bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonvolatile Bio-Memristor Based on Silkworm Hemolymph Proteins
Authors: Wang Lu , Wen Dianzhong
Published: December 2017

This paper reports the first successful fabrication of an ITO/silkworm hemolymph/Al bio-memristor using silkworm hemolymph as the active layer. Experiments demonstrate that the silkworm hemolymph bio-memristor is a nonvolatile rewritable bipolar memory device with a current switching ratio exceeding 103. The state of the bio-memristor can be retained for more than 104 seconds and remains stable for at least 500 cycles. Tests of 1/f noise have shown that the resistance switching characteristics of the silkworm hemolymph bio-memristor are related to the formation and breaking of conductive filaments, which result from the migration of oxygen ions and the oxidation and reduction of metal cations in the silkworm hemolymph film. The naturally non-toxic silkworm hemolymph offers advantages for human health, environmental protection, and biocompatibility. The proposed nonvolatile rewritable bio-memristor based on silkworm hemolymph possesses great application potential.
Baseline Chloride Levels are Associated with the Incidence of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Oh Hyung Jung , Kim Sungwon , Park Jung Tak , Kim Sang-Joon , Han Seung Hyeok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Ryu Dong-Ryeol , Kang Shin-Wook , Chung Yong Eun
Published: December 2017

Although hypo- and hyperchloremia have been associated with worsening renal outcomes, there has been no study that correlates hypo- and hyperchloremia and the incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). A total of 13,088 patients with less than 2.0 mg/dL of serum creatinine (Cr) who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT (CECT) were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on Cl (the hypo-, normo- and hyperchloremia groups). Patients were also classified by baseline Cr (<1.2; the ‘Normal Cr group’ and 1.2–2.0 mg/dL; the ‘Slightly increased Cr group’). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to reveal the association between Cl and CA-AKI. Among patients, 2,525 (19.3%) and 241 (1.8%) patients were classified in the hypo- and hyperchloremia group. The incidence of CA-AKI was significantly lower in the normochloremia group (4.0%) compared to the hypo- (5.4%) and hyperchloremia groups (9.5%). On multivariate logistic regression, hypochloremia was significantly associated with the incidence of CA-AKI compared with normochloremia (1.382, P = 0.002). Moreover, hypochloremia was still significantly associated with the incidence of CA-AKI in ‘Normal Cr group’ compared with normochloremia (1.314, P = 0.015), while hyperchloremia did not show significant association with CA-AKI incidence. In conclusion, hypochloremia might be associated with the incidence of CA-AKI even in patients who have normal-range Cr levels.
A gene expression study of ornamental fin shape in Neolamprologus brichardi, an African cichlid species
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Richter Florian , Sefc Kristina M.
Published: December 2017

The diversity of fin morphology within and across fish taxa offers great, but still largely unexplored, opportunities to investigate the proximate mechanisms underlying fin shape variation. Relying on available genetic knowledge brought forth mainly by the comprehensive study of the zebrafish caudal fin, we explored candidate molecular mechanisms for the maintenance and formation of the conspicuously elongated filaments adorning the unpaired fins of the East African “princess cichlid” Neolamprologus brichardi. Via qPCR assays, we detected expression differences of candidate genes between elongated and short regions of intact and regenerating fins. The identified genes include skeletogenic and growth factors (igf2b, fgf3, bmp2 and bmp4), components of the WNT pathway (lef1, wnt5b and wnt10) and a regulatory network determining fin ray segment size and junction (cx43, esco2 and sema3d), as well as other genes with different roles (mmp9, msxb and pea3). Interestingly, some of these genes showed fin specific expression differences which are often neglected in studies of model fish that focus on the caudal fin. Moreover, while the observed expression patterns were generally consistent with zebrafish results, we also detected deviating expression correlations and gene functions.
Epidermal cornification is preceded by the expression of a keratinocyte-specific set of pyroptosis-related genes
Authors: Lachner Julia , Mlitz Veronika , Tschachler Erwin , Eckhart Leopold
Published: December 2017

The homeostasis of the epidermis depends on keratinocyte differentiation and cornification, a mode of programmed cell death that does not elicit inflammation. Here, we report that cornification is associated with the expression of specific genes that control multiple steps of pyroptosis, another form of cell death that involves the processing and release of interleukin-1 family (IL1F) cytokines. Expression levels of pro-inflammatory IL1A and IL1B and of the pyroptotic pore-forming gasdermin (GSDM) D were downregulated during terminal differentiation of human keratinocytesin vitro. By contrast, negative regulators of IL-1 processing, including NLR family pyrin domain containing 10 (NLRP10) and pyrin domain-containing 1 (PYDC1), the anti-inflammatory IL1F members IL-37 (IL1F7) and IL-38 (IL1F10), and GSDMA, were strongly induced in differentiated keratinocytes. In human tissues, these keratinocyte differentiation-associated genes are expressed in the skin at higher levels than in any other organ, and mammalian species, that have lost the epidermal cornification program during evolution, i.e. whales and dolphins, lack homologs of these genes. Together, our results suggest that human epidermal cornification is accompanied by a tight control of pyroptosis and warrant further studies of potential defects in the balance between cornification and pyroptosis in skin pathologies.
Mechanistic Insights into the Reaction of Chlorination of Tryptophan Catalyzed by Tryptophan 7-Halogenase
Authors: Karabencheva-Christova Tatyana G. , Torras Juan , Mulholland Adrian J. , Lodola Alessio , Christov Christo Z.
Published: December 2017

Tryptophan 7-halogenase catalyzes chlorination of free tryptophan to 7-chlorotryptophan, which is the first step in the antibiotic pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis. Many biologically and pharmaceutically active natural products contain chlorine and thus, an understanding of the mechanism of its introduction into organic molecules is important. Whilst enzyme-catalyzed chlorination is accomplished with ease, it remains a difficult task for the chemists. Therefore, utilizing enzymes in the synthesis of chlorinated organic compounds is important, and providing atomistic mechanistic insights about the reaction mechanism of tryptophan 7-halogenase is vital and timely. In this work, we examined a mechanism for the reaction of tryptophan chlorination, performed by tryptophan 7-halogenase, by calculating potential energy and free energy surfaces using two different Combined Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical (QM/MM) methods both employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) for the QM region. Both computational strategies agree on the nature of the rate-limiting step and provided close results for the reaction barriers of the two reaction steps. The calculations for both the potential energy and the free energy profiles showed very similar geometric features and hydrogen bonding interactions for the characterized stationary points.
Generation and Analysis of High-Gain Orbital Angular Momentum Vortex Wave Using Circular Array and Parasitic EBG with oblique incidence
Authors: Xi Rui , Liu Haixia , Li Long
Published: December 2017

This paper presents an effective method for high-gain orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex wave generation based on the integration of a circular antenna array (CAA) with a parasitic electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure, which is referred to as the EP-CAA. The resonant height of the EBG structure at different oblique incidences is analyzed parametrically based on the defect mode transmission mechanism to achieve reasonable predictions of a consistent 3-dB gain bandwidth with optimal gain enhancement for different OAM modes. The effective radiation aperture of the EP-CAA at oblique incidence is proposed for analytical calculation of the aperture efficiency of the OAM beams (OAM-AE). A Wilkinson power divider (W-PD) is designed to extend the operating bandwidth of the EP-CAA, and the proposed W-PD arrangement is applicable for feasible OAM modes. Fabricated prototypes of the EP-CAA carrying four OAM modes operating at 10 GHz are measured to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis, the maximum realized gain for different OAM modes are confirmed to be enhanced by at least 6 dB in 5% 3-dB gain bandwidth. The divergence angles of different OAM modes can be effectively concentrated using the proposed EP-CAA.
Anatomical evidence for scent guided foraging in the turkey vulture
Authors: Grigg Nathan P. , Krilow Justin M. , Gutierrez-Ibanez Cristian , Wylie Douglas R. , Graves Gary R. , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: December 2017

The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is a widespread, scavenging species in the Western Hemisphere that locates carrion by smell. Scent guided foraging is associated with an expansion of the olfactory bulbs of the brain in vertebrates, but no such neuroanatomical data exists for vultures. We provide the first measurements of turkey vulture brains, including the size of their olfactory bulbs and numbers of mitral cells, which provide the primary output of the olfactory bulbs. Comparative analyses show that the turkey vulture has olfactory bulbs that are 4× larger and contain twice as many mitral cells as those of the sympatric black vulture (Coragyps atratus), despite having brains that are 20% smaller. The turkey vulture has the largest olfactory bulbs in absolute terms and adjusted for brain size among birds, but the number of mitral cells is proportional to the size of their olfactory bulbs. The combination of large olfactory bulbs, high mitral cell counts and a greatly enlarged nasal cavity likely reflects a highly sensitive olfactory system. We suggest that this sensitive sense of smell allowed the turkey vulture to colonize biomes that are suboptimal for scavenging birds and become the most widespread vulture species in the world.
All-nanotube stretchable supercapacitor with low equivalent series resistance
Authors: Gilshteyn Evgenia P. , Amanbayev Daler , Anisimov Anton S. , Kallio Tanja , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: December 2017

We report high-performance, stable, low equivalent series resistance all-nanotube stretchable supercapacitor based on single-walled carbon nanotube film electrodes and a boron nitride nanotube separator. A layer of boron nitride nanotubes, fabricated by airbrushing from isopropanol dispersion, allows avoiding problem of high internal resistance and short-circuiting of supercapacitors. The device, fabricated in a two-electrode test cell configuration, demonstrates electrochemical double layer capacitance mechanism and retains 96% of its initial capacitance after 20 000 electrochemical charging/discharging cycles with the specific capacitance value of 82 F g−1 and low equivalent series resistance of 4.6 Ω. The stretchable supercapacitor prototype withstands at least 1000 cycles of 50% strain with a slight increase in the volumetric capacitance from 0.4 to 0.5 mF cm−3 and volumetric power density from 32 mW cm−3 to 40 mW cm−3 after stretching, which is higher than reported before. Moreover, a low resistance of 250 Ω for the as-fabricated stretchable prototype was obtained, which slightly decreased with the strain applied up to 200 Ω. Simple fabrication process of such devices can be easily extended making the all-nanotube stretchable supercapacitors, presented here, promising elements in future wearable devices.
Recent spread of Varroa destructor virus-1, a honey bee pathogen, in the United States
Authors: Ryabov Eugene V. , Childers Anna K. , Chen Yanping , Madella Shayne , Nessa Ashrafun , vanEngelsdorp Dennis , Evans Jay D.
Published: December 2017

RNA viruses impact honey bee health and contribute to elevated colony loss rates worldwide. Deformed wing virus (DWV) and the closely related Varroa destructor virus-1 (VDV1), are the most widespread honey bee viruses. VDV1 is known to cause high rates of overwintering colony losses in Europe, however it was unknown in the United States (US). Using next generation sequencing, we identified VDV1 in honey bee pupae in the US. We tested 603 apiaries the US in 2016 and found that VDV1 was present in 66.0% of them, making it the second most prevalent virus after DWV, which was present in 89.4% of the colonies. VDV1 had the highest load in infected bees (7.45*1012 ± 1.62*1012 average copy number ± standard error) compared to other tested viruses, with DWV second (1.04*1012 ± 0.53*1012). Analysis of 75 colonies sourced in 2010 revealed that VDV1 was present in only 2 colonies (2.7%), suggesting its recent spread. We also detected newly emerged recombinants between the US strains of VDV1 and DWV. The presence of these recombinants poses additional risk, because similar VDV1-DWV recombinants constitute the most virulent honeybee viruses in the UK.
The glutamic residue at position 402 in the C-terminus of Newcastle disease virus nucleoprotein is critical for the virus
Authors: Yu Xiaohui , Cheng Jinlong , He Zirong , Li Chuang , Song Yang , Xue Jia , Yang Huiming , Zhang Rui , Zhang Guozhong
Published: December 2017

The nucleocapsid proteins (NPs) of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and other paramyxoviruses play an important functional role during genomic RNA replication. Our previous study showed that the NP-encoding gene significantly influenced viral replication. Here, we investigated the roles of certain amino acid residues in the NP C-terminus in viral replication and virulence. Results showed that the glutamic acid residue at position 402 (E402) in the C-terminus of the NP is critical for RNA synthesis in the NDV mini-genome system. Mutation of E402 resulted in larger viral plaques that appeared more quickly, and increased the virulence of NDV. Further study indicated that the mutant virus had increased RNA levels during the early stages of virus infection, but that RNA replication was inhibited at later time points. These findings increase our knowledge of viral replication and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the virulence factors associated with NDV.
Transcriptome-wide analysis of natural antisense transcripts shows their potential role in breast cancer
Authors: Wenric Stephane , ElGuendi Sonia , Caberg Jean-Hubert , Bezzaou Warda , Fasquelle Corinne , Charloteaux Benoit , Karim Latifa , Hennuy Benoit , Frères Pierre , Collignon Joëlle , Boukerroucha Meriem , Schroeder Hélène , Olivier Fabrice , Jossa Véronique , Jerusalem Guy , Josse Claire , Bours Vincent
Published: December 2017

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) represent 1/5 of the mammalian transcript number, and 90% of the genome length is transcribed. Many ncRNAs play a role in cancer. Among them, non-coding natural antisense transcripts (ncNAT) are RNA sequences that are complementary and overlapping to those of either protein-coding (PCT) or non-coding transcripts. Several ncNATs were described as regulating protein coding gene expression on the same loci, and they are expected to act more frequently in cis compared to other ncRNAs that commonly function in trans. In this work, 22 breast cancers expressing estrogen receptors and their paired adjacent non-malignant tissues were analyzed by strand-specific RNA sequencing. To highlight ncNATs potentially playing a role in protein coding gene regulations that occur in breast cancer, three different data analysis methods were used: differential expression analysis of ncNATs between tumor and non-malignant tissues, differential correlation analysis of paired ncNAT/PCT between tumor and non-malignant tissues, and ncNAT/PCT read count ratio variation between tumor and non-malignant tissues. Each of these methods yielded lists of ncNAT/PCT pairs that were enriched in survival-associated genes. This work highlights ncNAT lists that display potential to affect the expression of protein-coding genes involved in breast cancer pathology.
Ratiometric Mass Spectrometry for Cell Identification and Quantitation Using Intracellular “Dual-Biomarkers”
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Wo Fangjie , Chen Jiang , Tan Jie , Wang Tao , Liang Xiao , Wu Jianmin
Published: December 2017

This study proposed an easy-to-use method for cell identification and quantitation by ratiometric matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Two pairs of MS peaks in the molecular fingerprint of cells were selected as intracellular dual-biomarkers due to the stability and specificity of their ratio values in different types of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) cell lines. Five types of HCC cells can be thereafter differentiated based on these two pairs of intracellular peptides/proteins. Two types of HCC cells, Huh7 and LM3 were co-cultured as a model to test whether the method is feasible for cell quantitation. The results indicated that the ratiometric peak intensity of the two pair biomarkers exhibits linear relationship with the proportion of Huh7 cells. Furthermore, tumor heterogeneity was simulated by subcutaneously injecting the co-cultured cells into nude mice. The cell type and proportion in the section of grown tumor tissue can be discriminated using the ratiometric MALDI imaging approach. LC-MS/MS detection revealed that one of the biomarker pairs belongs to thymosin family, β4 and β10. The ratiometric MS spectral approach using intracellular dual-biomarkers might become a pervasive strategy for high-throughput cell identification and quantitation, which is vital in tumor heterogeneity study, clinical diagnosis and drug screening.
Probing the growth and melting pathways of a decagonal quasicrystal in real-time
Authors: Han Insung , Xiao Xianghui , Shahani Ashwin J.
Published: December 2017

How does a quasicrystal grow? Despite the decades of research that have been dedicated to this area of study, it remains one of the fundamental puzzles in the field of crystal growth. Although there has been no lack of theoretical studies on quasicrystal growth, there have been very few experimental investigations with which to test their various hypotheses. In particular, evidence of the in situ and three-dimensional (3D) growth of a quasicrystal from a parent liquid phase is lacking. To fill-in-the-gaps in our understanding of the solidification and melting pathways of quasicrystals, we performed synchrotron-based X-ray imaging experiments on a decagonal phase with composition of Al-15at%Ni-15at%Co. High-flux X-ray tomography enabled us to observe both growth and melting morphologies of the 3D quasicrystal at temperature. We determined that there is no time-reversal symmetry upon growth and melting of the decagonal quasicrystal. While quasicrystal growth is predominantly dominated by the attachment kinetics of atomic clusters in the liquid phase, melting is instead barrier-less and limited by buoyancy-driven convection. These experimental results provide the much-needed benchmark data that can be used to validate simulations of phase transformations involving this unique phase of matter.
Observation of deformation twinning and martensitic transformation during nanoindentation of a transformation-induced plasticity steel
Authors: Xiong Zhiping , Casillas Gilberto , Saleh Ahmed A. , Cui Shaogang , Pereloma Elena V.
Published: December 2017

For the first time, deformation twinning and martensitic transformation were observed in retained austenite in a low-alloyed transformation-induced plasticity steel using nanoindentation in conjunction with electron backscattering diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Dislocation glide, martensite formation and deformation twinning were correlated to pop-ins and deviation from linearity in the load-displacement curve. Deformation twinning was found to enhance the stability of retained austenite. This observation furthers our understanding of RA stability during straining of low-alloyed multiphase TRIP steel.
The response of an arboreal mammal to livestock grazing is habitat dependant
Authors: Neilly Heather , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: December 2017

Inappropriate livestock grazing is implicated in the decline of vertebrate fauna species globally. Faunal responses to grazing can interact with the vegetation community in which they occur. We measured the response of an arboreal marsupial, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula vulpecula) to different cattle grazing strategies and vegetation types, and examined whether micro-habitat selection is driving this response. We hypothesised that where arboreal habitat is intact, brushtail possums would be resistant to the impacts of heavy grazing. We conducted a mark-recapture survey among four grazing treatments and in two vegetation types (Box and Ironbark), at a 20-year grazing trial in northern Australia. We found that brushtail possums were resistant to the impact of heavy grazing in both vegetation types, but preferred the heavy grazing treatment in the Box vegetation type. Complex arboreal habitat and low ground cover was preferred, and high grass cover and low tree species richness avoided. Most individuals exclusively used one vegetation type, with few using both, suggesting a ‘matrix’ vegetation between the Box and Ironbark may be creating a movement barrier. Vegetation type should provide a context for determining the benefits to arboreal wildlife of adopting a particular grazing management strategy.
Altered Gut Microbiota Profiles in Sows and Neonatal Piglets Associated with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infection
Authors: Song Deping , Peng Qi , Chen Yanjun , Zhou Xinrong , Zhang Fanfan , Li Anqi , Huang Dongyan , Wu Qiong , Ye Yu , He Houjun , Wang Leyi , Tang Yuxin
Published: December 2017

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a devastating cause of diarrhea in pigs worldwide. Most of studies have focused on molecular and pathogenic characterization of PEDV, whereas there were limited studies in understanding the role of gut microbiota (GM) in viral-associated diarrhea. Here, using the Illumina MiSeq platform, we examined and compared the impact of PEDV infection on the GM of sows and their piglets less than 10 days old. Our results showed that PEDV caused alternations in the structure and abundance of GM from levels of phylum to genus, and even species. For sows, a significant decrease of observed species was found in diarrheal sows than that in healthy sows (p < 0.05). The unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances also revealed considerable segregations of GM structure among healthy, asymptomatic, and diarrheal sows. For piglets, Bacteroidetes, the dominant bacteria in healthy piglets, were replaced by Firmicutes in asymptomatic and diarrheal piglets. The abundances of Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria were also remarkably increased in asymptomatic piglets and diarrheal piglets when compared to those of the healthy piglets. Our findings demonstrated that PEDV infection caused severe perturbations of GM, reduced probiotic bacteria, and enriched pathogenic bacteria.
ENSO relationship to summer rainfall variability and its potential predictability over Arabian Peninsula region
Authors: Abid Muhammad Adnan , Almazroui Mansour , Kucharski Fred , O’Brien Enda , Yousef Ahmed Elsayed
Published: December 2017

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is considered to be responsible for rainfall predictability in many regions. Some of its regional teleconnections, such as over the Arabian Peninsula in boreal summer (June–August) season, are not well studied. Therefore, in this paper, the relationship between the summer seasonal mean rainfall and ENSO is analyzed with the aid of a 15-member ensemble of simulations using the Saudi-King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Atmospheric Global Climate Model (AGCM) for the period 1981–2015. The southwestern peninsula rainfall is linked to the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies in the central-eastern pacific region. This relationship is established through an atmospheric teleconnection which shows upper-level convergence anomalies over the southern Arabian Peninsula compensating the central-eastern Pacific upper-level divergence anomalies for the warm ENSO phase, and vice-versa for the cold Phase. The upper-level convergence over the southern Arabian Peninsula leads to sinking motion, low-level divergence and consequently to reduced rainfall in the warm phase, while reverse happens in the cold phase. The correlation coefficient between the observed area-averged Niño3.4 index and a Southwestern Arabian Peninsula Rainfall Index (SARI) is −0.43 (statistically significant at 95%). Overall, model shows a potential predictability (PP) of 0.53 for the SARI region. Predictability during El Niño is higher than during La Niña events. This is not only because of a stronger signal, but also noise reduction contributes to the increase of PP in El Niño compared to that of La Niña years.
Probing specific gravity in real-time with graphene oxide plasmonics
Authors: Garifullina Ainash , Bhalla Nikhil , Shen Amy Q.
Published: December 2017

Graphene oxide enhanced SPR sensor for specific gravity detection of food analytes.
An all-liquid crystal based high-performance laser protection system via linear/nonlinear dual-mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Wanshu , Zhang Lanying , Zhou Le , Zhang Jingxuan , Li Fasheng , Li Kexuan , Yang Huai
Published: December 2017

An all-liquid crystal based laser protection system based on mesogenic [60]fullerences and CLCs is reported that integrates an excellent optical limiting response, a broadband protection range, and good practicability simultaneously.
Highly-luminescent Eu,Sm,Mn-doped CaS up/down conversion nano-particles: application to ultra-sensitive latent fingerprint detection and in vivo bioimaging
Authors: Wang Jikai , He Ni , Zhu Yanli , An Zhengbin , Chen Ping , Grimes Craig A. , Nie Zhou , Cai Qingyun
Published: December 2017

Highly-luminescent upconversion: high efficiency (∼60%) UCL from CaS:Eu,Sm,Mn up/down conversion nanoparticles was achieved based on a totally different UCL mechanism.
Large Stokes-shifted NIR-emission from nanospace-induced aggregation of perylenemonoimide-doped polymer nanoparticles: imaging of folate receptor expression
Authors: Pal Kaushik , Sharma Vikas , Sahoo Dhananjaya , Kapuria Nilotpal , Koner Apurba L.
Published: December 2017

A water-soluble, perylenemonoimide (PMI) dye-doped polymer nanoparticle (PNP) with NIR emission was developed to investigate Cell-surface Receptor expression in cancer cells.
Oxidative activation of leinamycin E1 triggers alkylation of guanine residues in double-stranded DNA
Authors: Imani Nejad Maryam , Yang Dong , Shen Ben , Gates Kent S.
Published: December 2017

It may be useful to develop prodrugs that are selectively activated by oxidative stress in cancer cells to release cell-killing reactive intermediates.
Water facilitates oxygen migration on gold surfaces
Authors: Xu Fang , Fampiou Ioanna , O'Connor Christopher R. , Karakalos Stavros , Hiebel Fanny , Kaxiras Efthimios , Madix Robert J. , Friend Cynthia M.
Published: December 2017

Oxygen exchange between surface oxygen atom and isotopic labeled water vapor through transient hydroxyl pairs on Au(110) surface.
Ultrafast coherent vibrational dynamics in dimethyl methylphosphonate radical cation
Authors: Ampadu Boateng Derrick , Gutsev Gennady L. , Jena Puru , Tibbetts Katharine Moore
Published: December 2017

Coherent vibrational dynamics drive dissociation of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) radical cation.
Recent progress in 2D group-VA semiconductors: from theory to experiment
Authors: Zhang Shengli , Guo Shiying , Chen Zhongfang , Wang Yeliang , Gao Hongjun , Gómez-Herrero Julio , Ares Pablo , Zamora Félix , Zhu Zhen , Zeng Haibo
Published: December 2017

This review provides recent theoretical and experimental progress in the fundamental properties, electronic modulations, fabrications and applications of 2D group-VA materials.
Hybrid electrolytes with 3D bicontinuous ordered ceramic and polymer microchannels for all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Zekoll Stefanie , Marriner-Edwards Cassian , Hekselman A. K. Ola , Kasemchainan Jitti , Kuss Christian , Armstrong David E. J. , Cai Dongyu , Wallace Robert J. , Richter Felix H. , Thijssen Job H. J. , Bruce Peter G.
Published: December 2017

A novel templating method to create 3D bicontinuous structured hybrid electrolytes with improved mechanical properties for all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Modelling oral up-take of hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic chemicals in fish
Authors: Larisch Wolfgang , Goss Kai-Uwe
Published: December 2017

PbTk simulations with hydrophobic chemicals have revealed that diffusive transport through aqueous boundary layers in the gastro-intestinal tract and in the blood is the limiting process for oral uptake scenarios. This process can only be modelled correctly if transport facilitated by albumin and bile micelles through these boundary layers is accounted for.
Effect of elevated nitrate and sulfate concentrations on selenate removal by mesophilic anaerobic granular sludge bed reactors
Authors: Tan Lea Chua , Nancharaiah Yarlagadda V. , van Hullebusch Eric D. , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: December 2017

The molar ratio of NO3−and SO42−to SeO42−is a key factor in SeO42−removal. A UASB reactor showed no inhibition of SeO42−at high NO3−and SO42−concentrations achieving 100% NO3−, 30% SO42−and 80% total Se removal efficiencies.
Comparative study of the effects of phosphatidylcholine rich in DHA and EPA on Alzheimer's disease and the possible mechanisms in CHO-APP/PS1 cells and SAMP8 mice
Authors: Che Hongxia , Zhou Miaomiao , Zhang Tiantian , Zhang Lingyu , Ding Lin , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu , Wang Yuming
Published: December 2017

The beneficial effects of DHA-PC and EPA-PC on AD and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms.
Correction: Formation of reactive aldehydes (MDA, HHE, HNE) during the digestion of cod liver oil: comparison of human and porcine in vitro digestion models
Authors: Tullberg Cecilia , Larsson Karin , Carlsson Nils-Gunnar , Comi Irene , Scheers Nathalie , Vegarud Gerd , Undeland Ingrid
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Formation of reactive aldehydes (MDA, HHE, HNE) during the digestion of cod liver oil: comparison of human and porcine in vitro digestion models’ by Cecilia Tullberg et al., Food Funct., 2016, 7, 1401–1412.
Molecular modeling study, synthesis and biological evaluation of combretastatin A-4 analogues as anticancer agents and tubulin inhibitors
Authors: Quan Yang Ping , Cheng Li Ping , Wang Tian Chi , Pang Wan , Wu Fan Hong , Huang Jin Wen
Published: December 2017

Compound 13a, more effective than CA-4 against HepG2 cells and tubulin, and the proposed binding mode for 13a.
Strigolactones: a plant phytohormone as novel anti-inflammatory agents
Authors: Zheng Jun-Xia , Han Yu-Shui , Wang Jin-Cai , Yang Hui , Kong Hao , Liu Kang-Jia , Chen Si-Yu , Chen Yi-Rui , Chang Yi-Qun , Chen Wei-Min , Guo Jia-Liang , Sun Ping-Hua
Published: December 2017

Strigolactones (SLs), a representative SL, GR24 and its reductive products of D-ring were synthesized and their anti-inflammatory activities were fully evaluated on bothin vitroandin vivomodels.
Heterocyclic Schiff base transition metal complexes in antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy
Authors: Malik Manzoor Ahmad , Dar Ovas Ahmad , Gull Parveez , Wani Mohmmad Younus , Hashmi Athar Adil
Published: December 2017

Schiff-base transition metal complexes display amazing antimicrobial and anticancer activities.
Rapid synthesis of carbonucleoside phophonate analogues as potential antiviral agents via a hydrophosphonylation reaction of ethynyl carbocyclic precursors
Authors: Sidi Mohamed Bemba , Périgaud Christian , Peyrottes Suzanne , Uttaro Jean-Pierre , Mathé Christophe
Published: December 2017

Carbonucleoside phosphonate analogues were readily obtained using a free-radical hydrophosphonylation reaction under UV/Vis light irradiation of alkyne carbocyclic precursors.
Pathway-engineering for highly-aligned block copolymer arrays
Authors: Choo Youngwoo , Majewski Paweł W. , Fukuto Masafumi , Osuji Chinedum O. , Yager Kevin G.
Published: December 2017

While kinetic aspects of self-assembly can hinder ordering, non-equilibirum effects can also be exploited to enforce a particular kind of order. We develop a pathway-engineering approach, using it to select a particular arrangement of a block copolymer cylinder phase.
Sensing in-plane nanomechanical surface and sub-surface properties of polymers: local shear stress as function of the indentation depth
Authors: Dietz Christian
Published: December 2017

Bimodal AFM allows for the detection of in- and out-of-plane nanomechanical properties at and beneath the surface.
Atomic layer doping of Mn magnetic impurities from surface chains at a Ge/Si hetero-interface
Authors: Murata Koichi , Kirkham Christopher , Tsubomatsu Satoshi , Kanazawa Takashi , Nitta Kiyofumi , Terada Yasuko , Uruga Tomoya , Nittoh Koh-ichi , Bowler David R. , Miki Kazushi
Published: December 2017

We realize Mn δ-doping into Si and Si/Ge interfaces using Mn atomic chains on Si(001).
Water induced morphological transformation of a poly(aryl ether) dendron amphiphile: helical fibers to nanorods, as light-harvesting antenna systems
Authors: Maity Arunava , Dey Ananta , Gangopadhyay Monalisa , Das Amitava
Published: December 2017

Self-assembly of suitable molecular building blocks is an efficient and convenient approach to generate nanomaterials with various morphologies and functions.
Design of a porous cobalt sulfide nanosheet array on Ni foam from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as an advanced electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Han Xue , Tao Kai , Wang Ding , Han Lei
Published: December 2017

A porous Co9S8 nanosheet array on Ni foam can be realized via a facile 2D ZIF templated method.
Auto-generated iron chalcogenide microcapsules ensure high-rate and high-capacity sodium-ion storage
Authors: Wang Xusheng , Yang Zhanhai , Wang Chao , Ma Luxiang , Zhao Chunsong , Chen Jitao , Zhang Xinxiang , Xue Mianqi
Published: December 2017

FeSe@FeS microcapsules are auto-generated through a facile solid-state reaction, ensuring a high-performance sodium-ion half/full battery.
Photoluminescence nonuniformity from self-seeding nuclei in CVD-grown monolayer MoSe2
Authors: Tian Xiangling , Wei Rongfei , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Yeming , Qiu Jianrong
Published: December 2017

We present optical spectroscopy (photoluminescence and Raman spectrum) studies of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide MoSe2, with spatial location, temperature and excitation power dependence.
Scandium as a pre-catalyst for the deoxygenative allylation of benzylic alcohols
Authors: Šolić Ivan , Seankongsuk Pattarakiat , Loh Joanna Kejun , Vilaivan Tirayut , Bates Roderick W.
Published: December 2017

Scandium triflate is an effective pre-catalyst for the deoxygenative allylation of benzylic and benzyhydryl alcohols.
Synthesis of spiro-4H-pyrazole-oxindoles and fused 1H-pyrazoles via divergent, thermally induced tandem cyclization/migration of alkyne-tethered diazo compounds
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Dong Shanliang , Zheng Yang , He Ciwang , Chen Jiaolong , Zhen Jingsen , Qiu Lihua , Xu Xinfang
Published: December 2017

A thermally induced, substrate-dependent divergent outcome of alkynyl diazoamides for the synthesis of spiro-4H-pyrazoles and fused 1H-pyrazoles has been developed.
Synthesis of star polymers using organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization through a core-first approach
Authors: Buss Bonnie L. , Beck Logan R. , Miyake Garret M.
Published: December 2017

Star polymers containing 3–8 arms and a linear telechelic polymer are synthesized from a core-first approach using visible-light induced organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization.
Synthesis of a helical π-conjugated polymer with a dynamic hydrogen-bonded network in the helical cavity and its circularly polarized luminescence properties
Authors: Ikai Tomoyuki , Awata Seiya , Shinohara Ken-ichi
Published: December 2017

We have succeeded in developing a circularly polarized luminescent π-conjugated polymer with a dynamic hydrogen-bonded network in the helical cavity.
Acetylation of BLM protein regulates its function in response to DNA damage
Authors: Wang Yankun , Luo Jianyuan
Published: December 2017

This study first revealed the acetylation of the BLM protein and studied this regulatory process in the DNA damage response.
Mass transfer investigation in a horizontal–vertical pulsed packed extraction column
Authors: Khooshechin Sajad , Moosavian Mohammad Ali , Safdari Jaber , Mallah Mohammad Hassan
Published: December 2017

In this study, hydrodynamic parameters and the mass transfer coefficient were investigated in a pilot plant of a horizontal–vertical pulsed packed extraction column using a toluene–acetone–water system.
Tantalum nitride coatings prepared by magnetron sputtering to improve the bioactivity and osteogenic activity for titanium alloy implants
Authors: Li Ruiyan , Qin Yanguo , Liu Guancong , Zhang Congxiao , Liang Haojun , Qing Yun'an , Zhang Yanbo , Zhang Kan
Published: December 2017

TaN film has a positive effect on the biocompatibility and osteoinductive ability of Ti6Al4V-based implants.
Influence of different β-nucleation agents on poly(l-lactic acid): structure, morphology, and dynamic mechanical behavior
Authors: Su Lele , Zou Jun , Dong Shengtao , Hao Niyuan , Xu Haiqing
Published: December 2017

The WBG-II and TMB-5000 are both effective nucleating agents, which not only can enhance the crystallization rate, but also alter the packing structure of PLLA chain in the crystals.
Preparation and characterization of a microemulsion via polycondensation of alkoxyl silane
Authors: Jiesheng Liu , Xiaoqiang Gong , Xiang He , Rongtang Zhang
Published: December 2017

A microemulsion was successfully prepared via polycondensation of alkoxy silanes.
Hydrogen peroxide-triggered gene silencing in mammalian cells through boronated antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Mori Shohei , Morihiro Kunihiko , Okuda Takumi , Kasahara Yuuya , Obika Satoshi
Published: December 2017

Arylboronic acid-modified antisense oligonucleotides enable hydrogen peroxide induced gene silencing in mammalian cells.
Enantioselective cellular localisation of europium(iii) coordination complexes
Authors: Frawley Andrew T. , Linford Holly V. , Starck Matthieu , Pal Robert , Parker David
Published: December 2017

TheΛandΔenantiomers of three luminescent europium(iii) complexes selectively stain the mitochondria and lysosomes of living cells respectively.
Simple and effective fabrication of Sb2Te3 films embedded with Ag2Te nanoprecipitates for enhanced thermoelectric performance
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Kim Sung-Dae , Lim Jae-Hong , Myung Nosang V.
Published: December 2017

The embedding of nanoprecipitates into a semiconducting matrix can lead to improved thermoelectric performances by enhancing the power factor or reducing the thermal conductivity of the system in which they are incorporated.
CuGaS2nanoplates: a robust and self-healing anode for Li/Na ion batteries in a wide temperature range of 268–318 K
Authors: Song Yun , Li Yanmei , Zhu Lin , Pan Zhichang , Jiang Yinchang , Wang Pei , Zhou Yong-Ning , Fang Fang , Hu Linfeng , Sun Dalin
Published: December 2017

CuGaS2hexagonal nanoplates were found to be a novel and robust anode material in a wide temperature range.
Progress of recyclable magnetic particles for biomedical applications
Authors: Liu Zeying , Liu Yongchun , Shen Shihong , Wu Daocheng
Published: December 2017

The preparation, types, recycling methods, biomedical applications and outlook of recyclable magnetic particles have been reviewed.
Surface manganese substitution in magnetite nanocrystals enhancesT1contrast ability by increasing electron spin relaxation
Authors: Zhao Zhenghuan , Sun Chengjie , Bao Jianfeng , Yang Lijiao , Wei Ruixue , Cheng Jingliang , Lin Hongyu , Gao Jinhao
Published: December 2017

We report a strategy to increase theT1contrast ability of magnetite nanoparticles through substituting undesirable Fe(ii) ions with Mn(ii) ions on the surface of the nanoparticles.
Electrochromic bilayers of Prussian blue and its Cr analogue
Authors: Hedley Luke , Porteous Liz , Hutson David , Robertson Neil , Johansson J. Olof
Published: December 2017

Bilayers of FeFe and FeCr Prussian blues with distinct optical spectra of each layer enabling studies with optical layer-sensitivity.
All-sputtered oxide thin-film transistors fabricated at 150 °C using simultaneous ultraviolet and thermal treatment
Authors: Tak Young Jun , Kim Si Joon , Kwon Sera , Kim Hee jun , Chung Kwun-Bum , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: December 2017

An all-sputtered oxide TFT process combined with simultaneous ultraviolet and thermal (SUT) treatment for consecutive fabrication processes at low temperatures.
Low-temperature solution-processed efficient electron-transporting layers based on BF4−-capped TiO2 nanorods for high-performance planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lan Zhang , Xu Xiaoxia , Zhang Xuezhen , Tang Jie , Zhang Lei , He Xin , Wu Jihuai
Published: December 2017

To fabricate cost-effective solar cells, some prerequisites such as low-energy consumption, simplified technological processes, and high efficiency must be achieved.
Unravelling the role of electron–hole pair spin in exciton dissociation in squaraine-based organic solar cells by magneto-photocurrent measurements
Authors: Klein M. , Majumdar S. , Zassowski P. , Stampor W.
Published: December 2017

A study of photocurrent in SQ based solar cells, using a wide range of magnetic fields and temperatures, reveals that depending on the electron acceptor content, the photocurrent generation is limited by dissociation/recombination of e–h pairs or CT states.
Advanced iron-overload cardiomyopathy in a genetic murine model is rescued by resveratrol therapy
Authors: Das Subhash K. , Zhabyeyev Pavel , Basu Ratnadeep , Patel Vaibhav B. , Dyck Jason R.B. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: December 2017

Iron-overload cardiomyopathy is prevalent on a worldwide basis and is a major comorbidity in patients with genetic hemochromatosis and secondary iron overload. Therapies are limited in part due to lack of a valid preclinical model, which recapitulates advanced iron-overload cardiomyopathy. Male hemojuvelin (HJV) knockout (HJVKO) mice, which lack HJV, a bone morphogenetic co-receptor protein required for hepcidin expression and systemic iron homeostasis, were fed a high-iron diet starting at 4 weeks of age for a duration of 1 year. Aged HJVKO mice in response to iron overload showed increased myocardial iron deposition and mortality coupled with oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis culminating in advanced iron-overload cardiomyopathy. In a parallel group, iron-overloaded HJVKO mice received resveratrol (240 mg/day) at 9 months of age until 1 year of age. Echocardiography and invasive pressure–volume (PV) loop analyses revealed a complete normalization of iron-overload mediated diastolic and systolic dysfunction in response to resveratrol therapy. In addition, myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCa2a) levels were reduced in iron-overloaded hearts and resveratrol therapy restored SERCa2a levels and suppressed up-regulation of the sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX1). Further, iron-mediated oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis were suppressed by resveratrol treatment with concomitant activation of the p-Akt and p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways. A combination of ageing and high-iron diet in male HJVKO mice results in a valid preclinical model that recapitulates iron-overload cardiomyopathy in humans. Resveratrol therapy resulted in normalization of cardiac function demonstrating that resveratrol represents a feasible therapeutic intervention to reduce the burden of iron-overload cardiomyopathy.
Single-Word Speech Intelligibility in Children and Adults With Down Syndrome
Authors: Wild Alyssa , Vorperian Houri K. , Kent Ray D. , Bolt Daniel M. , Austin Diane
Published: December 2017

Purpose

A single-word identification test was used to study speech production in children and adults with Down syndrome (DS) to determine the developmental pattern of speech intelligibility with an emphasis on vowels.

Method

Speech recordings were collected from 62 participants with DS aged 4–40 years and 25 typically developing participants aged 4–7 years. Panels of 5 adult lay listeners transcribed the speech recordings orthographically, and their responses were scored in comparison with the speakers' target words.

Results

Speech intelligibility in persons with DS improved with age, especially between the ages of 4 and 16 years. Whereas consonants contribute to intelligibility, vowels also played an important role in reduced intelligibility with an apparent developmental difference in low versus high vowels, where the vowels /æ/ and/ɑ/ developed at a later age than /i/ and /u/. Interspeaker variability was large, with male individuals being generally less intelligible than female individuals and some adult men having very low intelligibility.

Conclusion

Results show age-related patterns in speech intelligibility in persons with DS and identify the contribution of dimensions of vowel production to intelligibility. The methods used clarify the phonetic basis of reduced intelligibility, with implications for assessment and treatment.
Infrared needle mapping to assist biopsy procedures and training
Authors: Shar Bruce , Leis John , Coucher John
Published: December 2017

A computed tomography (CT) biopsy is a radiological procedure which involves using a needle to withdraw tissue or a fluid specimen from a lesion of interest inside a patient's body. The needle is progressively advanced into the patient's body, guided by the most recent CT scan. CT guided biopsies invariably expose patients to high dosages of radiation, due to the number of scans required whilst the needle is advanced. This study details the design of a novel method to aid biopsy procedures using infrared cameras. Two cameras are used to image the biopsy needle area, from which the proposed algorithm computes an estimate of the needle endpoint, which is projected onto the CT image space. This estimated position may be used to guide the needle between scans, and results in a reduction in the number of CT scans that need to be performed during the biopsy procedure. The authors formulate a 2D augmentation system which compensates for camera pose, and show that multiple low‐cost infrared imaging devices provide a promising approach.
Dual‐polarised crossed‐dipole antenna with improved beamwidth
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Ya , Zhao Yarui , Wu Dan , Zuo Shao‐Li , Ji Luyang , Yang Xiao‐dong , Fu Guang
Published: December 2017

A wideband dual‐polarised crossed‐dipole antenna with improved beamwidth is investigated in this study. The proposed antenna consists of a pair of orthogonal placed crossed dipoles, which are fed by Marchand baluns through an electromagnetic coupling. Each dipole has two bent metal arms. By adding four simple parasitic elements on both sides of the crossed dipole, the beamwidth of the proposed antenna is significantly enhanced. The antenna is capable of realising two orthogonal linear polarisations when the two input ports are excited separately. A prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. A measured port‐to‐port isolation of 28 dB and a stable radiation pattern at both the E‐ and the H‐plane are achieved, with the antenna gain in the range of 6.5 ± 0.6 dBi. In addition, the measured results show that the impedance bandwidth of the two ports is about 25% ranging from 403 to 518 MHz for voltage standing wave ratio <2. A good agreement is achieved between the simulated results and the measured ones.