bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holocene sea ice variability driven by wind and polynya efficiency in the Ross Sea
Authors: Mezgec K. , Stenni B. , Crosta X. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Baroni C. , Braida M. , Ciardini V. , Colizza E. , Melis R. , Salvatore M. C. , Severi M. , Scarchilli C. , Traversi R. , Udisti R. , Frezzotti M.
Published: October 2017

The causes of the recent increase in Antarctic sea ice extent, characterised by large regional contrasts and decadal variations, remain unclear. In the Ross Sea, where such a sea ice increase is reported, 50% of the sea ice is produced within wind-sustained latent-heat polynyas. Combining information from marine diatom records and sea salt sodium and water isotope ice core records, we here document contrasting patterns in sea ice variations between coastal and open sea areas in Western Ross Sea over the current interglacial period. Since about 3600 years before present, an increase in the efficiency of regional latent-heat polynyas resulted in more coastal sea ice, while sea ice extent decreased overall. These past changes coincide with remarkable optima or minima in the abundances of penguins, silverfish and seal remains, confirming the high sensitivity of marine ecosystems to environmental and especially coastal sea ice conditions.
Critical functions for STAT5 tetramers in the maturation and survival of natural killer cells
Authors: Lin Jian-Xin , Du Ning , Li Peng , Kazemian Majid , Gebregiorgis Tesfay , Spolski Rosanne , Leonard Warren J.
Published: October 2017

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is essential for the development and maintenance of natural killer (NK) cells. IL-15 activates STAT5 proteins, which can form dimers or tetramers. We previously found that NK cell numbers are decreased in Stat5a−Stat5b tetramer-deficient double knockin (DKI) mice, but the mechanism was not investigated. Here we show that STAT5 dimers are sufficient for NK cell development, whereas STAT5 tetramers mediate NK cell maturation and the expression of maturation-associated genes. Unlike the defective proliferation of Stat5 DKI CD8+ T cells, Stat5 DKI NK cells have normal proliferation to IL-15 but are susceptible to death upon cytokine withdrawal, with lower Bcl2 and increased active caspases. These findings underscore the importance of STAT5 tetramers in maintaining NK cell homoeostasis. Moreover, defective STAT5 tetramer formation could represent a cause of NK cell immunodeficiency, and interrupting STAT5 tetramer formation might serve to control NK leukaemia.
Targeting Androgen Receptor in Treating HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: He Licai , Du Zhuanyun , Xiong Xusheng , Ma Hua , Zhu Zhenfeng , Gao Hongwei , Cao Jiawei , Li Tong , Li Hongzhi , Yang Kaiyan , Chen Guorong , Richer Jennifer K. , Gu Haihua
Published: October 2017

Androgen receptor (AR) is widely expressed in different subtypes of breast cancer (BC). However, it is unclear how AR functions in HER2 positive (+) BC. Knockdown of AR with shRNAs and a new generation anti-androgen drug, Enzalutamide, were used to explore the involvement of AR on the growth of HER2 + BC cells (HCC1954 and SKBR3). AR shRNA or Enzalutamide inhibited the growth of SKBR3 cells at a similar extend compared to trastuzumab, an approved HER2 targeted drug. Combining Enzalutamide with trastuzumab further decreased the growth of HCC1954 and SKBR3 cells compared with single agent alone in vitro. Biochemical analysis revealed that inhibiting AR resulted in decreased HER2 phosphorylation and activation of Erk and Akt, without affecting the HER2 and HER3 expression. The in vivo efficacy of Enzalutamide was further tested using the HCC1954 xenograft model. Enzalutamide impaired the growth of HCC1954 tumor at a level comparable to that by trastuzumab. Enzalutamide decreased Ki67 staining and increased activated caspase3 staining compared with vehicle control in HCC1954 tumors. Our results indicate AR plays an important role in promoting the growth of HER2 + BC by cross-talking with the HER2 signaling. AR drug may be used as an alternative second line therapy for treating HER2 + BC.
Glomerulocapillary miRNA response to HLA-class I antibody in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Heinemann Falko M. , Jindra Peter T. , Bockmeyer Clemens L. , Zeuschner Philip , Wittig Juliane , Höflich Heike , Eßer Marc , Abbas Mahmoud , Dieplinger Georg , Stolle Katharina , Vester Udo , Hoyer Peter F. , Immenschuh Stephan , Heinold Andreas , Horn Peter A. , Li Wentian , Eisenberger Ute , Becker Jan U.
Published: October 2017

Changes in miRNA expression of glomerular capillaries during antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) are poorly understood and could contribute to the deleterious inflammation and fibrosis of ABMR via suppression of target genes. A better understanding could lead to novel diagnostic tools and reveal novel therapeutic targets. We explored deregulated miRNAs in an glomeruloendothelialin vitromodel of ABMR due to class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) with and without complement activation. We studied a set of 16 promising candidate miRNAs in microdissected glomeruli a confirmation set of 20 human transplant biopsies (DSA+) compared to 10 matched controls without evidence for ABMR. Twelve out of these 16 glomerulocapillary miRNAs could successfully be confirmed as dysregulatedin vivowith 10 upregulated (let-7c-5p, miR-28-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-374b-3p, miR-484, miR-501-3p, miR-520e) and 2 downregulated (miR29b-3p, miR-885-5p) in DSA+ vs. controls. A random forest analysis based on glomerular miRNAs identified 18/20 DSA+ and 8/10 controls correctly. This glomerulocapillary miRNA signature associated with HLA class I-DSA could improve our understanding of ABMR and be useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
A digital microfluidic system for loop-mediated isothermal amplification and sequence specific pathogen detection
Authors: Wan Liang , Chen Tianlan , Gao Jie , Dong Cheng , Wong Ada Hang-Heng , Jia Yanwei , Mak Pui-In , Deng Chu-Xia , Martins Rui P.
Published: October 2017

A digital microfluidic (DMF) system has been developed for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based pathogen nucleic acid detection using specific low melting temperature (Tm) Molecular Beacon DNA probes. A positive-temperature-coefficient heater with a temperature sensor for real-time thermal regulation was integrated into the control unit, which generated actuation signals for droplet manipulation. To enhance the specificity of the LAMP reaction, low-Tm Molecular Beacon probes were designed within the single-stranded loop structures on the LAMP reaction products. In the experiments, only 1 μL of LAMP reaction samples containing purified Trypanosoma brucei DNA were required, which represented over a 10x reduction of reagent consumption when comparing with the conventional off-chip LAMP. On-chip LAMP for unknown sample detection could be accomplished in 40 min with a detection limit of 10 copies/reaction. Also, we accomplished an on-chip melting curve analysis of the Molecular Beacon probe from 30 to 75 °C within 5 min, which was 3x faster than using a commercial qPCR machine. Discrimination of non-specific amplification and lower risk of aerosol contamination for on-chip LAMP also highlight the potential utilization of this system in clinical applications. The entire platform is open for further integration with sample preparation and fluorescence detection towards a total-micro-analysis system.
New microbial resource: microbial diversity, function and dynamics in Chinese liquor starter
Authors: Huang Yuhong , Yi Zhuolin , Jin Yanling , Zhao Yonggui , He Kaize , Liu Dayu , Zhao Dong , He Hui , Luo Huibo , Zhang Wenxue , Fang Yang , Zhao Hai
Published: October 2017

Traditional Chinese liquor (Baijiu) solid state fermentation technology has lasted for several thousand years. The microbial communities that enrich in liquor starter are important for fermentation. However, the microbial communities are still under-characterized. In this study, 454 pyrosequencing technology was applied to comprehensively analyze the microbial diversity, function and dynamics of two most-consumed liquor starters (Jiang- and Nong-flavor) during production. In total, 315 and 83 bacterial genera and 72 and 47 fungal genera were identified in Jiang- and Nong-flavor liquor starter, respectively. The relatively high diversity was observed when the temperature increased to 70 and 62 °C for Jiang- and Nong-flavor liquor starter, respectively. Some thermophilic fungi have already been isolated. Microbial communities that might contribute to ethanol fermentation, saccharification and flavor development were identified and shown to be core communities in correlation-based network analysis. The predictively functional profile of bacterial communities showed significant difference in energy, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and the degradation of aromatic compounds between the two kinds of liquor starters. Here we report these liquor starters as a new functionally microbial resource, which can be used for discovering thermophilic and aerobic enzymes and for food and feed preservation.
The Correlation of Pirani and Dimeglio Scoring Systems for Ponseti Management at Different Levels of Deformity Severity
Authors: Fan Hua , Liu Yubin , Zhao Li , Chu Caiting , An Yongyu , Wang Tingting , Li Wenhua
Published: October 2017

The Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems both have excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability, but no research has been conducted to determine their inter-observer reliability and their relationship at different levels of deformity. A total of 173 idiopathic clubfoot cases were reviewed using Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems, and the number of casts needed was also recorded. For clubfeet with a cast number equal to 2 or 7 and 8, the inter-observer reliability of the two scoring systems was poor or moderate, and there was no correlation between the two scoring systems. There was also no correlation between the Dimeglio scoring score with the number of casts for grade II or IV clubfeet. A binary regression of the number of casts on initial Pirani or Dimeglio scores showed that there was a Quadratic or Cubic relation between the scores and the cast numbers. In conclusion, in the case of mild and very severe clubfoot deformity, the interobserver reliability and its ability to predict the number of casts needed for clubfoot deformity correction was poor. A more objective evaluation system may be required.
Bipolar configuration with twisted loop defect in chiral nematic droplets under homeotropic surface anchoring
Authors: Krakhalev Mikhail N. , Gardymova Anna P. , Prishchepa Oxana O. , Rudyak Vladimir Yu. , Emelyanenko Alexander V. , Liu Jui-Hsiang , Zyryanov Victor Ya.
Published: October 2017

Optical textures and appropriate orientational structures have been studied within droplets of chiral nematic dispersed in polymer assigning the homeotropic anchoring. The helix axis of the chiral structure inside droplets forms the bipolar configuration. The optical droplet textures were analysed in the unpolarised light, analyser switching-off scheme and in crossed polarisers. The twisted loop defect reveals itself convincingly in all schemes. Its appearance at the optical patterns of the chiral nematic droplets has been examined depending on their size and the aspect direction. The existence of the defect has been verified by the structural and optical calculations. The effect of an electric field on both the defect line shape and the orientational structure of chiral nematic has been studied.
Protein profiling identified key chemokines that regulate the maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Jiang Zongmin , Li Yonggang , Ji Xinglai , Tang Yiyuli , Yu Haijing , Ding Lei , Yu Min , Cui Qinghua , Zhang Ming , Ma Yanping , Li Meizhang
Published: October 2017

Microenvironment (or niche)-providing chemokines regulate many important biological functions of tissue-specific stem cells. However, to what extent chemokines influence human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is not yet completely understood. In this study, we applied protein array to screen chemokines found within the cytokine pool in the culture supernatant of hPSCs. Our results showed that chemokines were the predominant supernatant components, and came from three sources: hPSCs, feeder cells, and culture media. Chemotaxis analysis of IL-8, SDF-1α, and IP-10 suggested that chemokines function as uniform chemoattractants to mediate in vitro migration of the hPSCs. Chemokines mediate both differentiated and undifferentiated states of hPSCs. However, balanced chemokine signaling tends to enhance their stemness in vitro. These results indicate that chemokines secreted from both stem cells and feeder cells are essential to mobilize hPSCs and maintain their stemness.
Interactive phenotyping of large-scale histology imaging data with HistomicsML
Authors: Nalisnik Michael , Amgad Mohamed , Lee Sanghoon , Halani Sameer H. , Velazquez Vega Jose Enrique , Brat Daniel J. , Gutman David A. , Cooper Lee A. D.
Published: October 2017

Whole-slide imaging of histologic sections captures tissue microenvironments and cytologic details in expansive high-resolution images. These images can be mined to extract quantitative features that describe tissues, yielding measurements for hundreds of millions of histologic objects. A central challenge in utilizing this data is enabling investigators to train and evaluate classification rules for identifying objects related to processes like angiogenesis or immune response. In this paper we describe HistomicsML, an interactive machine-learning system for digital pathology imaging datasets. This framework uses active learning to direct user feedback, making classifier training efficient and scalable in datasets containing 108+ histologic objects. We demonstrate how this system can be used to phenotype microvascular structures in gliomas to predict survival, and to explore the molecular pathways associated with these phenotypes. Our approach enables researchers to unlock phenotypic information from digital pathology datasets to investigate prognostic image biomarkers and genotype-phenotype associations.
Modulating medial septal cholinergic activity reduces medial entorhinal theta frequency without affecting speed or grid coding
Authors: Carpenter Francis , Burgess Neil , Barry Caswell
Published: October 2017

Medial septal inputs to the hippocampal system are crucial for aspects of temporal and spatial processing, such as theta oscillations and grid cell firing. However, the precise contributions of the medial septum’s cholinergic neurones to these functions remain unknown. Here, we recorded neuronal firing and local field potentials from the medial entorhinal cortex of freely foraging mice, while modulating the excitability of medial septal cholinergic neurones. Alteration of cholinergic activity produced a reduction in the frequency of theta oscillations, without affecting the slope of the non-linear theta frequency vs running speed relationship observed. Modifying septal cholinergic tone in this way also led mice to exhibit behaviours associated with novelty or anxiety. However, grid cell firing patterns were unaffected, concordant with an absence of change in the slopes of the theta frequency and firing rate speed signals thought to be used by grid cells.
Metal Solidification Imaging Process by Magnetic Induction Tomography
Authors: Ma Lu , Spagnul Stefano , Soleimani Manuchehr
Published: October 2017

There are growing number of important applications that require a contactless method for monitoring an object surrounded inside a metallic enclosure. Imaging metal solidification is a great example for which there is no real time monitoring technique at present. This paper introduces a technique - magnetic induction tomography - for the real time in-situ imaging of the metal solidification process. Rigorous experimental verifications are presented. Firstly, a single inductive coil is placed on the top of a melting wood alloy to examine the changes of its inductance during solidification process. Secondly, an array of magnetic induction coils are designed to investigate the feasibility of a tomographic approach, i.e., when one coil is driven by an alternating current as a transmitter and a vector of phase changes are measured from the remaining of the coils as receivers. Phase changes are observed when the wood alloy state changes from liquid to solid. Thirdly, a series of static cold phantoms are created to represent various liquid/solid interfaces to verify the system performance. Finally, a powerful temporal reconstruction method is applied to realise real time in-situ visualisation of the solidification and the measurement of solidified shell thickness, a first report of its kind.
Serial-omics of P53−/−, Brca1−/− Mouse Breast Tumor and Normal Mammary Gland
Authors: Breitkopf Susanne B. , Taveira Mateus De Oliveira , Yuan Min , Wulf Gerburg M. , Asara John M.
Published: October 2017

This study demonstrates a liquid-liquid extraction for the sequential tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of non-polar lipids, polar metabolites, proteins and phosphorylation sites from a single piece of tissue. Extraction of 10 mg BRCA−/−, p53−/− breast tumor tissue or normal mammary gland tissue with methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) results in three phases: an upper non-polar phase containing 1,382 lipids, a lower polar phase with 805 metabolites and a precipitated protein pellet with 4,792 proteins with 1,072 phosphorylation sites. Comparative analysis revealed an activated AKT-mTOR pathway in tumors. Tumors also showed a reduction of phosphorylation sites involved in transcription and RNA splicing and decreased abundance of enzymes in lipid synthesis. Analysis of polar metabolites revealed a reduction in glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, polyamines and nucleotides, but an increase in TCA and urea cycle intermediates. Analysis of lipids revealed a shift from high triglycerides in mammary gland to high phospholipid levels in tumors. The data were integrated into a model showing breast tumors exhibit features on the proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomic level that are distinct from normal breast tissue. Our integrative technique lends itself to samples such as tumor biopsies, dried blood spots and fluids including urine and CSF to develop biomarkers of disease.
3d-4f coupling and multiferroicity in frustrated Cairo Pentagonal oxide DyMn2O5
Authors: Chattopadhyay S. , Petit S. , Ressouche E. , Raymond S. , Balédent V. , Yahia G. , Peng W. , Robert J. , Lepetit M.-B. , Greenblatt M. , Foury-Leylekian P.
Published: October 2017

In solid state science, multifunctional materials and especially multiferroics have attracted a great deal of attention, as they open the possibility for next generation spintronic and data storage devices. Interestingly, while many of them host coexisting 3d and 4f elements, the role of the coupling between these two magnetic entities has remained elusive. By means of single crystal neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering experiments we shed light on this issue in the particular case of the multiferroic oxide DyMn2O5. This compound undergoes a first order magnetic transition from a high temperature incommensurate phase to a low temperature commensurate one. Our investigation reveals that although these two phases have very different magnetic structures, the spin excitations are quite similar indicating a fragile low temperature ground state with respect to the high temperature one. Such a rare scenario is argued to be a manifestation of the competition between the exchange interaction and 4f magnetic anisotropy present in the system. It is concluded that the magnetic structure, hence the ferroelectricity, can be finely tuned depending on the anisotropy of the rare earth.
Natural history of Helicobacter pylori VacA toxin in human gastric epithelium in vivo: vacuoles and beyond
Authors: Necchi Vittorio , Sommi Patrizia , Vanoli Alessandro , Fiocca Roberto , Ricci Vittorio , Solcia Enrico
Published: October 2017

Uptake, intracellular trafficking and pathologic effects of VacA toxin from Helicobacter pylori have been widely investigated in vitro. However, no systematic analysis investigated VacA intracellular distribution and fate in H. pylori-infected human gastric epithelium in vivo, using ultrastructural immunocytochemistry that combines precise toxin localization with analysis of the overall cell ultrastructure and intercompartimental/interorganellar relationships. By immunogold procedure, in this study we investigated gastric biopsies taken from dyspeptic patients to characterize the overall toxin’s journey inside human gastric epithelial cells in vivo. Endocytic pits were found to take up VacA at sites of bacterial adhesion, leading to a population of peripheral endosomes, which in deeper (juxtanuclear) cytoplasm enlarged and fused each other to form large VacA-containing vacuoles (VCVs). These directly opened into endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae, which in turn enveloped mitochondria and contacted the Golgi apparatus. In all such organelles we found toxin molecules, often coupled with structural damage. These findings suggest direct toxin transfer from VCVs to other target organelles such as ER/Golgi and mitochondria. VacA-induced cytotoxic changes were associated with the appearance of auto(phago)lysosomes containing VacA, polyubiquitinated proteins, p62/SQSTM1 protein, cathepsin D, damaged mitochondria and bacterial remnants, thus leading to persistent cell accumulation of degradative products.
Hf/Sb co-doping induced a high thermoelectric performance of ZrNiSn: First-principles calculation
Authors: Zhang Ju , Zhang Xiwen , Wang Yuanxu
Published: October 2017

Previous experiments showed that Hf/Sb co-doping in ZrNiSn impressively improved the electrical conductivity (σ). To explore the physical reasons for this improvement, the electronic structures of HfxZr1−xNiSn1−ySby (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5; y = 0, 0.02) have been systematically investigated by using the first-principles method and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. 50% Hf doping at Zr site in ZrNiSn simultaneously increases the degeneracy and dispersion of energy bands near the conduction band edge, which are helpful to optimizing Seebeck coefficient and slightly improving σ. Furthermore, 2% Sb co-doping at Sn site in Hf0.5Zr0.5NiSn not only increases total density of states near the Fermi energy but also retains high mobility, and N
v
reaches eleven at the conduction band minimum, thereby inducing a large improvement in σ. Additionally, the Bader charge analysis shows the reason why Sb co-doping supplies more electrons. It is most likely derived from that Sb loses more electrons and Sb-Ni has a stronger hybridization than Sn-Ni. Moreover, we predict that the ZT of Hf0.5Zr0.5NiSn0.98Sb0.02 at 1000 K can reach 1.37 with the carrier concentration of 7.56 × 1018 cm−3, indicating that Hf/Sb co-doping may be an effective approach in optimizing thermoelectric properties of ZrNiSn alloy compounds.
Enhanced Attentional Bias Variability in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Relationship to More General Impairments in Cognitive Control
Authors: Swick Diane , Ashley Victoria
Published: October 2017

Hypervigilance towards threat is one of the defining features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This symptom predicts that individuals with PTSD will be biased to attend to potential dangers in the environment. However, cognitive tasks designed to assess visual-spatial attentional biases have shown mixed results. A newer proposal suggests that attentional bias is not a static phenomenon, but rather is characterized by fluctuations towards and away from threat. Here, we tested 28 combat Veterans with PTSD and 28 control Veterans on a dot probe task with negative-neutral word pairs. Combat-related words and generically negative words were presented in separate blocks. Replicating previous results, neither group showed a bias to attend towards or away from threat, but PTSD patients showed greater attentional bias variability (ABV), which correlated with symptom severity. However, the cognitive processes indexed by ABV are unclear. The present results indicated that ABV was strongly correlated with standard deviation at the reaction time (RT) level and with excessively long RTs (ex-Gaussian tau) related to cognitive failures. These findings suggest an overall increase in response variability unrelated to threat-related biases in spatial attention, and support a disruption in more general cognitive control processes in PTSD.
NMR relaxation properties of the synthetic malaria pigment β-hematin
Authors: Gossuin Yves , Okusa Ndjolo Philippe , Vuong Quoc Lam , Duez Pierre
Published: October 2017

200 million patients suffer from malaria, a parasitic disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium. Reliable diagnosis is crucial since it allows the early detection of the disease. The development of rapid, sensitive and low-cost diagnosis tools is an important research area. Different studies focused on the detection of hemozoin, a major by-product of hemoglobin detoxification by the parasite. Hemozoin and its synthetic analog, β-hematin, form paramagnetic crystals. A new detection method of malaria takes advantage of the paramagnetism of hemozoin through the effect that such magnetic crystals have on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxation of water protons. Indeed, magnetic microparticles cause a shortening of the relaxation times. In this work, the magnetic properties of two types of β-hematin are assessed at different temperatures and magnetic fields. The pure paramagnetism of β-hematin is confirmed. The NMR relaxation of β–hematin suspensions is also studied at different magnetic fields and for different echo-times. Our results help to identify the best conditions for β–hematin detection by NMR: T2 must be selected, at large magnetic fields and for long echo-times. However, the effect of β-hematin on relaxation does not seem large enough to achieve accurate detection of malaria without any preliminary sample preparation, as microcentrifugation.
Landscape-scale conservation design across biotic realms: sequential integration of aquatic and terrestrial landscapes
Authors: Leonard Paul B. , Baldwin Robert F. , Hanks R. Daniel
Published: October 2017

Systematic conservation planning has been used extensively throughout the world to identify important areas for maintaining biodiversity and functional ecosystems, and is well suited to address large-scale biodiversity conservation challenges of the twenty-first century. Systematic planning is necessary to bridge implementation, scale, and data gaps in a collaborative effort that recognizes competing land uses. Here, we developed a conservation planning process to identify and unify conservation priorities around the central and southern Appalachian Mountains as part of the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative (App LCC). Through a participatory framework and sequential, cross-realm integration in spatial optimization modeling we highlight lands and waters that together achieve joint conservation goals from LCC partners for the least cost. This process was driven by a synthesis of 26 multi-scaled conservation targets and optimized for simultaneous representation inside the program Marxan to account for roughly 25% of the LCC geography. We identify five conservation design elements covering critical ecological processes and patterns including interconnected regions as well as the broad landscapes between them. Elements were then subjected to a cumulative threats index for possible prioritization. The evaluation of these elements supports multi-scaled decision making within the LCC planning community through a participatory, dynamic, and iterative process.
A facile method for urinary phenylalanine measurement on paper-based lab-on-chip for PKU therapy monitoring
Authors: Messina M. A. , Meli C. , Conoci S. , Petralia S.
Published: October 2017

A miniaturized paper-based lab-on-chip (LoC) was developed for the facile measurement of urinary Phe (phenylalanine) level on PKU (Phenylketonuria) treated patient.
Determination of (S)-warfarin using an activated screen printed gold electrode modified with gold nanoparticles and an enantioselective molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: Yawari Ilnaz , Kaykhaii Massoud
Published: October 2017

In this work a novel and simple electrochemical sensor for the determination of (S)-warfarin based on an activated screen printed gold/Au nanoparticles/molecularly imprinted polymer electrode (ASPG/AuNPs/MIP) was introduced.
Organocatalysis using aldehydes: the development and improvement of catalytic hydroaminations, hydrations and hydrolyses
Authors: Li Bin-Jie , EI-Nachef Claudia , Beauchemin André M.
Published: October 2017

Aldehydes as organocatalysts? Simple aldehydes achieve difficult intermolecular reactions by exploiting temporary intramolecularity and inducing electrophilic activation.
Histone–DNA interaction: an effective approach to improve the fluorescence intensity and stability of DNA-templated Cu nanoclusters
Authors: Lian Jinyu , Liu Qiang , Jin Yan , Li Baoxin
Published: October 2017

The histone–DNA interaction is found to greatly improve the fluorescence intensity and stability of DNA-templated Cu nanoclusters (CuNCs).
Metallic Fe nanoparticles trapped in self-adapting nanoreactors: a novel high-capacity anode for aqueous Ni–Fe batteries
Authors: Li Linpo , Zhu Jianhui , Niu Yanli , Xiong Zuhong , Jiang Jian
Published: October 2017

An in situ evolution method via gas-phase reactions is developed to make single-phase Fe nanoparticles confined in thick C nanoreactors for Ni–Fe cells. Such smart hybrids exhibit prominent anodic performance on both stored capacity and cyclic durability.
Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of arylisoquinolines by means of Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Domes Robert , Domes Christian , Albert Christian R. , Bringmann Gerhard , Popp Jürgen , Frosch Torsten
Published: October 2017

Seven new AIQ antimalarial agents were investigated using FT-NIR and deep-UV resonance Raman spectroscopy.
Freezing of supercooledn-decane nanodroplets: from surface driven to frustrated crystallization
Authors: Modak Viraj P. , Amaya Andrew J. , Wyslouzil Barbara E.
Published: October 2017

Decane condenses to form nanodroplets that freeze from the outside in, until it's so cold that fractal like frustrated crystals form instead.
Influence of molecular weight on ion-transport properties of polymeric ionic liquids
Authors: Keith Jordan R. , Mogurampelly Santosh , Aldukhi Faisal , Wheatle Bill K. , Ganesan Venkat
Published: October 2017

A transition in ion transport mechanisms is shown to underlie the decoupling of ion transport from structural relaxations in polymeric ionic liquids.
Magneto-structural correlation of hexakis-dmso cobalt(ii) complex
Authors: Sakiyama Hiroshi , Sudo Reiji , Abiko Takaaki , Yoshioka Daisuke , Mitsuhashi Ryoji , Omote Masataka , Mikuriya Masahiro , Yoshitake Megumi , Koikawa Masayuki
Published: October 2017

The magnetostructural correlation of the hexakis-dmso cobalt(ii) complex, [Co(dmso)6](BPh4)2 (dmso: dimethylsulfoxide), was investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study and magnetic measurements.
Construction of 2,3-quaternary fused indolines from alkynyl tethered oximes and diaryliodonium salts through a cascade strategy of N-arylation/cycloaddition/[3,3]-rearrangement
Authors: Ma Xiao-Pan , Li Kun , Wu Si-Yi , Liang Cui , Su Gui-Fa , Mo Dong-Liang
Published: October 2017

An efficient cascade strategy was developed for the synthesis of 2,3-quaternary fused indolines from alkynyl tethered oximes and diaryliodonium salts.
Effect of amino acid mutations on intra-dimer tubulin–tubulin binding strength of microtubules
Authors: Liu Ning , Pidaparti Ramana , Wang Xianqiao
Published: October 2017

Binding strength inside αβ-tubulin dimers of a microtubule (MT) with atomic resolutions are of importance in determining the structural stability of the MT as well as designing self-assembled functional structures from it. Through simulations, this study proposes a new strategy to tune the binding strength inside microtubules through point mutations of amino acids on the intra-dimer interface.
Full-angle tomographic phase microscopy of flowing quasi-spherical cells
Authors: Villone Massimiliano M. , Memmolo Pasquale , Merola Francesco , Mugnano Martina , Miccio Lisa , Maffettone Pier Luca , Ferraro Pietro
Published: October 2017

We report a reliable full-angle tomographic phase microscopy (FA-TPM) method for flowing quasi-spherical cells along microfluidic channels.
Correction: On-chip polyelectrolyte coating onto magnetic droplets – towards continuous flow assembly of drug delivery capsules
Authors: Alorabi Ali Q. , Tarn Mark D. , Gómez-Pastora Jenifer , Bringas Eugenio , Ortiz Inmaculada , Paunov Vesselin N. , Pamme Nicole
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘On-chip polyelectrolyte coating onto magnetic droplets – towards continuous flow assembly of drug delivery capsules’ by Ali Q. Alorabi et al., Lab Chip, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00918f.
Heterogeneous lyophobic systems based on pure silica ITH-type zeolites: high pressure intrusion of water and electrolyte solutions
Authors: Ronchi L. , Nouali H. , Daou T. J. , Patarin J. , Ryzhikov A.
Published: October 2017

During high pressure intrusion of LiCl solutions in ITH-type zeosils a change in system behavior with salt concentration was observed.
Visible-light active tin selenide nanostructures: synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Irshad Samia , Ehsan Muhammad Fahad , Rehman Sidra , Farooq Saima , Najam-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Zia Adeel
Published: October 2017

Photocatalytic activity and proposed reaction mechanism of degradation of Methylene Blue dye by SnSe nanostructures.
Self-assembly of Au@Ag core–shell nanocuboids into staircase superstructures by droplet evaporation
Authors: Yang Xianzhong , Li Jing , Zhao Yuxin , Yang Jianhua , Zhou Liyan , Dai Zhigao , Guo Xiao , Mu Shanjun , Liu Quanzhen , Jiang Chunming , Sun Mengtao , Wang Jianfang , Liang Wenjie
Published: October 2017

Staircase superstructures of nanocuboids are achieved using two-stage droplet evaporation and SERS performances are demonstrated with layer dependency.
Ultrasound-propelled nanowire motors enhance asparaginase enzymatic activity against cancer cells
Authors: Uygun Murat , Jurado-Sánchez Beatriz , Uygun Deniz Aktas , Singh Virendra Vikram , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph
Published: October 2017

Asparaginase-modified nanowire motors are used as effective anti-cancer agents against El4 lymphoma cancer cells.
Ultraflexible and tailorable all-solid-state supercapacitors using polyacrylamide-based hydrogel electrolyte with high ionic conductivity
Authors: Li Huili , Lv Tian , Li Ning , Yao Yao , Liu Kai , Chen Tao
Published: October 2017

Hydrogels with high ionic conductivity consisting of a cross-linked polymer network swollen in water are proven to be used as an efficient electrolyte for all-solid-state supercapacitors.
Squaramide and amine binary H-bond organocatalysis in polymerizations of cyclic carbonates, lactones, and lactides
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Xu Jiaxi , Li Zhenjiang , Xu Songquan , Wang Xin , Wang Haixin , Guo Tianfo , Gao Yu , Zhang Lei , Guo Kai
Published: October 2017

Multiple combinations of six squaramides and eight amines as co-catalysts were success in ROPs of cyclic monomers by H-bond donor and acceptor binary catalysis that established a general protocol.
Space charges and negative capacitance effect in organic light-emitting diodes by transient current response analysis
Authors: Guan Min , Niu Litao , Zhang Yang , Liu Xingfang , Li Yiyang , Zeng Yiping
Published: October 2017

Space charge capacitance and the physical mechanism of negative capacitance in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by transient current response analysis are investigated for the first time.
Design, characterization and pharmaceutical/pharmacological applications of ibuprofen conjugates based on hydroxyethylcellulose
Authors: Abbas Khawar , Amin Muhammad , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Sher Muhammad , Abbas Bukhari Syed Nasir , Edgar Kevin J.
Published: October 2017

We synthesized polymeric prodrugs of ibuprofen (IBU) based on hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) which offered extended release and enhanced bioavailability of IBU as well as significant immunomodulatory potential in cytokine release assay.
Tunable solid state emission of novel V-shaped fluorophores by subtle structure modification: polymorphism, mechanofluoro-chromism and micro-fabrication
Authors: Fu Hong-Yu , Liu Xiao-Jing , Xia Min
Published: October 2017

A largely wide and nearly successive range of solid-state emission wavelengths can be achievedviapolymorphism, mechanofluorochromism and micro-fabrication on rationally designed V-shaped fluorophores with subtle structure modification.
ZSM-5 functionalized in situ with manganese ions for the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Niu X. R. , Li J. , Zhang L. , Lei Z. T. , Zhao X. L. , Yang C. H.
Published: October 2017

We report the preparation of transition metal-containing ZSM-5 catalysts, which were active and selective for cyclohexane oxidation.
Photolabile coumarins with improved efficiency through azetidinyl substitution
Authors: Bassolino Giovanni , Nançoz Christoph , Thiel Zacharias , Bois Estelle , Vauthey Eric , Rivera-Fuentes Pablo
Published: October 2017

The efficiency of photoactivatable coumarins in water has been enhanced by substitution with azetidine.
Imidazolium-based ionic liquid decorated zinc porphyrin catalyst for converting CO2 into five-membered heterocyclic molecules
Authors: Chen Yaju , Luo Rongchang , Yang Zhi , Zhou Xiantai , Ji Hongbing
Published: October 2017

The bifunctional zinc(ii) porphyrin complex with flexible quaternary imidazole ionic liquids exhibited improved catalytic activity and reusability for the reaction of CO2with epoxides or aziridines to form five-membered heterocyclic products without any additives under solvent-free conditions.
Tunable synthetic control of soft polymeric nanoparticle morphology
Authors: Martin Halie J. , White B. Tyler , Scanlon Christopher J. , Saito Tomonori , Dadmun Mark D.
Published: October 2017

Synthetic control of soft nanoparticles provides a conduit to thoroughly investigate the correlation of nanoscale structure to particle and nanocomposite properties.
Effect of short-chain branching on interfacial polymer structure and dynamics under shear flow
Authors: Jeong Sohdam , Kim Jun Mo , Cho Soowon , Baig Chunggi
Published: October 2017

Schematic illustration of the characteristic molecular mechanism of interfacial chains in high flow fields during a tumbling cycle for linear and SCB polyethylene melts.
Octamethyl-substituted Pd(ii) phthalocyanine with long carrier lifetime as a dopant-free hole selective material for performance enhancement of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zheng Xiaolu , Wang Yulong , Hu Jiahua , Yang Guang , Guo Zhen , Xia Jianlong , Xu Zongxiang , Fang Guojia
Published: October 2017

Replacing copper with heavier palladium (Pd) endows the phthalocyanine derivative with a longer diffusion length and better photovoltaic performance.
Titanium alkylphosphate functionalised mesoporous silica for enhanced uptake of rare-earth ions
Authors: Zhang Wenzhong , Avdibegović Dženita , Koivula Risto , Hatanpää Timo , Hietala Sami , Regadío Mercedes , Binnemans Koen , Harjula Risto
Published: October 2017

Solid-phase adsorbents for rare-earth ions are prepared by covalently binding organophosphate ligands on mesoporous silica via a versatile metal(iv)–O–P linkage.
Morella-rubra-like metal–organic-framework-derived multilayered Co3O4/NiO/C hybrids as high-performance anodes for lithium storage
Authors: Wang Yongzhe , Kong Mingguang , Liu Ziwei , Lin Chucheng , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2017

Multilayered Co3O4/NiO/C electrodes with a ball-in-ball hollow morphology are employed in lithium-ion batteries and deliver an excellent rate capacity of 421 mA h g−1 at 4 A g−1 and a high capacity of 776 mA h g−1 over 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1.
Significant improvement in the thermoelectric performance of Sb-incorporated chalcopyrite compounds Cu18Ga25SbxTe50−x (x = 0–3.125) through the coordination of energy band and crystal structures
Authors: Zhu Junhao , Luo Yong , Cai Gemei , Liu Xianglian , Du Zhengliang , Tang Fuling , Cui Jiaolin
Published: October 2017

Through the coordination of the energy gap and crystal structure in the newly developed chalcopyrite Cu18Ga25SbxTe50−x, the TE performance improves significantly with the highest ZT value of 1.2 at 854 K.
High dielectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposite films with MoS2 using polyaniline interlinker via interfacial interaction
Authors: Maity Nirmal , Mandal Amit , Nandi Arun K.
Published: October 2017

Aniline in situ polymerized within exfoliated molybdenum disulfide produces MoS2–PANI with raspberry morphology, showing good dispersion into poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) and produces 86% β-phase PVDF yielding dielectric constant 586 at 102 Hz.
Au/SiO2 nanoparticles in TiO2:Sm3+ films for improved fluorescence sensing of oxygen
Authors: Dolgov Leonid , Eltermann Marko , Lange Sven , Kiisk Valter , Zhou Lei , Shi Jianxin , Wu Mingmei , Jaaniso Raivo
Published: October 2017

Increase–decrease in oxygen gas concentration results in increase–decrease in fluorescence of TiO2:Sm3+ films; this effect is especially pronounced around the Au/SiO2 nanoparticles with which the samples are decorated.
MoS2 nanosheets covalently functionalized with polyacrylonitrile: synthesis and broadband laser protection performance
Authors: Shi Makai , Dong Ningning , He Nan , Wan Yan , Cheng Hongxia , Han Mengru , Wang Jun , Chen Yu
Published: October 2017

Highly soluble polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-covalently grafted MoS2 nanosheets (MoS2–PAN) were synthesized in situ. This material shows superior optical limiting response in the visible and near-infrared ranges.
Triplet decay-induced negative temperature dependence of the transient photoluminescence decay of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter
Authors: Wei Xiaofang , Chen Yongzhen , Duan Ruihong , Liu Jianjun , Wang Ruifang , Liu Yanwei , Li Zhiyi , Yi Yuanping , Yamada-Takamura Yukiko , Wang Pengfei , Wang Ying
Published: October 2017

Triplet decay of TADF emitters can be tuned by their molecular structure, leading to the negative temperature dependence of emission decay.
Coordination-modulated piezochromism in metal–viologen materials
Authors: Sui Qi , Yuan Ye , Yang Ning-Ning , Li Xin , Gong Teng , Gao En-Qing , Wang Lin
Published: October 2017

The first reversible piezochromic metal–viologen material, via electron transfer, and the modulation of the pressure-responsive behavior through coordination structures are presented. The very fast photochromic response of the material at ambient pressure is also studied.
Rational design of molecular crystals for enhanced charge transfer properties
Authors: Guan Ying-Shi , Zhang Zhuolei , Pan Jinbo , Yan Qimin , Ren Shenqiang
Published: October 2017

Here, using solution based self-assembly, we contrast a three-dimensional co-crystal, where a [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) based donor and a tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) based acceptor leads to a mixed stacking sequence with pronounced intermolecular hybridization, with the donor–acceptor bilayer.
Pyridine linked fluorene hybrid bipolar host for blue, green, and orange phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes toward solution processing
Authors: Ye Shang-hui , Li Le , Zhang Meng , Zhou Zhou , Quan Mei-han , Guo Li-Feng , Wang Ying , Yang Min , Lai Wen-yong , Huang Wei
Published: October 2017

Balanced charge transportation is achieved in a series of bipolar host materials based on a pyridine hybrid fluorene host containing a triphenylamine or carbazole active group.
Associations Between the 2D:4D Proxy Biomarker for Prenatal Hormone Exposures and Symptoms of Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Redmond Sean M. , Ash Andrea C.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Relative lengths of the index (2D) and ring (4D) fingers in humans represent a retrospective biomarker of prenatal hormonal exposures. For this reason, the 2D:4D digit ratio can be used to investigate potential hormonal contributions to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. This study tested potential group differences in 2D:4D digit ratios in a sample of boys with and without developmental language disorder (DLD) and examined the strength of associations between 2D:4D digit ratio and a battery of verbal and nonverbal measures.

Method

A group of 29 boys affected by DLD and a group of 76 boys with typical language abilities participated (age range = 5;6–11;0 years). Scanned images were used to measure finger lengths. Language measures included the core language subtests from the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition (Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003), a nonword repetition task, a sentence recall task, and the Test of Early Grammatical Impairment (Rice & Wexler, 2001).

Results

Significant group differences indicated lower 2D:4D digit ratios in the group with DLD. Modest associations were found between 2D:4D digit ratios and some Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition subtests.

Conclusions

Prenatal hormone exposures may play a role in the etiology of some language symptoms.
What the Milky Way bulge reveals about the initial metallicity gradients in the disc
Authors: Fragkoudi F. , Di Matteo P. , Haywood M. , Khoperskov S. , Gomez A. , Schultheis M. , Combes F. , Semelin B.
Published: October 2017

We use APOGEE DR13 data to examine the metallicity trends in the Milky Way (MW) bulge and we explore their origin by comparing two N-body models of isolated galaxies that develop a bar and a boxy/peanut (b/p) bulge. Both models have been proposed as scenarios for reconciling a disc origin of the MW bulge with a negative vertical metallicity gradient. The first model is a superposition of co-spatial, i.e. overlapping, disc populations with different scale heights, kinematics, and metallicities. In this model the thick, metal-poor, and centrally concentrated disc populations contribute significantly to the stellar mass budget in the inner galaxy. The second model is a single disc with an initial steep radial metallicity gradient; this disc is mapped by the bar into the b/p bulge in such a way that the vertical metallicity gradient of the MW bulge is reproduced, as has been shown already in previous works in the literature. However, as we show here, the latter model does not reproduce the positive longitudinal metallicity gradient of the inner disc, nor the metal-poor innermost regions seen in the data. On the other hand, the model with co-spatial thin and thick disc populations reproduces all the aforementioned trends. We therefore see that it is possible to reconcile a (primarily) disc origin for the MW bulge with the observed trends in metallicity by mapping the inner thin and thick discs of the MW into a b/p. For this scenario to reproduce the observations, the α-enhanced, metal-poor, thick disc populations must have a significant mass contribution in the inner regions, as has been suggested for the Milky Way.
Effect of adding Te to layered GaSe crystals to increase the van der Waals bonding force
Authors: Tanabe Tadao , Zhao Shu , Sato Yohei , Oyama Yutaka
Published: October 2017

The interplanar binding strength of layered GaSe1-xTex crystals was directly measured using a tensile testing machine. The GaSe1-xTex crystals were grown by a low temperature liquid phase solution method under a controlled Se vapor pressure. The stoichiometry-controlled GaSe1-xTex crystal has the ε-polytype structure of GaSe, where the Te atoms are substituted for some of the Se atoms in the GaSe crystal. The effect of adding Te on the bonding strength between the GaSe layers was determined from direct measurements of the van der Waals bonding energy. The bonding energy was increased from 0.023 × 106 N/m2 for GaSe to 0.16 × 106 N/m2 for GaSe1-xTex (x = 0.106).