bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
γ‐Aminobutyric acid quantification in small volume biological samples through enzymatically induced electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Salazar‐Sánchez Juan Carlos , Morales‐Villagrán Alberto , López‐Pérez Silvia Josefina , Pardo‐Peña Kenia , Villalpando‐Vargas Fridha , Medina‐Ceja Laura
Published: April 2018

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a well‐known neurotransmitter that regulates inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system and participates in several processes outside the brain. A reliable quantification method is needed to determine its role in different physiological and pathological conditions. However, GABA measurements have several challenges because GABA is neither fluorescent nor electroactive, and it is difficult to detect using enzymatic reactions because no oxidases or dehydrogenases have been identified. Several methods have been developed to quantify GABA concentrations based on the instrumentation available, the sensitivity required, and the volume of samples analyzed. Most of these methods use high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Here, we describe a method for quantifying GABA concentrations in small volume samples using enzymatically‐induced electrochemiluminescence with the well‐known GABAse complex, which produces glutamate for use in a luminescent reaction with glutamate oxidase and luminol in an electrochemiluminescence cell. The luminescence obtained was proportional to the GABA concentrations in the micromolar range (1–1000), with linear r2 values > 0.95. GABA standards were treated with the enzymatic reactors to generate glutamate (Glu), which was measured simultaneously with an HPLC technique, to validate this new procedure. The assay was further used to determine GABA concentrations in hippocampal extracts. This alternative may be used to quantify GABA levels in fluid samples, such as microdialysates, other perfusates and tissue extracts. Thus, the method presented here is a good alternative for monitoring GABA levels with good sensitivity compared with the traditional methods that are still in use.
Effect of Long‐Range and Local Order of Exfoliated and Proton‐Beam‐irradiated WSe2 Nanosheets for Sodium Ion Battery Application
Authors: Chun Yu‐Gyeong , Lee Won‐Jae , Lee Minseop , Paek Seung‐Min
Published: April 2018

WSe2 nanosheets were synthesized by mechanical exfoliation via sonication of bulk WSe2 in organic solvent. The exfoliated WSe2 nanosheets were separated into two different particle size ranges, and were then irradiated by a proton beam for modification of their local structure, along with the original bulk sample. According to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analyses of the samples, the mechanical exfoliation reaction mainly affected the long‐range order of the WSe2 samples, whereas proton beam irradiation influenced the local structure of the two‐dimensional WSe2. To examine the structural dependence of exfoliated and proton‐beam irradiated WSe2 in sodium ion battery (NIB) applications, charge/discharge experiments were carried out, which showed that proton beam irradiation could effectively enhance both the discharge capacity and cycling performance of the WSe2 samples. This synthetic procedure via proton beam irradiation is expected to be used for the development of new anode materials with increased energy density in NIBs.
Genetic conflict with a parasitic nematode disrupts the legume–rhizobia mutualism
Authors: Wood Corlett W. , Pilkington Bonnie L. , Vaidya Priya , Biel Caroline , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: April 2018

Genetic variation for partner quality in mutualisms is an evolutionary paradox. One possible resolution to this puzzle is that there is a tradeoff between partner quality and other fitness-related traits. Here, we tested whether susceptibility to parasitism is one such tradeoff in the mutualism between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia). We performed two greenhouse experiments with the legume Medicago truncatula. In the first, we inoculated each plant with the rhizobia Ensifer meliloti and with one of 40 genotypes of the parasitic root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla. In the second experiment, we inoculated all plants with rhizobia and half of the plants with a genetically variable population of nematodes. Using the number of nematode galls as a proxy for infection severity, we found that plant genotypes differed in susceptibility to nematode infection, and nematode genotypes differed in infectivity. Second, we showed that there was a genetic correlation between the number of mutualistic structures formed by rhizobia (nodules) and the number of parasitic structures formed by nematodes (galls). Finally, we found that nematodes disrupt the rhizobia mutualism: nematode-infected plants formed fewer nodules and had less nodule biomass than uninfected plants. Our results demonstrate that there is genetic conflict between attracting rhizobia and repelling nematodes in Medicago. If genetic conflict with parasitism is a general feature of mutualism, it could account for the maintenance of genetic variation in partner quality and influence the evolutionary dynamics of positive species interactions.
Sugarcane growth and nutrition levels are differentially affected by the application of PGPR and cane waste
Authors: Santos Roberta M. , Kandasamy Saveetha , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: April 2018

Mineral and organic fertilization can be optimized by using rhizobacteria which increases dry matter, yield, and nutrients in the soil and plant, among the other biological inputs. However, the discovery of single microbes or a consortium that can benefit plants has been a challenge. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus combined with mineral fertilization and sugar and alcohol industry by‐products in presprouted and the initial growth phase of sugar cane seedlings. The study was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 included presprouted seedlings with T1 =  untreated control, T2 =  B. subtilis, T3 =  B. pumilus, and T4 =  B. subtilis + B. pumilus treatments. Phase 2 included the same treatments with four types of fertilization: F1 =  mineral fertilization, F2 =  mineral fertilization + vinasse, F3 =  mineral fertilization + filter cake, and F4 =  mineral fertilization + filter cake compost. Of the phase 1 treatments, T2 (B. subtilis) was the best promoter of root growth and the total dry matter compared to the control with an increase of 23.0% compared to the control. In phase 2, B. pumilus application, increased the total dry matter by 13%, the number of tillers by 37%, and the diameter of the tillers by 48% when combined with mineral fertilization. The combined application of B. subtilis and B. pumilus increased the phosphorus content by 13% in soil treated with mineral fertilization and filter cake compost. The results of the this study strongly suggest that the use of B. subtilis and B. pumilus together with these by‐products can improve soil fertility parameters and decrease adverse effects associated with vinasse fertilization, in addition to providing shoot and root growth and providing collective synergy for a high yield of sugarcane production with environmental benefits.
Formal international contracts in the presence of cultural distance: An empirical analysis of biopharmaceutical alliances
Authors: Delerue Hélène , Sicotte Hélène
Published: April 2018

Formal contracts are designed to manage the moral hazard issues and inherent risks that come with relationships between organizations. These contracts play an important role in nonequity international alliances, where greater cultural distance between the partners gives rise to more uncertainty in the relationship. At the same time, the contract is the outcome of a negotiation process, and this process is affected by the cultural distance between the partners. This article addresses whether cultural distance affects contract design and content. Rather than test an established model, we use an inductive approach to conduct a detailed empirical analysis of 135 two‐party international research‐and‐development contracts for clinical development in the biopharmaceutical industry. The results show that cultural distance wields complex effects on the contract and its content. They also indicate that a contract will be less detailed—with fewer monitoring clauses and a narrower definition of the collaborative scope—when the partnering firms operate in highly distant national cultures.
Higgs portals for thermal Dark Matter. EFT perspectives and the NMSSM
Authors: Baum Sebastian , Carena Marcela , Shah Nausheen R. , Wagner Carlos E.M.
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We analyze a low energy effective model of Dark Matter in which the thermal relic density is provided by a singlet Majorana fermion which interacts with the Higgs fields via higher dimensional operators. Direct detection signatures may be reduced if blind spot solutions exist, which naturally appear in models with extended Higgs sectors. Explicit mass terms for the Majorana fermion can be forbidden by aZ3symmetry, which in addition leads to a reduction of the number of higher dimensional operators. Moreover, a weak scale mass for the Majorana fermion is naturally obtained from the vacuum expectation value of a scalar singlet field. The proper relic density may be obtained by thes-channel interchange of Higgs and gauge bosons, with the longitudinal mode of theZboson (the neutral Goldstone mode) playing a relevant role in the annihilation process. This model shares many properties with the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (NMSSM) with light singlinos and heavy scalar and gauge superpartners. In order to test the validity of the low energy effective field theory, we compare its predictions with those of the ultraviolet complete NMSSM. Extending our framework to includeZ3neutral Majorana fermions, analogous to the bino in the NMSSM, we find the appearance of a new bino-singlino well tempered Dark Matter region.
Physical Activity to Improve Erectile Function: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies
Authors: Gerbild Helle , Larsen Camilla Marie , Graugaard Christian , Areskoug Josefsson Kristina
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is arterial dysfunction, with cardiovascular disease as the most common comorbidity. Therefore, ED is typically linked to a web of closely interrelated cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Physical activity (PA) has proved to be a protective factor against erectile problems, and it has been shown to improve erectile function for men affected by vascular ED. This systematic review estimated the levels of PA needed to decrease ED for men with physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and/or manifest cardiovascular diseases.

Aim

To provide recommendations of levels of PA needed to decrease ED for men with physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

In accord with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was performed of research articles specifically investigating PA as a possible treatment of ED. The review included research on ED from physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and/or cardiovascular diseases. All available studies from 2006 through 2016 were checked for the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to analyze the levels of PA needed to decrease ED.

Results

10 articles met the inclusion criteria, all suggesting various levels of PA needed to decrease ED for men with relevant risk factors for ED. The results of the review provided sufficient research evidence for conclusions regarding the levels of PA necessary to decrease ED.

Conclusion

Recommendations of PA to decrease ED should include supervised training consisting of 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity 4 times per week. Overall, weekly exercise of 160 minutes for 6 months contributes to decreasing erectile problems in men with ED caused by physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and/or cardiovascular diseases.
Holocaust Education as a Path to Prepare Preservice Social Studies Teachers to be Social Justice Educators
Authors: Nowell Shanedra D. , Poindexter Naomi K.
Published: April 2018

What lessons does Holocaust education hold for preservice teachers and how does Holocaust education aid their growth as social justice educators? In this qualitative teacher research study we attempt to answer these questions by analyzing the coursework and reflections of 16 social studies preservice teachers (PSTs) as they completed an in-depth study of the Holocaust through historical research, field trips, and reading young adult literature, and designed creative and engaging lessons to teach the Holocaust to secondary social studies students (grades 6-12). Findings reveal “blind spots” in the PSTs Holocaust-related content knowledge, pedagogy, ability to make connections between the historical event and their students’ lives, and their acceptance the role of social justice education (Bazerman & Tenbrunsel, 2011). Over the course of the study, the PSTs improved their content and pedagogical knowledge, and took their first steps towards becoming social justice educators. We also found that for PSTs, taking on the role of Holocaust educators and social justice educators takes time and practice This study broadens scholarship on many common concerns in teacher education, such as dispositions, multicultural education, and teaching for social justice. The findings inform teacher educators, teacher candidates, and practicing teachers on the connections between Holocaust and social justice education, and provide a model for teaching social studies for social justice.
Immigration Restrictions and International Education: Early Tensions in the Pacific Northwest, 1890s-1910s
Authors: Moon Krystyn R.
Published: April 2018

This essay explores the experiences and debates surrounding preparatory schools for Chinese students in the United States at the turn of the twentieth century. These institutions attempted to expand educational opportunities for poorer Chinese students who might otherwise not have had a chance to go to school; however, most of these children also had families in the United States, who supported their children's education but also needed their help to sustain their families. American laws banned most forms of Chinese immigration, and families had to carefully maneuver through federal policies to enter the country as students, often turning to European Americans-who were invested in expanding U.S. involvement in China-for support. Because of anti-Chinese sentiments, consular and immigration authorities questioned these programs, making them difficult to sustain. Ultimately, the interactions between immigration and consular officials, education boosters, and Chinese students were integral to the development of preparatory schools for other international students in the twentieth century.
‘He can be whatever you want him to be’: Identity and intimacy in the masked performance of Ghost
Authors: Hoad Catherine
Published: April 2018

Using Swedish metal band Ghost as a primary case study, this article examines how anonymous bands mediate their identity through the use of masks. The isolation of the band members’ ‘real’ identities from their musical performance complicates traditional modes of ‘knowing’ the performer, but in turn enables the formation of a multitude of connectivities, as audiences utilise masked bodies as sites upon which to project their desires and fantasies. Such projections are integral to the ways in which masking allows performers to mobilise and sustain their connections to audiences, who themselves become complicit in the maintenance of anonymity. This article thus considers how masks might challenge established notions of popular music performance, celebrity and authenticity, particularly within heavy metal contexts, and investigates how masks, rather than de-identifying a performer, can invite intimate connections among musicians and audiences.
Why call it a ‘European Community’? Ideological Continuities and Institutional Design of Nascent European Organisations
Authors: COHEN ANTONIN
Published: April 2018

This article challenges the idea that the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 was a break with ideologies of the past. It traces the political economy of the declaration from the interwar to the post-war period. It reconstructs the conceptions of economics and politics that underlay the proposal, tracing them back to the once influential corporatist and communitarian ‘third way’ ideology. It then shows that the original intent of the declaration was nevertheless crushed by a powerful dynamic of institutionalisation of transnational parliamentarianism. Thus, the article demonstrates the effects of long-lasting cleavages on the institutionalisation of European organisations.
Episodic Tremor and Slip Explained by Fluid‐Enhanced Microfracturing and Sealing
Authors: Bernaudin M. , Gueydan F.
Published: April 2018

Episodic tremor and slow‐slip events at the deep extension of plate boundary faults illuminate seismic to aseismic processes around the brittle‐ductile transition. These events occur in volumes characterized by overpressurized fluids and by near failure shear stress conditions. We present a new modeling approach based on a ductile grain size‐sensitive rheology with microfracturing and sealing, which provides a mechanical and field‐based explanation of such phenomena. We also model pore fluid pressure variation as a function of changes in porosity/permeability and strain rate‐dependent fluid pumping. The fluid‐enhanced dynamic evolution of microstructures defines cycles of ductile strain localization and implies increase in pore fluid pressure. We propose that slow‐slip events are ductile processes related to transient strain localization, while nonvolcanic tremor corresponds to fracturing of the whole rock at the peak of pore fluid pressure. Our model shows that the availability of fluids and the efficiency of fluid pumping control the occurrence and the P‐T conditions of episodic tremor and slip.
Exploring vitamin D metabolism and function in cancer
Authors: Jeon Sang-Min , Shin Eun-Ae
Published: April 2018

Vitamin D, traditionally known as an essential nutrient, is a precursor of a potent steroid hormone that regulates a broad spectrum of physiological processes. In addition to its classical roles in bone metabolism, epidemiological, preclinical, and cellular research during the last decades, it revealed that vitamin D may play a key role in the prevention and treatment of many extra-skeletal diseases such as cancer. Vitamin D, as a prohormone, undergoes two-step metabolism in liver and kidney to produce a biologically active metabolite, calcitriol, which binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) for the regulation of expression of diverse genes. In addition, recent studies have revealed that vitamin D can also be metabolized and activated through a CYP11A1-driven non-canonical metabolic pathway. Numerous anticancer properties of vitamin D have been proposed, with diverse effects on cancer development and progression. However, accumulating data suggest that the metabolism and functions of vitamin D are dysregulated in many types of cancer, conferring resistance to the antitumorigenic effects of vitamin D and thereby contributing to the development and progression of cancer. Thus, understanding dysregulated vitamin D metabolism and function in cancer will be critical for the development of promising new strategies for successful vitamin D-based cancer therapy.
How high energy fluxes may affect Rayleigh–Taylor instability growth in young supernova remnants
Authors: Kuranz C. C. , Park H.-S. , Huntington C. M. , Miles A. R. , Remington B. A. , Plewa T. , Trantham M. R. , Robey H. F. , Shvarts D. , Shimony A. , Raman K. , MacLaren S. , Wan W. C. , Doss F. W. , Kline J. , Flippo K. A. , Malamud G. , Handy T. A. , Prisbrey S. , Krauland C. M. , Klein S. R. , Harding E. C. , Wallace R. , Grosskopf M. J. , Marion D. C. , Kalantar D. , Giraldez E. , Drake R. P.
Published: April 2018

Energy-transport effects can alter the structure that develops as a supernova evolves into a supernova remnant. The Rayleigh–Taylor instability is thought to produce structure at the interface between the stellar ejecta and the circumstellar matter, based on simple models and hydrodynamic simulations. Here we report experimental results from the National Ignition Facility to explore how large energy fluxes, which are present in supernovae, affect this structure. We observed a reduction in Rayleigh–Taylor growth. In analyzing the comparison with supernova SN1993J, a Type II supernova, we found that the energy fluxes produced by heat conduction appear to be larger than the radiative energy fluxes, and large enough to have dramatic consequences. No reported astrophysical simulations have included radiation and heat conduction self-consistently in modeling supernova remnants and these dynamics should be noted in the understanding of young supernova remnants.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Pellino2 mediates priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Humphries Fiachra , Bergin Ronan , Jackson Ruaidhri , Delagic Nezira , Wang Bingwei , Yang Shuo , Dubois Alice V. , Ingram Rebecca J. , Moynagh Paul N.
Published: April 2018

The NLRP3 inflammasome has an important function in inflammation by promoting the processing of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 to their mature bioactive forms, and by inducing cell death via pyroptosis. Here we show a critical function of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Pellino2 in facilitating activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Pellino2-deficient mice and myeloid cells have impaired activation of NLRP3 in response to toll-like receptor priming, NLRP3 stimuli and bacterial challenge. These functions of Pellino2 in the NLRP3 pathway are dependent on Pellino2 FHA and RING-like domains, with Pellino2 promoting the ubiquitination of NLRP3 during the priming phase of activation. We also identify a negative function of IRAK1 in the NLRP3 inflammasome, and describe a counter-regulatory relationship between IRAK1 and Pellino2. Our findings reveal a Pellino2-mediated regulatory signaling system that controls activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Author Correction: Harmonic phase in polar liquids and spin ice
Authors: Bramwell Steven T.
Published: April 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the third sentence of the penultimate paragraph of the ‘Definition of the harmonic phase’ section of the Results, which incorrectly read ‘In the Coulomb phase the tensor S
αβ
(q) has one zero and two degenerate eigenvalues and it may be represented by an infinitely thin disc of radius 3/2 with its axis parallel to q.’ The correct version states ‘$$\sqrt {3/2}$$

3
∕
2

’ in place of ‘3/2.’

Similarly, the second sentence in the legend of Fig. 3 originally incorrectly read ‘In the Coulomb phase it is an infinitely thin disc with radius 3/2, but in the harmonic phase it becomes an oblate spheroid, that evolves from the disc in the low-temperature limit towards a unit sphere at high temperature (disc and example spheroid shown overlaid together).’ The correct version states ‘ $$\sqrt {3/2}$$

3
∕
2

’ instead of ‘3/2’.

This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Stereoselective photoredox ring-opening polymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides
Authors: Feng Quanyou , Yang Lei , Zhong Yongliang , Guo Dong , Liu Guoliang , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei , Tong Rong
Published: April 2018

Biodegradable polyesters with various tacticities have been synthesized by means of stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of racemic lactide and β-lactones but with limited side-chain groups. However, stereoselective synthesis of functional polyesters remains challenging from O-carboxyanhydrides that have abundant pendant side-chain functional groups. Herein we report a powerful strategy to synthesize stereoblock polyesters by stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of racemic O-carboxyanhydrides with the use of photoredox Ni/Ir catalysts and a selected Zn complex with an achiral ligand. The obtained stereoblock copolymers are highly isotactic with high molecular weights ( > 70 kDa) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 1.1), and they display distinct melting temperatures that are similar to their stereocomplex counterparts. Furthermore, in one-pot photoredox copolymerization of two different O-carboxyanhydrides, the use of such Zn complex mediates kinetic resolution of the comonomers during enchainment and shows a chirality preference that allows for the synthesis of gradient copolymers.
Culturing of female bladder bacteria reveals an interconnected urogenital microbiota
Authors: Thomas-White Krystal , Forster Samuel C. , Kumar Nitin , Van Kuiken Michelle , Putonti Catherine , Stares Mark D. , Hilt Evann E. , Price Travis K. , Wolfe Alan J. , Lawley Trevor D.
Published: April 2018

Metagenomic analyses have indicated that the female bladder harbors an indigenous microbiota. However, there are few cultured reference strains with sequenced genomes available for functional and experimental analyses. Here we isolate and genome-sequence 149 bacterial strains from catheterized urine of 77 women. This culture collection spans 78 species, representing approximately two thirds of the bacterial diversity within the sampled bladders, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Detailed genomic and functional comparison of the bladder microbiota to the gastrointestinal and vaginal microbiotas demonstrates similar vaginal and bladder microbiota, with functional capacities that are distinct from those observed in the gastrointestinal microbiota. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis of bacterial strains isolated from the vagina and bladder in the same women identifies highly similar Escherichia coli, Streptococcus anginosus, Lactobacillus iners, and Lactobacillus crispatus, suggesting an interlinked female urogenital microbiota that is not only limited to pathogens but is also characteristic of health-associated commensals.
Author Correction: Procalcitonin Guiding Antimicrobial Therapy Duration in Febrile Cancer Patients with Documented Infection or Neutropenia
Authors: El Haddad Hanine , Chaftari Anne-Marie , Hachem Ray , Michael Majd , Jiang Ying , Yousif Ammar , Raad Sammy , Jordan Mary , Chaftari Patrick , Raad Issam
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Oriented Polyaniline Nanowire Arrays Grown on Dendrimer (PAMAM) Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Jin Lin , Jiang Yu , Zhang Mengjie , Li Honglong , Xiao Linghan , Li Ming , Ao Yuhui
Published: April 2018

At present, PANI/MWNT composites have been paid more attention as promising electrode materials in supercapacitors. Yet some shortcomings still limit the widely application of PANI/MWNT electrolytes. In this work, in order to improve capacitance ability and long-term stability of electrode, a multi-amino dendrimer (PAMAM) had been covalently linked onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) as a bridge to facilitating covalent graft of polyaniline (PANI), affording P-MWNT/PANI electrode composites for supercapacitor. Surprisingly, ordered arrays of PANI nanowires on MWNT (setaria-like morphology) had been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical properties of P-MWNT/PANI electrode had been characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge technique. The specific capacitance and long cycle life of P-MWNT-PANI electrode material were both much higher than MWNT/PANI. These interesting results indicate that multi-amino dendrimer, PAMAM, covalently linked on MWNT provides more reaction sites for in-situ polymerization of ordered PANI, which could efficiently shorten the ion diffusion length in electrolytes and lead to making fully use of conducting materials.
In vitro Cortical Network Firing is Homeostatically Regulated: A Model for Sleep Regulation
Authors: Saberi-Moghadam Sohrab , Simi Alessandro , Setareh Hesam , Mikhail Cyril , Tafti Mehdi
Published: April 2018

Prolonged wakefulness leads to a homeostatic response manifested in increased amplitude and number of electroencephalogram (EEG) slow waves during recovery sleep. Cortical networks show a slow oscillation when the excitatory inputs are reduced (during slow wave sleep, anesthesia), or absent (in vitro preparations). It was recently shown that a homeostatic response to electrical stimulation can be induced in cortical cultures. Here we used cortical cultures grown on microelectrode arrays and stimulated them with a cocktail of waking neuromodulators. We found that recovery from stimulation resulted in a dose-dependent homeostatic response. Specifically, the inter-burst intervals decreased, the burst duration increased, the network showed higher cross-correlation and strong phasic synchronized burst activity. Spectral power below <1.75 Hz significantly increased and the increase was related to steeper slopes of bursts. Computer simulation suggested that a small number of clustered neurons could potently drive the behavior of the network both at baseline and during recovery. Thus, this in vitro model appears valuable for dissecting network mechanisms of sleep homeostasis.
Distinct magnetic field dependence of Néel skyrmion sizes in ultrathin nanodots
Authors: Tejo F. , Riveros A. , Escrig J. , Guslienko K. Y. , Chubykalo-Fesenko O.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the dependence of the Néel skyrmion size and stability on perpendicular magnetic field in ultrathin circular magnetic dots with out-of-plane anisotropy and interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya exchange interaction. Our results show the existence of two distinct dependencies of the skyrmion radius on the applied field and dot size. In the case of skyrmions stable at zero field, their radius strongly increases with the field applied parallel to the skyrmion core until skyrmion reaches the metastability region and this dependence slows down. More common metastable skyrmions demonstrate a weaker increase of their size as a function of the field until some critical field value at which these skyrmions drastically increase in size showing a hysteretic behavior with coexistence of small and large radius skyrmions and small energy barriers between them. The first case is also characterized by a strong dependence of the skyrmion radius on the dot diameter, while in the second case this dependence is very weak.
Emergence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium at an Australian Hospital: A Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Leong Kelvin W. C. , Cooley Louise A. , Anderson Tara L. , Gautam Sanjay S. , McEwan Belinda , Wells Anne , Wilson Fiona , Hughson Lucy , O’Toole Ronan F.
Published: April 2018

In 2015, a marked increase in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) isolation was detected at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Australia. The primary objective of this work was to examine the dynamics of VREfm transmission using whole genome data mapped to public health surveillance information. Screening and clinical isolates of VREfm from patients were typed for the specific vancomycin-resistance locus present. Of total isolates collected from 2014–2016 (n = 222), 15.3% and 84.7% harboured either the vanA or the vanB vancomycin-resistance locus, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing of 80 isolates was performed in conjunction with single-nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) analysis and in silico multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Among the isolates sequenced, 5 phylogenetic clades were identified. The largest vanB clade belonged to MLST sequence type ST796 and contained clinical isolates from VREfm infections that clustered closely with isolates from colonised patients. Correlation of VREfm genotypes with spatio-temporal patient movements detected potential points of transmission within the hospital. ST80 emerged as the major vanA sequence type for which the most likely index case of a patient cluster was ascertained from SNP analyses. This work has identified the dominant clones associated with increased VREfm prevalence in a healthcare setting, and their likely direction of transmission.
Analysis of population structures of the microalga Acutodesmus obliquus during lipid production using multi-dimensional single-cell analysis
Authors: Sandmann Michael , Schafberg Michaela , Lippold Martin , Rohn Sascha
Published: April 2018

Microalgae bear a great potential to produce lipids for biodiesel, feed, or even food applications. To understand the still not well-known single-cell dynamics during lipid production in microalgae, a novel single-cell analytical technology was applied to study a well-established model experiment. Multidimensional single-cell dynamics were investigated with a non-supervised image analysis technique that utilizes data from epi-fluorescence microscopy. Reliability of this technique was successfully proven via reference analysis. The technique developed was used to determine cell size, chlorophyll amount, neutral lipid amount, and deriving properties on a single-cellular level in cultures of the biotechnologically promising alga Acutodesmus obliquus. The results illustrated a high correlation between cell size and chlorophyll amount, but a very low and dynamic correlation between cell size, lipid amount, and lipid density. During growth conditions under nitrogen starvation, cells with low chlorophyll content tend to start the lipid production first and the cell suspension differentiated in two subpopulations with significantly different lipid contents. Such quantitative characterization of single-cell dynamics of lipid synthesizing algae was done for the first time and the potential of such simple technology is highly relevant to other biotechnological applications and to deeper investigate the process of microalgal lipid accumulation.
Discordance in glycemic categories and regression to normality at baseline in 10,000 people in a Type 2 diabetes prevention trial
Authors: Sampson Mike , Elwell-Sutton Tim , Bachmann Max O. , Clark Allan , Dhatariya Ketan K. , Ferns Clare , Howe Amanda , John W. Garry , Rayman Gerry , Swafe Leyla , Turner Jeremy , Pascale Melanie
Published: April 2018

The world diabetes population quadrupled between 1980 and 2014 to 422 million and the enormous impact of Type 2 diabetes is recognised by the recent creation of national Type 2 diabetes prevention programmes. There is uncertainty about how to correctly risk stratify people for entry into prevention programmes, how combinations of multiple ‘at high risk’ glycemic categories predict outcome, and how the large recently defined ‘at risk’ population based on an elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) should be managed. We identified all 141,973 people at highest risk of diabetes in our population, and screened 10,000 of these with paired fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c for randomisation into a very large Type 2 diabetes prevention trial. Baseline discordance rate between highest risk categories was 45.6%, and 21.3–37.0% of highest risk glycaemic categories regressed to normality between paired baseline measurements (median 40 days apart). Accurate risk stratification using both fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c data, the use of paired baseline data, and awareness of diagnostic imprecision at diagnostic thresholds would avoid substantial overestimation of the true risk of Type 2 diabetes and the potential benefits (or otherwise) of intervention, in high risk subjects entering prevention trials and programmes.
Ultrasound-Activated Piezoelectric Nanoparticles Inhibit Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Marino Attilio , Battaglini Matteo , De Pasquale Daniele , Degl’Innocenti Andrea , Ciofani Gianni
Published: April 2018

A nanotechnology-based approach for the inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation is proposed. The innovative solution consists in a platform based on biocompatible piezoelectric nanoparticles able to target and remotely stimulate HER2-positive breast cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effects of the ultrasound-driven piezoelectric nanoparticle-assisted stimulation significantly reduced the proliferation by inducing the cell cycle arrest. Similarly to a low-intensity alternating electric field, chronic piezoelectric stimulation resulted able to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by upregulating the expression of the gene encoding Kir3.2 inward rectifier potassium channels, by interfering on Ca2+ homeostasis, and by affecting the organization of mitotic spindles during mitosis. The proposed platform, even if specific for HER2-positive cells, shows huge potential and versatility for the treatment of different type of cancers.
Empowering the digital therapeutic relationship: virtual clinics for digital health interventions
Authors: Torous John , Hsin Honor
Published: April 2018

As “digital phenotyping” and monitoring technologies begin to unleash the potential of data insights for mental health care, we propose here a complementary concept of the “digital therapeutic relationship” to unleash the power of the patient-provider alliance in clinical care. In millions of clinics today, care decisions are made on a daily basis in the context of a relationship honed through professional training to be respectful, protective, and empowering of patients. Now as clinical care evolves toward online and especially mobile platforms, it is critical to not ignore the digital therapeutic relationship and instead to realize that supporting it will require new and innovative means of care delivery. Here, we propose that technology can be harnessed to facilitate, augment, and expand these relationships directly, and identify virtual clinics as the currently missing but necessary environment to unleash the true potential of digital medicine.
Porous amorphous silicon film anodes for high-capacity and stable all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Sakabe Junichi , Ohta Narumi , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Mitsuishi Kazutaka , Takada Kazunori
Published: April 2018

Owing to its high theoretical capacity of ~4200 mAh g−1 and low electrode potential (<0.35 V vs. Li+/Li), utilising silicon as anode material can boost the energy density of rechargeable lithium batteries. Nevertheless, the volume change (~300%) in silicon during lithiation/delithiation makes stable cycling challenging. Since some of the capacity fading mechanisms do not function in solid electrolytes, silicon anodes exhibit better cycling performance in solid electrolytes than liquids. Nonetheless, capacity can fade rapidly because of the difficulties in maintaining mechanical integrity in thick/bulky electrodes, especially when high active material loading is employed to deliver practically useful areal capacity. By contrast, silicon nanostructures can relieve deformation-induced stress and enhance cycling performance. Here we report enhanced cycling performances achieved using nanostructured silicon films and inorganic solid electrolyte and show that amorphous porous silicon films maintain high capacity upon cycling (2962 mAh g−1 and 2.19 mAh cm−2 after 100 cycles).
Laser-induced surface deformation microscope for the study of the dynamic viscoelasticity of plasma membrane in a living cell
Authors: Morisaku Toshinori , Yui Hiroharu
Published: April 2018

A laser-induced surface deformation microscope is developed and applied to dynamic viscoelastic measurements on the plasma membrane in a cell.
Flexible proton-responsive ligand-based Mn(i) complexes for CO2 hydrogenation: a DFT study
Authors: Rawat Kuber Singh , Pathak Biswarup
Published: April 2018

Significance of a flexible proton responsive ligand to the dihydrogen (H⋯H) bond for CO2 hydrogenation.
High-throughput countercurrent microextraction in passive mode
Authors: Xie Tingliang , Xu Cong
Published: April 2018

A robust and passive countercurrent microextraction system with high throughputs was established.
Synthesis of submillimeter SnSexS2−x (0 < x < 1) two-dimensional alloy and photoinduced reversible transformation between Schottky and Ohmic contact behaviors in devices
Authors: Li Yongtao , Xiao Wenbo , Chen Guangfu , Dong Huafeng , Wang Xiaoting , Feng Tiantian , Huang Le , Li Jingbo
Published: April 2018

Large-area SnSexS2−x single crystals were synthesized via CVD technique. Reversible switching between Schottky and Ohmic contact manner was achieved by the OFF/ON states of incident light.
Intracellular endogenous glutathione detection and imaging by a simple and sensitive spectroscopic off–on probe
Authors: Zhou Hui , Tang Jinbao , Lv Lulu , Sun Na , Zhang Jie , Chen Bochao , Mao Jing , Zhang Weifen , Zhang Jian , Zhou Jin
Published: April 2018

A new colorimetric and fluorescent off–on probe is constructed, synthesized and applied to indicate fluctuations in intracellular GSH levels selectively and sensitively under the stimulation of chemicals and drugs.
Computational screening of a single transition metal atom supported on the C2N monolayer for electrochemical ammonia synthesis
Authors: Wang Zhongxu , Yu Zhigang , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: April 2018

The single Mo atom supported by C2N layer is an effective electrocatalyst for NH3synthesis from N2.
Usefulness of ionic liquids as mobile phase modifiers in HPLC-CV-AFS for mercury speciation analysis in food
Authors: Castro Grijalba Alexander , Quintas Pamela Y. , Fiorentini Emiliano F. , Wuilloud Rodolfo G.
Published: April 2018

Efficient Hg speciation analysis in different food samples was achieved with ionic liquids as mobile phase modifiers in HPLC-CV-AFS.
Solar UV index and UV dose determination with photochromic hackmanites: from the assessment of the fundamental properties to the device
Authors: Norrbo Isabella , Curutchet Antton , Kuusisto Ari , Mäkelä Jaakko , Laukkanen Pekka , Paturi Petriina , Laihinen Tero , Sinkkonen Jari , Wetterskog Erik , Mamedov Fikret , Le Bahers Tangui , Lastusaari Mika
Published: April 2018

The activation energy of nature-inspired hackmanites was tuned, adapting this material for UV detection.
NBS/DMSO-mediated synthesis of (2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]oxathiin-3-yl)methanols from aryloxymethylthiiranes
Authors: Dong Jun , Xu Jiaxi
Published: April 2018

(2,3-Dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]oxathiin-3-yl)methanols are synthesized from aryloxymethylthiiranes via NBS-mediated aromatic electrophilic substitution, DMSO nucleophilic ring-opening, and water displacement.
Microfluidic synthesis of uniform single-crystalline MOF microcubes with a hierarchical porous structure
Authors: Cui Jiecheng , Gao Ning , Yin Xianpeng , Zhang Wanlin , Liang Yun , Tian Li , Zhou Kang , Wang Shiqiang , Li Guangtao
Published: April 2018

A microfluidic evaporation approach for large-scale synthesis of uniform hierarchically pore-structured single crystalline HKUST-1 microcubes was developed.
Inhibition of drug-induced seizure development in both zebrafish and mouse models by a synthetic nanoreceptor
Authors: Huang Qiaoxian , Kuok Kit Ieng , Zhang Xiangjun , Yue Ludan , Lee Simon M. Y. , Zhang Jianxiang , Wang Ruibing
Published: April 2018

Cucurbit[7]uril inhibited the seizure-inducing neurotoxicity of a chemical on both zebrafish and mice, suggesting its significant clinical potential in toxicity-modulation.
Synthesis of 3-aryl-3-benzazepines via aryne [1,2] Stevens rearrangement of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Pan Xuan , Liu Zhanzhu
Published: April 2018

An efficient method for the synthesis of 3-aryl-3-benzazepines via aryne induced [1,2] Stevens rearrangement of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines is described.
Graftable SCoMPIs enable the labeling and X-ray fluorescence imaging of proteins
Authors: Hostachy Sarah , Masuda Marie , Miki Takayuki , Hamachi Itaru , Sagan Sandrine , Lequin Olivier , Medjoubi Kadda , Somogyi Andrea , Delsuc Nicolas , Policar Clotilde
Published: April 2018

Sensitive detection of proteins by X-ray fluorescence microspectroscopy using the Re core of a single core multimodal probe for imaging.
3D printing multifunctional fluorinated nanocomposites: tuning electroactivity, rheology and chemical reactivity
Authors: Bencomo Jose A. , Iacono Scott T. , McCollum Jena
Published: April 2018

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was added to aluminum/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (Al/PVDF) energetic blends to enhance melt flow rate and adhesion in a fused deposition modeling (FDM) manufacturing scenario.
A K2Fe4O7 superionic conductor for all-solid-state potassium metal batteries
Authors: Yuan Hongming , Li He , Zhang Tingsong , Li Guanghua , He Tianmin , Du Fei , Feng Shouhua
Published: April 2018

Potassium ferrite exhibits super-high ionic conductivity for all-solid-state potassium metal batteries.
ZnO nanosheets with atomically thin ZnS overlayers for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhou Yu-Zhu , Wu De-Yao , Liu Xiao-Hua , Zhang Rui , Liu Hui , Dong Cun-Ku , Yang Jing , Kulinich Sergei A. , Du Xi-Wen
Published: April 2018

ZnO nanosheets with atomically thin ZnS overlayers were engineered for highly-efficient water splitting, and the ZnS/ZnO/ZnS sandwich nanostructure demonstrates intensive light absorption, fast charge separation, long electron lifetime, and eventually the highest hydrogen production rate reported for oxide catalysts so far.
Flexible cellulose nanopaper with high wet tensile strength, high toughness and tunable ultraviolet blocking ability fabricated from tobacco stalk via a sustainable method
Authors: Wang Qingbo , Du Haishun , Zhang Fang , Zhang Yuedong , Wu Meiyan , Yu Guang , Liu Chao , Li Bin , Peng Hui
Published: April 2018

Retaining residual lignin in nanopaper leads to UV-blocking ability and significantly improves mechanical performance, especially the toughness and wet strength.
Gradient substitution: an intrinsic strategy towards high performance sodium storage in Prussian blue-based cathodes
Authors: Wang Baoqi , Han Yu , Chen Yuting , Xu Yanjun , Pan Hongge , Sun Wenping , Liu Shuangyu , Yan Mi , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: April 2018

Prussian blue with gradient nickel substitution exhibits high capacity and cycle stability as a cathode for sodium ion batteries.
Probing theQiof traditional Chinese herbal medicines by the biological synthesis of nano-Au
Authors: Fei Xiang , Yao Qiaofeng , Xie Jianping , Lee Jim Yang
Published: April 2018

TheQiproperties of traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) are the primary proxy of their therapeutic effects. Here, theQiproperties are indexed by biological synthesis features of nano-Au in TCHM extract.
Frequency support in a micro‐grid using virtual synchronous generator based charging station
Authors: Dhingra Karanveer , Singh Mukesh
Published: April 2018

This study focuses on the role of electric vehicle (EV) charging station (CS) to support the frequency of the islanded micro‐grid (MG). Frequency deviation is a common issue in islanded MGs due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RES). This issue can be minimised by providing the inertia to the system. However, RES have low or no rotational mass and therefore, they are not able to provide the inertia to the system. In this study, the concept of virtual synchronous generator (VSG) mechanism using a CS is proposed to provide the inertia to the system, where a fleet of EVs parked in CS acts as an energy storage system for MG. Simulations have been performed in Matlab Simulink on the data taken from the MG on the island Kythnos in Greece. Case studies have been carried out to verify the frequency support of MG using VSG mechanism. In these case studies, irradiation level of the photovoltaic array and load of the MG system have been changed arbitrarily to induce the power mismatch in the system. Through simulation results, it has been verified that the frequency of the system can be supported by the bidirectional flow of power between the CS and MG using VSG control mechanism.