bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering of entanglement and spin state transfer via quantum chains of atomic spins at large separations
Authors: Bazhanov Dmitry I. , Sivkov Ilia N. , Stepanyuk Valeri S.
Published: September 2018

Several recent experiments have shown that long-range exchange interactions can determine collective magnetic ground states of nanostructures in bulk and on surfaces. The ability to generate and control entanglement in a system with long-range interaction will be of great importance for future quantum technology. An important step forward to reach this goal is the creation of entangled states for spins of distant magnetic atoms. Herein, the generation of long-distance entanglement between remote spins at large separations in bulk and on surface is studied theoretically, based on a quantum spin Hamiltonian and time-dependent Schrödinger equation for experimentally realized conditions. We demonstrate that long-distance entanglement can be generated between remote spins by using an appropriate quantum spin chain (a quantum mediator), composed by sets of antiferromagnetically coupled spin dimers. Ground state properties and quantum spin dynamics of entangled atoms are studied. We demonstrate that one can increase or suppress entanglement by adding a single spin in the mediator. The obtained result is explained by monogamy property of entanglement distribution inside a quantum spin system. We present a novel approach for non-local sensing of remote magnetic adatoms via spin entanglement.
Analysis of miRNAs and their target genes in five Melilotus albus NILs with different coumarin content
Authors: Wu Fan , Luo Kai , Yan Zhuanzhuan , Zhang Daiyu , Yan Qi , Zhang Yufei , Yi Xianfeng , Zhang Jiyu
Published: September 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit diverse and important roles in regulation of various biological processes at the post-transcriptional level in plants. In this study,Melilotus albusmiRNA and their target genes were elucidated from fiveM.albusnear-isogenic lines which differ in coumarin content to construct small RNA libraries through high-throughput sequencing. A total of 417 known miRNAs and 76 novel miRNAs were identified inM.albus. In addition, 4155 different target genes for 114 known miRNA families and 14 target genes for 2 novel miRNAs were identified inM.albus. Moreover, mtr-miR5248 and mtr-miR7701-5p target c35498_g3 and gma-miR396a-3p target c37211_g1 involved in coumarin biosynthesis were identified by using the differential expression of the miRNAs and their target genes correlation analysis. The abundance of miRNAs and potential target genes were validated by qRT-PCR analysis. We also found that there were both positive and negative expression changing patterns between miRNAs and their related target genes. Our first and preliminary study of miRNAs will contribute to our understanding of the functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs and their target genes, and provide information on regulating the complex coumarin pathway inM.albusfor future research.
Reproducibility study on myocardial strain assessment using fast-SENC cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Giusca Sorin , Korosoglou Grigorios , Zieschang Victoria , Stoiber Lukas , Schnackenburg Bernhard , Stehning Christian , Gebker Rolf , Pieske Burkert , Schuster Andreas , Backhaus Sören , Pieske-Kraigher Elisabeth , Patel Amit , Kawaji Keigo , Steen Henning , Lapinskas Tomas , Kelle Sebastian
Published: September 2018

Myocardial strain is a well validated parameter for estimating left ventricular (LV) performance. The aim of our study was to evaluate the inter-study as well as intra- and interobserver reproducibility of fast-SENC derived myocardial strain. Eighteen subjects (11 healthy individuals and 7 patients with heart failure) underwent a cardiac MRI examination including fast-SENC acquisition for evaluating left ventricular global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential strain (GCS) as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The examination was repeated after 63 [range 49‒87] days and analyzed by two experienced observers. Ten datasets were repeatedly assessed after 1 month by the same observer to test intraobserver variability. The reproducibility was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Patients with heart failure demonstrated reduced GLS and GCS compared to healthy controls (−15.7 ± 3.7 vs. −20.1 ± 1.4; p = 0.002 for GLS and −15.3 ± 3.7 vs. −21.4 ± 1.1; p = 0.001 for GCS). The test-retest analysis showed excellent ICC for LVEF (0.92), GLS (0.94) and GCS (0.95). GLS exhibited excellent ICC (0.99) in both intra- and interobserver variability analysis with very narrow limits of agreement (−0.6 to 0.5 for intraobserver and −1.3 to 0.96 for interobserver agreement). Similarly, GCS showed excellent ICC (0.99) in both variability analyses with narrow limits of agreement (−1.1 to 1.2 for intraobserver and −1.7 to 1.3 for interobserver agreement), whereas LVEF showed larger limits of agreement (−14.4 to 10.1). The analysis of fast-SENC derived myocardial strain using cardiac MRI provides a highly reproducible method for assessing LV functional performance.
The Optimal Blood Pressure Target in Different Dialysis Populations
Authors: Jhee Jong Hyun , Park Jimin , Kim Hyoungnae , Kee Youn Kyung , Park Jung Tak , Han Seung Hyeok , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Nam-Ho , Kim Yon Su , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Yong-Lim , Yoo Tae-Hyun
Published: September 2018

Hypertension is common and contributes to adverse outcomes in patients undergoing dialysis. However, the proper blood pressure (BP) target remains controversial and several factors make this difficult. This study aimed to investigate the adequate BP target in patients undergoing prevalent dialysis. Data were retrieved from the Clinical Research Center for End-Stage Renal Disease (2009–2014). 2,299 patients undergoing dialysis were evaluated. Patients were assigned into eight groups according to predialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. During the median follow-up of 4.5 years, a U-shape relation between SBP and mortality was found. The risk of mortality was increased in the SBP <110 and ≥170 mmHg groups. In subgroup analysis, the risk of mortality was similarly shown U-shape with SBP in subjects with no comorbidities, and no use of antihypertensive agents. However, only lowest SBP was a risk factor for mortality in patients with older, having diabetes or coronary artery disease, whereas highest SBP was an only risk factor in younger patients. In respect of dialysis characteristics, patients undergoing hemodialysis showed U-shape between SBP and mortality, while patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis did not. Among hemodialysis patients, patients with shorter dialysis vintage and less interdialytic weight gain showed U-shape association between SBP and mortality. This study showed that the lowest or highest SBP group had higher risk of mortality. Nevertheless, the optimal target BP should be applied according to individual condition of each patient.
Dynamical instability of the electric transport in superconductors
Authors: Qiao Lei , Li Dingping , Postolova Svetlana V. , Mironov Alexey Yu. , Vinokur Valerii , Rosenstein Baruch
Published: September 2018

We develop a nonlinear theory of the electronic transport in superconductors in the framework of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equation. We utilize self-consistent Gaussian approximation and reveal the conditions under which the current-voltage V(I) dependence (I–V characteristics) acquires an S-shape form leading to switching instabilities. We demonstrate that in two-dimensions the emergence of such an instability is a hallmark of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition that we have detected by transport measurements of titanium nitride (TiN) films. Our theoretical findings compare favorably with our experimental results.
IFITM1 expression is crucial to gammaherpesvirus infection, in vivo
Authors: Hussein Hosni A. M. , Briestenska Katarina , Mistrikova Jela , Akula Shaw M.
Published: September 2018

The oncogenic gammaherpesviruses, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), are etiologically associated with a variety of human cancers, including Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Recently, we demonstrated KSHV infection of B- and endothelial cells to significantly upregulate the expression of interferon induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) which in turn enhances virus entry. This is an extension of the above study. In here, we determined EBV infection of cells to trigger IFITM1 expression, in vitro. Silencing IFITM1 expression using siRNA specifically lowered gammaherpesvirus infection of cells at a post binding stage of entry. A natural model system to explore the effect of IFITM1 on gammaherpesvirus infection in vivo is infection of BALB/c mice with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68). Priming mice with siRNA specific to IFITM1 significantly lowered MHV-68 titers in the lung specimens compared to priming with (NS)siRNA or PBS. MHV-68 titers were monitored by plaque assay and qPCR. Taken together, for the first time, this study provides insight into the critical role of IFITM1 to promoting in vivo gammaherpesvirus infections.
Acylated-acyl carrier protein stabilizes the Pseudomonas aeruginosa WaaP lipopolysaccharide heptose kinase
Authors: Kreamer Naomi N. K. , Chopra Rajiv , Caughlan Ruth E. , Fabbro Doriano , Fang Eric , Gee Patricia , Hunt Ian , Li Min , Leon Barbara C. , Muller Lionel , Vash Brian , Woods Angela L. , Stams Travis , Dean Charles R. , Uehara Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2018

Phosphorylation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is important for maintaining outer membrane integrity and intrinsic antibiotic resistance. We solved the crystal structure of the LPS heptose kinase WaaP, which is essential for growth of P. aeruginosa. WaaP was structurally similar to eukaryotic protein kinases and, intriguingly, was complexed with acylated-acyl carrier protein (acyl-ACP). WaaP produced by in vitro transcription-translation was insoluble unless acyl-ACP was present. WaaP variants designed to perturb the acyl-ACP interaction were less stable in cells and exhibited reduced kinase function. Mass spectrometry identified myristyl-ACP as the likely physiological binding partner for WaaP in P. aeruginosa. Together, these results demonstrate that acyl-ACP is required for WaaP protein solubility and kinase function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing acyl-ACP in the role of a cofactor necessary for the production and stability of a protein partner.
Anti-inflammatory action of cysteine derivative S-1-propenylcysteine by inducing MyD88 degradation
Authors: Suzuki Jun-ichiro , Kodera Yukihiro , Miki Satomi , Ushijima Mitsuyasu , Takashima Miyuki , Matsutomo Toshiaki , Morihara Naoaki
Published: September 2018

The degradation of target proteins by small molecules utilizing the cellular proteolytic system is featured as a treatment strategy of several diseases. We found that S-1-propenylcysteine (S1PC) among several cysteine derivatives in aged garlic extract inhibited TLR-mediated IL-6 production by inducing the degradation of adaptor protein MyD88. We showed that S1PC directly denatured MyD88 and induced the formation of protein aggregates. Consequently, MyD88 was degraded by aggresome-autophagy pathway. On the other hand, S-allylcysteine, a structural analog of S1PC, failed to induce the degradation of MyD88 because of its inability to denature MyD88 although it also activated autophagy. Our findings suggest that S1PC induces MyD88 degradation through the denaturation of MyD88 and the activation of autophagy. Thus, S1PC may serve as the base to develop a therapeutic means for immune diseases associated with aberrant TLR signaling pathways.
Rapid migration of CO2-rich micro-fluids in calcite matrices
Authors: Zuddas Pierpaolo , Salvi Stefano , Lopez Olivier , DeGiudici Giovanni , Censi Paolo
Published: September 2018

The transport of supercritical fluids is a determining factor for several geological processes and fundamental in predicting natural resource accumulation and distribution. Calcite, ubiquitous in most geological environments, may contain supercritical CO2 trapped under the form of fluid inclusions that may move through grain boundaries affecting the rock physical properties. However, despite macroscopic evidence for this process, until recent it was not possible to characterize this process at the nano-scale due to the difficulty of such observations. In this study, we report nanometer-scale observations on calcite crystal surfaces and demonstrate that stress with absence of visible deformation produces fluid leakage from fluid inclusions. Atomic Force Microscopy scanning experiments on freshly cleaved calcite crystals containing visible fluid inclusions revealed the spontaneous formation of nanometer-scale hillocks on flat crystal terraces in only a few minutes, without evidence of surface dissolution. The fact the hillocks formed on flat surface in a short time was unexpected and suggests deposition of material from the inner crystal to the surface through small-scale fluid migration. We estimated the rate of this fluid mobility is by several orders of magnitude higher than the diffusion rate through vacancies estimated in calcite crystals showing that CO2–rich fluids through micro-pore and nano-pore spaces is in reality much higher than previously assumed using current predictive models.
Transcriptome Sequencing and Metabolism Analysis Reveals the role of Cyanidin Metabolism in Dark-red Onion (Allium cepa L.) Bulbs
Authors: Zhang Chunsha , Li Xiaojie , Zhan Zongxiang , Cao Linjiao , Zeng Aisong , Chang Guojun , Liang Yi
Published: September 2018

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important bulbous vegetable crop that possesses important properties related to health as well as extraordinary colors. Naturally white onion bulbs were used in this study to reveal the complex metabolic mechanisms that underlie phenotypic traits, especially bulb pigmentation. Six libraries (three dark-red and three white) were constructed and analyzed to elucidate differences in cyanidin (Cy) metabolism between dark-red and white onion bulbs. Libraries were screened using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to reveal the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis at the transcriptional level. Comparison with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database shows that a total of 27 unigenes participate in onion anthocyanin biosynthesis and 16 DEGs perform critical roles in flavonoid biosynthesis. Expression patterns of color-related flavonoid compounds associated with the onion anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway (ABP) show that flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) genes play crucial roles in the biosynthesis of dark-red bulbs, the expression levels of flavonol synthase (FLS) and DFR genes may act to block blue pigmentation, and the loss of Cy from white onion bulbs might explain multibranching in the synthesis of this compound. Positive variation in the F3′5′H/F3′H ratio also affects onion bulb color diversity. The transcriptome presented here provides a basis for future onion molecular breeding based on variations in the diversity of ornamental plant pigmentation.
Effective surface conductivity of optical hyperbolic metasurfaces: from far-field characterization to surface wave analysis
Authors: Yermakov Oleh Y. , Permyakov Dmitry V. , Porubaev Filipp V. , Dmitriev Pavel A. , Samusev Anton K. , Iorsh Ivan V. , Malureanu Radu , Lavrinenko Andrei V. , Bogdanov Andrey A.
Published: September 2018

Metasurfaces offer great potential to control near- and far-fields through engineering optical properties of elementary cells or meta-atoms. Such perspective opens a route to efficient manipulation of the optical signals both at nanoscale and in photonics applications. In this paper we show that a local surface conductivity tensor well describes optical properties of a resonant plasmonic hyperbolic metasurface both in the far-field and in the near-field regimes, where spatial dispersion usually plays a crucial role. We retrieve the effective surface conductivity tensor from the comparative analysis of experimental and numerical reflectance spectra of a metasurface composed of elliptical gold nanoparticles. Afterwards, the restored conductivities are validated by semi-analytic parameters obtained with the nonlocal discrete dipole model with and without interaction contribution between meta-atoms. The effective parameters are further used for the dispersion analysis of surface plasmons localized at the metasurface. The obtained effective conductivity describes correctly the dispersion law of both quasi-TE and quasi-TM plasmons in a wide range of optical frequencies as well as the peculiarities of their propagation regimes, in particular, topological transition from the elliptical to hyperbolic regime with eligible accuracy. The analysis in question offers a simple practical way to describe properties of metasurfaces including ones in the near-field zone with effective conductivity tensor extracting from the convenient far-field characterization.
Diet induced changes in the microbiota and cell composition of rabbit gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
Authors: Arrazuria Rakel , Pérez Valentín , Molina Elena , Juste Ramón A. , Khafipour Ehsan , Elguezabal Natalia
Published: September 2018

The gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is the largest immune organ of the body. Although the gut transient and mucosa-associated microbiota have been largely studied, the microbiota that colonizes the GALT has received less attention. The gut microbiome plays an important role in competitive exclusion of pathogens and in development and maturation of immunity. Diet is a key factor affecting the microbiota composition in the digestive tract. To investigate the relation between diet, microbiota and GALT, microbial and cell composition of vermiform appendix (VA) and sacculus rotundus (SR) were studied in two groups of New Zealand white rabbits on different diets. Diet shifted the lymphoid tissue microbiota affecting the presence and/or absence of certain taxa and their abundances. Immunohistochemistry revealed that a higher fibre content diet resulted in M cell hyperplasia and an increase of recently recruited macrophages, whereas T-cell levels remained unaltered in animals on both high fibre and standard diets. These findings indicate that diet has an impact on the microbiota and cell composition of the GALT, which could act as an important microbial recognition site where interactions with beneficial bacteria can take place favouring microbiota replacement after digestive dysregulations.
A randomized clinical trial evaluating choroidal blood flow and morphology after conventional and pattern scan laser panretinal photocoagulation
Authors: Mikoshiba Yuji , Iwase Takeshi , Ueno Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Kentaro , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: September 2018

We prospectively investigated the changes in choroidal blood flow and morphology after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in 39 eyes with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (S-NPDR). Seventeen eyes underwent PRP by conventional laser and 22 eyes underwent pattern scan laser (PASCAL). The choroidal blood flow was assessed by laser speckle flowgraphy, and the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured with optical coherence tomography before and 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the two types of PRP treatments. The choroidal mean blur rate (MBR) at the macular region was significantly reduced to 86.4% of the baseline level in the conventional laser group and 85.7% in the PASCAL group at Week 12 (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The SFCT was significantly increased at 1 week following PRP but it was significantly reduced at Week 8 (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) in both groups. The differences in the ratio of the MBR and the SFCT was not significant between the conventional laser and PASCAL groups at any time after PRP. The results suggest that appropriate PRP treatments even by the PASCAL method will reduce the choroidal blood flow and the choroidal morphological components.
Intentional polarity conversion of AlN epitaxial layers by oxygen
Authors: Stolyarchuk N. , Markurt T. , Courville A. , March K. , Zúñiga-Pérez J. , Vennéguès P. , Albrecht M.
Published: September 2018

Nitride materials (AlN, GaN, InN and their alloys) are commonly used in optoelectronics, high-power and high-frequency electronics. Polarity is the essential characteristic of these materials: when grown along c-direction, the films may exhibit either N- or metal-polar surface, which strongly influences their physical properties. The possibility to manipulate the polarity during growth allows to establish unique polarity in nitride thin films and nanowires for existing applications but also opens up new opportunities for device applications, e.g., in non-linear optics. In this work, we show that the polarity of an AlN film can intentionally be inverted by applying an oxygen plasma. We anneal an initially mixed-polar AlN film, grown on sapphire substrate by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), with an oxygen plasma in a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) chamber; then, back in MOVPE, we deposit a 200 nm thick AlN film on top of the oxygen-treated surface. Analysis by high-resolution probe-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) evidences a switch of the N-polar domains to metal polarity. The polarity inversion is mediated through the formation of a thin AlxOyNz layer on the surface of the initial mixed polar film, induced by the oxygen annealing.
Promoted Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis by Dexamethasone-loaded Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles/Collagen Composite Scaffolds with Microgroove Networks
Authors: Chen Ying , Chen Shangwu , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: September 2018

Reconstruction of large bone defects remains a clinical challenge because current approaches involving surgery and bone grafting often do not yield satisfactory outcomes. For artificial bone substitutes, angiogenesis plays a pivotal role to achieve the final success of newly regenerated bone. In this study, dexamethasone-loaded biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles/collagen composite scaffolds with several types of concave microgrooves were prepared for simultaneous promotion of angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Microgrooves in the scaffolds were supposed to guide the assembly of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) into well aligned tubular structures, thus promoting rapid angiogenesis. The scaffolds were used for co-culture of HUVECs and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Subcutaneous implantation in mice showed that more blood vessels and newly formed bone were observed in the microgrooved composite scaffolds than in the control scaffold. Scaffold bearing parallel microgrooves with a concave width of 290 µm and a convex ridge width of 352 µm showed the highest promotion effect on angiogenesis and osteogenesis among the parallelly microgrooved composite scaffolds. The scaffolds bearing a grid network had further superior promotion effect to the scaffolds bearing parallel microgrooves. The results indicated that microgrooves in the composite scaffolds facilitated angiogenesis and stimulated new bone formation. The microgrooved composite scaffolds should be useful for repairing of large bone defects.
Evidence for a maximum “shelf-life” of oocytes in mammals suggests that human menopause may be an implication of meiotic arrest
Authors: Huber Susanne , Fieder Martin
Published: September 2018

There is an ongoing debate why a trait like human menopause should have evolved. Adaptive explanations explain menopause with fitness benefits of ceasing reproduction, whereas non-adaptive explanations view it as an epiphenomenon. Here we present data in support of non-adaptive explanations of menopause suggesting a maximum shelf-life of oocytes. By analyzing the association between lifespan and age at reproductive senescence across 49 mammal species, we find that the positive association levels off in long lived species, indicating that the age at reproductive senescence has an upper limit. Only in baleen whales there seems to be no evidence for reproductive senescence. We suggest that apart from the baleen whales, the confinement of reproductive senescence in long-lived species may be the result of physiological constraints imposed by the long period of time oocytes remain inactive in an arrested phase of meiosis from their production in utero until ovulation. We therefore conclude that menopause may be an implication of the long duration of meiotic arrest caused by semelgametogenesis together with long lifespan.
Microbial communities in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract in East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri)
Authors: Wan Xiao-Ling , McLaughlin Richard William , Zheng Jin-Song , Hao Yu-Jiang , Fan Fei , Tian Ren-Mao , Wang Ding
Published: September 2018

Mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbial communities are critical for host health. However, the microbiota along the GI tract in cetaceans has not been well characterized compared to other animals. In this study, the bacteria and fungi present in the stomach, foregut, hindgut and feces, of East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri, EAFPs) were characterized using high-throughput sequencing analysis. The bacterial and fungal diversity and richness in the stomach, hindgut and fecal samples tended to be higher than those in the foregut. Bacterial taxonomic compositions found in the hindgut and feces were different from those seen in the stomach and foregut. A greater proportion of strict anaerobic bacteria including Clostridia, Fusobacteria, and Ruminococcaceae were found in the hindgut and fecal samples. The fungal communities present in stomach samples differed from those detected in other regions to some extent. Zygomycota and Neocallimastigomycota were more predominant in the stomach. Some potential pathogens, such as Helicobacter spp. and Vibrio spp., were commonly present along the GI tract. Our study confirms that the fecal microbiota can represent the whole GI tract to some extent because of their relatively higher microbial diversity and presence of potential pathogens. Our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the EAFPs GI microbiota, expanding on the current knowledge about the bacterial diversity in the GI tract of cetaceans. In addition, this is the first study characterizing the fungal diversity of any species of porpoise.
Walking in orthostatic tremor modulates tremor features and is characterized by impaired gait stability
Authors: Wuehr M. , Schlick C. , Möhwald K. , Schniepp R.
Published: September 2018

Primary orthostatic tremor (OT) is characterized by high-frequency lower-limb muscle contractions and a disabling sense of unsteadiness while standing. Patients consistently report a relief of symptoms when starting to ambulate. Here, we systematically examined and linked tremor and gait characteristics in patients with OT. Tremor and gait features were examined in nine OT patients and controls on a pressure-sensitive treadmill for one minute of walking framed by two one-minute periods of standing. Tremor characteristics were assessed by time-frequency analysis of surface EMG-recordings from four leg muscles. High-frequency tremor during standing (15.29 ± 0.17 Hz) persisted while walking but was consistently reset to higher frequencies (16.34 ± 0.25 Hz; p < 0.001). Tremor intensity was phase-dependently modulated, being predominantly observable during stance phases (p < 0.001). Tremor intensity scaled with the force applied during stepping (p < 0.001) and was linked to specific gait alterations, i.e., wide base walking (p = 0.019) and increased stride-to-stride fluctuations (p = 0.002). OT during walking persists but is reset to higher frequencies, indicating the involvement of supraspinal locomotor centers in the generation of OT rhythm. Tremor intensity is modulated during the gait cycle, pointing at specific pathways mediating the peripheral manifestation of OT. Finally, OT during walking is linked to gait alterations resembling a cerebellar and/or sensory ataxic gait disorder.
Liquid Marble Actuator for Microfluidic Logic Systems
Authors: Draper Thomas C. , Fullarton Claire , Phillips Neil , de Lacy Costello Ben P. J. , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: September 2018

A mechanical flip-flop actuator has been developed that allows for the facile re-routing and distribution of liquid marbles (LMs) in digital microfluidic devices. Shaped loosely like a triangle, the actuating switch pivots from one bistable position to another, being actuated by the very low mass and momentum of a LM rolling under gravity (~4 × 10−6 kg ms−1). The actuator was laser-cut from cast acrylic, held on a PTFE coated pivot, and used a PTFE washer. Due to the rocking motion of the switch, sequential LMs are distributed along different channels, allowing for sequential LMs to traverse parallel paths. This distributing effect can be easily cascaded, for example to evenly divide sequential LMs down four different paths. This lightweight, cheap and versatile actuator has been demonstrated in the design and construction of a LM-operated mechanical multiplication device — establishing its effectiveness. The actuator can be operated solely by gravity, giving it potential use in point-of-care devices in low resource areas.
Proinsulin-mediated induction of type 1 diabetes in HLA-DR4-transgenic mice
Authors: Verhagen Johan , Smith Emma L. , Whettlock Emily M. , Macintyre Benedict , Peakman Mark
Published: September 2018

Antigen-specific immunotherapy of autoimmune disease currently remains the only potentially curative approach. However, translation of promising pre-clinical results into successful clinical application has proven challenging. In part, this is because pre-clinical findings in mouse models have to be redesigned for human application due to differences in MHC II. To reduce the gap between pre-clinical and clinical studies, we have created a novel mouse model that expresses human HLA-DR4, but no endogenous MHC on antigen-presenting cells. Moreover, human B7.1 (CD80) is expressed in the pancreatic islets under the control of the rat insulin promoter. Although this model does not develop diabetes spontaneously, it is susceptible to the induction of type 1 diabetes by challenging mice with overlapping peptides derived from murine proinsulin-2 in adjuvant. Unlike the NOD model of spontaneous type 1 diabetes, but akin to the human condition, this model does not have a gender bias. Furthermore, similar to the human condition, the disease is characterised by a diverse leucocyte infiltration of the pancreatic islets and the formation of anti-proinsulin auto-antibodies. The model that we report here offers detailed insights into type-1 diabetes and is expected to prove instrumental when studying the mechanism of action in translational, antigen-specific immunotherapy.
Beyond “implementation”: digital health innovation and service design
Authors: Shaw James , Agarwal Payal , Desveaux Laura , Palma Daniel Cornejo , Stamenova Vess , Jamieson Trevor , Yang Rebecca , Bhatia R. Sacha , Bhattacharyya Onil
Published: September 2018

Digital tools have shown great potential to enhance health services’ capacity to achieve the goals of the triple aim (enhance patient experience, improve health outcomes, and control or reduce costs), but their actual impact remains variable. In this commentary, we suggest that shifting from a perspective focused on “implementing” new digital tools in health care settings toward one focused on “service design” will help teams execute more successful digital technology adoption projects. We present value proposition design (VPD) as a service design strategy requiring that stakeholders are brutally honest in determining the value of a new digital tool for their everyday work. Incorporating a perspective focused on how the value proposition of a technology is understood by each team member, and implications for their work routines, will help project teams to better understand how services can be reinvented during technology adoption initiatives. We present the simple heuristic [Tool+Team+Routine] as a reminder of the central considerations that make up a service design initiative, and present an illustrative case scenario of designing the use of a digital care coordination platform in an actual digital technology adoption project. We conclude by outlining two important challenges that need to be addressed to advance service design approaches to technology adoption in health care.
A graphene quantum dot-based multifunctional two-photon nanoprobe for the detection and imaging of intracellular glutathione and enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Meng Hong-Min , Zhao Di , Li Na , Chang Junbiao
Published: September 2018

A NIR GQD-based multifunctional two-photon nanoprobe was reported for GSH detection and enhanced PDT.
Highly efficient and selective visible-light driven CO2-to-CO conversion by a Co-based cryptate in H2O/CH3CN solution
Authors: Liu Dong-Cheng , Wang Hong-Juan , Wang Jia-Wei , Zhong Di-Chang , Jiang Long , Lu Tong-Bu
Published: September 2018

A Co-based cryptate exhibits highly efficient and selective photocatalytic CO2-to-CO conversion under either pure CO2 or 10% CO2 in a water-containing system.
Merging base-promoted C–C bond cleavage and iron-catalyzed skeletal rearrangement involving C–C/C–H bond activation: synthesis of highly functionalized carbazoles
Authors: Kong Lingkai , Wang Mengdan , Wang Ye , Song Bo , Yang Yajie , Yao Qiyi , Li Yanzhong
Published: September 2018

Merging of base-promoted C–C cleavage and Fe-catalyzed C–H activation reactions to carbazoles.
Correction: Compressible colloidal clusters from Pickering emulsions and their DNA functionalization
Authors: Jo In-Seong , Oh Joon Suk , Kim Shin-Hyun , Pine David J. , Yi Gi-Ra
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘Compressible colloidal clusters from Pickering emulsions and their DNA functionalization’ by In-Seong Jo et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 8328–8331.
Synthesis of the novel MOF hcp UiO-66 employing ionic liquids as a linker precursor
Authors: Ermer Matthias , Mehler Julian , Kriesten Martin , Avadhut Yamini S. , Schulz Peter S. , Hartmann Martin
Published: September 2018

The novel MOF hcp UiO-66 is synthesized using the ionic liquid ([PBuMEE]2[BDC]) as a linker precursor.
Novel tricyclic glycal-basedTRIB1inducers that reprogram LDL metabolism in hepatic cells
Authors: Nagiec Marek M. , Duvall Jeremy R. , Skepner Adam P. , Howe Eleanor A. , Bastien Jessica , Comer Eamon , Marie Jean-Charles , Johnston Stephen E. , Negri Joseph , Eichhorn Michelle , Vantourout Julien , Clish Clary , Musunuru Kiran , Foley Michael , Perez Jose R. , Palmer Michelle A. J.
Published: September 2018

Increased expression of the Tribbles pseudokinase 1 gene (TRIB1) is associated with lower plasma levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, higher levels of HDL cholesterol and decreased risk of coronary artery disease.
De novoassembly and comparative transcriptome characterization ofPoecilobdella javanicaprovide insight into blood feeding of medicinal leeches
Authors: Liu Zichao , Wang Yanjie , Tong Xiangrong , Su Yuan , Yang Lijiang , Wang Debin , Zhao Yuqi
Published: September 2018

Leeches (family Hirudinidae) are classic model invertebrates used in diverse clinical treatments, such as reconstructive microsurgery, hypertension, and gangrene treatment.
Fe3+-Enhanced NIR-to-NIR upconversion nanocrystals for tumor-targeted trimodal bioimaging
Authors: An Zhengbin , Wang Lijia , Gao Chan , He Ni , Zhu Baode , Liu Yingju , Cai Qingyun
Published: September 2018

Fe3+-Enhanced NIR-to-NIR multifunctional upconversion luminescence nanocrystals were synthesized for excellent tumor-targeted UCL/MRI/X-ray trimodal bioimaging.
Total synthesis of sesterterpenoids
Authors: Chen Yuye , Zhao Jing , Li Shaoping , Xu Jing
Published: September 2018

Total syntheses of biologically and structurally fascinating sesterterpenoids published between Jan. 2012 and Jan. 2018 are summarized and discussed here.
Ta-Doped porous TiO2 nanorod arrays by substrate-assisted synthesis: efficient photoelectrocatalysts for water oxidation
Authors: He Shiman , Meng Yuying , Wu Qili , Yang Jingling , Huang Senchuan , Li Xiaohui , Tong Shengfu , Asefa Tewodros , Wu Mingmei
Published: September 2018

Ta-doped porous TiO2 nanorod arrays on a Ta substrate are synthesized and used as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. The Ta substrate provides Ta dopants and also plays a vital role in the formation of nanopores in the nanorods.
Fabrication and application of BN nanoparticles, nanosheets and their nanohybrids
Authors: Shtansky Dmitry V. , Firestein Konstantin L. , Golberg Dmitri V.
Published: September 2018

Fabrication, properties and potentials of BN nanoparticles, nanosheets and their metallic, ceramic and polymeric composites are reviewed in terms of catalytic, medical, antibacterial, structural and tribological applications based on the most recent literature.
Ultra-high performance flexible piezopotential gated In1−xSnxSe phototransistor
Authors: Paul Inbaraj Christy Roshini , Mathew Roshan Jesus , Haider Golam , Chen Tzu-Pei , Ulaganathan Rajesh Kumar , Sankar Raman , Bera Krishna Prasad , Liao Yu-Ming , Kataria Monika , Lin Hung-I , Chou Fang Cheng , Chen Yit-Tsong , Lee Chih-Hao , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: September 2018

Strain tunable flexible InSnSe phototransistor holds promise for the future piezophototronics.
A two-dimensional fingerprint nanoprobe based on black phosphorus for bio-SERS analysis and chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Chen Haolin , Jia Yali , Zhang Wen , Zhao Henan , Fan Wendong , Zhang Wolun , Zhong Huiqing , Ni Yirong , Guo Zhouyi
Published: September 2018

Flake-shaped nanohybrids based on black phosphorus (BP) have been developed as multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms for drug delivery, phototherapy and bioimaging.
Photochemical route for synthesizing Co–P alloy decorated ZnIn2S4with enhanced photocatalytic H2production activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Liu Qianwen , Wang Mengdi , He Yishan , Wang Xuxu , Su Wenyue
Published: September 2018

Proposed mechanism of the photocatalytic H2reduction over Co–P/ZnIn2S4under visible light irradiation.
Colloidal porous gold nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Jinhui , Jiang Ruibin , Zhang Han , Guo Yanzhen , Wang Jing , Wang Jianfang
Published: September 2018

Colloidal porous gold nanoparticles are synthesized through the simultaneous gold deposition on and chemical etching of colloidal PbS nanocrystals.
Universality in size-driven evolution towards bulk polarizability of metals
Authors: Jellinek Julius , Jackson Koblar A.
Published: September 2018

The size-induced transition to metallicity, as gauged by polarizability-based descriptors, exhibits universal features.
Biomimetic synthesis of the bisindole framework present in sciodole, an alkaloid fromTricholoma sciodes
Authors: Homer Joshua A. , Sperry Jonathan
Published: September 2018

The unique bisindole bond present in the alkaloid sciodole can be forged by amination of an azafulvene, validating a biosynthetic hypothesis.
Molecular and kinetic design for the expanded control of molecular weights in the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene-substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes
Authors: Chae Chang-Geun , Yu Yong-Guen , Seo Ho-Bin , Kim Myung-Jin , Kishore Mallela Y. L. N. , Lee Jae-Suk
Published: September 2018

Rod-like POSS-containing polynorbornenes with high molecular weights were synthesized using ROMP with molecular and kinetic control.
Exploring the dicationic gemini surfactant for the generation of mesopores: a step towards the construction of a hierarchical metal–organic framework
Authors: Rani Poonam , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: September 2018

The dicationic gemini surfactant cooperatively self-assembles with the Cu-BTC precursors to form a hierarchical microporous–mesoporous metal–organic framework.
Removal of Pb(ii) and Cr(vi) from aqueous solutions using the prepared porous adsorbent-supported Fe/Ni nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Jiwei , Dai Min , Song Shaoxian , Peng Changsheng
Published: September 2018

In this study, Fe/Ni nanoparticles supported by a novel fly ash-based porous adsorbent (FBA-Fe/Ni) for Cr(vi) and Pb(ii) removal were investigated.
Engineering docetaxel-loaded micelles for non-small cell lung cancer: a comparative study of microfluidic and bulk nanoparticle preparation
Authors: Bao Yuchen , Deng Qinfang , Li Yongyong , Zhou Songwen
Published: September 2018

Microfluidic nanoparticle shows superiorities in size control and drug loading over bulk nanoparticle preparation, favorable for lung cancer.
Partial denitrification coupled with immobilization of anammox in a continuous upflow reactor
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Wang Xiujie , Wang Siyu , Li Jun
Published: September 2018

Based a continuous upflow reactor stably operating, immobilized anammox coupling with partial denitrification (DEAMOX), was successfully achieved after 94 days operation with a 63.5% accumulation rate of NO2−–N and a 98.4% removal rate of NO3−–N.
Discovering a new MgH2 metastable phase
Authors: El-Eskandarany Mohamed Sherif , Banyan Mohammad , Al-Ajmi Fahad
Published: September 2018

Effect of mechanically-induced cold-rolling followed by high energy ball milling on cyclic phase transformation.
Hydrogen evolution from water catalyzed by cobalt-mimochrome VI*a, a synthetic mini-protein
Authors: Firpo Vincenzo , Le Jennifer M. , Pavone Vincenzo , Lombardi Angela , Bren Kara L.
Published: September 2018

The folding of a synthetic mini-hydrogenase is shown to enhance catalyst efficiency and longevity.
Plasmonic noble metal@metal oxide core–shell nanoparticles for dye-sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Rai Prabhakar
Published: September 2018

This feature article focused on recent research progress in plasmonic noble metal@metal oxide core–shell NPs for DSSC applications.
Poly(ester amide)-based hybrid hydrogels for efficient transdermal insulin delivery
Authors: Zhang Shaohan , Xin Peikun , Ou Qianmin , Hollett Geoffrey , Gu Zhipeng , Wu Jun
Published: September 2018

Transdermal drug delivery is an attractive, non-invasive treatment.
SIW cavity‐backed dual‐band antenna with good stopband characteristics
Authors: Niu Bing‐Jian , Tan Jie‐Hong , He Chun‐Long
Published: September 2018

A dual‐band antenna with good stopband characteristics is proposed. Different from conventional antennas, two transverse slots are etched on a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity. Two half modes are excited to achieve a dual‐band operation and two non‐radiating modes, a TE110 mode and an even TE120 mode, are induced to generate radiation nulls. With the aid of the two radiation nulls, the stopband characteristics of the proposed design including non‐radiating gain and band‐edge selectivity are significantly improved. A fabricated prototype is measured. The measured centred frequency of two passbands is at 3.28 and 3.77 GHz, respectively. The maximum gain is about 5.2 dBi in the passbands while the minimum gain is only −18.9 dBi in the stopband. The measured efficiency is 86% in the lower passband and 75% in the upper passband but it sharply decreases to lower than 5% between 3.36–3.7 GHz.
Signal fusion‐based targets detection in the presence of clutter and subspace interference for multiple‐input‐multiple‐output radar
Authors: Li Zhihua , Su Hongtao , Zhou Shenghua , Hu Qinzhen
Published: September 2018

In this study, a signal fusion‐based target detection algorithm for frequency diversity multiple‐input‐multiple‐output radar in the presence of clutter and subspace interference is investigated. Remarkably, the proposed algorithm can not only ensure a unique solution for the involved optimisations but also get a good detection performance at a low communication cost. Furthermore, the proposed detector processes a constant false alarm rate with respect not only to the unknown spectral properties of the unstructured interference but also to the structured interference distribution. Simulation experiences in several scenarios indicate that the proposed algorithm has significant improvement in detection performance over conventional detection algorithms.
Combined root‐MUSIC algorithms for multi‐carrier MIMO radar with sparse uniform linear arrays
Authors: Liu Aihua , Zhang Xin , Yang Qiang , Wu XiaoChuan , Deng Weibo
Published: September 2018

In this study, sparse uniform linear arrays are used to improve the direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation accuracy for the multiple‐input multiple‐output radar. With a suitable choice of multi‐carrier frequencies, the DOA estimation ambiguity problem caused by spatial under‐sampling can be resolved. Two kinds of search‐free DOA estimation algorithms based on root‐multiple signal classification (MUSIC) are proposed. The first algorithm directly applies the root‐MUSIC to each carrier frequency separately for the true DOAs as well as their spurious DOAs, then, a novel DOA replicas matching algorithm is proposed to obtain the true DOAs from the ambiguous ones. The second algorithm utilises the manifold separation technique (MST) to align the noise subspaces of all multi‐carrier frequencies. Using the MST, the separable representation of the array manifold vector of each carrier frequency is obtained, then the root‐MUSIC polynomials of all multi‐carrier frequencies are combined to construct a new polynomial, the true DOAs can be obtained directly by applying polynomial rooting without any matching processing. The two proposed algorithms are both practical, computationally efficient and robust. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in terms of root‐mean‐squared error.
RS-based Quantitative Evaluation on the Service Value of the Ecological System in Lijiang River Basin
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Jinye , Wang Haoyu
Published: September 2018

The ecological system service is closely related to the citizens' welfare and serves as the bridge connecting the ecological system and the social system. To achieve sustainable development, we must protect the ecological environment. The paper marks off different land utilization types of the Lijiang River basin based on the remote sensing technique, and borrows ideas from other research findings and combines the practical situation of Lijiang River basin to correct the service unit price of ecological system type of the Lijiang River basin, then calculates the service value of ecological system for the basin in turn. The findings show that the total value of the service function of ecological system for the Lijiang River basin is 7195.22×106 Yuan. In terms of the service function of the ecological system, the woodland's service function value accounts the largest proportion in the whole ecological system, being 85.26% of the total value. In terms of the service function type of the ecological system, the soil formation and protection are the most significant, with value of 1340.00×106 Yuan, which accounts for 18.62%. The ecological service value's sequence in ascending order is: Food production <entertainment culture < raw material < waste disposal < climate regulation < gas conditioning < biological diversity protection <headwater conservation < soil formation and protection. The research is of important theoretical guidance and practical meaning for the monitoring over the ecological environment of Lijiang River basin and the sustainable development of tourism.