bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhizal fungal community structure in tropical humid soils under fallow and cropping conditions
Authors: Jemo Martin , Dhiba Driss , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Alqarawi Abdulaziz A. , Tran Lam-Son Phan
Published: November 2018

Little is known to what extent soil biota, in particular, the mycorrhizae are altered through different fallow durations/types in tropical soils. We found that soil-N, -C, -Al, -K and -Ca contents significantly differed due to the fallow durations/types. Subsequently, the effects of fallow types and soil depths on the diversity, species richness and community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were examined. A higher AM species richness was identified in the cropping than in forest fallow fields, suggesting a positive cropping feedback on the AM community composition. Distribution of the AM species was positively related to soil properties, specifically soil-pH, and soil-Pi, -Ca and -Mg contents. The soil properties conjointly accounted for 78.5% of explained variation in the AM community composition, signifying that the main factors altering the community structure under different fallow and cropping systems were the soil properties. Among the soil chemical characteristics, the soil-pH disclosed a significant explained variation in the AM community composition in the topsoil layer under the short fallow. Structural modeling equation to understand multiple predictive pathways that connect soil properties, fallow practices and AM community structures indicated that soil-C, -N and -Ca contents were highlighted as important factors influencing the AM community compositions.
Cell wall mannan of Candida krusei mediates dendritic cell apoptosis and orchestrates Th17 polarization via TLR-2/MyD88-dependent pathway
Authors: Nguyen Thu Ngoc Yen , Padungros Panuwat , Wongsrisupphakul Panachai , Sa-Ard-Iam Noppadol , Mahanonda Rangsini , Matangkasombut Oranart , Choo Min-Kyung , Ritprajak Patcharee
Published: November 2018

Dendritic cells (DCs) abundantly express diverse receptors to recognize mannans in the outer surface of Candida cell wall, and these interactions dictate the host immune responses that determine disease outcomes. C. krusei prevalence in candidiasis worldwide has increased since this pathogen has developed multidrug resistance. However, little is known how the immune system responds to C. krusei. Particularly, the molecular mechanisms of the interplay between C. krusei mannan and DCs remain to be elucidated. We investigated how C. krusei mannan affected DC responses in comparison to C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata mannan. Our results showed that only C. krusei mannan induced massive cytokine responses in DCs, and led to apoptosis. Although C. krusei mannan-activated DCs underwent apoptosis, they were still capable of initiating Th17 response. C. krusei mannan-mediated DC apoptosis was obligated to the TLR2 and MyD88 pathway. These pathways also controlled Th1/Th17 switching possibly by virtue of the production of the polarizing cytokines IL-12 and IL-6 by the C. krusei mannan activated-DCs. Our study suggests that TLR2 and MyD88 pathway in DCs are dominant for C. krusei mannan recognition, which differs from the previous reports showing a crucial role of C-type lectin receptors in Candida mannan sensing.
Rationalising drug delivery using nanoparticles: a combined simulation and immunology study of GnRH adsorbed to silica nanoparticles
Authors: Connell David J. , Gebril Ayman , Khan Mohammad A. H. , Patwardhan Siddharth V. , Kubiak-Ossowska Karina , Ferro Valerie A. , Mulheran Paul A.
Published: November 2018

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been shown to have significant potential for drug delivery and as adjuvants for vaccines. We have simulated the adsorption of GnRH-I (gonadotrophin releasing hormone I) and a cysteine-tagged modification (cys-GnRH-I) to model silica surfaces, as well as its conjugation to the widely-used carrier protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our subsequent immunological studies revealed no significant antibody production was caused by the peptide-SiNP systems, indicating that the treatment was not effective. However, the testosterone response with the native peptide-SiNPs indicated a drug effect not found with cys-GnRH-I-SiNPs; this behaviour is explained by the specific orientation of the peptides at the silica surface found in the simulations. With the BSA systems, we found significant testosterone reduction, particularly for the BSA-native conjugates, and an antibody response that was notably higher with the SiNPs acting as an adjuvant; this behaviour again correlates well with the epitope presentation predicted by the simulations. The range of immunological and hormone response can therefore be interpreted and understood by the simulation results and the presentation of the peptides to solution, paving the way for the future rational design of drug delivery and vaccine systems guided by biomolecular simulation.
Transcriptomic analysis of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BBMN68 in response to oxidative shock
Authors: Zuo Fanglei , Yu Rui , Xiao Man , Khaskheli Gul Bahar , Sun Xiaofei , Ma Huiqin , Ren Fazheng , Zhang Bing , Chen Shangwu
Published: November 2018

Bifidobacterium longum strain BBMN68 is sensitive to low concentrations of oxygen. A transcriptomic study was performed to identify candidate genes for B. longum BBMN68’s response to oxygen treatment (3%, v/v). Expression of genes and pathways of B. longum BBMN68 involved in nucleotide metabolism, amino acid transport, protein turnover and chaperones increased, and that of carbohydrate metabolism, translation and biogenesis decreased to adapt to the oxidative stress. Notably, expression of two classes of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which are important for deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis, was rapidly and persistently induced. First, the class Ib RNR NrdHIEF was immediately upregulated after 5 min oxygen exposure, followed by the class III RNR NrdDG, which was upregulated after 20 min of exposure. The upregulated expression of branched-chain amino acids and tetrahydrofolate biosynthesis-related genes occurred in bifidobacteria in response to oxidative stress. These change toward to compensate for DNA and protein damaged by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, oxidative stress resulted in improved B. longum BBMN68 cell hydrophobicity and autoaggregation. These results provide a rich resource for our understanding of the response mechanisms to oxidative stress in bifidobacteria.
Diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland ultrasonography with different scoring systems in Sjögren’s syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Mingzhu , Song Shuju , Wu Shanshan , Duan Ting , Chen Letian , Ye Jingyi , Xiao Jun
Published: November 2018

Noninvasive objective salivary gland ultrasonography (SGU) had been widely used to evaluate major salivary gland involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and treatment responses. However, the evaluation score, diagnostic sensitivity, and diagnostic specificity significantly varied among clinical studies. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of different SGU scoring systems using the American-European Consensus Group criteria. Of the 1301 articles retrieved from six databases, 24 met the criteria for quality assessment and 14 for meta-analyses. The pooled sensitivities were 75% (0–4) with I2 = 92.0%, 84% (0–16) with I2 = 63.6%, and 75% (0–48) with I2 = 90.9%; the pooled specificities were 93% (0–4) with I2 = 71.5%, 88% (0–16) with I2 = 65.4%, and 95% (0–48) with I2 = 83.9%; the pooled diagnostic odds ratios were 71.26 (0–4) with I2 = 0%, 46.3 (0–16) with I2 = 73.8%, and 66.07 (0–48) I2 = 0%; the areas under the SROC curves were 0.95 (0–4), 0.93 (0–16), and 0.94 (0–48). These results indicated that the 0–4 scoring system has a higher specificity and a less heterogeneity than other systems, and could be used as a universal SGU diagnostic standard.
Mutational and phenotypic spectrum of phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Chen Ting , Xu Weize , Wu Dingwen , Han Jiamin , Zhu Ling , Tong Fan , Yang Rulai , Zhao Zhengyan , Jiang Pingping , Shu Qiang
Published: November 2018

Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (PAHD), one of the genetic disorders resulting in hyperphenylalaninemia, has a complex phenotype with many variants and genotypes among different populations. Here, we describe the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of PAHD in a cohort of 420 patients from neonatal screening between 1999 and 2016. The observed phenotypes comprised 43.57% classic phenylketonuria, 33.10% mild PKU, and 23.33% mild hyperphenylalaninemia, with an overall PAHD incidence of 1 in 20,445. Genetic testing was performed for 209 patients and 72 variants including seven novel variants were identified. These included two synonymous and five pathogenic nonsynonymous variants (p.S36*, p.T186I, p.L255W, p.F302V and p.R413H). The most common variant among all patients was p.R243Q, followed by p.R241C, p.Y204C, p.R111* and c.442-1G > A. Variants p.R53H and p.F392I occurred only in MHP with 19.3% and 8.0% of the observed alleles respectively. The genotypes p.[R241C];[R243Q], p.[R243Q];[R243Q], and p.[Y204C];[R243Q] were abundant across all PAHD patients. The distributions of the null allele and the three defined genotypes, null/null, null/missense, and missense/missense, were significantly different between the cPKU and mPKU patients. However, no significant differences were found between mPKU and MHP patients, indicating that other modifier factors influence the phenotypic outcome in these patients. The data presented here will provide a valuable tool for improved genetic counseling and management of future cases of PAHD in China.
Craniofacial abnormality with skeletal dysplasia in mice lacking chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1
Authors: Ida-Yonemochi Hiroko , Morita Wataru , Sugiura Nobuo , Kawakami Ryosuke , Morioka Yuki , Takeuchi Yuka , Sato Toshiya , Shibata Shunichi , Watanabe Hideto , Imamura Takeshi , Igarashi Michihiro , Ohshima Hayato , Takeuchi Kosei
Published: November 2018

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan is a major component of the extracellular matrix and plays an important part in organogenesis. To elucidate the roles of CS for craniofacial development, we analyzed the craniofacial morphology in CSN-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 (T1) gene knockout (KO) mice. T1KO mice showed the impaired intramembranous ossification in the skull, and the final skull shape of adult mice included a shorter face, higher and broader calvaria. Some of T1KO mice exhibited severe facial developmental defect, such as eye defects and cleft lip and palate, causing embryonic lethality. At the postnatal stages, T1KO mice with severely reduced CS amounts showed malocclusion, general skeletal dysplasia and skin hyperextension, closely resembling Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-like connective tissue disorders. The production of collagen type 1 was significantly downregulated in T1KO mice, and the deposition of CS-binding molecules, Wnt3a, was decreased with CS in extracellular matrices. The collagen fibers were irregular and aggregated, and connective tissues were dysorganized in the skin and calvaria of T1KO mice. These results suggest that CS regulates the shape of the craniofacial skeleton by modulating connective tissue organization and that the remarkable reduction of CS induces hypoplasia of intramembranous ossification and cartilage anomaly, resulting in skeletal dysplasia.
Exogenously applied growth regulators protect the cotton crop from heat-induced injury by modulating plant defense mechanism
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad Farrukh , Ullah Najeeb , Rizwan Muhammad , Ali Shafaqat , Shahid Muhammad Rizwan , Alamri Saud A. , Alyemeni Mohammed Nasser , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: November 2018

Episodes of extremely high temperature during reproductive stages of cotton crops are common in many parts of the world. Heat stress negatively influences plant growth, physiology and ultimately lint yield. This study attempts to modulate heat-induced damage to cotton crops via application of growth regulators e.g. hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 30ppm), salicylic acid (SA 50ppm), moringa leaf extract (MLE 30 times diluted) and ascorbic acid (ASA 70ppm). Cotton plants were exposed to different thermal regimes by staggering sowing time (field) or exposing to elevated temperatures (38/24 °C and 45/30 °C) for one week during reproductive growth stages (glasshouse). Elevated temperatures significantly induced lipid membrane damage, which was evident from an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in cotton leaves. Heat-stressed plants also experienced a significant reduction in leaf chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic rate and lint yield. Hydrogen peroxide outclassed all the other regulators in increasing leaf SOD, CAT activity, chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic rate, number of sympodial branches, boll weight and fiber quality components. For example, hydrogen peroxide improved boll weight of heat stressed plants by 32% (supra), 12% (sub) under glasshouse and 18% (supra) under field conditions compared with water treated plants under the same temperatures. Growth regulators, specifically, H2O2 protected physiological processes of cotton from heat-induced injury by capturing reactive oxygen species and modulating antioxidant enzymes. Thus, cotton performance in the future warmer climates may be improved through regulation (endogenous) or application (exogenous) hormones during reproductive phases.
Activation Stoichiometry and Pore Architecture of TRPA1 Probed with Channel Concatemers
Authors: Ye Wenlei , Tu Yu-Hsiang , Cooper Alexander J. , Zhang Zheng , Katritch Vsevolod , Liman Emily R.
Published: November 2018

The nociceptor ion channel TRPA1 detects a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including reactive electrophiles such as cinnamaldehyde, which gate the channel allowing Na+ and Ca2+ entry. TRPA1 assembles as a tetramer, with a central pore within which an aspartate residue (D918) determines Ca2+ permeability. Here, we report that introduction of histidine at this position, D918H, makes TRPA1 channels sensitive to block by nanomolar concentration of Zn2+ and can be used to functionally tag subunits in concatemers. Concatemers with increasing numbers of D918H subunits display increasing sensitivity to Zn2+ inhibition, indicating that the four side chains at position 918 of the tetramer directly coordinate Zn2+ and other permeating divalent cations. In the published structure of TRPA1, this requires a rearrangement of the pore region which may represent the true open state of the channel. Concatemeric channels containing subunits mutated to be insensitive to reactive electrophiles (C622S) could be activated by cinnamaldehyde when as few as two subunits contained intact ligand binding sites. Activation upon liganding of just two of the four possible subunits may represent an optimal strategy to rapidly and reliably detect noxious chemicals.
Understanding of metal-insulator transition in VO2 based on experimental and theoretical investigations of magnetic features
Authors: Zhang R. , Fu Q. S. , Yin C. Y. , Li C. L. , Chen X. H. , Qian G. Y. , Lu C. L. , Yuan S. L. , Zhao X. J. , Tao H. Z.
Published: November 2018

The metal-insulator transition temperature Tc in VO2 is experimentally shown to be almost the same as a magnetic transition temperature Tm characterized by an abrupt decrease in susceptibility, suggesting the evidence of the same underlying origin for both transitions. The measurement of susceptibility shows that it weakly increases on cooling for temperature range of T > Tm, sharply decreases near Tm and then unusually increases on further cooling. A theoretical approach for such unusual observations in susceptibility near Tm or below is performed by modeling electrons from each two adjacent V4+ ions distributed along V-chains as a two-electron system, which indicates that the spin exchange between electrons could cause a level splitting into a singlet (S = 0) level of lower energy and a triplet (S = 1) level of higher energy. The observed abrupt decrease in susceptibility near Tm is explained to be due to that the sample enters the singlet state in which two electrons from adjacent V4+ ions are paired into dimers in spin antiparallel. By considering paramagnetic contribution of unpaired electrons created by the thermal activation from singlet to triplet levels, an expression for susceptibility is proposed to quantitatively explain the unusual temperature-dependent susceptibility observed at low temperatures. Based on the approach to magnetic features, the observed metal-insulator transition is explained to be due to a transition from high-temperature Pauli paramagnetic metallic state of V4+ions to low-temperature dimerized state of strong electronic localization.
Expression of the POTE gene family in human ovarian cancer
Authors: Barger Carter J , Zhang Wa , Sharma Ashok , Chee Linda , James Smitha R. , Kufel Christina N. , Miller Austin , Meza Jane , Drapkin Ronny , Odunsi Kunle , Klinkebiel David , Karpf Adam R.
Published: November 2018

The POTE family includes 14 genes in three phylogenetic groups. We determined POTE mRNA expression in normal tissues, epithelial ovarian and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (EOC, HGSC), and pan-cancer, and determined the relationship of POTE expression to ovarian cancer clinicopathology. Groups 1 & 2 POTEs showed testis-specific expression in normal tissues, consistent with assignment as cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), while Group 3 POTEs were expressed in several normal tissues, indicating they are not CTAs. Pan-POTE and individual POTEs showed significantly elevated expression in EOC and HGSC compared to normal controls. Pan-POTE correlated with increased stage, grade, and the HGSC subtype. Select individual POTEs showed increased expression in recurrent HGSC, and POTEE specifically associated with reduced HGSC OS. Consistent with tumors, EOC cell lines had significantly elevated Pan-POTE compared to OSE and FTE cells. Notably, Group 1 & 2 POTEs (POTEs A/B/B2/C/D), Group 3 POTE-actin genes (POTEs E/F/I/J/KP), and other Group 3 POTEs (POTEs G/H/M) show within-group correlated expression, and pan-cancer analyses of tumors and cell lines confirmed this relationship. Based on their restricted expression in normal tissues and increased expression and association with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer, POTEs are potential oncogenes and therapeutic targets in this malignancy.
Improving the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12 anode by phosphorus reduction at a relatively low temperature
Authors: Deng Wenwen , Feng Xuyong , Li Xiang , O'Neill Sean , Hu Lin , Liu Luyao , Wong Wai-Yeung , Hu Yan-Yan , Li Chang Ming
Published: November 2018

We introduce a novel method to improve the electrochemical performance of a Li4Ti5O12 anode by phosphorus reduction at low temperature.
A clickable caging group as a new platform for modular caged compounds with improved photochemical properties
Authors: Suzuki Akinobu Z. , Sekine Ryota , Takeda Shiori , Aikawa Ryosuke , Shiraishi Yukiko , Hamaguchi Tomomi , Okuno Hiroyuki , Tamamura Hirokazu , Furuta Toshiaki
Published: November 2018

A clickable caging group was designed, which was applied to the synthesis of caged paclitaxels with improved physical and photochemical properties.
Fabrication of injectable CuS nanocomposite hydrogels based on UCST-type polysaccharides for NIR-triggered chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Zheng Yueyuan , Liang Yuqing , Zhang Depan , Zhou Zhijun , Li Juan , Sun Xiaoyi , Liu You-Nian
Published: November 2018

Nanocomposite hydrogels were readily prepared via a one-pot method with a high NIR-thermal conversion efficiency (54.6%).
Insight into the role of piperazine in the thermodynamics and nucleation kinetics of the triethylenediamine–methyl tertiary butyl ether system
Authors: Quan Yufeng , Yang Yang , Xu Shijie , Zhu Peipei , Liu Shiyuan , Jia Lina , Gong Junbo
Published: November 2018

Considering the role of piperazine in the TEDA–MTBE system, we investigate how to control the crystal size distribution.
Homogenization of Te-rich grown ZnTe bulk crystals by annealing under Zn vapor
Authors: Wei Zihan , Xu Yadong , Xiao Bao , Gao Zhiming , Zhang Bin-Bin , Yu Jingyi , Dong Jiangpeng , Jie Wanqi
Published: November 2018

In this work, we reported the structural homogenization of Te-rich grown ZnTe bulk crystals by annealing under saturated Zn vapor. Suitable annealing time was concluded to obtain inclusion free wafers in the temperature range from 873 K to 953 K.
Synthesis and characterization of rhombic dodecahedral YAG microcrystals with good dispersity, high crystallinity and controllable crystal size
Authors: Yuan Rui , Xie Xi-Xi , Zheng Li-Xian , Yu Li-Li , Hu Jian-Feng , Qin Hai-Ming , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Zhao Jing-Tai
Published: November 2018

Symmetrical rhombic dodecahedral YAG microcrystals were successfully prepared using improved hydrothermal methods.
An improved theory of the electric conductance of ionic solutions based on the concept of the ion-atmosphere's smaller-ion shell
Authors: Fraenkel Dan
Published: November 2018

New DHO-SiS theory effectively predicts the conductivities of electrolyte solutions without adjustable parameters up to the ion-strength limit of the DHO model.
The value of enzymes in solar fuels research – efficient electrocatalysts through evolution
Authors: Evans Rhiannon M. , Siritanaratkul Bhavin , Megarity Clare F. , Pandey Kavita , Esterle Thomas F. , Badiani Selina , Armstrong Fraser A.
Published: November 2018

Enzymes which evolved more than 2 billion years ago set exceptional standards for electrocatalysts being sought today.
Above room temperature spin crossover in thioamide-functionalised 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine iron(ii) complexes
Authors: Attwood Max , Akutsu Hiroki , Martin Lee , Cruickshank Dyanne , Turner Scott S.
Published: November 2018

Two new Fe(ii) complexes with thioamide functionalised ligands show spin-crossover above 300 K.
RRAM-based synapse devices for neuromorphic systems
Authors: Moon K. , Lim S. , Park J. , Sung C. , Oh S. , Woo J. , Lee J. , Hwang H.
Published: November 2018

We demonstrated a proton-based 3-terminal synapse device which shows symmetric conductance change characteristics. Using the optimized device, we successfully confirmed the improved classification accuracy of neural networks for on-chip training.
On the advancement of polymeric bicontinuous nanospheres toward biomedical applications
Authors: Allen Sean D. , Bobbala Sharan , Karabin Nicholas B. , Scott Evan A.
Published: November 2018

Recent advancements in bicontinuous nanosphere research have demonstrated the key design considerations and preliminary work necessary for in vivo applications.
Synthesis, characterization and properties of tropine-based ionic liquids gels
Authors: Teng Juan , Lin Min , Gao Jing , Dai Xuezhi , Lan Xianqiu , Song Hang
Published: November 2018

Hydrophilic ionic liquid (IL) gels based-on tropine as a potential separation material.
Nitrogen doped nanoflower porous carbon as a nonmetal catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Liu Wanrong , Zhu Mingyuan , Dai Bin
Published: November 2018

The performance of nanoflower-like morphology NPC-T catalysts on acetylene hydrochlorination was related to the nitrogen content of species as well as specific surface area.
Palladium nanoparticles decorated SnO2 wrapped MWCNT nanocomposites as a highly efficient H2O2 electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Xinjin , Sheng Qinglin , Zheng Jianbin
Published: November 2018

A nanocomposite of Pd–SnO2@MWCNTs was successfully achieved using a hydrothermal method and its excellent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide was investigated.
C2/C3 alkynylation of l-ascorbic acid by Sonogashira coupling and efficient access to some potent and highly selective novel anticancer agents
Authors: Deshmukh Santosh Rangnath , Thopate Shankar Ramchandra
Published: November 2018

Natural products are a valuable source of bioactive compounds for the development of new drugs.
Simple preparation of carbon–bimetal oxide nanospinels for high-performance bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts
Authors: Malaie Keyvan , Jeyabharathi Chinnaiah , Wulff Harm , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Soavi Francesca , Scholz Fritz
Published: November 2018

Carbon–bimetal oxide nanospinels synthesized by a single step of autocombustion show high activity for oxygen evolution and reduction.
In situ preparation of Tricholoma mushroom polysaccharide-g-poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)–CuO composite nanoparticles for highly sensitive and selective sensing of Th4+ in aqueous medium
Authors: Mondal Barun , Ray Jagabandhu , Jana Subinoy , Bhanja Sunil K. , Tripathy Tridib
Published: November 2018

A highly selective and sensitive sensor for Th4+ was developed for the first time using Tricholoma mushroom polysaccharide-based graft copolymer–CuO composite nanoparticles by colorimetric and electrochemical method.
Mechanism of nitrones and allenoates cascade reactions for the synthesis of dihydro[1,2-a]indoles
Authors: Lee Wes , Yuan Mingbin , Acha Christopher , Onwu Ashley , Gutierrez Osvaldo
Published: November 2018

Quantum mechanical calculations (DLPNO-CCSD(T) and M06-2X) are employed to gain insights into the mechanism and selectivity in the catalytic synthesis of dihydropyrido[1,2-a]indoles from the cascade reaction between nitrones and allenes.
Performance and fuel cell applications of reacted ball-milled MgH2/5.3 wt% TiH2 nanocomposite powders
Authors: El-Eskandarany Mohamed Sherif , Alkandary Abdullah , Aldakheel Fahad , Al-Saidi Mariam , Al-Ajmi Fahad , Banyan Mohammad
Published: November 2018

The present study aimed to enhance the kinetics behavior and destabilize the thermal stability of MgH2 powder by high-energy milling of Mg powder under 50 bar of H2 for several hours using Ti-balls as the milling media.
A sensitive electrochemical assay for T4 polynucleotide kinase activity based on titanium dioxide nanotubes and a rolling circle amplification strategy
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Fang Xiang , Zhu Zhenyu , Lai Yanqiong , Xu Chunli , Pang Pengfei , Wang Hongbin , Yang Chun , Barrow Colin J. , Yang Wenrong
Published: November 2018

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor was developed for detection of T4 polynucleotide kinase activity based on titanium dioxide nanotubes and a rolling circle amplification strategy.
Preparation and properties of PTFE hollow fiber membranes for the removal of ultrafine particles in PM2.5 with repetitive usage capability
Authors: Xu Huan , Jin Wangyong , Wang Feng , Li Chengcai , Wang Jieqi , Zhu Hailin , Guo Yuhai
Published: November 2018

This study reveals the first attempt to apply PTFE hollow fiber membranes for removing ultrafine particles in PM2.5.
Hierarchically ordered macro–mesoporous anatase TiO2 prepared by pearl oyster shell and triblock copolymer dual templates for high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhao Jianquan , Liao Chanjuan , Chen Xia , Song Wulin
Published: November 2018

Hierarchically ordered macro–mesoporous anatase TiO2 with photocatalytic activity was prepared using triblock copolymer P123 and natural pearl oyster shell as dual templates.
Multiple halide anion doped layered bismuth terephthalate with excellent photocatalysis for pollutant removal
Authors: Zhao Xinyun , Chen Huihui , Chen Xi , Hu Juncheng , Wu Tsunghsueh , Wu Lamei , Li Mei
Published: November 2018

Doping multiple halide anions into bismuth terephthalate can effectively improve photocatalytic activities. The F–, Cl–, Br– codoped hybrids exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities on RhB and salicylic acid.
An enzyme cascade-based electrochemical immunoassay using a polydopamine–carbon nanotube nanocomposite for signal amplification
Authors: Zhang Yue , Pan Deng , Zhou Qing , Zhao Jinjin , Pan Ning , Zhang Yuanjian , Wang Li-xin , Shen Yanfei
Published: November 2018

An enzyme cascade-based electrochemical immunosensor with boosted selectivity and sensitivity was designed using polydopamine-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube modified electrodes.
The association of auditory integration training in children with autism spectrum disorders among Chinese: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ning , Li Ling , Li Guimei , Gai Zhongtao
Published: November 2018

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported an inconsistent relationship about the auditory integration training (AIT) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among Chinese. The current study was to investigate the efficacy of AIT for children with ASD compared with those in control group by using meta-analysis. Relevant trials published were identified by an electronic search of PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, WanFang, CNKI, and SinoMed databases up to December 31, 2017. Outcome of interest included childhood autism rating scale (CARS), autism behavior checklist (ABC), intelligence quotient (IQ), and autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC). Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using a random-effect model. Thirteen RCTs with 976 children with ASD were included for analysis. The pooled SMD showed that children with ASD had significantly lower ABC scores [summary SMD = −0.58, 95%CI = −0.79 to −0.38] and ATEC scores [summary SMD = −0.75, 95%CI = −1.05 to −0.45] in AIT group compared with that in control group. The analysis of pooled statistics put forward AIT could increase the IQ score when compared with that in control group [summary SMD = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.41–0.77]. A negative association was found about CARS scores between AIT group and control group. No publication bias was found and no single study had essential effect on the pooled results. In conclusions, AIT can reduce the score of ABC and ATEC and can increase the IQ score among children with ASD in Chinese. Therefore, it is recommended for Chinese children with ASD to receive AIT.
Anticancer effects and underlying mechanism of Colchicine on human gastric cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Wei , Jiang Xumian , Liu Lei , Wei Kai , Du Hansong , Wang Hui , Li Juan
Published: November 2018

The present study investigated the effects of Colchicine on gastric carcinoma (GC) cells and explored its possible mechanisms underlying such effects. The results of MTT and colony formation assays showed that Colchicine (2, 5, and 10 ng/ml) markedly inhibited the proliferation of AGS and NCI-N87 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also led to a reduction in cell migration in both GC cells as determined by Transwell migration assay. Mover, data form Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry assay indicated that Colchicine (2, 5, and 10 ng/ml) promoted the apoptosis of NCI-N87 cells. In addition, the release of cytochrome c, the activation of bax, and the inhibition of bcl-2 were observed in NCI-N87 cells treated with Colchicine. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment further confirmed that Colchicine administration remarkably suppressed the tumor growth in nude mice via induction of apoptosis at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg. In addition, no visible toxicity was observed in liver and renal tissue of mice. This finding suggests that Colchicine-induced apoptosis is associated with caspase-3-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.
Bridging centrioles and PCM in proper space and time
Authors: Varadarajan Ramya , Rusan Nasser M.
Published: November 2018

Throughout biology, specifying cellular events at the correct location and time is necessary for ensuring proper function. The formation of robust microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) in mitosis is one such event that must be restricted in space to centrosomes to prevent ectopic MTOC formation elsewhere in the cell, a situation that can result in multipolar spindle formation and aneuploidy. The process of reaching maximum centrosome MTOC activity in late G2, known as centrosome maturation, ensures accurate timing of nuclear envelope breakdown and proper chromosome attachment. Although centrosome maturation has been recognized for over a century, the spatial and temporal regulatory mechanisms that direct MTOC activation are poorly understood. Here, we review Sas-4/CPAP, Asterless/Cep152, Spd-2/Cep192, and PLP/Pericentrin, a group of proteins we refer to as ‘bridge’ proteins that reside at the surface of centrioles, perfectly positioned to serve as the gatekeepers of proper centrosome maturation at the perfect place and time.
The cutting edge of archaeal transcription
Authors: Fouqueau Thomas , Blombach Fabian , Cackett Gwenny , Carty Alice E. , Matelska Dorota M. , Ofer Sapir , Pilotto Simona , Phung Duy Khanh , Werner Finn
Published: November 2018

The archaeal RNA polymerase (RNAP) is a double-psi β-barrel enzyme closely related to eukaryotic RNAPII in terms of subunit composition and architecture, promoter elements and basal transcription factors required for the initiation and elongation phase of transcription. Understanding archaeal transcription is, therefore, key to delineate the universally conserved fundamental mechanisms of transcription as well as the evolution of the archaeo-eukaryotic transcription machineries. The dynamic interplay between RNAP subunits, transcription factors and nucleic acids dictates the activity of RNAP and ultimately gene expression. This review focusses on recent progress in our understanding of (i) the structure, function and molecular mechanisms of known and less characterized factors including Elf1 (Elongation factor 1), NusA (N-utilization substance A), TFS4, RIP and Eta, and (ii) their evolution and phylogenetic distribution across the expanding tree of Archaea.
ALMA observations of the “fresh” carbon-rich AGB star TX Piscium
Authors: Brunner M. , Mecina M. , Maercker M. , Dorfi E. A. , Kerschbaum F. , Olofsson H. , Rau G.
Published: November 2018

Aims. The carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star TX Piscium (TX Psc) has been observed multiple times during multiple epochs and at different wavelengths and resolutions, showing a complex molecular CO line profile and a ring-like structure in thermal dust emission. We investigate the molecular counterpart in high resolution, aiming to resolve the ring-like structure and identify its origin.

Methods. Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations have been carried out to map the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of TX Psc in CO(2–1) emission and investigate the counterpart to the ring-like dust structure.

Results. We report the detection of a thin, irregular, and elliptical detached molecular shell around TX Psc, which coincides with the dust emission. This is the first discovery of a non-spherically symmetric detached shell, raising questions about the shaping of detached shells.

Conclusions. We investigate possible shaping mechanisms for elliptical detached shells and find that in the case of TX Psc, stellar rotation of 2 km s−1 can lead to a non-uniform mass-loss rate and velocity distribution from stellar pole to equator, recreating the elliptical CSE. We discuss the possible scenarios for increased stellar momentum, enabling the rotation rates needed to reproduce the ellipticity of our observations, and come to the conclusion that momentum transfer of an orbiting object with the mass of a brown dwarf would be sufficient.
Risk Diagnosis and Management with BBN for Civil Engineering Projects during Construction and Operation
Authors: Kembłowski Marian W. , Grzyl Beata , Siemaszko Agata , Kristowski Adam
Published: November 2018

The authors demonstrate how expert knowledge about the construction and operation phases combined with monitoring data can be utilized for the diagnosis and management of risks typical to large civil engineering projects. The methodology chosen for estimating the probabilities of risk elements is known as Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN). Using a BBN model one can keep on updating the risk event probabilities as the new evidence (monitoring information) becomes available. Furthermore, the updated probabilities estimated using the available data for the construction phase serve as background information for the subsequent phase. The integrated two-object model of construction-operation may be then used to optimize the decision making, thus minimizing the risks. To better show how the proposed approach works the authors use the example of the road tunnel constructed and operated under the Dead Vistula River in Gdansk.
Analysis of the impact of construction of selected water reservoirs on the surrounding environment made on the basis of satellite data
Authors: Kwoczynska Boguslawa , Piech Izabela , Wozniak Rafal
Published: November 2018

The authors aimed at showing in the publication the impact of the construction of selected water reservoirs in Poland on the surrounding environment, basing on the satellite imagery. For this purpose, for four test objects, i.e. the Dobczyce Reservoir, the Klimkow Reservoir, the Czorsztyn Reservoir and the Domaniowski Reservoir analyzes were carried out concerning the changes in the structure of land use for the state before and after reservoir construction, and indicators such as NDWI, SAVI and TSAVI were calculated. In the case of the analysis of changes in the land use structure, the direction of these changes was determined first of all, and for SAVI and TSAVI indices, the percentage change in their value and the direction of these changes were calculated.
CTEQ-TEA parton distribution functions with intrinsic charm
Authors: Guzzi Marco , Hou Tie-Jiun , Dulat Sayipjamal , Gao Jun , Huston Joey , Nadolsky Pavel , Schmidt Carl , Winter Jan , Xie Keping , Yuan C.-P.
Published: November 2018

We present a study in which the possibility of a (sizable) nonperturbative contribution to the charm parton distribution function (PDF) in a nucleon is investigated together with theoretical issues arising in its interpretation. The separation of the universal component of the nonperturbative charm from the rest of the radiative contributions is also discussed. We illustrate the potential impact of a nonperturbative charm PDF on LHC scattering processes. An estimate of nonperturbative charm magnitude in the CT14 and CT14HERA2 global QCD analyses at the next-to-next-to leading order (NNLO) in the QCD coupling strength is given by including the latest experimental data from HERA and the Large Hadron Collider. We show a comparison between different models of intrinsic charm and illustrate prospects for standard candle observables at the LHC.
NLO and NNLO corrections to polarized top quark decays
Authors: Groote Stefan , Körner Jürgen G.
Published: November 2018

We present partial results on NLO and NNLO QCD, and NLO electroweak corrections to polarized top quark decays. In parallel we derive positivity bounds for the polarized structure functions in polarized top quark decays and check them against the perturbative corrections to the structure functions.
Recent results from COMPASS on the GPD program
Authors: Sandacz Andrzej
Published: November 2018

The dedicated COMPASS GPD program started in 2012 with a short pilot ’DVCS run’ and the first results from this run on DVCS, exclusive π0 and exclusive ω channels have been obtained. From the sum of cross sections measured with positive and negative beam polarities the DVCS cross-section and its dependence on the squared four-momentum transfer t have been extracted. It allowed a first estimate of the transverse size of the partonic distribution of the nucleon √〈r2⊥〉 i in a range of intermediate xBj with a mean xBj value of 0.056. We report also on the absolute value of the cross section for exclusive π0 production and its dependence on t and azimuthal angle ϕ between the scattering plane and π0 production plane. These measurements are aiming to constrain the GPDs, in particular chiral-odd (transversity) GPDs. Further, we present results on the spin density matrix elements for exclusive ω meson production and discuss the contributions from unnaturaly parity exchanges and from transitions that do not conserve helicity.
Diffusion of charm and beauty in the Glasma
Authors: Ruggieri Marco , Das Santosh Kumar
Published: November 2018

Relativistic nuclear collisions offer a unique way to study strong interactions at very high energy. The collision process can be described within the gluon saturation framework as the interaction of two colored glasses, and because of this interaction strong longitudinal gluon fields, namely the Glasma, are produced immediately after the collision. Besides, heavy quarks are also produced in the very early stage and because of their large mass and small concentration, their motion does not affect the evolution of the Glasma, thus behaving as ideal probes of the Glasma itself. We study the evolution of the heavy quarks in the Glasma allegedly produced in high energy p-Pb collisions by solving consistently the equations of motion of the quarks in the evolving Glasma fields. We find that this motion can be understood in terms of diffusion in momentum space, similarly to the random motion of a heavy probe in a hot thermalized medium. We show how the diffusion of heavy probes affects the nuclear modification factor of D and B mesons in p-Pb collisions.
Overview of recent LHCb results
Authors: Vecchi Stefania
Published: November 2018

A selection of the most recent and relevant measurements by the LHCb experiment is presented. It includes the determination of the CKM angle γ, obtained from a combination of a number of measurements of B meson decays, the measurement of the D0 - D0 mixing parameters and the results of several tests of the lepton-flavour universality of the electroweak couplings.
Scalar leptoquarks: From GUT to B anomalies
Authors: Fajfer Svjetlana
Published: November 2018

Leptoquarks are often used to explain B meson anomalies. The minimalistic approach assumes only one light leptoquark explaining both puzzles. However, one scalar leptoquark cannot explain both anomalies. Two relatively light leptoquarks can be accommodated within SU(5) GUT and might nicely explain both anomalies not being in a conflict with any low-energy flavour constraints or LHC results.
Exploring the pattern of Lepton Flavour Universality violation at hadron colliders
Authors: Iyer Abhishek M.
Published: November 2018

We discuss the B anomalies in scenario with warped extra dimensions characterized by additional neutral heavy bosons. Depending on the coupling of the fermions (leptons in particular) different scenarios for the explanation of the anomalies can be obtained. We focus on a specific case which involves contributions due to both the electron and the muon leading to a four dimensional fits in the space of Wilson coefficients. With this as a motivation, in a generic Z′ we develop correlations with direct search experiments, wherein the pattern of the Wilson coefficients can be uniquely extracted at the LHC.
Pseudoscalar pole contribution to the hadronic light-by-light piece of aμ
Authors: Guevara Adolfo , Roig Pablo , Sanz Cillero Juan José
Published: November 2018

We have studied the P → γ⋆ γ⋆ form factor in Resonance Chiral Theory, with P = π0; η, η', to compute the contribution of the pseudoscalar pole to the hadronic light-by-light piece of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. In this work we allow the leading U(3) chiral symmetry breaking terms, obtaining the most general expression for the form factor of order O(m2P). The parameters of the Effective Field Theory are obtained by means of short distance constraints on the form factor and matching with the expected behavior from QCD. Those parameters that cannot be fixed in this way are fitted to experimental determinations of the form factor within the spacelike momentum region of the virtual photon. Chiral symmetry relations among the transition form factors for π0, η and η' allow for a simultaneous fit to experimental data for the three mesons. This shows an inconsistency between the BaBar π0 data and the rest of the experimental inputs. Thus, we find a total pseudoscalar pole contribution of aP,HLbLη = (8:47 ± 0:16) · 10-10 for our best fit (neglecting the BaBar π0 data). Also, a preliminary rough estimate of the impact of NLO in 1=NC corrections and higher vector multiplets (asym) enlarges the uncertainty up to aP,HLbLη = (8:47 ± 0:16stat ± 0:09NC +0:5 -0:0asym).
Theory of rare K decays
Authors: D’Ambrosio Giancarlo
Published: November 2018

I review rare kaon decays. I introduce the flavor problem and possible solutions. Very rare kaon decays like K → πvv¯ are very important to this purpose: we study also K → πl+l-, K → ππee where chiral dynamics is important to disentangle short distance effects. We discuss also the decays K0 → μ+μ-, which have received recently some attention due to the measurement by LHCB.
Long-distance QCD effects in FCNC B → γl+l- decays
Authors: Kozachuk Anastasiia , Melikhov Dmitri , Nikitin Nikolai
Published: November 2018

This presentation reviews the main results of our recent work [1] on rare radiative leptonic decays Bd,s → γμ+μ- and Bd,s → γe+e- induced by flavour-changing neutral currents (FCNC) in the Standard Model.
The Light CP-Even Higgs Boson Mass of the MSSM at Three-Loop Accuracy
Authors: Reyes Rojas Edilson A. , Raffaele Fazio A.
Published: November 2018

In this paper we are going to discuss the relevant aspects related to the calculation of the higher order corrections to the lightest CP-even Higgs boson mass of the minimal supersymmetric standard model with real parameters (rMSSM). We have computed these corrections using the Feynman diagrammatic approach with a precision of three-loop in the SUSYQCD sector. The renormalization scheme adopted in this work is based on a variant of dimensional regularization where the so called dimensional reduction is performed in order to preserve supersymmetry to all perturbative orders. The calculation will extend the region of validity of previous studies to the whole parameters space. The emerging loop integrals have been computed by exploiting new proposed approaches based on the dispersion relation techniques for the numerical calculation of three-loop vacuum integrals with arbitrary mass scales.
Study of ϒ(1S) radiative decays to γπ+π- and γK+K-
Authors: Palano Antimo
Published: November 2018

We study the ϒ(1S) radiative decays to γπ+π- and γK+K- using data recorded with the BABAR detector operating at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e+e- collider at center-of-mass energies at the ϒ(2S) and ϒ(3S) resonances. The ϒ(1S) resonance is reconstructed from the decay ϒ(nS) → π+π-ϒ(1S), n = 2, 3.
Heavy flavour spectroscopy and hadron properties from LHCb
Authors: Palano Antimo
Published: November 2018

The LHCb experiment is designed to study the properties and decays of heavy flavored hadrons produced in pp collisions at the LHC. The data collected enables precision spectroscopy studies of beauty and charm hadrons. The latest results on spectroscopy of conventional and exotic hadrons are reviewed.
Global Dyson-Schwinger-Bethe-Salpeter Approach to Mesons with Open Flavour
Authors: Hilger Thomas , Gómez-Rocha María , Krassnigg Andreas , Lucha Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

Exploiting an interplay of the Bethe-Salpeter equation enabling us to regard mesons as bound states of quark and antiquark and the Dyson-Schwinger equation controlling the dressed quark propagator, we amend existing studies of quarkonia by a comprehensive description of open-flavour mesons composed of all conceivable combinations of quark flavour. Employing throughout a fixed set of model parameters, we predict some basic characteristics of these mesons, i.e., their masses, leptonic decay constants and corresponding in-hadron condensates entering in a generalized formulation of the Gell-Mann-Oakes-Renner relation.
Compact pentaquark states
Authors: Giachino A. , Santopinto E.
Published: November 2018

We investigated the lightest pentaquark state observed by the LHCb collaboration as a compact five-quark ground-state, with spin S = 3/2, and we showed that this state belongs to a SUf(3) flavor octet by means of a group theory approach. Moreover, we predicted in a parameter-free way the pentaquark state mass spectra for all the octet-pentaquark states. Finally, by means of an effective Lagrangian approach, we computed the octet-pentaquark partial decay widths in J/ψΛ, J/ψΣ and J/ψΞ channels.