bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single molecule localization microscopy coupled with touch preparation for the quantification of trastuzumab-bound HER2
Authors: Tobin Steven J. , Wakefield Devin L. , Jones Veronica , Liu Xueli , Schmolze Daniel , Jovanović-Talisman Tijana
Published: October 2018

All breast cancers are assessed for levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry are currently used to determine if a patient is eligible for anti-HER2 therapy. Limitations of both tests include variability and relatively long processing times. Additionally, neither test determines whether HER2 contains the extracellular domain. While truncated in some tumors, this domain is required for binding of the therapeutic antibody trastuzumab. Here, trastuzumab was used to directly detect HER2 with quantitative single molecule localization microscopy (qSMLM). In proof of concept studies, our new method rapidly quantified both HER2 density and features of nano-organization. In cultured cells, the method was sensitive to subtle variations in HER2 expression. To assess patient samples, we combined qSMLM with tissue touch preparation (touch prep-qSMLM) and examined large areas of intact membranes. For cell lines and patient samples, HER2 copy numbers from FISH showed a significant positive correlation with detected densities from qSMLM and trended with HER2 cluster occupancy.
The CTLA-4 rs231775 GG genotype is associated with favorable 90-day survival in Caucasian patients with sepsis
Authors: Mewes Caspar , Büttner Benedikt , Hinz José , Alpert Ayelet , Popov Aron Frederik , Ghadimi Michael , Beissbarth Tim , Tzvetkov Mladen , Shen-Orr Shai , Bergmann Ingo , Mansur Ashham
Published: October 2018

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is a surface protein on T cells, that has an inhibitory effect on the host immune reaction and prevents overreaction of the immune system. Because the functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs231775 of the CTLA-4 gene is associated with autoimmune diseases and because of the critical role of the immune reaction in sepsis, we intended to examine the effect of this polymorphism on survival in patients with sepsis. 644 septic adult Caucasian patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were followed up for 90 days. Mortality risk within this period was defined as primary outcome parameter. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly lower 90-day mortality risk among GG homozygous patients (n = 101) than among A allele carriers (n = 543; 22% and 32%, respectively; p = 0.03565). Furthermore, the CTLA-4 rs231775 GG genotype remained a significant covariate for 90-day mortality risk after controlling for confounders in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio: 0.624; 95% CI: 0.399–0.975; p = 0.03858). In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence for CTLA-4 rs231775 as a prognostic variable for the survival of patients with sepsis and emphasizes the need for further research to reveal potential functional associations between CTLA-4 and the immune pathophysiology of sepsis.
Genome-wide association identifies methane production level relation to genetic control of digestive tract development in dairy cows
Authors: Pszczola M. , Strabel T. , Mucha S. , Sell-Kubiak E.
Published: October 2018

The global temperatures are increasing. This increase is partly due to methane (CH4) production from ruminants, including dairy cattle. Recent studies on dairy cattle have revealed the existence of a heritable variation in CH4 production that enables mitigation strategies based on selective breeding. We have exploited the available heritable variation to study the genetic architecture of CH4 production and detected genomic regions affecting CH4 production. Although the detected regions explained only a small proportion of the heritable variance, we showed that potential QTL regions affecting CH4 production were located within QTLs related to feed efficiency, milk-related traits, body size and health status. Five candidate genes were found: CYP51A1 on BTA 4, PPP1R16B on BTA 13, and NTHL1, TSC2, and PKD1 on BTA 25. These candidate genes were involved in a number of metabolic processes that are possibly related to CH4 production. One of the most promising candidate genes (PKD1) was related to the development of the digestive tract. The results indicate that CH4 production is a highly polygenic trait.
The role of Mean Platelet Volume/platelet count Ratio and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio on the risk of Febrile Seizure
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Li Xiangxin , Zhang Meipin , Huang Xiaofei , Bai Jun , Pan Zhiwei , Lin Xiuxian , Yu Dongni , Zeng Huaping , Wan Ruiping , Ye Xingguang
Published: October 2018

Systemic inflammatory response has been implicated as a contributor to the onset of febrile seizures (FS). The four novel indices of the inflammatory response such as, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count (PLT) ratio and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) have been investigated in FS susceptibility and FS types (simple febrile seizure and complex febrile seizure). However, the potential role of these inflammatory markers and MPV/PLT ratio (MPR) in Chinese children with FS has yet to be fully determined. This study investigated the relevance of NLR, MPV, PLT, MPR and RDW in febrile children with and without seizures. 249 children with FS and 249 age matched controls were included in this study. NLR and MPR were calculated from complete blood cell counts prior to therapy. Differences in age, gender and these inflammatory markers between the FS group and the control group were evaluated using the chi-square test,t-test or logistic regression analysis. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of NLR and MPR for FS risk. Interactions between NLR and MPR on the additive scale were calculated by using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the proportion attributable to interaction (AP), and the synergy index (S). It has been shown that the elevated NLR and MPR levels were associated with increased risk of FS. The optimal cut-off values of NLR and MPR for FS risk were 1.13 and 0.0335 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.768 and 0.689, respectively. Additionally, a significant synergistic interaction between NLR and MPR was found on an additive scale. The mean levels of MPV were lower and NLR levels were higher in complex febrile seizure (CFS) than simple febrile seizure (SFS), and the differences were statistically significant. ROC analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value for NLR was 2.549 with 65.9% sensitivity and 57.5% specificity. However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding average values of MPR and RDW between CFS and SFS. In conclusion, elevated NLR and MPR add evidence to the implication of white cells subsets in FS risk, and our results confirmed that NLR is an independent, albeit limited, predictor in differentiating between CFS and SFS. Moreover, NLR and MPR may have a synergistic effect that can influence the occurrence of FS.
Atomic scale insight into the effects of Aluminum doped Sb2Te for phase change memory application
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Tianbo , Zheng Yonghui , Liu Guangyu , Li Tao , Lv Shilong , Song Wenxiong , Song Sannian , Cheng Yan , Ren Kun , Song Zhitang
Published: October 2018

To date, the unpleasant trade-off between crystallization speed and thermal stability for most phase change materials is detrimental to achieve phase change memory (PCM) with both features of high-speed and good-retention. However, it is proved that Al doping in Sb2Te, served as storage media in PCM, favors both a high writing speed (6 ns) and a good retention (103 °C), as well as a low power consumption. Judging by experimental and theoretical investigations, doped Al atoms prefer to replace Sb in Sb2Te lattice, strongly bonded with 6 Te atoms, to form a homogeneous phase. While in amorphous Al doped Sb2Te (AST), Al atoms are in tetrahedral environment, firmly bonded with four Sb/Te atoms. The strong bonding in Al centered tetrahedron in amorphous AST can obstruct the collective motion of Sb atoms near the matrix boundary, leading to the improvement in thermal stability and the confinement in grain size.
Global pentapeptide statistics are far away from expected distributions
Authors: Poznański Jarosław , Topiński Jan , Muszewska Anna , Dębski Konrad J. , Hoffman-Sommer Marta , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Grynberg Marcin
Published: October 2018

The relationships between polypeptide composition, sequence, structure and function have been puzzling biologists ever since first protein sequences were determined. Here, we study the statistics of occurrence of all possible pentapeptide sequences in known proteins. To compensate for the non-uniform distribution of individual amino acid residues in protein sequences, we investigate separately all possible permutations of every given amino acid composition. For the majority of permutation groups we find that pentapeptide occurrences deviate strongly from the expected binomial distributions, and that the observed distributions are also characterized by high numbers of outlier sequences. An analysis of identified outliers shows they often contain known motifs and rare amino acids, suggesting that they represent important functional elements. We further compare the pentapeptide composition of regions known to correspond to protein domains with that of non-domain regions. We find that a substantial number of pentapeptides is clearly strongly favored in protein domains. Finally, we show that over-represented pentapeptides are significantly related to known functional motifs and to predicted ancient structural peptides.
Attenuation of replication by a 29 nucleotide deletion in SARS-coronavirus acquired during the early stages of human-to-human transmission
Authors: Muth Doreen , Corman Victor Max , Roth Hanna , Binger Tabea , Dijkman Ronald , Gottula Lina Theresa , Gloza-Rausch Florian , Balboni Andrea , Battilani Mara , Rihtarič Danijela , Toplak Ivan , Ameneiros Ramón Seage , Pfeifer Alexander , Thiel Volker , Drexler Jan Felix , Müller Marcel Alexander , Drosten Christian
Published: October 2018

A 29 nucleotide deletion in open reading frame 8 (ORF8) is the most obvious genetic change in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) during its emergence in humans. In spite of intense study, it remains unclear whether the deletion actually reflects adaptation to humans. Here we engineered full, partially deleted (−29 nt), and fully deleted ORF8 into a SARS-CoV infectious cDNA clone, strain Frankfurt-1. Replication of the resulting viruses was compared in primate cell cultures as well as Rhinolophus bat cells made permissive for SARS-CoV replication by lentiviral transduction of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Cells from cotton rat, goat, and sheep provided control scenarios that represent host systems in which SARS-CoV is neither endemic nor epidemic. Independent of the cell system, the truncation of ORF8 (29 nt deletion) decreased replication up to 23-fold. The effect was independent of the type I interferon response. The 29 nt deletion in SARS-CoV is a deleterious mutation acquired along the initial human-to-human transmission chain. The resulting loss of fitness may be due to a founder effect, which has rarely been documented in processes of viral emergence. These results have important implications for the retrospective assessment of the threat posed by SARS.
Insight into the draft whole-genome sequence of the dermatophyte Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii
Authors: Alshahni Mohamed Mahdi , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Yo Ayaka , Murayama Somay Y. , Kuroda Makoto , Hoshino Yasutaka , Ishikawa Jun , Watanabe Shinichi , Makimura Koichi
Published: October 2018

Next-generation technologies have prompted efforts towards generating a large repertoire of whole-genome sequences. The dermatophyte Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii has been considered as a good model in which to conduct molecular biological studies on this fungal group. Despite the considerable repertoire of molecular tools developed for this fungus, the lack of genomic data has represented a major limitation, preventing effective implementation of those tools. Herein, the authors report the first draft whole-genome sequence of this dermatophytic species. The size of the draft genome was 23 Mb, exhibiting a GC content of 48.1%. Given the significance of secreted proteases in tissue invasion, a comparative analysis of genes encoding extracellular proteases was performed between A. vanbreuseghemii and other dermatophytes. Furthermore, genes that might be involved in DNA repair also were compared among dermatophytes. Moreover, the complete mitochondrial genome of A. vanbreuseghemii was obtained and shown to consist of 24,287 bp with a GC content of 24%. In conclusion, the availability of genomic data for A. vanbreuseghemii is expected to facilitate the implementation of the molecular tools established for this fungus, enhancing our understanding of the biology of dermatophytes.
Dendritic processing of spontaneous neuronal sequences for single-trial learning
Authors: Haga Tatsuya , Fukai Tomoki
Published: October 2018

Spontaneous firing sequences are ubiquitous in cortical networks, but their roles in cellular and network-level computations remain unexplored. In the hippocampus, such sequences, conventionally called preplay, have been hypothesized to participate in learning and memory. Here, we present a computational model for encoding input sequence patterns into internal network states based on the propagation of preplay sequences in recurrent neuronal networks. The model instantiates two synaptic pathways in cortical neurons, one for proximal dendrite-somatic interactions to generate intrinsic preplay sequences and the other for distal dendritic processing of extrinsic signals. The core dendritic computation is the maximization of matching between patterned activities in the two compartments through nonlinear spike generation. The model performs robust single-trial learning with long-term stability and independence that are modulated by the plasticity of dendrite-targeted inhibition. Our results demonstrate that dendritic computation enables somatic spontaneous firing sequences to act as templates for rapid and stable memory formation.
Detection of the carbapenemase gene blaVIM-5 in members of the Pseudomonas putida group isolated from polluted Nigerian wetlands
Authors: Adelowo Olawale O. , Vollmers John , Mäusezahl Ines , Kaster Anne-Kristin , Müller Jochen A.
Published: October 2018

There are increasing concerns about possible dissemination of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes, including genes encoding for carbapenemases in the environment. However, little is known about environmental distribution of antibiotic resistance in Africa. In this study, four polluted urban wetlands in Nigeria were investigated as potential reservoirs of carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB). CRB were isolated from the wetlands, characterized by Blue-Carba test, MIC determinations and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Nine of 65 bacterial isolates identified as members of the Pseudomonas putida group (P. plecoglossicida and P. guariconensis, respectively) harboured the metallo-beta-lactamase gene blaVIM-5. WGS revealed the blaVIM-5 in three novel Tn402-like class 1 integron structures containing the cassette arrays aadB|blaVIM-5|blaPSE-1, aadB|blaVIM-5|aadB|blaPSE-1, and blaVIM-5|aadB|tnpA|blaPSE-1|smr2|tnpA, respectively. Strains carrying the aadB|blaVIM-5|blaPSE-1 cassette also carried an identical integron without blaVIM-5. In addition, the strains harboured another Tn402-like class 1 integron carrying bcr2, several multidrug resistance efflux pumps, and at least one of ampC, aph(3”)-lb, aph(6)-ld, tetB, tetC, tetG, floR, and macAB. This is the first report of a carbapenemase gene in bacteria from environmental sources in Nigeria and the first report of blaVIM-5 in environmental bacteria isolates. This result underscores the role of the Nigerian environment as reservoir of bacteria carrying clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes.
Large-scale nanoporous metal-coated silica aerogels for high SERS effect improvement
Authors: Kim Changwook , Baek Seunghwa , Ryu Yunha , Kim Yeonhong , Shin Dongheok , Lee Chang-Won , Park Wounjhang , Urbas Augustine M. , Kang Gumin , Kim Kyoungsik
Published: October 2018

We investigate the optical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) characteristics of metal-coated silica aerogels. Silica aerogels were fabricated by easily scalable sol-gel and supercritical drying processes. Metallic nanogaps were formed on the top surface of the nanoporous silica network by controlling the thickness of the metal layer. The optimized metallic nanogap structure enabled strong confinement of light inside the gaps, which is a suitable property for SERS effect. We experimentally evaluated the SERS enhancement factor with the use of benzenethiol as a probe molecule. The enhancement factor reached 7.9 × 107 when molecules were adsorbed on the surface of the 30 nm silver-coated aerogel. We also theoretically investigated the electric field distribution dependence on the structural geometry and substrate indices. On the basis of FDTD simulations, we concluded that the electric field was highly amplified in the vicinity of the target analyte owing to a combination of the aerogel’s ultralow refractive index and the high-density metallic nanogaps. The aerogel substrate with metallic nanogaps shows great potential for use as an inexpensive, highly sensitive SERS platform to detect environmental and biological target molecules.
Hydroxyurea Treated β-Thalassemia Children Demonstrate a Shift in Metabolism Towards Healthy Pattern
Authors: Iqbal Ayesha , Ansari Saqib Hussain , Parveen Sadia , Khan Ishtiaq Ahmad , Siddiqui Amna Jabbar , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: October 2018

Augmentation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production has been an enduring therapeutic objective in β-thalassemia patients for which hydroxyurea (HU) has largely been the drug of choice and the most cost-effective approach. A serum metabolomics study on 40 patients with β-thalassemia prior to and after administration of HU was done along with healthy controls. Treated patients were divided further into non-responders (NR), partial (PR) and good (GR) per their response. 25 metabolites that were altered before HU therapy at p ≤ 0.05 and fold change >2.0 in β-thalassemia patients; started reverting towards healthy group after HU treatment. A prediction model based on another set of 70 HU treated patients showed a good separation of GR from untreated β-thalassemia patients with an overall accuracy of 76.37%. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that various important pathways that were disturbed in β-thalassemia were reverted after treatment with HU and among them linoleic acid pathway was most impactfully improved in HU treated patients which is a precursor of important signaling molecules. In conclusion, this study indicates that HU is a good treatment option for β-thalassemia patients because in addition to reducing blood transfusion burden it also ameliorates disease complications by shifting body metabolism towards normal.
Increase in resistance to anticancer drugs involves occludin in spheroid culture model of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
Authors: Eguchi Hiroaki , Akizuki Risa , Maruhashi Ryohei , Tsukimoto Mitsutoshi , Furuta Takumi , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Endo Satoshi , Ikari Akira
Published: October 2018

Chemoresistance is a serious issue in the therapy of many cancers, but the molecular mechanism is little understood. The mRNA level of occludin (OCLN), a tight junctional protein, was increased in the cisplatin (CDDP), doxorubicin (DXR), 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin, or gemcitabine-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanism and pathophysiological role of OCLN. OCLN was mainly localized at tight junctions in A549 and CDDP-resistant A549 (A549/CDDP) cells. The level of p-Akt in A549/CDDP cells was higher than that in A549 cells, and the mRNA and protein levels of OCLN were suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway inhibitor, LY-294002, suggesting that a PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the elevation of OCLN expression. The overexpression of OCLN in A549 cells decreased paracellular permeability to DXR. Cytotoxicity to CDDP was unaffected by OCLN-overexpression in 2D culture model. In 3D culture model, the spheroid size, hypoxic level, and cell viability were significantly elevated by CDDP resistance, but not by OCLN-overexpression. The accumulation inside the spheroids and toxicity of DXR were correlated with OCLN expression. Our data suggest that OCLN is not directly involved in the chemoresistance, but it enhances chemoresistance mediated by suppression of accumulation of anticancer drugs inside the spheroids.
Dual purpose fibre – SERS pH sensing and bacterial analysis
Authors: Fleming Holly , McAughtrie Sarah , Mills Bethany , Tanner Michael G. , Marks Angus , Campbell Colin J.
Published: October 2018

A way to incorporate SERS nanosensors on the end of an optical fibre that also allows for the extraction of bacterial samples.
Gel-based cell manipulation method for isolation and genotyping of single-adherent cells
Authors: Negishi Ryo , Iwata Reito , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Kisailus David , Maeda Yoshiaki , Matsunaga Tadashi , Yoshino Tomoko
Published: October 2018

The simple and rapid method for isolation of single-adherent cells from a culture dish was developed and applied to genetic analysis of single-cells.
Facile synthesis of flower-like morphology Cu0.27Co2.73O4 for a high-performance supercapattery with extraordinary cycling stability
Authors: Raj Shipra , Kar Pradip , Roy Poulomi
Published: October 2018

The partial replacement of Co by Cu in cobaltite in the form of Cu0.27Co2.73O4, with unique flower-like morphology, is found to be very beneficial for supercapacitor–battery hybrid applications.
Essential but sparse collagen hydroxylysyl post-translational modifications detected by DNP NMR
Authors: Chow Wing Ying , Li Rui , Goldberga Ieva , Reid David G. , Rajan Rakesh , Clark Jonathan , Oschkinat Hartmut , Duer Melinda J. , Hayward Robert , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: October 2018

DNP NMR reveals functionally essential sparse collagen hydroxylysyl post-translational modifications, an essential step in elucidating their critical biological roles.
π-Conjugated thiolate amplified spectrophotometry nitrite assay with improved sensitivity and accuracy
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wu Xiaoxia , Yuan Zhiqin , Lu Chao
Published: October 2018

π-Conjugated thiolate amplified sensitive nitrite detection based on the π-conjugation enhanced molar absorption coefficient and the corresponding absorbance is presented.
Nickel(ii)-catalyzed enantioselective α-alkylation of β-ketoamides with phenyliodonium ylideviaa radical process
Authors: Guo Jing , Liu Xiaohua , He Changqiang , Tan Fei , Dong Shunxi , Feng Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

Enantioselective α-alkylation of β-ketoamides with iodonium ylide was realizedviaa radical process. In the presence of a chiralN,N′-dioxide/Ni(OTf)2complex, the corresponding products were obtained with good results. Control experiments and EPR studies supported a radical process.
Broad-spectrum catalytic metallopeptide inactivators of Zika and West Nile virus NS2B/NS3 proteases
Authors: Pinkham Andrew M. , Yu Zhen , Cowan J. A.
Published: October 2018

Catalytic metallopeptides promote irreversible oxidative damage to Flaviviridae viral proteases and offer the prospect of broad spectrum activity against Zika, West Nile, and Dengue virus with one drug.
A NbO-type MOF based on an aromatic-rich and N-functionalized diisophthalate ligand for high-performance acetylene storage and purification
Authors: Li Saidan , Wu Jing , Gao Xiaoxia , He Minghui , Wang Yao , Wang Xia , He Yabing
Published: October 2018

A NbO-type MOF based on an aromatic-rich and N-functionalized diisophthalate ligand exhibits promising potential for acetylene storage and purification.
Correction: Na4Ca(CO3)3: a novel carbonate analog of borate optical materials
Authors: Rashchenko Sergey V. , Shatskiy Anton F. , Arefiev Anton V. , Seryotkin Yurii V. , Litasov Konstantin D.
Published: October 2018

Correction for ‘Na4Ca(CO3)3: a novel carbonate analog of borate optical materials’ by Sergey V. Rashchenko et al., CrystEngComm, 2018, 20, 5228–5232.
Using microgels to control the morphology and optoelectronic properties of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite films
Authors: Dokkhan Chotiros , Mokhtar Muhamad Z. , Chen Qian , Saunders Brian R. , Hodson Nigel W. , Hamilton Bruce
Published: October 2018

Spin coating mixed microgel/perovskite precursor solutions gives disordered inverse opal perovskite films with morphologies and optoelectronic properties that are controlled by the microgel particles.
Wearable super-high specific performance supercapacitors using a honeycomb with folded silk-like composite of NiCo2O4 nanoplates decorated with NiMoO4 honeycombs on nickel foam
Authors: Yedluri Anil Kumar , Kim Hee-Je
Published: October 2018

Schematic of the synthesis of the honeycomb with a folded silk-like NF@NiMoO4@NiCo2O4 nanostructure, honeycomb-like NF@NiMoO4 structure and nanoplate-like NF@NiCo2O4 structure on nickel foam (NF).
Bond dissociation energies of carbonyl gold complexes: a new descriptor of ligand effects in gold(i) complexes?
Authors: Gatineau David , Lesage Denis , Clavier Hervé , Dossmann Héloïse , Chan Chen H. , Milet Anne , Memboeuf Antony , Cole Richard B. , Gimbert Yves
Published: October 2018

A new experimental method using mass spectrometry was developed to evaluate ligand electronic effects on gold(i) complexes.
Novel and versatile room temperature ionic liquids for energy storage
Authors: Kar Mega , Tutusaus Oscar , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Mohtadi Rana
Published: October 2018

The first example of a family of low melting temperature ionic liquids based on the highly stable and inertcloso-boron cluster anions is demonstrated. This, combined with excellent physiochemical and electrochemical properties makes this new family of ionic liquids a serious contender towards overcoming key challenges of electrolytes in energy storage systems.
In vitrocharacterization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by the commercially available Mesosilver™ dietary supplement
Authors: Rong Hongyan , Garg Shikha , Westerhoff Paul , Waite T. David
Published: October 2018

Dissolved Ag(i) and ROS (i.e.H2O2and hydroxyl radical) generation from the commercially available Mesosilver™ dietary supplement are investigated at pH 2–7.
Renewable protein-based monomer for thermosets: a case study on phthalonitrile resin
Authors: Peng Weifeng , Yao Fang , Hu Jianghuai , Liu Yao , Lu Zheng , Liu Yang , Liu Zhengzhou , Zeng Ke , Yang Gang
Published: October 2018

This work first introduced the protein-based l-tyrosine to thermosets, and proved that the l-tyrosine building-block can confer materials with high performance.
Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes: production and applications for environmental sustainability
Authors: Shi Wenbo , Plata Desiree L.
Published: October 2018

Incorporate green chemistry principles into vertically aligned carbon nanotube production and leverage their properties to maximize environmental benefits.
Fe1−xS/nitrogen and sulfur Co-doped carbon composite derived from a nanosized metal–organic framework for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yingying , Zhong Ming , Kong Lingjun , Li Ang , Sun Xiaowen , Wang Danhong , Bu Xian-He
Published: October 2018

Fe1−xS/NSC composite was prepared as an anode for LIBs by a one-step pyrolysis approach, and it exhibited outstanding cycle stability and rate performance.
A free-standing Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2/MWCNT framework for high-energy lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lv Congjie , Peng Yi , Yang Jing , Liu Chen , Duan Xiaochuan , Ma Jianmin , Wang Taihong
Published: October 2018

Free-standing Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2/MWCNT (LLO/MWCNT) framework electrodes have been successfully fabricated for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. By constructing a 3D conductive network, the LLO/MWCNT cells exhibit superior electrochemical performances.
Transition-metal-free cleavage of C–C double bonds: a three-component reaction of aromatic alkenes with S8and amides towards aryl thioamides
Authors: Liu Lantao , Guo Zhanghong , Xu Kai , Hui Shuangshuang , Zhao Xiaofang , Wu Yangjie
Published: October 2018

A novel transition-metal-free cleavage of C–C double bonds has been developed from a three-component reaction involving aromatic alkenes, S8and amides, generating various aryl thioamides in up to 96% yields.
Two-step photomechanical motion of a dibenzobarrelene crystal
Authors: Taniguchi Takuya , Kubota Ayumi , Moritoki Tatsuya , Asahi Toru , Koshima Hideko
Published: October 2018

Upon light irradiation, a dibenzobarrelene crystal quickly bent, and then slowly bent towards the opposite direction.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO2/graphene oxide nanocomposites for photoreduction of heavy metal ions in reverse osmosis concentrate
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Na , Xia Jiaohui , Meng Qingmei , Ding Jincheng , Lu Jie
Published: October 2018

TiO2/GO nanocomposites were synthesized successfully and exhibited an excellent ability to reduce heavy metal ions in reverse osmosis concentrate.
Growth temperature dependence of nitrogen doped graphene structure on Pt (111) and analysis of its reactivity with oxygen
Authors: Obata Seiji , Saiki Koichiro
Published: October 2018

Nitrogen doping is an effective method for modulating the electronic states and properties of graphene. Pyridinic nitrogen enhances the reactivity with oxygen.
Reliability enhancement in thin film transistors using Hf and Al co-incorporated ZnO active channels deposited by atomic-layer-deposition
Authors: Na So-Yeong , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: October 2018

Oxide thin films transistors (TFTs) with Hf and Al co-incorporated ZnO active channels prepared by atomic-layer deposition are presented.
Multi-stimuli-responsive supramolecular gel constructed by pillar[5]arene-based pseudorotaxanes for efficient detection and separation of multi-analytes in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhang You-Ming , Li Yong-Fu , Fang Hu , He Jun-Xia , Yong Bi-Rong , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao , Lin Qi
Published: October 2018

A novel pseudorotaxanes-type crosslinker of a supramolecular polymer network (WP5-PN) was constructed based on water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and naphthalene dimethylamine derivative (PN) via host-guest interactions.
Superlithiation of non-conductive polyimide toward high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Haoqi , Liu Shuwu , Cao Lihua , Jiang Shaohua , Hou Haoqing
Published: October 2018

Polyimide-based composite electrode exhibited excellent battery performance because of the improved conductivity and superlithiation.
An efficient, rapid, and non-centrifugation synthesis of nanosized zeolites by accelerating the nucleation rate
Authors: Zhang Changsheng , Wu Qinming , Lei Chi , Han Shichao , Zhu Qiuyan , Maurer Stefan , Dai Daniel , Parvulescu Andrei-Nicolae , Müller Ulrich , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: October 2018

An efficient, rapid, and non-centrifugation synthesis of nanosized zeolites is developed by accelerating the nucleation rate in the starting gel systems.
Anhydrous proton conduction in porous organic networks
Authors: Klumpen C. , Winterstein S. , Papastavrou G. , Senker J.
Published: October 2018

Influence of topology, porosity and network functionality on proton conduction of imidazole-loaded, porous polymers.
A rechargeable metal-free full-liquid sulfur–bromine battery for sustainable energy storage
Authors: Wang Lina , Wang Xiaofei , Liu Jingyuan , Yang Hao , Fu Cuimei , Xia Yongyao , Liu Tianxi
Published: October 2018

We report an original metal-free full-liquid battery depending on the reversible conversion chemistry between sulfur species and flexible redox-active couples with highly positive potential, for example, Br3−/Br−.
Ultra-fine surface solid-state electrolytes for long cycle life all-solid-state lithium–air batteries
Authors: Wang Sheng , Wang Jue , Liu Jingjing , Song Hucheng , Liu Yijie , Wang Pengfei , He Ping , Xu Jun , Zhou Haoshen
Published: October 2018

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are potential candidates for developing high-energy-density and safe all-solid-state lithium (Li)-metal batteries due to the elimination of most of the safety issues encountered with liquid electrolytes.
Multi-functional nanowall arrays with unrestricted Li+ transport channels and an integrated conductive network for high-areal-capacity Li–S batteries
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Yu Ying , Lin Xiaoting , Liang Jianneng , Adair Keegan , Zhao Yang , Wang Changhong , Li Xia , Sun Qian , Zhang Hongzhang , Li Xianfeng , Li Ruying , Zhang Huamin , Sun Xueliang
Published: October 2018

Multifunctional nanowall arrays with “all-in-one” capabilities in suppressing PS dissolution, improving Li+/e− transport and retention of its structural integrity during repeated cycling were designed to improve the cycling stability and C-rate performance of high-areal-capacity Li–S batteries.
Micropores of pure nanographite spheres for long cycle life and high-rate lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liao Kexuan , Chen Shuting , Wei Huanhuan , Fan Jinchen , Xu Qunjie , Min Yulin
Published: October 2018

An effective and novel structure of pure hollow nanographite with micropores (∼8 Å) was successfully synthesized, and high-rate and long cycle life lithium–sulfur batteries were obtained.
Polyurethane derivatives for highly sensitive and selective fluorescence detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP)
Authors: Jiang Nan , Li Guangfu , Che Weilong , Zhu Dongxia , Su Zhongmin , Bryce Martin R.
Published: October 2018

A series of luminescent non-conjugated polyurethane derivatives (PUs) has been obtained in a facile way in high yields. TNP is selectively detected in water with a concentration of 10−10 M.
Placenta-specific 9, a putative secretory protein, induces G2/M arrest and inhibits the proliferation of human embryonic hepatic cells
Authors: Ouyang Cong , Pu Yi-Zhi , Qin Xu-Hui , Shen Jinhua , Liu Qing-Hua , Ma Liqun , Xue Lu
Published: October 2018

Background: Placenta-specific 9 (Plac9) is a putative secreted protein that was first discovered in the context of embryogenesis. The expression pattern of Plac9 during embryogenesis, together with the results of recent reports, suggest that Plac9 may play a role in the liver development. The present study was conducted to investigate the secretory characteristics of Plac9 and its potential role in liver cell physiology. Methods: Immunofluorescence was employed to identify the subcellular distribution of Plac9. Cellular proliferative activity was analyzed by MTT assay and cell colony formation. The cell cycle distribution of Plac9 was analyzed by flow cytometry, and a functional analysis was performed using L02 cells following their stable infection with a lentivirus over-expressing Plac9. Results:Plac9 is a novel protein that is localized to the cytoplasm and may be secreted through the classic endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi route. The overexpression of Plac9 inhibits cell growth and induces G2/M phase arrest. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a novel role for Plac9 in regulating cell growth.
The association of POLR2E rs3787016 polymorphism and cancer risk: a Chinese case–control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Bifeng , Wang Shang , Ma Guangxin , Han Jin , Zhang Jingli , Gu Xiuli , Feng Xianhong
Published: October 2018

How single nucleotide polymorphisms in long non-coding RNAs are involved in cancer susceptibility remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that polymerase II polypeptide E (POLR2E) rs3787016 polymorphism, identified in a genome-wide association study of prostate cancer, might be a common genetic risk factor for cancer risk. To address this issue, we here conducted a case–control study to investigate the association of POLR2E rs3787016 polymorphism with risk of liver and lung cancer (including 800 normal controls, 480 liver cancer patients, and 550 lung cancer patients), followed by a meta-analysis. The genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed by sequencing. Although no significant association was found for rs3787016 with risk of liver or lung cancer, the further stratified analysis identified that rs3787016 contributed to liver cancer risk particularly for over than 60 years individuals who drink. Moreover, the meta-analysis demonstrated that rs3787016 was associated with overall cancer risk and prostate cancer risk. Collectively, the POLR2E rs3787016 polymorphism may be a valuable biomarker for cancer predisposition.
Protective effects ofFragaria ananassamethanolic extract in a rat model of cadmium chloride-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Elkhadragy Manal F. , Kassab Rami B. , Metwally Dina , Almeer Rafa S. , Abdel-Gaber Rewaida , Al-Olayan Ebtesam M. , Essawy Ehab A. , Amin Hatem K. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E.
Published: October 2018

Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental toxicant that has harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans. The present study evaluated the protective effects of Fragaria ananassa methanolic extract (SME) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced neuronal toxicity in rats. Male albino rats were intraperitoneally (i.p) injected with CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg) for 5 days with or without the SME (250 mg/kg). We measured the levels of Cd, lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide, glutathione (GSH), and oxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR) in the whole brain homogenate. Compared with the control group, the Cd-intoxicated group showed a marked increase in the brain levels of Cd, LPO, and nitric oxide and a decrease in the levels of GSH and all tested antioxidant enzymes. Compared with Cd-intoxicated rats, the rats pretreated with SME showed restoration of oxidative balance in the brain tissue. While the expression of brain SOD2, CAT, glutathione peroxidase 1, and GR was down-regulated in the Cd-treated group, the expression of these enzymes was up-regulated in rats pretreated with SME. In addition, administration of SME before CdCl2 increased the Bcl-2 expression, but significantly decreased the expression of Bax. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that compared with Cd-intoxicated rats, rats pretreated with SME showed a decrease in the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Our findings indicate that SME protects the brain tissue from Cd-induced neuronal toxicity by improving the antioxidant system and increasing antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities.
Acidic pH promotes nucleus pulposus cell senescence through activating the p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Fu Jiabin , Yu Wei , Jiang Dianming
Published: October 2018

Background: Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence is an important cellular feature within the degenerative disc. It is known that a very acidic niche exists in the degenerative disc, which participates in regulating disc cell viability and matrix metabolism. Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the role and potential signaling transduction pathway of an acidic pH in regulating NP cell senescence. Methods: Rat NP cells were cultured in an acidic pH of 7.2 close to that in a healthy disc (Control group) or in an acidic pH of 6.2 close to that in a severe degenerative disc (Experiment group) for 10 days. Additionally, the experimental NP cells were incubated along with the inhibitor SB203580 to analyze the role of p38 MAPK pathway in this process. Results: Compared with the control NP cells, experimental NP cells showed a suppressed cell proliferation potency, an increased G0/G1 phase fraction whereas a decreased S-phase fraction and a declined telomerase activity, an up-regulated expression of senescence-related molecules (p16 and p53), and a down-regulated expression of matrix-related moleucles (aggrecan and collagen II). Further analysis showed that inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway partly reversed effects of acidic pH of 6.2 on the experimental NP cells. Conclusion: The very acidic niche identified in a severe degenerative disc promotes NP cell senescence through regulating the p38 MAPK pathway. The present study provides a new mechanism that drives NP cell senescence during disc degeneration.
Explaining Reading Comprehension in Children With Developmental Language Disorder: The Importance of Elaborative Inferencing
Authors: Gough Kenyon Sheila M. , Palikara Olympia , Lucas Rebecca M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Reading comprehension is a key indicator of academic and psychosocial outcomes. Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) tend to find reading comprehension challenging. This study aimed to explore the literal and inferential (cohesive, elaborative, and lexical) comprehension of children with DLD, their typically developing (TD) peers, and, uniquely, a group of children with low language (LL) proficiency.

Method

Children aged 10–11 years with either typical development (
n
= 16), LL proficiency (
n
= 14), or DLD (
n
= 14) were recruited from 8 primary schools. They completed a battery of standardized language and literacy assessments. Responses to literal and inferential questions on the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test–Second UK Edition (Wechsler, 2005) were analyzed.

Results

A disproportionate difficulty in answering inferential relative to literal questions was found for the DLD group compared to the LL and TD groups. Children with DLD were significantly poorer at elaborative inferencing than both their peers with LL proficiency and TD peers, but there were no group differences in cohesive or lexical inferencing. There was a significant positive association between inferencing ability and vocabulary knowledge, single word reading accuracy, grammatical skill, and verbal working memory. The importance of single word reading accuracy was especially evident as a partial mediator of the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and inferencing ability.

Conclusions

These results indicate that interventions targeting the reading comprehension of children with DLD should focus on elaborative inferencing skill. There are also clinical implications as the development of new standardized assessments differentiating between inference types is called for.
Characteristics of Speech Rate in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Darling-White Meghan , Sakash Ashley , Hustad Katherine C.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the effect of time and sentence length on speech rate and its characteristics, articulation rate and pauses, within 2 groups of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Thirty-four children with CP, 18 with no speech motor involvement and 16 with speech motor involvement, produced sentences of varying lengths at 3 time points that were 1 year apart (mean age = 56 months at first time point). Dependent measures included speech rate, articulation rate, proportion of time spent pausing, and average number and duration of pauses.

Results

There were no significant effects of time. For children with no speech motor involvement, speech rate increased with longer sentences due to increased articulation rate. For children with speech motor involvement, speech rate did not change with sentence length due to significant increases in the proportion of time spent pausing and average number of pauses in longer sentences.

Conclusions

There were no significant age-related differences in speech rate in children with CP regardless of group membership. Sentence length differentially impacted speech rate and its characteristics in both groups of children with CP. This may be due to cognitive–linguistic and/or speech motor control factors.
Substrate integrated waveguide resonator with harmonic suppression
Authors: Chu Peng , Zheng Kai‐Lai , Xu Feng , Wu Ke
Published: October 2018

A novel technique to design substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) resonator with harmonic suppression is proposed. The spurious band arising from the harmonics is designed as well as the fundamental passband. The bandwidth of the spurious band is designed to be zero to realise harmonic suppression. At the same time, the fundamental properties of the SIW are almost not affected, and no additional circuit area is required. The harmonic suppression and the fundamental passband can be designed independently of each other. An SIW resonator with harmonic suppression and an SIW filter with wide stopband are fabricated and measured to verify the proposed technique. The results agree with expectation well.
Topology optimisation and current sharing strategy of interleaved bidirectional dc/dc converter with coupling technique
Authors: Pan Tengteng , Wang Yubin , Qu Zengbin , Tao Wendong
Published: October 2018

The dc/dc converter with interleaving and coupling technique is preferred in high‐power applications for its excellent steady‐state and transient‐state performances. In this study, the principle of three‐phase interleaved dc/dc converters with a coupled inductor is first analysed. Also, merits are proved theoretically based on the concepts of equivalent steady‐state and transient‐state inductance. As most of the proposed single‐core coupled inductor may suffer several issues, such as asymmetrical coupling parameters, high manufacturing cost, and large dc flux, an equivalent model is then deduced to use two‐wingding coupled inductors instead of the single‐core three‐phase coupled inductor. With the proposed model, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the parameters can be symmetrical and there will be nearly no dc flux. In real applications, however, the proposed model may also be faced with current unbalance among phases, which may lead to core saturation and even system failure. A phase‐decoupled current sharing strategy is therefore proposed and used in the proposed topology. The superiority and practicability of proposed topology and current sharing method are verified by simulation in PSIM and prototype experiment results.
High specific capacity Mg‐doping LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode materials synthesised by a simple stepwise co‐precipitation method
Authors: Zhu Jiping , Yan Jiawei , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2018

The layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3−x Mgx O2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) were synthesised by a stepwise co‐precipitation method. The effects of Mg substitution on the crystal structure of the synthesised powder have been characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) mapping. Their electrochemical properties were evaluated by charge/discharge and electrical impedance spectroscopy tests. The results of XRD, SEM and EDS mapping characterisation indicated that all the modified cathode materials with their Ni, Co and Mn components doped by magnesium without destroying the crystal structure. Electrochemical characterisation confirms that the materials have optimal cycling performance and the least capacity loss under the 2% Mg‐doping. The specific capacity of the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3−0.02Mg0.02O2 was 180 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 138 mAh g−1 at 8 C, which compares favourably to 175 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 121 mAh g−1 at 8 C for the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. The LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3−0.02Mg0.02O2 also exhibited the best electrochemical performance with capacity retention of 89.4% after 50 cycles at 0.2 C between 2.5 and 4.3 V.
Stable temperature characteristic of phosphate glass ceramic for white light‐emitting diode
Authors: Ren Xiaobin , Pei Manting , Ming Chengguo , Zhou Aihua , Ju Dandan , Song Feng
Published: October 2018

Thulium, terbium, and manganese tridoped phosphate glass ceramic was prepared by high‐temperature melting method and heat annealing technology. The sample can emit strong white light under 355 nm excitation. The luminescence intensities and peak positions keep unchanged in the temperature range of 25–300°C. The phosphate glass ceramic material shows good property of thermal stability, which can be exploited for the phosphor of white‐light‐emitting diode.