bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"RETRACTED ARTICLE: Vibrio parahaemolyticus RhsP represents a widespread group of pro-effectors for type VI secretion systems
Authors: Jiang Nan , Tang Le , Xie Ruiqiang , Li Zhi , Burkinshaw Brianne , Liang Xiaoye , Sosa Dylan , Aravind L. , Dong Tao , Zhang Dapeng , Zheng Jun
Published: September 2018

Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) translocate effector proteins, such as Rhs toxins, to eukaryotic cells or prokaryotic competitors. All T6SS Rhs-type effectors characterized thus far contain a PAAR motif or a similar structure. Here, we describe a T6SS-dependent delivery mechanism for a subset of Rhs proteins that lack a PAAR motif. We show that the N-terminal Rhs domain of protein RhsP (or VP1517) from Vibrio parahaemolyticus inhibits the activity of the C-terminal DNase domain. Upon auto-proteolysis, the Rhs fragment remains inside the cells, and the C-terminal region interacts with PAAR2 and is secreted by T6SS2; therefore, RhsP acts as a pro-effector. Furthermore, we show that RhsP contributes to the control of certain “social cheaters” (opaR mutants). Genes encoding proteins with similar Rhs and PAAR-interacting domains, but diverse C-terminal regions, are widely distributed among Vibrio species.
Analysis of extracellular mRNA in human urine reveals splice variant biomarkers of muscular dystrophies
Authors: Antoury Layal , Hu Ningyan , Balaj Leonora , Das Sudeshna , Georghiou Sofia , Darras Basil , Clark Tim , Breakefield Xandra O. , Wheeler Thurman M.
Published: September 2018

Urine contains extracellular RNA (exRNA) markers of urogenital cancers. However, the capacity of genetic material in urine to identify systemic diseases is unknown. Here we describe exRNA splice products in human urine as a source of biomarkers for the two most common forms of muscular dystrophies, myotonic dystrophy (DM) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Using a training set, RT-PCR, droplet digital PCR, and principal component regression, we identify ten transcripts that are spliced differently in urine exRNA from patients with DM type 1 (DM1) as compared to unaffected or disease controls, form a composite biomarker, and develop a predictive model that is 100% accurate in our independent validation set. Urine also contains mutation-specificDMDmRNAs that confirm exon-skipping activity of the antisense oligonucleotide drug eteplirsen. Our results establish that urine mRNA splice variants can be used to monitor systemic diseases with minimal or no clinical effect on the urinary tract.
An orbitally derived single-atom magnetic memory
Authors: Kiraly Brian , Rudenko Alexander N. , van Weerdenburg Werner M. J. , Wegner Daniel , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Khajetoorians Alexander A.
Published: September 2018

A magnetic atom epitomizes the scaling limit for magnetic information storage. Individual atomic spins have recently exhibited magnetic remanence, a requirement for magnetic memory. However, such memory has been only realized on thin insulating surfaces, removing potential tunability via electronic gating or exchange-driven magnetic coupling. Here, we show a previously unobserved mechanism for single-atom magnetic storage based on bistability in the orbital population, or so-called valency, of an individual Co atom on semiconducting black phosphorus (BP). Ab initio calculations reveal that distance-dependent screening from the BP surface stabilizes the two distinct valencies, each with a unique orbital population, total magnetic moment, and spatial charge density. Excellent correspondence between the measured and predicted charge densities reveal that such orbital configurations can be accessed and manipulated without a spin-sensitive readout mechanism. This orbital memory derives stability from the energetic barrier to atomic relaxation, demonstrating the potential for high-temperature single-atom information storage.
Lnk/Sh2b3 deficiency restores hematopoietic stem cell function and genome integrity in Fancd2 deficient Fanconi anemia
Authors: Balcerek Joanna , Jiang Jing , Li Yang , Jiang Qinqin , Holdreith Nicholas , Singh Brijendra , Chandra Vemika , Lv Kaosheng , Ren Jian-gang , Rozenova Krasimira , Li Weihua , Greenberg Roger A. , Tong Wei
Published: September 2018

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome that arises from mutations in a network of FA genes essential for DNA interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair and replication stress tolerance. While allogeneic stem cell transplantation can replace defective HSCs, interventions to mitigate HSC defects in FA do not exist. Remarkably, we reveal here that Lnk (Sh2b3) deficiency restores HSC function in Fancd2−/− mice. Lnk deficiency does not impact ICL repair, but instead stabilizes stalled replication forks in a manner, in part, dependent upon alleviating blocks to cytokine−mediated JAK2 signaling. Lnk deficiency restores proliferation and survival of Fancd2−/− HSCs, while reducing replication stress and genomic instability. Furthermore, deletion of LNK in human FA-like HSCs promotes clonogenic growth. These findings highlight a new role for cytokine/JAK signaling in promoting replication fork stability, illuminate replication stress as a major underlying origin of BMF in FA, and have strong therapeutic implications.
Functional modulation of primary visual cortex by the superior colliculus in the mouse
Authors: Ahmadlou Mehran , Zweifel Larry S. , Heimel J. Alexander
Published: September 2018

The largest targets of retinal input in mammals are the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), a relay to the primary visual cortex (V1), and the superior colliculus. V1 innervates and influences the superior colliculus. Here, we find that, in turn, superior colliculus modulates responses in mouse V1. Optogenetically inhibiting the superior colliculus reduces responses in V1 to optimally sized stimuli. Superior colliculus could influence V1 via its strong projection to the lateral posterior nucleus (LP/Pulvinar) or its weaker projection to the dLGN. Inhibiting superior colliculus strongly reduces activity in LP. Pharmacologically silencing LP itself, however, does not remove collicular modulation of V1. The modulation is instead due to a collicular gain modulation of the dLGN. Surround suppression operating in V1 explains the different effects for differently sized stimuli. Computations of visual saliency in the superior colliculus can thus influence tuning in the visual cortex via a tectogeniculate pathway.
An OB-fold complex controls the repair pathways for DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Gao Shengxian , Feng Sumin , Ning Shaokai , Liu Jingyan , Zhao Huayu , Xu Yixi , Shang Jinfeng , Li Kejiao , Li Qing , Guo Rong , Xu Dongyi
Published: September 2018

53BP1 with its downstream proteins, RIF1, PTIP and REV7, antagonizes BRCA1-dependent homologous recombination (HR) and promotes non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) in an unclear manner. Here we show that REV7 forms a complex with two proteins, FAM35A and C20ORF196. We demonstrate that FAM35A preferentially binds single-strand DNA (ssDNA) in vitro, and is recruited to DSBs as a complex with C20ORF196 and REV7 downstream of RIF1 in vivo. Epistasis analysis shows that both proteins act in the same pathway as RIF1 in NHEJ. The defects in HR pathway to repair DSBs and the reduction in resection of broken DNA ends in BRCA1-mutant cells can be largely suppressed by inactivating FAM35A or C20ORF196, indicating that FAM35A and C20ORF196 prevent end resection in these cells. Together, our data identified a REV7–FAM35A–C20ORF196 complex that binds and protects broken DNA ends to promote the NHEJ pathway for DSB repair.
Using both qualitative and quantitative data in parameter identification for systems biology models
Authors: Mitra Eshan D. , Dias Raquel , Posner Richard G. , Hlavacek William S.
Published: September 2018

In systems biology, qualitative data are often generated, but rarely used to parameterize models. We demonstrate an approach in which qualitative and quantitative data can be combined for parameter identification. In this approach, qualitative data are converted into inequality constraints imposed on the outputs of the model. These inequalities are used along with quantitative data points to construct a single scalar objective function that accounts for both datasets. To illustrate the approach, we estimate parameters for a simple model describing Raf activation. We then apply the technique to a more elaborate model characterizing cell cycle regulation in yeast. We incorporate both quantitative time courses (561 data points) and qualitative phenotypes of 119 mutant yeast strains (1647 inequalities) to perform automated identification of 153 model parameters. We quantify parameter uncertainty using a profile likelihood approach. Our results indicate the value of combining qualitative and quantitative data to parameterize systems biology models.
Caspase-1 inhibition alleviates cognitive impairment and neuropathology in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Flores Joseph , Noël Anastasia , Foveau Bénédicte , Lynham Jeffrey , Lecrux Clotilde , LeBlanc Andréa C.
Published: September 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an intractable progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline and dementia. An inflammatory neurodegenerative pathway, involving Caspase-1 activation, is associated with human age-dependent cognitive impairment and several classical AD brain pathologies. Here, we show that the nontoxic and blood–brain barrier permeable small molecule Caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 dose-dependently reverses episodic and spatial memory impairment, and hyperactivity in the J20 mouse model of AD. Cessation of VX-765 results in the reappearance of memory deficits in the mice after 1 month and recommencement of treatment re-establishes normal cognition. VX-765 prevents progressive amyloid beta peptide deposition, reverses brain inflammation, and normalizes synaptophysin protein levels in mouse hippocampus. Consistent with these findings, Caspase-1 null J20 mice are protected from episodic and spatial memory deficits, neuroinflammation and Aβ accumulation. These results provide in vivo proof of concept for Caspase-1 inhibition against AD cognitive deficits and pathologies.
GA-Hecate antiviral properties on HCV whole cycle represent a new antiviral class and open the door for the development of broad spectrum antivirals
Authors: Batista Mariana Nogueira , Sanches Paulo Ricardo da Silva , Carneiro Bruno Moreira , Braga Ana Cláudia Silva , Campos Guilherme Rodrigues Fernandes , Cilli Eduardo Maffud , Rahal Paula
Published: September 2018

In recent years, synthetic peptides have been considered promising targets for drug development that possess low side-effects, are cost-effective and are susceptible to rational design. Hecate was initially described as a potent bacterial inhibitor and subsequently as an anticancer drug with functions related to its lipid interaction property. Viruses, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), have a lipid-dependent life cycle and could be affected by Hecate in many ways. Here, we assessed modifications on Hecate’s N-terminus region and its effects on HCV and hepatotoxicity. Gallic acid-conjugated Hecate was the most efficient Hecate-derivative, presenting high potential as an antiviral and inhibiting between 50 to 99% of all major steps within the HCV infectious cycle. However, the most promising aspect was GA-Hecate’s mechanism of action, which was associated with a balanced lipid interaction with the viral envelope and lipid droplets, as well as dsRNA intercalation, allowing for the possibility to affect other ssRNA viruses and those with a lipid-dependent cycle.
Fast stabilization of a high-energy ultrafast OPA with adaptive lenses
Authors: Negro Matteo , Quintavalla Martino , Mocci Jacopo , Ciriolo Anna G. , Devetta Michele , Muradore Riccardo , Stagira Salvatore , Vozzi Caterina , Bonora Stefano
Published: September 2018

The use of fast closed-loop adaptive optics has improved the performance of optical systems since its first application. Here we demonstrate the amplitude and carrier-envelope phase stabilization of a high energy IR optical parametric amplifier devoted to Attosecond Science exploiting two high speed adaptive optical systems for the correction of static and dynamic instabilities. The exploitation of multi actuator adaptive lenses allowed for a minimal impact on the optical setup.
Medium throughput breathing human primary cell alveolus-on-chip model
Authors: Stucki Janick D. , Hobi Nina , Galimov Artur , Stucki Andreas O. , Schneider-Daum Nicole , Lehr Claus-Michael , Huwer Hanno , Frick Manfred , Funke-Chambour Manuela , Geiser Thomas , Guenat Olivier T.
Published: September 2018

Organs-on-chips have the potential to improve drug development efficiency and decrease the need for animal testing. For the successful integration of these devices in research and industry, they must reproduce in vivo contexts as closely as possible and be easy to use. Here, we describe a ‘breathing’ lung-on-chip array equipped with a passive medium exchange mechanism that provide an in vivo-like environment to primary human lung alveolar cells (hAEpCs) and primary lung endothelial cells. This configuration allows the preservation of the phenotype and the function of hAEpCs for several days, the conservation of the epithelial barrier functionality, while enabling simple sampling of the supernatant from the basal chamber. In addition, the chip design increases experimental throughput and enables trans-epithelial electrical resistance measurements using standard equipment. Biological validation revealed that human primary alveolar type I (ATI) and type II-like (ATII) epithelial cells could be successfully cultured on the chip over multiple days. Moreover, the effect of the physiological cyclic strain showed that the epithelial barrier permeability was significantly affected. Long-term co-culture of primary human lung epithelial and endothelial cells demonstrated the potential of the lung-on-chip array for reproducible cell culture under physiological conditions. Thus, this breathing lung-on-chip array, in combination with patients’ primary ATI, ATII, and lung endothelial cells, has the potential to become a valuable tool for lung research, drug discovery and precision medicine.
Imagery of movements immediately following performance allows learning of motor skills that interfere
Authors: Sheahan Hannah R. , Ingram James N. , Žalalytė Goda M. , Wolpert Daniel M.
Published: September 2018

Motor imagery, that is the mental rehearsal of a motor skill, can lead to improvements when performing the same skill. Here we show a powerful and complementary role, in which motor imagery of different movements after actually performing a skill allows learning that is not possible without imagery. We leverage a well-studied motor learning task in which subjects reach in the presence of a dynamic (force-field) perturbation. When two opposing perturbations are presented alternately for the same physical movement, there is substantial interference, preventing any learning. However, when the same physical movement is associated with follow-through movements that differ for each perturbation, both skills can be learned. Here we show that when subjects perform the skill and only imagine the follow-through, substantial learning occurs. In contrast, without such motor imagery there was no learning. Therefore, motor imagery can have a profound effect on skill acquisition even when the imagery is not of the skill itself. Our results suggest that motor imagery may evoke different neural states for the same physical state, thereby enhancing learning.
Platelet Lysate-Derived Neuropeptide y Influences Migration and Angiogenesis of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells
Authors: Businaro Rita , Scaccia Eleonora , Bordin Antonella , Pagano Francesca , Corsi Mariangela , Siciliano Camilla , Capoano Raffaele , Procaccini Eugenio , Salvati Bruno , Petrozza Vincenzo , Totta Pierangela , Vietri Maria Teresa , Frati Giacomo , De Falco Elena
Published: September 2018

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a powerful neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, is a key regulator of angiogenesis and biology of adipose depots. Intriguingly, its peripheral vascular and angiogenic powerful activity is strictly associated to platelets, which are source of clinical hemoderivates, such as platelet lysate (PL), routinely employed in several clinical applications as wound healing, and to preserve ex vivo the progenitor properties of the adipose stromal cells pool. So far, the presence of NPY in PL and its biological effects on the adipose stromal cell fraction (ASCs) have never been investigated. Here, we aimed to identify endogenous sources of NPY such as PL-based preparations and to investigate which biological properties PL-derived NPY is able to exert on ASCs. The results show that PL contains a high amount of NPY, which is in part also excreted by ASCs when stimulated with PL. The protein levels of the three main NPY subtype receptors (Y1, Y2, Y5) are unaltered by stimulation of ASCs with PL, but their inhibition through selective pharmacological antagonists, considerably enhances migration, and a parallel reduction of angiogenic features of ASCs including decrease in VEGF mRNA and intracellular calcium levels, both downstream targets of NPY. The expression of VEGF and NPY is enhanced within the sites of neovascularisation of difficult wounds in patients after treatment with leuco-platelet concentrates. Our data highlight the presence of NPY in PL preparations and its peripheral effects on adipose progenitors.
Spectral Analysis of a Non-Equilibrium Stochastic Dynamics on a General Network
Authors: Seroussi Inbar , Sochen Nir
Published: September 2018

Unravelling underlying complex structures from limited resolution measurements is a known problem arising in many scientific disciplines. We study a stochastic dynamical model with a multiplicative noise. It consists of a stochastic differential equation living on a graph, similar to approaches used in population dynamics or directed polymers in random media. We develop a new tool for approximation of correlation functions based on spectral analysis that does not require translation invariance. This enables us to go beyond lattices and analyse general networks. We show, analytically, that this general model has different phases depending on the topology of the network. One of the main parameters which describe the network topology is the spectral dimension $$\tilde{{\boldsymbol{d}}}$$

d
˜

. We show that the correlation functions depend on the spectral dimension and that only for $$\tilde{{\boldsymbol{d}}}$$

d
˜

 > 2 a dynamical phase transition occurs. We show by simulation how the system behaves for different network topologies, by defining and calculating the Lyapunov exponents on the graph. We present an application of this model in the context of Magnetic Resonance (MR) measurements of porous structure such as brain tissue. This model can also be interpreted as a KPZ equation on a graph.
An Internally Controlled Quantitative Target Occupancy Assay for Covalent Inhibitors
Authors: Hansen Rasmus , Firdaus Sarah J. , Li Shuangwei , Janes Matthew R. , Zhang Jingchuan , Liu Yi , Zarrinkar Patrick P.
Published: September 2018

Assessing target occupancy is critical for establishing proof-of-mechanism for novel inhibitors and to determine whether robust target inhibition can be achieved at tolerated doses. This is challenging in the clinic using conventional methods due to the need for untreated controls. We describe a new mass spectrometry approach to quantitatively assess target occupancy for covalent inhibitors that does not require untreated controls, and apply the method to the KRASG12C inhibitor ARS-1620.
Comparing the expression profiles of steroid hormone receptors and stromal cell markers in prostate cancer at different Gleason scores
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , Van Eycke Yves-Rémi , Vanden Broeck Thomas , Van Poppel Hein , Salmon Isabelle , Rorive Sandrine , Claessens Frank , De Ridder Dirk , Decaestecker Christine , Joniau Steven
Published: September 2018

The recent developments in anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory drugs show that the tumour micro-environment (TME) becomes increasingly important in cancer research. Here we investigated the correlation between the Gleason score (GS) and the TME by comparing tissue expression profiles of steroid hormone receptors, cancer activated fibroblast (CAF) markers and vessel densities between different GS groups. Therefore, matched patient cohorts were composed for different GS (6-7-8). Tissue micro-arrays with 6 samples/patient were processed for immunohistochemistry. Stained slides were digitised, stroma and epithelium were selectively annotated, and all selected areas were quantitatively analysed for marker expression. The most striking findings were decreased stromal expression levels of several steroid hormone receptors, increased CAF-phenotypes and increased vessel densities in high GS prostate cancer compared to low GS prostate cancer and paired prostate non-tumour tissue. The present data reveal a complex correlation between prostate cancer differentiation and TME components and suggest that different GS can be associated with different possible actionable targets in the TME. The use of standardised digital image analysis tools generated robust and reproducible quantitative data, which is novel and more informative compared to the classic semi-quantitative and observer-dependent visual scoring of immunohistochemistry.
Verteporfin selectively kills hypoxic glioma cells through iron-binding and increased production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Eales Katherine L. , Wilkinson Edward A. , Cruickshank Garth , Tucker James H. R. , Tennant Daniel A.
Published: September 2018

Gliomas are highly malignant brain tumours characterised by extensive areas of poor perfusion which subsequently leads to hypoxia and reduced survival. Therapies that address the hypoxic microenvironment are likely to significantly improve patient outcomes. Verteporfin, a benzoporphyrin-like drug, has been suggested to target the Yes-associated protein (YAP). Increased YAP expression and transcriptional activity has been proposed in other tumour types to promote malignant cell survival and thus YAP-inhibitor, verteporfin, may be predicted to impact glioma cell growth and viability. Due to the extensive hypoxic nature of gliomas, we investigated the effect of hypoxia on YAP expression and found that YAP transcription is increased under these conditions. Treatment of both primary and immortalised glioblastoma cell lines with verteporfin resulted in a significant decrease in viability but strikingly only under hypoxic conditions (1% O2). We discovered that cell death occurs through a YAP-independent mechanism, predominately involving binding of free iron and likely through redox cycling, contributes to production of reactive oxygen species. This results in disruption of normal cellular processes and death in cells already under oxidative stress – such as those in hypoxia. We suggest that through repurposing verteporfin, it represents a novel means of treating highly therapy-resistant, hypoxic cells in glioma.
Label-free imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor-induced response in single living cells
Authors: Peng Zanying , Lu Jin , Zhang Ling , Liu Yang , Li Jinghong
Published: September 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which belongs to the second-largest protein family for cell signal transduction, plays crucial roles in homeostasis, cellular organized patterns and most human cancers.
Development and validation of an EI-GC-MS method for the determination of 11 antihistamines in whole blood. Applications in clinical and forensic toxicology
Authors: Katselou Maria , Athanaselis Sotiris , Nikolaou Panagiota , Qammaz Samir , Stefanidou Maria , Spiliopoulou Chara , Papoutsis Ioannis
Published: September 2018

Antihistamines are used widely in clinical practice to alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions, or to treat insomnia and motion sickness.
Microwave-assisted-demulsification–dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the determination of PAHs in water
Authors: Wang Xiajun , Nie Jing , Yu Guowei , Wang Peng , Li Zuguang , Lee Mawrong
Published: September 2018

The MAD–DLLME method introduces microwave irradiation to achieve phase extraction, using a homemade glass flask as the extraction vessel.
Preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer based chemiluminescence sensor for the determination of amantadine and rimantadine in meat
Authors: Zhang Teng , Liu Jing , Wang Jian Ping
Published: September 2018

The assay procedures of a molecularly imprinted polymer based chemiluminescence sensor for the determination of amantadine and rimantadine.
Controlled polymerizations using metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Mochizuki Shuto , Kitao Takashi , Uemura Takashi
Published: September 2018

This short review focuses on recent developments in polymerization reactions using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
A facile band alignment of polymeric carbon nitride isotype heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic tetracycline degradation
Authors: Jiang Longbo , Yuan Xingzhong , Zeng Guangming , Liang Jie , Wu Zhibin , Wang Hou , Zhang Jin , Xiong Ting , Li Hui
Published: September 2018

An isotype heterojunction based on P-doped g-C3N4 and g-C3N4 is applied to improve the photocatalytic activity.
Nanoscale electrochemical kinetics & dynamics: the challenges and opportunities of single-entity measurements
Authors: Edwards M. A. , Robinson D. A. , Ren H. , Cheyne C. G. , Tan C. S. , White H. S.
Published: September 2018

The stochastic nature of very fast single-entity events challenges current electrochemical methods and modern electronics, as illustrated using recent experiments from the authors’ laboratory.
Authentic tart cherry juice reduces markers of inflammation in overweight and obese subjects: a randomized, crossover pilot study
Authors: Martin Keith R. , Burrell Lacey , Bopp Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Subclinical inflammation is frequently noted in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity.
High performance organic sodium-ion hybrid capacitors based on nano-structured disodium rhodizonate rivaling inorganic hybrid capacitors
Authors: Thangavel Ranjith , Ponraj Rubha , Kannan Aravindaraj G. , Kaliyappan Karthikeyan , Kim Dong Won , Chen Zhongwei , Lee Yun-Sung
Published: September 2018

Sodium hybrid capacitors (NHCs) have tremendous potential to meet the simultaneous high energy–high power requirement of next-generation storage applications.
Exploration of nano carbons in relevance to plant systems
Authors: Bhati Anshu , Gunture Gunture , Tripathi Kumud Malika , Singh Anupriya , Sarkar Sabyasachi , Sonkar Sumit Kumar
Published: September 2018

The potential applications of nano-carbons and biochar towards plant growth are highlighted and discussed in this perspective article.
A simple route to surface functionalization of graphene nanosheets by benzoic acid and its application toward Pb(ii) sensing
Authors: Rooyanian S. , Bagherzadeh M. , Akrami Z. , Golikand A. N.
Published: September 2018

Grafting of benzoic acid to graphene nanosheets for construction of a simple Pb(ii) sensor
Polarisation insensitive multifunctional metasurfaces based on all-dielectric nanowaveguides
Authors: Mahmood Nasir , Kim Inki , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Jeong Heonyeong , Akbar Ali , Lee Dasol , Saleem Murtaza , Zubair Muhammad , Anwar Muhammad Sabieh , Tahir Farooq Ahmad , Rho Junsuk
Published: September 2018

This work presents multifunctional metasurfaces for generating focused optical vortices of visible light.
Magnetron-sputtered copper nanoparticles: lost in gas aggregation and found by in situ X-ray scattering
Authors: Kousal Jaroslav , Shelemin Artem , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Hanuš Jan , Solař Pavel , Vaidulych Mykhailo , Nikitin Daniil , Pleskunov Pavel , Krtouš Zdeněk , Strunskus Thomas , Faupel Franz , Roth Stephan V. , Biederman Hynek , Choukourov Andrei
Published: September 2018

Formation of Cu nanoparticles inside a gas aggregation cluster source was investigated by in situ SAXS.
Peroxynitrite-biosignal-responsive polymer micelles as intracellular hypersensitive nanoprobes
Authors: Liu Xi , Zhu Jiannan , Ouyang Kunbing , Yan Qiang
Published: September 2018

Copolymerization of a trifluoromethyl ketone-bearing monomer and a rhodamine monomer has led to the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) signaling molecule-responsive polymer fluorescent micelles.
Comprehensive analysis of novel grafted polyethylenes using multidimensional fractionation methods
Authors: Eselem Bungu Paul S. , Pflug Kristina , Busch Markus , Pasch Harald
Published: September 2018

Noval graft copolymers HDPE-g-LDPE were prepared using a dual reactor setup and characterized regarding molar mass, branching and grafting efficiency using a multidimensional analytical approach.
Self-assembly of magnetic poly(ionic liquid)s and ionic liquids in aqueous solution
Authors: Yu Xiaoliang , Yuan Xiaoyan , Xia Zhengyi , Ren Lixia
Published: September 2018

A magnetic norbornenyl-based amphiphilic polymer was successfully prepared and the polymer self-assembled into multi-layer structures in aqueous solution.
Heteroleptic β-diketonate Ln(iii) complexes decorated with pyridyl substituted pyridazine ligands: synthesis, structure and luminescence properties
Authors: Khistiaeva Viktoria V. , Melnikov Alexey S. , Slavova Sofia O. , Sizov Vladimir V. , Starova Galina L. , Koshevoy Igor O. , Grachova Elena V.
Published: September 2018

A substituted pyridazine acts as a sensitizer in mononuclear heteroleptic Ln(iii) complexes.
Recent progress in macrocyclic amphiphiles and macrocyclic host-based supra-amphiphiles
Authors: Zhu Huangtianzhi , Shangguan Liqing , Shi Bingbing , Yu Guocan , Huang Feihe
Published: September 2018

In this review, recent progress in macrocyclic amphiphiles and macrocyclic host-based supra-amphiphiles is discussed.
Development of a fluorescence assay for highly sensitive detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on an aptamer-carbon dots/graphene oxide system
Authors: Wang Hongying , Chi Zhe , Cong Ying , Wang Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Fei , Geng Jiayue , Zhang Peng , Ju Peng , Dong Quanjiang , Liu Chenguang
Published: September 2018

The fluorescence assay for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was achieved by the aptamer-CDs/GD system which exhibited obvious fluorescence recovery when encountered the cells of P. aeruginosa.
Abrasive treatment of microtiter plates improves the reproducibility of bacterial biofilm assays
Authors: Bordeleau Emily , Mazinani Sina Atrin , Nguyen David , Betancourt Frank , Yan Hongbin
Published: September 2018

The reproducibility of bacterial biofilm assays is improved using abrasively-treated microtiter plates.
Phase diagrams of mixtures of dipolar rods and discs
Authors: Maloney Ryan C. , Hall Carol K.
Published: September 2018

We calculate phase diagrams for dipolar rod and disc mixtures and compare mixture phases to those of single component systems.
Enhanced stability and separation efficiency of graphene oxide membranes in organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Gao Tiantian , Wu Haibo , Tao Lei , Qu Liangti , Li Chun
Published: September 2018

GO–BA membranes exhibited excellent nanofiltration performances and long-term stability for OSN with the assistance of BA polymers.
Ultrafast solid-state lithium ion conductor through alloying induced lattice softening of Li6PS5Cl
Authors: Xuan Minjie , Xiao Weidong , Xu Hongjie , Shen Yonglong , Li Zhenzhen , Zhang Shijie , Wang Zhuo , Shao Guosheng
Published: September 2018

A solid electrolyte with superb Li+ conductivity through tuning of the lattice chemistry in Li6PS5Cl. The ionic conductivity is enhanced through the combined effect of excess Li and substitution of S with Te.
Cobalt nickel nitride coated by a thin carbon layer anchoring on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zou Rujia , Xu Mingdong , He Shu-Ang , Han Xiaoyu , Lin Runjia , Cui Zhe , He Guanjie , Brett Daniel J. L. , Guo Zheng Xiao , Hu Junqing , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: September 2018

We report a new material and a structural configuration for lithium-ion batteries consisting of cobalt nickel nitride coated by a thin carbon layer anchoring on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes. The anode delivers excellent lithium storage properties.
Hypoxia-triggered gene therapy: a new drug delivery system to utilize photodynamic-induced hypoxia for synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Huang Caixia , Zheng Jing , Ma Dandan , Liu Na , Zhu Cong , Li Jishan , Yang Ronghua
Published: September 2018

An new drug delivery system to utilize the photodynamic-induced hypoxia for synergistic cancer therapy is proposed in this paper.
Improvement of efficiency and its roll-off at high brightness in white organic light-emitting diodes by strategically managing triplet excitons in the emission layer
Authors: Ying Shian , Yang Dezhi , Qiao Xianfeng , Dai Yanfeng , Sun Qian , Chen Jiangshan , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M. , Ma Dongge
Published: September 2018

High-performance WOLEDs realizing high efficiency and low efficiency roll-off simultaneously were achieved by strategically managing triplet excitons in the emission layer.
Designing lead-free bismuth ferrite-based ceramics learning from relaxor ferroelectric behavior for simultaneous high energy density and efficiency under low electric field
Authors: Liu Ningtao , Liang Ruihong , Zhou Zhiyong , Dong Xianlin
Published: September 2018

The strategy of constructing weakly coupled polar structures is feasible and effective to boost the energy density and efficiency for bismuth ferrite-based bulk ceramics.
Administration of Dexmedetomidine inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome and microglial cell activities in hippocampus of traumatic brain injury rats
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhang Shuncai , Ying Yanlu , Guo Xinying , Li Hengchang , Xu Lixin , Ruan Xiangcai
Published: September 2018

The abnormally high nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity is a typical characteristic of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a highly selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that inhibits the activation of NLRP3. Thus, it was hypothesized that Dex could attenuate TBI by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activity in hippocampus. Rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact method to induce TBI, and treated with Dex. The effect of Dex treatment on the cognitive function, NLRP3 activity, and microglial activation in rat brain tissues was assessed. The administration of Dex improved performance of TBI rats in Morris water maze (MWM) test, which was associated with the increased neurone viability and suppressed microglia activity. Moreover, the administration of Dex inhibited the neuroinflammation in brain tissue as well as the expressions of NLRP3 and caspase-1. Additionally, Dex and NLRP3 inhibitor, BAY-11-7082 had a synergistic effect in inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1 axis activity and improving TBI. The findings outlined in the current study indicated that the improvement effect of Dex on TBI was related to its effect on NLRP3 activity.
The intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases: new insights into complex disease
Authors: Harris Katharine G. , Chang Eugene B.
Published: September 2018

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic diseases of increasing worldwide prevalence characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation leading to debilitating symptoms and complications. The contribution of the intestinal microbiota to the pathogenesis and etiology of these diseases is an area of active research interest. Here, we discuss key mechanisms underlying the chronic inflammation seen in IBD as well as evidence implicating the intestinal microbiota in the development and potentiation of that inflammation. We also discuss recently published work in areas of interest within the field of microbial involvement in IBD pathogenesis – the importance of proper microecology within the GI tract, the evidence that the intestinal microbiota transduces environmental and genetic risk factors for IBD, and the mechanisms by which microbial products contribute to communication between microbe and host. There is an extensive body of published research on the evidence for microbial involvement in IBD; the goal of this review is to highlight the growing edges of the field where exciting and innovative research is pushing the boundaries of the conceptual framework of the role of the intestinal microbiota in IBD pathogenesis.
Performance analysis of relay subset selection schemes for underlay relay‐assisted CRNs
Authors: Sultan Kiran , Zafar Bassam
Published: September 2018

In underlay cognitive radio networks (CRNs), secondary users (SUs) are allowed to co‐exist with the primary users at the cost of reduced transmit power in order to satisfy the stringent interference constraint. This obligation reduces the coverage area of the SUs and they have to involve relaying services for assistance. However, selecting the best combination of relays from the available options is more challenging in an energy‐constrained environment, since it is affected not only by the interference constraint, but also the selected subset of relays must guarantee some quality‐of‐service (QoS) at the secondary destination also. This study is focused on an amplify‐and‐forward‐based relay‐assisted CRN operating in an underlay scenario and studies three relay subset selection or multiple relay selection schemes taking into consideration outgoing secondary and primary link qualities of each candidate relay. For each scheme, the closed‐form expression for probability density function of signal‐to‐noise ratio at the secondary destination is derived followed by detailed analysis of two QoS metrics, i.e. outage probability and bit error rate. Finally, simulations have been performed to validate the analytical results.
Maximum margin object tracking with weighted circulant feature maps
Authors: Gao Long , Li Yunsong , Ning Jifeng
Published: September 2018

Support vector machine (SVM) based tracking algorithms training with dense circulant samples have shown favourable performance due to its strong discriminative power and high efficiency. However, the challenges caused by the circulant sampling remain unaddressed. In this study, the authors give each training sample a weight based on their accuracy to reduce the influence of inaccurate samples. Moreover, they reform the SVM model with weighted circulant training samples. Secondly, they advocate an efficient solution by using the property of circulant matrices to solve the learning problem. Thirdly, a model update strategy is introduced to prevent the tracking models polluted by wrong samples. Experimental results on large benchmark datasets with 50 and 100 video sequences demonstrate that the authors’ tracking algorithms achieve state‐of‐art performance in terms of precision and accuracy. In addition, their tracker runs in real time.
Long-term orbital and rotational motions of Ceres and Vesta
Authors: Vaillant T. , Laskar J. , Rambaux N. , Gastineau M.
Published: September 2018

Context.The dwarf planet Ceres and the asteroid Vesta have been studied by the Dawn space mission. They are the two heaviest bodies of the main asteroid belt and have different characteristics. Notably, Vesta appears to be dry and inactive with two large basins at its south pole. Ceres is an ice-rich body with signs of cryovolcanic activity.

Aims.The aim of this paper is to determine the obliquity variations of Ceres and Vesta and to study their rotational stability.

Methods.The orbital and rotational motions have been integrated by symplectic integration. The rotational stability has been studied by integrating secular equations and by computing the diffusion of the precession frequency.

Results.The obliquity variations of Ceres over [−20 : 0] Myr are between 2° and 20° and the obliquity variations of Vesta are between 21° and 45°. The two giant impacts suffered by Vesta modified the precession constant and could have put Vesta closer to the resonance with the orbital frequency 2s6−sV. Given the uncertainty on the polar moment of inertia, the present Vesta could be in this resonance where the obliquity variations can vary between 17° and 48°.

Conclusions.Although Ceres and Vesta have precession frequencies close to the secular orbital frequencies of the inner planets, their long-term rotations are relatively stable. The perturbations of Jupiter and Saturn dominate the secular orbital dynamics of Ceres and Vesta and the perturbations of the inner planets are much weaker. The secular resonances with the inner planets also have smaller widths and do not overlap, contrary to the case of the inner planets.
An imaging spectroscopic survey of the planetary nebula NGC 7009 with MUSE
Authors: Walsh J. R. , Monreal-Ibero A. , Barlow M. J. , Ueta T. , Wesson R. , Zijlstra A. A. , Kimeswenger S. , Leal-Ferreira M. L. , Otsuka M.
Published: September 2018

Aims. The spatial structure of the emission lines and continuum over the 50″ extent of the nearby, O-rich, PN NGC 7009 (Saturn Nebula) have been observed with the MUSE integral field spectrograph on the ESO Very Large Telescope. This study concentrates on maps of line emission and their interpretation in terms of physical conditions.

Methods. MUSE Science Verification data, in <0.6″ seeing, have been reduced and analysed as maps of emission lines and continuum over the wavelength range 4750–9350 Å. The dust extinction, the electron densities and temperatures of various phases of the ionized gas, abundances of species from low to high ionization and some total abundances are determined using standard techniques.

Results. Emission line maps over the bright shells are presented, from neutral to the highest ionization available (He II and [Mn V]). For collisionally excited lines (CELs), maps of electron temperature (Te from [N II] and [S III]) and density (Ne from [S II] and [Cl III]) are available and for optical recombination lines (ORLs) temperature (from the Paschen jump and ratio of He I lines) and density (from high Paschen lines). These estimates are compared: for the first time, maps of the differences in CEL and ORL Te’s have been derived, and correspondingly a map of t2 between a CEL and ORL temperature, showing considerable detail. Total abundances of only He and O were formed, the latter using three ionization correction factors. However, the map of He/H is not flat, departing by ~2% from a constant value, with remnants corresponding to ionization structures. An integrated spectrum over an area of 2340 arcsec2 was also formed and compared to 1D photoionization models.

Conclusions. The spatial variation of a range of nebular parameters illustrates the complexity of the ionized media in NGC 7009. These MUSE data are very rich with detections of hundreds of lines over areas of hundreds of arcsec2 and follow-on studies are outlined.
Variational Formulation of Interaction between Elastic Plate and Elastic Medium under the Influence of Surface Energy
Authors: Tirapat S. , Senjuntichai T. , Rungamornrat J. , Rajapakse R. K. N. D.
Published: September 2018

A variational formulation of interaction problem is presented in this paper for the analysis of an elastic circular plate under axisymmetric vertical loading resting on an isotropic elastic half-space under the influence of surface energy. The Gurtin-Murdoch surface elasticity theory is adopted to take into account the surface energy effects. The contact surface between the plate and the half-space is assumed to be smooth, and the deflected shape of the plate is represented by a power series of the radial coordinate. The undetermined coefficients in the series are determined through the minimization of the total potential energy functional of the plate-half-space system. The accuracy of the present solution is verified by comparing with existing solutions, and selected numerical results are presented to portray the influence of surface energy effects on interaction between an elastic circular plate and an elastic half-space.
Research on Risk Management of Gongbei Tunnel Engineering Excavation Team
Authors: Guo Dongchen
Published: September 2018

Gongbei tunnel is the key project of Hong kong-Zhuhai-macao bridge Zhuhai connecting line. The tunnel adopts frozen Curve pipe curtain digging method. In order to ensure the safety of Gongbei tunnel engineering, the rsik management of tunnel excavation team has studied. It has studied on the relevancy between on the organizational structure, rules and regulations, education and training, assessment of rewards and punishments of construction team. Then it make sure the best relevancy risk to plan the risk prevention and controlling measures. Finally, the safety management strategy has targeted to the Excavation team. After practical application, the excavation team of Gongbei tunnel has achieved all-round and focused risk management, which has guided the implementation of the excavation work.
Study on the Calculation of the Post-construction Settlement after the Secondary Preloading of Sand Pile Composite Foundation of the High-speed Railway
Authors: Shen Zuo , Jin Li , Li Zhang
Published: September 2018

To complete the technology upgrade of the Kunshan section of the Beijing-Shanghai Railway, the secondary preloading of the original sand pile foundation was carried out in five years after the completion of the railway. Whether the control requirements of the post-construction settlement of the upgraded railway could be met was the key. Therefore, in this paper, the author analyses the consolidation deformation law of the sand pile foundation, sets up the membership function to describe the conversion from the drainage by consolidation to the composite foundation based on the Ascend Semi-cauchy Distribution Function of the Fuzzy Mathematics Theory, puts forward the time expression of the consolidation degree, verifies the computational accuracy of the expression by measured data and confirms that the e-lop curve method which considers the historical influence of the soil stress is more accurate in calculating the total settlement of the secondary preloading after comparison and calculation because this method can achieve the precise calculation of the post-construction settlement with the expression of degree of consolidation mentioned above.
The Damage of Fly Ash-Slag Concrete under Sustained Loading in Marine Environments
Authors: Gong J , Cao J , Wang Y F
Published: September 2018

The durability damage of concrete structures in the actual engineering environment is often the result of the interaction of the load and the environment, climate and other multiple factors. In this paper, the test researches were carried out on the concrete mass and dynamic elastic modulus under the effects of sustained loading, sulfate attack and dry-wet circulation, and the test phenomenon and results were discussed and analyzed. Then this paper proposed the durability damage model of the concrete under the effects of sustained loading, sulfate attack and dry-wet circulation considering the compressive stress level, the sulfate solution concentration and the age of corrosion as test factors, and the rationality of the model was discussed.