bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First levantine fossil murines shed new light on the earliest intercontinental dispersal of mice
Authors: López-Antoñanzas Raquel , Renaud Sabrina , Peláez-Campomanes Pablo , Azar Dany , Kachacha George , Knoll Fabien
Published: August 2019

Recent extensive field prospecting conducted in the Upper Miocene of Lebanon resulted in the discovery of several new fossiliferous localities. One of these, situated in the Zahleh area (Bekaa Valley, central Lebanon) has yielded a particularly diverse vertebrate fauna. Micromammals constitute an important part of this assemblage because not only do they represent the first Neogene rodents and insectivores from Lebanon, but they are also the only ones from the early Late Miocene of the Arabian Peninsula and circumambient areas. Analyses of the murines from Zahleh reveal that they belong to a small-sized early Progonomys, which cannot be assigned to any of the species of the genus hitherto described. They are, thereby, shown to represent a new species: Progonomys manolo. Morphometric analyses of the outline of the first upper molars of this species suggest a generalist and omnivorous diet. This record sheds new light onto a major phenomenon in the evolutionary history of rodents, which is the earliest dispersal of mice. It suggests that the arrival of murines in Africa got under way through the Levant rather than via southern Europe and was monitored by the ecological requirements of Progonomys.
Enhanced insights from human and animal host-associated molecular marker genes in a freshwater lake receiving wet weather overflows
Authors: Ahmed Warish , Payyappat Sudhi , Cassidy Michele , Besley Colin
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the magnitude of wet weather overflow (WWO)-driven sewage pollution in an urban lake (Lake Parramatta) located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Water samples were collected during a dry weather period and after two storm events, and tested for a range of novel and established sewage- [Bacteroides HF183, crAssphage CPQ_056 and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)] and animal feces-associated (Bacteroides BacCan-UCD, cowM2 and Helicobacter spp. associated GFD) microbial source tracking marker genes along with the enumeration of culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus spp. The magnitude of general and source-specific fecal pollution was low in water samples collected during dry weather compared to storm events. The levels of HF183, crAssphage and PMMoV in water samples collected during storm events were as high as 6.39, 6.33 and 5.27 log10 GC/L of water, respectively. Moderate to strong positive correlations were observed among the quantitative occurrence of sewage-associated marker genes. The concentrations of HF183 and PMMoV in most storm water samples exceeded the risk benchmark threshold values established in the literature for primary contact recreators. None of the samples tested was positive for the cowM2 (cow) marker gene, while BacCan-UCD (dog) and GFD (avian) animal-associated markers were sporadically detected in water samples collected from both dry weather and storm events. Based on the results, the ongoing advice that swimming should be avoided for several days after storm events appears appropriate. Further research to determine the decay rates of sewage-associated marker genes in relation to each other and enteric viruses would help refine current advice. Microbial source tracking approaches employed in this study provided insights into sources of contamination over currently used FIB.
Photosystem II of Ligustrum lucidum in response to different levels of manganese exposure
Authors: Liang Hui-Zi , Zhu Fan , Wang Ren-Jie , Huang Xin-Hao , Chu Jing-Jing
Published: August 2019

The toxic effect of excessive manganese (Mn) on photosystem II (PSII) of woody species remains largely unexplored. In this study, five Mn concentrations (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 mM) were used, and the toxicity of Mn on PSII behavior in leaves of Ligustrum lucidum was investigated using in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence transients. Results showed that excessive Mn levels induced positive L- and K- bands. Variable fluorescence at 2 ms (VJ) and 30 ms (VI), absorption flux (ABS/RC), trapped energy flux (TRo/RC), and dissipated energy flux (DIo/RC) increased in Mn-treated leaves, whereas the performance index (PIABS), electron transport flux (ETo/RC), maximum quantum yield (φPo), quantum yield of electron transport (φEo), and probability that an electron moves further than QA− (ψo) decreased. Also, excessive Mn significantly decreased the net photosynthesis rate and increased intercellular CO2 concentration. The results indicated that Mn blocked the electron transfer from the donor side to the acceptor side in PSII, which might be associated with the accumulation of QA−, hence limiting the net photosynthetic rate.
Abundant neuroprotective chaperone Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) disassembles the Amyloid-β fibrils
Authors: Kannaian Bhuvaneswari , Sharma Bhargy , Phillips Margaret , Chowdhury Anup , Manimekalai Malathy S. S. , Adav Sunil S. , Ng Justin T. Y. , Kumar Ambrish , Lim Sierin , Mu Yuguang , Sze Siu K. , Grüber Gerhard , Pervushin Konstantin
Published: August 2019

Misfolding of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides leads to the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques. Molecular chaperones can facilitate the refolding or degradation of such misfolded proteins. Here, for the first time, we report the unique ability of Lipocalin-type Prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) protein to act as a disaggregase on the pre-formed fibrils of Aβ(1–40), abbreviated as Aβ40, and Aβ(25–35) peptides, in addition to inhibiting the aggregation of Aβ monomers. Furthermore, our proteomics results indicate that L-PGDS can facilitate extraction of several other proteins from the insoluble aggregates extracted from the brain of an Alzheimer’s disease patient. In this study, we have established the mode of binding of L-PGDS with monomeric and fibrillar Aβ using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Our results confirm a direct interaction between L-PGDS and monomeric Aβ40 and Aβ(25–35), thereby inhibiting their spontaneous aggregation. The monomeric unstructured Aβ40 binds to L-PGDS via its C-terminus, while the N-terminus remains free which is observed as a new domain in the L-PGDS-Aβ40 complex model.
Biosynthesis of Hyaluronic acid polymer: Dissecting the role of sub structural elements of hyaluronan synthase
Authors: Agarwal Garima , K. V. Krishnan , Prasad Shashi Bala , Bhaduri Anirban , Jayaraman Guhan
Published: August 2019

Hyaluronic acid (HA) based biomaterials have several biomedical applications. HA biosynthesis is catalysed by hyaluronan synthase (HAS). The unavailability of 3-D structure of HAS and gaps in molecular understanding of HA biosynthesis process pose challenges in rational engineering of HAS to control HA molecular weight and titer. Using in-silico approaches integrated with mutation studies, we define a dictionary of sub-structural elements (SSE) of the Class I Streptococcal HAS (SeHAS) to guide rational engineering. Our study identifies 9 SSE in HAS and elucidates their role in substrate and polymer binding and polymer biosynthesis. Molecular modelling and docking assessment indicate a single binding site for two UDP-substrates implying conformationally-driven alternating substrate specificities for this class of enzymes. This is the first report hypothesizing the involvement of sites from SSE5 in polymer binding. Mutation at these sites influence HA production, indicating a tight coupling of polymer binding and synthase functions. Mutation studies show dispensable role of Lys-139 in substrate binding and a key role of Gln-248 and Thr-283 in HA biosynthesis. Based on the functional architecture in SeHAS, we propose a plausible three-step polymer extension model from its reducing end. Together, these results open new avenues for rational engineering of Class I HAS to study and regulate its functional properties and enhanced understanding of glycosyltransferases and processive enzymes.
ADAM15 mediates upregulation of Claudin-1 expression in breast cancer cells
Authors: Mattern Jens , Roghi Christian S. , Hurtz Melanie , Knäuper Vera , Edwards Dylan R. , Poghosyan Zaruhi
Published: August 2019

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase-15 (ADAM15) is a transmembrane protein involved in protein ectodomain shedding, cell adhesion and signalling. We previously cloned and characterised alternatively spliced variants of ADAM15 that differ in their intracellular domains and demonstrated correlation of the expression of specific variants with breast cancer prognosis. In this study we have created isogenic cell panels (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) expressing five ADAM15 variants including wild-type and catalytically inactive forms. The expression of ADAM15 isoforms in MDA-MB-231 cells led to cell clustering to varying degree, without changes in EMT markers vimentin, slug and E-cadherin. Analysis of tight junction molecules revealed ADAM15 isoform specific, catalytic function dependent upregulation of Claudin-1. The expression of ADAM15A, and to a lesser degree of C and E isoforms led to an increase in Claudin-1 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells, while ADAM15B had no effect. In MCF-7 cells, ADAM15E was the principal variant inducing Claudin-1 expression. Sh-RNA mediated down-regulation of ADAM15 in ADAM15 over-expressing cells reduced Claudin-1 levels. Additionally, downregulation of endogenous ADAM15 expression in T47D cells by shRNA reduced endogenous Claudin-1 expression confirming a role for ADAM15 in regulating Claudin-1 expression. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was involved in regulating Claudin-1 expression downstream of ADAM15. Immunofluorescence analysis of MDA-MB-231 ADAM15A expressing cells showed Claudin-1 at cell-cell junctions, in the cytoplasm and nuclei. ADAM15 co-localised with Claudin-1 and ZO1 at cell-cell junctions. Immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated complex formation between ADAM15 and ZO1/ZO2. These findings highlight the importance of ADAM15 Intra Cellular Domain-mediated interactions in regulating substrate selection and breast cancer cell phenotype.
Label-free stimulated Raman scattering microscopy visualizes changes in intracellular morphology during human epidermal keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: Egawa Mariko , Iwanaga Shinya , Hosoi Junichi , Goto Makiko , Yamanishi Haruyo , Miyai Masashi , Katagiri Chika , Tokunaga Kyoya , Asai Takuya , Ozeki Yasuyuki
Published: August 2019

Epidermal keratinocyte (KC) differentiation, which involves the process from proliferation to cell death for shedding the outermost layer of skin, is crucial for the barrier function of skin. Therefore, in dermatology, it is important to elucidate the epidermal KC differentiation process to evaluate the symptom level of diseases and skin conditions. Previous dermatological studies used staining or labelling techniques for this purpose, but they have technological limitations for revealing the entire process of epidermal KC differentiation, especially when applied to humans. Here, we demonstrate label-free visualization of three-dimensional (3D) intracellular morphological changes ofex vivohuman epidermis during epidermal KC differentiation using stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. Specifically, we observed changes in nuclei during the initial enucleation process in which the nucleus is digested prior to flattening. Furthermore, we found holes left behind by improperly digested nuclei in the stratum corneum, suggesting abnormal differentiation. Our findings indicate the great potential of SRS microscopy for discrimination of the degree of epidermal KC differentiation.
DNA methylation silencing of microRNA gene methylator in the precancerous background mucosa with and without gastric cancer: Analysis of the effects of H. pylori eradication and long-term aspirin use
Authors: Watari Jiro , Ito Chiyomi , Shimoda Tadakazu , Tomita Toshihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Das Kiron M. , Miwa Hiroto
Published: August 2019

The risk of gastric cancer (GC) declines after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and long-term aspirin use. We evaluated the effects of H. pylori eradication (Cohort 1) and aspirin use (Cohort 2) on the methylation of microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-34c, miR-124a-3, miR-129-2, and miR-137, in the gastric mucosa with and without GC, i.e., in atrophic mucosal glands without intestinal metaplasia (non-IM) and intestinal metaplastic glands (IM). DNA was isolated from non-IM and IM separately using laser caption microdissection. In Cohort 1, H. pylori eradication was associated with a significant reduction of miR-124a-3 methylation only in non-IM, but not in IM. miR-129-2 methylation in non-IM may be a surrogate marker of GC in H. pylori-infected patients. In Cohort 2, aspirin did not reverse miRNA methylation in either non-IM or IM, irrespective of H. pylori infection. miR-129-2 methylation in non-IM was an independent predictive marker of GC in H. pylori-infected but not -eradicated patients. These results indicate that H. pylori eradication and aspirin use were less effective for improving methylation in IM than in non-IM; thus, these interventions are recommended at an early stage prior to the development of IM to prevent GC development. In addition, the effects of the interventions were not uniform for each miRNA gene.
Seasonal payoff variations and the evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas
Authors: Szolnoki Attila , Perc Matjaž
Published: August 2019

Varying environmental conditions affect relations between interacting individuals in social dilemmas, thus affecting also the evolution of cooperation. Oftentimes these environmental variations are seasonal and can therefore be mathematically described as periodic changes. Accordingly, we here study how periodic shifts between different manifestations of social dilemmas affect cooperation. We observe a non-trivial interplay between the inherent spatiotemporal dynamics that characterizes the spreading of cooperation in a particular social dilemma type and the frequency of payoff changes. In particular, we show that periodic changes between two available games with global ordering best be fast, while periodic changes between global and local ordering games best be slow for cooperation to thrive. We also show that the frequency of periodic changes between two local ordering social dilemmas is irrelevant, because then the process is fast and simply the average cooperation level of the two is returned. The structure of the interaction network plays an important role too in that lattices promote local ordering, whilst random graphs hinder the formation of compact cooperative clusters. Conversely, for local ordering the regular structure of the interaction network is only marginally relevant as role-separating checkerboard patterns do not rely on long-range order.
Triboelectrification of Two-Dimensional Chemical Vapor Deposited WS2 at Nanoscale
Authors: Wang He , Huang Chung-Che , Polcar Tomas
Published: August 2019

Triboelectric properties of chemical vapor deposited WS2 nanoflakes have been characterized in nano-range by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin force microscopy (KFM). The triboelectric process is dependent on the thickness of WS2 nanoflakes, and it is sensitive to the adsorbates like water molecules, as well as transferred Pt from the tip on the sample. The density of tribo-charge can be modified by applying various biases to the conductive Pt-coated tip during the frictional process. Tunneling of the tribo-charge into the gap between WS2 and the underlying substrate results in a long lifetime, which is about 100 times longer than conventional triboelectric charges. Moreover, we observe a positive correlation between the layer number and resistance to charge dissipation. Our finding can become the driving force for a new category of two-dimensional (2D) WS2 triboelectrically controllable nanodevices.
Mobility of pectin methylesterase in pectin/cellulose gels is enhanced by the presence of cellulose and by its catalytic capacity
Authors: Bonnin Estelle , Alvarado Camille , Crépeau Marie-Jeanne , Bouchet Brigitte , Garnier Catherine , Jamme Frédéric , Devaux Marie-Françoise
Published: August 2019

The pectin methylesterase action is usually studied in a homogeneous aqueous medium in the presence of a large excess of soluble substrate and water. However in the cell wall, the water content is much lower, the substrate is cross-linked with itself or with other polymers, and the enzyme has to diffuse through the solid matrix before catalysing the linkage breakdown. As plant primary cell walls can be considered as cellulose-reinforced hydrogels, this study investigated the diffusion of a fungal pectin methylesterase in pectin/cellulose gels used as cell wall-mimicking matrix to understand the impact of this matrix and its (micro) structure on the enzyme’s diffusion within it. The enzyme mobility was followed by synchrotron microscopy thanks to its auto-fluorescence after deep-UV excitation. Time-lapse imaging and quantification of intensity signal by image analysis revealed that the diffusion of the enzyme was impacted by at least two criteria: (i) only the active enzyme was able to diffuse, showing that the mobility was related to the catalytic ability, and (ii) the diffusion was improved by the presence of cellulose in the gel.
A critical role of amphiphilic polymers in organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel derived gate dielectrics for flexible organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Baek Yonghwa , Li Xinlin , Kim Nahae , Park Chan Eon , An Tae Kyu , Kim Juyoung , Kim Se Hyun
Published: August 2019

The sol–gel method is a low-temperature, highly controllable and cost-effective method for producing homogeneous and high-quality ultrafine nanostructured thin films.
Determination of bioavailable lead in atmospheric aerosols using unmodified screen-printed carbon electrodes
Authors: Silva-Neto Habdias de A. , Cardoso Thiago M. G. , Coltro Wendell K. T. , Urban Roberta C.
Published: August 2019

Atmospheric aerosol or particulate matter (PM) has huge potential to affect health and climate.
Group-specific detection of 2-deoxystreptamine aminoglycosides in honey based on antibodies against ribostamycin
Authors: Galvidis Inna A. , Burkin Konstantin M. , Eremin Sergei A. , Burkin Maksim A.
Published: August 2019

Antibodies against the common 2-desoxystreptamine fragment of aminoglycosides are capable of revealing the wide spectrum of analytes in honey at a 10 μg kg−1level.
FeIIFeIII layered double hydroxide nanosheets (FeIIFeIII LDHNS) as an enzyme mimic for colorimetric detection of H2O2
Authors: Ponlakhet Kitayanan , Jarujamrus Purim , Amatatongchai Maliwan , Tamuang Suparb
Published: August 2019

FeIIFeIII layered double hydroxide nanosheets: novel enzyme mimic for colorimetric detection of H2O2 with TMB and ABTS substrate.
Investigation of cavitation-induced damage on PDMS films
Authors: Wrede Alex H. , Al-Masri Faisal , Montazami Reza , Hashemi Nicole N.
Published: August 2019

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are complex phenomena that create epidemic healthcare and financial concerns.
In situ synthesis of fluorescent copper nanoclusters for rapid detection of ascorbic acid in biological samples
Authors: Wang Xuan , Long Caicheng , Jiang Zixin , Qing Taiping , Zhang Kaiwu , Zhang Peng , Feng Bo
Published: August 2019

Schematic presentation of the in situ synthesis of fluorescent copper nanoclusters for rapid determination of ascorbic acid is provided. After addition of ascorbic acid, copper(ii) is reduced to copper(0) and then clustered on dsDNA, thus producing red-emission CuNCs.
Tetrabenzo[5.7]fulvalene: a forgotten aggregation induced-emission luminogen
Authors: Crocker Reece D. , Zhang Bolong , Pace Domenic P. , Wong Wallace W. H. , Nguyen Thanh V.
Published: August 2019

Tetrabenzo[5.7]fulvalene has been proven to be an outstanding aggregation-induced emission fluorophore.
The influence of support materials on the structural and electronic properties of gold nanoparticles – a DFT study
Authors: Engel Julien , Francis Samantha , Roldan Alberto
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the effect of commonly used support materials (MgO, C, CeO2) on small gold particles using dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFT-D).
QM/MM simulations of organic phosphorus adsorption at the diaspore–water interface
Authors: Ganta Prasanth B. , Kühn Oliver , Ahmed Ashour A.
Published: August 2019

The available phosphorus for plants is mainly affected by the strong binding of phosphates to soil mineral surfaces. Here, we have investigated the molecular mechanisms for this binding process at the surface–water interface by QM/MM MD simulations.
On the interaction of N-heterocyclic carbene Ir+I complexes with His and Cys containing peptides
Authors: Daubit Isabelle Marie , Metzler-Nolte Nils
Published: August 2019

In the interaction of an [Ir(+i)(COD)(NHC)Cl] complex with model peptides a chelating motif with a particularly interesting bimetallic peptide-bridged Ir(+iii)–NHC motif was identified with loss of the COD and Cl ligands and oxidation of the metal.
Metal-dependent regioselective homocoupling of stannyl- and alkyl-substituted alkynes on group 4 elements. Formation of unsymmetrical titanacyclopentadienes and symmetrical zircona-cyclopentadienes
Authors: Bando Masayoshi , Nakajima Kiyohiko , Song Zhiyi , Takahashi Tamotsu
Published: August 2019

Homocoupling of stannyl- and alkyl-substituted alkynes with Cp2TiBu2 gave unsymmetrical titanacyclopentadienes with >95% regioselectivities, whereas the coupling with Cp2ZrBu2 provided symmetrical zirconacyclopentadienes with >93% selectivities.
Synthesis, characterisation and electronic properties of naphthalene bridged disilanes
Authors: Rabanzo-Castillo Kristel M. , Hanif Muhammad , Söhnel Tilo , Leitao Erin M.
Published: August 2019

The synthesis of a series of naphthalene bridged disilanes and siloxanes via catalytic intramolecular dehydrocoupling was achieved, and the effect of the substituents on the structure and electronic properties of the compounds was investigated.
Heterometallic Ln–Cu complexes derived from a phenyl pyrimidyl substituted nitronyl nitroxide biradical
Authors: Wang Kang , Sun Juan , Xi Lu , Lu Jiao , Jing Pei , Li Licun
Published: August 2019

Three Ln–Cu heterometallic complexes have been obtained using a novel nitronyl nitroxide biradical, and the Dy–Cu analogue exhibits slow magnetic relaxation.
Biomolecule-derived supported cobalt nanoparticles for hydrogenation of industrial olefins, natural oils and more in water
Authors: Pews-Davtyan Anahit , Scharnagl Florian Korbinian , Hertrich Maximilian Franz , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Bartling Stephan , Lund Henrik , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: August 2019

Biomolecule modified supported cobalt nanoparticles efficiently hydrogenate diverse natural, industrial and functionalized olefins in water under mild conditions.
Synchronized stimulation and continuous insulin sensing in a microfluidic human Islet on a Chip designed for scalable manufacturing
Authors: Glieberman Aaron L. , Pope Benjamin D. , Zimmerman John F. , Liu Qihan , Ferrier John P. , Kenty Jennifer H. R. , Schrell Adrian M. , Mukhitov Nikita , Shores Kevin L. , Tepole Adrian Buganza , Melton Douglas A. , Roper Michael G. , Parker Kevin Kit
Published: August 2019

A device engineered from scalable materials for automated islet loading, synchronized stimulus delivery, and continuous on-chip insulin detection.
Controllable and stable organometallic redox mediators for lithium oxygen batteries
Authors: Kwak Won-Jin , Mahammed Atif , Kim Hun , Nguyen Trung Thien , Gross Zeev , Aurbach Doron , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: August 2019

We introduce corrole-chelated metal complexes as stable redox mediators with adjustable redox potential in lithium–oxygen batteries.
Synthesis, structural characterization and computational study of NLO-responsive chromophores and second-order coefficients of thermally crosslinked polymers
Authors: Doddamani Radha V. , Rachipudi Padmeshwary S. , Pattanashetti Nandini A. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: August 2019

The HOMO and LUMO structures of compounds2,4and6with their band gap values.
From indoles to 3,3′-biindolin-2-ones: copper-catalyzed oxidative homocoupling of indoles
Authors: Peng Xiangjun , Zeng Yong , Liu Hai , Xu Xianyun , Zhang Minhong , Liu Qian
Published: August 2019

A copper-catalyzed intermolecular oxidative homocoupling of indoles for the direct construction of valuable C3–C3 biindolyl scaffolds.
Magnetic, luminescence, topological and theoretical studies of structurally diverse supramolecular lanthanide coordination polymers with flexible glutaric acid as a linker
Authors: Kumar Manesh , Qiu Cheng-Qiang , Zaręba Jan K. , Frontera Antonio , Jassal Amanpreet Kaur , Sahoo Subash Chandra , Liu Sui-Jun , Sheikh Haq Nawaz
Published: August 2019

This contribution explores the topological, supramolecular, magnetic and luminescent properties of previously unknown CPs, which fall into category of glutarates without auxiliary coligands.
A potent colorimetric and fluorogenic phosgene probe based on dual photophysical processes: PET attenuation and ICT reversal
Authors: Gangopadhyay Ankita , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar
Published: August 2019

An easily obtainable pyrene benzothiazole platform for the selective detection of hazardous analyte phosgene simply via quaternization of the benzothiazole N atom, which precludes any ring opening or closure.
Obituary: James (Jim) Ralph Hanson (1937–2018)
Authors: David Smith J. , Simpson Thomas J. , Willis Christine L.
Published: August 2019

Celebrating the life of Professor James (Jim) Ralph Hanson.
Ultra-thin Ga nanosheets: analogues of high pressure Ga(iii)
Authors: Li Yaqi , Zhang Jingwei , Yin Fanxing , Wang Yuqing , Feng Haifeng , Zhou Si , Du Yi
Published: August 2019

Ultra-thin β-Ga(110) and high-pressure phase Ga(iii) nanoislands were synthesized on Si(111).
Systematic evaluation of lithium-excess polyanionic compounds as multi-electron reaction cathodes
Authors: Li Ruhong , Liu Jianchao , Chen Tianrui , Dai Changsong , Jiang Ningyi
Published: August 2019

The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of defect/electronic structure/ion transport and intrinsic properties of polyanionic Li3V2(PO4)3.
Reduction of carbon dioxide on photoexcited nanoparticles of VIII group metals
Authors: Dai Xinyan , Sun Yugang
Published: August 2019

This review overviews the emerging research of photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide on nanoparticles of group VIII transition metals.
Concentration-regulated photon upconversion and quenching in NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals: nonexponentiality revisited
Authors: Sun Liyuan , Gao Rongyao , Pan Tingting , Ai Xi-Cheng , Fu Limin , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: August 2019

Mechanistic roles of dopant concentrations in excited-state population and quenching in upconversion luminescence are investigated based on nonexponentiality-revisiting kinetics.
Rationally designed anionic diblock copolymer worm gels are useful model systems for calcite occlusion studies
Authors: Fielding Lee A. , Hendley IV Coit T. , Asenath-Smith Emily , Estroff Lara A. , Armes Steven P.
Published: August 2019

Binary mixtures of RAFT macromolecular chain transfer agents are utilized to rationally design anionic diblock copolymer nanoparticles via PISA. The role of carboxylate groups in directing calcite growth within copolymer worm gels is investigated.
Correction: Mechanism of hydrogen peroxide formation by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase
Authors: Caldararu Octav , Oksanen Esko , Ryde Ulf , Hedegård Erik D.
Published: August 2019

Correction for ‘Mechanism of hydrogen peroxide formation by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase’ by Octav Caldararu et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, 10, 576–586.
Diffusion of nanoparticles within a semidilute polyelectrolyte solution
Authors: Senanayake Kavindya K. , Shokeen Namita , Fakhrabadi Ehsan Akbari , Liberatore Matthew W. , Mukhopadhyay Ashis
Published: August 2019

We studied the diffusion of charged gold nanoparticles within a semidilute solution of weakly charged polyelectrolyte, polyacrylic acid (PAA) of high molecular weight (Mw = 106 g mol−1) by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS).
Hierarchical core–shell structural NiMoO4@NiS2/MoS2 nanowires fabricated via an in situ sulfurization method for high performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Duo , Lu Mengjie , Li La , Cai Dong , Li Junzhi , Cao Junming , Han Wei
Published: August 2019

Core–shell structured NiMoO4@NiS2/MoS2 nanowires are fabricated via a novel facile in situ sulfurization method and applied in a high performance asymmetric supercapacitor.
Shape memory histocompatible and biodegradable sponges for subcutaneous defect filling and repair: greatly reducing surgical incision
Authors: Zhao Yanteng , Li Yinping , Du Qiaoyue , Zhang Qiang , Lv Xianping , Yang Qiankun , Chang Peter R. , Anderson Debbie P. , He Meng , Chen Yun
Published: August 2019

Shape memory sponges with histocompatibility and biodegradability were constructed for subcutaneous defect filling and repair, which greatly reduced surgical incision.
Combinatorial photochemotherapy on liver cancer stem cells with organoplatinum(ii) metallacage-based nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Beng , Liu Hua , Yang Huang , Chen Wei , Wu Jingban , Feng Xiaode , Tong Rongliang , Yu Hanxi , Chen Yunhao , Lv Zhen , Sun Weijian , He Bin , Wu Jian , Yu Guocan , Mao Zhengwei , Zheng Shusen
Published: August 2019

Metallacage-based nanoparticles have superior therapeutic performance against liver cancer stem cells in both traditional 2D model and 3D multicellular spheroids, providing a promising strategy for efficient cancer treatment.
Novel blue fluorescent emitters structured by linking triphenylamine and anthracene derivatives for organic light-emitting devices with EQE exceeding 5%
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Yaping , Xu Huixia , Zhang Di , Miao Yanqin , Shinar Ruth , Shinar Joseph , Wang Hua , Xu Bingshe , Wu Yucheng
Published: August 2019

Two novel bipolar compounds of TPA-AN-NA and TPA-AN-TFP were designed by linking triphenylamine and anthracene derivatives. The TPA-AN-NA-based blue device achieves a high external quantum efficiency of 5.44% and a radiative exciton yield of 56.68%.
ERK1/2 signaling regulates the immune microenvironment and macrophage recruitment in glioblastoma
Authors: Lailler Claire , Louandre Christophe , Morisse Mony Chenda , Lhossein Thomas , Godin Corinne , Lottin Marine , Constans Jean-Marc , Chauffert Bruno , Galmiche Antoine , Saidak Zuzana
Published: August 2019

The tumor microenvironment is an important determinant of glioblastoma (GBM) progression and response to treatment. How oncogenic signaling in GBM cells modulates the composition of the tumor microenvironment and its activation is unclear. We aimed to explore the potential local immunoregulatory function of ERK1/2 signaling in GBM. Using proteomic and transcriptomic data (RNA seq) available for GBM tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we show that GBM with high levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 have increased infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) with a non-inflammatory M2 polarization. Using three human GBM cell lines in culture, we confirmed the existence of ERK1/2-dependent regulation of the production of the macrophage chemoattractant CCL2/MCP1. In contrast with this positive regulation of TAM recruitment, we found no evidence of a direct effect of ERK1/2 signaling on two other important aspects of TAM regulation by GBM cells: (1) the expression of the immune checkpoint ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, expressed at high mRNA levels in GBM compared with other solid tumors; (2) the production of the tumor metabolite lactate recently reported to dampen tumor immunity by interacting with the receptor GPR65 present on the surface of TAM. Taken together, our observations suggest that ERK1/2 signaling regulates the recruitment of TAM in the GBM microenvironment. These findings highlight some potentially important particularities of the immune microenvironment in GBM and could provide an explanation for the recent observation that GBM with activated ERK1/2 signaling may respond better to anti-PD1 therapeutics.
Quantitative reduction in short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Siqi , Lv Dan , Jiang Shuanghong , Jiang Jianpin , Liang Min , Hou Fanfan , Chen Ye
Published: August 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10–15% of the population worldwide, results in high morbidity and mortality, and requires costly treatment and renal replacement therapy. Glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and persistent intestinal flora disturbance are common in CKD. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by the intestinal microbiota, have been previously reported to ameliorate kidney injury; however, the specific concentrations and types that are required to improve renal function remain unknown. The present study aims to evaluate the levels of SCFAs in healthy and CKD patients, and to test the hypothesis that SCFAs play a critical role in delaying CKD progression. One hundred and twenty-seven patients with CKD and 63 healthy controls from China were enrolled in the present study. Butyrate, which is considered beneficial to humans, was almost three-times higher in healthy volunteers than that in CKD5 subjects (P=0.001). Moreover, the serum SCFA levels in controls were significantly higher than that in CKD patients (P<0.05), and the butyrate level among CKD5 patients (1.48 ± 0.60 μmol/l) was less than half of that in controls (3.44 ± 2.12 μmol/l, P<0.001). In addition, we observed an inverse correlation between butyrate level and renal function (P<0.05). A CKD rat model transplanted with microbiota obtained from CKD patients exhibited accelerated CKD progression via increased production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which was reversed by supplementation with extra butyrate. Our results showed that SCFA levels were reduced in CKD patients and that butyrate supplementation might delay CKD progression.
Predicting Speech Intelligibility Based on Spatial Tongue–Jaw Coupling in Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Impact of Tongue Weakness and Jaw Adaptation
Authors: Rong Panying , Green Jordan R.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have a devastating effect on speech muscle function that often results in severe communication deficits. Over the course of bulbar disease, tongue and jaw movements are modified, but their impact on speech is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of disease-related changes in tongue–jaw movement coupling on speech intelligibility in persons at different stages of bulbar ALS.

Method

Parallel factor analysis was used to quantify the pattern of spatial coupling between 4 semi-independent regions of the tongue and the jaw in various vowels and consonants in 10 individuals with ALS and 10 healthy individuals, respectively, from the X-Ray Microbeam database (Westbury, 1994). The relation of spatial tongue–jaw coupling to speech intelligibility was examined in individuals at the early and late stages of bulbar ALS and healthy individuals.

Results

Tongue movement, independent of the jaw, decreased early and progressively, which negatively impacted speech intelligibility. Jaw contribution to tongue movement was increased during the early stages of bulbar ALS compared to that of the healthy subjects, which was followed by a decrease during the late stages of bulbar ALS. The early-stage increase of jaw contribution significantly improved speech intelligibility and is thus most likely to be an adaptive strategy to mitigate the negative impact of tongue movement reductions on speech intelligibility. This adaptive strategy became unavailable during the late stages of bulbar ALS, which might accelerate intelligibility decline.

Conclusions

The loss of functional tongue–jaw coupling may be the critical physiological factor leading to the eventual loss of functional speech in ALS. Monitoring changes in tongue–jaw coupling may improve the prediction about the timing of speech loss and guide clinical management of dysarthria in ALS.
Modeling the Role of Sensory Feedback in Speech Motor Control and Learning
Authors: Parrell Benjamin , Houde John
Published: August 2019

Purpose

While the speech motor system is sensitive to feedback perturbations, sensory feedback does not seem to be critical to speech motor production. How the speech motor system is able to be so flexible in its use of sensory feedback remains an open question.

Method

We draw on evidence from a variety of disciplines to summarize current understanding of the sensory systems' role in speech motor control, including both online control and motor learning. We focus particularly on computational models of speech motor control that incorporate sensory feedback, as these models provide clear encapsulations of different theories of sensory systems' function in speech production. These computational models include the well-established directions into velocities of articulators model and computational models that we have been developing in our labs based on the domain-general theory of state feedback control (feedback aware control of tasks in speech model).

Results

After establishing the architecture of the models, we show that both the directions into velocities of articulators and state feedback control/feedback aware control of tasks models can replicate key behaviors related to sensory feedback in the speech motor system. Although the models agree on many points, the underlying architecture of the 2 models differs in a few key ways, leading to different predictions in certain areas. We cover key disagreements between the models to show the limits of our current understanding and point toward areas where future experimental studies can resolve these questions.

Conclusions

Understanding the role of sensory information in the speech motor system is critical to understanding speech motor production and sensorimotor learning in healthy speakers as well as in disordered populations. Computational models, with their concrete implementations and testable predictions, are an important tool to understand this process. Comparison of different models can highlight areas of agreement and disagreement in the field and point toward future experiments to resolve important outstanding questions about the speech motor control system.
Do Patients With Neurogenic Speech Sound Impairments Benefit From Auditory Priming With a Regular Metrical Pattern?
Authors: Aichert Ingrid , Lehner Katharina , Falk Simone , Späth Mona , Ziegler Wolfram
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Earlier investigations based on word and sentence repetition tasks had revealed that the most prevalent metrical pattern in German (the trochee)—unlike the iambic pattern—facilitates articulation in patients with apraxia of speech (AOS; e.g.,Aichert, Späth, & Ziegler, 2016), confirming that segmental and prosodic aspects of speech production interact. In this study, we investigated if articulation in apraxic speakers also benefits from auditory priming by speech with a regular rhythm. Furthermore, we asked if the advantage of regular speech rhythm, if present, is confined to impairments at the motor planning stage of speech production (i.e., AOS) or if it also applies to phonological encoding impairments.

Method

Twelve patients with AOS, 12 aphasic patients with postlexical phonological impairment (PI), and 36 neurologically healthy speakers were examined. A sequential synchronization paradigm based on a sentence completion task was conducted in conditions where we independently varied the metrical regularity of the prime sentence (regular vs. irregular prime sentence) and the metrical regularity of the target word (trochaic vs. iambic).

Results

Our data confirmed the facilitating effect of regular (trochaic) word stress on speech accuracy in patients with AOS (target effect). This effect could, for the first time, also be demonstrated in individuals with PI. Moreover, the study also revealed an influence of the metrical regularity of speech input in both patient groups (prime effect).

Conclusions

Patients with AOS and patients with PI exploited rhythmic cues in the speech of a model speaker for the initiation and the segmental realization of words. There seems to be a robust metrical influence on speech at both the phonological and the phonetic planning stages of speech production.
How Speech Evolved: Some Historical Remarks
Authors: Levelt Willem J. M.
Published: August 2019

The evolution of speech and language has been a returning topic in the language sciences since the so-called “cognitive revolution.”
Multipath‐based feature for 3D reconstruction of low buildings based on SAR tomography
Authors: Cheng Ruichang , Liang Xingdong , Qin Fei , Zhang Fubo
Published: August 2019

SAR tomography is an important way for the 3D reconstruction of urban areas. Facade extraction is a very important procedure in the 3D reconstruction of buildings. Density estimation and curve model are common ways to extract facade points. However, it may fail to locate the facade position when the building is relatively low. In this Letter, multipath‐based information of building structures are incorporated for the 3D reconstructions of buildings based on SAR tomography. Facade points can be detected with additional features. Experiments are carried out to show the validity of the authors' methods.
Dynamic analysis of multi‐machine multi‐UPFC power systems experiencing transient asymmetrical faults
Authors: Samanfar Amin , Shakarami Mahmoud Reza , Soltani Jafar , Rokrok Esmaeel
Published: August 2019

A new method for studying the transient asymmetrical shunt and series faults in multi‐machine multi‐unified power flow controller (multi‐UPFC) power systems is proposed. Considering an arbitrary shunt or series fault in a power system, the method uses a combination of space phasors‐based sequence networks corresponding to the fault. Synchronous machines and UPFCs are modelled via injecting sequence current phasors. The quasi‐static Y‐matrix equations of the network are solved first, to obtain the sequence voltages of the terminal bus‐bars of synchronous machines. Then, these voltages are used to solve the non‐linear equations of the machines (in the rotors d‐q reference frames) in the subsequent step time (). This procedure is repeated until a steady‐state condition is reached in the post‐fault condition. The proposed method for fault analysis has high processing speed and acceptable accuracy, which is very important for online protection and control computations. Based on the proposed method, a computer program has been developed that is applicable for the fault analysis of modern or conventional power systems with any size. The performance of the proposed method is studied by some simulation results and compared with other similar works. The simulation results very well support the accuracy and efficiency of the method.
Travelling‐wave‐based protection of transmission line using single‐end data
Authors: Sawai Suraj , Pradhan Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2019

This study presents a travelling‐wave‐based protection method for a two‐terminal line using single‐end data. The method uses polarity of the voltage and current travelling waves to decide the direction of fault. The magnitude and the arrival time of first incident current travelling wave, its reflections returned from the fault point and the remote bus at the relay point is used for the protection purpose. It includes a technique to discriminate reflection returned from fault point or remote bus, based on reflection coefficient of current travelling wave to locate the exact location of fault. For the case, when reflections returned from fault point, and remote end are not discriminable, a relation is formed using arrival time of first incident current wave, its reflections returned from the fault point and the remote bus to identify the internal fault. Using location of fault and the relation formed, protection decision is derived. Results for different fault types, fault locations, fault resistances and fault inception angles in a power system demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method. Comparative assessment with available method is also provided.
Effect of electrohydrodynamic stresses in dielectric liquid: simulation study with the aid of single artificial air bubble using level set‐volume of fluid method
Authors: Talaat M. , Essa Mohamed A.
Published: August 2019

Pre‐breakdown analysis of dielectric liquids is important in many power system applications. The electric field effect is important as well in pool boiling as it improves the boiling process. This physical phenomenon combined with the pre‐breakdown condition in a dielectric liquid has been investigated using a single artificial air bubble immersed in the dielectric liquid and attached to a high voltage electrode. The Level Set coupled with Volume of Fluid numerical method is used to simulate the behaviour of the air bubble in the dielectric liquid. This approach combined with considering the electrical stresses accounts for both the electrical and mechanical (Electrohydrodynamic) stresses on the bubble‐liquid interface. Laplace's equation is used to solve the electric field distribution, while the fluid is solved by using Navier–Stokes equations. The electric force effect on the fluid is considered as a source term in the momentum equation. The simulation results show good agreement with the experimental data. It is observed that high‐velocity eddies in the order of 22.88 mm/ss are generated inside the air bubble. These eddies are caused by high‐pressure gradients near the bubble boundaries caused by the electric field. This high velocity improves the heat and mass transfer between the two fluids.
Optimal inverter based distributed generation units control strategy to improve voltage profiles in unbalanced distribution networks
Authors: Wang Tianjian , Meskin Matin , Su Xiangjing , Grinberg Ilya , Wang Zhijun
Published: August 2019

Recently, the penetration of distributed generation (DG) at distribution level has grown significantly. Unfortunately, this has brought some unexpected power quality problems such as voltage unbalance. To reduce the voltage quality problems deteriorated by unbalanced features, a transformed multi‐objective optimal power flow (OPF) model is built to optimise the active and reactive power outputs of three‐phase micro‐turbine generator units. A stricter measurement of voltage unbalance definition is employed which can replace the traditional voltage unbalance definition since it is able to hugely increase the computing efficiency. Another constraint model is also proposed considering the zero sequence effects for three phases and four wire parts of the whole system. The performance of the presented OPF models with different constraints has been evaluated by the IEEE 13‐node and 123‐node test cases. These simulation results demonstrate that by the proposed OPF objective function, the new combination of constraints could be exploited to achieve better network performance.