bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Variability and Turbulent Characteristics of the Satellite‐sensed Submesoscale Surface Chlorophyll Concentrations
Authors: Lee Eun Ae , Kim Sung Yong
Published: May 2018

The regional variability and turbulent characteristics of submesoscale surface chlorophyll concentrations are examined with hourly maps of geostationary ocean color imagery‐derived chlorophyll concentrations at a 0.5 km resolution for a period of 5 years (2011–2015) over the East/Japan Sea with concurrent mesoscale and submesoscale observations. Two seasonal blooms occur in the spring and fall within 250 km off the coast that are associated with constructive combinations of light exposure, nutrients, and vertical stratification. Another bloom occurs in the summer and is closely related to regional wind‐driven upwelling events. The spring and fall blooms are more significant near the coast (within 40 km from the coast) than offshore because of the more energetic submesoscale horizontal shear and vortical phenomena onshore as well as their propagation in the cross‐shore direction. In addition, the regional spring bloom starts offshore and migrate onshore with a time delay of 1 month, which may result from the onshore propagation of geostrophic currents, the deepening of the mixed layer, and favorable nutrient fluxes from the subsurface. The wavenumber‐domain energy spectra of chlorophyll concentrations exhibit anisotropy, which may be closely related to bathymetric effects and regional circulations. The spectral decay slopes change from
to
at the O(10) km scales and from
to
at the O(1) km scales and have weak seasonality. These results are consistent with the two‐dimensional quasi‐geostrophic turbulence theory and can be interpreted with the baroclinic instability energized from the moderate seasonal mixed layer under mesoscale regional circulations.
Numerical Modeling of Dynamically Triggered Shallow Slow Slip Events in New Zealand by the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura Earthquake
Authors: Wei Meng , Kaneko Yoshihiro , Shi Pengcheng , Liu Yajing
Published: May 2018

The 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake triggered widespread slow slip events (SSEs) in the northern Hikurangi subduction zone, providing a unique opportunity to study the mechanism of dynamic triggering of SSEs. Here we simulate SSEs near Gisborne, New Zealand, in the framework of rate‐and‐state friction. Low effective normal stress (~0.4 MPa) on the shallow subduction interface is needed to reproduce the observed repeating, spontaneous SSEs. Dynamic stress perturbations from the Kaikoura mainshock are adequate to trigger SSEs with characteristics similar to observation. SSE propensity to dynamic triggering mainly depends on the timing of perturbation with respect to the SSE cycle and the maximum Coulomb stress change. Once the perturbation amplitude exceeds an initial threshold, prolonged stress perturbations tend to decrease the triggering threshold hence promote dynamic triggering of SSEs. Therefore, shallow SSEs are more likely to be dynamically triggered than their deep counterparts because of enhanced stress perturbation (magnitude and duration) from the sedimentary wedge.
The Weakly Stratified Bottom Boundary Layer of the Global Ocean
Authors: Banyte D. , Smeed D. A. , Morales Maqueda M.
Published: May 2018

The weakly stratified bottom boundary layer (wsBBL) of the global ocean is currently unmapped; even the definition of the wsBBL layer is yet lacking. However, recent studies point to the wsBBL as a region where most of the abyssal water transformation takes place. In this study, historical high‐resolution density profiles are used to map the properties of the wsBBL in the global ocean. We use a density gradient criteria (
kg m– 4) to define the top of the layer. The thickness of the wsBBL varies from several meters to over a thousand meters and can be used as a rule of thumb to differentiate basin walls from the basin bottom, respectively. Although the thickness varies greatly, the pressure at the top of the wsBBL varies relatively smoothly allowing us to map its distribution across the ocean along with the density of the wsBBL. The neutral density, γwsBBL, and pressure, PwsBBL, of the upper boundary of the wsBBL are highly correlated within each ocean basin. Diagrams of γwsBBL versus PwsBBL clearly differentiate the different basins, connected by the narrow channels, along the pathways of abyssal water circulation. The diagrams give insight into the different mechanisms of abyssal water transformation and highlight locations where transformation happens: inter‐basin channels and over some parts of mid‐oceanic ridges such as found in the Brazil Basin, in the Guiana Basin, and in the Southwest Pacific Basin.
Numerical Modeling of the Interactions of Oil, Marine Snow, and Riverine Sediments in the Ocean
Authors: Dissanayake Anusha L. , Burd Adrian B. , Daly Kendra L. , Francis Simone , Passow Uta
Published: May 2018

Natural or spilled oil in the ocean can interact with marine snow and sediment from riverine sources and form Marine Oil Snow (MOS) aggregates including aggregates consisting of phytoplankton, detritus, and feces. Such aggregates have a fractal structure and can transport oil from the surface layers to greater depths in the ocean, eventually settling on the seafloor. In recent studies of the Deepwater Horizon and IXTOC‐1 oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, this process was identified as one of the main mechanisms for transporting oil vertically in the water column. We have adapted a stochastic, one‐dimensional numerical model that uses coagulation theory to simulate MOS formation and sinking in the ocean and predict the time evolution of physical properties and spatial distribution of MOS. Here we present the model development, calibration, and validation with measured MOS field data in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. We use a sensitivity analysis to identify critical parameters, and suggest future model improvements and areas where further experimental investigation is needed to improve our understanding of MOS formation and sedimentation. The model can be used during response and planning activities associated with oil spills in the marine environments.
SIDDIES Corridor: A Major East‐West Pathway of Long‐Lived Surface and Subsurface Eddies Crossing the Subtropical South Indian Ocean
Authors: Dilmahamod A. F. , Aguiar‐González B. , Penven P. , Reason C. J. C. , De Ruijter W. P. M. , Malan N. , Hermes J. C.
Published: May 2018

South Indian Ocean eddies (SIDDIES), originating from a high evaporation region in the eastern Indian Ocean, are investigated by tracking individual eddies from satellite data and co‐located Argo floats. A subsurface‐eddy identification method, based on its steric dynamic height anomaly, is devised to assign Argo profiles to surface eddies (surfSIDDIES) or subsurface eddies (subSIDDIES). These westward‐propagating, long‐lived features (>3 months) prevail over a preferential latitudinal band, forming a permanent structure linking the eastern to the western Indian Ocean, that we call the 'SIDDIES Corridor’. Key features have been revealed in the mean thermohaline vertical structure of these eddies. Anticyclonic SIDDIES are characterized by positive subsurface salinity anomalies, with subSIDDIES not exhibiting negative surface anomalies, as opposed to surfSIDDIES. Cyclonic subSIDDIES also occur, but their related salinity anomalies are weaker. SubSIDDIES exhibit two cores of different temperature polarities in their surface and subsurface levels. Cyclonic subSIDDIES have their cores at around 150‐200 m depth along the 25.4‐25.8 kg m−3 potential density layer with anticyclonic subSIDDIES having their cores at 250‐300 m along the 26‐26.4 kg m−3 density layer. The SIDDIES corridor acts as a zonal pathway for both eddy‐types to advect water masses and biogeochemical properties across the basin. This study provides a new insight on heat/salt fluxes, showing that 58% (32%) of the total heat eddy‐flux is ascribed to cyclonic (anticyclonic) subSIDDIES, respectively, in the eastern South Indian Ocean. Anticyclonic subSIDDIES have also been found to be the sole high‐saline water eddy‐conveyor toward the western Indian Ocean.
Targetable vulnerabilities in T- and NK-cell lymphomas identified through preclinical models
Authors: Ng Samuel Y. , Yoshida Noriaki , Christie Amanda L. , Ghandi Mahmoud , Dharia Neekesh V. , Dempster Joshua , Murakami Mark , Shigemori Kay , Morrow Sara N. , Van Scoyk Alexandria , Cordero Nicolas A. , Stevenson Kristen E. , Puligandla Maneka , Haas Brian , Lo Christopher , Meyers Robin , Gao Galen , Cherniack Andrew , Louissaint Abner , Nardi Valentina , Thorner Aaron R. , Long Henry , Qiu Xintao , Morgan Elizabeth A. , Dorfman David M. , Fiore Danilo , Jang Julie , Epstein Alan L. , Dogan Ahmet , Zhang Yanming , Horwitz Steven M. , Jacobsen Eric D. , Santiago Solimar , Ren Jian-Guo , Guerlavais Vincent , Annis D. Allen , Aivado Manuel , Saleh Mansoor N. , Mehta Amitkumar , Tsherniak Aviad , Root David , Vazquez Francisca , Hahn William C. , Inghirami Giorgio , Aster Jon C. , Weinstock David M. , Koch Raphael
Published: May 2018

T- and NK-cell lymphomas (TCL) are a heterogenous group of lymphoid malignancies with poor prognosis. In contrast to B-cell and myeloid malignancies, there are few preclinical models of TCLs, which has hampered the development of effective therapeutics. Here we establish and characterize preclinical models of TCL. We identify multiple vulnerabilities that are targetable with currently available agents (e.g., inhibitors of JAK2 or IKZF1) and demonstrate proof-of-principle for biomarker-driven therapies using patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). We show that MDM2 and MDMX are targetable vulnerabilities within TP53-wild-type TCLs. ALRN-6924, a stapled peptide that blocks interactions between p53 and both MDM2 and MDMX has potent in vitro activity and superior in vivo activity across 8 different PDX models compared to the standard-of-care agent romidepsin. ALRN-6924 induced a complete remission in a patient with TP53-wild-type angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, demonstrating the potential for rapid translation of discoveries from subtype-specific preclinical models.
Intron retention and nuclear loss of SFPQ are molecular hallmarks of ALS
Authors: Luisier Raphaelle , Tyzack Giulia E. , Hall Claire E. , Mitchell Jamie S. , Devine Helen , Taha Doaa M. , Malik Bilal , Meyer Ione , Greensmith Linda , Newcombe Jia , Ule Jernej , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Patani Rickie
Published: May 2018

Mutations causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) strongly implicate ubiquitously expressed regulators of RNA processing. To understand the molecular impact of ALS-causing mutations on neuronal development and disease, we analysed transcriptomes during in vitro differentiation of motor neurons (MNs) from human control and patient-specific VCP mutant induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We identify increased intron retention (IR) as a dominant feature of the splicing programme during early neural differentiation. Importantly, IR occurs prematurely in VCP mutant cultures compared with control counterparts. These aberrant IR events are also seen in independent RNAseq data sets from SOD1- and FUS-mutant MNs. The most significant IR is seen in the SFPQ transcript. The SFPQ protein binds extensively to its retained intron, exhibits lower nuclear abundance in VCP mutant cultures and is lost from nuclei of MNs in mouse models and human sporadic ALS. Collectively, we demonstrate SFPQ IR and nuclear loss as molecular hallmarks of familial and sporadic ALS.
Kin discrimination allows plants to modify investment towards pollinator attraction
Authors: Torices Rubén , Gómez José M. , Pannell John R.
Published: May 2018

Pollinators tend to be preferentially attracted to large floral displays that may comprise more than one plant in a patch. Attracting pollinators thus not only benefits individuals investing in advertising, but also other plants in a patch through a ‘magnet’ effect. Accordingly, there could be an indirect fitness advantage to greater investment in costly floral displays by plants in kin-structured groups than when in groups of unrelated individuals. Here, we seek evidence for this strategy by manipulating relatedness in groups of the plant Moricandia moricandioides, an insect-pollinated herb that typically grows in patches. As predicted, individuals growing with kin, particularly at high density, produced larger floral displays than those growing with non-kin. Investment in attracting pollinators was thus moulded by the presence and relatedness of neighbours, exemplifying the importance of kin recognition in the evolution of plant reproductive strategies.
Exploring the current state of play for cost-effective water treatment by membranes
Authors: Hilal Nidal , Wright Chris J.
Published: May 2018

This article presents a perspective on the current development and application of membranes for the treatment of water. We examine how membranes contribute to the global challenge of sustainable supply of clean water. The main theme is on desalination and how innovative science and emerging technology is being applied. Thus, we appraise how techniques such as advanced membrane materials, biomimetic membranes, hybrid systems, forward osmosis, and membrane distillation are being used to improve production to meet the increasing global demand for water.
Age-related differences in limb fat-free mass and fat mass in healthy Chinese Adults
Authors: Bai Mei , Wang Rui , Zhu Linhao , Li Guixin , Yuan Dongya , Wang Li , Jin Tianbo
Published: May 2018

Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are important elements to evaluate nutritional status. The aims of this study were to establish reference values for FM and FFM of limbs, develop percentile distributions and assess age-related regional differences in body composition by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) in healthy adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3419 healthy subjects, 1595 men and 1824 women. Regional FM and FFM were measured by BIA. FM in men remained stable in both upper and lower limbs, with reference values (25–75th percentile) of 1–1.5 kg and 4.9–7.2 kg, respectively. Women’s leg FM remained stable with aging (reference values 6.2–7.9 kg), increasing in their arms (0.9–1.5 kg for youngest, 1.3–2.3 kg oldest). The reference values of upper limbs FFM were 5.3–6.2 kg in men and 3.3–3.9 kg in women. Lower limbs FFM decreased with age in both gender: the reference values were 19.5–23.3 kg (men) and 13.8–15.4 kg (women) for 18–30 age group, and 17.3–20 kg and 11.2–13.1 kg, respectively, for 60+ age group. These data provided reference values of FM and FFM in both limbs, enabling the identification of age and gender-related changes in limb composition in healthy Chinese subjects.
Establishing quasi-steady state operations of microphysiological systems (MPS) using tissue-specific metabolic dependencies
Authors: Maass Christian , Dallas Matthew , LaBarge Matthew E. , Shockley Michael , Valdez Jorge , Geishecker Emily , Stokes Cynthia L. , Griffith Linda G. , Cirit Murat
Published: May 2018

Microphysiological systems (MPS), consisting of tissue constructs, biomaterials, and culture media, aim to recapitulate relevant organ functions in vitro. MPS components are housed in fluidic hardware with operational protocols, such as periodic complete media replacement. Such batch-like operations provide relevant nutrients and remove waste products but also reset cell-secreted mediators (e.g. cytokines, hormones) and potentially limit exposure to drugs (and metabolites). While each component plays an essential role for tissue functionality, MPS-specific nutrient needs are not yet well-characterized nor utilized to operate MPSs at more physiologically-relevant conditions. MPS-specific nutrient needs for gut (immortalized cancer cells), liver (human primary hepatocytes) and cardiac (iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes) MPSs were experimentally quantified. In a long-term study of the gut MPS (10 days), this knowledge was used to design operational protocols to maintain glucose and lactate at desired levels. This quasi-steady state operation was experimentally validated by monitoring glucose and lactate as well as MPS functionality. In a theoretical study, nutrient needs of an integrated multi-MPS platform (gut, liver, cardiac MPSs) were computationally simulated to identify long-term quasi-steady state operations. This integrative experimental and computational approach demonstrates the utilization of quantitative multi-scale characterization of MPSs and incorporating MPS-specific information to establish more physiologically-relevant experimental operations.
Endocide-Induced Abnormal Growth Forms of Invasive Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
Authors: Li Shiyou , Wang Ping , Su Zushang , Lozano Emily , LaMaster Olivia , Grogan Jason B. , Weng Yuhui , Decker Thomas , Findeisen John , McGarrity Monica
Published: May 2018

Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the most noxious invasive species in the world. The fern is known to have primary, secondary, and tertiary growth forms, which are also commonly hypothesized as growth stages. The identification of these forms is primarily based on the size and folding status of the floating leaves. However, we identified 12 forms in the greenhouse and the field. Our experiments showed that the folding of floating leaves is a reversible trait dependent on water access. The floating leaves quickly fold in response to water shortage, reducing water loss and needs, decreasing growth, and avoiding trichome damage. The leaves re-open to allow trichomes repel water and enhance growth when having adequate water supply. Larger secondary or tertiary forms do not produce small-leaf primary forms without high intensity stress. These results do not support the hypothesis that three growth forms represent sequential growth stages. The abnormal small-leaf forms are the result of endocide-induced autotoxicity and some of them never grow into other forms. The development of abnormal forms and reversible leaf folding strategy in response to high stress along with rapid asexual reproduction are major adaptive traits contributing to the invasiveness of S. molesta.
Combined genotyping, microbial diversity and metabolite profiling studies on farmed Mytilus spp. from Kiel Fjord
Authors: Utermann Caroline , Parrot Delphine , Breusing Corinna , Stuckas Heiko , Staufenberger Tim , Blümel Martina , Labes Antje , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: May 2018

The blue mussel Mytilus is a popular food source with high economical value. Species of the M. edulis complex (M. edulis, M. galloprovincialis and M. trossulus) hybridise whenever their geographic ranges overlap posing difficulties to species discrimination, which is important for blue mussel aquaculture. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic structure of farmed blue mussels in Kiel Fjord. Microbial and metabolic profile patterns were studied to investigate a possible dependency on the genotype of the bivalves. Genotyping confirmed the complex genetic structure of the Baltic Sea hybrid zone and revealed an unexpected dominance of M. trossulus alleles being in contrast to the predominance of M. edulis alleles described for wild Baltic blue mussels. Culture-dependent and -independent microbial community analyses indicated the presence of a diverse Mytilus-associated microbiota, while an LC-MS/MS-based metabolome study identified 76 major compounds dominated by pigments, alkaloids and polyketides in the whole tissue extracts. Analysis of mussel microbiota and metabolome did not indicate genotypic dependence, but demonstrated high intraspecific variability of farmed mussel individuals. We hypothesise that individual differences in microbial and metabolite patterns may be caused by high individual plasticity and might be enhanced by e.g. nutritional condition, age and gender.
Spraying dynamics in continuous wave laser printing of conductive inks
Authors: Sopeña Pol , González-Torres Sergio , Fernández-Pradas Juan Marcos , Serra Pere
Published: May 2018

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), though usually associated with pulsed lasers, has been recently shown to be feasible for printing liquid inks with continuous wave (CW) lasers. This is remarkable not only because of the advantages that the new approach presents in terms of cost, but also because of the surprising transfer dynamics associated with it. In this work we carry out a study of CW-LIFT aimed at understanding the new transfer dynamics and its correlation with the printing outcomes. The CW-LIFT of lines of Ag ink at different laser powers and scan speeds revealed a range of conditions that allowed printing conductive lines with good electrical properties. A fast-imaging study showed that liquid ejection corresponds to a spraying behavior completely different from the jetting characteristic of pulsed LIFT. We attribute the spray to pool-boiling in the donor film, in which bursting bubbles are responsible for liquid ejection in the form of projected droplets. The droplet motion is then modeled as the free fall of rigid spheres in a viscous medium, in good agreement with experimental observations. Finally, thermo-capillary flow in the donor film allows understanding the evolution of the morphology of the printed lines with laser power and scan speed.
Functional analysis of eliciting plant response protein Epl1-Tas from Trichoderma asperellum ACCC30536
Authors: Yu Wenjing , Mijiti Gulijimila , Huang Ying , Fan Haijuan , Wang Yucheng , Liu Zhihua
Published: May 2018

Eliciting plant response protein (Epl) is a small Trichoderma secreted protein that acts as an elicitor to induce plant defense responses against pathogens. In the present study, the differential expression, promoter analysis, and phylogenetic tree analysis of Epl1-Tas (GenBank JN966996) from T. asperellum ACCC30536 were performed. The results showed Epl1-Tas could play an important role in the interaction between T. asperellum ACCC30536 and woody plant or woody plant pathogen. Furthermore, the effect of the Escherichia coli recombinant protein rEpl1-e and the Pichia pastoris recombinant protein rEpl1-p on Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap) was studied. In PdPap seedlings, rEpl1-e or rEpl1-p induction altered the expression levels of 11 genes in the salicylic acid (SA, three genes), jasmonic acid (JA, four genes) and auxin (four genes) signal transduction pathways, and five kinds of enzymes activities The induction level of rEpl1-p was significantly higher than that of rEpl1-e, indicating that rEpl1-p could be used for further induction experiment. Under 3 mg/mL rEpl1-p induction, the mean height of the PdPap seedlings increased by 57.65% and the mean lesion area on the PdPap seedlings leaves challenged with Alternaria alternata decreased by 91.22% compared with those of the control. Thus, elicitor Epl1-Tas could induce the woody plant resistance to pathogen.
Detection of Japanese Encephalitis Virus RNA in Human Throat Samples in Laos – A Pilot study
Authors: Bharucha Tehmina , Sengvilaipaseuth Onanong , Seephonelee Malee , Vongsouvath Malavanh , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Rattanavong Sayaphet , Piorkowski Géraldine , Lecuit Marc , Gorman Christopher , Pommier Jean-David , Newton Paul N. , de Lamballerie Xavier , Dubot-Pérès Audrey
Published: May 2018

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the most commonly identified cause of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Asia. The WHO recommended test is anti-JEV IgM-antibody-capture-enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (JEV MAC-ELISA). However, data suggest this has low positive predictive value, with false positives related to other Flavivirus infections and vaccination. JEV RT-PCR in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum is highly specific, but is rarely positive; 0–25% of patients that fulfil the WHO definition of JE (clinical Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and JEV MAC-ELISA positive). Testing other body fluids by JEV RT-qPCR may improve the diagnosis. As a pilot study thirty patients admitted to Mahosot Hospital 2014–2017, recruited to the South-East-Asia-Encephalitis study, were tested by JEV MAC-ELISA and two JEV real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assays (NS2A and NS3). Eleven (36.7%) were JEV MAC-ELISA positive. Available CSF and serum samples of these patients were JEV RT-qPCR negative but 2 (7%) had JEV RNA detected in their throat swabs. JEV RNA was confirmed by re-testing, and sequencing of RT-qPCR products. As the first apparent report of JEV RNA detection in human throat samples, the provides new perspectives on human JEV infection, potentially informing improving JEV detection. We suggest that testing patients’ throat swabs for JEV RNA is performed, in combination with molecular and serological CSF and serum investigations, on a larger scale to investigate the epidemiology of the presence of JEV in human throats. Throat swabs are an easy and non-invasive tool that could be rolled out to a wider population to improve knowledge of JEV molecular epidemiology.
MiR-29c reduces the cisplatin resistance of non-small cell lung cancer cells by negatively regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Sun Dian-min , Tang Bu-fu , Li Zhen-xiang , Guo Hong-bo , Cheng Jin-ling , Song Ping-ping , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2018

In previous studies, miR-29s showed tumor suppressor properties against lung cancer, which improved the survival of patients upon the administration of chemotherapy via an unknown mechanism. Here, we investigated the regulatory effects of miR-29s on the cisplatin resistance of NSCLC cells. The expression of miR-29s was assessed in 130 clinical patients and in cisplatin-treated NSCLS cell lines. MiR-29c expression was decreased in 77% of NSCLC patients. Cisplatin treatment increased the expression of miR-29c and decreased the expression of its oncogenic target AKT2 in NSCLC cell lines. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that higher miR-29c levels led to a longer disease-free survival. In particular, patients who experienced cancer recurrences after cisplatin chemotherapy exhibited a lower level of miR-29c expression, suggesting that miR-29c activation may contribute to the chemotherapeutic efficiency of cisplatin. The enforced expression of miR-29c enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC cells, while the knocking down of miR-29c led to cisplatin resistance. MiR-29c amplified the therapeutic effects of cisplatin in vivo. Rescue experiments suggested that miR-29c regulates the cisplatin resistance of NSCLS cells by negatively regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Overall, our results demonstrated that miR-29c enhances the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Rapid Authentication of Ginkgo biloba Herbal Products Using the Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Xiao-yue , Wei Xue-min , Gao Zi-tong , Han Jian-ping
Published: May 2018

Species adulteration in herbal products (HPs) exposes consumers to health risks. Chemical and morphological methods have their own deficiencies when dealing with the detection of species containing the same active compounds in HPs. In this study, we developed a rapid identification method using the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay to detect two species, Ginkgo biloba and Sophora japonica (as adulteration), in Ginkgo biloba HPs. Among 36 Ginkgo biloba HP samples, 34 were found to have Ginkgo biloba sequences, and 9 were found to have Sophora japonica sequences. During the authentication process, the RPA-LFS assay showed a higher specificity, sensitivity and efficiency than PCR-based methods. We initially applied the RPA-LSF technique to detect plant species in HPs, demonstrating that this assay can be developed into an efficient tool for the rapid on-site authentication of plant species in Ginkgo biloba HPs.
Covalent layer-by-layer films: chemistry, design, and multidisciplinary applications
Authors: An Qi , Huang Tao , Shi Feng
Published: May 2018

This review provides a state-of-the-art summary on the chemistry, design strategies, and multidisciplinary applications of covalent layer-by-layer films.
A facile colorimetric method for highly sensitive ascorbic acid detection by using CoOOH nanosheets
Authors: Nie Qiuyu , Cai Qiyong , Xu Huihui , Qiao Zhun , Li Zhaohui
Published: May 2018

A simple and highly sensitive colorimetric assay was developed to detect ascorbic acid by using CoOOH nanosheets.
Organic photocatalysis for the radical couplings of boronic acid derivatives in batch and flow
Authors: Lima Fabio , Grunenberg Lars , Rahman Husaini B. A. , Labes Ricardo , Sedelmeier Joerg , Ley Steven V.
Published: May 2018

A convenient organo-photocataytic approach to the radical couplings of boronic acid derivatives is described and applied for APIs synthesis.
Cobalt complex catalyzed atom-economical synthesis of quinoxaline, quinoline and 2-alkylaminoquinoline derivatives
Authors: Shee Sujan , Ganguli Kasturi , Jana Kalipada , Kundu Sabuj
Published: May 2018

A new phosphine-free Co(ii) complex-catalyzed sustainable synthesis of quinoxalines, quinolines and 2-alkylaminoquinolines is reported.
Transfer hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate from glycerol under aqueous conditions
Authors: Heltzel Jacob M. , Finn Matthew , Ainembabazi Diana , Wang Kai , Voutchkova-Kostal Adelina M.
Published: May 2018

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of CO2 from glycerol to afford formic and lactic acid is an attractive path to valorizing two waste streams. The process is significantly more thermodynamically favorable than direct CO2 hydrogenation.
Three Cd(ii) coordination polymers constructed from a series of multidentate ligands derived from cyclotriphosphazene: synthesis, structures and luminescence properties
Authors: Chen Xi , Dong Hong-Xia , Peng Hua-Nan , Hong Li-Ming , Luo Dan , Zhuang Gui-Lin , Ye Qing
Published: May 2018

By utilizing three ligands derived from cyclotriphosphazene, three novel cadmium-based coordination polymers have been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized, which exhibit the corresponding photo-chemical properties.
Intensified deracemization via rapid microwave-assisted temperature cycling
Authors: Cameli Fabio , Xiouras Christos , Stefanidis Georgios D.
Published: May 2018

Rapid cooling and microwave heating substantially speed up temperature cycling-enhanced deracemization, while limiting the concomitant side reactions. During fast cooling, secondary nucleation is shown to enable deracemization.
Improvements in the hydrogen storage properties of the Mg(NH2)2–LiH composite by KOH addition
Authors: Amica G. , Enzo S. , Larochette P. Arneodo , Gennari F. C.
Published: May 2018

KH thermodynamically destabilizes the Mg(NH2)2–LiH composite as it is actively involved in the dehydrogenation process.
Terpyridine-based metallo-organic cages and supramolecular gelation by coordination-driven self-assembly and host–guest interaction
Authors: Liu Die , Liu Haisheng , Song Bo , Chen Mingzhao , Huang Jian , Wang Jun , Yang Xiaoyu , Sun Wei , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Pingshan
Published: May 2018

Dimetallo-cages connected with dialkylammonium salts via host–guest interactions resulted in thermodynamic polymer metallo-gels.
Substituents drive ligand rearrangements, giving dinuclear rather than mononuclear complexes, and tune CoII/III redox potential
Authors: Karabulut Fabrice N. H. , Feltham Humphrey L. C. , Brooker Sally
Published: May 2018

Sterically encumbered 6-halo-substituents lead to BF4/MeOH/ligand rearrangement, forming doubly bridged {Co1–[O(Me)–B(F2)–O(R)]2–Co1A} dinuclear complexes (6-Cl, 6-Br) of the modified ligands.
Planetary Health thematic web collection
Authors: Needoba Joseph A. , Tratnyek Paul G.
Published: May 2018

Associate Editor Paul Tratnyek and Guest Editor Joe Needoba introduce the Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts Planetary Health collection.
Large-scale patterning of living colloids for dynamic studies of neutrophil–microbe interactions
Authors: Kim Jae Jung , Reátegui Eduardo , Hopke Alex , Jalali Fatemeh , Roushan Maedeh , Doyle Patrick S. , Irimia Daniel
Published: May 2018

We present a method for large-scale patterning of microorganism clusters, which enables the study of interaction between microbial communities and immune cells.
Tin dioxide quantum dots coupled with graphene for high-performance bulk-silicon Schottky photodetector
Authors: Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yao Jiandong , Zhu Lianfeng , Jiang Wei , Wang Bing , Yang Guowei , Li Jingbo
Published: May 2018

Commercial photodetectors have been dominated by bulk silicon (B-Si) due to the maturity of Si technology.
First-principles study of dual-doped graphene: towards promising anode materials for Li/Na-ion batteries
Authors: Ullah Saif , Denis Pablo A. , Sato Fernando
Published: May 2018

The interaction of Li/Na with various DDG is studied with the help of DFT. Among them, the Be–B DDG systems exhibit exceptional properties, such as large storage capacities, excellent OCVs, good electronic conductivities, and minor changes in their planes. These properties show that Be–B DDG can serve as promising anode materials for LIBs/SIBs.
Two isostructural linear coordination polymers: the size of the metal ion impacts the electrical conductivity
Authors: Dutta Basudeb , Dey Arka , Naskar Kaushik , Maity Suvendu , Ahmed Faruk , Islam Sakhiul , Sinha Chittaranjan , Ghosh Prasanta , Ray Partha Pratim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: May 2018

Electrical conductivity was tuned by altering the metal ions in acetylenedicarboxylate (adc) and 4-styrylpyridine (4-spy)-based 1D coordination polymers, {[M(adc)(4-spy)2(H2O)2]}n (M = Zn and Cd).
A highly sensitive and fast graphene nanoribbon/CsPbBr3 quantum dot phototransistor with enhanced vertical metal oxide heterostructures
Authors: Liu Xiang , Kuang Wenjian , Ni Haibing , Tao Zhi , Huang Qianqian , Chen Jing , Liu Qingquan , Chang Jianhua , Lei Wei
Published: May 2018

Although recent breakthroughs in reported graphene-based phototransistors with embedded quantum dots (QDs) have definitely been astonishing, there are still some obstacles in their practical use with regard to their electrical and optical performances.
Intrinsic quantum anomalous hall effect in a two-dimensional anilato-based lattice
Authors: Ni Xiaojuan , Jiang Wei , Huang Huaqing , Jin Kyung-Hwan , Liu Feng
Published: May 2018

The experimentally synthesized anilato-based lattice has been predicted to be a high-temperature intrinsic Chern insulator.
Enhancement of photoluminescence and hole mobility in 1- to 5-layer InSe due to the top valence-band inversion: strain effect
Authors: Wu Meng , Shi Jun-jie , Zhang Min , Ding Yi-min , Wang Hui , Cen Yu-lang , Lu Jing
Published: May 2018

The great enhancement of photoluminescence and hole mobility in few-layer InSe due to an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition under 6% compressive strain.
Copper-catalyzed ambient-temperature decarboxylative annulation of isatins with amidine hydrochlorides: a facile access to 2-(1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)aniline derivatives
Authors: Jia Feng-Cheng , Xu Cheng , Wang Yu-Wei , Chen Zhi-Peng , Chen Yun-Feng , Wu An-Xin
Published: May 2018

A copper-catalyzed domino protocol for the synthesis of 2-(1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)anilines has been developed from isatins and amidine hydrochlorides at ambient temperature.
Dispersible MoS2 micro-sheets induced a proinflammatory response and apoptosis in the gills and liver of adult zebrafish
Authors: Yu Yadong , Yi Yanliang , Li Yangying , Peng Ting , Lao Shanli , Zhang Jiahao , Liang Shaocui , Xiong Yan , Shao Shasha , Wu Na , Zhao Ye , Huang He
Published: May 2018

High concentrations of CS-MoS2 micro-sheets caused lamellar fusions and localized lesions in gill and liver, respectively. Moreover, they also disturbed the expression levels of genes related with antioxidant enzymes, proinflammatory response and apoptosis.
Chloramphenicol-borate/boronate complex for controlling infections by chloramphenicol-resistant bacteria
Authors: Bhattacharya Prabuddha , Singha Monisha , Senapati Kalyan , Saha Suman , Mandal Sudipa , Mandal Santi M. , Ghosh Ananta K. , Basak Amit
Published: May 2018

We report the design, synthesis, and bio-studies of novel chloramphenicol-borate/boronate derivatives which could control the infections caused by chloramphenicol-resistant bacteria.
Facile synthesis of α-aminoboronic acids from amines and potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs)viatrifluoroborate-iminiums (TIMs)
Authors: Shiro Tomoya , Schuhmacher Anne , Jackl Moritz K. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2018

We report the formation of iminium-trifluoroborates (TIMs) from potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) and the synthesis of α-aminotrifluoroborates and α-aminoboronic acids from TIMs.
Preparative microdroplet synthesis of carboxylic acids from aerobic oxidation of aldehydes
Authors: Yan Xin , Lai Yin-Hung , Zare Richard N.
Published: May 2018

Preparative synthesis of carboxylic acids from the aerobic oxidation of aldehydes in microdroplets with moderate to excellent yields.
Directed nickel-catalyzed 1,2-dialkylation of alkenyl carbonyl compounds
Authors: Derosa Joseph , van der Puyl Vincent A. , Tran Van T. , Liu Mingyu , Engle Keary M.
Published: May 2018

A substrate-directed approach to couple alkylzinc nucleophiles, alkyl halide electrophiles, and non-conjugated alkenes under nickel catalysis is described.
The quest for manganese-rich electrodes for lithium batteries: strategic design and electrochemical behavior
Authors: Thackeray M. M. , Croy J. R. , Lee Eungje , Gutierrez A. , He Meinan , Park Joong Sun , Yonemoto B. T. , Long B. R. , Blauwkamp J. D. , Johnson C. S. , Shin Youngho , David W. I. F.
Published: May 2018

Manganese oxides, notably γ-MnO2 and modified derivatives, have played a major role in electrochemical energy storage for well over a century.
Efficient electrochemomechanical energy conversion in nanochannels grafted with end-charged polyelectrolyte brushes at medium and high salt concentration
Authors: Chen Guang , Sachar Harnoor Singh , Das Siddhartha
Published: May 2018

The paper highlights the possibility of enhancing the efficiency of electrokinetic energy conversion by functionalizing nanochannels with end-charged polyelectrolyte brushes.
Polymer nanoparticle sizes from dynamic light scattering and size exclusion chromatography: the case study of polysilanes
Authors: Badasyan Artem , Mavrič Andraž , Kralj Cigić Irena , Bencik Tim , Valant Matjaz
Published: May 2018

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), that are among the most popular methods for determining polymer nanoparticle (PNP) sizes, essentially depend on the quality of solution.
Two- and three-dimensional self-folding of free-standing graphene by liquid evaporation
Authors: Liu Qingchang , Xu Baoxing
Published: May 2018

Liquid evaporation-driven self-folding of 2-D planar free-standing graphene into 2-D or 3-D folded structures is presented in theory and simulations.
Interface engineering of Ru–Co3O4 nanocomposites for enhancing CO oxidation
Authors: Wang Changlai , Liu Shuai , Wang Dongdong , Chen Qianwang
Published: May 2018

We combine experiment and density functional theory calculations to reveal the catalytic mechanism for the oxidation of CO by constructing a Ru–Co3O4 interface.
‘Casting’ nanoporous nanowires: revitalizing the ancient process for designing advanced catalysts
Authors: Wang Ying , Kou Tianyi , Gao Hui , Niu Jiazheng , Zhang Jie , Lv Lanfen , Peng Zhangquan , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: May 2018

Novel eutectic-directed self-templating strategy is proposed to ‘cast’ PdPtNi nanoporous nanowires with superior bifunctional catalytic activity to both EGOR and GOR.
Recyclable thermoset shape memory polymers with high stress and energy outputviafacile UV-curing
Authors: Li Ang , Fan Jizhou , Li Guoqiang
Published: May 2018

Engineering applications of current thermoset shape memory polymers are limited by three critical issues: demanding fabrication conditions (from 70 to 300 °C temperatures for hours or days), lack of reprocessability or recyclability, and low recovery stress and energy output.
Novel nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide-bonded Sb nanoparticles for improved sodium storage performance
Authors: Fang Yuyan , Xu Xin , Du Yichen , Zhu Xiaoshu , Zhou Xiaosi , Bao Jianchun
Published: May 2018

Novel nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide-bonded Sb nanoparticles are developed using the ionic liquid Emim-dca as a nitrogen source for improved sodium storage performance.
Rationally designed spider web-like trivanadium heptaoxide nanowires on carbon cloth as a new class of pseudocapacitive electrode for symmetric supercapacitors with high energy density and ultra-long cyclic stability
Authors: Manikandan Ramu , Raj C. Justin , Rajesh Murugesan , Kim Byung Chul , Nagaraju Goli , Lee Won-gil , Yu Kook Hyun
Published: May 2018

Trivanadium heptaoxide nanowires has been synthesized on flexible carbon cloth for high-performance supercapacitors.
Plasmonic metal/MoxW1−xO3−y for visible-light-enhanced H2 production from ammonia borane
Authors: Yin Haibo , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: May 2018

A plasmonic Pd/MoxW1−xO3−y hybrid enables significant plasmon-enhanced catalysis for H2 production from NH3BH3 under visible light irradiation.
Highly selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate on metal-free nitrogen-doped PC61BM
Authors: Chen Zhipeng , Mou Kaiwen , Yao Shunyu , Liu Licheng
Published: May 2018

Herein we report the first example of a nitrogen-doped fullerene derivative for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate with a high faradaic efficiency.
Mercaptopyrimidine-directed gold nanoclusters: a suitable fluorescent probe for intracellular glutathione imaging and selective cancer cell identification
Authors: Zheng Youkun , Liu Weiwei , Chen Yun , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: May 2018

Herein, we demonstrate a novel, facile, and suitable strategy for imaging GSH based on mercaptopyrimidine-directed gold nanoclusters (Au NCs).
Development of hierarchical Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres as solid substrates for high sensitive immunoassays
Authors: Ma Jiao , Song Lingjie , Shi Hengchong , Yang Huawei , Ye Wei , Guo Xin , Luan Shifang , Yin Jinghua
Published: May 2018

Hierarchical Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres for sensitive immunoassays.
Polarity and threading dislocation dependence of the surface morphology of c-GaN films exposed to HCl vapor
Authors: Lee Hyunkyu , Jang Dongsoo , Kim Donghoi , Kim Hwa Seob , Kim Chinkyo
Published: May 2018

HCl-vapor etching can provide another degree of freedom in polarity-sensitive etching because TD-free N-polar GaN is inert to HCl vapor.
Up-regulation of microRNA-340 promotes osteosarcoma cell apoptosis while suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion by inactivating the CTNNB1-mediated Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Pan Bao-Long , Wu Ling , Pan Li , Yang Yu-Xi , Li Hu-Huan , Dai Yan-Juan , He Zi-Qian , Tan Ling , Huang You-Guang , Tong Zong-Wu , Liao Jun-Long
Published: May 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common histological form of primary bone cancer. It is most prevalent in teenagers and young adults. The present study aims at exploring the regulatory effect of microRNA-340 (miR-340) on OS cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis via regulating the Notch signaling pathway by targeting β-catenin (cadherin-associated protein) 1 (CTNNB1). OS tissues belonging to 45 patients and normal femoral head tissues of 45 amputees were selected. Cells were allocated to different groups. In situ hybridization was performed to determine the positive rate of miR-340 expression while immunohistochemistry was used to determine that of CTNNB1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). We used a series of experiments to measure the expressions of related factors and assess rates of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle, and apoptosis respectively. Our results show that miR-340 was expressed a higher level in normal tissue than OS tissue. Expression of Notch, CTNNB1, hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), Bcl-2, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteocalcin increased and that of miR-340, Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), and Bcl-2 associated protein X (Bax) decreased in OS tissues. U-2OS cell line had the highest miR-340 expression. We also found that the up-regulation of miR-340 had increased expression of miR-340, BIM, and Bax but decreased expression of Notch, CTNNB1, Hes1, Bcl-2, Runx2, and osteocalcin. Up-regulation of miR-340p lead to increased cell apoptosis, suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our study demonstrates that overexpression of miR-340 could suppress OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as promoting OS cell apoptosis by inactivating the Notch signaling pathway via down-regulating CTNNB1. Functional miR-340 overexpression might be a future therapeutic strategy for OS.
Imsnc761 and DDX6 synergistically suppress cell proliferation and promote apoptosis via p53 in testicular embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Duan Zhengzheng , Ping Ping , Wang Guishuan , Zhang Xiansheng , Sun Fei
Published: May 2018

Intermediate-sized non-coding RNAs (imsncRNAs) have been shown to play important regulatory roles in the development of several eukaryotic organisms. In the present research, we selected imsncRNA 761 (imsnc761) as a research target. Expression analyses in a previous study showed that imsnc761 was down-regulated in maturation-arrested testis tissues as compared with the level in normal controls. In the present study, we found that imsnc761 could interact with DEAD-box helicase 6 (DDX6) to induce NTERA-2 (NT2 (testicular embryonal carcinoma cell)) cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition via the p53 pathway. This interaction between imsnc761 and DDX6 also inhibited mitochondrial function and specific gene transcription and translation. To facilitate further research, we used label-free quantitation method to analyze the associated differences in Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and biological processes. This confirmed the changes in several specific pathways, which matched our molecular experimental results.
Joint transfer component analysis and metric learning for person re‐identification
Authors: Liu Yixiu , Zhang Yunzhou , Coleman Sonya , Chi Jianning
Published: May 2018

A novel and efficient metric learning strategy for person re‐identification is proposed. Person re‐identification is formulated as a multi‐domain learning problem. The assumption that the feature distributions from different camera views are the same is overthrown in this Letter. ID‐based transfer component analysis (IDB‐TCA) is proposed to learn a shared subspace, in which the differences in the feature distribution between source domain and target domain are significantly reduced. Experimental evaluation on the CUHK01 dataset demonstrates that metric learning with IDB‐TCA embedded outperforms state‐of‐art metric methods for person re‐identification.
Effect of disconnector and high‐voltage conductor on propagation characteristics of PD‐induced UHF signals
Authors: Shi Minxia , Han Xutao , Zhang Xuanrui , Zhang Zheming , Li Junhao
Published: May 2018

UHF (ultra high frequency) method has been widely used in PD (partial discharge) detection for its high sensitivity. The resonance, distortion, and attenuation appearing in the propagation process of UHF signals in GIS (gas insulated switchgear) will influence the real situation of PD detection. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of GIS components such as disconnectors or high voltage conductors on the propagation characteristics of PD‐induced UHF signals in various voltage classes GIS. The factors of PD signals propagation characteristics in axial and radial directions are both analysed to avoid the effect caused by placement of sensor in this paper. First, the simulation models of GIS are built based on FDTD (finite difference time domain) method. Then the propagation characteristics of PD‐induced UHF signals are studied in the GIS with different disconnector gap lengths and different high voltage conductor radii. Finally, the reliability of the simulation results is verified by compared with laboratory tests. The disconnector gap and the change of conductor radii can both result in the signals attenuation which rises highest in the direction of 180°. The lower the GIS class voltage is, the larger the attenuation of signals after passing through disconnector gap is.