bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The assembly of stellar haloes in massive Early-Type Galaxies
Authors: Buitrago F.
Published: March 2017

Massive (Mstellar ⩾ 5×1010 M⊙) Early-Type Galaxies (ETGs) must build an outer stellar envelope over cosmic time in order to account for their remarkable size evolution. This is similar to what occurs to nearby Late-Type Galaxies (LTGs), which create their stellar haloes out of the debris of lower mass systems. We analysed the outer parts of massive ETGs at z < 1 by exploiting the Hubble Ultra Deep Field imaging. These galaxies store 10-30% of their stellar mass at distances 10 < R/kpc < 50, in contrast to the low percentages (< 5%) found for LTGs. We find evidence for a progressive outskirt development with redshift driven solely via merging.
The 2X-Hidisks of spiral galaxies
Authors: Koribalski Bärbel S.
Published: March 2017

The outskirts of galaxies — especially the very extended Hidisks of galaxies — are strongly affected by their local environment. I highlight the giant 2X-Hidisks of nearby galaxies (M 83, NGC 3621, and NGC 1512), studied as part of the Local Volume HiSurvey (LVHIS), their kinematics and relation to XUV disks, signatures of tidal interactions and accretion events, theMHI-DHIrelation as well as the formation of tidal dwarf galaxies. - Using multi-wavelength data, I create 3D visualisations of the gas and stars in galaxies, with the shape of their warped disks obtained through kinematic modelling of their Hivelocity fields.
Jet-CO alignments in the environments high-z radio galaxies
Authors: Emonts Bjorn
Published: March 2017

In the outskirts of massive high-redshift radio galaxies, powerful radio-jets often interact with ambient warm Lyα-emitting gas. We present the discovery of luminous reservoirs of cold molecular gas in these environments, based on CO(1-0) observations with the Australia Telescope Compact Array. The CO-emission is aligned with the radio jets, and found tens of kpc outside the host galaxy. These molecular gas reservoirs have CO luminosities in the range of those found in submm-galaxies (L'CO ~ 4-9 × 1010 K km/s pc2), but they lack any near-infrared counterpart in deep Spitzer imaging. These results suggest that jet-triggered feedback takes place in the circum-galactic environment of high-z radio galaxies. We prefer the interpretation that the CO-emitting gas is formed when the propagating jets enrich, shock and cool pre-existing dusty halo gas. We further argue that sensitive low-surface-brightness CO observations, using radio interferometers in very compact array-configurations, are essential to study the role of the cold molecular medium in the outskirts of massive high-z galaxies.
The Halos and Environments of Nearby Galaxies (HERON) Survey
Authors: Rich R. Michael , Brosch Noah , Bullock James , Burkert Andreas , Collins Michelle , de Groot Laura , Kennefick Julia , Koch Andreas , Longstaff Francis , Sales Laura
Published: March 2017

We have used dedicated 0.7m telescopes in California and Israel to image the halos of ~ 200 galaxies in the Local Volume to 29 mag/sq arcsec, the sample mainly drawn from the 2MASS Large Galaxy Atlas (LGA). We supplement the LGA sample with dwarf galaxies and more distant giant ellipticals. Low surface brightness halos exceeding 50 kpc in diameter are found only in galaxies more luminous than L*, and classic interaction signatures are relatively infrequent. Halo diameter is correlated with total galaxy luminosity. Extended low surface brightness halos are present even in galaxies as faint as MV = - 18. Edge-on galaxies with boxy bulges tend to lack extended spheroidal halos, while those with large classical bulges exhibit extended round halos, supporting the notions that boxy or barlike bulges originate from disks. Most face-on spiral galaxies present features that appear to be irregular extensions of spiral arms, although rare cases show smooth boundaries with no sign of star formation. Although we serendipitously discovered a dwarf galaxy undergoing tidal disruption in the halo of NGC 4449, we found no comparable examples in our general survey. A search for similar examples in the Local Volume identified hcc087, a tidally disrupting dwarf galaxy in the Hercules Cluster, but we do not confirm an anomalously large half-light radius reported for the dwarf VCC 1661.
Sun Glitter Provides a Detailed Map of Ocean Waves
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: March 2017

European scientists use satellite sensors to detect light reflected off waves at the ocean's surface, which could help improve wave forecasts.
The Role of Local Instabilities in Fluid Invasion into Permeable Media
Authors: Singh Kamaljit , Scholl Hagen , Brinkmann Martin , Michiel Marco Di , Scheel Mario , Herminghaus Stephan , Seemann Ralf
Published: March 2017

Wettability is an important factor which controls the displacement of immiscible fluids in permeable media, with far reaching implications for storage of CO2 in deep saline aquifers, fuel cells, oil recovery, and for the remediation of oil contaminated soils. Considering the paradigmatic case of random piles of spherical beads, fluid front morphologies emerging during slow immiscible displacement are investigated in real time by X-ray micro–tomography and quantitatively compared with model predictions. Controlled by the wettability of the bead matrix two distinct displacement patterns are found. A compact front morphology emerges if the invading fluid wets the beads while a fingered morphology is found for non–wetting invading fluids, causing the residual amount of defending fluid to differ by one order of magnitude. The corresponding crossover between these two regimes in terms of the advancing contact angle is governed by an interplay of wettability and pore geometry and can be predicted on the basis of a purely quasi–static consideration of local instabilities that control the progression of the invading interface.
Multistructure index characterization of heart rate and systolic blood pressure reveals precursory signs of syncope
Authors: Makowiec Danuta , Graff Beata , Struzik Zbigniew R.
Published: March 2017

Recurrent syncope — abrupt loss of consciousness — can have a serious impact on patients’ quality of life, comparable with chronic illnesses. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a specific reflex syncope, in which an inappropriate reaction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a key role in the pathophysiology. In syncope diagnosis, an ideal diagnostic method should positively identify vasovagal sensitive patients, without the need to perform a specialised head-up tilt table (HUTT) test. We apply a novel methodology of multistructure index (MI) statistics for seamlessly evaluating the size spectrum of the asymmetry properties of magnitudes of neural reflexes responsible for maintaining the homeostatic dynamics of autonomic control. Simultaneous evaluation using the MI of the effects on heart rate and blood pressure involved in achieving homeostasis of contrasting properties of the dynamics of slow and fast neural regulation reveals a clear distinction between vasovagal patients and healthy subjects, who are/are not susceptible to spontaneous fainting. Remarkably, a healthy cardiovascular response to the HUTT test is indeed evident prior to the test, making the MI a robust novel indicator, clearly distinguishing the cardiovascular autonomic regulation of healthy people from that of vasovagal patients without the need to perform an actual HUTT test.
Gliding locomotion of manta rays, killer whales and swordfish near the water surface
Authors: Zhan Jie-Min , Gong Ye-Jun , Li Tian-Zeng
Published: March 2017

The hydrodynamic performance of the locomotive near the water surface is impacted by its geometrical shape. For marine animals, their geometrical shape is naturally selective; thus, investigating gliding locomotion of marine animal under the water surface may be able to elucidate the influence of the geometrical shape. We investigate three marine animals with specific geometries: the killer whale is fusiform shaped; the manta ray is flat and broad-winged; and the swordfish is best streamlined. The numerical results are validated by the measured drag coefficients of the manta ray model in a towing tank. The friction drag of the three target models are very similar; the body shape affected form drag coefficient is order as swordfish < killer whale < manta ray; the induced wave breaking upon the body of the manta ray performs different to killer whale and swordfish. These bio-inspired observations provide a new and in-depth understanding of the shape effects on the hydrodynamic performances near the free surface.
Variants in the host genome may inhibit tumour growth in devil facial tumours: evidence from genome-wide association
Authors: Wright Belinda , Willet Cali E. , Hamede Rodrigo , Jones Menna , Belov Katherine , Wade Claire M.
Published: March 2017

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) has decimated wild populations of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) due to its ability to avoid immune detection and pass from host to host by biting. A small number of devils have been observed to spontaneously recover from the disease which is otherwise fatal. We have sequenced the genomes of these rare cases and compared them to the genomes of devils who succumbed to the disease. Genome-wide association, based on this limited sampling, highlighted two key genomic regions potentially associated with ability to survive DFTD. Following targeted genotyping in additional samples, both of these loci remain significantly different between cases and controls, with the PAX3 locus retaining significance at the 0.001 level, though genome-wide significance was not achieved. We propose that PAX3 may be involved in a regulatory pathway that influences the slowing of tumour growth and may allow more time for an immune response to be mounted in animals with regressed tumours. This provides an intriguing hypothesis for further research and could provide a novel route of treatment for this devastating disease.
Large-Scale Crustal-Block-Extrusion During Late Alpine Collision
Authors: Herwegh Marco , Berger Alfons , Baumberger Roland , Wehrens Philip , Kissling Edi
Published: March 2017

The crustal-scale geometry of the European Alps has been explained by a classical subduction-scenario comprising thrust-and-fold-related compressional wedge tectonics and isostatic rebound. However, massive blocks of crystalline basement (External Crystalline Massifs) vertically disrupt the upper-crustal wedge. In the case of the Aar massif, top basement vertically rises for >12 km and peak metamorphic temperatures increase along an orogen-perpendicular direction from 250 °C–450 °C over horizontal distances of only <15 km (Innertkirchen-Grimselpass), suggesting exhumation of midcrustal rocks with increasing uplift component along steep vertical shear zones. Here we demonstrate that delamination of European lower crust during lithosphere mantle rollback migrates northward in time. Simultaneously, the Aar massif as giant upper crustal block extrudes by buoyancy forces, while substantial volumes of lower crust accumulate underneath. Buoyancy-driven deformation generates dense networks of steep reverse faults as major structures interconnected by secondary branches with normal fault component, dissecting the entire crust up to the surface. Owing to rollback fading, the component of vertical motion reduces and is replaced by a late stage of orogenic compression as manifest by north-directed thrusting. Buoyancy-driven vertical tectonics and modest late shortening, combined with surface erosion, result in typical topographic and metamorphic gradients, which might represent general indicators for final stages of continent-continent collisions.
MiR-2425-5p targets RAD9A and MYOG to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle-derived satellite cells
Authors: Tong Hui Li , Jiang Run Ying , Zhang Wei Wei , Yan Yun Qin
Published: March 2017

Our group previously identified miR-2425-5p, a unique bovine miRNA; however, its biological function and regulation in muscle-derived satellite cells (MDSCs) remain unclear. Herein, stem-loop RT-PCR results showed that miR-2425-5p increased during MDSCs proliferation, but decreased during differentiation. Cell proliferation was examined using EdU assays, cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) western blot (WB) and flow cytometry analysis. These results showed that miR-2425-5p mimics (miR-2425-M) enhanced MDSCs proliferation, whereas, miR-2425-5p inhibitor (miR-2425-I) had opposite effect. Conversely, cell differentiation studies by desmin (DES) immunofluorescence, myotubes formation, and myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3) WB analyses revealed that miR-2425-M and miR-2425-I blocked and promoted MDSCs differentiation, respectively. Moreover, luciferase reporter, RT-PCR, and WB assays showed that miR-2425-5p directly targeted the 3′-UTR of RAD9 homolog A (RAD9A) and myogenin (MYOG) to regulate their expression. Rescue experiment showed RAD9A inhibited the proliferation of MDSCs through miR-2425-5p. In addition, we found that miR-2425-5p expression was regulated by its host gene NCK associated protein 5-like (NCKAP5L) rather than being transcribed independently as a separate small RNA. Collectively, these data indicate that miR-2425-5p is a novel regulator of bovine MDSCs proliferation and differentiation and provides further insight into the biological functions of miRNA in this species.
Follistatin like-1 aggravates silica-induced mouse lung injury
Authors: Fang Yinshan , Zhang Si , Li Xiaohe , Jiang Fangxin , Ye Qiao , Ning Wen
Published: March 2017

Occupational inhalation of dust, such as crystalline silica, for prolonged periods in the workplace leads to fibrotic lung diseases worldwide. The mechanisms underlying the diseases are unknown, so that no effective treatment exists for these conditions. We found elevated levels of follistatin like 1 (FSTL1) in serum from patients with silicosis and in lungs from silica-induced mouse model. The induced Fstl1 regulated inflammation response via activation of nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3v (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production from macrophages. Meanwhile, Fstl1 promoted fibrosis via positive regulation of TGF-β1 signaling. Haploinsufficiency of Fstl1 or blockage of FSTL1 with a neutralizing antibody was protective from silica-induced lung injury in mice in vivo. Our data suggest that Fstl1 plays an important role in lung fibrosis, and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of silicosis.
Cross shelf benthic biodiversity patterns in the Southern Red Sea
Authors: Ellis Joanne , Anlauf Holger , Kürten Saskia , Lozano-Cortés Diego , Alsaffar Zahra , Cúrdia Joao , Jones Burton , Carvalho Susana
Published: March 2017

The diversity of coral reef and soft sediment ecosystems in the Red Sea has to date received limited scientific attention. This study investigates changes in the community composition of both reef and macrobenthic communities along a cross shelf gradient. Coral reef assemblages differed significantly in species composition and structure with location and depth. Inner shelf reefs harbored less abundant and less diverse coral assemblages with higher percentage macroalgae cover. Nutrient availability and distance from the shoreline were significantly related to changes in coral composition and structure. This study also observed a clear inshore offshore pattern for soft sediment communities. In contrast to the coral reef patterns the highest diversity and abundance of soft sediment communities were recorded at the inshore sites, which were characterized by a higher number of opportunistic polychaete species and bivalves indicative of mild disturbance. Sediment grain size and nutrient enrichment were important variables explaining the variability. This study aims to contribute to our understanding of ecosystem processes and biodiversity in the Red Sea region in an area that also has the potential to provide insight into pressing topics, such as the capacity of reef systems and benthic macrofaunal organisms to adapt to global climate change.
Infrared broadband metasurface absorber for reducing the thermal mass of a microbolometer
Authors: Jung Joo-Yun , Song Kyungjun , Choi Jun-Hyuk , Lee Jihye , Choi Dae-Geun , Jeong Jun-Ho , Neikirk Dean P.
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate an infrared broadband metasurface absorber that is suitable for increasing the response speed of a microbolometer by reducing its thermal mass. A large fraction of holes are made in a periodic pattern on a thin lossy metal layer characterised with a non-dispersive effective surface impedance. This can be used as a non-resonant metasurface that can be integrated with a Salisbury screen absorber to construct an absorbing membrane for a microbolometer that can significantly reduce the thermal mass while maintaining high infrared broadband absorption in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) band. The non-dispersive effective surface impedance can be matched to the free space by optimising the surface resistance of the thin lossy metal layer depending on the size of the patterned holes by using a dc approximation method. In experiments a high broadband absorption was maintained even when the fill factor of the absorbing area was reduced to 28% (hole area: 72%), and it was theoretically maintained even when the fill factor of the absorbing area was reduced to 19% (hole area: 81%). Therefore, a metasurface with a non-dispersive effective surface impedance is a promising solution for reducing the thermal mass of infrared microbolometer pixels.
Earthquake-Related Changes in Species Spatial Niche Overlaps in Spring Communities
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Lombardo Paola , Fiasca Barbara , Di Cioccio Alessia , Di Lorenzo Tiziana , Galassi Diana M. P.
Published: March 2017

Species interactions between stygobites (obligate groundwater organisms) are poorly known, reflecting the difficulty in studying such organisms in their natural environments. Some insight can be gained from the study of the spatial variability in microcrustacean communities in groundwater-fed springs. Earthquakes can increase hydraulic conductivity in the recharge area of karstic aquifers and flow rates in discharge zones, thus dislodging stygobites from their original habitats to the spring outlets. Earthquakes are expected to alter species spatial niche overlap at the spring outlets, where stygobites coexist with non-stygobites living in benthic and subsurface habitats. We compared the abundance of stygobiotic and non-stygobiotic microcrustaceans in groundwater-fed springs before and after the 6.3-Mw earthquake that hit the karstic Gran Sasso Aquifer (Italy) in 2009. Pre-seismic (1997, 2005) overall niche overlaps were not different from null expectations, while post-seismic (2012) species mean niche overlaps were higher, following the redistribution of animals caused by the earthquake-triggered discharge. The reduced abundance of stygobites following their dislodgement from the aquifer and the concomitant displacement of non-stygobites led to a higher post-seismic co-occurrence of stygobites and non-stygobites. Changes in aquifer structure destroyed pre-seismic species segregation patterns by creating new or strengthening already existing interactions.
The lack of increases in circulating endothelial progenitor cell as a negative predictor for pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Tanaka Sunao , Ueno Takayuki , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Morita Satoshi , Toi Masakazu
Published: March 2017

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells are a potential surrogate marker for angiogenesis. Little is known about the alteration of circulating endothelial progenitor cell counts during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our goal was to reveal the alteration in CEP counts in association with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. We measured the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CD31+CD34+CD133+CD45dim) by four-color flow cytometry using blood samples from 57 patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide (FEC), docetaxel + cyclophosphamide (TC), cisplatin + docetaxel (TP)). There was no significant difference in the baseline circulating endothelial progenitor cell counts with respect to the clinical and pathological background factors. Circulating endothelial progenitor cell counts increased after the initiation of chemotherapy (pre-1st vs. pre-2nd cycle, p = 0.0035; pre-1st vs. pre-4th cycle, p = 0.047). An increase of circulating endothelial progenitor cell counts from pre-1st to pre-2nd cycle was associated with pCR (p = 0.013 for χ2 test). A multivariate analysis, including subtype, and clinical response showed that the lack of circulating endothelial progenitor cell increases from pre-1st to pre-2nd cycle was an independent negative predictor of pCR (p = 0.002). Our data suggest that alterations in circulating endothelial progenitor cell counts are associated with treatment response. The circulating endothelial progenitor cell count could be a useful biomarker for monitoring chemotherapeutic response.
Subtle effects of environmental stress observed in the early life stages of the Common frog, Rana temporaria
Authors: Strong Rebecca , Martin Francis L. , Jones Kevin C. , Shore Richard F. , Halsall Crispin J.
Published: March 2017

Worldwide amphibian populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease and pollution. Vulnerability to environmental contaminants such as pesticides will be dependent on the species, the sensitivity of the ontogenic life stage and hence the timing of exposure and the exposure pathway. Herein we investigated the biochemical tissue ‘fingerprint’ in spawn and early-stage tadpoles of the Common frog, Rana temporaria, using attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with the objective of observing differences in the biochemical constituents of the respective amphibian tissues due to varying water quality in urban and agricultural ponds. Our results demonstrate that levels of stress (marked by biochemical constituents such as glycogen that are involved in compensatory metabolic mechanisms) can be observed in tadpoles present in the pond most impacted by pollution (nutrients and pesticides), but large annual variability masked any inter-site differences in the frog spawn. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is capable of detecting differences in tadpoles that are present in selected ponds with different levels of environmental perturbation and thus serves as a rapid and cost effective tool in assessing stress-related effects of pollution in a vulnerable class of organism.
Sudden Transition between Classical to Quantum Decoherence in bipartite correlated Qutrit Systems
Authors: Cárdenas-López F. A. , Allende S. , Retamal J. C.
Published: March 2017

Classical to quantum decoherence transition, an issue existing for incoherent superposition of Bell-diagonal states is studied for three dimensional bipartite AB mixed quantum systems. Depending on the initial conditions, the dynamics of classical and quantum correlations can exhibit a sudden transition between classical to quantum decoherence. This result is calculated numerically by using entropic and geometric measures of correlations. An alternative explanation for this effect could be obtained by extending the bipartite A ⊗ B qutrit system to a pure tripartite A ⊗ B ⊗ C system. The freezing of classical correlations in AB is related to a freezing of the entanglement in the AC bipartition.
Environment-insensitive and gate-controllable photocurrent enabled by bandgap engineering of MoS2 junctions
Authors: Shih Fu-Yu , Wu Yueh-Chun , Shih Yi-Siang , Shih Ming-Chiuan , Wu Tsuei-Shin , Ho Po-Hsun , Chen Chun-Wei , Chen Yang-Fang , Chiu Ya-Ping , Wang Wei-Hua
Published: March 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are composed of atomically thin crystals with an enormous surface-to-volume ratio, and their physical properties can be easily subjected to the change of the chemical environment. Encapsulation with other layered materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride, is a common practice; however, this approach often requires inextricable fabrication processes. Alternatively, it is intriguing to explore methods to control transport properties in the circumstance of no encapsulated layer. This is very challenging because of the ubiquitous presence of adsorbents, which can lead to charged-impurity scattering sites, charge traps, and recombination centers. Here, we show that the short-circuit photocurrent originated from the built-in electric field at the MoS2 junction is surprisingly insensitive to the gaseous environment over the range from a vacuum of 1 × 10−6 Torr to ambient condition. The environmental insensitivity of the short-circuit photocurrent is attributed to the characteristic of the diffusion current that is associated with the gradient of carrier density. Conversely, the photocurrent with bias exhibits typical persistent photoconductivity and greatly depends on the gaseous environment. The observation of environment-insensitive short-circuit photocurrent demonstrates an alternative method to design device structure for 2D-material-based optoelectronic applications.
A Nanotechnology-Ready Computing Scheme based on a Weakly Coupled Oscillator Network
Authors: Vodenicarevic Damir , Locatelli Nicolas , Abreu Araujo Flavio , Grollier Julie , Querlioz Damien
Published: March 2017

With conventional transistor technologies reaching their limits, alternative computing schemes based on novel technologies are currently gaining considerable interest. Notably, promising computing approaches have proposed to leverage the complex dynamics emerging in networks of coupled oscillators based on nanotechnologies. The physical implementation of such architectures remains a true challenge, however, as most proposed ideas are not robust to nanotechnology devices’ non-idealities. In this work, we propose and investigate the implementation of an oscillator-based architecture, which can be used to carry out pattern recognition tasks, and which is tailored to the specificities of nanotechnologies. This scheme relies on a weak coupling between oscillators, and does not require a fine tuning of the coupling values. After evaluating its reliability under the severe constraints associated to nanotechnologies, we explore the scalability of such an architecture, suggesting its potential to realize pattern recognition tasks using limited resources. We show that it is robust to issues like noise, variability and oscillator non-linearity. Defining network optimization design rules, we show that nano-oscillator networks could be used for efficient cognitive processing.
Systems Pharmacology-based strategy to screen new adjuvant for hepatitis B vaccine from Traditional Chinese Medicine Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Liu Rui , Liu Baoxiu , Yang Yan , Xie Jun , Zhu Naishuo
Published: March 2017

Adjuvants are common component for many vaccines but there are still few licensed for human use due to low efficiency or side effects. The present work adopted Systems Pharmacology analysis as a new strategy to screen adjuvants from traditional Chinese medicine. Ophiocordyceps sinensis has been used for many years in China and other Asian countries with many biological properties, but the pharmacological mechanism has not been fully elucidated. First in this study, 190 putative targets for 17 active compounds in Ophiocordyceps sinensis were retrieved and a systems pharmacology-based approach was applied to provide new insights into the pharmacological actions of the drug. Pathway enrichment analysis found that the targets participated in several immunological processes. Based on this, we selected cordycepin as a target compound to serve as an adjuvant of the hepatitis B vaccine because the existing vaccine often fails to induce an effective immune response in many subjects. Animal and cellular experiments finally validated that the new vaccine simultaneously improves the humoral and cellular immunity of BALB/c mice without side effects. All this results demonstrate that cordycepin could work as adjuvant to hepatitis b vaccine and systems-pharmacology analysis could be used as a new method to select adjuvants.
Plasmon-assisted site-selective growth of Ag nanotriangles and Ag-Cu2O hybrids
Authors: Xie Ying , Ma Liang , Cheng Zi-Qiang , Yang Da-Jie , Zhou Li , Hao Zhong-Hua , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: March 2017

We report a plasmon-assisted growth of metal and semiconductor onto the tips of Ag nanotriangles (AgNTs) under light irradiation. The site-selective growth of Ag onto AgNTs are firstly demonstrated on the copper grids and amine-coated glass slides. As the irradiation time increases, microscopic images indicate that AgNTs gradually touch with each other and finally “weld” tip-to-tip together into the branched chains. Meanwhile, the redshift of plasmon band is observed in the extinction spectra, which agrees well the growth at the tips of AgNTs and the decrease of the gaps between the adjacent nanotriangles. We also synthesize AgNT-Cu2O nanocomposites by using a photochemical method and find that the Cu2O nanoparticles preferably grow on the tips of AgNTs. The site-selective growth of Ag and Cu2O is interpreted by the local field concentration at the tips of AgNTs induced by surface plasmon resonance under light excitation.
A computational approach to calculate the heat of transport of aqueous solutions
Authors: Di Lecce Silvia , Albrecht Tim , Bresme Fernando
Published: March 2017

Thermal gradients induce concentration gradients in alkali halide solutions, and the salt migrates towards hot or cold regions depending on the average temperature of the solution. This effect has been interpreted using the heat of transport, which provides a route to rationalize thermophoretic phenomena. Early theories provide estimates of the heat of transport at infinite dilution. These values are used to interpret thermodiffusion (Soret) and thermoelectric (Seebeck) effects. However, accessing heats of transport of individual ions at finite concentration remains an outstanding question both theoretically and experimentally. Here we discuss a computational approach to calculate heats of transport of aqueous solutions at finite concentrations, and apply our method to study lithium chloride solutions at concentrations >0.5 M. The heats of transport are significantly different for Li+and Cl−ions, unlike what is expected at infinite dilution. We find theoretical evidence for the existence of minima in the Soret coefficient of LiCl, where the magnitude of the heat of transport is maximized. The Seebeck coefficient obtained from the ionic heats of transport varies significantly with temperature and concentration. We identify thermodynamic conditions leading to a maximization of the thermoelectric response of aqueous solutions.
Ag/AgO Nanoparticles Grown via Time Dependent Double Mechanism in a 2D Layered Ni-PCP and Their Antibacterial Efficacy
Authors: Agarwal Rashmi A. , Gupta Neeraj K. , Singh Rajan , Nigam Shivansh , Ateeq Bushra
Published: March 2017

A simple synthesis route for growth of Ag/AgO nanoparticles (NPs) in large quantitative yields with narrow size distribution from a functional, non-activated, Ni (II) based highly flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP) as a template has been demonstrated. This template is a stable storage media for the NPs larger than the pore diameters of the PCP. From EPR study it was concluded that NPs were synthesized via two mechanisms i.e. acid formation and the redox activity of the framework. Size range of Ag/AgO NPs is sensitive to choice of solvent and reaction time. Direct use of Ag/AgO@Ni-PCP shows influential growth inhibition towards Escherichia coli and the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium at extremely low concentrations. The pristine template shows no cytotoxic activity, even though it contains Ni nodes in the framework.
Ultrasound mediated delivery of oxygen and LLL12 loaded stimuli responsive microdroplets for the treatment of hypoxic cancer cells
Authors: Xu Jinshun , Yuan Shuai , Tian Jilai , Martin Kyle A. , Song Jinhua , Li Chenglong , Wang Zhigang , Lin Jiayuh , Si Ting , Xu Ronald X.
Published: March 2017

LLL12 exhibits high specificity for inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation and dimerization, and inducing apoptosis to constitutively activated STAT3 cancer cells without cytotoxicity to normal cells with dormant STAT3. However, clinical deployment of LLL12 in cancer treatment is hindered by its low bioavailability and hypoxia-induced resistance. To overcome these limitations, we encapsulate both oxygen and LLL12 in stimuli responsive microdroplets (SRMs) by a gas-driven coaxial flow focusing (CFF) process for ultrasound mediated treatment of hypoxic cancer cells. Our benchtop experiments demonstrate that the CFF process is able to produce SRMs with uniform size distribution, large oxygen loading capacity, high LLL12 encapsulation efficiency, well protection of bioactivity, and steadily long shelf time. The in vitro therapeutic studies in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1 and CAPAN-1) demonstrate the immediate release of oxygen and LLL12 in exposure to therapeutic ultrasound pulses as well as the improved anticancer effects under hypoxic conditions. The findings suggest that the proposed oxygen and LLL12 loaded SRMs provide a promising drug delivery strategy for more effective treatment of hypoxic cancer cells.
Noncanonical NF-κB mediates the Suppressive Effect of Neutrophil Elastase on IL-8/CXCL8 by Inducing NKRF in Human Airway Smooth Muscle
Authors: Ho Shu-Chuan , Wu Sheng-Ming , Feng Po-Hao , Liu Wen-Te , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Chan Yao-Fei , Kuo Lu-Wei , Lee Kang-Yun
Published: March 2017

Neutrophil elastase (NE) suppresses IL-8/CXCL8 in human airway smooth muscle cells (hASM) while stimulating its production in respiratory epithelial cells. This differential effect is mediated by the selective induction of NKRF and dysregulation in chronic inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that the differential activation of NF-κB subunits confer the opposite effect of NKRF on IL-8/CXCL8 in primary hASM and A549 cells stimulated with NE. The events occurring at the promoters of NKRF and IL-8/CXCL8 were observed by ChIP assays, and the functional role of RelB was confirmed by knockdown and overexpression. Although p65 was stimulated in both cell types, RelB was only activated in NE-treated hASM, as confirmed by NF-κB DNA binding ELISA, Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Knockdown of RelB abolished the induction of NKRF and converted the suppression of IL-8/CXCL8 to stimulation. The forced expression of RelB induced NKRF production in hASM and A549 cells. NE activated the NIK/IKK1/RelB non-canonical NF-κB pathway in hASM but not in A549. The nuclear-translocated RelB was recruited to the NKRF promoter around the putative κB site, accompanied by p52 and RNA polymerase II. In conclusion, NFRF is a novel RelB-response gene, and NE is a stimulator of the non-canonical RelB/NF-κB pathway in hASM.
5D imaging via light sheet microscopy reveals cell dynamics during the eye-antenna disc primordium formation in Drosophila
Authors: Huang Yu Shan , Ku Hui Yu , Tsai Yun Chi , Chang Chin Hao , Pao Sih Hua , Sun Y. Henry , Chiou Arthur
Published: March 2017

5D images of engrailed (en) and eye gone (eyg) gene expressions during the course of the eye-antenna disc primordium (EADP) formation of Drosophila embryos from embryonic stages 13 through 16 were recorded via light sheet microscopy and analyzed to reveal the cell dynamics involved in the development of the EADP. Detailed analysis of the time-lapsed images revealed the process of EADP formation and its invagination trajectory, which involved an inversion of the EADP anterior-posterior axis relative to the body. Furthermore, analysis of the en-expression pattern in the EADP provided strong evidence that the EADP is derived from one of the en-expressing head segments.
Tuning of Exchange Coupling and Switchable Magnetization Dynamics by Displacing the Bridging Ligands Observed in Two Dimeric Manganese(III) Compounds
Authors: Liu Xiang-Yu , Cen Pei-Pei , Wu Li-Zhou , Li Fei-Fei , Song Wei-Ming , Xie Gang , Chen San-Ping
Published: March 2017

Two Mn(III)-based dimers, [Mn2(bpad)2(CH3O)4]n (1) and [Mn2(bpad)2(pa)2]n·2H2O (2) (Hbpad = N3-benzoylpyridine-2-carboxamidrazone, H2pa = phthalic acid), have been assembled from a tridentate Schiff-base chelator and various anionic coligands. Noteworthily, compound 1 could be identified as a reaction precursor to transform to 2 in the presence of phthalic acid, resulting in a rarely structural conversion process in which the bridges between intradimer Mn(III) ions alter from methanol oxygen atom with μ2-O mode in 1 (Mn "Equation missing" Mn distance of 3.046 Å) to syn-anti carboxylate in 2 (Mn "Equation missing" Mn distance of 4.043 Å), while the Mn(III) centers retain hexa-coordinated geometries with independently distorted octahedrons in two compounds. The dc magnetic determinations reveal that ferromagnetic coupling between two metal centers with J = 1.31 cm−1 exists in 1, whereas 2 displays weak antiferromagnetic interactions with the coupling constant J of −0.56 cm−1. Frequency-dependent ac susceptibilities in the absence of dc field for 1 suggest slow relaxation of the magnetization with an energy barrier of 13.9 K, signifying that 1 features single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior. This work presents a rational strategy to fine-tune the magnetic interactions and further magnetization dynamics of the Mn(III)-containing dinuclear units through small structural variations driven by the ingenious chemistry.
3D-printed navigation template in proximal femoral osteotomy for older children with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Zheng Pengfei , Xu Peng , Yao Qingqiang , Tang Kai , Lou Yue
Published: March 2017

To explore the feasibility of 3D-printed navigation template in proximal femoral varus rotation and shortening osteotomy for older children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between June 2014 and May 2015, navigation templates were designed and used for 12 DDH patients. Surgical information and outcomes were compared to 13 patients undergoing the same surgery but without navigation template. In template-guided patient group, operation time (21.08 min vs. 46.92 min), number of X-ray exposures (3.92 vs. 6.69), and occurrence of femoral epiphysis damage (0 vs. 0.92) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after 12–18 months follow-up, 66.7% and 16.7% of the hips in template-guided group were rated as excellent or good, respectively, according to the McKay criteria; 83.3% and 16.7% by using the Severin criteria respectively. By contrast, 46.2% and 23.1% of the hips in traditional operation group were classed as excellent or good, respectively, using the McKay criteria; 46.2% and 30.8% by using the Severin criteria respectively. The template-guided group achieved a better outcome; however, there was no significant difference. Application of the navigation template for older DDH children can reduce the operation time, radiation exposure, and epiphysis damage, which also simplifies surgery and improves precision.
Resistive switching mechanism in the one diode-one resistor memory based on p+-Si/n-ZnO heterostructure revealed by in-situ TEM
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhu Liang , Li Xiaomei , Xu Zhi , Wang Wenlong , Bai Xuedong
Published: March 2017

One diode-one resistor (1D1R) memory is an effective architecture to suppress the crosstalk interference, realizing the crossbar network integration of resistive random access memory (RRAM). Herein, we designed a p+-Si/n-ZnO heterostructure with 1D1R function. Compared with the conventional multilayer 1D1R devices, the structure and fabrication technique can be largely simplified. The real-time imaging of formation/rupture process of conductive filament (CF) process demonstrated the RS mechanism by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Meanwhile, we observed that the formed CF is only confined to the outside of depletion region of Si/ZnO pn junction, and the formation of CF does not degrade the diode performance, which allows the coexistence of RS and rectifying behaviors, revealing the 1D1R switching model. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the CF is consisting of the oxygen vacancy by in-situ TEM characterization.
An autism-associated serotonin transporter variant disrupts multisensory processing
Authors: Siemann J K , Muller C L , Forsberg C G , Blakely R D , Veenstra-VanderWeele J , Wallace M T
Published: March 2017

Altered sensory processing is observed in many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with growing evidence that these impairments extend to the integration of information across the different senses (that is, multisensory function). The serotonin system has an important role in sensory development and function, and alterations of serotonergic signaling have been suggested to have a role in ASD. A gain-of-function coding variant in the serotonin transporter (SERT) associates with sensory aversion in humans, and when expressed in mice produces traits associated with ASD, including disruptions in social and communicative function and repetitive behaviors. The current study set out to test whether these mice also exhibit changes in multisensory function when compared with wild-type (WT) animals on the same genetic background. Mice were trained to respond to auditory and visual stimuli independently before being tested under visual, auditory and paired audiovisual (multisensory) conditions. WT mice exhibited significant gains in response accuracy under audiovisual conditions. In contrast, although the SERT mutant animals learned the auditory and visual tasks comparably to WT littermates, they failed to show behavioral gains under multisensory conditions. We believe these results provide the first behavioral evidence of multisensory deficits in a genetic mouse model related to ASD and implicate the serotonin system in multisensory processing and in the multisensory changes seen in ASD.
Towards Synthesis of Heparan Sulfate Glycopeptides and Proteoglycans
Authors: Ramadan Sherif , Yang Weizhun , Huang Xuefei
Published: March 2017

Proteoglycans are an important family of glycoproteins, consisting of a core protein bearing one of more glycosaminoglycan chain(s), mainly through tetrasaccharide linkers. Both the core protein and glycan chains have been shown to play important roles in their multi-faceted biological functions. As proteoglycans are highly heterogeneous in nature due to structural variations of the glycan chains, synthesis has become a preferred approach to enable access to well-defined proteoglycans. This chapter starts with an overview of the structures, function and biosynthesis of proteoglycans. Subsequently, synthesis of the tetrasaccharide linker of proteoglycans through either chemical or enzymatic methods is discussed. This is followed by a review of synthetic efforts towards producing heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Currently, glycopeptides bearing multiple glycan chains including sulfated heparan sulfate oligosaccharides can be synthesized. Challenges in stereochemical control during glycosylation, protective group chemistry, integrating glycan with peptide chemistry, and the low reactivity and specificity of currently available enzymes are discussed to spur further developments in synthesis of this class of important biomolecules.
Multivariate quantification of mebendazole polymorphs by terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THZ-TDS)
Authors: da Silva Vitor H. , Vieira Francisco S. , Rohwedder Jarbas J. R. , Pasquini Celio , Pereira Claudete F.
Published: March 2017

An analytical method based on terahertz-time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and PLS regression models to quantify mebendazole polymorphs in pharmaceutical raw material is presented.
Simultaneous viscosity and density measurement of small volumes of liquids using a vibrating microcantilever
Authors: Payam A. F. , Trewby W. , Voïtchovsky K.
Published: March 2017

An analytical model is derived to calculate the viscosity and density of small volumes of fluid from the resonance frequencies of an immersed microcantilever. Its accuracy is verified on simple and non-Newtonian fluids.
Orientation-dependent chemistry and band-bending of Ti on polar ZnO surfaces
Authors: Borghetti Patrizia , Mouchaal Younes , Dai Zongbei , Cabailh Gregory , Chenot Stéphane , Lazzari Rémi , Jupille Jacques
Published: March 2017

Orientation-dependent reactivity and band-bending are evidenced upon Ti deposition on polar ZnO surfaces.
Fluorescent bioimaging of pH: from design to applications
Authors: Hou Ji-Ting , Ren Wen Xiu , Li Kun , Seo Jinho , Sharma Amit , Yu Xiao-Qi , Kim Jong Seung
Published: March 2017

A summary of fluorescent probes for imaging biological pH variations is provided.
Switchings of dielectric constant, second harmonic generation and polarization in a polar hybrid cyanometallate crystal
Authors: Liu Yu-Ling , Wu De-Hong , Wang Zhongxia , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2017

A polar-to-polar phase transition in a cyanometallate crystal (TA)2{(H3O)[Co(CN)6]} (TA = thiazolium) triggers multiple switchings of the dielectric constant, second harmonic generation and polarization.
Protective effects of Shanxi aged vinegar against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in LO2 cells through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses
Authors: Xia Ting , Yao Jiahui , Zhang Jin , Zheng Yu , Song Jia , Wang Min
Published: March 2017

Shanxi aged vinegar (SAV), a kind of typical fermented food, is one of the famous traditional vinegars in China.
Photochirogenic nanosponges: phase-controlled enantiodifferentiating photoisomerization of (Z)-cyclooctene sensitized by pyromellitate-crosslinked linear maltodextrin
Authors: Liang Wenting , Zhao Meiling , Wei Xueqin , Yan Zhiqiang , Wu Wanhua , Caldera Fabrizio , Trotta Francesco , Inoue Yoshihisa , Su Dan , Zhong Zhihui , Yang Cheng
Published: March 2017

The enantioselectivity of the photoisomerization of (Z)-cyclooctene sensitized by the linear maltodextrin-based nanosponges are critically dependent on the phase properties.
Direct and self-selective synthesis of Ag nanowires on patterned graphene
Authors: Trung Tran Nam , Kim Dong-Ok , Kim Eui-Tae
Published: March 2017

The direct and self-selective growth of Ag nanowires on pre-patterned graphene substrates was realized via a modified citrate reduction reaction.
A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for imaging endogenous malondialdehyde in HeLa cells and onion tissues
Authors: He Longwei , Yang Xueling , Xu Kaixin , Lin Weiying
Published: March 2017

A turn-on mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe (Mito-FMP) was engineered for monitoring endogenous malondialdehyde in HeLa cells and onion tissues.
endo-Cyclization of unsaturated RO2 radicals from the gas-phase ozonolysis of cyclohexadienes
Authors: Richters Stefanie , Pfeifle Mark , Olzmann Matthias , Berndt Torsten
Published: March 2017

Experimental investigations supported by theoretical calculations show that unsaturated RO2 radicals can undergo an endo-cyclization step for atmospheric reaction conditions.
Highly efficient synthesis of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) using a membrane dispersion microreactor system and recycling reaction technology
Authors: Lin Xiyan , Yan Stone , Zhou Baiyang , Wang Kai , Zhang Jisong , Luo Guangsheng
Published: March 2017

The application of a membrane dispersion microreactor provides a highly efficient alternative for the synthesis of PVB.
Glycan-decorated HPMA copolymers as high-affinity lectin ligands
Authors: Bojarová P. , Chytil P. , Mikulová B. , Bumba L. , Konefał R. , Pelantová H. , Krejzová J. , Slámová K. , Petrásková L. , Kotrchová L. , Cvačka J. , Etrych T. , Křen V.
Published: March 2017

New conjugates ofN-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers tethered with chitooligosaccharidic epitopes of varying lengths are potent ligands of wheat germ agglutinin, reaching subnanomolar binding affinities.
Binding of ion pairs in a thiourea-functionalized self-folding cavitand
Authors: Lledó A. , Soler A.
Published: March 2017

A bioinspired supramolecular container with complementary binding sites displays cooperative binding of ion pairs.