar A. G. , Yamamoto A. , Wang L. , Xia M. , Dennis A. R. , Durrell J. H. , Aljohani T. A. , Babu N. H. , Cardwell D. A.
Published: August 2018

The grain boundaries in superconducting MgB2 are known to form effective magnetic flux pinning sites and, consequently, bulk MgB2 containing a fine-grain microstructure fabricated from nanoscale Mg and B precursor powders exhibits good magnetic field-trapping performance below 20 K. We report here that the trapped field of MgB2 bulk superconductors fabricated by an infiltration and growth process to yield a dense, pore-free microstructure, can be enhanced significantly by carbon-doping, which increases intra-band scattering within the superconducting grains. A maximum trapped field of 4.15 T has been measured at 7.5 K at the centre of a five-sample stack of Mg(B1−xiCxi)2 bulk superconductors processed by infiltration and growth, which not only represents a ~40% increase in trapped field observed compared to undoped bulk MgB2, but also is the highest trapped field reported to date in MgB2 samples processed under ambient pressure. The trapped field is observed to decay at a rate of <2%/day at 10 K, which suggests that bulk MgB2 superconductors fabricated using the infiltration and growth technique can be used potentially to generate stable, high magnetic fields for a variety of engineering applications.
Targeted enrichment outperforms other enrichment techniques and enables more multi-species RNA-Seq analyses
Authors: Chung Matthew , Teigen Laura , Liu Hong , Libro Silvia , Shetty Amol , Kumar Nikhil , Zhao Xuechu , Bromley Robin E. , Tallon Luke J. , Sadzewicz Lisa , Fraser Claire M. , Rasko David A. , Filler Scott G. , Foster Jeremy M. , Michalski Michelle L. , Bruno Vincent M. , Dunning Hotopp Julie C.
Published: August 2018

Enrichment methodologies enable the analysis of minor members in multi-species transcriptomic data. We compared the standard enrichment of bacterial and eukaryotic mRNA to a targeted enrichment using an Agilent SureSelect (AgSS) capture for Brugia malayi, Aspergillus fumigatus, and the Wolbachia endosymbiont of B. malayi (wBm). Without introducing significant systematic bias, the AgSS quantitatively enriched samples, resulting in more reads mapping to the target organism. The AgSS-enriched libraries consistently had a positive linear correlation with their unenriched counterparts (r2 = 0.559–0.867). Up to a 2,242-fold enrichment of RNA from the target organism was obtained following a power law (r2 = 0.90), with the greatest fold enrichment achieved in samples with the largest ratio difference between the major and minor members. While using a single total library for prokaryote and eukaryote enrichment from a single RNA sample could be beneficial for samples where RNA is limiting, we observed a decrease in reads mapping to protein coding genes and an increase in multi-mapping reads to rRNAs in AgSS enrichments from eukaryotic total RNA libraries compared to eukaryotic poly(A)-enriched libraries. Our results support a recommendation of using AgSS targeted enrichment on poly(A)-enriched libraries for eukaryotic captures, and total RNA libraries for prokaryotic captures, to increase the robustness of multi-species transcriptomic studies.
Small noncoding RNA profiles along alternative developmental trajectories in an annual killifish
Authors: Romney Amie L. T. , Podrabsky Jason E.
Published: August 2018

Embryonic development of Austrofundulus limnaeus can occur along two phenotypic trajectories that are physiologically and biochemically distinct. Phenotype appears to be influenced by maternal provisioning based on the observation that young females produce predominately non-diapausing embryos and older females produce mostly diapausing embryos. Embryonic incubation temperature can override this pattern and alter trajectory. We hypothesized that temperature-induced phenotypic plasticity may be regulated by post-transcriptional modification via noncoding RNAs. As a first step to exploring this possibility, RNA-seq was used to generate transcriptomic profiles of small noncoding RNAs in embryos developing along the two alternative trajectories. We find distinct profiles of mature sequences belonging to the miR-10 family expressed in increasing abundance during development and mature sequences of miR-430 that follow the opposite pattern. Furthermore, miR-430 sequences are enriched in escape trajectory embryos. MiR-430 family members are known to target maternally provisioned mRNAs in zebrafish and may operate similarly in A. limnaeus in the context of normal development, and also by targeting trajectory-specific mRNAs. This expression pattern and function for miR-430 presents a potentially novel model for maternal-embryonic conflict in gene regulation that provides the embryo the ability to override maternal programming in the face of altered environmental conditions.
Anti-corrosive and oil sensitive coatings based on epoxy/polyaniline/magnetite-clay composites through diazonium interfacial chemistry
Authors: Jlassi Khouloud , Radwan A. Bahgat , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Mrlik Miroslav , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Krupa Igor
Published: August 2018

Epoxy polymer nanocomposites filled with magnetite (Fe3O4) clay (B), named (B-DPA-PANI@Fe3O4) have been prepared at different filler loading (0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, 5 wt. %). The surface modification of clay by polyaniline (PANI) is achieved in the presence of 4-diphenylamine diazonium salt (DPA). The effects of the nanofiller loading on Tensile, mechanical and dielectric properties were systematically studied. Improved properties was highlighted for all reinforced samples. The addition of only 3 wt. % of the filler enhanced the tensile strength of the composites by 256%, and the glass transition temperature Tg by 37%. The dielectric spectra over a broad frequency showed a robust interface between the hybrid (B-DPA-PANI@Fe3O4) fillers and epoxy matrix. The results showed most significant improvement in corrosion inhibition using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5 wt % NaCl, as well as a significant response in oil sensing test. High charge transfer resistance of 110 × 106 Ω.cm2 using 3-wt % of filler was noted compared to 0.35 × 106 Ω.cm2 for the pure epoxy. The results obtained herein will open new routes for the preparation of efficient anticorrosion sensor coatings.
Polarity of CD4+ T cells towards the antigen presenting cell is regulated by the Lck adapter TSAd
Authors: Abrahamsen Greger , Sundvold-Gjerstad Vibeke , Habtamu Meseret , Bogen Bjarne , Spurkland Anne
Published: August 2018

Polarization of T cells towards the antigen presenting cell (APC) is critically important for appropriate activation and differentiation of the naïve T cell. Here we used imaging flow cytometry (IFC) and show that the activation induced Lck and Itk adapter T cell specific adapter protein (TSAd), encoded by SH2D2A, modulates polarization of T cells towards the APC. Upon exposure to APC presenting the cognate antigen Id, Sh2d2a−/− CD4+ T cells expressing Id-specific transgenic T cell receptor (TCR), displayed impaired polarization of F-actin and TCR to the immunological synapse (IS). Sh2d2a−/− T-cells that did polarize F-actin and TCR still displayed impaired polarization of PKCξ, PAR3 and the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). In vitro differentiation of activated Sh2d2a−/− T cells was skewed towards an effector memory (Tem) rather than a central memory (Tcm) phenotype. A similar trend was observed for Id-specific TCR Sh2d2a−/− T cells stimulated with APC and cognate antigen. Taken together our data suggest that TSAd modulates differentiation of experienced T cells possibly through polarization of CD4+ T cells towards the APC.
Searching the second hit in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies and monoallelic variants in ABCA4, USH2A and CEP290 by whole-gene targeted sequencing
Authors: González-del Pozo María , Martín-Sánchez Marta , Bravo-Gil Nereida , Méndez-Vidal Cristina , Chimenea Ángel , Rodríguez-de la Rúa Enrique , Borrego Salud , Antiñolo Guillermo
Published: August 2018

Inherited Retinal Dystrophies are clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders affecting the photoreceptors. Although NGS has shown to be helpful for the molecular diagnosis of these conditions, some cases remain unsolved. Among these, several individuals harboured monoallelic variants in a recessive gene, suggesting that a comprehensive screening could improve the overall diagnosis. In order to assess the contribution of non-coding variations in a cohort of 29 patients, 25 of them with monoallelic mutations, we performed targeted NGS. The design comprised the entire genomic sequence of three genes (USH2A, ABCA4 and CEP290), the coding exons of 76 genes and two disease-associated intronic regions in OFD1 and PRPF31. As a result, likely causative mutations (8 novel) were identified in 17 probands (diagnostic rate: 58.62%), including two copy-number variations in USH2A (one deletion of exons 22–55 and one duplication of exons 46–47). Possibly damaging deep-intronic mutations were identified in one family, and another with a monoallelic variant harboured causal mutations in a different locus. In conclusion, due to the high prevalence of carriers of IRD mutations and the results obtained here, sequencing entire genes do not seem to be the approach of choice for detecting the second hit in IRD patients with monoallelic variants.
Viral communities associated with porcine respiratory disease complex in intensive commercial farms in Sichuan province, China
Authors: Qin Sinan , Ruan Wenqiang , Yue Hua , Tang Cheng , Zhou Kelei , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2018

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC), a common piglet disease, causes substantive economic losses in pig farming. To investigate the viral diversity associated with PRDC, the viral communities in serum and nasal swabs from 26 PRDC-affected piglets were investigated using metagenomics. By deep sequencing and de novo assembly, 17 viruses were identified in two pooled libraries (16 viruses from serum, nine from nasal swabs). Porcine circovirus (PCV)-2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and pseudorabies virus, all commonly associated with PRDC, were identified in the two pooled samples by metagenomics, but most viruses comprised small linear and circular DNAs (e.g. parvoviruses, bocaviruses and circoviruses). PCR was used to compare the detection rates of each virus in the serum samples from 36 PRDC-affected piglets versus 38 location-matched clinically healthy controls. The average virus category per sample was 6.81 for the PRDC-affected piglets and 4.09 for the controls. Single or co-infections with PCV-2 or PRRSV had very high detection rates in the PRDC-affected piglets. Interestingly, porcine parvovirus (PPV)-2, PPV-3, PPV-6 and torque teno sus virus 1a were significantly associated with PRDC. These results illustrate the complexity of viral communities in the PRDC-affected piglets and highlight the candidate viruses associated with it.
Periodontal status and lung function decline in the community: the Hisayama study
Authors: Takeuchi Kenji , Matsumoto Koichiro , Furuta Michiko , Fukuyama Satoru , Takeshita Toru , Ogata Hiroaki , Suma Shino , Shibata Yukie , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Hata Jun , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Nakanishi Yoichi , Inoue Hiromasa , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to determine whether periodontal status is related to a decline in lung function in a general Japanese population. We followed a total of 1,650 community-dwelling individuals (≥40 years) without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with at least one teeth, for 3 years. Periodontal status was assessed at baseline by clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) at two sites for each tooth, and the mean values were calculated for each subject. Lung function was measured at baseline and follow-up using spirometry, and longitudinal decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was calculated. Multivariate Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate risk ratio (RR). After adjusting for potential confounders including smoking status, there was a tendency for the adjusted RR of developing rapid lung function decline (≥160 mL/3years, the highest quartile of the distribution of FEV1 declines) to increase as mean CAL levels increased (P trend = 0.039). Likewise, a positive association was observed between mean PPD levels and RR of developing rapid lung function decline (P trend = 0.047). Our findings suggest deterioration of periodontal status could be a risk factor for rapid lung function decline in the general Japanese population.
Association of Kidney Function with Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: An Electronic Medical Record Analysis
Authors: Su Guobin , Xu Hong , Riggi Emilia , He Zhiren , Lu Liming , Lindholm Bengt , Marrone Gaetano , Wen Zehuai , Liu Xusheng , Johnson David W. , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby
Published: August 2018

Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat. High prevalences of colonization and infection with multi-drug resistance organisms (MDROs) have been reported in patients undergoing dialysis. It is unknown if this finding extends to patients with mild and moderate/severe kidney disease. An observational study included all adult incident patients hospitalized with a discharge diagnosis of infection in four hospitals from Guangzhou, China. Inclusion criteria: Serum creatinine measurement at admission together with microbial culture confirmed infections. Exclusion criterion: Undergoing renal replacement therapy. Four categories of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared: eGFR ≥ 105, 60–104 (reference), 30–59, and <30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The odds ratio of MDROs, defined as specific pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.) resistant to three or more antibiotic classes, were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression model across eGFR strata. Of 94,445 total microbial culture records, 7,288 first positive cultures matched to infection diagnosis were selected. Among them, 5,028 (68.9%) were potential MDROs. The odds of infections by MDROs was 19% and 41% higher in those with eGFR between 30–59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR): 1.19, 95% CI:1.02–1.38, P = 0.022) and eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI:1.12–1.78, P = 0.004), respectively. Patients with impaired renal function have a higher risk of infections by MDROs. Kidney dysfunction at admission may be an indicator for need of closer attention to microbial culture results requiring subsequent change of antibiotics.
Overexpression of BoNAC019, a NAC transcription factor from Brassica oleracea, negatively regulates the dehydration response and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Lian Weiran , Cao Yunyun , Wang Xiaoyun , Wang Gongle , Qi Chuandong , Liu Lun , Qin Sijia , Yuan Xiaowei , Li Xingsheng , Ren Shuxin , Guo Yang-Dong
Published: August 2018

NACs are one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and are involved in the response to abiotic stress. BoNAC019, a homologue of AtNAC019, was isolated from cabbage (Brassica oleracea). BoNAC019 was localized in the nucleus and functioned as a transcriptional activator. The expression of BoNAC019 was induced by dehydration, salt, abscisic acid (ABA), and H2O2 treatments. BoNAC019 overexpressing plants were generated to explore the function of BoNAC019 in response to drought stress. Overexpression (OE) of BoNAC019 reduced drought tolerance with lower survival rate, higher water loss rate, lower proline content and ABA content. The seed germination and root length assays of BoNAC019-OE plants showed decreased sensitivity to ABA. Under drought condition, antioxidant enzymes and anthocyanin content decreased in BoNAC019 -OE plants, resulting in the accumulation of more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to plants. Several stress-responsive genes, antioxidant enzymatic genes, anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and ABA signaling genes were down-regulated under drought condition while the ABA catabolism genes were induced in BoNAC019-OE plants under both normal and drought conditions. Our results demonstrated that BoNAC019 might participated in regulating drought tolerance by inducing ABA catabolism genes and decreasing ABA content.
Impaired microcirculation after subarachnoid hemorrhage in an in vivo animal model
Authors: Wang Kuo-Chuan , Tang Sung-Chun , Lee Jing-Er , Tsai Jui-Chang , Lai Dar-Ming , Lin Wei-Chou , Lin Chih-Peng , Tu Yong-Kwang , Hsieh Sung-Tsang
Published: August 2018

The influence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on brain microcirculation has not yet been systematically investigated. We established an animal model to examine (1) the brain surface microcirculation (2) the influences of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from aneurysmal SAH on the brain surface microcirculation. A rat SAH model was induced by injection of autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magnum, and the brain surface microcirculation was evaluated by a capillary videoscope with craniotomy at the fronto-parietal region. CSF from SAH rats and SAH patients was applied on the brain surface of naïve rats to assess the resulting microcirculatory changes. In the SAH rats, diffuse constriction of cortical arterioles within 24 hours of SAH was observed. Similar patterns of microcirculation impairment were induced on normal rat brain surfaces via application of CSF from SAH rats and SAH patients. Furthermore, the proportion of subjects with arteriolar vasoconstriction was significantly higher in the group of SAH patients with delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND) than in those without DIND (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated impaired microcirculation on brain surface arterioles in a rat model of SAH. CSF from SAH rats and patients was responsible for impairment of brain surface microcirculation.
Recoil-proton track imaging as a new way for neutron spectrometry measurements
Authors: Hu Jing , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Zhongbing , Chen Liang , Guo Yuhang , He Shiyi , Xu Mengxuan , Zhou Leidang , Yao Zhiming , Yuan Xingqiu , Zhang Qingmin , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: August 2018

Recoil-proton track imaging (RPTI) is an attractive technique to optically record the tracks of recoil protons in scintillation gas by using realtime imaging devices. For the first time, its use as an online nuclear track detector for neutron spectrometry measurements (NSM) is explored. Based on the RPTI methodology for NSM, a very basic detector system is designed, consisting of the neutron-to-proton recoil system and proton track imaging system. Satisfactory performance of the RPTI neutron spectrometer has been examined with a series of Monte Carlo simulations. Moreover, using well-defined line-proton sources from a tandem accelerator, the capability of the detector for imaging proton tracks at the single-particle level in real time has been validated in preliminary experiments. From the clear single proton tracks in the images, the proton ranges were easily distinguished, and precise proton energy spectra were unfolded, laying a solid experimental foundation for the future implementation of NSM.
Biocontrol characteristics of the fruit fly pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) emerging from different hosts
Authors: Chen Jiani , Zhou Sicong , Wang Ying , Shi Min , Chen Xuexin , Huang Jianhua
Published: August 2018

Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) is an important pupal endoparasitoid of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and some other fruit fly species, such as D. suzukii, a very important invasive and economic pest. Studies of T. drosophilae suggest that this could be a good biological control agent for fruit fly pests. In this research, we compared the parasitic characteristics of T. drosophilae reared in D. melanogaster (TDm) with those reared in D. hydei (TDh). TDh had a larger size than TDm. The number of maximum mature eggs of a female TDh was 133.6 ± 6.9, compared with the significantly lower value of 104.8 ± 11.4 for TDm. Mated TDh female wasp continuously produced female offspring up to 6 days after mating, compared with only 3 days for TDm. In addition, the offspring female ratio of TDh, i.e., 82.32%, was significantly higher than that of TDm, i.e., 61.37%. Under starvation treatment, TDh survived longer than TDm. TDh also survived longer than TDm at high temperatures, such as 37 °C, although they both survived well at low temperatures, such as 18 °C and 4 °C. Old-age TDh females maintained a high parasitism rate and offspring female ratio, while they were declined in old-age TDm. Overall, TDh had an advantage in terms of body size, fecundity, stress resistance ability and the parasitism rate compared with TDm. Therefore, T. drosophilae from D. hydei could improve biocontrol efficacy with enormous economic benefits in the field, especially in the control of many frugivorous Drosophilidae species worldwide.
Habitat environments impacted the gut microbiome of long-distance migratory swan geese but central species conserved
Authors: Wu Yueni , Yang Yuzhan , Cao Lei , Yin Huaqun , Xu Meiying , Wang Zhujun , Liu Yangying , Wang Xin , Deng Ye
Published: August 2018

The gut microbime plays an important role in the health of wild animals. This microbial community could be altered by habitat pollution and other human activities that threaten the host organisms. Here, we satellite-tracked a flock of swan geese (Anser cygnoides) migrating from their breeding area (Khukh Lake, Mongolia), with low levels of human activity, to their wintering area (Poyang Lake, China) which has been heavily impacted by human activities. Twenty fecal samples were collected from each site. High-throughput sequencing of 16S and ITS was employed to explore bacterial and fungal composition and diversity of their gut microbiome. Although general composition, alpha-diversity, functional prediction, and the central taxa in the phylogenetic networks showed some similarities between the two habitats, significant divergences were detected in terms of beta-diversity, species abundances, and interaction network topologies. In addition, disease-related and xenobiotic biodegradation pathways, and pathogenic bacteria were significantly increased in bacterial communities from samples at Poyang Lake. Our results reveal that the gut microbiome of swan geese, while somewhat altered after long-distance migration, still maintained a core group of species. We also show that habitat environmental stress could impact these gut microbial communities, suggesting that habitat pollution could indirectly threaten wild animals by altering their gut microbiome.
Spatial-temporal dynamics of carbon emissions and carbon sinks in economically developed areas of China: a case study of Guangdong Province
Authors: Pei Jie , Niu Zheng , Wang Li , Song Xiao-Peng , Huang Ni , Geng Jing , Wu Yan-Bin , Jiang Hong-Hui
Published: August 2018

This study analysed spatial-temporal dynamics of carbon emissions and carbon sinks in Guangdong Province, South China. The methodology was based on land use/land cover data interpreted from continuous high-resolution satellite images and energy consumption statistics, using carbon emission/sink factor method. The results indicated that: (1) From 2005 to 2013, different land use/land cover types in Guangdong experienced varying degrees of change in area, primarily the expansion of built-up land and shrinkage of forest land and grassland; (2) Total carbon emissions increased sharply, from 76.11 to 140.19 TgC yr−1 at the provincial level, with an average annual growth rate of 10.52%, while vegetation carbon sinks declined slightly, from 54.52 to 53.20 TgC yr−1. Both factors showed significant regional differences, with Pearl River Delta and North Guangdong contributing over 50% to provincial carbon emissions and carbon sinks, respectively; (3) Correlation analysis showed social-economic factors (GDP per capita and permanent resident population) have significant positive impacts on carbon emissions at the provincial and city levels; (4) The relationship between economic growth and carbon emission intensity suggests that carbon emission efficiency in Guangdong improves with economic growth. This study provides new insight for Guangdong to achieve carbon reduction goals and realize low-carbon development.
Aluminum plasmonic waveguides co-integrated with Si3N4 photonics using CMOS processes
Authors: Dabos George , Manolis Athanasios , Tsiokos Dimitris , Ketzaki Dimitra , Chatzianagnostou Evangelia , Markey Laurent , Rusakov Dmitrii , Weeber Jean-Claude , Dereux Alain , Giesecke Anna-Lena , Porschatis Caroline , Wahlbrink Thorsten , Chmielak Bartos , Pleros Nikos
Published: August 2018

Co-integrating CMOS plasmonics and photonics became the “sweet spot” to hit in order to combine their benefits and allow for volume manufacturing of plasmo-photonic integrated circuits. Plasmonics can naturally interface photonics with electronics while offering strong mode confinement, enabling in this way on-chip data interconnects when tailored to single-mode waveguides, as well as high-sensitivity biosensors when exposing Surface-Plasmon-Polariton (SPP) modes in aqueous environment. Their synergy with low-loss photonics can tolerate the high plasmonic propagation losses in interconnect applications, offering at the same time a powerful portfolio of passive photonic functions towards avoiding the use of bulk optics for SPP excitation and facilitating compact biosensor setups. The co-integration roadmap has to proceed, however, over the utilization of fully CMOS compatible material platforms and manufacturing processes in order to allow for a practical deployment route. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time Aluminum plasmonic waveguides co-integrated with Si3N4 photonics using CMOS manufacturing processes. We validate the data carrying credentials of CMOS plasmonics with 25 Gb/s data traffic and we confirm successful plasmonic propagation in both air and water-cladded waveguide configurations. This platform can potentially fuel the deployment of co-integrated plasmonic and photonic structures using CMOS processes for biosensing and on-chip interconnect applications.
Convergence of sensory and limbic noxious input into the anterior insula and the emergence of pain from nociception
Authors: Bastuji Hélène , Frot Maud , Perchet Caroline , Hagiwara Koichi , Garcia-Larrea Luis
Published: August 2018

Two parallel di-synaptic routes convey nociceptive input to the telencephalon: the spino-thalamic system projecting principally to the posterior insula, and the spino-parabrachial pathway reaching the amygdalar nucleus. Interplay between the two systems underlies the sensory and emotional aspects of pain, and was explored here in humans with simultaneous recordings from the amygdala, posterior and anterior insulae. Onsets of thermo-nociceptive responses were virtually identical in the posterior insula and the amygdalar complex, but no significant functional connectivity was detected between them using coherence analysis. Anterior insular sectors responded with ~30 ms delay relative to both the posterior insula and the amygdala. While intra-insular functional correlation was significant during the whole analysis period, coherence between the anterior insula and the amygdala became significant after 700 ms of processing. Phase lags indicated information transfer initially directed from the amygdalar complex to the insula. Parallel but independent activation of sensory and limbic nociceptive networks appear to converge in the anterior insula in less than one second. While the anterior insula is often considered as providing input into the limbic system, our results underscore its reverse role, i.e., receiving and integrating very rapidly limbic with sensory input, to initiate a perceptual decision on the stimulus ‘painfulness’.
Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in Eyes with an Anterior Chamber Depth of Less Than 3 mm: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Shimizu Kimiya , Igarashi Akihito , Kitazawa Yoshihiro , Kojima Takashi , Nakamura Tomoaki , Ichikawa Kazuo
Published: August 2018

This study was aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of Visian ICL (hole ICL; STAAR Surgical, Inc.) implantation for the correction of myopic refractive errors in eyes having an anterior chamber depth (ACD) below the current manufacturer’s recommendation (<3.0 mm). We comprised 365 eyes of 201 consecutive patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 35.7 ± 7.5 years) with spherical equivalents of −8.66 ± 3.54 D. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and complications. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.12 ± 0.22 and 0.98 ± 0.22. At 1 year, 90% and 98% of eyes were within ± 0.5 and 1.0 D of the attempted correction, respectively. Changes in the manifest refraction from 1 week to 1 year postoperatively were −0.08 ± 0.34 D. The mean ECD loss was 0.2 ± 8.7%. No eyes showed a significant ECD loss (≥30%). We found no significant correlation between the ACD and the change in ECD (Pearson correlation coefficient r = −0.048, p = 0.360). No significant IOP rise or vision-threatening complication occurred at any time. These findings indicate that the surgical indication of ICL implantation should be reconsidered in terms of ACD.
Genomic analysis reveals genes affecting distinct phenotypes among different Chinese and western pig breeds
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Xiao Qian , Zhang Qian-qian , Sun Hao , Chen Jiu-cheng , Li Zheng-cao , Xue Ming , Ma Pei-pei , Yang Hong-jie , Xu Ning-ying , Wang Qi-shan , Pan Yu-chun
Published: August 2018

The differences in artificial and natural selection have been some of the factors contributing to phenotypic diversity between Chinese and western pigs. Here, 830 individuals from western and Chinese pig breeds were genotyped using the reduced-representation genotyping method. First, we identified the selection signatures for different pig breeds. By comparing Chinese pigs and western pigs along the first principal component, the growth geneIGF1R; the immune genesIL1R1,IL1RL1,DUSP10,RAC3andSWAP70; the meat quality-related geneSNORA50and the olfactory geneOR1F1were identified as candidate differentiated targets. Further, along a principal component separating Pudong White pigs from others, a potential causal gene for coat colour (EDNRB) was discovered. In addition, the divergent signatures evaluated byFstwithin Chinese pig breeds found genes associated with the phenotypic features of coat colour, meat quality and feed efficiency among these indigenous pigs. Second, admixture and genomic introgression analysis were performed. Shan pigs have introgressed genes from Berkshire, Yorkshire and Hongdenglong pigs. The results of introgression mapping showed that this introgression conferred adaption to the local environment and coat colour of Chinese pigs and the superior productivity of western pigs.
Predicting IDH genotype in gliomas using FET PET radiomics
Authors: Lohmann Philipp , Lerche Christoph , Bauer Elena K. , Steger Jan , Stoffels Gabriele , Blau Tobias , Dunkl Veronika , Kocher Martin , Viswanathan Shivakumar , Filss Christian P. , Stegmayr Carina , Ruge Maximillian I. , Neumaier Bernd , Shah Nadim J. , Fink Gereon R. , Langen Karl-Josef , Galldiks Norbert
Published: August 2018

Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH mut) gene have gained paramount importance for the prognosis of glioma patients. To date, reliable techniques for a preoperative evaluation of IDH genotype remain scarce. Therefore, we investigated the potential of O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) PET radiomics using textural features combined with static and dynamic parameters of FET uptake for noninvasive prediction of IDH genotype. Prior to surgery, 84 patients with newly diagnosed and untreated gliomas underwent FET PET using a standard scanner (15 of 56 patients with IDH mut) or a dedicated high-resolution hybrid PET/MR scanner (11 of 28 patients with IDH mut). Static, dynamic and textural parameters of FET uptake in the tumor area were evaluated. Diagnostic accuracy of the parameters was evaluated using the neuropathological result as reference. Additionally, FET PET and textural parameters were combined to further increase the diagnostic accuracy. The resulting models were validated using cross-validation. Independent of scanner type, the combination of standard PET parameters with textural features increased significantly diagnostic accuracy. The highest diagnostic accuracy of 93% for prediction of IDH genotype was achieved with the hybrid PET/MR scanner. Our findings suggest that the combination of conventional FET PET parameters with textural features provides important diagnostic information for the non-invasive prediction of the IDH genotype.
Streamlining volumetric multi-channel image cytometry using hue-saturation-brightness-based surface creation
Authors: Tan Yingrou , Li Jackson Liang Yao , Goh Chi Ching , Lee Bernett Teck Kwong , Kwok Immanuel Weng Han , Ng Wei Jie , Evrard Maximilien , Poidinger Michael , Tey Hong Liang , Ng Lai Guan
Published: August 2018

Image cytometry is the process of converting image data to flow cytometry-style plots, and it usually requires computer-aided surface creation to extract out statistics for cells or structures. One way of dealing with structures stained with multiple markers in three-dimensional images, is carrying out multiple rounds of channel co-localization and image masking before surface creation, which is cumbersome and laborious. We propose the application of the hue-saturation-brightness color space to streamline this process, which produces complete surfaces, and allows the user to have a global view of the data before flexibly defining cell subsets. Spectral compensation can also be performed after surface creation to accurately resolve different signals. We demonstrate the utility of this workflow in static and dynamic imaging datasets of a needlestick injury on the mouse ear, and we believe this scalable and intuitive approach will improve the ease of performing histocytometry on biological samples.
Generation and measurement of sub-micrometer relativistic electron beams
Authors: Borrelli Simona , Orlandi Gian Luca , Bednarzik Martin , David Christian , Ferrari Eugenio , Guzenko Vitaliy A. , Ozkan-Loch Cigdem , Prat Eduard , Ischebeck Rasmus
Published: August 2018

The generation of low-emittance electron beams has received significant interest in recent years. Driven by the requirements of X-ray-free electron lasers, the emittance of photocathode injectors has been reduced significantly, with corresponding increase in beam brightness. This has put increasingly stringent requirements on the instrumentation to measure the beam size. These requirements are even more stringent for novel accelerator developments, such as laser-driven accelerators based on dielectric structures or on a plasma. We present here the generation and measurement of a sub-micrometer electron beam, at a particle energy of 330 MeV, and a bunch charge below 1 pC. An electron-beam optics with a vertical β-function of a few millimeters has been setup. The beam is characterized through a wire scanner that employs a 1 μm wide metallic structure fabricated using the electron-beam lithography. The smallest (rms) transverse beam size presented here is <500 nm.
Ultrafast Electron Dynamics as a Route to Explore Chemical Processes
Authors: Kuleff Alexander I.
Published: August 2018

This chapter gives a short introduction to the theoretical foundations of molecular quantum dynamics. The basic concepts for describing quantum mechanically the correlated motion of electrons and nuclei are discussed. The emphasis is put on presenting an ab initio methodology allowing a description of the ultrafast, pure electron dynamics triggered by ionization of a molecule—a process known as charge migration. Analysis of the basic mechanisms of the correlation-driven charge migration is provided together with some explicit examples. Finally, the concept of manipulating the chemical reactivity of a molecule by controlling the initially created, pure electronic coherences by ultrashort laser pulses, or the paradigm of the ”attochemistry”, is presented and discussed.
Real-time and Real-space Time-dependent Density-functional Theory Approach to Attosecond Dynamics
Authors: de Giovannini Umberto , Castro Alberto
Published: August 2018

After the advances in strong infrared laser sources and high harmonic generation techniques, the measurement of attosecond dynamics of excited states in molecules has become a reality in many laboratories around the world. The interpretation of these novel ultrafast experiments, aiming at increasingly large molecules, poses considerable theoretical and computational challenges that can be tackled in the framework of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). In this chapter we survey the basics of TDDFT in its real-time and real-space implementation, with particular emphasis on its advantages and limitations in the description of attosecond dynamics. The applicability of this approach to simulate time-resolved absorption and photoelectron spectroscopies is covered in detail.
A novel and simple spectrophotometric method for detection of nitrite in water
Authors: Wang Huihui , Wan Nanwei , Ma Lin , Wang Zhongqiang , Cui Baodong , Han Wenyong , Chen Yongzheng
Published: August 2018

A novel spectrophotometric method is developed for the determination of nitrite by using one reagent and one step.
High-fidelity spectroscopy reconstruction in accelerated NMR
Authors: Qu Xiaobo , Qiu Tianyu , Guo Di , Lu Hengfa , Ying Jiaxi , Shen Ming , Hu Bingwen , Orekhov Vladislav , Chen Zhong
Published: August 2018

High-fidelity spectra, particularly low intensity peaks, are reconstructed for fast NMR with better rank approximation in the EnhanCed Low Rank (ECLR) method.
An integrated nanocatalyst combining enzymatic and metal–organic framework catalysts for cascade degradation of organophosphate nerve agents
Authors: Li Haibin , Ma Li , Zhou Liya , Gao Jing , Huang Zhihong , He Ying , Jiang Yanjun
Published: August 2018

An integrated nanocatalyst that combined a metal–organic framework-based catalyst and a biocatalyst was developed for cascade degradation of organophosphate nerve agents.
Constructing POSS and viologen-linked porous cationic frameworks induced by the Zincke reaction for efficient CO2 capture and conversion
Authors: Chen Guojian , Huang Xiaohui , Zhang Yadong , Sun Mengyao , Shen Jie , Huang Rui , Tong Minman , Long Zhouyang , Wang Xiaochen
Published: August 2018

POSS and viologen-linked porous cationic frameworks were constructed via the Zincke reaction towards efficient CO2 capture and conversion under ambient conditions.
Determination of the local structure of Sr2−xMxIrO4 (M = K, La) as a function of doping and temperature
Authors: Terashima Kensei , Paris Eugenio , Salas-Colera Eduardo , Simonelli Laura , Joseph Boby , Wakita Takanori , Horigane Kazumasa , Fujii Masanori , Kobayashi Kaya , Horie Rie , Akimitsu Jun , Muraoka Yuji , Yokoya Takayoshi , Saini Naurang Lal
Published: August 2018

The carrier doping effect on the local lattice structure of Sr2IrO4 has been studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements.
Revealing the role of phosphoric acid in all-vanadium redox flow batteries with DFT calculations and in situ analysis
Authors: Oldenburg Fabio Jonas , Bon Marta , Perego Daniele , Polino Daniela , Laino Teodoro , Gubler Lorenz , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: August 2018

Phosphoric acid improves the stability of vanadium redox flow battery electrolyte and enhances the kinetics of the negative electrode.
Measurement of the surface hydrophobicity of engineered nanoparticles using an atomic force microscope
Authors: Fu Wanyi , Zhang Wen
Published: August 2018

A scanning probe method based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to probe the nanoscale hydrophobicity of nanomaterials in liquid environments.
Condensed-phase low temperature heterogeneous hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol
Authors: Kothandaraman Jotheeswari , Dagle Robert A. , Dagle Vanessa Labarbier , Davidson Stephen D. , Walter Eric D. , Burton Sarah D. , Hoyt David W. , Heldebrant David J.
Published: August 2018

A low-temperature CH3OH synthesis was achieved at 120–170 °C using tertiary amine and alcohol in the presence of a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst by CO2 hydrogenation.
Well-defined Fe, Fe3C, and Fe2O3 heterostructures on carbon black: a synergistic catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Feng Wen , Liu Min , Liu Jingjun , Song Ye , Wang Feng
Published: August 2018

Constructing Fe-based composites with a smart heterostructure, by using metallic Fe, Fe3C, Fe2O3 as building blocks, may open a door to rationally designing high-active and low-cost transition metal-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Graphene aerogels that withstand extreme compressive stress and strain
Authors: Li Chenwei , Ding Meichun , Zhang Baoqing , Qiao Xin , Liu Chen-Yang
Published: August 2018

The superelastic aerogels can withstand a loading of 100 000 N for 60 min and retain their substantial elastic resilience. This loading corresponds to an ultimate compressive stress of approximately 1000 MPa and a strain of 99.8%.
Controlled etching and tapering of Au nanorods using cysteamine
Authors: Szychowski Brian , Leng Haixu , Pelton Matthew , Daniel Marie-Christine
Published: August 2018

Cysteamine has a concentration-dependent dual-role of ligand and etchant which leads to controlled etching/tapering of gold nanorods with silica coating.
Synthesis of poly(lactide-co-glycerol) as a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer with high loading capacity for dermal drug delivery
Authors: Zabihi Fatemeh , Graff Patrick , Schumacher Fabian , Kleuser Burkhard , Hedtrich Sarah , Haag Rainer
Published: August 2018

Due to the low cutaneous bioavailability of tacrolimus (TAC), penetration enhancers are used to improve its penetration into the skin.
Andrographolide inhibits human serum albumin fibril formations through site-specific molecular interactions
Authors: Basu Aalok , Bhayye Sagar , Kundu Sonia , Das Aatryee , Mukherjee Arup
Published: August 2018

Andrographolide inhibited HSA protein fibrillation through site specific interactions.
Current density distribution and optimization of the collection electrodes of a honeycomb wet electrostatic precipitator
Authors: Zheng Chenghang , Wang Yifan , Zhang Xuefeng , Yang Zhengda , Liu Shaojun , Guo Yishan , Zhang Yongxin , Wang Yi , Gao Xiang
Published: August 2018

A novel electrical parameter measurement system was designed to measure and optimize the current density distribution of wet ESPs.
A novel composite of CdS nanorods growing on a polyaniline-Cd2+ particles surface with excellent formaldehyde gas sensing properties at low temperature
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Xifeng , Mu Zonggang , Miao Jing , Wang Kun , Zhang Rui , Chen Shunquan
Published: August 2018

A novel composite, CdS nanorods growing on a polyaniline-Cd2+ particles surface (CdS/PANI) with a hexagonal wurtzite structure phase, was prepared using a hydrothermal synthesis method.
Raman characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals: phonon confinement effect and formation of CuxS phases
Authors: Havryliuk Ye. , Valakh M. Ya. , Dzhagan V. , Greshchuk O. , Yukhymchuk V. , Raevskaya A. , Stroyuk O. , Selyshchev O. , Gaponik N. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: August 2018

A Raman spectroscopic study of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals (NCs) produced by a “green” synthesis in aqueous solutions is reported.
Biofilm activity, ammonia removal and cell growth of the heterotrophic nitrifier,Acinetobactersp., facilitated by exogenousN-acyl-homoserine lactones
Authors: Wang Xiujie , Wang Weiqi , Li Yun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yang , Li Jun
Published: August 2018

In the present study, the heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification strain,Acinetobactersp. JQ1004, was treated with three typicalN-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules (C6-HSL, C8-HSL, and 3-oxo-C10-HSL) during the nitrogen removal process.
Effects of riboflavin and AQS as electron shuttles on U(vi) reduction and precipitation byShewanella putrefaciens
Authors: Wang Pingping , Dong Faqin , Wang Xuhui , Liu Mingxue , Nie Xiaoqin , Zhou Lei , Huo Tingting , Zhang Wei , Wei Hongfu
Published: August 2018

Understanding the mechanisms for electron shuttles (ESs) in microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) is important in biogeochemical cycles, bioremediation applications, as well as bioenergy strategies.
Personal journeys of teachers: an investigation of the development of teacher professional knowledge and skill by expert tertiary chemistry teachers
Authors: Lawrie Gwendolyn A. , Schultz Madeleine , Bailey Chantal H. , Dargaville Bronwin L.
Published: August 2018

Several common characteristics of the journey towards tertiary teaching expertise have been deduced through a detailed analysis of transcripts that originated from interviews conducted with ten recognised excellent tertiary chemistry teachers. The interviews were structured around Loughran's CoRe questions and yielded deep insights into the topic specific professional knowledge and reflective practice of the participants. The interview participants offered their insights into changes that occurred in their teaching strategies and practices as they progressed in their expertise. They also reflected on changes that they undertook over time within their teaching contexts in terms of engaging students and assessment, and what advice they wish that they had been given as new tertiary teachers. We have identified signposts of expert teacher professional knowledge and skill that further expand on our previously published outcomes including: seeking immediate feedback from students; a tendency to reduce total content to a critical minimum; reflective practice; and a willingness and ability to modify teaching approaches. The outcomes support our previous findings that tertiary chemistry teachers had primarily developed their PCK through their own teaching experiences and awareness of their own students’ outcomes, filtered by their individual beliefs and backgrounds. In this study, we provide new insight into the nature of inherent reflective practice that has evolved by experience rather than through formal professional development.