bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ABD on the nascent polypeptide and PH domain are required for the precise Anillin localization in Drosophila syncytial blastoderm
Authors: Hirashima Tomoki , Tanaka Ryo , Yamaguchi Masamitsu , Yoshida Hideki
Published: August 2018

Targeting proteins to regions where they are required is essential for proper development of organisms. For achievement of this, subcellular mRNA localization is one of the critical mechanisms. Subcellular mRNA localization is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon from E. coli to human and contributes to limiting the regions at which its products function and efficiently supplies substrates for protein translation. During early Drosophila embryogenesis, while 71% of the 3370 mRNAs analyzed have shown prominent subcellular localization, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here, we reveal that anillin mRNA, one of the localized mRNAs in early Drosophila embryo, localizes to the tip of the pseudo-cleavage furrow in the Drosophila syncytial blastoderm using in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry. Localization analyses with transgenic fly lines carrying a series of deletion mRNAs indicate that this localization is dependent on its own nascent polypeptides including the actin binding domain (ABD). In addition to the mRNA localization, it is revealed that the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of Anillin protein is also required for its proper localization. Thus, we indicate that the precise localization of Anillin protein is tightly regulated by the ABD on the nascent polypeptide and PH domain in the Drosophila syncytial blastoderm.
Histone deacetylase-mediated regulation of the antimicrobial peptide hBD2 differs in intestinal cell lines and cultured tissue
Authors: Stebe-Frick Sabrina , Ostaff Maureen J. , Stange Eduard F. , Malek Nisar P. , Wehkamp Jan
Published: August 2018

Histone deacetylase inhibition (HDACi) has been suggested as a promising approach to bolster TLR-mediated induction of antimicrobial peptides such as human β-defensin 2 (hBD2). In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease (CD) patients display an attenuated expression of hBD2 as compared to ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we aimed to study if combining HDACi with the therapeutic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), a strong hBD2 inducer, might be a feasible strategy to further modify protective immune responses. Monolayer epithelial cell lines versus cultured human biopsies from healthy controls and CD and UC patients showed diverse effects. In mono-cell systems, we observed a strong NF-kB-dependent enhancement of TLR- but also IL1β-mediated hBD2 induction after HDACi. In contrast, multicellular colonic biopsy culture showed the opposite result and HDACi was associated with an abolished TLR-mediated hBD2 induction in all tested patient groups. Of note, CD patients showed an attenuated induction of hBD2 by E. coli Nissle as compared to UC. We conclude that the role of HDACs in hBD2 regulation is context-dependent and likely modified by different cell types. Differential induction in different IBD entities suggests different clinical response patterns based on still unknown hBD2-associated mechanisms.
Solvent-Antisolvent Ambient Processed Large Grain Size Perovskite Thin Films for High-Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Gedamu Dawit , Asuo Ivy M. , Benetti Daniele , Basti Matteo , Ka Ibrahima , Cloutier Sylvain G. , Rosei Federico , Nechache Riad
Published: August 2018

In recent years, hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites have been widely studied for the low-cost fabrication of a wide range of optoelectronic devices, including impressive perovskite-based solar cells. Amongst the key factors influencing the performance of these devices, recent efforts have focused on tailoring the granularity and microstructure of the perovskite films. Albeit, a cost-effective technique allowing to carefully control their microstructure in ambient environmental conditions has not been realized. We report on a solvent-antisolvent ambient processed CH3NH3PbI3−xClx based thin films using a simple and robust solvent engineering technique to achieve large grains (>5 µm) having excellent crystalline quality and surface coverage with very low pinhole density. Using optimized treatment (75% chlorobenzene and 25% ethanol), we achieve highly-compact perovskite films with 99.97% surface coverage to produce solar cells with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up-to 14.0%. In these planar solar cells, we find that the density and size of the pinholes are the dominant factors that affect their overall performances. This work provides a promising solvent treatment technique in ambient conditions and paves the way for further optimization of large area thin films and high performance perovskite solar cells.
Decreased Gray Matter Volume of Cuneus and Lingual Gyrus in Schizophrenia Patients with Tardive Dyskinesia is Associated with Abnormal Involuntary Movement
Authors: Yu Ting , Li Yanli , Fan Fengmei , Cao Hongbao , Luo Xingguang , Tan Shuping , Yang Fude , Zhang Xiangyang , Shugart Yin Yao , Hong L. Elliot , Li Chiang-Shan R. , Tan Yunlong
Published: August 2018

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a devastating motor disorder associated with the etiological process of schizophrenia or antipsychotic medication treatments. To examine whether cerebral morphological changes may manifest in TD, we used voxel-based morphometry to analyze high-resolution T1-weighted brain structural magnetic resonance images from 32 schizophrenics with TD (TD group), 31 schizophrenics without TD (non-TD group), and 32 healthy controls (HC group). We also assessed psychopathological symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and TD severity with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). We compared gray matter volumes (GMVs) among groups, and tested for correlations between GMV changes and psychopathological symptoms or TD severity. The results showed significant differences in GMV in the frontal and temporal cortices, insula and cerebellum among the three groups. Brainstem and inferior frontal and precentral gyri GMVs were significantly larger, whereas cuneus and lingual gyrus GMVs were significantly smaller in the TD group as compared to non-TD group. Further, the cuneus and lingual gyrus GMVs were positively correlated with AIMS scores in the TD group. The current results suggest that TD may be associated with the alterations in GMV that are different from that of schizophrenics without TD. Further studies are needed to confirm and to examine the functional significance of these structural findings.
Antrodia cinnamomea boosts the anti-tumor activity of sorafenib in xenograft models of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Wei-De , Chen Pin-Shern , Omar Hany A. , Arafa El-Shaimaa A. , Pan Hung-Wei , Jeng Jingyueh , Hung Jui-Hsiang
Published: August 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been recognized worldwide as one of the major causes of cancer death. The medicinal fungus Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea) has been served as a functional food for liver protection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential activity of A. cinnamomea extracts as a safe booster for the anticancer activity of sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of HCC. The biologically active triterpenoids in the ethanolic extracts of A. cinnamomea (EAC) were initially identified by HPLC/LC/MS then the different extracts and sorafenib were assessed in vitro and in vivo. EAC could effectively sensitize HCC cells to low doses of sorafenib, which was perceived via the ability of the combination to repress cell viability and to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cells. The ability of EAC to enhance sorafenib activity was mediated through targeting mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, modulating cyclin proteins expression and inhibiting cancer cell invasion. Moreover, the proposed combination significantly suppressed ectopic tumor growth in mice with high safety margins compared to single-agent treatment. Thus, this study highlights the advantage of combining EAC with sorafenib as a potential adjuvant therapeutic strategy against HCC.
B2 microglobulin is a novel prognostic marker of Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Shang Yufeng , Fu Xiaorui , Chang Yu , Li Yanan , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: August 2018

The aim of the present study was to analyze features and explore parameters that can help to predict prognosis for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). A total of 117 patients with AITL were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed that β2 microglobulin (β2-M) ≥4.0 mg/L (P = 0.020), rash/pruritus (P = 0.004), performance status (PS) ≥2 (P = 0.006), age >60 years (P = 0.006) and extranodal sites (ENSs) >1 (P = 0.029) were independent risk factors for OS. Rash/pruritus (P = 0.007), age >60 years (P = 0.035) and ENSs >1 (P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for PFS. A novel prognostic model consisting of β2-M, rash/pruritus, PS, age and ENSs >1 was constructed. The model classified patients into 3 risk stratifications: low risk (0 or 1 factor), intermediate risk (2 factors), high risk (≥3 factors) and significantly stratified patients with AITL (P < 0.001). In conclusion, except for PS ≥2, age >60 years and ENSs >1 used in IPI, β2-M and rash/pruritus also indicated adverse prognosis. That we constructed model was commendably prognostic for OS and PFS.
Efficient derivation of sympathetic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells with a defined condition
Authors: Kirino Kosuke , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Taguchi Tomoaki , Saito Megumu K.
Published: August 2018

Sympathetic neurons (SNs) are an essential component of the autonomic nervous system. They control vital bodily functions and are responsible for various autonomic disorders. However, obtaining SNs from living humans for in vitro study has not been accomplished. Although human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived SNs could be useful for elucidating the pathophysiology of human autonomic neurons, the differentiation efficiency remains low and reporter-based cell sorting is usually required for the subsequent pathophysiological analysis. To improve the efficiency, we refined each differentiation stage using PHOX2B::eGFP reporter hPSC lines to establish a robust and efficient protocol to derive functional SNs via neuromesodermal progenitor-like cells and trunk neural crest cells. Sympathetic neuronal progenitors could be expanded and stocked during differentiation. Our protocol can selectively enrich sympathetic lineage-committed cells at high-purity (≈80%) from reporter-free hPSC lines. Our system provides a platform for diverse applications, such as developmental studies and the modeling of SN-associated diseases.
A Survival Metadata Analysis Responsive Tool (SMART) for web-based analysis of patient survival and risk
Authors: Chu Yuan-Chia , Kuo Wen-Tsung , Cheng Yuan-Ren , Lee Chung-Yuan , Shiau Cheng-Ying , Tarng Der-Cherng , Lai Feipei
Published: August 2018

Health information systems contain extensive amounts of patient data. Information relevant to public health and individuals’ medical histories are both available. In clinical research, the prediction of patient survival rates and identification of prognosis factors are major challenges. To alleviate the difficulties related to these factors, Metadata Utilities was developed to help researchers manage column definitions and information such as import/query/generator Metadata files. These utilities also include an automatic update mechanism to ensure consistency between the data and parameters of the batch produced in the conversion procedure. Survival Metadata Analysis Responsive Tool (SMART) provides a comprehensive set of statistical tests that are easy to understand, including support for analyzing nominal variables, ordinal variables, interval variables or ratio variables as means, standard deviations, maximum values, minimum values, and percentages. In this article, the development of a raw data source and transfer mechanism, Extract-Transform-Load (ETL), is described for data cleansing, extraction, transformation and loading. We also built a handy method for data presentation, which can be customized to the trial design. As demonstrated here, SMART is useful for risk-adjusted baseline cohort and randomized controlled trials.
Definitive radiotherapy dose escalation with chemotherapy for treating non-metastatic oesophageal cancer
Authors: Fan Chao-Yueh , Su Yu-Fu , Huang Wen-Yen , Chao Hsing-Lung , Lin Kuen-Tze , Lin Chun-Shu
Published: August 2018

The locoregional failure rate remains high after concurrent chemoradiotherapy with standard-dose radiotherapy (RT, 50–50.4 Gy) for oesophageal cancer (EC). This retrospective study evaluated whether RT dose escalation was effective among 115 consecutive patients with non-metastatic EC (July 2003 to November 2016). Forty-four patients received an RT dose of <66 Gy and 71 patients received ≥66 Gy, with most patients receiving concurrent cisplatin plus fluorouracil. The median follow-up was 12 months for all patients (52 months for 18 surviving patients). The ≥66 Gy group had significantly higher 3-year rates of overall survival (17.9% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.026) and local progression-free survival (46.1% vs. 72.1%, p = 0.005), but not disease progression-free survival (11.4% vs. 21.9%, p = 0.059) and distant metastasis-free survival (49% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.852). The ≥66 Gy group also had significantly better 5-year overall survival compared with 41.4–65.9 Gy. The only significant difference in treatment-related toxicities involved acute dermatitis (7% vs. 28%, p = 0.009). Inferior overall survival was associated with poor performance status, clinical N2–3 stage and not receiving maintenance chemotherapy. In conclusion, patients with inoperable EC experienced better survival outcomes and acceptable toxicities if they received higher dose RT (≥66 Gy) rather than lower dose RT (<66 Gy).
Specific Alterations in Astrocyte Properties via the GluA2-GAPDH Complex Associated with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lee Frankie H. F. , Zhang Hailong , Jiang Anlong , Zai Clement C. , Liu Fang
Published: August 2018

There is strong evidence indicating neuroinflammation is an important mediator in multiple sclerosis (MS), with astrogliosis playing a significant role in this process. Surprisingly, astrocytes exert paradoxical roles during disease development, but the mechanisms remain unknown. Previously, we have reported that administering an interfering peptide (GluA2-G-Gpep) which specifically disrupts the GluA2-GAPDH interaction rescued neurological symptoms in the EAE mouse model of MS. In this study, we validated that the GluA2-GAPDH complex was elevated in LPS-induced primary reactive astrocytes, and GluA2-G-Gpep treatment significantly reduced GFAP expression levels in both EAE mice and reactive astrocytes. Further in vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that GluA2-G-Gpep administration normalized EAAT1 and EAAT2 expression, rescued compromised blood-brain barrier integrity via AQP4, promoted actin reorganization and changed mitochondrial dynamics. These alterations may partially be explained by changes in the nuclear GAPDH and p53 transcription pathways. Our findings provide critical implications for understanding the astrocyte properties regulated by GluA2-GAPDH associated with MS, and insights for novel treatment options targeting at astrocytes.
Metabolic reprogramming of stromal fibroblasts by melanoma exosome microRNA favours a pre-metastatic microenvironment
Authors: Shu Shin La , Yang Yunchen , Allen Cheryl L. , Maguire Orla , Minderman Hans , Sen Arindam , Ciesielski Michael J. , Collins Katherine A. , Bush Peter J. , Singh Prashant , Wang Xue , Morgan Martin , Qu Jun , Bankert Richard B. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Wu Yun , Ernstoff Marc S.
Published: August 2018

Local acidification of stroma is proposed to favour pre-metastatic niche formation but the mechanism of initiation is unclear. We investigated whether Human Melanoma-derived exosomes (HMEX) could reprogram human adult dermal fibroblasts (HADF) and cause extracellular acidification. HMEX were isolated from supernatants of six melanoma cell lines (3 BRAF V600E mutant cell lines and 3 BRAF wild-type cell lines) using ultracentrifugation or Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Rapid uptake of exosomes by HADF was demonstrated following 18 hours co-incubation. Exposure of HDAF to HMEX leads to an increase in aerobic glycolysis and decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in HADF, consequently increasing extracellular acidification. Using a novel immuno-biochip, exosomal miR-155 and miR-210 were detected in HMEX. These miRNAs were present in HMEX from all six melanoma cell lines and were instrumental in promoting glycolysis and inhibiting OXPHOS in tumour cells. Inhibition of miR-155 and miR-210 activity by transfection of miRNA inhibitors into HMEX reversed the exosome-induced metabolic reprogramming of HADF. The data indicate that melanoma-derived exosomes modulate stromal cell metabolism and may contribute to the creation of a pre-metastatic niche that promotes the development of metastasis.
MgO-based Intermediate-temperature CO2 Adsorbents
Authors: Gao Wanlin , Sun Luyi , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2018

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture using solid adsorbents at intermediate temperatures has been recognized as a promising technology, enjoying a high level of utilization in integrated gasification combined cycles (IGCC)-related processes. Solid adsorbents have attracted interest as they can capture CO2 at higher temperatures and can be disposed of with minimal environmental precautions. Among the various solid adsorbents studied, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and magnesium oxides (MgO) have been found to be particularly suitable for CO2 adsorption in the temperature range of 200−400 °C. In recent years, significant advances have been achieved with MgO-based CO2 adsorbents, most notably through the introduction of molten salts. Therefore, we consider it essential to present a timely update on MgO materials for CO2 capture applications. In this chapter, we summarize the great progress made in this short period as well as some important results that have been published in the literature. Finally, the technology in action for current applications and a forecast for future research are briefly discussed.
System and Processes of Pre-combustion Carbon Dioxide Capture and Separation
Authors: Zhu Xuancan , Shi Yixiang , Li Shuang , Cai Ningsheng , Anthony Edward J.
Published: August 2018

In this chapter, the development of H2/CO2 separation technology, including a new CO2 chemical adsorbent, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) reactor model, and the continuous operation of a pilot-scale test system for pre-combustion CO2 capture, are presented. Potassium-promoted Mg–Al layered double oxides (LDOs) are shown to be appropriate candidate adsorbents for elevated temperature (250–450 °C) PSA for pre-combustion H2/CO2 separation. The adsorption heat of CO2 on the surface of LDOs is only 2.5–60.4 kJ mol−1, which is beneficial for achieving isothermal desorption by a pressure swing. Further, methods for enhancing the CO2 capacity and the mechanical strength of adsorbent pellets are introduced. The single- and double-column fixed-bed experiments provided useful results for the development and validation of scalable modeling. The PSA model was built by coupling a non-equilibrium kinetic adsorption model and a column model. The effects of operating parameters on the H2 recovery ratio and CO2 capture ratio were studied. A 4-column pilot-scale elevated temperature PSA (ET-PSA) system was developed with a processing capacity of 4.0–6.6 Nm3 h−1 to determine the feasibility of such a system for industrial application. It achieved 1089 h of accumulated operation and 75 h of continuous operation, maintaining a CO2 removal ratio higher than 91.7%.
Rapid diagnostics of liver steatosis by Raman spectroscopyviafiber optic probe: a pilot study
Authors: Pacia Marta Z. , Czamara Krzysztof , Zebala Magdalena , Kus Edyta , Chlopicki Stefan , Kaczor Agnieszka
Published: August 2018

Raman spectroscopyviafiber optic probes enables assessment of the liver condition and rapid quantification of liver steatosis, thus, this technique has the potential as a diagnostic tool.
Lipid metabolism in inflammation-related diseases
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Wang Ke , Yang Lujie , Liu Ronghua , Chu Yiwei , Qin Xue , Yang Pengyuan , Yu Hongxiu
Published: August 2018

Lipidomics is used to describe the complete lipid profile and network of cellular lipid metabolism. Traditionally, lipids are recognized as general membrane construction and energy storage molecules. Now, lipids are regarded as potent signaling molecules that regulate a multitude of cellular responses.
On-line microchip electrophoresis-mediated preconcentration of cationic compounds utilizing cationic polyacrylamide gels fabricated by in situ photopolymerization
Authors: Yamamoto Sachio , Okada Fuka , Kinoshita Mitsuhiro , Suzuki Shigeo
Published: August 2018

A simple and efficient method was developed for the fabrication of a cationic sample preconcentrator on a channel of a commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microchip.
α-Arylation of alkylamines with sulfonylarenes through a radical chain mechanism
Authors: Ikeda Yuko , Ueno Ryota , Akai Yuto , Shirakawa Eiji
Published: August 2018

A radical chain, conducted by a sulfonyl radical in a homolytic aromatic substitution mechanism, makes it possible to promote α-arylation of alkylamines with sulfonylarenes just by using a substoichiometric amount of a tert-butoxy radical precursor.
The “Wanderlust” of Me3Si groups in rare-earth triple-decker complexes: a combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Lorenz Volker , Liebing Phil , Bathelier Adrien , Engelhardt Felix , Maron Laurent , Hilfert Liane , Busse Sabine , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: August 2018

The migration of Me3Si groups (“Wanderlust”) in rare-earth triple-decker sandwich complexes of the type Ln2(COT′′)3 (COT′′ = bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclooctatetraenyl) has been elucidated by a combined experimental and computational study.
Catalyst-free geminal aminofluorination of ortho-sulfonamide-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes via a Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement
Authors: Fan Xing , Wang Qiang , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: August 2018

A catalyst-free intramolecular geminal aminofluorination of ortho-sulfonamide-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes has been developed to forge fluorinated cyclobuta[b]indoline derivatives. A polycyclic multi-fluorinated byproduct was also formed through a Ritter-type reaction in some cases.
A new electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive assay of a protein based on the dual-signaling electrochemical ratiometric method and DNA walker strategy
Authors: Zhu Caixia , Liu Mengyue , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiaohua , Chen Jinhua
Published: August 2018

Based on the electrochemical ratiometric method and DNA walker strategy, an electrochemical aptasensor has been developed for sensitive assay of thrombin.
The adsorption of alcohols on strained Pt3Ni(111) substrates: a density functional investigation within the D3 van der Waals correction
Authors: Costa-Amaral Rafael , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: August 2018

In this theoretical study, we address the effect of strain and alloying on the adsorption of methanol, ethanol and glycerol on Pt3Ni(111) surfaces.
NMR shielding constants in group 15 trifluorides
Authors: Field-Theodore Terri E. , Olejniczak Małgorzata , Jaszuński Michał , Wilson David J. D.
Published: August 2018

By combining large basis and complete basis set (CBS) extrapolations of the coupled-cluster equilibrium geometry results with rovibrational and relativistic corrections, we demonstrate that it is possible to achieve near-quantitative accuracy for the NMR shielding constants in three group 15 trifluorides – NF3, PF3and AsF3.
Why nature chose the Mn4CaO5 cluster as water-splitting catalyst in photosystem II: a new hypothesis for the mechanism of O–O bond formation
Authors: Zhang Biaobiao , Sun Licheng
Published: August 2018

In this new hypothesis, we propose a complete catalytic cycle involving a charge-rearrangement-induced MnVII–dioxo species on the dangling Mn4 during the S3 → S4 transition. The O–O bond is formed within this MnVII–dioxo site.
Anionic uranyl oxyfluorides as a bifunctional platform for highly selective ion-exchange and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Yue Zenghui , Lin Jian , Silver Mark A. , Han Ling , Li Xiaoyun , Zhou Jing , Guo Xiaojing , Bao Hongliang , Huang Yu-Ying , Wang Jian-Qiang
Published: August 2018

Anionic uranium oxyfluorides with tunable open-volumes were synthesized and they exhibit selective ion-exchange and photocatalytic properties toward methylene blue.
Controlling the lability of uranyl(vi) through intramolecular π–π stacking
Authors: Mashita Takanori , Tsushima Satoru , Takao Koichiro
Published: August 2018

A reaction of UO22+ with cyclohexyldiphenylphosphine oxide (OPCyPh2) in ethanol resulted in a perchlorate salt of the 4-fold homoleptic complex, [UO2(OPCyPh2)4](ClO4)2·EtOH.
N,N′-Methylenebis(N-(1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)nitramide) derivatives as metal-free green primary explosives
Authors: Yu Qiong , Imler Gregory H. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: August 2018

Metal-free green primary explosives with excellent detonation properties and acceptable sensitivities were synthesized and fully characterized.
Synthesis of novel copper-rare earth BINOLate frameworks from a hydrogen bonding DBU-H rare earth BINOLate complex
Authors: Panetti Grace B. , Robinson Jerome R. , Carroll Patrick J. , Gau Michael R. , Manor Brain C. , Walsh Patrick J. , Schelter Eric J.
Published: August 2018

The preparation of a novel H-bonding DBU-H+ BINOLate-lanthanide complex enabled the synthesis of the first copper-Rare Earth Metal BINOLate complex (CuDBU-REMB).
Efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution on atomically dispersed Ni–Nx Species anchored porous carbon with embedded Ni nanoparticles by accelerating water dissociation kinetics
Authors: Lei Chaojun , Wang Yu , Hou Yang , Liu Pan , Yang Jian , Zhang Tao , Zhuang Xiaodong , Chen Mingwei , Yang Bin , Lei Lecheng , Yuan Chris , Qiu Ming , Feng Xinliang
Published: August 2018

Atomically dispersed Ni–Nx species anchored porous carbon matrix with embedded Ni nanoparticles was synthesized for highly efficient hydrogen evolution in alkaline conditions.
Hot slot die coating for additive-free fabrication of high performance roll-to-roll processed polymer solar cells
Authors: Song Seyeong , Lee Kang Taek , Koh Chang Woo , Shin Hyebeom , Gao Mei , Woo Han Young , Vak Doojin , Kim Jin Young
Published: August 2018

High performance flexible polymer solar cells are realized by using the 3D printer-based slot die coating method.
Benign catalysis with zinc: atom-economical and divergent synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles by formal [3 + 2] annulation of isoxazoles with ynol ethers
Authors: Zhu Xin-Qi , Yuan Han , Sun Qing , Zhou Bo , Han Xiao-Qin , Zhang Zhi-Xin , Lu Xin , Ye Long-Wu
Published: August 2018

A zinc-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] annulation of isoxazoles with ynol ethers has been developed, leading to the atom-economical and divergent synthesis of 2-alkoxyl 1H-pyrroles and 3H-pyrroles, respectively.
High-precision Ca isotopic measurement using a large geometry high resolution MC-ICP-MS with a dummy bucket
Authors: Li Ming , Lei Yv , Feng Lanping , Wang Zaicong , Belshaw Nick S. , Hu Zhaochu , Liu Yongsheng , Zhou Lian , Chen Haihong , Chai Xinna
Published: August 2018

High-precision Ca isotopic measurement using a MC-ICP-MS with a dummy bucket.
Electrochemical sensing with single nanoskived gold nanowires bisecting a microchannel
Authors: Oomen Pieter E. , Zhang Yanxi , Chiechi Ryan C. , Verpoorte Elisabeth , Mathwig Klaus
Published: August 2018

We suspended a single nanoskived gold nanowire in a microfluidic channel, and used it as an electrode to perform hydrodynamic voltammetry.
Multi-directional electrodeposited gold nanospikes for antibacterial surface applications
Authors: Elbourne Aaron , Coyle Victoria E. , Truong Vi Khanh , Sabri Ylias M. , Kandjani Ahmad E. , Bhargava Suresh K. , Ivanova Elena P. , Crawford Russell J.
Published: August 2018

Bactericidal interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells with multi-directional gold nanospikes.
Thermodynamic, structural, and dynamical properties of nano-confined water using SPC/E and TIP4P models by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Jalalitalab Elham , Abbaspour Mohsen , Akbarzadeh Hamed
Published: August 2018

Different morphologies of water molecules are confined between two parallel graphene surfaces.
SERS based protocol using flow glass-hemostix for detection of neuron-specific enolase in blood plasma
Authors: Li Dawei , Yang Mingfeng , Li Hanxia , Mao Leilei , Wang Ying , Sun Baoliang
Published: August 2018

An inexpensive and disposable lateral flow glass-hemostix (FGH) has been developed as an immunoassay, in which surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is utilized for sensing signal transduction.
CO2-triggered fine tuning of electrical conductivity via tug-of-war between ions
Authors: Kuroda Kosuke , Shimada Yumiko , Takahashi Kenji
Published: August 2018

We proposed a novel methodology to tune the conductivity of solutions by exploiting a reversible shift between ions and zwitterions.
Enhanced immunofluorescence detection of a protein marker using a PAA modified ZnO nanorod array-based microfluidic device
Authors: Wu Zhihua , Zhao De , Hou Chengyi , Liu Lei , Chen Jianhua , Huang Hui , Zhang Qinghong , Duan Yourong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: August 2018

ZnO nanorods were obtained through a controllable microfluidic reaction in capillaries and used for biomarker detection after PAA modification.
Campestarenes: new building blocks with 5-fold symmetry
Authors: Nam Seong , Ware David C. , Brothers Penelope J.
Published: August 2018

New campestarene derivatives bear functional groups designed to facilitate the formation of supramolecular assemblies of these 5-fold symmetric building blocks.
Development of triazine-based esterifying reagents containing pyridines as a nucleophilic catalyst
Authors: Yamada Kohei , Liu Jie , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: August 2018

A novel esterifying reagent containing a nucleophilic catalyst, DMT-3,5-LUT, enables the synthesis of esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols.
Polyacrylamide exotemplate-assisted synthesis of hierarchically porous nanostructured TiO2macrobeads for efficient photodegradation of organic dyes and microbes
Authors: Mudassir Muhammad Ahmad , Hussain Syed Zajif , Khan Mishal , Asma Syeda Tasmia , Iqbal Zafar , Huma Zille , Ullah Najeeb , Zhang Haifei , Ansari Tariq Mahmood , Hussain Irshad
Published: August 2018

Hierarchically porous nanostructured anatase TiO2macrobeads prepared by using emulsion-templated polyacrylamide beads as the sacrificial exotemplates for efficient photodegradation of dyes/microbes.
Molecular simulation of the high temperature phase behaviour of α-unsubstituted sexithiophene
Authors: Tsourtou Flora D. , Skountzos Emmanuel N. , Peroukidis Stavros D. , Mavrantzas Vlasis G.
Published: August 2018

Phase diagram of α-unsubstituted sexithiophene is driven by six different chain conformational groups.
A photo-degradable injectable self-healing hydrogel based on star poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polypeptide as a potential pharmaceuticals delivery carrier
Authors: Zhao Dinglei , Tang Quan , Zhou Qiang , Peng Kang , Yang Haiyang , Zhang Xingyuan
Published: August 2018

As one of the most promising biomaterials, injectable self-healing hydrogels have found broad applications in a number of fields such as local drug delivery.
Surface Pd-rich PdAg nanowires as highly efficient catalysts for dehydrogenation of formic acid and subsequent hydrogenation of adiponitrile
Authors: Liu Hu , Guo Yong , Yu Yongsheng , Yang Weiwei , Shen Mengqi , Liu Xinyang , Geng Shuo , Li Junrui , Yu Chao , Yin Zhouyang , Li Haibo
Published: August 2018

Surface Pd-rich PdAg nanowires with tunable composition prepared by diffusion-induced synthesis exhibit highly efficient dehydrogenation catalysis of formic acid (FA) and subsequent hydrogenation of adiponitrile by using FA as an in situ hydrogen source.
Capacitive sensor pixel circuit with single transistor for touch‐fingerprint recognition sensor
Authors: Kang I.H. , Hong M.T. , Bae B.S.
Published: August 2018

Touch‐based user identity verification is widely used in smartphones, and fingerprint authentication is the most popular method. The authors developed a capacitive type of fingerprint sensor that uses only one amorphous oxide thin film transistor (TFT) that is integrated into a display screen. To achieve a small sensor area, they removed one bus line from the conventional three bus lines and used only one oxide TFT. The proposed sensor shows good sensitivity. The measured voltage difference between a ridge (touch) and a valley (non‐touch) was 5.4 V with an input pulse of 15 V.
Node‐sharing low‐temperature poly silicon TFT shift register without bootstrapping degradation for narrow bezel displays
Authors: Kim Y. , Park S.‐J. , Nam H.
Published: August 2018

A small area shift register for narrow bezel display applications is demonstrated. The proposed circuit achieves the substantial reduction on the number of thin film transistors (TFTs) by sharing pull‐up as well as pull‐down nodes over multiple output pulses. In addition, there is no bootstrapping degradation caused by additional capacitors of pull‐up TFTs due to separating TFTs between pull‐up nodes. For four outputs per stage, the number of TFTs is reduced to 53%. The simulation results with low‐temperature poly silicon TFTs ensure that all pull‐up nodes of the proposed shift register with separating TFTs are boosted by larger than 12 V without any degradation.
Asymmetric bipartite consensus over directed networks with antagonistic interactions
Authors: Guo Xing , Liang Jinling , Lu Jianquan
Published: August 2018

This study deals with the bipartite consensus problem for multi‐agent systems associated with signed digraphs. For structurally balanced signed digraphs, by constructing a new class of general Laplacian matrices, it is found that all agents will converge to two values with different modulus if the signed digraph is strongly connected. Interestingly, these two values completely depend on the left eigenvector of the general Laplacian matrix corresponding to the zero eigenvalue and the initial states of all agents. Furthermore, it is shown that all agents can reach interval asymmetric bipartite consensus if the associated signed digraph contains a spanning tree. In particular, some useful results are also presented for specific signed digraphs with spanning trees. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main results.
Ultrashort pulse generation in a semiconductor laser with strong coherent optical feedback
Authors: Fan Yuanlong , Shore K. Alan , Hong Yanhua
Published: August 2018

In this study, the authors propose a novel technique for generating ultrashort pulses using a semiconductor laser subject to strong optical feedback from short external cavities. The influence of three system parameters, viz. the external cavity length, the injection current and the feedback strength on the characteristics of the ultrashort pulses is numerically investigated. The results show that the pulse width decreases and the pulse peak increases with increase of any of these three parameters. The repetition frequency of the ultrashort pulses decreases with increase of the feedback strength but increases with increase of the injection current. Based on these results, ultrashort pulses with a pulse width of 3.6 ps and a repetition frequency of 2.3 GHz have been achieved when the injection current is four times the threshold current. The pulse width can be further decreased and the repetition frequency can be further increased by appropriately adjusting the external cavity length and feedback strength. The results presented in this study open up a new route for designing ultrashort pulse generators for incorporation in future photonic integrated optical circuits.
Reliability improvements in SOI‐like MOSFET with ESD and self‐heating effect
Authors: Cao Fei , Shan Chan , Wang Ying , Luo Xin , Yu Cheng‐hao
Published: August 2018

A new structure of N‐type Silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI)‐Like Bulk Silicon (N‐SL‐BS) metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) is proposed to improve the reliability of SOI MOSFET mainly with regards to their self‐heating effect and electro‐static discharge (ESD) events based on two‐dimensional numerical simulation. The new device employs p/n–/p + structure on Si, in which the n‐layer is made of Si carbide (SiC), a wide bandgap material. The built‐in electric field fully depletes the n‐SiC layer and forms an SOI‐like feature with a p + layer underneath. Simulations are first implemented in self‐heating conditions, to investigate their drain current and temperature ramping. More importantly, ESD pulses assuming the human body model are applied to test their response and observe which device was first to fail using an I–V curve and hole current density distribution. Results show that the new device exhibits superior reliability when compared with a traditional SOI MOSFET. The avalanche breakdown voltage improves nearly 33% and the highest temperature of the global device is more than three times lower than that of an SOI MOSFET subjected to ESD pulses with a peak current of 7 mA.
Effect of ethylene glycol as solvent on the composition and morphology of nickel phosphide
Authors: Ren Lili , Xu Hanghui
Published: August 2018

Solvent, as one of the important factors, influences the composition and morphology of material during its preparing process. Ethylene glycol, as a good solvent, has good properties such as low toxicity, low cost, relatively high boiling point, good solubility and certain reducibility. Here, the work investigates the effect of ethylene glycol as the solvent on composition and morphology of nickel phosphide and find that the addition of ethylene glycol into aqueous solution will lead the composition of nickel phosphide from the pure Ni2 P phase to a mixture of Ni2 P and Ni12P5, and the morphology from the close packed structure of nanoparticles to the loose structure.
Investigating hot-Jupiter inflated radii with hierarchical Bayesian modelling
Authors: Sestovic Marko , Demory Brice-Olivier , Queloz Didier
Published: August 2018

Context.As of today, hundreds of hot Jupiters have been found, yet the inflated radii of a large fraction of them remain unexplained. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain these anomalous radii, however most of these can only work under certain conditions and may not be sufficient to explain the most extreme cases. It is still unclear whether a single mechanism can sufficiently explain the entire distribution of radii, or whether a combination of these mechanisms is needed.

Aims.We seek to understand the relationship of radius with stellar irradiation and mass and to find the range of masses over which hot Jupiters are inflated. We also aim to find the intrinsic physical scatter in their radii, caused by unobservable parameters, and to constrain the fraction of hot Jupiters that exhibit inflation.

Methods.By constructing a hierarchical Bayesian model, we inferred the probabilistic relation between planet radius, mass, and incident flux for a sample of 286 gas giants. We separately incorporated the observational uncertainties of the data and the intrinsic physical scatter in the population. This allowed us to treat the intrinsic physical scatter in radii, due to latent parameters such as the heavy element fraction, as a parameter to be inferred.

Results.We find that the planetary mass plays a key role in the inflation extent and that planets in the range ~0.37−0.98 MJshow the most inflated radii. At higher masses, the radius response to incident flux begins to decrease. Below a threshold of 0.37 ± 0.03 MJwe find that giant exoplanets as a population are unable to maintain inflated radii ≿1.4 RJbut instead exhibit smaller sizes as the incident flux is increased beyond 106W m−2. We also find that below 1 MJ, there is a cut-off point at high incident flux beyond which we find no more inflated planets, and that this cut-off point decreases as the mass decreases. At incident fluxes higher than ~1.6 × 106W m−2and in a mass range 0.37−0.98 MJ, we find no evidence for a population of non-inflated hot Jupiters. Our study sheds a fresh light on one of the key questions in the field and demonstrates the importance of population-level analysis to grasp the underlying properties of exoplanets.
The dense molecular gas in the z  ∼  6 QSO SDSS J231038.88+185519.7 resolved by ALMA
Authors: Feruglio C. , Fiore F. , Carniani S. , Maiolino R. , D’Odorico V. , Luminari A. , Barai P. , Bischetti M. , Bongiorno A. , Cristiani S. , Ferrara A. , Gallerani S. , Marconi A. , Pallottini A. , Piconcelli E. , Zappacosta L.
Published: August 2018

We present ALMA observations of the CO(6-5) and [CII] emission lines and the sub-millimeter continuum of the z ∼ 6 quasi-stellar object (QSO) SDSS J231038.88+185519.7. Compared to previous studies, we have analyzed a synthetic beam that is ten times smaller in angular size, we have achieved ten times better sensitivity in the CO(6-5) line, and two and half times better sensitivity in the [CII] line, enabling us to resolve the molecular gas emission. We obtain a size of the dense molecular gas of 2.9 ± 0.5 kpc, and of 1.4 ± 0.2 kpc for the 91.5 GHz dust continuum. By assuming that CO(6-5) is thermalized, and by adopting a CO to H2 conversion factor αCO = 0.8 M⊙K−1 (km s)−1 pc2, we infer a molecular gas mass of M(H2) = (3.2±0.2)×1010 M⊙. Assuming that the observed CO velocity gradient is due to an inclined rotating disk, we derive a dynamical mass of Mdynsin2(i)=(2.4 ± 0.5)×1010 M⊙, which is a factor of approximately two smaller than the previously reported estimate based on [CII]. Regarding the central black hole, we provide a new estimate of the black hole mass based on the C IV emission line detected in the VLT/X-shooter spectrum: MBH = (1.8 ± 0.5)×109 M⊙. We find a molecular gas fraction of μ = M(H2)/M* ∼ 4.4, where M∗ ≈ Mdyn − M(H2) − M(BH). We derive a ratio νrot/σ ≈ 1 − 2 suggesting high gas turbulence, outflows/inflows and/or complex kinematics due to a merger event. We estimate a global Toomre parameter Q ∼ 0.2 − 0.5, indicating likely cloud fragmentation. We compare, at the same angular resolution, the CO(6-5) and [CII] distributions, finding that dense molecular gas is more centrally concentrated with respect to [CII]. We find that the current BH growth rate is similar to that of its host galaxy.
Heading Gaia to measure atmospheric dynamics in AGB stars
Authors: Chiavassa A. , Freytag B. , Schultheis M.
Published: August 2018

Context. Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are characterised by complex stellar surface dynamics that affect the measurements and amplify the uncertainties on stellar parameters. The uncertainties in observed absolute magnitudes have been found to originate mainly from uncertainties in the parallaxes. The resulting motion of the stellar photocentre could have adverse effects on the parallax determination with Gaia.

Aims. We explore the impact of the convection-related surface structure in AGBs on the photocentric variability. We quantify these effects to characterise the observed parallax errors and estimate fundamental stellar parameters and dynamical properties.

Methods. We use three-dimensional (3D) radiative hydrodynamics simulations of convection with CO5BOLD and the post-processing radiative transfer code OPTIM3D to compute intensity maps in the Gaia G band [325–1030 nm]. From those maps, we calculate the intensity-weighted mean of all emitting points tiling the visible stellar surface (i.e. the photocentre) and evaluate its motion as a function of time. We extract the parallax error from Gaia data-release 2 (DR2) for a sample of semi-regular variables in the solar neighbourhood and compare it to the synthetic predictions of photocentre displacements.

Results. AGB stars show a complex surface morphology characterised by the presence of few large-scale long-lived convective cells accompanied by short-lived and small-scale structures. As a consequence, the position of the photocentre displays temporal excursions between 0.077 and 0.198 AU (≈5 to ≈11% of the corresponding stellar radius), depending on the simulation considered. We show that the convection-related variability accounts for a substantial part of the Gaia DR2 parallax error of our sample of semi-regular variables. Finally, we present evidence for a correlation between the mean photocentre displacement and the stellar fundamental parameters: surface gravity and pulsation. We suggest that parallax variations could be exploited quantitatively using appropriate radiation-hydrodynamics (RHD) simulations corresponding to the observed star.
Vitality structure of the endemic Oxytropis kungurensis Knjasev (Fabaceae)
coenopopulation on the eastern shore of Lake Aushkul (Republic of Bashkortostan)
Authors: Galikeeva Gulnaz , Elizaryeva Olga , Muldashev Albert , Tyutyunova Natalia , Maslova Natalia
Published: August 2018

Consideration is given to biometric indices and vitality structure of Oxytropis kungurensis Knjasev (Fabaceae), an endemic species of the South Urals and Central Cis-Ural Region, observed in 2015 and 2016 in the coenopopulation on the eastern shore of Lake Aushkul (Uchalinsky District, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia). The paper reveals differences in plant biometrics and vitality according to the years of observation. Judging from 14 biometric indices out of 19 indices analyzed, middle-aged generative plants in 2015 surpass those in 2016. Indices that characterize the vitality structure are higher in 2015. The vitality type of the coenopopulation varies from prospering to depressive. Variations in biometric and vitality indices are associated with changing weather conditions during the vegetation period. In 2015, there were optimal conditions for plants to grow and develop.
Fir-spruce and lime-fir-spruce forests of Vyatka-Kama biome
Authors: Kadetov Nikita G.
Published: August 2018

During the preparation of map “Biomes of Russia” in broadleaved-coniferous forests belt of the Eastern Europ Vyatka-Kama biome was substantiated. This territory is allocated for the first time at such a high level. Formations of fir-spruce and lime-fir-spruce forests occupy a central position in the vegetation cover of the biome and largely determine its specificity. As the result of ecological-morphological classification 7 groups of associations and 17 associations of vegetation have been determined.
Assessing species resistance and productivity of the genus Paeonia L. under adaptation to continental climate conditions
Authors: Komina Olga
Published: August 2018

The paper presents results of multiyear work to create and study the collection of Paeonia L. species in the Central Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (CSBG SB RAS) (Novosibirsk), which numbers 13 species of 4 botanical sections nowadays. All herbaceous species of the genus Paeonia, both geophytes and hemicryptophytes, have been safely wintered during 12 years without additional shelter. The study shows assessment results of prospects of the genus Paeonia species representatives. It gives recommendations on landscape design for Paeonia species selection.
Karyotypic variability in some species of the genus Chondrilla (Asteraceae)
Authors: Parkhomenko Alena , Kashin Aleksandr , Grebenyuk Lyudmila
Published: August 2018

Karyotypic variability of plants was evaluated in 17 populations of six species of the genus Chondrilla (C. ambigua Fisch., C. brevirostris Fisch, et Mey., C. laticoronata Leonova, C. canescens Kar., Kir., C. juncea, C. pauciflora Ledeb.) in the Astrakhan, Voronezh and Saratov regions, the Republic of Kalmykia, and Western Kazakhstan. It is maintained that C. ambigua is a strict diploid (2n = 2x = 10) species, while its close relative - C. pauciflora - is a strict triploid (2n = 3x = 15) taxon. The research demonstrates that the plants of the apomictic taxa C. brevirostris, C. canescens, C. juncea and C. laticoronata are characterized by the genomic instability in the form of chromosome instability which results in these species’ mixed-ploidy populations.