bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isoforskolin and forskolin attenuate lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation through TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB cascades in human mononuclear leukocytes
Authors: Du Xiaohua , Shi Rui , Wang Youlan , Wu Wenjuang , Sun Shibo , Dai Zelan , Chen Chen , Weng Zhiying , Li Xian , Liu Qian , Zhang Liyan , Saidian Mayer , Yang Weimin
Published: January 2019

The principal active component of isoforskolin (ISOF) is from the plant Coleus forskohlii, native to China, which has attracted much attention for its biological effects. We hypothesize that ISOF and forskolin (FSK) pretreatment attenuates inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) related to toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling. Mononuclear leukocytes (MLs) from healthy donors' blood samples were separated by using density gradient centrifugation. Protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF‐κB were detected using western blot and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐23, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, and TNF‐β were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Quantibody array in MLs. Our results showed that LPS augmented the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF‐κB in MLs and the production of IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐23, TNF‐α, and TNF‐β in supernatants of MLs. Despite treatment with ISOF and FSK prior to LPS, the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF‐κB, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐23, TNF‐α, and TNF‐β in MLs were apparently decreased. roflumilast (RF) and dexamethasone (DM) had a similar effect on MLs with ISOF and FSK. Our results, for the first time, have shown that ISOF and FSK attenuate inflammation in MLs induced by LPS through down‐regulating protein levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α, in which TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signal pathway could be involved.
Sugarcane juice stability in plastic bottle treated with silver and zinc oxide
Authors: da Costa Ribeiro Abgail Suelen , de Lima Gomes Jéssica , Kushida Marta Mitsui , Petrus Rodrigo Rodrigues
Published: January 2019

Sugarcane juice is highly susceptible to microbial outgrowth, and the use of active packaging may enhance its preservation. In this study, the microbiological stability of pasteurized (85°C/30 s) cane juice was evaluated. The juice was aseptically filled into high‐density polyethylene (HDPE‐TiO2) bottles that had been incorporated with inorganic agents microstructured with silver and zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO). The processed batches were stored at 5°C in the dark. Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory tests were conducted with the freshly processed juice and the beverage stored to evaluate the product's stability. The maximum thresholds set for mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and moulds and yeasts counts were 5, 4, and 3 logCFU/mL, respectively. The pH values, soluble solids, and titratable acidity ranged from 5.10 to 5.37, 14.3 to 24.0 °Brix, and 0.05% to 0.13% citric acid, respectively. The estimated microbiological stability for the processed juice was 50 days. The average scores on the nine‐point hedonic scale tests ranged between 5.0 and 7.7. The microstructured inorganic agents with Ag/ZnO had no influence on the microbiological stability of the product.
Adaptive fault‐tolerant time‐varying formation tracking for multiagent systems with multiple leaders
Authors: Wang Zhanshan , Wu Yanming , Li Tieshan , Zhang Huaguang
Published: January 2019

In this paper, an adaptive fault‐tolerant time‐varying formation control problem for nonlinear multiagent systems with multiple leaders is studied against actuator faults and state‐dependent uncertainties. Simultaneously, the followers form a predefined formation while tracking reference signal determined by the convex combination of the multiple leaders. Based on the neighboring relative information, an adaptive fault‐tolerant formation time‐varying control protocol is constructed to compensate for the influences of actuator faults and model uncertainties. In addition, the updating laws can be adjusted online through the adaptive mechanism, and the proposed control protocol can guarantee that all the signals in the closed‐loop systems are bounded. Lyapunov‐like functions are addressed to prove the stability of multiagent systems. Finally, two examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Study of anodizing process on aluminium foam to improve the corrosion behavior
Authors: Rossi Stefano , Bizzotto Mirco , Deflorian Flavio , Fedel Michele
Published: January 2019

Aluminium foam is obtained by the production of air into metallic melt. This material shows a very low density together with good mechanical properties, high impact energy absorption, and fire resistance. Different production ways to obtain metallic foam are possible. Considering the cost, the Alporas process is particularly interesting. By means of this production method, a block of metallic foam with close cells is obtained. By slicing, foam panels are obtained. The mechanical cut promotes the formation of an open cells texture on the surface. In this last case, the complex morphology of aluminium foam could be a critical point considering the corrosion behavior in aggressive environments, where localized corrosion phenomena, as pitting or crevice corrosion, are likely to occur. The anodizing treatment is one of the most used methods to improve the corrosion resistance of aluminium and aluminium alloys. The aim of this paper is to perform an anodization treatment to enhance the corrosion resistance of aluminium foam. Constant voltage anodization (12 V for 60 min) and pulsed current anodization (0.04 A/cm2 for 60 seconds and 0.01 A/cm2 for 15 seconds, repeated for 15 cycles) have been carried out in 15 wt% H2SO4 at 20°C. The anodized samples are observed in cross section by optical and electronic microscopes to investigate the structure of the anodic oxide layer and the presence of defects and to measure the thickness of the layer. The corrosion protection performance and the compactness of layers are evaluated using acetic salt spray test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Covalent Bonding of PANI and p‐Phenylenediamine‐Functionalized GO Using N,N′‐Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as Dehydrating Agent for Electrochromic Applications
Authors: Xiong Shanxin , Wang Ru , Zhang Xiangkai , Wu Yu , Xu Zhongying , Ma Bei , Zhang Xiaolu , Qu Qiaochu , Wu Bohua , Chu Jia , Wang Xiaoqin , Zhang Runlan , Gong Ming , Chen Zhenming
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a high‐performance organic/inorganic electrochromic material was synthesized by covalent bonding of polyaniline (PANI) and graphene oxide (GO). In the presence of N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as dehydrating agent, GO was functionalized by p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) through an amidation reaction. Water‐processable PANI‐GO nanocomposites were prepared by copolymerization of aniline with PPD functionalized GO in the presence of poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) dopant in an aqueous medium. The structures and morphologies of PANI‐GO nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that covalent bonding PANI‐GO nanocomposites possess better electrochemical and electrochromic properties over that of neat PANI. With 3 wt.% GO‐PPD loading, PANI‐GO‐3% exhibits the optimal electrochemical and electrochromic properties, among which the charge‐transfer resistance (RCT) is 29.4 Ω, the optical contrast is 0.72 and coloring/bleaching time is 4.45/4.28 s. Overdose GO‐PPD leads to negative influence on the contrast and switching speed, owing to the ion blocking effect brought by its two‐dimensional nanostructure.
DFT Study on the Formation of Homo and Hetero dimers of BN‐doped Tetracyclic fused Aromatics via π⋯π Stacking
Authors: Saha Bapan , Bhattacharyya Pradip K.
Published: January 2019

Computational study on the formation of 31 homo and hetero dimers of tetracyclic fused aromatics (isomeric) viz. tetracene, chrysene and triphenylene via π⋯π stacking is performed using Density functional theory (DFT). Geometries of the BN doped tetracene, chrysene and triphenylene and their complexes are studied. Stability of the complexes, measured in terms of stabilization energies (SEs) advocate in favour of stability of the complexes in both gas and solvent phases (10.37‐19.09 kcal mol‐1). Effect of BN doping on the stability of the complexes is also scrutinized with respect to its position and number. Studies also confirmed the prominent role of dispersive interaction in stabilizing the complexes. Thermochemical analysis reveals the exothermic nature and spontaneity of the complexation process. TD‐DFT (time dependent density functional theory) study showed significant red shift in the absorption spectra upon complexation.
Threshold Voltage Control of Multilayered MoS2 Field‐Effect Transistors via Octadecyltrichlorosilane and their Applications to Active Matrixed Quantum Dot Displays Driven by Enhancement‐Mode Logic Gates
Authors: Roh Jeongkyun , Ryu Jae Hyeon , Baek Geun Woo , Jung Heeyoung , Seo Seung Gi , An Kunsik , Jeong Byeong Guk , Lee Doh C. , Hong Byung Hee , Bae Wan Ki , Lee Jong‐Ho , Lee Changhee , Jin Sung Hun
Published: January 2019

In recent past, for next‐generation device opportunities such as sub‐10 nm channel field‐effect transistors (FETs), tunneling FETs, and high‐end display backplanes, tremendous research on multilayered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) among transition metal dichalcogenides has been actively performed. However, nonavailability on a matured threshold voltage control scheme, like a substitutional doping in Si technology, has been plagued for the prosperity of 2D materials in electronics. Herein, an adjustment scheme for threshold voltage of MoS2 FETs by using self‐assembled monolayer treatment via octadecyltrichlorosilane is proposed and demonstrated to show MoS2 FETs in an enhancement mode with preservation of electrical parameters such as field‐effect mobility, subthreshold swing, and current on–off ratio. Furthermore, the mechanisms for threshold voltage adjustment are systematically studied by using atomic force microscopy, Raman, temperature‐dependent electrical characterization, etc. For validation of effects of threshold voltage engineering on MoS2 FETs, full swing inverters, comprising enhancement mode drivers and depletion mode loads are perfectly demonstrated with a maximum gain of 18.2 and a noise margin of ≈45% of 1/2 VDD. More impressively, quantum dot light‐emitting diodes, driven by enhancement mode MoS2 FETs, stably demonstrate 120 cd m−2 at the gate‐to‐source voltage of 5 V, exhibiting promising opportunities for future display application.
Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution from a Mesoporous Hybrid of Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles Anchored on Cobalt Phosphosulfide/Phosphide Nanosheet Arrays
Authors: Sun Jingying , Ren Muqing , Yu Luo , Yang Ze , Xie Lixin , Tian Fei , Yu Ying , Ren Zhifeng , Chen Shuo , Zhou Haiqing
Published: January 2019

Facile design of low‐cost and high‐efficiency catalysts with earth‐abundant and cheap materials is desirable to replace platinum (Pt) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting, but the development of such HER catalysts with Pt‐like activity using simple strategies remains challenging. A mesoporous hybrid catalyst of nickel phosphides nanoparticles and cobalt phosphosulfide/phosphide (CoS|Ni|P) nanosheet arrays for HER is reported here, which is developed by a facile three‐step approach consisting of electrodeposition, thermal sulfurization, and phosphorization. This hybrid catalyst is highly robust and stable in acid for HER, and is distinguished by very low overpotentials of 41, 88, and 150 mV to achieve 10, 100, and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, as well as a small Tafel slope (45.2 mV dec−1), and a large exchange current density (964 µA cm−2). It is among the most efficient earth‐abundant catalysts reported thus far for HER. More importantly, this electrocatalyst has electrochemical durability over 20 h under a wide range of current densities (up to 1 A cm−2) in acidic conditions, as well as very high turnover frequencies of 0.40 and 1.26 H2 s−1 at overpotentials of 75 and 100 mV, respectively, showing that it has great potential for practical applications in large‐scale water electrolysis.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Porous Au Film on Ni Foam for Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Wang Hongjing , Yu Hongjie , Wang Ziqiang , Li Yinghao , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Xue Hairong , Wang Liang
Published: January 2019

Electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3 provides an alternative strategy to replace the industrial Haber–Bosch process for facile and sustainable production of NH3. The development of efficient electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is highly desired. Herein, a micelle‐assisted electrodeposition method is presented for the direct fabrication of porous Au film on Ni foam (pAu/NF). Benefiting from its interconnected porous architectonics, the pAu/NF exhibits superior NRR performance with a high NH3 yield rate of 9.42 µg h−1 cm−2 and a superior Faradaic efficiency of 13.36% at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode under the neutral electrolyte (0.1 m Na2SO4). The proposed micelle‐assisted electrodeposition strategy is highly valuable for future design of active NRR catalysts with desired compositions toward various electrocatalysis fields.
Branched‐Tail Lipid Nanoparticles Potently Deliver mRNA In Vivo due to Enhanced Ionization at Endosomal pH
Authors: Hajj Khalid A. , Ball Rebecca L. , Deluty Sarah B. , Singh Shridhar R. , Strelkova Daria , Knapp Christopher M. , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: January 2019

The potential of mRNA therapeutics will be realized only once safe and effective delivery systems are established. Unfortunately, delivery vehicle development is stymied by an inadequate understanding of how the molecular properties of a vehicle confer efficacy. Here, a small library of lipidoid materials is used to elucidate structure–function relationships and identify a previously unappreciated parameter—lipid nanoparticle surface ionization—that correlates with mRNA delivery efficacy. The two most potent materials of the library, 306O10 and 306Oi10, induce substantial luciferase expression in mice following a single 0.75 mg kg−1 mRNA dose. These lipidoids, which have ten‐carbon tails and identical molecular weights, vary only in that the 306O10 tail is straight and the 306Oi10 tail has a one‐carbon branch. Remarkably, this small difference in structure conferred a tenfold improvement in 306Oi10 efficacy. The enhanced potency of this branched‐tail lipidoid is attributed to its strong surface ionization at the late endosomal pH of 5.0. A secondary lipidoid library confirms that Oi10 materials ionize more strongly and deliver mRNA more potently than lipidoids containing linear tails. Together, these data highlight the exquisite control that lipid chemistry exerts on the mRNA delivery process and show that branched‐tail lipids facilitate protein expression in animals.
Evolution stages of aircraft manufacturing firms
Authors: Reis Anabela , Siddiqi Afreen , de Weck Olivier
Published: January 2019

Aeronautics is one of the highest value‐adding industrial sectors in an economy, and many regions have sought to develop aeronautics industries for economic diversification. Aircraft production, however, is complex and capital‐intensive, and efforts to establish aircraft manufacturing firms have led to mixed results. Here, we present a study of development of six international aeronautical manufacturing firms, across four continents, using a mixed‐method approach. Using empirical quantitative data and results from 103 semistructured interviews with senior executives and policy makers, we identify a set of discrete stages: inception, base production, competitive growth, inventive development, and maturity that characterize the evolution pathways of aeronautics firms. We find that firms do not necessarily follow a linear development path, and they can jump and skip stages or may regress back to earlier stages under financial or other pressures. We find that aeronautics firms are more likely to reach a self‐sustaining maturity stage once they establish independent contracts with multiple partners and are able to develop their own technologies. The results indicate that firms should establish strategies to acquire independent contracts through competitive bidding and should plan for achieving innovation capabilities early on as this is crucial for their long‐term viability.
Effective Application of Microwave Resonant Cavity System to Flow Chemistry
Authors: Odajima Hiromichi , Okamoto Tadashi
Published: January 2019

By applying advanced telecommunication solid state devices to microwave (MW) resonant cavity system for flow chemistry, it becomes possible to heat up low polarity solvents higher than 250 C, that are considered impossible to heat up by MW until now. The resonant cavity system is opening new process windows to production processes of specialty chemicals which require low cost, high yield and high productivity.
Synthesis of composite snail shell‐rice husk adsorbent for brilliant green dye uptake from aqueous solution: Optimization and characterization
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek , Aderibigbe Tajudeen Adejare , Yusuff Adeyinka Sikiru
Published: January 2019

The optimum preparation conditions for composite snail shell‐rice husk (SS‐RH) adsorbent that gives the optimum brilliant green dye (BGD) uptake has been found at a calcination temperature of 681.10°C, a calcination time of 2.61 hours, and a mixing ratio of 2.61 snail shell‐rice husk, leading to a 97.78% BGD uptake using Central Composite Design. The SS‐RH adsorbent characterization was executed before and after adsorption using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The SEM image before adsorption showed a highly porous, uniform matrix formation with wide cavities resulting from favorable preparation by calcination at optimum conditions, whereas the image revealed complete adsorption of the BGD onto the vacant pores of the calcined SS‐RH after adsorption. EDS analysis revealed formation of active metal oxides on the surface of the composite SS‐RH was enhanced by the calcination process before adsorption, while changes in their weight percent were noticed after adsorption, showing the influence of the active metal oxides on the process. FTIR revealed the existence of functional groups on the SS‐RH surface, which can interact with the BGD molecules to enhance effective adsorption and cause a shift in the values of the wavenumbers of broad peaks before and after adsorption, respectively. In conclusion, the results obtained have proven SS‐RH to be a valuable composite adsorbent for BGD adsorption.
Artificially low mild cognitive impairment to normal reversion rate in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Thomas Kelsey R. , Eppig Joel S. , Weigand Alexandra J. , Edmonds Emily C. , Wong Christina G. , Jak Amy J. , Delano‐Wood Lisa , Galasko Douglas R. , Salmon David P. , Edland Steven D. , Bondi Mark W. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2019

Introduction

We examined reasons for low mild cognitive impairment (MCI)‐to‐cognitively normal (CN) reversion rates in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).

Methods

CN and MCI participants were identified as remaining stable, progressing, or reverting at 1‐year of follow‐up (Year 1). Application of ADNI's MCI criteria at Year 1 in addition to Alzheimer's disease biomarkers by group were examined.

Results

The MCI‐to‐CN reversion rate was 3.0%. When specific components were examined, 22.5% of stable MCI participants had normal memory performance at Year 1 and their Alzheimer's disease biomarkers were consistent with the stable CN group. At Year 1, when all MCI criteria were not met, the more subjective Clinical Dementia Rating rather than objective memory measure appeared to drive continuation of the MCI diagnosis.

Discussion

Results demonstrate an artificially low 1‐year MCI‐to‐CN reversion rate in ADNI‐diagnosed participants. If the Logical Memory cutoffs had been consistently applied, the reversion rate would have been at least 21.8%.
Effect of alcohol consumption on food energy intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kwok Alastair , Dordevic Aimee L. , Paton Gemma , Page Matthew J. , Truby Helen
Published: January 2019

The relationship between alcohol consumption and body weight is complex and inconclusive being potentially mediated by alcohol type, habitual consumption levels and sex differences. Heavy and regular alcohol consumption has been positively correlated with increasing body weight, although it is unclear whether this is due to alcohol consumption per se or to additional energy intake from food. This review explores the effects of alcohol consumption on food energy intake in healthy adults. CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO were searched through February 2018 for crossover and randomised controlled trials where an alcohol dose was compared with a non-alcohol condition. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. A total of twenty-two studies involving 701 participants were included from the 18 427 papers retrieved. Studies consistently demonstrated no compensation for alcoholic beverage energy intake, with dietary energy intake not decreasing due to alcoholic beverage ingestion. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted on twelve studies and demonstrated that alcoholic beverage consumption significantly increased food energy intake and total energy intake compared with a non-alcoholic comparator by weighted mean differences of 343 (95 % CI 161, 525) and 1072 (95 % CI 820, 1323) kJ, respectively. Generalisability is limited to younger adults (18–37 years), and meta-analyses for some outcomes had substantial statistical heterogeneity or evidence of small-study effects. This review suggests that adults do not compensate appropriately for alcohol energy by eating less, and a relatively modest alcohol dose may lead to an increase in food consumption.
The Circle Transfer and Cobordism Categories
Authors: Giansiracusa Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

The circle transfer $Q\Sigma (LX_{hS^1})_+ \to QLX_+$ has appeared in several contexts in topology. In this note, we observe that this map admits a geometric re-interpretation as a morphism of cobordism categories of 0-manifolds and 1-cobordisms. Let 𝒞1(X) denote the one-dimensional cobordism category and let Circ(X) ⊂ 𝒞1(X) denote the subcategory whose objects are disjoint unions of unparametrized circles. Multiplication in S1 induces a functor Circ(X) → Circ(LX), and the composition of this functor with the inclusion of Circ(LX) into 𝒞1(LX) is homotopic to the circle transfer. As a corollary, we describe the inclusion of the subcategory of cylinders into the two-dimensional cobordism category 𝒞2(X) and find that it is null-homotopic when X is a point.
Survival and energy use ofIxodes scapularisnymphs throughout their overwintering period
Authors: Burtis James C. , Fahey Timothy J. , Yavitt Joseph B.
Published: January 2019

The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) spends up to 10 months in the soil between feeding as larvae and questing for hosts as nymphs the following year. We tracked the survival and energy use of 4320 engorged larvae evenly divided across 288 microcosms under field conditions from September to July on sites with high (>12 nymphs/150 m2) and low (<1.2 nymphs/150 m2) densities of naturally questingI. scapularisin New York State. Subsets of microcosms were destructively sampled periodically during this period to determine tick survivorship and physiological age. Across all sites tick mortality was low during the winter and increased in the spring and early summer, coincident with increasing energy use. Neither energy use nor mortality differed significantly between sites with highvslow natural tick density, but we did observe a significant positive relationship between soil organic matter content and the survival ofI. scapularisduring the spring. Our results suggest that the off-host mortality and energy use ofI. scapularisnymphs is relatively low in the winter and increases significantly in the spring and early summer.
Malaria infection status of European Robins seems to associate with timing of autumn migration but not with actual condition
Authors: Ágh Nóra , Piross Imre Sándor , Majoros Gábor , Csörgő Tibor , Szöllősi Eszter
Published: January 2019

Avian malaria parasites can negatively affect many aspects of the life of the passerines. Though these parasites may strongly affect the health and thus migration patterns of the birds also during autumn, previous studies on avian malaria focused mainly on the spring migration and the breeding periods of the birds. We investigated whether the prevalence of blood parasites varies in relation to biometrical traits, body condition and arrival time in the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) during autumn migration. We found no sex or age related differences in avian malaria prevalence and no relationship between infection status and body size or actual condition of the birds was found either. However, the timing of autumn migration differed marginally between infected and non-infected juveniles, so that parasitized individuals arrived later at the Hungarian stopover site. This is either because avian malaria infections adversely affect the migration timing or migration speed of the birds, or because later arriving individuals come from more distant populations with possibly higher blood parasite prevalence. The possible delay that parasites cause in the arrival time of the birds during autumn migration could affect the whole migratory strategy and the breeding success of the birds in the next season.
Development and evaluation of molecular tools for detecting and differentiating intestinal amoebae in healthy individuals
Authors: Chihi Amal , Stensvold Christen R. , Ben-abda Imene , Ben-Romdhane Rania , Aoun Karim , Siala Emna , Bouratbine Aïda
Published: January 2019

Amoebae are single-celled parasites frequently colonizing human gut. However, few molecular tools are available for accurate identification. Here, we evaluated a panel of polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba polecki, Endolimax nana and Iodamoeba bütschlii. Thirty-six faecal samples (18 containing at least one amoeba species by microscopy and 18 microscopy negative for amoebae) were tested. Real-time PCRs were used for detection and differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar. Conventional PCR with Sanger sequencing were applied for detection and differentiation of E. coli, E. hartmanni, E. polecki, E. nana and I. bütschlii. All microscopy results were confirmed by DNA-based methods. However, more samples were positive for single and mixed amoebic species by DNA-based assays than by microscopy (22 vs 18 and 7 vs 1, respectively). DNA sequencing allowed identification of E. coli subtypes (ST1 and ST2), showed low intra-specific variation within E. hartmanni, identified two phylogenetically distinct groups within E. nana, and identified Iodamoeba at the ribosomal lineage level. Taking into account the high intra-genetic diversity within some of the species at the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene level, amplification of SSU rRNA genes with subsequent sequencing represents a useful method for detecting, differentiating and subtyping intestinal amoebae.
Mother–infant cortisol attunement: Associations with mother–infant attachment disorganization
Authors: (Ludmer) Nofech-Mozes Jaclyn A. , Jamieson Brittany , Gonzalez Andrea , Atkinson Leslie
Published: January 2019

This study explores the conceptualization of mother–infant cortisol attunement both theoretically and empirically, and its association with mother–infant attachment disorganization. In a community sample (N= 256), disorganization and cortisol were assessed during the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) at infant age 17 months. Salivary cortisol was collected at baseline, and 20 and 40 min after the SSP. We utilized three statistical approaches: correlated growth modeling (probing a simultaneous conceptualization of attunement), cross-lagged modeling (probing a lagged, reciprocal conceptualization of attunement), and a multilevel model difference score analysis (to examine the pattern of discrepancies in mother–infant cortisol values). Correlated growth modeling revealed that disorganized, relative to organized, dyads had significant magnitude of change over time, such that, among disorganized dyads, as mothers had greater declines in cortisol, infants had greater increases. The difference score analysis revealed that disorganized, relative to organized, dyads had a greater divergence between maternal and infant cortisol values, such that maternal values were lower than infant values. Disorganized attachment status was not significantly associated with attunement when conceptualized as reciprocal and lagged in the cross-lagged model. Findings suggest that mother–infant dyads in disorganized attachment relationships, who are by definition behaviorally misattuned, are also misattuned in their adrenocortical responses.
Minding the Baby®: Enhancing parental reflective functioning and infant attachment in an attachment-based, interdisciplinary home visiting program
Authors: Slade Arietta , Holland Margaret L. , Ordway Monica Roosa , Carlson Elizabeth A. , Jeon Sangchoon , Close Nancy , Mayes Linda C. , Sadler Lois S.
Published: January 2019

In this article, we describe the results of the second phase of a randomized controlled trial of Minding the Baby (MTB), an interdisciplinary reflective parenting intervention for infants and their families. Young first-time mothers living in underserved, poor, urban communities received intensive home visiting services from a nurse and social worker team for 27 months, from pregnancy to the child's second birthday. Results indicate that MTB mothers' levels of reflective functioning was more likely to increase over the course of the intervention than were those of control group mothers. Likewise, infants in the MTB group were significantly more likely to be securely attached, and significantly less likely to be disorganized, than infants in the control group. We discuss our findings in terms of their contribution to understanding the impacts and import of intensive intervention with vulnerable families during the earliest stages of parenthood in preventing the intergenerational transmission of disrupted relationships and insecure attachment.
The Response of Earth's Electron Radiation Belts to Geomagnetic Storms: Statistics From the Van Allen Probes Era Including Effects From Different Storm Drivers
Authors: Turner D. L. , Kilpua E. K. J. , Hietala H. , Claudepierre S. G. , O'Brien T. P. , Fennell J. F. , Blake J. B. , Jaynes A. N. , Kanekal S. , Baker D. N. , Spence H. E. , Ripoll J.‐F. , Reeves G. D.
Published: January 2019

A statistical study was conducted of Earth's radiation belt electron response to geomagnetic storms using NASA's Van Allen Probes mission. Data for electrons with energies ranging from 30 keV to 6.3 MeV were included and examined as a function of L‐shell, energy, and epoch time during 110 storms with SYM‐H ≤−50 nT during September 2012 to September 2017 (inclusive). The radiation belt response revealed clear energy and L‐shell dependencies, with tens of keV electrons enhanced at all L‐shells (2.5 ≤ L ≤ 6) in all storms during the storm commencement and main phase and then quickly decaying away during the early recovery phase, low hundreds of keV electrons enhanced at lower L‐shells (~3 ≤ L ≤ ~4) in upward of 90% of all storms and then decaying gradually during the recovery phase, and relativistic electrons throughout the outer belt showing main phase dropouts with subsequent and generally unpredictable levels of replenishment during the recovery phase. Compared to prestorm levels, electrons with energies >1 MeV also revealed a marked increase in likelihood of a depletion at all L‐shells through the outer belt (3.5 ≤ L ≤ 6). Additional statistics were compiled revealing the storm time morphology of the radiation belts, confirming the aforementioned qualitative behavior. Considering storm drivers in the solar wind: storms driven by coronal mass ejection (CME) shocks/sheaths and CME ejecta only are most likely to result in a depletion of >1‐MeV electrons throughout the outer belt, while storms driven by full CMEs and stream interaction regions are most likely to produce an enhancement of MeV electrons at lower (L < ~5) and higher (L > ~4.5) L‐shells, respectively. CME sheaths intriguingly result in a distinct enhancement of ~1‐MeV electrons around L~5.5, and on average, CME sheaths and stream interaction regions result in double outer belt structures.
Developments in the MPI‐M Earth System Model version 1.2 (MPI‐ESM1.2) and Its Response to Increasing CO2
Authors: Mauritsen Thorsten , Bader Jürgen , Becker Tobias , Behrens Jörg , Bittner Matthias , Brokopf Renate , Brovkin Victor , Claussen Martin , Crueger Traute , Esch Monika , Fast Irina , Fiedler Stephanie , Fläschner Dagmar , Gayler Veronika , Giorgetta Marco , Goll Daniel S. , Haak Helmuth , Hagemann Stefan , Hedemann Christopher , Hohenegger Cathy , Ilyina Tatiana , Jahns Thomas , Jimenéz‐de‐la‐Cuesta Diego , Jungclaus Johann , Kleinen Thomas , Kloster Silvia , Kracher Daniela , Kinne Stefan , Kleberg Deike , Lasslop Gitta , Kornblueh Luis , Marotzke Jochem , Matei Daniela , Meraner Katharina , Mikolajewicz Uwe , Modali Kameswarrao , Möbis Benjamin , Müller Wolfgang A. , Nabel Julia E. M. S. , Nam Christine C. W. , Notz Dirk , Nyawira Sarah‐Sylvia , Paulsen Hanna , Peters Karsten , Pincus Robert , Pohlmann Holger , Pongratz Julia , Popp Max , Raddatz Thomas Jürgen , Rast Sebastian , Redler Rene , Reick Christian H. , Rohrschneider Tim , Schemann Vera , Schmidt Hauke , Schnur Reiner , Schulzweida Uwe , Six Katharina D. , Stein Lukas , Stemmler Irene , Stevens Bjorn , von Storch Jin‐Song , Tian Fangxing , Voigt Aiko , Vrese Philipp , Wieners Karl‐Hermann , Wilkenskjeld Stiig , Winkler Alexander , Roeckner Erich
Published: January 2019

A new release of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology Earth System Model version 1.2 (MPI‐ESM1.2) is presented. The development focused on correcting errors in and improving the physical processes representation, as well as improving the computational performance, versatility, and overall user friendliness. In addition to new radiation and aerosol parameterizations of the atmosphere, several relatively large, but partly compensating, coding errors in the model's cloud, convection, and turbulence parameterizations were corrected. The representation of land processes was refined by introducing a multilayer soil hydrology scheme, extending the land biogeochemistry to include the nitrogen cycle, replacing the soil and litter decomposition model and improving the representation of wildfires. The ocean biogeochemistry now represents cyanobacteria prognostically in order to capture the response of nitrogen fixation to changing climate conditions and further includes improved detritus settling and numerous other refinements. As something new, in addition to limiting drift and minimizing certain biases, the instrumental record warming was explicitly taken into account during the tuning process. To this end, a very high climate sensitivity of around 7 K caused by low‐level clouds in the tropics as found in an intermediate model version was addressed, as it was not deemed possible to match observed warming otherwise. As a result, the model has a climate sensitivity to a doubling of CO2 over preindustrial conditions of 2.77 K, maintaining the previously identified highly nonlinear global mean response to increasing CO2 forcing, which nonetheless can be represented by a simple two‐layer model.
Effect of large magnetotactic bacteria with polyphosphate inclusions on the phosphate profile of the suboxic zone in the Black Sea
Authors: Schulz-Vogt Heide N , Pollehne Falk , Jürgens Klaus , Arz Helge W , Beier Sara , Bahlo Rainer , Dellwig Olaf , Henkel Jan V , Herlemann Daniel P R , Krüger Siegfried , Leipe Thomas , Schott Thomas
Published: January 2019

The Black Sea is the world’s largest anoxic basin and a model system for studying processes across redox gradients. In between the oxic surface and the deeper sulfidic waters there is an unusually broad layer of 10–40 m, where neither oxygen nor sulfide are detectable. In this suboxic zone, dissolved phosphate profiles display a pronounced minimum at the upper and a maximum at the lower boundary, with a peak of particulate phosphorus in between, which was suggested to be caused by the sorption of phosphate on sinking particles of metal oxides. Here we show that bacterial polyphosphate inclusions within large magnetotactic bacteria related to the genus Magnetococcus contribute substantially to the observed phosphorus peak, as they contain 26–34% phosphorus compared to only 1–5% in metal-rich particles. Furthermore, we found increased gene expression for polyphosphate kinases by several groups of bacteria including Magnetococcaceae at the phosphate maximum, indicating active bacterial polyphosphate degradation. We propose that large magnetotactic bacteria shuttle up and down within the suboxic zone, scavenging phosphate at the upper and releasing it at the lower boundary. In contrast to a passive transport via metal oxides, this bacterial transport can quantitatively explain the observed phosphate profiles.
Dissecting Heterosis During the Ear Inflorescence Development Stage in Maize via a Metabolomics-based Analysis
Authors: Shi Xia , Zhang Xuehai , Shi Dakun , Zhang Xiangge , Li Weihua , Tang Jihua
Published: January 2019

Heterosis can increase the yield of many crops and has been extensively applied in agriculture. In maize, female inflorescence architecture directly determines grain yield. Thus, exploring the relationship between early maize ear inflorescence development and heterosis regarding yield-related traits may be helpful for characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying heterotic performance. In this study, we fine mapped the overdominant heterotic locus (hlEW2b), associated with ear width, in an approximately 1.98-Mb region based on analyses of chromosome segment substitution lines and the corresponding testcross population. Maize ear inflorescences at the floral meristem stage were collected from two inbred lines, one chromosome segment substitution line that carried hlEW2b (sub-CSSL16), the receptor parent lx9801, and the Zheng58 × sub-CSSL16 and Zheng58 × lx9801 hybrid lines. A total of 256 metabolites were identified, including 31 and 24 metabolites that were differentially accumulated between the two hybrid lines and between the two inbred lines, respectively. Most of these metabolites are involved in complex regulatory mechanisms important for maize ear development. For example, nucleotides are basic metabolites affecting cell composition and carbohydrate synthesis. Additionally, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism is important for photosynthesis, plant stress responses, and cell expansion. Moreover, flavonoid and phenolic metabolites regulate auxin transport and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, phytohormone biosynthesis and distribution influence the cell cycle and cell proliferation. Our results revealed that changes in metabolite contents may affect the heterotic performance related to ear width and yield in maize hybrid lines. This study provides new clues in heterosis at the metabolomics level and implies that differentially accumulated metabolites made distinct contributions to the heterosis at an early stage of ear inflorescences development.
A fluorescent fingerprint recording strategy for complex chemical solution
Authors: Duan Qiannan , Lee Jianchao , Zheng Chaoqun , Zheng Yunyun , Chen Han
Published: January 2019

Fluorescent fingerprint recording strategy based on the PEL-chip: a data-bridge between complex chemical solution (CCS) and its digital analysis.
Correction: Long-lived charge separation in dye–semiconductor assemblies: a pathway to multi-electron transfer reactions
Authors: Sundin Elin , Abrahamsson Maria
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘Long-lived charge separation in dye–semiconductor assemblies: a pathway to multi-electron transfer reactions’ by Elin Sundin et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 5289–5298.
Modulation of emission properties of phosphine-sulfonate ligand containing copper complexes: playing with solvato-, thermo-, and mechanochromism
Authors: Vacher Antoine , Amar Anissa , Camerel Franck , Molard Yann , Latouche Camille , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Boucekkine Abdou , Akdas-Kiliç Huriye , Achard Mathieu
Published: January 2019

A series of Cuprous and Cuprate(i) complexes have been selectively obtained by addition of solvents or metal salts.
Influence of the support on stabilizing local defects in strained monolayer oxide films
Authors: Wang Shuqiu , Hu Xiao , Goniakowski Jacek , Noguera Claudine , Castell Martin R.
Published: January 2019

The properties of local defects in an Au-supported Ti2O3 honeycomb monolayer, in which the hexagonal elements are replaced by 5-, 7-, and 8-membered rings, are principally determined by the interaction with the metal substrate.
An all-nanosheet OER/ORR bifunctional electrocatalyst for both aprotic and aqueous Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zou Lu , Yang Chunzhen , Chen Yao , Shen Zhongrong , Bo Chi
Published: January 2019

A highly efficient all-nanosheet OER/ORR bifunctional electrocatalyst is developed for both aqueous and nonaqueous Li–O2 batteries via exfoliation and freeze drying.
Zapped assembly of polymeric (ZAP) nanoparticles for anti-cancer drug delivery
Authors: Dunn Stuart S. , Luft J. Christopher , Parrott Matthew C.
Published: January 2019

Illustration of the Zapped Assembly of Polymeric (ZAP) nanoparticles processing by the microwave heating of PLGA-PEG, PLGA, TPGS, and PXL in solvent followed by cooling to produce nanoparticles with exceptionally high loading of PXL (12.6 wt%, ∼7 times higher than the original PLGA-PEG NPs).
Enzymatic assembly of adhesive molecular networks with sequence-dependent mechanical properties inspired by mussel foot proteins
Authors: Park Byung Min , Luo Jiren , Sun Fei
Published: January 2019

By inserting short peptide motifs derived from Mfp-3 and Mfp-5 into elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), we created several recombinant protein polymers that can form adhesive hydrogels upon enzymatic oxidation.
Correction: Development of a WS2/MoTe2 heterostructure as a counter electrode for the improved performance in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Patil Supriya A. , Memon Anam Ali , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Abbas Hafiz Ghulam , Jeong Sung Hoon , Kim Hyun-Seok , Kim Hak-Sung , Jung Jongwan
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘Development of a WS2/MoTe2 heterostructure as a counter electrode for the improved performance in dye-sensitized solar cells’ by Sajjad Hussain et al., Inorg. Chem. Front., 2018, 5, 3178–3183.
Stable lithium–sulfur full cells enabled by dual functional and interconnected mesocarbon arrays
Authors: Cao Daxian , Jiao Yucong , Cai Qingfu , Han Dandan , Zhang Qing , Ma Yi , Dong Angang , Zhu Hongli
Published: January 2019

Highly ordered and interconnected mesoporous carbon is designed to simultaneously address the challenges in the cathode and anode in lithium metal–sulfur full cells.
A highly efficient and durable water splitting system: platinum sub-nanocluster functionalized nickel–iron layered double hydroxide as the cathode and hierarchical nickel–iron selenide as the anode
Authors: Yan Qing , Yan Peng , Wei Tong , Wang Guiling , Cheng Kui , Ye Ke , Zhu Kai , Yan Jun , Cao Dianxue , Li Yiju
Published: January 2019

A highly-efficient water splitting device is assembled with the platinum sub-nanoclusters functionalized nickel iron layered double hydroxides and hierarchical nickel iron selenides.
A metal–organic framework with suitable pore size and dual functionalities for highly efficient post-combustion CO2 capture
Authors: Wen Hui-Min , Liao Caijun , Li Libo , Alsalme Ali , Alothman Zeid , Krishna Rajamani , Wu Hui , Zhou Wei , Hu Jun , Chen Banglin
Published: January 2019

A novel porous material was realized for highly efficient post-combustion CO2 capture with high CO2 adsorption capacity, high selectivity and moderate heat of adsorption, mainly attributed to the suitable pore size and dual functionalities.
AKT/protein kinase B associates with β-actin in the nucleus of melanoma cells
Authors: Coa Larissa Leggieri , Abreu Thiago Ferreira , Tashima Alexandre Keiji , Green Janaina , Pascon Renata Castiglioni , Vallim Marcelo Afonso , Machado-Jr Joel
Published: January 2019

The serine-threonine kinase AKT/PKB is a critical regulator of various essential cellular processes, and dysregulation of AKT has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Despite AKT action is known to function mainly in the cytoplasm, AKT has been reported to translocate to the nucleus. However, very little is known about the mechanism required for the nuclear import of AKT as well as its function in this cellular compartment. In the present study, we characterized the presence of endogenous nuclear AKT in human melanoma cells and addressed the possible role of AKT by exploring its potential association with key interaction nuclear partners. Confocal and Western blot analyses showed that both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of AKT are present in melanoma cells nuclei. Using mass spectrometry in combination with protein-crosslinking and co-immunoprecipitation, we identified a series of putative protein partners of nuclear AKT, including heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP), cytoskeleton proteins β-actin, γ-actin, β-actin-like 2 and vimentin. Confocal microscopy and biochemical analyses validated β-actin as a new nuclear AKT-interacting partner. Cofilin and active RNA Polymerase II, two proteins that have been described to interact and work in concert with nuclear actin in transcription regulation, were also found associated with nuclear AKT. Overall, the present study uncovered a yet unrecognized nuclear coupling of AKT and provides insights into the involvement of AKT in the interaction network of nuclear actin.
Cystatin C for predicting all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in patients with heart failure: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shenghua , Tang Yangzhang , Zhou Xueyin
Published: January 2019

Circulating cystatin C (cys-C/CYC) has been identified as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and the general population. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the association between elevated cys-C level and all-cause mortality and rehospitalization risk amongst patients with heart failure (HF). PubMed and Embase databases were searched until December 2017. All prospective observational studies that reported a multivariate-adjusted risk estimate of all-cause mortality and/or rehospitalization for the highest compared with lowest cys-C level in HF patients were included. Ten prospective studies involving 3155 HF patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that the highest compared with lowest cys-C level was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 2.33; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.67–3.27; I2 = 75.0%, P<0.001) and combination of mortality/rehospitalization (HR: 2.06; 95%CI: 1.58–2.69; I2 = 41.6%, P=0.181). Results of stratified analysis indicated that the all-cause mortality risk was consistently found in the follow-up duration, cys-C cut-off value or type of HF subgroup. Elevated cys-C level is possibly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in HF patients. This increased risk is probably independent of creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).