bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ndr kinases regulate retinal interneuron proliferation and homeostasis
Authors: Léger Hélène , Santana Evelyn , Leu N. Adrian , Smith Eliot T. , Beltran William A. , Aguirre Gustavo D. , Luca Francis C.
Published: August 2018

Ndr2/Stk38l encodes a protein kinase associated with the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and is mutated in a naturally-occurring canine early retinal degeneration (erd). To elucidate the retinal functions of Ndr2 and its paralog Ndr1/Stk38, we generated Ndr1 and Ndr2 single knockout mice. Although retinal lamination appeared normal in these mice, Ndr deletion caused a subset of Pax6-positive amacrine cells to proliferate in differentiated retinas, while concurrently decreasing the number of GABAergic, HuD and Pax6-positive amacrine cells. Retinal transcriptome analyses revealed that Ndr2 deletion increased expression of neuronal stress genes and decreased expression of synaptic organization genes. Consistent with the latter, Ndr deletion dramatically reduced levels of Aak1, an Ndr substrate that regulates vesicle trafficking. Our findings indicate that Ndr kinases are important regulators of amacrine and photoreceptor cells and suggest that Ndr kinases inhibit the proliferation of a subset of terminally differentiated cells and modulate interneuron synapse function via Aak1.
Li2SnO3 as a Cathode Material for Lithium-ion Batteries: Defects, Lithium Ion Diffusion and Dopants
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Kordatos Apostolos , Chroneos Alexander
Published: August 2018

Tin-based oxide Li2SnO3 has attracted considerable interest as a promising cathode material for potential use in rechargeable lithium batteries due to its high- capacity. Static atomistic scale simulations are employed to provide insights into the defect chemistry, doping behaviour and lithium diffusion paths in Li2SnO3. The most favourable intrinsic defect type is Li Frenkel (0.75 eV/defect). The formation of anti-site defect, in which Li and Sn ions exchange their positions is 0.78 eV/defect, very close to the Li Frenkel. The present calculations confirm the cation intermixing found experimentally in Li2SnO3. Long range lithium diffusion paths via vacancy mechanisms were examined and it is confirmed that the lowest activation energy migration path is along the c-axis plane with the overall activation energy of 0.61 eV. Subvalent doping by Al on the Sn site is energetically favourable and is proposed to be an efficient way to increase the Li content in Li2SnO3. The electronic structure calculations show that the introduction of Al will not introduce levels in the band gap.
A peculiar case of Campylobacter jejuni attenuated aspartate chemosensory mutant, able to cause pathology and inflammation in avian and murine model animals
Authors: Hartley-Tassell L. E. , Day C. J. , Semchenko E. A. , Tram G. , Calderon-Gomez L. I. , Klipic Z. , Barry A. M. , Lam A. K. , McGuckin M. A. , Korolik V.
Published: August 2018

An attenuated Campylobacter jejuni aspartate chemoreceptor ccaA mutant caused gross pathological changes despite reduced colonisation ability in animal models. In chickens, the pathological changes included connective tissue and thickening of the mesenteric fat, as well as the disintegration of the villus tips in the large intestine, whereas in mice, hepatomegaly occurred between 48–72 hours post infection and persisted for the six days of the time course. In addition, there was a significant change in the levels of IL-12p70 in mice infected with the C. jejuni ccaA mutant. CcaA isogenic mutant was hyper-invasive in cell culture and microscopic examination revealed that it had a “run” bias in its “run-and-tumble” chemotactic behaviour. The mutant cells also exhibited lower level of binding to fucosylated and higher binding to sialylated glycan structures in glycan array analysis. This study highlights the importance of investigating phenotypic changes in C. jejuni, as we have shown that specific mutants can cause pathological changes in the host, despite reduction in colonisation potential.
Genome-wide mRNA expression analysis of peripheral blood from patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Song Yuqing , Liu Yansong , Wu Panpan , Zhang Fuquan , Wang Guoqiang
Published: August 2018

The onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves the interaction of heritability and environment. The aim of this study is to identify the global messenger RNA (mRNA) expressed in peripheral blood from 30 patients with OCD and 30 paired healthy controls. We generated whole-genome gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from all the subjects using microarrays. The expression of the top 10 mRNAs was verified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. We also performed an enrichment analysis of the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations of the differentially expressed mRNAs. We identified 51 mRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between the subjects with OCD and the controls (fold change ≥1.5; false discovery rate <0.05); 45 mRNAs were down-regulated and 6 mRNAs were up-regulated. The qRT-PCR analysis of 10 selected genes showed that they were all up-regulated, which was opposite to the results obtained from the microarrays. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that ribosomal pathway was the most enriched pathway among the differentially expressed mRNAs. Our findings support the idea that altered genome expression profiles may underlie the development of OCD.
Measuring the mutual diffusion coefficient of heavy water in normal water using a double liquid-core cylindrical lens
Authors: Meng Weidong , Xia Yan , Chen Yan , Pu Xiaoyun
Published: August 2018

The mutual diffusion coefficient of heavy water in normal water is measured over a temperature range of 20 to 40 °C using a novel method called the shift of equivalent refractive index slice (SERIS). The measured values range from 1.9086 × 10−5 to 3.0860 × 10−5 cm2/s and fit the Arrhenius equation well, and the calculated data from the equation are consistent with the literature values obtained by the interference method. The SERIS method is based on a double liquid-core cylindrical lens (DLCL); the front liquid core of the DLCL is used as both a liquid diffusion cell and a key imaging lens, and the resolvable minimum of liquid refractive index is δn = 6.15 × 10−5. The rear liquid core is used as an aplanatic lens, and the transversal spherical aberration is less than 1 μm. The SERIS method provides a new way to measure mutual diffusion coefficients of liquid and has the following advantages: visual measurement, use of a simplified device, and easy operation.
Detection and biochemical characterization of insecticide resistance in field populations of Asian citrus psyllid in Guangdong of China
Authors: Tian Fajun , Mo Xiufang , Rizvi Syed Arif Hussain , Li Chaofeng , Zeng Xinnian
Published: August 2018

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is one of the most damaging pests of citrus-producing regions throughout the world. The use of insecticides is the main strategy for controlling psyllid and has increased year by year. In this study, four field populations of D. citri were evaluated for resistance to nine different insecticides using the leaf-dip method. The results showed that the highest level of resistance for D. citri was found in imidacloprid with a resistance ratio of 15.12 in the Zengcheng population compared with the laboratory susceptible population. This was followed by chlorpyriphos (6.47), dinotefuran (6.16), thiamethoxam (6.04), lambda-cyhalothrin (4.78), and bifenthrin (4.16). Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) showed significant synergism on imidacloprid effects in the Zengcheng population (3.84- and 2.46-fold, respectively). Nevertheless, diethyl maleate (DEM) had no synergism on imidacloprid. Biochemical enzyme assays suggested that general esterase, glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activities were higher in the field-collected populations than in the laboratory susceptible population. However, glutathione S-transferase may play a minor role in the resistance of adult D. citri to insecticides. At the molecular level, resistance of D. citri to imidacloprid is mainly related to the increased expression of CYP4C68 and CYP4G70 (>5-fold).
Impact of finger biophysical properties on touch gestures and tactile perception: Aging and gender effects
Authors: Abdouni A. , Vargiolu R. , Zahouani H.
Published: August 2018

The human finger plays an extremely important role in tactile perception, but little is known about the role of its biophysical properties (mechanical properties, contact properties and surface topography) in tactile perception. In addition, the touch gestures used to perceive an object’s properties differ among people. We combined studies on the biophysical properties and the vibrations measured from the human finger to understand the age and gender effects on the tactile perception and the difference between the touch gestures. In addition, a new algorithm, Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), was used to analyze the vibratory signal obtained from the physical contact of the finger, and a surface is proposed and validated. The values obtained regarding the correlation between the tribohaptic system results and the biophysical properties show that the Young’s modulus and the surface topography are the most important. An inverse correlation was observed between the MFCC and the tactile perception. This last observation explained the results of better tactile perception with left to right touch gestures. It also demonstrated a better tactile perception for women.
Deformation mechanism of innovative 3D chiral metamaterials
Authors: Wu Wenwang , Qi Dexing , Liao Haitao , Qian Guian , Geng Luchao , Niu Yinghao , Liang Jun
Published: August 2018

Rational design of artificial microstructured metamaterials with advanced mechanical and physical properties that are not accessible in nature materials is very important. Making use of node rotation and ligament bending deformation features of chiral materials, two types of innovative 3D chiral metamaterials are proposed, namely chiral- chiral- antichiral and chiral- antichiral- antichiral metamaterials. In-situ compression and uniaxial tensile tests are performed for studying the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of these two types of 3D chiral metamaterials. Novel deformation mechanisms along different directions are explored and analyzed, such as: uniform spatial rotation deformation, tensile-shearing directed (compression-shearing directed), tensile-expansion directed (compression-shrinkage directed) deformation mechanisms of 3D chiral metamaterials, and competitions between different types of deformation mechanisms are discussed. The proposed 3D chiral metamaterials represents a series of metamaterials with robust microstructures design feasibilities.
A platform for discovery of functional cell-penetrating peptides for efficient multi-cargo intracellular delivery
Authors: Hoffmann Katrin , Milech Nadia , Juraja Suzy M. , Cunningham Paula T. , Stone Shane R. , Francis Richard W. , Anastasas Mark , Hall Clinton M. , Heinrich Tatjana , Bogdawa Heique M. , Winslow Scott , Scobie Marie N. , Dewhurst Robert E. , Florez Laura , Ong Ferrer , Kerfoot Maria , Champain Danie , Adams Abbie M. , Fletcher Susan , Viola Helena M. , Hool Livia C. , Connor Theresa , Longville Brooke A. C. , Tan Yew-Foon , Kroeger Karen , Morath Volker , Weiss Gregory A. , Skerra Arne , Hopkins Richard M. , Watt Paul M.
Published: August 2018

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer great potential to deliver therapeutic molecules to previously inaccessible intracellular targets. However, many CPPs are inefficient and often leave their attached cargo stranded in the cell’s endosome. We report a versatile platform for the isolation of peptides delivering a wide range of cargos into the cytoplasm of cells. We used this screening platform to identify multiple “Phylomer” CPPs, derived from bacterial and viral genomes. These peptides are amenable to conventional sequence optimization and engineering approaches for cell targeting and half-life extension. We demonstrate potent, functional delivery of protein, peptide, and nucleic acid analog cargos into cells using Phylomer CPPs. We validate in vivo activity in the cytoplasm, through successful transport of an oligonucleotide therapeutic fused to a Phylomer CPP in a disease model for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. This report thus establishes a discovery platform for identifying novel, functional CPPs to expand the delivery landscape of druggable intracellular targets for biological therapeutics.
Bioengineering of bacterial pathogens for noninvasive imaging and in vivo evaluation of therapeutics
Authors: Rajamani Sathish , Kuszpit Kyle , Scarff Jennifer M. , Lundh Linnea , Khan Maisha , Brown Jennifer , Stafford Robert , Cazares Lisa H. , Panchal Rekha G. , Bocan Thomas
Published: August 2018

Critical bacterial pathogens of public health and biodefense concerns were engineered to constitutively express Escherichia coli enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) that allows for noninvasive nuclear imaging via phosphorylation and entrapment of radiolabeled nucleoside analog 1-(2′deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil (FIAU). Expression of functional TK was established using a nucleoside analog Zidovudine that impeded the growth of tk-engineered bacteria. Significantly, no observable growth differences were detected for FIAU. High resolution mass spectrometry with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and its tk variant (PAO1TK) confirmed FIAU phosphorylation and retention only in PAO1TK. In vitro gamma counting with wild-type PAO1, Acinetobacter baumannii and Burkholderia pseudomallei Bp82 and their tk derivatives with [18F]FIAU further confirmed that tk variants selectively incorporated the radiotracer, albeit with varying efficiencies. In vitro [18F]FIAU labeling coupled with in vivo Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging of PAO1 and PAO1TK confirmed that only PAO1TK can be imaged in mice at sensitivities ≥107 bacteria per infection site. This was further verified by administering [18F]FIAU to animals infected with PAO1 and PAO1TK. Utility of tk-engineered P. aeruginosa in noninvasive PET/CT imaging for bacterial therapeutic evaluation in animals was demonstrated employing antibiotic ciprofloxacin, underscoring the immediate use of PAO1TK and potentially other engineered pathogens for evaluating experimental therapeutics.
Area dependent behavior of bathocuproine (BCP) as cathode interfacial layers in organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Patil Bhushan R. , Ahmadpour Mehrad , Sherafatipour Golnaz , Qamar Talha , Fernández Antón F. , Zojer Karin , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Madsen Morten
Published: August 2018

Standard and inverted configuration small molecule OPV cells incorporating bathocuproine (BCP) as electron transport and exciton blocking layer is investigated, demonstrating that 2 mm2 standard and inverted cells display a maximum performance for BCP thicknesses of 10 nm and 1.5 nm, respectively. The reason for the different optimum BCP thicknesses for the two device configurations is the BCP-metal complex formed between the Ag electrode and the BCP layer in the standard configuration OPV devices. Interestingly, at optimum BCP thicknesses, the inverted OPV cells outperform the standard devices. Upon up-scaling of the device area of the cells from 2 mm2 to 10 and 100 mm2, device failure becomes prominent for the inverted OPV cells, due to aggregation of the evaporated BCP layer on the ITO surface. This demonstrates that although BCP can be adopted for efficient ETL in inverted configuration OPV devices on small scale, it is not suitable for device up-scaling due to severely decreasing device yields. In this work, a possible solution where an ultrathin layer of C70 is evaporated between the ITO and BCP layer is proposed. It is demonstrated that the proposed solution holds a strong potential to minimize the device failures of the BCP based inverted OPV cells to a significant extent, while maintaining good device performances.
Examining the viability of dorsal fin pigmentation for individual identification of poorly-marked delphinids
Authors: Pawley M. D. M. , Hupman K. E. , Stockin K. A. , Gilman A.
Published: August 2018

Dolphin photo-identification has traditionally relied only on distinctive markings on the dorsal fin—this is problematic for delphinids whose populations exhibit a low mark ratio. We used common dolphins (genusDelphinus) as a model species to assess the viability of using pigmentation for photo-identification. Using a photo-identification catalogue of 169 adult individuals collected between 2002 and 2013, we extracted features that quantified pigmentation in a manner that was robust to lighting artefacts and dorsal fin orientation. We determined the proportion of individuals which exhibited pigmentation and examined temporal stability by (i) visually examining individuals and (ii) testing for seriation. We found 88–91% of images could be manually matched to the correct individual in the catalogue based on pigmentation patterns alone. A linear discriminant analysis classifier correctly identified the correct individual 77% of the time. We found 95% common dolphins exhibited distinctive pigmentation—all of which were temporarily stable. Our work challenges the current thinking that pigmentation is an unreliable feature for delphinid photo-identification and suggests that this feature could be applied to common dolphins and other poorly-marked delphinids.
Scale separated low viscosity dynamos and dissipation within the Earth’s core
Authors: Sheyko Andrey , Finlay Christopher , Favre Jean , Jackson Andrew
Published: August 2018

The mechanism by which the Earth’s magnetic field is generated is thought to be thermal convection in the metallic liquid iron core. Here we present results of a suite of self-consistent spherical shell computations with ultra-low viscosities that replicate this mechanism, but using diffusivities of momentum and magnetic field that are notably dissimilar from one another. This leads to significant scale separation between magnetic and velocity fields, the latter being dominated by small scales. We show a zeroth order balance between the azimuthally-averaged parts of the Coriolis and Lorentz forces at large scales, which occurs when the diffusivities of magnetic field and momentum differ so much, as in our model. Outside boundary layers, viscous forces have a magnitude that is about one thousandth of the Lorentz force. In this dynamo dissipation is almost exclusively Ohmic, as in the Earth, with convection inside the so-called tangent cylinder playing a crucial role; it is also in the “strong field” regime, with significantly more magnetic energy than kinetic energy (as in the Earth). We finally show a robust empirical scaling law between magnetic dissipation and magnetic energy.
Large-scale synthesis of free-standing N-doped graphene using microwave plasma
Authors: Bundaleska N. , Henriques J. , Abrashev M. , Botelho do Rego A. M. , Ferraria A. M. , Almeida A. , Dias F. M. , Valcheva E. , Arnaudov B. , Upadhyay K. K. , Montemor M. F. , Tatarova E.
Published: August 2018

Direct assembling of N-graphene, i.e. nitrogen doped graphene, in a controllable manner was achieved using microwave plasmas at atmospheric pressure conditions. The synthesis is accomplished via a single step using ethanol and ammonia as carbon and nitrogen precursors. Tailoring of the high-energy density plasma environment results in a selective synthesis of N-graphene (~0.4% doping level) in a narrow range of externally controlled operational conditions, i.e. precursor and background gas fluxes, plasma reactor design and microwave power. Applying infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the flow of free-standing sheets in the post-plasma zone carries out changes in the percentage of sp2, the N doping type and the oxygen functionalities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the relative extension of the graphene sheets π-system and the type of nitrogen chemical functions present in the lattice structure. Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy were applied to determine morphological and structural characteristics of the sheets. Optical emission and FT-IR spectroscopy were applied for characterization of the high-energy density plasma environment and outlet gas stream. Electrochemical measurements were also performed to elucidate the electrochemical behavior of NG for supercapacitor applications.
Phase-transition assisted mechanical behavior of TiZrHfTax high-entropy alloys
Authors: Huang Shuo , Li Wei , Holmström Erik , Vitos Levente
Published: August 2018

Recent developments of high-entropy alloys with high strength and high ductility draw attention to the metastability-engineering strategy. Using first-principle theory, here we demonstrate that reducing the Ta level in the refractory TiZrHfTax system destabilizes the body-centered cubic (bcc) phase and leads to the appearance of the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase embedded in the bcc matrix. The alloying-induced features of the elastic parameters for the cubic and hexagonal structures are mapped out in details, and strong sensitivity to the crystal lattice and chemistry is revealed. Results show softening of the bcc matrix with decreasing Ta concentration which ensures ductile behavior. However, the elastically nearly isotropic hcp precipitates possess enhanced resistance against shear which promotes strengthening of the TiZrHfTax dual-phase system. The present atomic-level insight provides strong evidence to the experimental observation, and emphasizes the significance of quantum-design for advanced multi-phase high-entropy alloys with excellent strength-ductility combinations.
Crowding for faces is determined by visual (not holistic) similarity: Evidence from judgements of eye position
Authors: Kalpadakis-Smith Alexandra V. , Goffaux Valérie , Greenwood John A.
Published: August 2018

Crowding (the disruption of object recognition in clutter) presents the fundamental limitation on peripheral vision. For simple objects, crowding is strong when target/flanker elements are similar and weak when they differ – a selectivity for target-flanker similarity. In contrast, the identification of upright holistically-processed face stimuli is more strongly impaired by upright than inverted flankers, whereas inverted face-targets are impaired by both – a pattern attributed to an additional stage of crowding selective for “holistic similarity” between faces. We propose instead that crowding is selective for target-flanker similarity in all stimuli, but that this selectivity is obscured by task difficulty with inverted face-targets. Using judgements of horizontal eye-position that are minimally affected by inversion, we find that crowding is strong when target-flanker orientations match and weak when they differ for both upright and inverted face-targets. By increasing task difficulty, we show that this selectivity for target-flanker similarity is obscured even for upright face-targets. We further demonstrate that this selectivity follows differences in the spatial order of facial features, rather than “holistic similarity” per se. There is consequently no need to invoke a distinct stage of holistic crowding for faces – crowding is selective for target-flanker similarity, even with complex stimuli such as faces.
Bare surface of gold nanoparticle induces inflammation through unfolding of plasma fibrinogen
Authors: Kharazian Bahar , Lohse Samuel E. , Ghasemi Forough , Raoufi Mohamad , Saei Amir Ata , Hashemi Fatemeh , Farvadi Fakhrossadat , Alimohamadi Reza , Jalali Seyed Amir , Shokrgozar Mohammad A. , Hadipour Nasser L. , Ejtehadi Mohammad Reza , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: August 2018

The surface of nanoparticles (NPs) get coated by a wide range of biomolecules, upon exposure to biological fluids. It is now being increasingly accepted that NPs with particular physiochemical properties have a capacity to induce conformational changes to proteins and therefore influence their biological fates, we hypothesized that the gold NP’s metal surface may also be involved in the observed Fg unfolding and inflammatory response. To mechanistically test this hypothesis, we probed the interaction of Fg with gold surfaces using molecular dynamic simulation (MD) and revealed that the gold surface has a capacity to induce Fg conformational changes in favor of inflammation response. As the integrity of coatings at the surface of ultra-small gold NPs are not thorough, we also hypothesized that the ultra-small gold NPs have a capacity to induce unfolding of Fg regardless of the composition and surface charge of their coatings. Using different surface coatings at the surface of ultra-small gold NPs, we validated this hypothesis. Our findings suggest that gold NPs may cause unforeseen inflammatory effects, as their surface coatings may be degraded by physiological activity.
Author Correction: The properties of fibreboard based on nanolignocelluloses/CaCO3/PMMA composite synthesized through mechano-chemical method
Authors: Chen Yipeng , Cai Tailong , Dang Baokang , Wang Hanwei , Xiong Ye , Yao Qiufang , Wang Chao , Sun Qingfeng , Jin Chunde
Published: August 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Single compounds elicit complex behavioural responses in wild, free-ranging rats
Authors: Jackson Michael D. , Keyzers Robert A. , Linklater Wayne L.
Published: August 2018

There is mounting evidence that single compounds can act as signals and cues for mammals and that when presented at their optimal concentration they can elicit behavioural responses that replicate those recorded for complex mixtures like gland secretions and foods. We designed a rapid bioassay to present nine compounds that we had previously identified in foods, each at seven different concentrations (63 treatments), to wild, free-ranging rats and scored each treatment for attraction and three behavioural responses. Nine treatments (taken from five compounds) statistically outperformed the current standard rat attractant, peanut butter. Attraction to treatments was highest at the two lowest concentrations (0.1 and 0.01 μg g−1) and a statistically significant relationship of increasing attraction with decreasing treatment concentration was identified. Our study identified five compounds not previously associated with behavioural responses by rats that elicit equivalent or more intense behavioural responses than those obtained with peanut butter. Moreover, attraction to treatments was driven by a concentration-dependent relationship not previously reported. This is the first study to identify isopentanol, 1-hexanol, acetoin, isobutyl acetate and 2-methylbutyl acetate as possible semiochemicals/cues for rats. More broadly, our findings provide important guidance to researchers in the ongoing search for mammalian semiochemicals and cues.
Long-term potentiation in an innexin-based electrical synapse
Authors: Welzel Georg , Schuster Stefan
Published: August 2018

Electrical synapses are formed by two unrelated gap junction protein families, the primordial innexins (invertebrates) or the connexins (vertebrates). Although molecularly different, innexin- and connexin-based electrical synapses are strikingly similar in their membrane topology. However, it remains unclear if this similarity extends also to more sophisticated functions such as long-term potentiation which is only known in connexin-based synapses. Here we show that this capacity is not unique to connexin-based synapses. Using a method that allowed us to quantitatively measure gap-junction conductance we provide the first and unequivocal evidence of long-term potentiation in an innexin-based electrical synapse. Our findings suggest that long-term potentiation is a property that has likely existed already in ancestral gap junctions. They therefore could provide a highly potent system to dissect shared molecular mechanisms of electrical synapse plasticity.
Experimental evaluation of the impact of household aerosolized insecticides on pyrethroid resistant Aedes aegypti
Authors: Gray Lyndsey , Florez Sergio Dzib , Barreiro Anuar Medina , Vadillo-Sánchez José , González-Olvera Gabriela , Lenhart Audrey , Manrique-Saide Pablo , Vazquez-Prokopec Gonzalo M.
Published: August 2018

The extensive reliance on insecticides to control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and disrupt transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika has fueled the emergence of widespread resistance to insecticides. Mismatch between the frequency of pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes and the occurrence of pyrethroid-based insecticide applications for vector control is often hypothesized to be due to household use of commercial insecticide products. We experimentally quantified phenotypic and genotypic responses of four Ae. aegypti strains (three field, pyrethroid resistant, and one laboratory, pyrethroid susceptible) after exposure to two commonly used household aerosol insecticide products (a space spray and a residual spray formulation) containing pyrethroid active ingredients. Experiments were performed within homes of Mérida, Mexico. After exposure to the products, all three pyrethroid resistant field Ae. aegypti strains had significantly lower mortality rates (averaging 41% and 50% for the two products, respectively) than the controls (99%). Applying insecticides as surface sprays led to a significant increase in the frequency of I1016 kdr homozygotes in surviving Ae. aegypti, suggesting strong selection pressure for this allele. Given the large-scale use of household aerosol insecticide products in areas that are endemic for Ae. aegypti–transmitted diseases, their role as a pyrethroid resistance selection source, particularly when used as space sprays, should be taken into consideration when designing resistance management plans.
A microsatellite based multiplex PCR method for the detection of chromosomal instability in gastric cancer
Authors: Kohlruss Meike , Reiche Magdalena , Jesinghaus Moritz , Grosser Bianca , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Bauer Lukas , Novotny Alexander , Weichert Wilko , Keller Gisela
Published: August 2018

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of distinct subclasses of tumours with potential clinical relevance. The aim of our study was to establish a time and cost effective method for the determination of CIN in gastric carcinomas (GC). We developed a microsatellite based multiplex PCR assay for the detection of allelic imbalances (AI) using experimentally defined marker specific threshold values for AI. The assay was tested in 90 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded GC and results were compared in a subset of 30 carcinomas with the Affymetrix OncoScan assay, which detects copy number variations on genome wide level. The ratios of alterations detected by the two methods demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.88). Based on the results of the OncoScan assay, tumours were classified in CIN-High and CIN-Low and a threshold of the AI ratio determined with the PCR assay was defined. Accordingly, 20 of the 90 GC (22%) were CIN-Low and 70 (78%) CIN-High. A significant association of CIN-High was found with intestinal type tumours and proximal tumour localization. In conclusion, we established a PCR based method to categorize AI as surrogate for CIN, which is easy to perform and useful for the clarification of the clinical relevance of CIN in large GC cohorts.
Sleep-dependent enhancement of emotional memory in early childhood
Authors: Kurdziel Laura B. F. , Kent Jessica , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: August 2018

Naps in early childhood support declarative memory consolidation. However, emotional memories are unique in the neural basis of encoding as well as the sleep physiology underlying consolidation. Specifically, while consolidation of declarative memories has been associated with slow wave sleep, a prevailing theory suggests that REM sleep is necessary for consolidation of memories with emotional valence. Thus, we presented children (34–64 months) with faces paired with mean or nice descriptions. There were no significant main effects of emotional valence on recognition memory. Change in memory accuracy also did not differ when probed after a nap compared to the change in memory accuracy after an interval awake. However, when memory was probed again following overnight sleep, the change in memory accuracy was greater if the child napped the previous day. Greater nap slow wave activity was associated with greater memory decay during the nap. Yet nap slow wave activity also predicted greater overnight improvement in memory. These results suggest that sleep bouts can interact to benefit memory in early childhood.
Evaluation of standard field and laboratory methods to compare protection times of the topical repellents PMD and DEET
Authors: Colucci Barbara , Müller Pie
Published: August 2018

Mosquitoes are important vectors of pathogens, and travellers to disease endemic countries are advised to avoid bites by applying topical repellents. Topical repellents are typically tested either in the arm-in-cage (AIC) test under laboratory conditions or in the field, but not often under both conditions. We, therefore, investigated how two topical repellents, 15% para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) and 15% N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) compare against each other both in the AIC test against three species recommended by the World Health Organization (i.e. Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus) and at two field sites in Switzerland, while using the same study participants in all experiments. In the field, the median complete protection time (CPT) was at least 6 hours for both PMD and DEET, while in the AIC test DEET slightly outperformed PMD. CPTs for DEET in the AIC test were 0.5, 2 and 2 hours against Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively, and the corresponding median CPTs for PMD were 0.5, 1 and 0.5 hours. In conclusion, DEET slightly outperformed PMD in the AIC test, while the observed landing rates suggest the AIC test to underestimate efficacy of topical repellents in areas with lower landing pressure.
Context-dependent extinction of threat memories: influences of healthy aging
Authors: Battaglia Simone , Garofalo Sara , di Pellegrino Giuseppe
Published: August 2018

Although a substantial progress has been made in recent years on understanding the processes mediating extinction of learned threat, little is known about the context-dependent extinction of threat memories in elderly individuals. We used a 2-day differential threat conditioning and extinction procedure to determine whether young and older adults differed in the contextual recall of conditioned responses after extinction. On Day 1, conditioned stimuli were paired with an aversive electric shock in a ‘danger’ context and then extinguished in a different ‘safe’ context. On Day 2, the extinguished stimulus was presented to assess extinction recall (safe context), and threat renewal (danger context). Physiological and verbal report measures of threat conditioning were collected throughout the experiment. Skin conductance response (SCR data revealed no significant differences between age groups during acquisition and extinction of threat conditioning on Day 1. On Day 2, however, older adults showed impaired recall of extinction memory, with increased SCR to the extinguished stimulus in the ‘safe’ context, and reduced ability to process context properly. In addition, there were no age group differences in fear ratings and contingency awareness, thus revealing that aging selectively impairs extinction memories as indexed by autonomic responses. These results reveal that aging affects the capacity to use context to modulate learned responses to threat, possibly due to changes in brain structures that enable context-dependent behaviour and are preferentially vulnerable during aging.
Live-stream characterization of cadmium-induced cell death using visible CdTe-QDs
Authors: Filali Samira , Geloën Alain , Lysenko Vladimir , Pirot Fabrice , Miossec Pierre
Published: August 2018

Characterization of cell death currently requires the use of indirect markers, which has largely limited the ability to monitor cell death processes inside the cell. Here, we introduce a new method for the characterization of cell death mechanisms using cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs). Using visible CdTe-QDs with mesenchymal cells (e.g. synoviocytes), live-stream imaging allowed for visualization of cadmium-induced cell death, combining characteristics of apoptosis and autophagy. Initially, similar anti-proliferative effect was observed between 10 µg/ml Cd2+ and CdTe-QDs at 24 h (cell index/cell density ratio decreased from 0.6 to −16.6, p < 0.05) using techniques that do not require the capacity of CdTe-QDs. Apoptosis was confirmed by the quantification of morphological parameters (reduced surface area, increased cell thickness) and positive labeling with annexin V. Autophagy was confirmed by monodansylcadaverine staining, identifying similar autophagic vacuoles with both Cd2+ and CdTe-QD. However, QD imaging allowed for visualization of cadmium elements inside cell structures and their kinetic changes leading to cell death. Cell death characteristics were similar in inflammatory and non-inflammatory environment but were induced up to 4 h earlier in the former. Therefore, live-stream imaging of a visible cytotoxic agent has useful applications not currently possible with indirect methods, including chronological monitoring of cell death.
Synthetic routes to nanomaterials containing anthracyclines: noncovalent systems
Authors: Piorecka Kinga , Kurjata Jan , Stanczyk Maciej , Stanczyk Wlodzimierz A.
Published: August 2018

Anthracyclines are very effective antibiotics widely used in chemotherapy; however, they also exert serious side effects. An important pathway to limit their general toxicity is encapsulation within nanocarriers, as exemplified in the graphics. It is a hot research subject with over 80 papers in the last 5 years.
A novel route to improve methane aromatization by using a simple composite catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jiang Heqing
Published: August 2018

Methane aromatization was effectively improved by a simple composite catalyst consisting of Mo/HZSM-5 for methane dehydroaromatization and CGO for hydrogen combustion.
A stepwise crosslinking strategy toward lamellar carbon frameworks with covalently connected alternate layers of porous carbon nanosheets and porous carbon spacers
Authors: Huang Junlong , Lin Yanhuan , Liu Shaohong , Liu Qiantong , Sun Yiwei , Liang Yeru , Chen Yongming , Fu Ruowen , Wu Dingcai
Published: August 2018

Lamellar carbon frameworks with covalently connected alternate layers of porous carbon nanosheets and porous carbon spacers were successfully fabricated based on the stepwise crosslinking of self-assembled lamellar block copolymers.
Inhibition of carbonic anhydrases by a substrate analog: benzyl carbamate directly coordinates the catalytic zinc ion mimicking bicarbonate binding
Authors: De Simone Giuseppina , Angeli Andrea , Bozdag Murat , Supuran Claudiu T. , Winum Jean-Yves , Monti Simona Maria , Alterio Vincenzo
Published: August 2018

N-Unsubstituted carbamates can be used as lead compounds for the development of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors possessing a binding mode similar to bicarbonate.
ZnO–TiO2 composites and ternary ZnTiO3 electrospun nanofibers: the influence of annealing on the photocatalytic response and reusable functionality
Authors: Ranjith Kugalur Shanmugam , Uyar Tamer
Published: August 2018

By using understanding from the construction of composites to ternary-phased 1D NFs, we design a layout for ZnO–TiO2 composite and ZnTiO3 electrospun NFs with different band structures as a function of the annealing temperature with the possibility of defect states.
Role of alkyl chain length in diaminoalkane linked 2D Ruddlesden–Popper halide perovskites
Authors: Yao Zhibo , Zhou Yi , Yin Xuewen , Li Xin , Han Jianhua , Tai Meiqian , Zhou Yu , Li Jianbao , Hao Feng , Lin Hong
Published: August 2018

A new series of 2D Ruddlesden–Popper halide perovskites with diaminoalkane as a bulky spacer with a compositional formula of (NH3(CH2)xNH3)(CH3NH3)2Pb3I10.
Solvent-free synthesis and room temperature proton conductivity of new cobalt phosphite–oxalates
Authors: Gao Fan , Huang Liangliang , Xiu Zhijia , Yin Yanzhen , Ma Yike , Bi Yanfeng , Zheng Zhiping
Published: August 2018

Two new cobalt phosphite–oxalates (1 and 2) have been synthesized under solvent-free conditions. Compound 2 possesses room temperature proton conductivity.
Ultrafast non-adiabatic dynamics of excited diphenylmethyl bromide elucidated by quantum dynamics and semi-classical on-the-fly dynamics
Authors: Schüppel Franziska , Roos Matthias K. , de Vivie-Riedle Regina
Published: August 2018

Quantum dynamical and semi-classical investigations explain the reaction dynamics and the experimentally observed wavepacket motion during ultrafast photodissociation of diphenylmethylbromide.
Ni–Co–O solid solution dispersed nanocrystalline Co3O4 as a highly active catalyst for low-temperature propane combustion
Authors: Cai Ting , Yuan Jing , Zhang Lin , Yang Ling , Tong Qin , Ge Meiying , Xiao Bei , Zhang Xiaolan , Zhao Kunfeng , He Dannong
Published: August 2018

Highly active nanocrystalline Co3O4 dispersed on Ni–Co–O solid solution surface for propane combustion.
Amorphous mesoporous nickel phosphate/reduced graphene oxide with superior performance for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Yuan Jingjing , Zheng Xiaoke , Yao Dachuan , Jiang Ling , Li Ya , Che Jianfei , He Guangyu , Chen Haiqun
Published: August 2018

Amorphous mesoporous Ni3(PO4)2 was grown on rGO via a hydrothermal-calcination process, forming a Ni3(PO4)2/rGO-300 composite with superior electrochemical performance.
The interlocked in situ fabrication of graphene@prussian blue nanocomposite as high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Shi-Cheng , Gu Minli , Pan Luqing , Xu Junfeng , Han Lei , Yi Fei-Yan
Published: August 2018

High-quality graphene@prussian blue (G@PB) nanocomposite sheets fabricated via the one-step in situ hydrothermal method show great promise for energy-storage hybrid electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance.
Remarkable resilience of the formate cage in a multiferroic metal organic framework material: dimethyl ammonium manganese formate (DMAMnF)
Authors: Chitnis Abhishek V. , Bhatt Himal , Mączka Miroslaw , Deo Mukul N. , Garg Nandini
Published: August 2018

Shrinking of the cavity formed by the MnO6 octahedra and formate linkers, initiates the distortion of the formate network in DMAMnF and results in ordering of the DMA+ cation, leading to a crystal to crystal phase transition at high pressure.
The rapidly growing role of UV-AOPs in the production of safe drinking water
Authors: Khan Stuart J. , Gagnon Graham A. , Templeton Michael R. , Dionysiou Dionysios D.
Published: August 2018

Guest editors Stuart Khan, Graham Gagnon, Michael Templeton and Dionysios (Dion) Dionysiou introduce the Ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) themed issue of Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.
Metabolic and genetic response to probiotics supplementation in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mafi Alireza , Namazi Gholamreza , Soleimani Alireza , Bahmani Fereshteh , Aghadavod Esmat , Asemi Zatollah
Published: August 2018

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotics administration on the metabolic and genetic profiles in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate modulates lipid metabolism in adipose tissues of growing pigs
Authors: Duan Yehui , Zhang Lingyu , Li Fengna , Guo Qiuping , Long Cimin , Yin Yulong , Kong Xiangfeng , Peng Mijun , Wang Wence
Published: August 2018

Background: The effects and roles of the leucine (Leu) metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) in lipid metabolism in adipose tissues of pigs are still unknown.
Lipid profiling in serum from apolipoprotein E-knock out mice fed with different diets and its application to the study of the regulatory effect on lipid metabolism
Authors: Wu Zongyuan , Xia Zumeng , Wu Bangfu , Wei Fang , Lv Xin , Xie Ya , Xu Shuling , Xu Jiqu , Chen Hong , Huang Fenghong
Published: August 2018

A lipidome profiling platform was established that could evaluate the cardiovascular health products from lipid changes, their metabolism regulation and intervention mechanism in chronic disease, such as atherosclerosis.
Antibacterial activity of synthetic pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines armed with nitrile groups: POM analysis and identification of pharmacophore sites of nitriles as important pro-drugs
Authors: Dongre Rajendra Sukhdeorao , Meshram Jyostna S. , Selokar Rupali Sudhakarrao , Almalki Faisal A. , Hadda Taibi Ben
Published: August 2018

A pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine series has exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of bacterial strains.
Improving coloration time and moisture stability of photochromic viologen–carboxylate zwitterions
Authors: Guo Pei-Yu , Sun Cai , Zhang Ning-Ning , Cai Li-Zhen , Wang Ming-Sheng , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: August 2018

The coordination compound [Zn2LCl4]n (ZnLCl) showed greater moisture stability and faster color change than the viologen ligand L (N,N′-dipropionate-4,4′-bipyridinium).
Biocompatible crosslinked β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles as multifunctional carriers for cellular delivery
Authors: Datz Stefan , Illes Bernhard , Gößl Dorothée , Schirnding Constantin v. , Engelke Hanna , Bein Thomas
Published: August 2018

Crosslinked β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles were synthesized to yield biocompatible nanocarriers that deliver hydrophobic drugs via sugar-mediated uptake into cells.
Low-temperature nanospectroscopy of the structural ferroelectric phases in single-crystalline barium titanate
Authors: Döring Jonathan , Lang Denny , Wehmeier Lukas , Kuschewski Frederik , Nörenberg Tobias , Kehr Susanne C. , Eng Lukas M.
Published: August 2018

Revealing the domain structure of (111)-oriented BaTiO3 by nanospectroscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy in all ferroelectric phases down to 150 K.
Phase control in the colloidal synthesis of well-defined nickel sulfide nanocrystals
Authors: Barim Gözde , Smock Sara R. , Antunez Priscilla D. , Glaser Daniela , Brutchey Richard L.
Published: August 2018

Morphologically well-defined colloidal nanocrystals of Ni3S4, NiS, Ni9S8, and Ni3S2 were independently prepared through a solution-phase synthesis using N,N′-disubstituted thioureas as the sulfur precursor.
A catalase-loaded hierarchical zeolite as an implantable nanocapsule for ultrasound-guided oxygen self-sufficient photodynamic therapy against pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hu Dehong , Chen Zhuwen , Sheng Zonghai , Gao Duyang , Yan Fei , Ma Teng , Zheng Hairong , Hong Mei
Published: August 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative strategy for treating pancreatic cancer (PC) in clinics.
High-performance double ion-buffering reservoirs of asymmetric supercapacitors based on flower-like Co3O4-G>N-PEGm microspheres and 3D rGO-CNT>N-PEGm aerogels
Authors: Lai Changwei , Sun Ying , Zhang Xueqin , Yang Hong , Lin Baoping
Published: August 2018

The double ion-buffering reservoirs of asymmetric supercapacitors were configured with Co3O4-G>N-PEGm and 3D rGO-CNT>N-PEGm aerogels for energy storage application.
Mitochondria-targeting single-layered graphene quantum dots with dual recognition sites for ATP imaging in living cells
Authors: Liu Jia Hui , Li Rong Sheng , Yuan Binfang , Wang Jian , Li Yuan Fang , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: August 2018

Single-layered graphene quantum dots with dual recognition sites including π-conjugated single sheets and positively charged sites were developed and used for monitoring the mitochondrial ATP fluctuation in living cells.