bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic contribution in heat transfer at metal-semiconductor and metal silicide-semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Hamaoui Georges , Horny Nicolas , Hua Zilong , Zhu Tianqi , Robillard Jean-François , Fleming Austin , Ban Heng , Chirtoc Mihai
Published: July 2018

This work presents a direct measurement of the Kapitza thermal boundary resistance Rth, between platinum-silicon and platinum silicide-silicon interfaces. Experimental measurements were made using a frequency domain photothermal radiometry set up at room temperature. The studied samples consist of ≈50 nm of platinum and ≈110 nm of platinum silicide on silicon substrates with different doping levels. The substrate thermal diffusivity was found via a hybrid frequency/spatial domain thermoreflectance set up. The films and the interfaces between the two layers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction was also used to determine the atomic and molecular structures of the samples. The results display an effect of the annealing process on the Kapitza resistance and on the thermal diffusivities of the coatings, related to material and interface changes. The influence of the substrate doping levels on the Kapitza resistance is studied to check the correlation between the Schottky barrier and the interfacial heat conduction. It is suggested that the presence of charge carriers in silicon may create new channels for heat conduction at the interface, with an efficiency depending on the difference between the metal’s and substrate’s work functions.
Progesterone Receptors in Prostate Cancer: Progesterone receptor B is the isoform associated with disease progression
Authors: Grindstad Thea , Richardsen Elin , Andersen Sigve , Skjefstad Kaja , Rakaee khanehkenari Mehrdad , Donnem Tom , Ness Nora , Nordby Yngve , Bremnes Roy M. , Al-Saad Samer , Busund Lill-Tove
Published: July 2018

The role of steroid hormones in carcinogenesis of the prostate is to some extent unraveled thorough the effect of androgen deprivation therapy on prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Other members of the steroid hormone family, such as progesterone, are also implicated in PCa, but progesterone’s role remains undefined. This study aimed to examine the distribution of progesterone receptor isoforms (PGRA, PGRB) in PCa tissue and their association with clinical endpoints. This was conducted retrospectively by collecting radical prostatectomy specimens from 535 patients. Tissue was analyzed using tissue microarray, where representative tumor areas were carefully selected. Protein expression was evaluated through immunohistochemistry, in stromal and epithelial tissue. Associations between receptor expression and clinical data were considered using statistical survival analyses. Herein, we discovered a solely stromal PGRA- and a stromal and epithelial PGRB expression. Further, a high PGRB expression in tumor tissue was associated with an unfavorable prognosis in both univariate and multivariate analyses: Biochemical failure (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.45–2.76, p < 0.001) and clinical failure (HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.29–4.85, p = 0.006). These findings are in agreement with our previous investigation on pan-PGR, indicating that the observed negative effect of PGR is represented by PGRB.
Metal-cation regulation of enzyme dynamics is a key factor influencing the activity of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Czyrko Justyna , Sliwiak Joanna , Imiolczyk Barbara , Gdaniec Zofia , Jaskolski Mariusz , Brzezinski Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaSAHase) coordinates one K+ ion and one Zn2+ ion in the substrate binding area. The cations affect the enzymatic activity and substrate binding but the molecular mechanisms of their action are unknown. Enzymatic and isothermal titration calorimetry studies demonstrated that the K+ ions stimulate the highest activity and strongest ligand binding in comparison to other alkali cations, while the Zn2+ ions inhibit the enzyme activity. PaSAHase was crystallized in the presence of adenine nucleosides and K+ or Rb+ ions. The crystal structures show that the alkali ion is coordinated in close proximity of the purine ring and a 23Na NMR study showed that the monovalent cation coordination site is formed upon ligand binding. The cation, bound in the area of a molecular hinge, orders and accurately positions the amide group of Q65 residue to allow its interaction with the ligand. Moreover, binding of potassium is required to enable unique dynamic properties of the enzyme that ensure its maximum catalytic activity. The Zn2+ ion is bound in the area of a molecular gate that regulates access to the active site. Zn2+ coordination switches the gate to a shut state and arrests the enzyme in its closed, inactive conformation.
Optical Biometry-Based Intraocular Lens Calculation and Refractive Outcomes after Phacovitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Shiraki Nobuhiko , Wakabayashi Taku , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Nishida Kohji
Published: July 2018

We investigate the refractive error after phacovitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD; 100 eyes) and epiretinal membrane (ERM; 102 eyes). Axial lengths were measured by optical biometry in most patients. The main outcome measures were the refractive and absolute prediction errors. The overall mean refractive prediction error (ME) and mean absolute prediction error (MAE) were −0.40 ± 0.72 D and 0.62 ± 0.55 D, respectively, at 3 months postoperatively. The ME and MAE were significantly higher in the RRD group than in the ERM group (−0.63 ± 0.74 D vs −0.16 ± 0.63 D,P < 0.001 and 0.75 ± 0.62 D vs 0.49 ± 0.43 D,P = 0.002, respectively), indicating greater myopic shift in the RRD group. In the RRD group, adding +0.5 D to the preoperative predicted refractive power decreased the postoperative ME and MAE to −0.13 ± 0.74 D and 0.58 ± 0.47 D, respectively. Based on our results, we conclude that postoperative myopic shift was significantly higher in the RRD group than in the ERM group, possibly because of forward displacement of the intraocular lens by gas tamponade. The myopic shift can be minimized by adding +0.5 D to the predicted refractive power in patients undergoing phacovitrectomy for RRD.
Audiovisual Temporal Processing in Postlingually Deafened Adults with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Butera Iliza M. , Stevenson Ryan A. , Mangus Brannon D. , Woynaroski Tiffany G. , Gifford René H. , Wallace Mark T.
Published: July 2018

For many cochlear implant (CI) users, visual cues are vitally important for interpreting the impoverished auditory speech information that an implant conveys. Although the temporal relationship between auditory and visual stimuli is crucial for how this information is integrated, audiovisual temporal processing in CI users is poorly understood. In this study, we tested unisensory (auditory alone, visual alone) and multisensory (audiovisual) temporal processing in postlingually deafened CI users (n = 48) and normal-hearing controls (n = 54) using simultaneity judgment (SJ) and temporal order judgment (TOJ) tasks. We varied the timing onsets between the auditory and visual components of either a syllable/viseme or a simple flash/beep pairing, and participants indicated either which stimulus appeared first (TOJ) or if the pair occurred simultaneously (SJ). Results indicate that temporal binding windows—the interval within which stimuli are likely to be perceptually ‘bound’—are not significantly different between groups for either speech or non-speech stimuli. However, the point of subjective simultaneity for speech was less visually leading in CI users, who interestingly, also had improved visual-only TOJ thresholds. Further signal detection analysis suggests that this SJ shift may be due to greater visual bias within the CI group, perhaps reflecting heightened attentional allocation to visual cues.
Using whole genome scores to compare three clinical phenotyping methods in complex diseases
Authors: Song Wenyu , Huang Hailiang , Zhang Cheng-Zhong , Bates David W. , Wright Adam
Published: July 2018

Genome-wide association studies depend on accurate ascertainment of patient phenotype. However, phenotyping is difficult, and it is often treated as an afterthought in these studies because of the expense involved. Electronic health records (EHRs) may provide higher fidelity phenotypes for genomic research than other sources such as administrative data. We used whole genome association models to evaluate different EHR and administrative data-based phenotyping methods in a cohort of 16,858 Caucasian subjects for type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and breast cancer. For each disease, we trained and evaluated polygenic models using three different phenotype definitions: phenotypes derived from billing data, the clinical problem list, or a curated phenotyping algorithm. We observed that for these diseases, the curated phenotype outperformed the problem list, and the problem list outperformed administrative billing data. This suggests that using advanced EHR-derived phenotypes can further increase the power of genome-wide association studies.
An integrative omics approach to unravel toxicity mechanisms of environmental chemicals: effects of a formulated herbicide
Authors: Simões Tiago , Novais Sara C. , Natal-da-Luz Tiago , Devreese Bart , de Boer Tjalf , Roelofs Dick , Sousa José P. , van Straalen Nico M. , Lemos Marco F. L.
Published: July 2018

The use of integrative molecular approaches can aid in a comprehensive understanding of the effects of toxicants at different levels of biological organization, also supporting risk assessment. The present study aims to unravel the toxicity mechanisms of a widely used herbicide to the arthropod Folsomia candida exposed in a natural soil, by linking effects on reproduction, proteomics and genome-wide gene expression. The EC50 effects on reproduction over 4 weeks was 4.63 mg glyphosate/kg of soil. The formulation included a polyethoxylated tallowamine as an adjuvant, which at 50% effect on reproduction had an estimated concentration of 0.87–1.49 mg/kg of soil. No effects were observed on survival and reproduction when using the isolated active substance, pointing the toxicity of the formulated product to the co-formulant instead of the active ingredient, glyphosate. RNA sequencing and shotgun proteomics were applied to assess differential transcript and protein expressions between exposed and control organisms in time, respectively. Specific functional categories at protein and transcriptome levels were concordant with each other, despite overall limited correlations between datasets. The exposure to this formulation affected normal cellular respiration and lipid metabolism, inducing oxidative stress and leading to impairment in biological life cycle mechanisms such as molting and reproduction.
Precise Determination of the Temperature Gradients in Laser-irradiated Ultrathin Magnetic Layers for the Analysis of Thermal Spin Current
Authors: Surabhi Srivathsava , Kim Dong-Jun , Cao Van Phuoc , Dong Quoc Viet , Kim Jeong-Mok , Lee Sung Woo , Kuchi Rambabu , Lee Jae-Woong , Yoon Soon-Gil , Choi Jihoon , Park Byong-Guk , Jeong Jong-Ryul
Published: July 2018

We investigated the temperature distribution induced by laser irradiation of ultrathin magnetic films by applying a finite element method (FEM) to the finite difference time domain (FDTD) representation for the analysis of thermal induced spin currents. The dependency of the thermal gradient (∇T) of ultrathin magnetic films on material parameters, including the reflectivity and absorption coefficient were evaluated by examining optical effects, which indicates that reflectance (R) and the apparent absorption coefficient (α*) play important roles in the calculation of ∇T for ultrathin layers. The experimental and calculated values of R and α* for the ultrathin magnetic layers irradiated by laser-driven heat sources estimated using the combined FDTD and FEM method are in good agreement for the amorphous CoFeB and crystalline Co layers of thicknesses ranging from 3~20 nm. Our results demonstrate that the optical parameters are crucial for the estimation of the temperature gradient induced by laser illumination for the study of thermally generated spin currents and related phenomena.
Past continental shelf evolution increased Antarctic ice sheet sensitivity to climatic conditions
Authors: Colleoni Florence , De Santis Laura , Montoli Enea , Olivo Elisabetta , Sorlien Christopher C. , Bart Philip J. , Gasson Edward G. W. , Bergamasco Andrea , Sauli Chiara , Wardell Nigel , Prato Stefano
Published: July 2018

Over the past 34 Million years, the Antarctic continental shelf has gradually deepened due to ice sheet loading, thermal subsidence, and erosion from repeated glaciations. The deepening that is recorded in the sedimentary deposits around the Antarctic margin indicates that after the mid-Miocene Climate Optimum (≈15 Ma), Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) dynamical response to climate conditions changed. We explore end-members for maximum AIS extent, based on ice-sheet simulations of a late-Pleistocene and a mid-Miocene glaciation. Fundamental dynamical differences emerge as a consequence of atmospheric forcing, eustatic sea level and continental shelf evolution. We show that the AIS contributed to the amplification of its own sensitivity to ocean forcing by gradually expanding and eroding the continental shelf, that probably changed its tipping points through time. The lack of past topographic and bathymetric reconstructions implies that so far, we still have an incomplete understanding of AIS fast response to past warm climate conditions, which is crucial to constrain its future evolution.
Deoxynivalenol induces structural alterations in epidermoid carcinoma cells A431 and impairs the response to biomechanical stimulation
Authors: Del Favero Giorgia , Woelflingseder Lydia , Janker Lukas , Neuditschko Benjamin , Seriani Stefano , Gallina Paolo , Sbaizero Orfeo , Gerner Christopher , Marko Doris
Published: July 2018

Morphology together with the capability to respond to surrounding stimuli are key elements governing the spatial interaction of living cells with the environment. In this respect, biomechanical stimulation can trigger significant physiological cascades that can potentially modulate toxicity. Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) is one of the most prevalent mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. and it was used to explore the delicate interaction between biomechanical stimulation and cytotoxicity in A431 cells. In fact, in addition of being a food contaminant, DON is a relevant toxin for several organ systems. The combination between biomechanical stimulation and the mycotoxin revealed how DON can impair crucial functions affecting cellular morphology, tubulin and lysosomes at concentrations even below those known to be cytotoxic in routine toxicity studies. Sub-toxic concentrations of DON (0.1–1 μM) impaired the capability of A431 cells to respond to a biomechanical stimulation that normally sustains trophic effects in these cells. Moreover, the effects of DON (0.1–10 μM) were partially modulated by the application of uniaxial stretching (0.5 Hz, 24 h, 15% deformation). Ultimately, proteomic analysis revealed the potential of DON to alter several proteins necessary for cell adhesion and cytoskeletal modulation suggesting a molecular link between biomechanics and the cytotoxic potential of the mycotoxin.
Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure is Linked to Epigenetic Changes in Glutamate Receptor Subunit Gene Grin2b in Female Rats and Humans
Authors: Alavian-Ghavanini Ali , Lin Ping-I , Lind P. Monica , Risén Rimfors Sabina , Halin Lejonklou Margareta , Dunder Linda , Tang Mandy , Lindh Christian , Bornehag Carl-Gustaf , Rüegg Joëlle
Published: July 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and to effects on epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, at genes involved in brain function. High doses of BPA have been shown to change expression and regulation of one such gene, Grin2b, in mice. Yet, if such changes occur at relevant doses in animals and humans has not been addressed. We investigated if low-dose developmental BPA exposure affects DNA methylation and expression of Grin2b in brains of adult rats. Furthermore, we assessed associations between prenatal BPA exposure and Grin2b methylation in 7-year old children. We found that Grin2b mRNA expression was increased and DNA methylation decreased in female, but not in male rats. In humans, prenatal BPA exposure was associated with increased methylation levels in girls. Additionally, low APGAR scores, a predictor for increased risk for neurodevelopmental diseases, were associated with higher Grin2b methylation levels in girls. Thus, we could link developmental BPA exposure and low APGAR scores to changes in the epigenetic regulation of Grin2b, a gene important for neuronal function, in a sexual dimorphic fashion. Discrepancies in exact locations and directions of the DNA methylation change might reflect differences between species, analysed tissues, exposure level and/or timing.
Distribution of magnetic remanence carriers in the human brain
Authors: Gilder Stuart A. , Wack Michael , Kaub Leon , Roud Sophie C. , Petersen Nikolai , Heinsen Helmut , Hillenbrand Peter , Milz Stefan , Schmitz Christoph
Published: July 2018

That the human brain contains magnetite is well established; however, its spatial distribution in the brain has remained unknown. We present room temperature, remanent magnetization measurements on 822 specimens from seven dissected whole human brains in order to systematically map concentrations of magnetic remanence carriers. Median saturation remanent magnetizations from the cerebellum were approximately twice as high as those from the cerebral cortex in all seven cases (statistically significantly distinct, p = 0.016). Brain stems were over two times higher in magnetization on average than the cerebral cortex. The ventral (lowermost) horizontal layer of the cerebral cortex was consistently more magnetic than the average cerebral cortex in each of the seven studied cases. Although exceptions existed, the reproducible magnetization patterns lead us to conclude that magnetite is preferentially partitioned in the human brain, specifically in the cerebellum and brain stem.
Absorbance measurements of oxidation of homogentisic acid accelerated by the addition of alkaline solution with sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate
Authors: Tokuhara Yasunori , Shukuya Kenichi , Tanaka Masami , Sogabe Keisuke , Ejima Yasukazu , Hosokawa Sho , Ohsaki Hiroyuki , Morinishi Tatsuya , Hirakawa Eiichiro , Yatomi Yutaka , Shimosawa Tatsuo
Published: July 2018

The urine of patients with alkaptonuria turns dark brown due to the oxidation of homogentisic acid (HGA) to benzoquinone acetic acid (BQA), and this is accelerated by the addition of alkali. We recently reported that alkaptonuric urine and HGA after the addition of alkali showed characteristic peaks at 406 and 430 nm. In order to improve the sensitivity of our spectrometric method for the detection of HGA, we accelerated the oxidation of HGA to BQA using sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate (NaOCl·5H2O), which is a strong oxidant. In the present study, we measured the absorption spectra of alkaptonuric urine and HGA solution after the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or NaOH with NaOCl·5H2O and analyzed the oxidation reaction of HGA after alkalization using a liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC/TOF-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. We accelerated the oxidation of HGA to BQA by adding NaOH with NaOCl·5H2O, and this absorbance measurement was useful for more sensitively observing the oxidation of HGA than LC/TOF-MS and NMR spectroscopy. This quick and easy screening method may be suitable for the diagnosis of alkaptonuria.
Sirt1 activator induces proangiogenic genes in preadipocytes to rescue insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Nawaz Allah , Mehmood Arshad , Kanatani Yukiko , Kado Tomonobu , Igarashi Yoshiko , Takikawa Akiko , Yamamoto Seiji , Okabe Keisuke , Nakagawa Takashi , Yagi Kunimasa , Fujisaka Shiho , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: July 2018

Sirt1 plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in obese animal models. Impaired adipose tissue angiogenesis in the obese state decreases adipogenesis and thereby contributes to glucose intolerance and lipid metabolism. However, the mechanism by which Sirt1 activation affects obesity-associated impairments in angiogenesis in the adipose tissue is not fully understood. Here, we show that SRT1720 treatment induces angiogenic genes in cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and ex vivo preadipocytes. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Sirt1 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes downregulated angiogenic genes in the preadipocytes. SRT1720 treatment upregulated metabolically favorable genes and reduced inflammatory gene expressions in the adipose tissue of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel role of SRT1720-induced Sirt1 activation in the induction of angiogenic genes in preadipocytes, thereby reducing inflammation and fibrosis in white adipose tissue (WAT) and promoting insulin sensitivity.
Enhancing cellulose functionalities by size reduction using media-mill
Authors: Dubey Rajni , Toh Yon-Rui , Yeh An-I
Published: July 2018

This study explored the feasibility of enhancing cellulose functionalities by using media milling to reduce the size of cellulose particles, and assayed various physicochemical and physiological properties of the resulting cellulose. Cellulose has been recognized as dietary fiber by USFDA due to its health benefits. However, its properties like low degradability, stiff texture, and insolubility in water limits its applicability in foods. Milling reduced the volume mean size of cellulose from 25.7 μm to 0.9 μm, which in turn increased the specific surface area (36.78-fold), and swelling capacity (9-fold). Conversely, a reduction in the bulk density (1.41 to 1.32 g/mL) and intrinsic viscosity (165.64 to 77.28 mL/g) were found. The milled cellulose also had significantly enhanced capacity for holding water and binding bile acids and sugars. Moreover, the size reduction also resulted in increased fermentability of cellulose into short chain fatty acids using three human fecal microflora samples. The increase in production of acetate (2880.60%), propionate (2738.52%), and butyrate (2865.89%) after fermentation of cellulose for 24 h were significantly enhanced by size reduction. With these improved characteristics, the milled cellulose might have beneficial physiological effects including laxation as well as reduced blood cholesterol and glucose attenuation.
Milk exosomes are bioavailable and distinct microRNA cargos have unique tissue distribution patterns
Authors: Manca Sonia , Upadhyaya Bijaya , Mutai Ezra , Desaulniers Amy T. , Cederberg Rebecca A. , White Brett R. , Zempleni Janos
Published: July 2018

Exosomes participate in cell-to-cell communication, facilitated by the transfer of RNAs, proteins and lipids from donor to recipient cells. Exosomes and their RNA cargos do not exclusively originate from endogenous synthesis but may also be obtained from dietary sources such as the inter-species transfer of exosomes and RNAs in bovine milk to humans. Here, we assessed the bioavailability and distribution of exosomes and their microRNA cargos from bovine, porcine and murine milk within and across species boundaries. Milk exosomes labeled with fluorophores or fluorescent fusion proteins accumulated in liver, spleen and brain following suckling, oral gavage and intravenous administration in mice and pigs. When synthetic, fluorophore-labeled microRNAs were transfected into bovine milk exosomes and administered to mice, distinct species of microRNAs demonstrated unique distribution profiles and accumulated in intestinal mucosa, spleen, liver, heart or brain. Administration of bovine milk exosomes failed to rescueDroshahomozygous knockout mice, presumably due to low bioavailability or lack of essential microRNAs.
Experimental and model research on chloride ion gas–solid distribution in the process of desulfurization wastewater evaporation
Authors: Shuangchen Ma , Jin Chai , Kai Wu , Yajun Xiang , Zhongcheng Wan , Jingrui Zhang
Published: July 2018

In this paper, research on chloride ion gas–solid distribution in the process of desulfurization wastewater evaporation was carried out.
A novel near-infrared and naked-eyes turn on fluorescent probe for detection of biothiols with a large Stokes shift and its application in living cells
Authors: Zhang Wang , Weijing Gu , Cheng Tian , Wang Bingxiang , Jiang Yuliang , Shen Jian
Published: July 2018

A novel turn-on fluorescent probe (DDND) for highly selective detection of biothiols over other amino acids was synthesized and investigated in this work, which used the 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl group as a fluorescent quencher.
A novel high-strength photoluminescent hydrogel for tissue engineering
Authors: Zhi Hui , Fei Xu , Tian Jing , Zhao Liyuan , Zhang Haiyang , Jing Muzi , Xu Longquan , Wang Yi , Li Yao
Published: July 2018

A triple physical cross-linked hydrogel, consisting of hydrogen bonding, physical crystallization, and hydrophobic interactions, with excellent properties has been synthesized.
Transfer hydrogenative para-selective aminoalkylation of aniline derivatives with N-heteroarenes via ruthenium/acid dual catalysis
Authors: Chen Xiuwen , Zhao He , Chen Chunlian , Jiang Huanfeng , Zhang Min
Published: July 2018

By ruthenium/acid dual catalysis, a novel transfer hydrogenative para-selective aminoalkylation of aniline derivatives with N-heteroarenes has been demonstrated.
Rare-earth-doped yttrium oxide nanoplatelets and nanotubes: controllable fabrication, topotactic transformation and upconversion luminescence
Authors: Xiao Yan , Chen Gen , Liu Xiaohe , Bai Mingjun , Zhang Ning , Ma Wei , Ma Renzhi
Published: July 2018

Tetragonal platelets and tubular precursors can be selectively produced with the absence and presence of the surfactant SDS. The platelet-like and tubular precursors can be topotactically converted into oxides.
Two-dimensional carbon dioxide with high stability, a negative Poisson's ratio and a huge band gap
Authors: Liu Shijie , Du Hui , Li Guoling , Li Liben , Shi Xingqiang , Liu Bingbing
Published: July 2018

In this work, based on density functional theory and the particle swarm optimization method, we unveil two CO2 2D crystals with space groups of P4̄M2 and Amm2.
Mononuclear thorium halide clusters ThX4 (X = F, Cl): gas-phase hydrolysis reactions
Authors: Wang Bin , Xia Chan-Juan , Fang Hong-Lin , Chen Wen-Jie , Zhang Yong-Fan , Huang Xin
Published: July 2018

The hydrolysis reactions of ThX4 (X = F, Cl) go through direct dehydration of Th(OH)4.
Facile synthesis of amorphous mesoporous manganese oxides for efficient catalytic decomposition of ozone
Authors: Liu Shuilian , Ji Jian , Yu Yi , Huang Haibao
Published: July 2018

Amorphous mesoporous manganese oxides (MnOx) with different microstructures were synthesized via a facile redox method between manganese acetate and potassium permanganate by modulating the addition sequence of the precursors and directly used for catalytic decomposition of ozone.
Synthesis, structure, solution behavior, reactivity and biological evaluation of oxidovanadium(iv/v) thiosemicarbazone complexes
Authors: Saswati Saswati , Adão Pedro , Majumder Sudarshana , Dash Subhashree P. , Roy Satabdi , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Costa Pessoa João , Gomes Clara S. B. , Hardikar Manasi R. , Tiekink Edward R. T. , Dinda Rupam
Published: July 2018

Synthesis, structure and reactivity ofv(iv/v) complexes involving DMSO assisted methylation of thiosemicarbazone.
Ferrocene-based anilides: synthesis, structural characterization and inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Altaf Ataf Ali , Hamayun Muhammad , Lal Bhajan , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Holder Alvin A. , Badshah Amin , Crans Debbie C.
Published: July 2018

Twenty-three compounds in two series of ferrocene-based anilides, with the general formula C5H5-Fe-C5H4-C6H4-NH-CO-C6H4-R (where R = H, F, Cl, CH3 and OCH3), have been synthesized and found to inhibit butyrylcholinesterase.
Magnetic percolation in CN-bridged ferrimagnetic coordination polymers
Authors: Konieczny Piotr , Pełka Robert , Wasiutyński Tadeusz , Oszajca Marcin , Sieklucka Barbara , Pinkowicz Dawid
Published: July 2018

The magnetic percolation phenomenon in the magnetic structure of MnII–NbIV/MoIVcoordination polymers was studied by a selective diamagnetic substitution of NbIVby MoIVions.
Methyl camouflage in the ten-vertex closo-dicarbaborane(10) series. Isolation of closo-1,6-R2C2B8Me8 (R = H and Me) and their monosubstituted analogues
Authors: Bakardjiev Mario , Tok Oleg L. , Růžička Aleš , Růžičková Zdeňka , Holub Josef , Hnyk Drahomír , Špalt Zbyněk , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Štíbr Bohumil
Published: July 2018

Reported are procedures leading to highly stable egg-shaped hydrocarbons with inner closo-1,6-C2B8 carborane core inside the methyl sheath.
A paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition of an organically templated zinc oxalate coordination polymer
Authors: Pasińska K. , Piecha-Bisiorek A. , Kinzhybalo V. , Ciżman A. , Gągor A. , Pietraszko A.
Published: July 2018

Water-presence dependent switchable ferroelectricity was discovered in the hybrid organic–inorganic zinc oxalate 1D coordination polymer (DABCOH2)[Zn(C2O4)2]·3H2O (DZnOH, where DABCOH2: diprotonated 1.4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane).
Preparation of a bispyridine based porous organic polymer as a new platform for Cu(ii) catalyst and its use in heterogeneous olefin epoxidation
Authors: Yi Jigyoung , Ahn Hye Mi , Yoon Jong Ho , Kim Cheal , Lee Suk Joong
Published: July 2018

A new type of bispyridine (bpy) incorporated POP was prepared via a cobalt-catalyzed acetylene trimerization. Subsequent metalation of CuCl2 gave POP-Cu(ii) which displayed outstanding olefin oxidation activity.
A novel colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on pH sensor with a notably large Stokes shift for its application
Authors: Ning Yaoyao , Wang Xiaoqing , Sheng Kangjia , Yang Lili , Han Wei , Xiao Chaoni , Li Jianli , Zhang Yongmin , Wu Shaoping
Published: July 2018

A novel naked-eye colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on pH sensor based on a naphthalenone scaffold was rationally designed and facilely synthesized.
Organ preservation with targeted rapamycin nanoparticles: a pre-treatment strategy preventing chronic rejection in vivo
Authors: Zhu Peng , Atkinson Carl , Dixit Suraj , Cheng Qi , Tran Danh , Patel Kunal , Jiang Yu-Lin , Esckilsen Scott , Miller Kayla , Bazzle Grace , Allen Patterson , Moore Alfred , Broome Ann-Marie , Nadig Satish N.
Published: July 2018

(a) Rapamycin nanotherapeutic pre-treatment improves tracheal allograft outcome after transplantation. (b) Nanotherapy reduces aortic allograft vasculopathy. (c) Dose dependency of the nanotherapy in aortic interposition allografts.
A novel polysaccharide from Rhizoma panacis japonica exerts anti-inflammatory effects via STAT3 signal pathway
Authors: Li Qiu , Li Qun , Hao Zhihui , Zheng Xucai , He Wei
Published: July 2018

PJ-1 modulates the function of macrophages via the STAT3 signal pathway.
Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators based on hybridized triboelectric modes for harvesting mechanical energy
Authors: Qiu Yu , Yang Dechao , Li Bing , Shao Shuai , Hu Lizhong
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate a newly designed hybridized triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) fabric incorporating multiple working modes, which can effectively harvest ambient mechanical energy for conversion into electrical power.
Site-specific anchoring aptamer C2NP on DNA origami nanostructures for cancer treatment
Authors: Sun Pengchao , Zhang Nan , Tang Yafang , Yang Yanan , Zhou Jie , Zhao Yongxing
Published: July 2018

Aptamer anchored DNA nanostructures not only can enhance the anticancer activity of DOX, but also exhibit synergic biological effect with chemotherapy on cancer therapy.
Immunomagnetic separation and size-based detection of Escherichia coli O157 at the meniscus of a membrane strip
Authors: Lee Hyeonjeong , Hwang Jeongin , Park Yunsung , Kwon Donghoon , Lee Sanghee , Kang Inseok , Jeon Sangmin
Published: July 2018

E. coli–Au/MNC complexes accumulate at the meniscus of the test strip where the flow velocity reaches a maximum.
Operando structural study of non-aqueous Li–air batteries using synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction
Authors: Song Chulho , Ito Kimihiko , Sakata Osami , Kubo Yoshimi
Published: July 2018

The Li–O2 electrochemical reaction involving the formation and decomposition of crystalline Li2O2 was clearly demonstrated by using an operando synchrotron-based XRD in a transmission mode and a special airtight LAB cell.
In situ growth of ZIF-67 on a nickel foam as a three-dimensional heterogeneous catalyst for peroxymonosulfate activation
Authors: Peng Lin , Gong Xiaobo , Wang Xinghong , Yang Zhao , Liu Yong
Published: July 2018

Macroscopic three-dimensional NF/ZIF-67 efficiently catalyzed peroxymonosulfate activation.
Bifunctional iminophosphorane catalysed enantioselective sulfa-Michael addition of alkyl thiols to alkenyl benzimidazoles
Authors: Formica Michele , Sorin Geoffroy , Farley Alistair J. M. , Díaz Jesús , Paton Robert S. , Dixon Darren J.
Published: July 2018

The first enantioselective sulfa-Michael addition of alkyl thiols to alkenyl benzimidazoles, enabled by a bifunctional iminophosphorane (BIMP) organocatalyst, is described.
Hierarchically ordered structures of disk-cube triads containing hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Zhang Wei , Gu Kehua , Hou Pingping , Lyu Xiaolin , Pan Hongbing , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xing-he
Published: July 2018

Four disk-cube triads with one hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) and two polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) moieties, linked via ester or amide bonds were synthesized. They formed hierarchically ordered structures owing to the synergistic effect of multiple secondary interactions.
Swelling responses of surface-attached bottlebrush polymer networks
Authors: Mah Adeline Huizhen , Mei Hao , Basu Prithvi , Laws Travis S. , Ruchhoeft Paul , Verduzco Rafael , Stein Gila E.
Published: July 2018

The swelling of surface-attached polymer networks (he/h) is reduced with increased branching of the primary polymer.
Robust electrografted interfaces on metal oxides for electrocatalysis – an in situ spectroelectrochemical study
Authors: Harris Tomos G. A. A. , Götz Robert , Wrzolek Pierre , Davis Victoria , Knapp Caroline E. , Ly Khoa , Hildebrandt Peter , Schwalbe Matthias , Weidinger Inez , Zebger Ingo , Fischer Anna
Published: July 2018

In situ spectroelectrochemistry demonstrates stability of electrografted diazonium interfaces on conductive oxides & their suitability as anchoring groups for molecular species.
Energy efficiency of ionic transport through proton conducting ceramic electrolytes for energy conversion applications
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Mizunuma Shusuke , Kimura Yuta , Mikami Yuichi , Yamauchi Kousuke , Kuroha Tomohiro , Taniguchi Noboru , Tsuji Yoichiro , Okuyama Yuji , Amezawa Koji
Published: July 2018

In this study, the efficiency of ionic transport through proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes for energy conversion applications was discussed.
Construction of three-dimensional net-like polyelectrolyte multilayered nanostructures onto titanium substrates for combined antibacterial and antioxidant applications
Authors: Sutrisno Linawati , Wang Sixiang , Li Menghuan , Luo Zhong , Wang Chunli , Shen Tingting , Chen Peixing , Yang Li , Hu Yan , Cai Kaiyong
Published: July 2018

Fabrication of nanofibers and a bacteria-triggered antibiotic-releasing coating to modify titanium substrates for antibacterial and antioxidant applications.
Redox-responsive dual chemophotothermal therapeutic nanomedicine for imaging-guided combinational therapy
Authors: Yu Fei , Zhang Fuwu , Tang Longguang , Ma Jingwen , Ling Daishun , Chen Xiaoyuan , Sun Xiaolian
Published: July 2018

A glutathione-responsive trimeric prodrug with 99% encapsulation efficiency into targeted polymeric nanoparticles is designed for imaging-guided dual chemophotothermal therapy.
High-power laser-driven phosphor-in-glass for excellently high conversion efficiency white light generation for special illumination or display backlighting
Authors: Yu Jinbo , Si Shuaichen , Liu Yong , Zhang Xuejie , Cho Yujin , Tian Zifeng , Xie Rongjun , Zhang Hongwu , Li Yurong , Wang Jing
Published: July 2018

High-power and high-brightness solid state laser lighting sources, fabricated with high-power blue laser diodes (LDs) and yellow-emitting phosphor converters, constitute a pioneering lighting technology for specialized lighting.
Improving SERS hot spots for on-site pesticide detection by combining silver nanoparticles with nanowires
Authors: Wei Wei , Du Yixuan , Zhang Liangmiao , Yang Yong , Gao Yanfeng
Published: July 2018

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a rapid and effective method for identifying fingerprint structures at low concentrations.
Design, synthesis and photochromism studies of thienyl containing triarylethylene derivatives and their applications in real-time photoresponsive surfaces
Authors: Wang Leyu , Yu Tao , Xie Zongliang , Chen Xiaojie , Yang Zhan , Zhang Yi , Aldred Matthew P. , Chi Zhenguo
Published: July 2018

Developing new photochromic materials with simple chemical structures, striking photochromic properties, real-time morphology changeable surfaces and tunable wettability.
18.0% efficiency flexible perovskite solar cells based on double hole transport layers and CH3NH3PbI3−xClx with dual additives
Authors: Hou Lixin , Wang Yali , Liu Xianhao , Wang Jia , Wang Lixin , Li Xiaowei , Fu Guangsheng , Yang Shaopeng
Published: July 2018

The performance of flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is largely lower than that of their glass/ITO counterparts.
The extended Planetary Nebula Spectrograph (ePN.S) early-type galaxy survey: The kinematic diversity of stellar halos and the relation between halo transition scale and stellar mass
Authors: Pulsoni C. , Gerhard O. , Arnaboldi M. , Coccato L. , Longobardi A. , Napolitano N. R. , Moylan E. , Narayan C. , Gupta V. , Burkert A. , Capaccioli M. , Chies-Santos A. L. , Cortesi A. , Freeman K. C. , Kuijken K. , Merrifield M. R. , Romanowsky A. J. , Tortora C.
Published: July 2018

Context. In the hierarchical two-phase formation scenario, the halos of early type galaxies (ETGs) are expected to have different physical properties from the galaxies’ central regions.

Aims. The ePN.S survey characterizes the kinematic properties of ETG halos using planetary nebulae (PNe) as tracers, overcoming the limitations of absorption line spectroscopy at low surface brightness.

Methods. We present two-dimensional velocity and velocity dispersion fields for 33 ETGs, including fast (FRs) and slow rotators (SRs). The velocity fields were reconstructed from the measured PN velocities using an adaptive kernel procedure validated with simulations, and extend to a median of 5.6 effective radii (Re). We complemented the PN kinematics with absorption line data from the literature, for a complete description of the kinematics from the center to the outskirts.

Results. ETGs typically show a kinematic transition between inner regions and halo. Estimated transition radii in units of Re anti-correlate with stellar mass. SRs have increased but still modest rotational support at large radii. Most of the FRs show a decrease in rotation, due to the fading of the inner disk in the outer, more slowly rotating spheroid. 30% of the FRs are dominated by rotation also at large radii. Most ETGs have flat or slightly falling halo velocity dispersion profiles, but 15% of the sample have steeply falling profiles. All of the SRs and 40% of the FRs show signatures of triaxial halos such as kinematic twists or misalignments. We show with illustrative photometric models that this is consistent with the distribution of isophote twists from extended photometry.

Conclusions. ETGs have more diverse kinematic properties in their halos than in the central regions. FRs do contain inner disk components but these frequently fade in outer spheroids which are often triaxial. The observed kinematic transition to the halo and its dependence on stellar mass is consistent with ΛCDM simulations and supports a two-phase formation scenario.
From manifolds to Lagrangian coherent structures in galactic bar models
Authors: Sánchez-Martín P. , Masdemont J. J. , Romero-Gómez M.
Published: July 2018

We study the dynamics near the unstable Lagrangian points in galactic bar models using dynamical system tools in order to determine the global morphology of a barred galaxy. We aim at the case of non-autonomous models, in particular with secular evolution, by allowing the bar pattern speed to decrease with time. We have extended the concept of manifolds widely used in the autonomous problem to the Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS), widely used in fluid dynamics, which behave similar to the invariant manifolds driving the motion. After adapting the LCS computation code to the galactic dynamics problem, we apply it to both the autonomous and non-autonomous problems, relating the results with the manifolds and identifying the objects that best describe the motion in the non-autonomous case. We see that the strainlines coincide with the first intersection of the stable manifold when applied to the autonomous case, while, when the secular model is used, the strainlines still show the regions of maximal repulsion associated to both the corresponding stable manifolds and regions with a steep change of energy. The global morphology of the galaxy predicted by the autonomous problem remains unchanged.
Twenty years of photometric microlensing events predicted by Gaia DR2
Authors: Mustill Alexander J. , Davies Melvyn B. , Lindegren Lennart
Published: July 2018

Context. Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) offers unparalleled precision on stars’ parallaxes and proper motions. This allows the prediction of microlensing events for which the lens stars (and any planets they possess) are nearby and may be well studied and characterised.

Aims. We identify a number of potential microlensing events that will occur before the year 2035.5, 20 years from the Gaia DR2 reference epoch.

Methods. We query Gaia DR2 for potential lenses within 100 pc, extract parallaxes and proper motions of the lenses and background sources, and identify potential lensing events. We estimate the lens masses from Priam effective temperatures and use these to calculate peak magnifications and the size of the Einstein radii relative to the lens stars’ habitable zones.

Results. We identify seven future events with a probability >10% of an alignment within one Einstein radius. Of particular interest is DR2 5918299904067162240 (WISE J175839.20–583931.6), magnitude G = 14.9, which will lens a G = 13.9 background star in early 2030, with a median 23% net magnification. Other pairs are typically fainter, hampering characterisation of the lens (if the lens is faint) or the ability to accurately measure the magnification (if the source is much fainter than the lens). Of timely interest is DR2 4116504399886241792 (2MASS J17392440–2327071), which will lens a background star in July 2020, albeit with weak net magnification (0.03%). Median magnifications for the other five high-probability events range from 0.3% to 5.3%. The Einstein radii for these lenses are one to ten times the radius of the habitable zone, allowing these lensing events to pick out cold planets around the ice line, and filling a gap between transit and current microlensing detections of planets around very low-mass stars.

Conclusions. We provide a catalogue of the predicted events to aid future characterisation efforts. Current limitations include a lack of many high-proper-motion objects in Gaia DR2 and often large uncertainties on the proper motions of the background sources (or only two-parameter solutions). Both of these deficiencies will be rectified with Gaia DR3 in 2020. Further characterisation of the lenses is also warranted to better constrain their masses and predict the photometric magnifications.
QSAR Models for Nitrogen Containing Monophosphonate and Bisphosphonate Derivatives as Human Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Inhibitors Based on Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Kumar Parvin , Kumar Ashwani , Sindhu Jayant , Lal Sohan
Published: July 2018

Human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (hFPPS) is a well-settled therapeutic target and it is an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway which catalyzes the biosynthesis of the C-15 isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate. QSAR studies by using Monte Carlo method for human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase inhibitors has been carried out using balance of correlation technique with Index of ideality correlation. For construction of QSAR models, six random splits were prepared from the data of 73 phosphonates and hybrid optimal descriptors procured from graph (HFG) and SMILES based notations were employed. The developed QSAR models have robustness, good fitting ability, generalizability and internal predictive ability. The external predictive ability has been certified by testing various precedents. The values of R2, IIC, Q2 and ∆R2
m for the best model are 0.9304, 0.9614, 0.9061 and 0.0861 respectively. The developed QSAR models met with the specified standards given in OECD guideline and applicability domain. The structural feature promoters for the end point increase and promoters for end point decrease have been extracted. The predicted pIC50 for the new proposed compounds have also been reported.
Improvement of Respiratory Depression in a Patient with Primary Medullary Hemorrhage Following Removal of Hematoma in the Half-sitting Position
Authors: Bertalanffy Helmut , Nakaya Masato , Mochizuki Yoichi , Fukaya Raita , Moriwaki Goroku , Fukuchi Masahito , Fujii Koji , Ichimura Shinya
Published: July 2018

Primary medullary hemorrhage is a rare event that may result in ataxic respiration. Although it remains controversial whether primary medullary hemorrhage should be managed conservatively or surgically, recent advancements in neuroimaging and microsurgical techniques have shown promise for improving outcomes and prognosis following surgery. The present report discusses the case of a 70-year-old woman admitted to our institution due to sudden-onset nausea and vomiting. The patient underwent surgical removal of a right medullary hematoma for the treatment of daytime respiratory depression and nocturnal apnea while in the half-sitting position. Following surgery, her spontaneous respiration improved, and she was discharged with independent gait. Despite the risk of venous air embolism, accumulating evidence suggests that the half-sitting position is suitable for brainstem surgery because gravity-assisted blood and irrigation drainage from the surgical field allows for cleaner dissection and reduces the need for bipolar coagulation.