bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Iron‐Cobalt Oxide Catalysts Promoting BiVO4 Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Songcan , He Tianwei , Yun Jung‐Ho , Hu Yuxiang , Xiao Mu , Du Aijun , Wang Lianzhou
Published: June 2018

Owing to the sluggish kinetics for water oxidation, severe surface charge recombination is a major energy loss that hinders efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Herein, a simple process is developed for preparing a new type of low‐cost iron‐cobalt oxide (FeCoOx) as an efficient co‐catalyst to suppress the surface charge recombination on bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanodes. The new FeCoOx/BiVO4 photoanode exhibits a high photocurrent density of 4.82 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode under AM 1.5 G illumination, which corresponds to >100% increase compared to that of the pristine BiVO4 photoanode. The photoanode also demonstrates a high charge separation efficiency of ≈90% with excellent stability of over 10 h, indicating the excellent catalytic performance of FeCoOx in the PEC process. Density functional theory calculations and experimental studies reveal that the incorporation of Fe into CoOx generates abundant oxygen vacancies and forms a p‐n heterojunction with BiVO4, which effectively promotes the hole transport/trapping from the BiVO4 photocatalyst and reduces the overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), resulting in remarkably increased photocurrent densities and durability. This work demonstrates a feasible process for depositing cheap FeCoOx as an excellent OER cocatalyst on photoanodes for PEC water splitting.
Hierarchical Biomineralization: from Nature's Designs to Synthetic Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Dentistry
Authors: Elsharkawy Sherif , Mata Alvaro
Published: June 2018

Biomineralization is a highly dynamic, yet controlled, process that many living creatures employ to develop functional tissues such as tooth enamel, bone, and others. A major goal in materials science is to create bioinspired functional structures based on the precise organization of building blocks across multiple length scales. Therefore, learning how nature has evolved to use biomineralization could inspire new ways to design and develop synthetic hierarchical materials with enhanced functionality. Toward this goal, this review dissects the current understanding of structure–function relationships of dental enamel and bone using a materials science perspective and discusses a wide range of synthetic technologies that aim to recreate their hierarchical organization and functionality. Insights into how these strategies could be applied for regenerative medicine and dentistry are also provided.
Multicombination Approach Suppresses Listeria monocytogenes‐Induced Septicemia‐Associated Acute Hepatic Failure: The Role of iRhom2 Signaling
Authors: Xu Min‐Xuan , Ge Chen‐Xu , Qin Yu‐Ting , Gu Ting‐Ting , Lou De‐Shuai , Li Qiang , Hu Lin‐Feng , Tan Jun
Published: June 2018

The mortality rate of acute liver failure significantly increases due to fatal septicemia. Inactive rhomboid protein 2 (iRhom2) is an essential regulator of shedding TNF‐α by trafficking with TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE). Fisetin, a flavonoid present in various fruits and plants, possesses anti‐oxidative stress and anti‐inflammatory activities. Here, multi‐combination nanoparticles Fe@Au conjugated with fisetin, iRhom2 small interfering RNA (siRNA), and TNF‐α inhibitor (FN) are prepared to examine their effects on fatal septicemia‐associated hepatic failure induced by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in mice and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. After LM infection, upregulation of glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminease, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, TNF‐α, malondialdehyde, H2O2, and O2‐ is observedcompared to FN‐treated mice. The iRhom2/TACE/TNF‐α signals are enhanced in vivo and in vitro, resulting in oxidative stress, which is especially associated with the activation of kupffer cells and other macrophages. Decrease in Nrf2 activation and increase of inflammation‐associated regulators are also noted in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of TNF‐α derived from macrophages aggravates hepatic failure. Inversely, the processes above are restored by FN nanoparticles through the regulation of the iRhom2/TACE/TNF‐α axis and Nrf2 activation. These findings suggest that FN may be a potential approach to protect against bacterial septicemia‐related diseases by targeting iRhom2.
Cold Sintered Ceramic Nanocomposites of 2D MXene and Zinc Oxide
Authors: Guo Jing , Legum Benjamin , Anasori Babak , Wang Ke , Lelyukh Pavel , Gogotsi Yury , Randall Clive A.
Published: June 2018

Nanocomposites containing 2D materials have attracted much attention due to their potential for enhancing electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, it has been a challenge to integrate 2D materials into ceramic matrices due to interdiffusion and chemical reactions at high temperatures. A recently reported sintering technique, the cold sintering process (CSP), which densifies ceramics with the assistance of transient aqueous solutions, provides a means to circumvent the aforementioned problems. The efficacious co‐sintering of Ti3C2Tx (MXene), a 2D transition carbide, with ZnO, an oxide matrix, is reported. Using CSP, the ZnO–Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites can be sintered to 92–98% of the theoretical density at 300 °C, while avoiding oxidation or interdiffusion and showing homogeneous distribution of the 2D materials along the ZnO grain boundaries. The electrical conductivity is improved by 1–2 orders of magnitude due to the addition of up to 5 wt% MXene. The hardness and elastic modulus show an increase of 40–50% with 0.5 wt% MXene, and over 150% with 5 wt% of MXene. The successful densification of ZnO–MXene nanocomposite demonstrates that the cold sintering of ceramics with 2D materials is a promising processing route for designing new nanocomposites with a diverse range of applications.
Insights into the Oxidant/Polymer Interfacial Growth of Vapor Phase Polymerized PEDOT Thin Films
Authors: Sharma Anirudh , Andersson Gunther , Rivnay Jonathan , Alvino Jason F. , Metha Gregory F. , Andersson Mats R. , Zuber Kamil , Fabretto Manrico
Published: June 2018

The vapor phase polymerization (VPP) technique is used to produce thin films of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiopene) (PEDOT) in which the Fe(III)Tosylate oxidant is altered. The oxidant is changed with the addition of an amphiphilic co‐polymer having different molecular weights, namely 2800 Da. and 5800 Da. Resulting PEDOT films produce conductivities of ≈1500 and ≈3000 S cm−1 respectively. Small angle X‐ray diffraction (SA‐XRD) indicates that the oxidant incorporating the larger molecular weight co‐polymer possesses ordered structure and that this in turn helps “template” the PEDOT during film formation. The structure and composition of the bottom (i.e. initial film formation) and top (i.e. final film formation) PEDOT surfaces are studied using surface sensitive analytical techniques; small angle X‐ray diffraction (SA‐XRD), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), 2D grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (2D‐GIXD), metastable induced electron spectroscopy (MIES) and neutral impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (NICISS). The results indicate that the increase in conductivity using the larger molecular weight co‐polymer additive is due to the film having larger lamella‐ and π‐stacking regions in addition to doping levels which remain unchanged throughout film formation. These conclusions are further supported by results obtained on a model PEDOT:Tosylate system using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Cell Alignment on Graphene–Amyloid Composites
Authors: Das Subhadeep , Kumawat Mukesh K. , Ranganathan Srivastav , Kumar Rakesh , Adamcik Jozef , Kadu Pradeep , Padinhateeri Ranjith , Srivastava Rohit , Mezzenga Raffaele , Maji Samir K.
Published: June 2018

Graphene‐based hybrid nanomaterials have been shown to have great potential in various biotechnology applications including enzyme sensing and bone tissue engineering. Harnessing the unique properties of graphene and material strength of amyloids, a graphene–amyloid composite film is developed that can self‐organize into periodic troughs and crests without the need of lithographic techniques or etching. The topographies generated by the film provide powerful modulators of contact and guidance to neural precursor cells, enabling efficient cellular polarization and differentiation. Using molecular dynamic simulations and high‐resolution atomic force microscopy, the amyloidogenicity and handedness of matured amyloid nanofibrils to the micropatterns generated on the dried film are also correlated. These insights provide principles for peptide designing for generation of micropatterned, cell adhesive conductive substrates for optimal cell alignment and differentiation.
Low‐Threshold Whispering‐Gallery Mode Upconversion Lasing via Simultaneous Six‐Photon Absorption
Authors: Chen Anqi , Zhu Hai , Wu Yanyan , Yang Decheng , Li Jinyu , Yu Siufung , Chen Zhiyang , Ren Yuhao , Gui Xuchun , Wang Shuangpeng , Tang Zikang
Published: June 2018

The upconversion lasing through simultaneous multiphoton absorption (MPA) is a high‐order nonlinear optical process, which enables many critical applications in the fluorescence imaging probe, laser tomography, and photodynamic therapy. Herein, the upconversion lasing from microwires via simultaneous six‐photon absorption at room temperature is first realized. Moreover, the lasing peak and third‐harmonic generation peak of pumping light are observed concurrently, while the temperature‐dependent spectrum elucidates the essential distinction between each other. In addition, the low‐threshold six‐photon excited whispering‐gallery mode lasing based on strong optical confinement of the hexagonal microcavity is investigated comprehensively. The results prove that it is feasible to realize high‐order MPA upconversion lasing using high Q‐factor microcavity, which can be promoted to other wide bandgap semiconductor micro‐/nanostructure to generate frequency upconversion lasing.
The Role of Metallic Dopants in Improving the Thermal Stability of the Electron Transport Layer in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Keum Chang‐Min , Kronenberg Nils M. , Murawski Caroline , Yoshida Kou , Deng Yali , Berz Cordelia , Li Wenbo , Wei Mengjie , Samuel Ifor D. W. , Gather Malte C.
Published: June 2018

4,7‐Diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (BPhen) is widely used to create the electron transport layer (ETL) in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) because of its high electron mobility and good compatibility with alkali metal n‐dopants. However, the morphology of these ETLs is easily altered by heating due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of BPhen and this change often reduces the performance of OLEDs. Here, an enhancement in the thermal stability of OLEDs when doping their BPhen‐based ETLs with cesium (Cs) is reported. To investigate the role of the Cs dopant in the BPhen matrix, the crystallization features of Cs‐doped BPhen films with different doping concentrations are examined. Next, the electrical and optical properties of blue fluorescent and red phosphorescent OLEDs containing Cs‐doped BPhen ETLs are characterized after annealing the OLEDs at temperatures up to 100 °C. Cs plays a critical role in inhibiting the undesired crystallization of BPhen films, which enhances the thermal stability of OLEDs beyond the Tg of neat BPhen. Finally, highly stable BPhen‐based OLEDs encapsulated via atomic layer deposition at 80 °C are demonstrated. This work may lead to a new strategy for enhancing the intrinsic thermal durability of organic devices and their compatibility with thermally demanding processes.
Electrochemical Mechanism and Structure Simulation of 2D Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Dai Mingzhi , Huo Changhe , Zhang Qiang , Khan Karim , Zhang Xingye , Shen Cai
Published: June 2018

For decades, lithium batteries have attracted much attention. Highly efficient, safe, and convenient batteries are worthy of being investigated and applied in modern life. However, most of the investigation is on the macroscopic device electrical properties such as current–voltage curves. Investigation on the microscopic electrical properties including potential distribution, electrolyte salt concentration distribution, and lithium ion concentration distribution within the batteries during the discharging is still needed. Here, a detailed study of the key electrical properties distributions inside the lithium battery in the discharging status is given. After comparing three widely used cathode materials (LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, and LiFePO4), LiFePO4 is found to show the most stable working performance which is consistent with previous reports. This is probably attributed to its most uniform key electrical properties distributions, its high electric conductivity, and crystal structure. A structure is also proposed which might give a hint to stress and temperature release for a longer and safer application of batteries. This simulation study on the key parameters distribution inside the battery may help to achieve a better understanding and hence control on the lithium battery performance and reliability.
Electronic Structure and Optical Response of Zn‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Vrubel Ivan I. , Senkevich Natalia Yu. , Khramenkova Elena V. , Polozkov Roman G. , Shelykh Ivan A.
Published: June 2018

The results of theoretical investigation of the equilibrium spatial configuration, electronic structure, and optical properties of the Zn‐based metal–organic framework [{Zn2(TBAPy)(H2O)2}*3.5DEF]n are reported. The electronic structure is obtained in frameworks of the density‐functional theory (DFT) with BLYP and PBE exchange‐correlation functionals, and optical response is computed using time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). It is shown that the formation of narrow LUMO and HOMO bands is provided by conjugated π‐electrons of the aromatic rings of the ligand. These bands have nontrivial pattern and contain regions of hyperbolic dispersion corresponding to highly anisotropic heavy fermions. Optical transitions between these bands result in the appearance of near‐threshold peaks in photoabsorption spectra. The structure of the bands prevents formation of the bright exciton states in the system, and thus optical response is governed by single particle excitations only.
Silicon Oxide Electron‐Emitting Nanodiodes
Authors: Wu Gongtao , Li Zhiwei , Tang Zhiqiang , Wei Dapeng , Zhang Gengmin , Chen Qing , Peng Lian‐Mao , Wei Xianlong
Published: June 2018

Electrically driven on‐chip electron sources that do not need to be heated are long pursued, but their realization remains challenging. Here, it is shown that a nanogap formed by two electrodes on a silicon oxide substrate functions as an electron‐emitting nanodiode after the silicon oxide in the nanogap is electrically switched to a high‐resistance conducting state. A nanodiode based on graphene electrodes can be turned on by a voltage of ≈7 V in ≈100 ns and show an emission current of up to several microamperes, corresponding to an emission density of ≈106 A cm−2 and emission efficiency as high as 16.6%. We attribute the electron emission to be generated from a metal–insulator–metal tunneling diode on the substrate surface formed by the rupture of conducting filaments in silicon oxide. An array of 100 nanodiodes exhibits a global emission density of 5 A cm−2 and stable emission with negligible current degradation over tens of hours under modest vacuum. The combined advantages of a low operating voltage, fast temporal response, high emission density and efficiency, convenient fabrication and integration, and stable emission in modest vacuum make silicon oxide electron‐emitting nanodiodes a promising on‐chip electron sources.
Carbon‐Tailored Semimetal MoP as an Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst in Both Alkaline and Acid Media
Authors: Li Guowei , Sun Yan , Rao Jiancun , Wu Jiquan , Kumar Anil , Xu Qiu Nan , Fu Chenguang , Liu Enke , Blake Graeme R. , Werner Peter , Shao Baiqi , Liu Kai , Parkin Stuart , Liu Xianjie , Fahlman Mats , Liou Sz‐Chian , Auffermann Gudrun , Zhang Jian , Felser Claudia , Feng Xinliang
Published: June 2018

The electrolysis processes such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) require high efficient catalysts with robust surface stability. A high conductivity is also necessary to speed up the charge transport between the catalyst and the electrolyte. Recently, the observation of exceedingly high conductivity in the topological semimetal MoP, has provided a model catalyst to investigate the correlation between the electrical transport and the electrocatalytic activity for the HER. Thus, MoP is encapsulated in a Mo, P codoped carbon layer (MoP@C). This composite material exhibits outstanding HER performance, with an extremely low overpotential of 49 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 54 mV dec−1 in an alkaline medium. In addition, electron transport analysis indicates that MoP exhibits high conductivity and mobility due to the existence of triple‐point fermions and a complex Fermi surface. Furthermore, the presence of PC and MoC bonds at the interface between the carbon layer and the MoP particles modulates the band structure of MoP@C and facilitates fast electron transfer, accumulation, and subsequent delocalization, which are in turn responsible for the excellent HER activity.
Cardiac arrest caused by diphenhydramine overdose
Authors: Nishino Tomoya , Wakai Shinjirou , Aoki Hiromichi , Inokuchi Sadaki
Published: June 2018

Case

A 45‐year‐old man presented to our emergency department with disturbance of consciousness; he had mentioned to his family earlier about a drug overdose. When first responders arrived, he suffered cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest due to drug overdose was diagnosed.The patient was supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Arterial blood gas showed mixed acidosis, and electrocardiogram showed junctional rhythm and complete right bundle branch block.

Outcome

The patient's blood pressure gradually decreased, and he died on the third day of hospitalization. After death, his serum diphenhydramine concentration at the time of arrival was found to be 18.7 μg/mL.

Conclusion

Although diphenhydramine is regarded as a safe medication, it shows dose‐dependent toxicity. High intake is associated with death; therefore, caution should be exercised in cases of drug overdose. Developing a procedure for rapid measurement in the emergency department should be a priority.
A DNA‐Mediated Chemically Induced Dimerization (D‐CID) Nanodevice for Nongenetic Receptor Engineering To Control Cell Behavior
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Miao , Shi Tianhui , Yang Sihui , Zhang Jinghui , Wang Hong‐Hui , Nie Zhou
Published: June 2018

Small‐molecule regulation is a powerful switching tool to manipulate cell signal transduction for a desired function; however, most available methods usually require genetic engineering to endow cells with responsiveness to user‐defined small molecules. Herein, we demonstrate a nongenetic approach for small‐molecule‐controlled receptor activation and consequent cell behavior manipulation that is based on DNA‐mediated chemically induced dimerization (D‐CID). D‐CID uses a programmable chemical‐responsive DNA nanodevice to trigger DNA strand displacement and induce the activation of c‐Met, a tyrosine kinase receptor cognate for hepatocyte growth factor, through dimerization. Through the use of various functional nucleic acids, including aptamers and DNAzymes, as recognition modules, the versatility of D‐CID in inducing c‐Met signaling upon addition of various small‐molecular or ionic cues, including ATP, histidine, and Zn2+, is demonstrated. Moreover, owing its multi‐input properties, D‐CID can be used to manipulate the behaviors of multiple cell populations simultaneously in a selective and programmable fashion.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Prunus mongolica (Rosaceae)
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Chen , Zhang De‐Jian , Lu Zhan‐Yuan , Ye Xue‐Song , Wang Jian‐Guo , Sun Ping , Zhang Bao‐Wei
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

Microsatellite primers were developed in Prunus mongolica (Rosaceae), a relict flora endemic in arid areas of the Asian interior, to investigate the genetic diversity, phylogeography, population structure, and history of the species.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐one microsatellite loci, including di‐, tri‐, and tetranucelotide repeats, were identified using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic screening. The number of alleles ranged from seven to 11 and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.545 to 1.000 and 0.600 to 0.989, respectively. Most of the primers also amplified in a group of congeneric species (P. triloba, P. davidiana, P. persica, P. cerasifera, and P. serrulata).

Conclusions

This set of microsatellite loci is useful for studying the genetic diversity of P. mongolica. In addition, they can also be used to investigate the population structure, phylogeography, and landscape genetic patterns of congeneric species.
Development of 15 nuclear EST microsatellite markers for the paleoendemic conifer Pherosphaera hookeriana (Podocarpaceae)
Authors: Worth James R. P. , Marthick James R. , Rossetto Maurizio , Cohen Joel , Bourke Greg , Jordan Gregory J.
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for population genetic analysis of the threatened paleoendemic conifer Pherosphaera hookeriana (Podocarpaceae).

Methods and Results

Fifteen variable loci were identified showing one to 13 alleles per population, with seven loci displaying at least four alleles in all populations, and the average number of alleles per locus ranging from 4.80 to 5.93 per population. Levels of observed heterozygosity per locus varied from 0.00 to 0.91, while average heterozygosity across all loci varied from 0.54 to 0.63 between populations. All loci also amplified in the endangered congener P. fitzgeraldii, but only five of the loci had more than one allele.

Conclusions

These 15 loci are the first microsatellite markers developed in the genus Pherosphaera. These loci will be useful for investigating the species' extant genetic diversity and structure, the impact of past environmental change, and the significance of asexual reproduction.
Why Do Corals Bleach? Conflict and Conflict Mediation in a Host/Symbiont Community
Authors: Blackstone Neil W. , Golladay Jeff M.
Published: June 2018

Coral bleaching has attracted considerable study, yet one central question remains unanswered: given that corals and theirSymbiodiniumsymbionts have co‐evolved for millions of years, why does this clearly maladaptive process occur? Bleaching may result from evolutionary conflict between the host corals and their symbionts. Selection at the level of the individual symbiont favors using the products of photosynthesis for selfish replication, while selection at the higher level favors using these products for growth of the entire host/symbiont community. To hold the selfish lower‐level units in check, mechanisms of conflict mediation must evolve. Fundamental features of photosynthesis have been co‐opted into conflict mediation so that symbionts that fail to export these products produce high levels of reactive oxygen species and undergo programmed cell death. These mechanisms function very well under most environmental conditions, but under conditions particularly detrimental to photosynthesis, it is these mechanisms of conflict mediation that trigger bleaching.
Sex Differences in Early Embryogenesis: Inter‐Chromosomal Regulation Sets the Stage for Sex‐Biased Gene Networks
Authors: Engel Nora
Published: June 2018

Sex‐specific transcriptional and epigenomic profiles are detectable in the embryo very soon after fertilization. I propose that in male (XY) and female (XX) pre‐implantation embryos sex chromosomes establish sexually dimorphic interactions with the autosomes, before overt differences become apparent and long before gonadogenesis. Lineage determination restricts expression biases between the sexes, but the epigenetic differences are less constrained and can be perpetuated, accounting for dimorphisms that arise later in life. In this way, sexual identity is registered in the epigenome very early in development. As development progresses, sex‐specific regulatory modules are harbored within shared transcriptional networks that delineate common traits. In reviewing this field, I propose that analyzing the mechanisms for sexual dimorphisms at the molecular and biochemical level and incorporating developmental and environmental factors will lead to a greater understanding of sex differences in health and disease. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/9BPlbrHtkHQ.
Fabrication of Binary Sulfonated Poly Ether Sulfone and Sulfonated Polyvinylidene Fluoride‐Co‐Hexafluoro Propylene Blend Membrane as Efficient Electrolyte for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Ae Rhan , Vinothkannan Mohanraj , Yoo Dong Jin
Published: June 2018

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) is pivotal in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with enhanced power performances. We reported a sulfonated (poly ether sulfone) (SPES) and sulfonated polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoro propylene (SPVdF‐HFP) blend membrane for the PEMFC. We fabricated the SPES/SPVdF‐HFP blend membrane via a simple solvent‐casting method with 10 or 20% of SPVdF‐HFP. It exhibited enhanced proton conductivity and was assigned to the synergism between SPES and SPVdF‐HFP. FE‐SEM images of composite membrane revealed the effectual dispersion of SPVdF‐HFP in the SPES matrix, which may offer an extend networks for facile proton conduction. Moreover, integration of SPVdF‐HFP effectively increased the power density of blend membrane i.e., 262.78 mW/cm2, it was higher by 1.51 fold compared to bare SPES membrane (173.67 mW/cm2).
Gingival augmentation by combination of laser and Acellular Dermal Matrix allograft in a patient with dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa: A case report
Authors: Gholami Leila , Taherpour Omid
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

A patient suffering from epidermolysis bullosa with gingival recession and lack of attached gingiva of the mandibular anterior teeth. Treatment was performed to increase the amount of attached gingiva. An erbium laser was used and the site augmented with Acellular Dermal Matrix allograft to reduce the donor site surgical complications.
Normocalcemia but still elevated parathyroid hormone levels after parathyroidectomy
Authors: van der Doelen Rick H. A. , Nijhuis Paul , van der Velde Robert , Janssen Marcel J. W.
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Even when laboratory results at first match with clinical assessment, assay interference should still be on a clinician's mind when later results no longer fit with the patient.
Micro/Nanostructure‐Dependent Electrochemical Performances of Sb2O3 Micro‐Bundles as Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Leping , Huang Yuli , Li Xiaoyun , Sheng Jian , Li Feng , Xie Zhaojun , Zhou Zhen
Published: June 2018

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as promising next‐generation energy storage devices due to their decent theoretical energy density and especially low cost. Here, micro/nanostructured Sb2O3 micro‐bundles consisting of many abreast nanoribbons were prepared via a simple hydrothermal route. In this unique structure, both ends of Sb2O3 nanoribbons with the thickness of ∼50 nm scatter with each other and extend radially from the center point, which not only reserves more space between nanoribbons to accommodate volume changes, but also provides plenty of open channels to facilitate the intimate contact of active species, conductive agents and electrolytes, thus efficiently shortening diffusion paths of Na+/e−. Evaluated as anode materials for SIBs, Sb2O3 micro‐bundles delivered outstanding electrochemical performance: high reversible capacity, superb rate capability, and stable cyclic ability. To get more insight, both the morphology evolution and the effect on electrochemical performance were explored as well, which further verified the significance of designing micro/nanostructured electrode materials in advanced energy storage fields.
Phosphorus Dual‐Doped MoO2 Nanosheet/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Hybrid as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Haiguo , Tian Ming , Li Feng , Gao Lili , Xu Na , Hu Yiping , Long Xuefeng , Ma Jiantai , Jin Jun
Published: June 2018

Highly efficient and precious metal free catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of vital importance for renewable energy technologies. Nevertheless, developing simple methods for the synthesis of highly active and super‐durable electrocatalysts at low cost for HER still remains a major challenge. In this work, high temperature pyrolysis of (NH4)6Mo7O24 ⋅ 4H2O, NaH2PO4 and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in Ar atmosphere is carried out to obtain phosphorus dually doped MoO2 nanosheets (MoO2 NSs) and MWCNTs hybrids (MoO2Px NSs/P‐MWCNTs), which can serve as excellent electrocatalyst for HER. In 0.5 M H2SO4, the hybrid material catalyzes HER with an onset potential of −27 mV (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1, and an overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 of only 57 mV. Additionally, it displays favorable stability over 50 h in acidic media.
Multiphoton Intravital Calcium Imaging
Authors: Cheetham Claire E. J.
Published: June 2018

Multiphoton intravital calcium imaging is a powerful technique that enables high‐resolution longitudinal monitoring of cellular and subcellular activity hundreds of microns deep in the living organism. This unit addresses the application of 2‐photon microscopy to imaging of genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) in the mouse brain. The protocols in this unit enable real‐time intravital imaging of intracellular calcium concentration simultaneously in hundreds of neurons, or at the resolution of single synapses, as mice respond to sensory stimuli or perform behavioral tasks. Protocols are presented for implantation of a cranial imaging window to provide optical access to the brain and for 2‐photon image acquisition. Protocols for implantation of both open skull and thinned skull windows for single or multi‐session imaging are described. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
BindMe: A thread binding library with advanced mapping algorithms
Authors: Soomro Pirah Noor , Sasongko Muhammad Aditya , Unat Didem
Published: June 2018

Binding parallel tasks to cores according to a placement policy is one of the key aspects to achieve good performance in multicore machines because it can reduce on‐chip communication among parallel threads. Binding also prevents operating system from migrating threads, which improves data locality. However, there is no single mapping policy that works best among all different kinds of applications and platforms because each machine has a different topology and each application exhibits different communication pattern. Determining the best policy for a given application and machine requires extra programming effort. To relieve the programmer from that burden, we introduce BindMe, a thread binding library that assists programmer to bind threads to underlying hardware. BindMe incorporates state‐of‐the‐art mapping algorithms, which use communication pattern in an application to formulate an efficient task placement policy. We also introduce ChoiceMap, a communication aware mapping algorithm that respects mutual priorities of parallel tasks and performs a fair mapping by reducing communication volume among cores. We have tested BindMe and ChoiceMap with various applications from NAS parallel benchmark and Rodinia bechmark. Our results show that choosing a mapping policy that best suits the application behavior can increase its performance and no single policy gives the best performance across different applications.
Low‐cost LED‐based Photo‐CIDNP Enables Biocompatible Hyperpolarization of 19F for NMR and MRI at 7 T and 4.7 T
Authors: Bernarding Johannes , Euchner Frederike , Bruns Christian , Ringleb Rainer , Müller Darius , Trantzschel Thomas , Bargon Joachim , Bommerich Ute , Plaumann Markus
Published: June 2018

Substrates containing 19F can serve as background‐free reporter molecules for NMR and MRI. However, in vivo applications are still limited due to the lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) when compared with 1H NMR. Although hyperpolarization can increase the SNR, to date, only photo‐chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo‐CIDNP) allows for hyperpolarization without harmful metal catalysts. Photo‐CIDNP was shown to significantly enhance 19F NMR signals of 3‐fluoro‐DL‐tyrosine in aqueous solution using flavins as photosensitizers. However, lasers were used for photoexcitation, which is expensive and requires appropriate protection procedures in a medical or lab environment. Herein, we report 19F MR hyperpolarization at 4.7 T and 7 T with a biocompatible system using a low‐cost and easy‐to‐handle LED‐based set‐up. First hyperpolarized 19F MR images could be acquired, because photo‐CIDNP enabled repetitive hyperpolarization without adding new substrates.
A Method for Parasagittal Sectioning for Neuroanatomical Quantification of Brain Structures in the Adult Mouse
Authors: Collins Stephan C. , Wagner Christel , Gagliardi Léo , Kretz Perrine F. , Fischer Marie‐Christine , Kessler Pascal , Kannan Meghna , Yalcin Binnaz
Published: June 2018

In this article, we present a standardized protocol for fast and robust neuroanatomical phenotyping of the adult mouse brain, which complements a previously published article (doi: 10.1002/cpmo.12) in Current Protocols in Mouse Biology. It is aimed at providing an experimental pipeline within an academic research setting from experimental work to data analysis. Our analysis focuses on one single parasagittal plane, covering the majority of brain regions involved in higher order cognitions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, for a total of 166 parameters of area, length, and cell‐level measurements in contrast to 78 parameters in our previously published coronal screen. Benefits of using parasagittal analysis for large‐scale neuroanatomic screens are discussed. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessing Individual Neuronal Activity Across the Intact Brain: Using Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR) to DetectArcmRNA Localized to the Nucleus in Volumes of Cleared Brain Tissue
Authors: Kramer Emily E. , Steadman Patrick E. , Epp Jonathan R. , Frankland Paul W. , Josselyn Sheena A.
Published: June 2018

Arc(activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein) is an immediate early gene that may be used to label recently active neurons.Arcis transcribed following neuronal activity, and its mRNA is then rapidly transported to dendrites. This feature allows nuclear‐localizedArcmRNA to define ensembles of recently active neurons in systems or circuit neuroscience. However, typical in situ hybridization techniques severely constrain the thickness of the tissue specimen (typically 20‐µm brain slices). Here, we describe a protocol for visualizing intranuclearArcmRNA in large (4 × 4 × 3 mm) volumes of intact mouse brain tissue. We combined a tissue clearing protocol (iDISCO+) with an advanced in situ hybridization technique (hybridization chain reaction [HCR]) to detect nuclear‐localizedArcmRNA in whole, intact brain regions without the need for brain sectioning or reconstruction. We successfully applied this protocol to image ensembles of neurons of the basolateral amygdala in mice that are active following the recall of a conditioned fear memory. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Solvothermally Controlled Synthesis of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanosheets as Efficient pH‐Universal Hydrogen‐Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhou Qiusheng , Chen Zhongxin , Zhong Linxin , Li Xuehui , Sun Runcang , Feng Jianrui , Wang Gui‐chang , Peng Xinwen
Published: June 2018

Electrocatalysts with a high efficiency and durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) hold tremendous promise for next‐generation energy conversion. Among the state‐of‐art catalysts for HER, organic–inorganic hybrid nanosheets exhibit a great potential with the merits of high activity, good durability, and low cost. Nevertheless, there is no general method for the synthesis of binary metal phosphide hybrid nanosheet HER catalysts with a tunable morphology and composition. Herein, we report a facile approach for the synthesis of nanosheets consisting of a binary cobalt nickel phosphide hybrid with a hierarchically porous nanostructures using an oxidation– phosphorization process. The as‐optimized hybrid nanosheets annealed at 350 °C yield the highest pH‐universal activity with overpotentials of 148, 111, and 173 mV in acidic, alkaline, and neutral media, respectively. Besides the promoted mass diffusion in the hierarchically porous structure, the extraordinary performance can be also attributed to the weakened adsorption of hydrogen as a result of the tunable composition of Co and Ni, which was revealed by first‐principles calculations.
Do autochthonous resources enhance trophic transfer of allochthonous organic matter to aquatic consumers, or vice versa?
Authors: Grieve Adrian , Lau Danny C. P.
Published: June 2018

Autochthonous and allochthonous resources are known to differ in nutritional quality and trophic support for aquatic food webs, but it is less clear how these high‐ and low‐quality resources interact to affect trophic transfer and consumer production. We conducted 30‐d feeding trials to investigate the resource assimilation, somatic growth, and fatty‐acid (FA) composition of the widespread benthic generalist isopod Asellus aquaticus, in response to different ratios of low‐quality allochthonous (leaf litter) to high‐quality autochthonous diets (algae). Wet mass growth of Asellus was lowest when fed 100% leaf litter or algae (0.53 ± 0.46 and 0.55 ± 0.57 mg·g−1·d−1, respectively; mean ± SE) and highest (4.95 ± 0.51 mg·g−1·d−1) with a diet of 90:10 leaf litter:algae ratio. Asellus tended to grow slower with increasing dietary algal proportions (10–100%), yet stable isotopes and Bayesian mixing models revealed consistently high algal assimilation (≥94%) by Asellus. Therefore, among the mixed‐diet treatments, Asellus biomass production using algal resources was optimized when terrestrial organic matter (OM) dominated over algae. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA):total FA, EPA:omega‐3 FA, and arachidonic acid:total FA declined, but docosahexaenoic acid (DHA):omega‐3 FA increased, with increasing growth of Asellus. Tissue EPA concentrations of Asellus were similar among treatments, so reductions in EPA:omega‐3 and EPA:total FA were due to increases in DHA concentration. Overall, our results suggest synergistic effects between autochthonous and allochthonous resources on Asellus growth and that allochthonous OM particularly facilitates the trophic transfer of autochthonous resources. Asellus preferentially retains DHA at low algal availability. This may improve its neural tissue development and so its success in accessing algae. The growth and FA responses of the widespread Asellus can enhance resource and DHA transfer to visual predators that have greater DHA demands, particularly when brownification of boreal freshwaters likely intensifies upon global climate change.
Biotic disturbance mitigates effects of multiple stressors in a marine benthic community
Authors: Lenihan Hunter S. , Peterson Charles H. , Miller Robert J. , Kayal Mohsen , Potoski Matthew
Published: June 2018

Predicting how communities respond to multiple stressors is challenging because community dynamics, stressors, and animal–stressor interactions can vary with environmental conditions, including the intensity of natural disturbance. Nevertheless, environmental laws stipulate that we predict, measure, and mitigate the ecological effects of some human‐induced stressors in the environment, including chemical contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. We conducted an experiment in Antarctica to test how a marine soft‐sediment benthic community responded to multiple chemical contaminants and biotic disturbance by manipulating organic carbon enrichment, copper metal contamination, access by large epibenthic animals, and their interaction. Biotic disturbance caused mainly by large echinoderms was manipulated with exclusion cages and cage‐control treatments. Colonization patterns in sediment trays revealed that total infaunal abundance and arthropods decreased with toxic Cu (0, 100, and 500 ppm) and total organic carbon (TOC; 0%, 1%, and 2% by wt), as enrichment produced increasing levels of sediment hypoxia/anoxia. Annelids and echinoderms decreased with Cu but increased with TOC because many colonizing polychaete worms, seastars, and epifaunal sea urchins were deposit feeders. Bioturbation by echinoderms disturbed sediments, leading to a substantial decline in total infaunal abundance in uncontaminated sediments, but also an increase in the relative abundance in contaminated sediments, as bioturbation mitigated the effect of both chemical stressors. Biotic disturbance also caused substantial shifts in the species composition of the invertebrate assemblages and an overall increase in species diversity. Prior predictions about the response of benthic marine phyla to the separate and combined effects of Cu and carbon enrichment appear robust to variation in natural biotic disturbance.
Beyond body size: consistent decrease of traits within orthopteran assemblages with elevation
Authors: Tiede Yvonne , Hemp Claudia , Schmidt Antje , Nauss Thomas , Farwig Nina , Brandl Roland
Published: June 2018

Morphological traits provide the interface between species and their environment. For example, body size affects the fitness of individuals in various ways. Yet especially for ectotherms, the applicability of general rules of interspecific clines of body size and even more so of other morphological traits is still under debate. Here we tested relationships between elevation (as a proxy for temperature) and productivity with four ecologically relevant morphological traits of orthopteran assemblages that are related to fecundity (body size), dispersal (wing length), jumping ability (hind femur length), and predator detection (eye size). We measured traits of 160 orthopteran species that were sampled along an extensive environmental gradient at Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), spanning elevations from 790 to 4,410 m above sea level (a.s.l.) with different levels of plant productivity. For traits other than body size, we calculated the residuals from a regression on body length to estimate the variation of traits irrespective of body size. Bayesian analyses revealed that mean body size of assemblages, as well as the means of relative wing length, hind femur length, and eye size, decreased with increasing elevation. Body size and relative eye size also decreased with increasing productivity. Both phylogenetic relationships, as well as species‐specific adaptations, contributed to these patterns. Our results suggest that orthopteran assemblages had higher fecundity and better dispersal and escape abilities, as well as better predator detection at higher temperatures (low elevations) than at low temperatures (high elevations). Large body sizes might be advantageous in habitats with low productivity because of a reduced risk of starvation. Likewise, large eye size might be advantageous because of the ability to detect predators in habitats with low vegetation cover, where hiding possibilities are scarce. Our study highlights that changes in temperature and productivity not only lead to interspecific changes in body size but are also related to independent changes of other morphological traits that influence the ecological fit of organisms in their environment.
The importance of accounting for imperfect detection when estimating functional and phylogenetic community structure
Authors: Si Xingfeng , Cadotte Marc W. , Zhao Yuhao , Zhou Haonan , Zeng Di , Li Jiaqi , Jin Tinghao , Ren Peng , Wang Yanping , Ding Ping , Tingley Morgan W.
Published: June 2018

Incorporating imperfect detection when estimating species richness has become commonplace in the past decade. However, the question of how imperfect detection of species affects estimates of functional and phylogenetic community structure remains untested. We used long‐term counts of breeding bird species that were detected at least once on islands in a land‐bridge island system, and employed multi‐species occupancy models to assess the effects of imperfect detection of species on estimates of bird diversity and community structure by incorporating species traits and phylogenies. Our results showed that taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity were all underestimated significantly as a result of species’ imperfect detection, with taxonomic diversity showing the greatest bias. The functional and phylogenetic structure calculated from observed communities were both more clustered than those from the detection‐corrected communities due to missed distinct species. The discrepancy between observed and estimated diversity differed according to the measure of biodiversity employed. Our study demonstrates the importance of accounting for species’ imperfect detection in biodiversity studies, especially for functional and phylogenetic community ecology, and when attempting to infer community assembly processes. With datasets that allow for detection‐corrected community structure, we can better estimate diversity and infer the underlying mechanisms that structure community assembly, and thus make reliable management decisions for the conservation of biodiversity.
The clinical outcome of LMNA missense mutations can be associated with the amount of mutated protein in the nuclear envelope
Authors: Al‐Saaidi Rasha A. , Rasmussen Torsten B. , Birkler Rune I.D. , Palmfeldt Johan , Beqqali Abdelaziz , Pinto Yigal M. , Nissen Peter H. , Baandrup Ulrik , Mølgaard Henning , Hey Thomas M. , Eiskjær Hans , Bross Peter , Mogensen Jens
Published: June 2018

Aims

Lamin A/C mutations are generally believed to be associated with a severe prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate disease expression in three affected families carrying different LMNA missense mutations. Furthermore, the potential molecular disease mechanisms of the mutations were investigated in fibroblasts obtained from mutation carriers.

Methods and results

A LMNA‐p.Arg216Cys missense mutation was identified in a large family with 36 mutation carriers. Disease expression was unusual with a late onset and a favourable prognosis. Two smaller families with severe disease expression were shown to carry a LMNA‐p.Arg471Cys and LMNA‐p.Arg471His mutation, respectively. LMNA gene and protein expression was investigated in eight different mutation carriers by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and protein mass spectrometry. The results showed that all mutation carriers incorporated mutated lamin protein into the nuclear envelope. Interestingly, the ratio of mutated to wild‐type protein was only 30:70 in LMNA‐p.Arg216Cys carriers with a favourable prognosis while LMNA‐p.Arg471Cys and LMNA‐p.Arg471His carriers with a more severe outcome expressed significantly more of the mutated protein by a ratio of 50:50.

Conclusion

The clinical findings indicated that some LMNA mutations may be associated with a favourable prognosis and a low risk of sudden death. Protein expression studies suggested that a severe outcome was associated with the expression of high amounts of mutated protein. These findings may prove to be helpful in counselling and risk assessment of LMNA families.