bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salt concentration and charging velocity determine ion charge storage mechanism in nanoporous supercapacitors
Authors: Prehal C. , Koczwara C. , Amenitsch H. , Presser V. , Paris O.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

A fundamental understanding of ion charge storage in nanoporous electrodes is essential to improve the performance of supercapacitors or devices for capacitive desalination. Here, we employ in situ X-ray transmission measurements on activated carbon supercapacitors to study ion concentration changes during electrochemical operation. Whereas counter-ion adsorption was found to dominate at small electrolyte salt concentrations and slow cycling speed, ion replacement prevails for high molar concentrations and/or fast cycling. Chronoamperometry measurements reveal two distinct time regimes of ion concentration changes. In the first regime the supercapacitor is charged, and counter- and co-ion concentration changes align with ion replacement and partially co-ion expulsion. In the second regime, the electrode charge remains constant, but the total ion concentration increases. We conclude that the initial fast charge neutralization in nanoporous supercapacitor electrodes leads to a non-equilibrium ion configuration. The subsequent, charge-neutral equilibration slowly increases the total ion concentration towards counter-ion adsorption.
Matrix mechanical plasticity regulates cancer cell migration through confining microenvironments
Authors: Wisdom Katrina M. , Adebowale Kolade , Chang Julie , Lee Joanna Y. , Nam Sungmin , Desai Rajiv , Rossen Ninna Struck , Rafat Marjan , West Robert B. , Hodgson Louis , Chaudhuri Ovijit
Published: October 2018

Studies of cancer cell migration have found two modes: one that is protease-independent, requiring micron-sized pores or channels for cells to squeeze through, and one that is protease-dependent, relevant for confining nanoporous matrices such as basement membranes (BMs). However, many extracellular matrices exhibit viscoelasticity and mechanical plasticity, irreversibly deforming in response to force, so that pore size may be malleable. Here we report the impact of matrix plasticity on migration. We develop nanoporous and BM ligand-presenting interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels in which plasticity could be modulated independent of stiffness. Strikingly, cells in high plasticity IPNs carry out protease-independent migration through the IPNs. Mechanistically, cells in high plasticity IPNs extend invadopodia protrusions to mechanically and plastically open up micron-sized channels and then migrate through them. These findings uncover a new mode of protease-independent migration, in which cells can migrate through confining matrix if it exhibits sufficient mechanical plasticity.
Reconfigurable photoactuator through synergistic use of photochemical and photothermal effects
Authors: Lahikainen Markus , Zeng Hao , Priimagi Arri
Published: October 2018

A reconfigurable actuator is a stimuli-responsive structure that can be programmed to adapt different shapes under identical stimulus. Reconfigurable actuators that function without control circuitry and are fueled remotely are in great demand to devise adaptive soft robotic devices. Yet, obtaining fast and reliable reconfiguration remains a grand challenge. Here we report a facile fabrication pathway towards reconfigurability, through synergistic use of photochemical and photothermal responses in light-active liquid crystal polymer networks. We utilize azobenzene photoisomerization to locally control the cis-isomer content and to program the actuator response, while subsequent photothermal stimulus actuates the structure, leading to shape morphing. We demonstrate six different shapes reconfigured from one single actuator under identical illumination conditions, and a light-fueled smart gripper that can be commanded to either grip and release or grip and hold an object after ceasing the illumination. We anticipate this work to enable all-optical control over actuator performance, paving way towards reprogrammable soft micro-robotics.
Author Correction: The identification of carbon dioxide mediated protein post-translational modifications
Authors: Linthwaite Victoria L. , Janus Joanna M. , Brown Adrian P. , Wong-Pascua David , O’Donoghue AnnMarie C. , Porter Andrew , Treumann Achim , Hodgson David R. W. , Cann Martin J.
Published: October 2018

The original version of this Article omitted the following from the Acknowledgements: ‘This work was support by EPSRC grant EP/K504336/1 and Leverhulme Trust grant RPG-2016-017.’ This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Hanbury-Brown and Twiss exchange and non-equilibrium-induced correlations in disordered, four-terminal graphene-ribbon conductor
Authors: Tan Z. B. , Elo T. , Puska A. , Sarkar J. , Lähteenmäki P. , Duerr F. , Gould C. , Molenkamp L. W. , Nagaev K. E. , Hakonen P. J.
Published: October 2018

We have investigated current-current correlations in a cross-shaped conductor made of graphene. The mean free path of charge carriers is on the order of the ribbon width which leads to a hybrid conductor where there is diffusive transport in the device arms while the central connection region displays near ballistic transport. Our data on auto and cross correlations deviate from the predictions of Landauer-Büttiker theory, and agreement can be obtained only by taking into account contributions from non-thermal electron distributions at the inlets to the semiballistic center, in which the partition noise becomes strongly modified. The experimental results display distinct Hanbury – Brown and Twiss (HBT) exchange correlations, the strength of which is boosted by the non-equilibrium occupation-number fluctuations internal to this hybrid conductor. Our work demonstrates that variation in electron coherence along atomically-thin, two-dimensional conductors has significant implications on their noise and cross correlation properties.
Combined computational and experimental investigation of high temperature thermodynamics and structure of cubic ZrO2 and HfO2
Authors: Hong Qi-Jun , Ushakov Sergey V. , Kapush Denys , Benmore Chris J. , Weber Richard J. K. , van de Walle Axel , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: October 2018

Structure and thermodynamics of pure cubic ZrO2 and HfO2 were studied computationally and experimentally from their tetragonal to cubic transition temperatures (2311 and 2530 °C) to their melting points (2710 and 2800 °C). Computations were performed using automated ab initio molecular dynamics techniques. High temperature synchrotron X-ray diffraction on laser heated aerodynamically levitated samples provided experimental data on volume change during tetragonal-to-cubic phase transformation (0.55 ± 0.09% for ZrO2 and 0.87 ± 0.08% for HfO2), density and thermal expansion. Fusion enthalpies were measured using drop and catch calorimetry on laser heated levitated samples as 55 ± 7 kJ/mol for ZrO2 and 61 ± 10 kJ/mol for HfO2, compared with 54 ± 2 and 52 ± 2 kJ/mol from computation. Volumetric thermal expansion for cubic ZrO2 and HfO2 are similar and reach (4 ± 1)·10−5/K from experiment and (5 ± 1)·10−5/K from computation. An agreement with experiment renders confidence in values obtained exclusively from computation: namely heat capacity of cubic HfO2 and ZrO2, volume change on melting, and thermal expansion of the liquid to 3127 °C. Computed oxygen diffusion coefficients indicate that above 2400 °C pure ZrO2 is an excellent oxygen conductor, perhaps even better than YSZ.
The experience of vivid autobiographical reminiscence is supported by subjective content representations in the precuneus
Authors: Sreekumar Vishnu , Nielson Dylan M. , Smith Troy A. , Dennis Simon J. , Sederberg Per B.
Published: October 2018

The human posteromedial cortex, which includes core regions of the default mode network (DMN), is thought to play an important role in episodic memory. However, the nature and functional role of representations in these brain regions remain unspecified. Nine participants (all female) wore smartphone devices to record episodes from their daily lives for multiple weeks, each night indicating the personally-salient attributes of each episode. Participants then relived their experiences in an fMRI scanner cued by images from their own lives. Representational Similarity Analysis revealed a broad network, including parts of the DMN, that represented personal semantics during autobiographical reminiscence. Within this network, activity in the right precuneus reflected more detailed representations of subjective contents during vivid relative to non-vivid, recollection. Our results suggest a more specific mechanism underlying the phenomenology of vivid autobiographical reminiscence, supported by rich subjective content representations in the precuneus, a hub of the DMN previously implicated in metacognitive evaluations during memory retrieval.
Mammographic Density Distribution of Healthy Taiwanese Women and its Naturally Decreasing Trend with Age
Authors: Shia Wei-Chung , Wu Hwa-Koon , Huang Yu-Len , Lin Li-Sheng , Chen Dar-Ren
Published: October 2018

We analysed typical mammographic density (MD) distributions of healthy Taiwanese women to augment existing knowledge, clarify cancer risks, and focus public health efforts. From January 2011 to December 2015, 88,193 digital mammograms were obtained from 69,330 healthy Taiwanese women (average, 1.27 mammograms each). MD measurements included dense volume (DV) and volumetric density percentage (VPD) and were quantified by fully automated volumetric density estimation and Box-Cox normalization. Prediction of the declining MD trend was estimated using curve fitting and a rational model. Normalized DV and VPD Lowess curves demonstrated similar but non-identical distributions. In high-density grade participants, the VPD increased from 12.45% in the 35–39-year group to 13.29% in the 65–69-year group but only from 5.21% to 8.47% in low-density participants. Regarding the decreased cumulative VPD percentage, the mean MD declined from 12.79% to 19.31% in the 45–50-year group versus the 50–55-year group. The large MD decrease in the fifth decade in this present study was similar to previous observations of Western women. Obtaining an MD distribution model with age improves the understanding of breast density trends and age variations and provides a reference for future studies on associations between MD and cancer risk.
Stable and unstable regions of the Lorenz system
Authors: Shen Bing Lu , Wang MingHao , Yan PengCheng , Yu HaiPeng , Song Jian , Da Chao Jiu
Published: October 2018

The stable and unstable regions of the Lorenz system are studied. We discuss the relationship between the initial conditions and both these regions, specifically, the preference for the trajectory of the Lorenz system to move towards the left or right equilibrium-point region from an initial point and the residence time of a trajectory in an equilibrium-point region. For this purpose, the four-rank Runge–Kutta algorithms and mathematical derivations are used, whereas a statistical method for the residence times is used. We conclude that the stable and unstable regions are intrinsic to the Lorenz system and have no correlation with the initial conditions; indeed, these regions do not change given different initial conditions. The trajectory of the Lorenz system tends towards the left equilibrium-point region locally, with an average residence time of 8.74 but only 5.789 for the right equilibrium-point region. In general, the system prefers the right equilibrium-point region for which the jump frequency of trajectories to the right region is 535 but only 465 to the left region from the initial conditions for the first time.
Somatic alterations in circulating cell-free DNA of oesophageal carcinoma patients during primary staging are indicative for post-surgical tumour recurrence
Authors: Pasternack Helen , Fassunke Jana , Plum Patrick Sven , Chon Seung-Hun , Hescheler Daniel Alexander , Gassa Asmae , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Bruns Christiane Josephine , Perner Sven , Hallek Michael , Büttner Reinhard , Bollschweiler Elfriede , Hölscher Arnulf Heinrich , Quaas Alexander , Zander Thomas , Weiss Jonathan , Alakus Hakan
Published: October 2018

Oesophageal cancer (OC) has high mortality. This study aims at determining the feasibility of liquid biopsies for genomic profiling in early stage OC, comparing two different technologies for mutational analysis in circulating cell -free DNA (ccfDNA) and evaluating the clinical impact of these somatic alterations during primary staging. In 25 patients with locally advanced OC, endoscopic tumour biopsies and simultaneous blood samples were taken during primary staging. Genomic DNA from biopsies and ccfDNA were analysed for mutations using a 12 gene panel next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay as well as digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Genetic data was correlated with patients’ outcome. In 21 of the tested biopsies (84%) at least one somatic mutation was detected by NGS. Mutations detected by NGS were detectable by ddPCR with similar allele frequencies. In three out of the 21 patients with proven mutations, the same mutations were also detectable in ccfDNA using NGS (14%). In contrast, ddPCR detected mutations in ccfDNA of five additional patients (8/21, 38%). Post-surgical outcome analysis was performed for those patients who had received complete tumour resection (n = 16). Five of them suffered from an early relapse within the first year after surgery, including four with detectable somatic mutations in ccfDNA during primary staging. Taken together, we showed a higher sensitivity for ddPCR compared to NGS in detecting mutated ccfDNA in OC. Detection of somatically altered ccfDNA during primary staging seems to be indicative for post-surgical tumour recurrence.
LINCS L1000 dataset-based repositioning of CGP-60474 as a highly potent anti-endotoxemic agent
Authors: Han Hyun-Wook , Hahn Soojung , Jeong Hye Yun , Jee Joo-Hyun , Nam Myoung-Ok , Kim Han Kyung , Lee Dong Hyeon , Lee So-Young , Choi Dong Kyu , Yu Ji Hoon , Min Sang-Hyun , Yoo Jongman
Published: October 2018

Sepsis is one of the most common clinical syndromes that causes death and disability. Although many studies have developed drugs for sepsis treatment, none have decreased the mortality rate. The aim of this study was to identify a novel treatment option for sepsis using the library of integrated network-based cellular signatures (LINCS) L1000 perturbation dataset based on an in vitro and in vivo sepsis model. Sepsis-related microarray studies of early-stage inflammatory processes in patients and innate immune cells were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data repository and used for candidate drug selection based on the LINCS L1000 perturbation dataset. The anti-inflammatory effects of the selected candidate drugs were analyzed using activated macrophage cell lines. CGP-60474, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase, was the most potent drug. It alleviated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in activated macrophages by downregulating the NF-κB activity, and it reduced the mortality rate in LPS induced endotoxemia mice. This study shows that CGP-60474 could be a potential therapeutic candidate to attenuate the endotoxemic process. Additionally, the virtual screening strategy using the LINCS L1000 perturbation dataset could be a cost and time effective tool in the early stages of drug development.
DNA fingerprinting at farm level maps rice biodiversity across Bangladesh and reveals regional varietal preferences
Authors: Kretzschmar Tobias , Mbanjo Edwige Gaby Nkouaya , Magalit Grace Angelique , Dwiyanti Maria Stefanie , Habib Muhammad Ashraful , Diaz Maria Genaleen , Hernandez Jose , Huelgas Zenaida , Malabayabas Maria Luz , Das Subrata Kumar , Yamano Takashi
Published: October 2018

The development, dissemination, and adoption of improved rice varieties are imperative for global food and nutritional security. Knowledge of the crop’s distribution across agro-ecologies is important for impact assessment studies, varietal replacement strategies, and the development and implementation of agricultural policies. Bangladesh is the world’s 4thlargest rice producer. Though traditional varieties (TVs) are abundant and valued throughout Bangladesh, population growth and vulnerability to climate change, necessitate efficient deployment of high-yielding stress-tolerant modern varieties (MVs). To aid agricultural policy and strategy this study aimed to accurately assess the distribution of MVs and TVs across Bangladesh during the rainfed rice-growing season. Information derived from a survey of rice production areas were compared and combined with DNA fingerprinting information from the same locations. Biodiversity of Bangladesh rice remained high. While TVs and first generation MVs of Bangladeshi and Indian origin were still commonly grown, recently released stress-tolerant MVs were adopted in large proportions in several districts. Although farmers successfully distinguished TVs from MVs grown in their fields, a considerable lack of authenticity among MVs was observed, pinpointing shortcomings in the seed supply chain. This study identifies focal points for extension work and validates DNA fingerprinting as reliable method for impact assessment studies.
Gene coexpression network analysis combined with metabonomics reveals the resistance responses to powdery mildew in Tibetan hulless barley
Authors: Yuan Hongjun , Zeng Xingquan , Yang Qiaofeng , Xu Qijun , Wang Yulin , Jabu Dunzhu , Sang Zha , Tashi Nyima
Published: October 2018

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that represents a ubiquitous threat to crop plants. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were used to identify molecular and physiological changes in Tibetan hulless barley in response to powdery mildew. There were 3418 genes and 405 metabolites differentially expressed between the complete resistance cultivar G7 and the sensitive cultivar Z13. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was carried out, and the differentially expressed genes were enriched in five and four major network modules in G7 and Z13, respectively. Further analyses showed that phytohormones, photosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were altered during Qingke-Blumeria graminis (DC.) f.sp. hordei (Bgh) interaction. Comparative analyses showed a correspondence between gene expression and metabolite profiles, and the activated defenses resulted in changes of metabolites involved in plant defense response, such as phytohormones, lipids, flavone and flavonoids, phenolamides, and phenylpropanoids. This study enabled the identification of Bgh responsive genes and provided new insights into the dynamic physiological changes that occur in Qingke during response to powdery mildew. These findings greatly improve our understanding of the mechanisms of induced defense response in Qingke and will provide new clues for the development of resistant Tibetan hulless barley varieties.
Effect of a butyrate-fortified milk replacer on gastrointestinal microbiota and products of fermentation in artificially reared dairy calves at weaning
Authors: O’Hara Eóin , Kelly Alan , McCabe Matthew S. , Kenny David A. , Guan Le Luo , Waters Sinéad M.
Published: October 2018

Enrichment of calf diets with exogenous butyrate has shown promise as a promotor of calf growth and intestinal development. However, the impact of dietary derived butyrate on the gut microbiota and their potential role, in turn, as mediators of its effect on calf growth and development is not known. Here, the effects of butyrate supplementation on rumen and hindgut microbiota and fermentation profiles were assessed in 16 Holstein-Friesian bull calves randomly assigned to one of two groups: Control (CON) fed conventional milk replacer or Sodium-Butyrate (SB – added to milk replacer) from days 7 to 56 of life. In the colon, total short chain fatty acid (SCFA), propionate and acetate concentrations were increased by SB (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed cecal abundance of butyrate producers Butyrivibrio and Shuttleworthia were decreased by SB (P < 0.05), while that of the propionate producer Phascolarctobacterium was higher (P < 0.05). Mogibacterium is associated with impaired gut health and was reduced in the cecum of SB calves (P < 0.05). These data show that the beneficial effects of SB on growth and performance occur in tandem with changes in the abundance of important SCFA producing and health-associated bacteria in the hindgut in milk-fed calves.
Incidence of notified Lyme borreliosis in Germany,
2013–2017
Authors: Enkelmann Julia , Böhmer Merle , Fingerle Volker , Siffczyk Claudia , Werber Dirk , Littmann Martina , Merbecks Sophie-Susann , Helmeke Carina , Schroeder Sabine , Hell Stefan , Schlotthauer Uwe , Burckhardt Florian , Stark Klaus , Schielke Anika , Wilking Hendrik
Published: October 2018

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease
in Germany. In 9/16 states, notification of erythema migrans (EM), acute
neuroborreliosis (NB) and Lyme arthritis (LA) is mandatory. We describe incidence
measures, time trends, geographical distribution and frequencies of manifestations
to better understand LB epidemiology and target prevention measures. We used cases
notified in the 9 states and confirmed by local health offices, 2013–2017, to
calculate incidences by time, place and person. Altogether, we observed 56,446
cases. Disease onset peaked yearly in July. Incidence ranged from 26/100,000 (2015)
to 41/100,000 (2013) with mean annual incidences 2013–2017 on district level between
0.5/100,000 and 138/100,000. Median age was 54 years with peaks in boys (5–9 years,
mean incidence 36/100,000) and women (50–69 years, mean incidence 57/100,000). 95%
experienced EM only, 2.7% NB and 2.1% LA. 54% were female, but more men had NB (56%)
and LA (53%, p < 0.001). Hospitalisation was recorded for 10% of LA and 71% of NB
cases. LB remains an important public health concern in Germany with marked regional
variation. To facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, health authorities should
raise awareness among physicians and promote prevention strategies among the general
population: tick-bite-protection, prompt tick removal and medical
consultation.
Novel Smartphone Interventions Improve Cognitive Flexibility and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms in Individuals with Contamination Fears
Authors: Jalal Baland , Brühl Annette , O’Callaghan Claire , Piercy Thomas , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Ramachandran Vilayanur S. , Sahakian Barbara J.
Published: October 2018

One type of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by contamination fears and compulsive cleansing. Few effective treatments are available for this debilitating condition. Compulsive symptoms, such as excessive washing, are believed to be mediated by cognitive inflexibility—arguably the most striking cognitive impairment in OCD. In this study, we investigated the effects of two novel smartphone interventions on cognitive flexibility and OCD symptoms in healthy individuals with OCD-like contamination fears. In the first intervention, participants watched a brief video recording of themselves engaging in handwashing on a smartphone, four times a day, for a total of one week (N = 31). The second intervention was similar except that participants watched themselves repeatedly touching a disgust-inducing object (N = 31). In a third (control) “intervention”, participants watched themselves performing sequential hand movements (N = 31). As hypothesized, the two smartphone interventions, unlike the control, improved cognitive flexibility; as assessed on the Intradimensional–Extradimensional Set Shifting task (a sensitive marker of cognitive flexibility). The two interventions, unlike the control, also improved OCD symptoms (measured with the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory–Revised and Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale). Finally, we found high levels of adherence to the interventions. These findings have significant clinical implications for OCD.
A Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Formulated to Stabilize β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Olivares Belén , Martínez Fabián , Rivas Lina , Calderón Cristian , M. Munita José , R. Campodonico Paola
Published: October 2018

β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin share a very unstable chemical structure. In water-based solutions, such as those used for clinical applications, the β-lactam ring is readily opened due to a nucleophilic or electrophilic attack, leading to the loss of antimicrobial activity. Since the achievement and maintenance of optimum therapeutic levels of β-lactam antibiotics is critical for the resolution of many infectious clinical situations, and to avoid antibiotic resistance generation, the design of new non-aqueous dosage forms is urgent. Recently, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as alternative non-toxic and non-aqueous solvents for different biomedical applications. In this work, we formulated and characterized a NADES composed by betaine and urea (BU). Using this solvent, we evaluated the stability of clavulanic acid (CLV) and imipenem (IMP) and characterized their antimicrobial activities calculating the minimal inhibitory concentration. Characterization of BU solvent by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) indicated that the obtained solvent has a microstructure mainly based on hydrogen bonding interactions and water addition strongly affects its dynamic. The stability of β-lactam antibiotic IMP and CLV using this solvent was increased by 7 fold and 2.5 fold respectively compared to water when analysed seven days after being dissolved. Microbiological assays showed that antibacterial activity at day seven was significantly decreased for both CLV and IMP when dissolved in water, while no change in their antibacterial properties was observed when antibiotics were dissolved in BU. The increased stability of IMP and CLV in BU may be related to the inert behaviour of the solvent and the higher dynamic restriction that helps antibiotics to maintain a more stable conformation. These data suggest the potential use of BU as a solvent to prevent degradation of β-lactam antibiotics.
Marine Carbonates in the Mantle Source of Oceanic Basalts: Pb Isotopic Constraints
Authors: Castillo P. R. , MacIsaac C. , Perry S. , Veizer J.
Published: October 2018

For almost fifty years, geochemists have been interpreting the clues from Pb isotopic ratios concerning mantle composition and evolution separately. The Pb isotopes of ocean island basalts (OIB) indicate that their mantle source is heterogeneous, most likely due to the presence of end-components derived from recycled crust and sediment. Some OIB have unusually high 206Pb/204Pb coming from one of the end-components with a long time-integrated high 238U/204Pb or μ (HIMU). Most OIB and many mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) also have high 206Pb/204Pb, indicating a HIMU-like source. Moreover, measured 232Th/238U (κ) for most MORB are lower than those deduced from their 208Pb/204Pb and 206Pb/204Pb. Such high μ and low κ features of oceanic basalts are inconsistent with the known geochemical behavior of U, Pb and Th and temporal evolution of the mantle; these have been respectively termed the 1st and 2nd Pb paradox. Here we show that subducted marine carbonates can be a source for HIMU and a solution to the Pb paradoxes. The results are consistent with the predictions of the marine carbonate recycling hypothesis that posits the Pb isotopes of oceanic basalts indicate a common origin and/or magma generation process.
Predicting El Niño Beyond 1-year Lead: Effect of the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool
Authors: Park Jae-Heung , Kug Jong-Seong , Li Tim , Behera Swadhin K.
Published: October 2018

Due to the profound impact of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on global climate and weather, extensive research has been devoted to its prediction. However, prediction accuracy based on observation is still insufficient and largely limited to less than one year of lead time. In this study, we demonstrate the possibility that anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) warming (cooling) in the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool (WHWP, a.k.a. Atlantic Warm Pool) near the Intra-Americas Sea (IAS), which is the second largest warm pool on the planet, contributes to the initiation of La Niña (El Niño) with a 17-month lag time. SST anomalies in WHWP in late boreal summer contribute significantly to the emergence of the Pacific meridional mode (PMM) via interaction between the ocean and atmosphere over the subtropical North Pacific during the subsequent winter and spring. Near-equatorial surface wind anomalies associated with the PMM can further trigger ENSO through the dynamics of the equatorial oceanic waves. Thus, this observational analysis presents a clear step-by-step explanation about the influence of WHWP on ENSO development with a 17-month lead time.
Solution processes for ultrabroadband and omnidirectional graded-index glass lenses with near-zero reflectivity in high concentration photovoltaics
Authors: He Junwen , Yao Yuan , Lee Kyu-Tae , Hong Nina , Fisher Brent , Bahabry Rabab R. , Lee Jung Woo , Kim Jeonghyun , Han Seungyong , Kalidindi Sanjay V. , Kim Jae-Hwan , Kim Sung Bong , Choi Jaewon , Jang Hongwoo , Namkoong Myeong , Burroughs Scott , Hussain Muhammad , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Rogers John A.
Published: October 2018

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems, where incident direct solar radiation is tightly concentrated onto high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells by geometric optical elements, exhibit the highest efficiencies in converting the sun’s energy into electric power. Their energy conversion efficiencies are greatly limited, however, due to Fresnel reflection losses occurring at three air/optics interfaces in the most sophisticated dual-stage CPV platforms. This paper describes a facile one-step wet-etching process to create a nanoporous surface with a graded-index profile on both flat and curved glasses, with capabilities of achieving ~99% average transmission efficiency in a wide wavelength range from 380 nm to 1.3 µm and for a wide range of incident angles up to ±40° regardless of the polarization state of incident sunlight. The simplicity of the etching process remarkably increases their versatility in various optical elements that require unconventional form factors such as Fresnel lenses and microlens arrays, and/or demanding curvatures along with much reduced dimensions such as ball lenses. Etched glass surfaces on two-stage optical concentrating systems yield enhancements in total optical transmission efficiencies by 13.8% and in the photocurrent by 14.3%, as experimentally determined by measurements on microscale triple-junction solar cells. The presented strategy can be widely adapted in a variety of applications such as image sensors, display systems, and other optoelectronic devices.
TIP55, a splice isoform of the KAT5 acetyltransferase, is essential for developmental gene regulation and organogenesis
Authors: Acharya Diwash , Nera Bernadette , Milstone Zachary J. , Bourke Lauren , Yoon Yeonsoo , Rivera-Pérez Jaime A. , Trivedi Chinmay M. , Fazzio Thomas G.
Published: October 2018

Regulation of chromatin structure is critical for cell type-specific gene expression. Many chromatin regulatory complexes exist in several different forms, due to alternative splicing and differential incorporation of accessory subunits. However, in vivo studies often utilize mutations that eliminate multiple forms of complexes, preventing assessment of the specific roles of each. Here we examined the developmental roles of the TIP55 isoform of the KAT5 histone acetyltransferase. In contrast to the pre-implantation lethal phenotype of mice lacking all four Kat5 transcripts, mice specifically deficient for Tip55 die around embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5). Prior to developmental arrest, defects in heart and neural tube were evident in Tip55 mutant embryos. Specification of cardiac and neural cell fates appeared normal in Tip55 mutants. However, cell division and survival were impaired in heart and neural tube, respectively, revealing a role for TIP55 in cellular proliferation. Consistent with these findings, transcriptome profiling revealed perturbations in genes that function in multiple cell types and developmental pathways. These findings show that Tip55 is dispensable for the pre- and early post-implantation roles of Kat5, but is essential during organogenesis. Our results raise the possibility that isoform-specific functions of other chromatin regulatory proteins may play important roles in development.
Visualising peripheral arterioles and venules through high-resolution and large-area photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshiaki , Asao Yasufumi , Sekiguchi Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Aya , Ishii Tomoko , Nagae Ken-ichi , Kobayashi Shuichi , Tsuge Itaru , Saito Susumu , Takada Masahiro , Ishida Yoshihiro , Kataoka Masako , Sakurai Takaki , Yagi Takayuki , Kabashima Kenji , Suzuki Shigehiko , Togashi Kaori , Shiina Tsuyoshi , Toi Masakazu
Published: October 2018

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging (PAI) has been shown to be a promising tool for non-invasive blood vessel imaging. A PAI system comprising a hemispherical detector array (HDA) has been reported previously as a method providing high morphological reproducibility. However, further improvements in diagnostic capability will require improving the image quality of PAI and fusing functional and morphological imaging. Our newly developed PAI system prototype not only enhances the PA image resolution but also acquires ultrasonic (US) B-mode images at continuous positions in the same coordinate axes. In addition, the pulse-to-pulse alternating laser irradiation shortens the measurement time difference between two wavelengths. We scanned extremities and breasts in an imaging region 140 mm in diameter and obtained 3D-PA images of fine blood vessels, including arterioles and venules. We could estimate whether a vessel was an artery or a vein by using the S-factor obtained from the PA images at two wavelengths, which corresponds approximately to the haemoglobin oxygen saturation. Furthermore, we observed tumour-related blood vessels around breast tumours with unprecedented resolution. In the future, clinical studies with our new PAI system will help to elucidate various mechanisms of vascular-associated diseases and events.
Chromosome replication as a measure of bacterial growth rate during Escherichia coli infection in the mouse peritonitis model
Authors: Haugan Maria Schei , Charbon Godefroid , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Løbner-Olesen Anders
Published: October 2018

The efficacy of most antibiotics is dependent on active bacterial growth, yet little is known about the growth dynamics during infection. Therefore, means to measure in-host bacterial growth rate is of importance. Here, we use chromosome replication as readout for in situ bacterial growth rate during infection; obtained from a single biological specimen. We have applied two independent methods: quantitative PCR (qPCR) and fluorescence microscopy, to quantify the level of chromosome replication present during Escherichia coli propagation in the mouse peritonitis model. We find that the methods complement each other and allow for quantification of growth rate, both on a population average and on a single-cell level. We demonstrate the presence of heterogeneous growth rates within bacterial populations propagating during infection. Also, no growth cessation was observed during the apparent stationary phase in vivo, and, by comparison of growth dynamics at different anatomical sites, we demonstrate that E. coli is unlikely to grow independently intravascularly. These findings provide novel insight into bacterial growth during host infection, and underscore the importance of pinpointing the primary site of infection in septicaemia of unknown origin and ensuring antibiotic availability at this site.
Portable low-cost instrumentation for monitoring Rayleigh scattering from chemical sensors based on metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Vasquez Glibver , Hernández Yulán , Coello Yves
Published: October 2018

Using a Hg(II) sensor based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles as a model system, we evaluated the performance of two portable low-cost devices that monitor the wavelength-ratiometric resonance Rayleigh scattering signal of the chemical sensor upon white-LED illumination. The first device uses two optical filter-photodiode combinations to detect scattered light while the second employs a novel ultra-compact (grating-free) spectral sensor. Results show that the response of the Hg(II) sensor monitored with these devices is comparable to that measured using a high-end benchtop scanning spectrofluorometer. The great potential of this new LED-spectral sensor was demonstrated with the quantification of Hg(II) in tap and spring water. Due to the promising results obtained, many reported chemical sensors based on Rayleigh scattering from metallic nanoparticles could take advantage of this compact portable instrumentation for cost-effective field-deployable applications.
Increased levels of circulating MMP3 correlate with severe rejection in face transplantation
Authors: Kollar Branislav , Shubin Andrey , Borges Thiago J. , Tasigiorgos Sotirios , Win Thet Su , Lian Christine G. , Dillon Simon T. , Gu Xuesong , Wyrobnik Iris , Murphy George F. , Pomahac Bohdan , Libermann Towia A. , Riella Leonardo V.
Published: October 2018

Face transplantation is a viable treatment option for carefully selected patients with devastating injuries to the face. However, acute rejection episodes occur in more than 80% of recipients in the first postoperative year. Unfortunately, neither a correlation between histological grades of rejection and anti-rejection treatment nor systemic surrogate markers of rejection in face transplantation are established in clinical routine. Therefore, we utilized next generation aptamer-based SOMAscan proteomics platform for non-invasive rejection biomarker discovery. Longitudinal serum samples from face transplant recipients with long-term follow-up were included in this study. From the 1,310 proteins analyzed by SOMAscan, a 5-protein signature (MMP3, ACY1, IL1R2, SERPINA4, CPB2) was able to discriminate severe rejection from both no-rejection and nonsevere rejection samples. Technical validation on ELISA platform showed high correlation with the SOMAscan data for the MMP3 protein (rs = 0.99). Additionally, MMP3 levels were significantly increased during severe rejection as compared to no-rejection (p = 0.0009) and nonsevere rejection (p = 0.0173) episodes. Pathway analyses revealed significant activation of the metallopeptidase activity during severe face transplant rejection. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of SOMAscan to identify non-invasive candidate biomarkers of rejection in face transplantation. Further validation in a larger independent patient cohort is needed.
Tuneable poration: host defense peptides as sequence probes for antimicrobial mechanisms
Authors: Pfeil Marc-Philipp , Pyne Alice L. B. , Losasso Valeria , Ravi Jascindra , Lamarre Baptiste , Faruqui Nilofar , Alkassem Hasan , Hammond Katharine , Judge Peter J. , Winn Martyn , Martyna Glenn J. , Crain Jason , Watts Anthony , Hoogenboom Bart W. , Ryadnov Maxim G.
Published: October 2018

The spread of antimicrobial resistance stimulates discovery strategies that place emphasis on mechanisms circumventing the drawbacks of traditional antibiotics and on agents that hit multiple targets. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are promising candidates in this regard. Here we demonstrate that a given HDP sequence intrinsically encodes for tuneable mechanisms of membrane disruption. Using an archetypal HDP (cecropin B) we show that subtle structural alterations convert antimicrobial mechanisms from native carpet-like scenarios to poration and non-porating membrane exfoliation. Such distinct mechanisms, studied using low- and high-resolution spectroscopy, nanoscale imaging and molecular dynamics simulations, all maintain strong antimicrobial effects, albeit with diminished activity against pathogens resistant to HDPs. The strategy offers an effective search paradigm for the sequence probing of discrete antimicrobial mechanisms within a single HDP.
Preparation of NiAl2O4-Based Flexible Substrates for Metamaterials with Negative Dielectric Properties
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur , Ahamed Eistiak , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: October 2018

Various techniques are commonly used to produce nano-crystalline NiAl2O4materials; however, their practical applications in the microwave region remain very limited. In this work, flexible substrates for metamaterials containing two different concentrations of NiAl2O4(labelled Ni36and Ni42) have been synthesised using a sol-gel method. The formation of spinel structures in the synthesised materials is confirmed, and their crystalline sizes are determined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray techniques. The dielectric properties, conductivities, loss tangents, and other parameters of the NiAl2O4-based substrates are analysed to evaluate their applicability as dielectric materials for the microwave frequency range. The obtained results show that the fabricated Ni36and Ni42nickel aluminates possess dielectric constants of 4.94 and 4.97 and loss tangents of 0.01 and 0.007, respectively; in addition, they exhibit high flexibility and light weight, which make them suitable for applications as metamaterial substrates. The synthesised structures are also validated experimentally using a commercially available electromagnetic simulator; as a result, double negative behaviour of the flexible metamaterials has been observed. Furthermore, it is found that the prepared NiAl2O4substrates can be used in the S-, C-, and X-bands of the microwave frequency region.
Dielectric Response of Quantum Critical Ferroelectric as a Function of Pressure
Authors: Coak M. J. , Haines C. R. S. , Liu C. , Jarvis D. M. , Littlewood P. B. , Saxena S. S.
Published: October 2018

In this work we report for the first time measurements of the dielectric loss of single-crystal SrTiO3 under the application of hydrostatic pressure up to 20 kbar and temperatures down to 200 mK which allow us to comment on the evolution of new fundamental material properties and their relationship with the recently discovered quantum critical phenomena in this material. The well known 18 K peak or shoulder was no longer observed after pressure was applied, even after subsequently removing it, suggesting it is associated with the twin walls formed at the 110 K cubic-tetragonal transition. The family of familiar peaks were all seen to increase in temperature linearly with pressure and the height of the 9.4 K peak was drastically suppressed by even the smallest pressures. This peak is discussed in the context of a postulated ferroelectric quantum critical point in SrTiO3 and the behaviour of its size linked to the position of this point on the recently established phase diagram.
The Exceptional Strong Face-centered Cubic Phase and Semi-coherent Phase Boundary in a Eutectic Dual-phase High Entropy Alloy AlCoCrFeNi
Authors: Wang Qiannan , Lu Yiping , Yu Qian , Zhang Ze
Published: October 2018

Second phase strengthening has been applied to high entropy alloys (HEAs) for optimizing mechanical properties. In this study, by conducting mechanical testing of a eutectic dual-phase AlCoCrFeNi HEA with homogenous distribution of body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) lamellar phases inside a transmission electron microscope, we found that although BCC was truly the hard phase, decreasing the proportion of BCC phase in fact increased the strength due to the existence of chemically disordered semi-coherent phase boundaries, which acted as potent impediments to dislocation motion resulting in dense dislocation storage in FCC phases. Moreover, the difficulty in dislocation glide caused massive cross-slip, and the interaction between primary slip arrays and cross-slip systems during deformation increased the rate of dislocation accumulation by forming dislocation substructures, thus making the FCC phases exceptionally strong. Our findings not only revealed the underlying strengthening mechanism of eutectic dual-phase AlCoCrFeNi HEAs, but also shed light on new ways in further optimizing the mechanical properties of HEAs.
Cortical visual processing evokes short-latency reward-predicting cue responses in primate midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Takakuwa Norihiro , Redgrave Peter , Isa Tadashi
Published: October 2018

After classical conditioning dopamine (DA) neurons exhibit short latency responses to reward-predicting visual cues. At least two possible projections could induce such DA responses; the cortical and subcortical visual pathways. Our recent study has shown that after a lesion of the striate cortex (V1), the superior colliculus (SC), a critical node of the subcortical visual pathway, can mediate short latency cue responses in the DA neurons of macaque monkeys. An obvious question then is does the cortical pathway have a similar capacity? Using the monkeys with a unilateral V1 lesion that took part in the preceding study, we recorded DA activity while they were performing the same classical conditioning task. However, in this study conditioned visual stimuli were presented to the intact visual field, and the effects of ipsilateral SC inactivation were examined. We found that after the SC was inactivated by injections of muscimol both conditioned behavioral responding and reward-predicting, short latency (~100 ms) cue-elicited DA neuronal responses were unaffected These results indicate that the intact cortical visual pathway can also mediate short latency cue elicited responses in DA neurons in the absence of a normally functioning subcortical visual system.
Tender leaf and fully-expanded leaf exhibited distinct cuticle structure and wax lipid composition in Camellia sinensis cv Fuyun 6
Authors: Zhu Xiaofang , Zhang Yi , Du Zhenghua , Chen Xiaobing , Zhou Xin , Kong Xiangrui , Sun Weijiang , Chen Zijian , Chen Changsong , Chen Mingjie
Published: October 2018

The goal of the present study was to compare the structural and compositional differences of cuticle between tender leaf and fully-expanded leaf in Camellia sinensis, and provide metabolic base for the further characterization of wax biosynthesis in this economically important crop species. The tender second leaf and the fully-expanded fifth leaf from new twig were demonstrated to represent two different developmental stages, their cuticle thickness were measured by transmission electron microscopy. The thickness of the adaxial cuticle on the second and fifth leaf was 1.15 µm and 2.48 µm, respectively; the thickness of the abaxial cuticle on the second and fifth leaf was 0.47 µm and 1.05 µm, respectively. The thickness of the epicuticular wax layer from different leaf position or different sides of same leaf were similar. However, the intracuticular wax layer of the fifth leaf was much thicker than that of the second leaf. Total wax lipids were isolated from the second leaf and the fifth leaf, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 51 wax constituents belonging to 13 chemical classes, including esters, glycols, terpenoids, fatty acids and their derivatives. Wax coverage on the second and fifth leaf was 4.76 µg/cm2 and 15.38 µg/cm2, respectively. Primary alcohols dominated in the tender second leaf. However, triterpenoids were the major components from the fully-expanded fifth leaf. The predominant carbon chains varied depending on chemical class. These data showed that the wax profiles of Camellia sinensis leaves are development stage dependent, suggesting distinct developmental dependent metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms.