bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroactive compounds induce larval settlement in the scleractinian coral Leptastrea purpurea
Authors: Moeller Mareen , Nietzer Samuel , Schupp Peter J.
Published: February 2019

Settlement of pelagic coral larvae is commonly induced by chemical cues that originate from biofilms and coralline algae. These natural settlement cues initiate signal pathways leading to attachment and metamorphosis of the coral larva. In order to investigate the settlement process and its natural inducers, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of these signal pathways. At present, the pathways and neurotransmitters involved in this signal transduction are still widely unknown. In this study, we exposed larvae of the brooding coral Leptastrea purpurea to five neuroactive compounds known to be present in cnidarians, and K+ Ions. All compounds were applied at different dilutions and settlement behavior of the larvae was documented over 48 h. Dopamine, glutamic acid and epinephrine significantly induced settlement in the coral larvae. The highest observed metamorphosis response was 54% in 10−5 M dopamine. Serotonin, L-DOPA and K+ ions did not have an influence on settlement behavior in our experiments. Exposing larvae to settlement-inducing neurotransmitters and thus bypassing the initial induction could be utilized in coral aquaculture. The active neurotransmitters should be used to further study the settlement process in L. purpurea in greater detail. Their role and relevance should also be assessed for other coral species as they may represent or reveal a universal inducer for coral settlement.
Upper mesophotic depths in the coral reefs of Eilat, Red Sea, offer suitable refuge grounds for coral settlement
Authors: Kramer Netanel , Eyal Gal , Tamir Raz , Loya Yossi
Published: February 2019

Due to increasing frequency of disturbances to shallow reefs, it has been suggested that Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs, 30–150 m depth) may serve as a refuge for corals and a source of larvae that can facilitate the recovery of shallow degraded reefs. As such, they have received increased attention in the past decade, yet remained understudied regarding recruitment dynamics. Here we describe coral recruitment dynamics on settlement tiles and their adjacent natural habitats (10 m vs. 50 m depths) in Eilat, over a period of 5.5 years. The tiles were deployed along three sites onto 18 racks (3 at each depth and at each site). Recruitment patterns varied both temporally and spatially, ending up to two-fold higher juvenile density and higher recruitment rates at mesophotic sites. Settlement surface preference changed with depth, favoring exposed surfaces in mesophotic waters and cryptic surfaces in shallow waters. Juvenile assemblages differed between depths and were distinct from adjacent natural habitats. Over half of the recruited genera overlapped between depths. We suggest that Eilat MCEs serve as a larval sink, providing settlement grounds for shallow-reef propagules. In view of their significance, we call for the protection of these unique and distinct deep-reef habitats.
Genome-wide miRNA profiling reinforces the importance of miR-9 in human papillomavirus associated oral and oropharyngeal head and neck cancer
Authors: Božinović Ksenija , Sabol Ivan , Dediol Emil , Milutin Gašperov Nina , Manojlović Spomenka , Vojtechova Zuzana , Tachezy Ruth , Grce Magdalena
Published: February 2019

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, predominantly developing from squamous cell epithelia (HNSCC). The main HNSCC risk factors are tobacco, excessive alcohol use, and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV positive (+) cancers are etiologically different from other HNSCC and often show better prognosis. The current knowledge regarding HNSCC miRNA profiles is still incomplete especially in the context of HPV+ cancer. Thus, we analyzed 61 freshly collected primary oral (OSCC) and oropharyngeal (OPSCC) SCC samples. HPV DNA and RNA was found in 21% cases. The Illumina whole-genome small-RNA profiling by next-generation sequencing was done on 22 samples and revealed 7 specific miRNAs to HPV+ OSCC, 77 to HPV+ OPSCC, and additional 3 shared with both; 51 miRNAs were specific to HPV− OPSCC, 62 to HPV− OSCC, and 31 shared with both. The results for 9 miRNAs (miR-9, -21, -29a, -100, -106b, -143 and -145) were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction on the whole study population. The data was additionally confirmed by reanalyzing publicly available miRNA sequencing Cancer Genome Atlas consortium (TCGA) HNSCC data. Cell signaling pathway analysis revealed differences between HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC. Our findings compared with literature data revealed extensive heterogeneity of miRNA deregulation with only several miRNAs consistently affected, and miR-9 being the most likely HPV related miRNA.
Interleukin 17A promotes diabetic kidney injury
Authors: Ma Jin , Li Yan J. , Chen Xiaochen , Kwan Tony , Chadban Steven J. , Wu Huiling
Published: February 2019

The role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory disorders is well-documented, but conflicting results are reported for its role in diabetic nephropathy. Here we examined the role of IL-17 signalling in a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy through IL-17 knockout mice, administration of neutralising monoclonal anti-IL-17 antibody and in vitro examination of gene expression of renal tubular cells and podocytes under high glucose conditions with or without recombinant IL-17. IL-17 deficient mice were protected against progression of diabetic nephropathy, exhibiting reduced albuminuria, glomerular damage, macrophage accumulation and renal fibrosis at 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Administration of anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibody to diabetic wild-type mice was similarly protective. IL-17 deficiency also attenuated up-regulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes including IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL10 and TGF-β in diabetic kidneys. In vitro co-stimulation with recombinant IL-17 and high glucose were synergistic in increasing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in both cultured renal tubular cells and podocytes. We conclude that absence of IL-17 signalling is protective against streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy, thus implying a pro-inflammatory role of IL-17 in its pathogenesis. Targeting the IL-17 axis may represent a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of this disorder.
Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine plus azithromycin may improve birth outcomes through impacts on inflammation and placental angiogenesis independent of malarial infection
Authors: Unger Holger W. , Hansa Annjaleen P. , Buffet Christelle , Hasang Wina , Teo Andrew , Randall Louise , Ome-Kaius Maria , Karl Stephan , Anuan Ayen A. , Beeson James G. , Mueller Ivo , Stock Sarah J. , Rogerson Stephen J.
Published: February 2019

Intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and SP plus azithromycin (SPAZ) reduces low birthweight (<2,500 g) in women without malarial and reproductive tract infections. This study investigates the impact of SPAZ on associations between plasma biomarkers of inflammation and angiogenesis and adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2,012 Papua New Guinean women. Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), soluble endoglin (sEng), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured at enrolment and delivery in a trial comparing SPAZ to SP plus chloroquine (SPCQ). At antenatal enrolment higher CRP (adjusted odds ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–2.25), sEng (4.35; 1.77, 10.7) and sFlt1 (2.21; 1.09, 4.48) were associated with preterm birth, and higher sEng with low birthweight (1.39; 1.11,3.37), in SPCQ recipients only. Increased enrolment sFlt1:PlGF ratios associated with LBW in all women (1.46; 1.11, 1.90). At delivery, higher AGP levels were strongly associated with low birthweight, preterm birth and small-for-gestational age babies in the SPCQ arm only. Restricting analyses to women without malaria infection did not materially alter these relationships. Women receiving SPAZ had lower delivery AGP and CRP levels (p < 0.001). SPAZ may protect against adverse pregnancy outcomes by reducing inflammation and preventing its deleterious consequences, including dysregulation of placental angiogenesis, in women with and without malarial infection.
Metabolomic and lipidomic plasma profile changes in human participants ascending to Everest Base Camp
Authors: O’Brien Katie A. , Atkinson R. Andrew , Richardson Larissa , Koulman Albert , Murray Andrew J. , Harridge Stephen D. R. , Martin Daniel S. , Levett Denny Z. H. , Mitchell Kay , Mythen Monty G. , Montgomery Hugh E. , Grocott Michael P. W. , Griffin Julian L. , Edwards Lindsay M.
Published: February 2019

At high altitude oxygen delivery to the tissues is impaired leading to oxygen insufficiency (hypoxia). Acclimatisation requires adjustment to tissue metabolism, the details of which remain incompletely understood. Here, metabolic responses to progressive environmental hypoxia were assessed through metabolomic and lipidomic profiling of human plasma taken from 198 human participants before and during an ascent to Everest Base Camp (5,300 m). Aqueous and lipid fractions of plasma were separated and analysed using proton (1H)-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and direct infusion mass spectrometry, respectively. Bayesian robust hierarchical regression revealed decreasing isoleucine with ascent alongside increasing lactate and decreasing glucose, which may point towards increased glycolytic rate. Changes in the lipid profile with ascent included a decrease in triglycerides (48–50 carbons) associated withde novolipogenesis, alongside increases in circulating levels of the most abundant free fatty acids (palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids). Together, this may be indicative of fat store mobilisation. This study provides the first broad metabolomic account of progressive exposure to environmental hypobaric hypoxia in healthy humans. Decreased isoleucine is of particular interest as a potential contributor to muscle catabolism observed with exposure to hypoxia at altitude. Substantial changes in lipid metabolism may represent important metabolic responses to sub-acute exposure to environmental hypoxia.
Air-like plasmonics with ultralow-refractive-index silica aerogels
Authors: Kim Yeonhong , Baek Seunghwa , Gupta Prince , Kim Changwook , Chang Kiseok , Ryu Sung-Pil , Kang Hansaem , Kim Wook Sung , Myoung Jaemin , Park Wounjhang , Kim Kyoungsik
Published: February 2019

The coupling of the surface plasmon near-field into the sensing medium is key to the sensitivity of surface plasmon-based sensing devices. A low-index dielectric is necessary for the sensing medium to support a highly-penetrating surface plasmon evanescent field that extends well into the dielectric medium. The air-like refractive index, n, of an aerogel substrate provides another dimension for ultralow-index plasmonic devices. In this paper, we experimentally observed an angular surface plasmon resonance dip at 74° with the ultralow-index aerogel substrate, as was expected from theory. We also demonstrated the comparatively high-sensitivity surface plasmon resonance wavelength, λ, while the change in Δλ/Δn with different substrates was studied in detail. A 740 nm-period metal grating was imprinted on aerogel (n = 1.08) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS; n = 1.4) substrates. The ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectra were observed in the reflection mode on the grating, resulting in sensitivities of 740.2 and 655.9 nm/RIU for the aerogel and PDMS substrates, respectively. Numerical simulations were performed to understand the near-field of the surface plasmon, which demonstrated resonances well correlated with the experimentally observed results. The near-field due to excitation of the surface plasmon polaritons is observed to be more confined and to penetrate deeper into the sensing medium when a low-index substrate is used.
Green tea catechins alleviate autoimmune symptoms and visual impairment in a murine model for human chronic intraocular inflammation by inhibiting Th17-associated pro-inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Li Jian , Yip Yolanda Wong Ying , Ren Jialin , Hui Wing Ki , He Jing Na , Yu Qiu Xiao , Chu Kai On , Ng Tsz Kin , Chan Sun On , Pang Chi Pui , Chu Wai Kit
Published: February 2019

Autoimmune uveitis is a sight-threatening disease mainly caused by dysregulation of immunity. We investigated the therapeutic effects of green tea extract (GTE) and its major component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), on a murine model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Oral administration of GTE, EGCG, dexamethasone, or water, which started 5 days before the induction, was fed every two days to each group. On day 21 post induction, the eyes were examined by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and electroretinography (ERG) prior to sacrificing the animals for histological assessments and gene expression studies. Retinal-choroidal thicknesses (RCT) and major retinal vessel diameter were measured on OCT sections and FFA images, respectively. Comparing to water-treated EAU animals, GTE attenuated uveitis clinical manifestations, RCT increase (1.100 ± 0.013 times vs 1.005 ± 0.012 times,P < 0.001), retinal vessel dilation (308.9 ± 6.189 units vs 240.8 units,P < 0.001), ERG amplitudes attenuation, histopathological ocular damages, and splenomegaly in EAU mice. The therapeutic effects of GTE were dose dependent and were comparable to dexamethasone. EGCG, a major active constituent of GTE, partially alleviated uveitic phenotypes including recovering visual function. Th-17 associated pro-inflammatory gene [interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β),IL-6,IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)] expressions were down regulated by GTE and EGCG treatments, which showed no detectable morphological defects in liver and kidney in non-induced and EAU mice. Our findings suggest that GTE consumption can serve as a potent therapeutic agent as well as a food supplement for developing alternative treatments against autoimmune uveitis.
The cingulum as a marker of individual differences in neurocognitive development
Authors: Bathelt Joe , Johnson Amy , Zhang Mengya , Astle Duncan E.
Published: February 2019

The canonical approach to exploring brain-behaviour relationships is to group individuals according to a phenotype of interest, and then explore the neural correlates of this grouping. A limitation of this approach is that multiple aetiological pathways could result in a similar phenotype, so the role of any one brain mechanism may be substantially underestimated. Building on advances in network analysis, we used a data-driven community-clustering algorithm to identify robust subgroups based on white-matter microstructure in childhood and adolescence (total N = 313, mean age: 11.24 years). The algorithm indicated the presence of two equal-size groups that show a critical difference in fractional anisotropy (FA) of the left and right cingulum. Applying the brain-based grouping in independent samples, we find that these different ‘brain types’ had profoundly different cognitive abilities with higher performance in the higher FA group. Further, a connectomics analysis indicated reduced structural connectivity in the low FA subgroup that was strongly related to reduced functional activation of the default mode network. These results provide a proof-of-concept that bottom-up brain-based groupings can be identified that relate to cognitive performance. This provides a first demonstration of a complimentary approach for investigating individual differences in brain structure and function, particularly for neurodevelopmental disorders where researchers are often faced with phenotypes that are difficult to define at the cognitive or behavioural level.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Phenol Bioisosteric Analogues of 3-Hydroxymorphinan
Authors: Li Ziqiang , Bao Xiuqi , Bai Xiaoguang , Zhang Guoning , Wang Juxian , Zhu Mei , Wang Yue , Shang Junmei , Sheng Chanjuan , Zhang Dan , Wang Yucheng
Published: February 2019

The neuroprotective agent 3-hydroxymorphinan (3-HM) is a well-documented and highly safe therapeutic intervention for the inflammatory-related effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the bioavailability of 3-HM is very low due to the rapid first-pass metabolism of the phenolic moiety. In the present study, we sought to improve the metabolic stability and overall pharmacokinetic profile of 3-HM. Based on an iterative design process that a suitably arranged heterocycle with an NH group would serve as the metabolically stable isostere of the phenolic group, we designed and synthesized two analogues of 3-HM. Benzimidazolone compound 8 (imidazolone-morphinan) was comparable in activity to 3-HM against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in microglial BV2 cells and in vivo animal experiments (MPTP-induced PD mouse model). Moreover, the in vitro study showed that imidazolone-morphinan was non-toxic to microglia, indicating its high safety. Considering the favourable and unique preclinical profiles, compound 8 was nominated as a candidate for further clinical development.
Toughening of Dental Composites with Thiourethane-Modified Filler Interfaces
Authors: Fugolin Ana P. , Sundfeld Daniel , Ferracane Jack L. , Pfeifer Carmem S.
Published: February 2019

Stress of polymerization is one of the most significant drawbacks of dental resin composites, since it is related to poor marginal adaptation, postoperative pain, and secondary caries. Previous studies have shown that thiourethane oligomers incorporated into the organic matrix represents a promising strategy to reduce stress and increase fracture toughness in dental composites. However, this strategy promotes a significant increase of the viscosity system, which may represent a challenge for clinical application. The objective of this study was to functionalize the surface of inorganic filler particles with thiouretanes and evaluate the impact on mechanical properties and kinetics of polymerization. Our results showed that composites filled with thiourethane-silanized inorganic fillers showed up to 35% lower stress while doubling mechanical properties values. This was achieved with no prejudice to the viscosity of the material and following a clinically acceptable photoactivation protocol.
I-BLEND, a campus-scale commercial and residential buildings electrical energy dataset
Authors: Rashid Haroon , Singh Pushpendra , Singh Amarjeet
Published: February 2019

Efficient energy consumption at the building level is vital for sustainability. Providing energy efficient systems and solutions requires an understanding of how energy gets consumed. However, there is a general lack of large-scale open datasets about the energy consumption of buildings, which hinders the research. The recent emergence of smart energy meters makes it possible to collect such data, which can then be used for analysis. In this paper, we release I-BLEND, 52 months of electrical energy dataset at a one-minute sampling rate from commercial and residential buildings of an academic institute campus in an emerging economy, India. Also, we provide occupancy datasets at a 10-minute sampling rate for each of the campus buildings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such dataset from India. Public availability of such fine-granular data will allow users to perform different research tasks such as analyzing the impact of weather or occupancy schedule on energy consumption, detecting anomalies, and developing algorithms for predictive maintenance.
Stable isotope variations of daily precipitation from 2014–2018 in the central United States
Authors: Tian Chao , Wang Lixin
Published: February 2019

Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (δ2H, δ18O and δ17O) serve as powerful tracers in hydrological investigations. To our knowledge, daily precipitation isotope record especially 17O-excess is rare in the mid-latitudes. To fill such knowledge gap, daily precipitation samples (n=446) were collected from June 2014 to May 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. A Triple Water Vapor Isotope Analyzer (T-WVIA) based on Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) technique was used to concurrently measure precipitation isotopic variations (δ2H, δ18O and δ17O). Meanwhile, 17O-excess and d-excess as second-order isotopic variables were calculated to provide additional information on precipitation formation and transport mechanisms. This study presents a four-year daily precipitation isotope dataset for mid-latitudes, and makes it available to researchers around the world who may use it as a reference for site comparisons and for assessing global hydrological models.
A draft genome assembly of the solar-powered sea slug Elysia chlorotica
Authors: Cai Huimin , Li Qiye , Fang Xiaodong , Li Ji , Curtis Nicholas E. , Altenburger Andreas , Shibata Tomoko , Feng Mingji , Maeda Taro , Schwartz Julie A. , Shigenobu Shuji , Lundholm Nina , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Yang Huanming , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Li Shuaicheng , Pierce Sidney K. , Wang Jian
Published: February 2019

Elysia chlorotica, a sacoglossan sea slug found off the East Coast of the United States, is well-known for its ability to sequester chloroplasts from its algal prey and survive by photosynthesis for up to 12 months in the absence of food supply. Here we present a draft genome assembly ofE. chloroticathat was generated using a hybrid assembly strategy with Illumina short reads and PacBio long reads. The genome assembly comprised 9,989 scaffolds, with a total length of 557 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 442 kb. BUSCO assessment indicated that 93.3% of the expected metazoan genes were completely present in the genome assembly. Annotation of theE. chloroticagenome assembly identified 176 Mb (32.6%) of repetitive sequences and a total of 24,980 protein-coding genes. We anticipate that the annotated draft genome assembly of theE. chloroticasea slug will promote the investigation of sacoglossan genetics, evolution, and particularly, the genetic signatures accounting for the long-term functioning of algal chloroplasts in an animal.
Automated evaluation of consistency within the PubChem Compound database
Authors: Dashti Hesam , Wedell Jonathan R. , Westler William M. , Markley John L. , Eghbalnia Hamid R.
Published: February 2019

Identification of discrepant data in aggregated databases is a key step in data curation and remediation. We have applied the ALATIS approach, which is based on the international chemical shift identifier (InChI) model, to the full PubChem Compound database to generate unique and reproducible compound and atom identifiers for all entries for which three-dimensional structures were available. This exercise also served to identify entries with discrepancies between structures and chemical formulas or InChI strings. The use of unique compound identifiers and atom nomenclature should support more rigorous links between small-molecule databases including those containing atom-specific information of the type available from crystallography and spectroscopy. The comprehensive results from this analysis are publicly available through our webserver [http://alatis.nmrfam.wisc.edu/].
Fluorescence lifetime imaging of intracellular magnesium content in live cells
Authors: Sargenti Azzurra , Candeo Alessia , Farruggia Giovanna , D'Andrea Cosimo , Cappadone Concettina , Malucelli Emil , Valentini Gianluca , Taroni Paola , Iotti Stefano
Published: February 2019

The first detailed analysis for Mg cell imaging by visible FLIM is presented.
Superior electrochemical sodium storage of V4P7 nanoparticles as an anode for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Ho , Choi Jonghyun , Hong Seong-Hyeon
Published: February 2019

V4P7 nanoparticles as an insertion type anode were synthesized via high-energy milling and introduced as an anode for sodium-ion batteries for the first time.
Water-assisted ground state intra-molecular proton transfer in 2,5-dihydroxy-substituted azobenzenes: experimental and computational studies
Authors: Das Dhiraj , Roy Choudhury Angshuman
Published: February 2019

The phenomenon of ground-state proton transfer in a series of 2,5-dihydroxy azobenzene derivatives has been studied. In addition, the effect of the substitutions and water molecules has been investigated by the theoretical calculation.
Uncommon first universality of conductivity in superprotonic (NH4)3H(SeO4)2 single crystals
Authors: Ławniczak Paweł , Zdanowska-Frączek Maria , Lindner Łukasz , Pawłowski Antoni
Published: February 2019

The proton conducting crystal (NH4)3H(SeO4)2 is examined to check whether the first universality of conductivity spectra is sensitive to subtle changes in the crystal structure and proton dynamics caused by external pressure.
Impact of bound ionic defects on the hydration of acceptor-doped proton-conducting perovskites
Authors: Putilov L. P. , Tsidilkovski V. I.
Published: February 2019

The effect of trapping of protons and vacancies on the hydration and defect thermodynamics of acceptor-doped ABO3oxides was theoretically studied.
Structure of sirohydrochlorin ferrochelatase SirB: the last of the structures of the class II chelatase family
Authors: Fujishiro Takashi , Shimada Yukino , Nakamura Ryosuke , Ooi Miho
Published: February 2019

The crystal structure of sirohydrochlorin ferrochelatase SirB was finally unveiled toward a consideration of the structural diversity of class II chelatases.
Heterobimetallic ruthenium–zinc complexes with bulky N-heterocyclic carbenes: syntheses, structures and reactivity
Authors: Espinal-Viguri Maialen , Varela-Izquierdo Victor , Miloserdov Fedor M. , Riddlestone Ian M. , Mahon Mary F. , Whittlesey Michael K.
Published: February 2019

Addition of ZnMe2 to cationic and neutral ruthenium hydride complexes bearing NHC ligands affords new Ru–Zn heterobimetallic complexes.
Unbiased solar H2 production with current density up to 23 mA cm−2 by Swiss-cheese black Si coupled with wastewater bioanode
Authors: Lu Lu , Vakki Waltteri , Aguiar Jeffery A. , Xiao Chuanxiao , Hurst Katherine , Fairchild Michael , Chen Xi , Yang Fan , Gu Jing , Ren Zhiyong Jason
Published: February 2019

Record performance achieved from integrated bio- and photo-electrochemical H2 cells.
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation and mitigation in potable reuse treatment trains employing ozone and biofiltration
Authors: Bacaro Fernanda , Dickenson Eric , Trenholm Rebecca A. , Gerrity Daniel
Published: February 2019

This paper evaluates how changes in operational conditions affect NDMA formation and biodegradation in ozone-biofiltration systems, including aspects of microbial community structure and function.
Multivalent ion conduction in solid polymer systems
Authors: Schauser Nicole S. , Seshadri Ram , Segalman Rachel A.
Published: February 2019

The multifunctional interactions of multivalent cations with polymers creates challenges for enhancing cation conductivity, which may be solved through new synthetic and computational efforts.
MOF-derived nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon for electroreduction of CO2 to CO: the calcining temperature effect and the mechanism
Authors: Zheng Yonglong , Cheng Ping , Xu Jiansheng , Han Jianyu , Wang Dawei , Hao Changlong , Alanagh Hamideh Rezvani , Long Chang , Shi Xinghua , Tang Zhiyong
Published: February 2019

Higher pyrolysis temperature results in a better CO2 electroreduction activity of ZIF-8 derived nitrogen-doped carbon.
On the decay time of upconversion luminescence
Authors: Bergstrand Jan , Liu Qingyun , Huang Bingru , Peng Xingyun , Würth Christian , Resch-Genger Ute , Zhan Qiuqiang , Widengren Jerker , Ågren Hans , Liu Haichun
Published: February 2019

Numerical simulations based on rate-equation models were performed to investigate how the upconversion luminescence decay is affected by the lifetimes of intermediate states, energy transfer, and cross-relaxation processes.
Preparation of CaMgAl-LDHs and mesoporous silica sorbents derived from blast furnace slag for CO2 capture
Authors: Jiang Haojie , Guo Hongwei , Li Peng , Li Yang , Yan Bingji
Published: February 2019

A total solution for the utilisation of BFS can be achieved and the resulting valuable products CaMgAl-LDHs and MCM-41 are promising sorbents for CO2 capture.
A novel profluorescent paramagnetic diaza-crown ether: synthesis, characterization and alkaline metal-ion complexation
Authors: Coman Anca G. , Stavarache Cristina , Paun Anca , Popescu Codruţa C. , Hădade Niculina D. , Ionita Petre , Matache Mihaela
Published: February 2019

Starting from Kryptofix 22 two different branches were covalently attached through the nitrogen atoms, one containing a fluorescent moiety and the other the stable free radical TEMPO.
Preparation of S–N co-doped CoFe2O4@rGO@TiO2 nanoparticles and their superior UV-Vis light photocatalytic activities
Authors: Wei Fengyu , Wang Hui , Ran Wei , Liu Tao , Liu Xueting
Published: February 2019

A magnetic recoverable S–N co-doped CoFe2O4@rGO@TiO2 (CFGT-S/N) nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile vapor-thermal method. CFGT-S/N is an excellent UV-Vis photocatalyst because of the synergetic effects of S, N co-doping, the introduction of CoFe2O4 and rGO.
Well-confined polyoxometalate-ionic liquid in silicic framework for environmentally friendly asymmetric di-hydroxylation of olefins
Authors: Liang Dong , Wang Yan , Wang Sifan , Song Chengkun , Shi Yonghe , Liu Qinghao , Zhu Hailin , Li Xia , Liu Laishuan , Zhu Na
Published: February 2019

Abundant POMs double-locked by silicic frameworks and chiral ILs drive efficient and environmentally friendly asymmetric di-hydroxylation of olefins in water.
Synthesis and characterization of a pair of O-fac/O-mer 12-P-6 alkyloxaphosphates with a P–O–C–C four-membered ring
Authors: Jiang Xin-Dong , Toya Yuya , Matsukawa Shiro , Kojima Satoshi , Jimenez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Shang Rong , Nakamoto Masaaki , Yamamoto Yohsuke
Published: February 2019

The synthesis and characterization of a stereoisomer pair of 12-P-6 alkyloxaphosphates synthesised from pentacoordinate phosphoranes.
Label-free target identification reveals oxidative DNA damage as the mechanism of a selective cytotoxic agent
Authors: Park Hankum , Park Seung Bum
Published: February 2019

Target proteins and mechanism of a HeLa-specific cytotoxic compound were investigated by two thermal shift-based label-free proteomics methods.
Non-stabilized diazoalkane synthesis via the oxidation of free hydrazones by iodosylbenzene and application in in situ MIRC cyclopropanation
Authors: Allouche Emmanuelle M. D. , Charette André B.
Published: February 2019

Highly reactive non-stabilized diazo compounds are generated from free hydrazones using iodosylbenzene. In situ MIRC cyclopropanations were performed on a wide array of substrates.
Single frequency fiber laser based on an ultrathin metal–organic framework
Authors: Sun Zhihao , Jiang Xiantao , Wen Qiao , Li Wenjia , Zhang Han
Published: February 2019

Single frequency fiber laser with line width of 3.2 kHz is demonstrated by using ultrathin metal–organic framework as saturable absorber.
Diffusion- and reaction-limited cluster aggregation revisited
Authors: Jungblut Swetlana , Joswig Jan-Ole , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: February 2019

We investigated the impact of rotational diffusion on the process of irreversible nanoparticle aggregation.
Horizons Community Board Collection – Nanobiomedicine
Authors: Dixit Chandra Kumar , Proctor Christopher M.
Published: February 2019

A themed collection on nanobiomedicine, guest edited by Nanoscale Horizons Community Board Member Chandra Kumar Dixit and Materials Horizons Community Board Member Christopher M. Proctor.
Ion-pair complexes of Schiff base Fe(iii) cations and complex anions
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Zoufalý Pavel , Jewula Pawel , Antal Peter , Linert Wolfgang , Herchel Radovan
Published: February 2019

We report on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of four new ion-pair complexes.
Metal-free, radical 1,6-conjugated addition of cyclic ethers with para-quinone methides (p-QMs)
Authors: More Satish G. , Suryavanshi Gurunath
Published: February 2019

An efficient method for metal-free C–C bond formation between p-quinone methides (p-QMs) and cyclic ethers via a radical pathway to afford substituted diarylmethanes and triarylmethanes or to effect the α-alkylation of the cyclic ethers has been developed.
Synthesis of strictly alternating copolymers by living carbanionic copolymerization of diphenylethylene with 1,3-pentadiene isomers
Authors: Liu Kun , Li An , Yang Zan , Jiang AoLin , Xie FengLi , Li Shan , Xia JinKui , She ZhenYin , Tang KeWen , Zhou CongShan
Published: February 2019

The living carbanionic alternating copolymerizations of 1,3-pentadiene isomers with DPE are reported, and yield well-defined alternating and highly stereoregular amorphous copolymers with controllable Mn, low ĐM and predominantly trans-1,4 units.
Mechanistic studies for dirhodium-catalyzed chemoselective oxidative amination of alkynyl-tethered sulfamates
Authors: Pan Dong , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: February 2019

Theoretical studies revealed the detailed mechanisms for dirhodium-datalyzed chemoselective oxidative amination of alkynyl-tethered sulfamates and account for the origin of product selectivity.
Heavy metal mediated phytotoxic impact on winter wheat: oxidative stress and microbial management of toxicity byBacillus subtilisBM2
Authors: Rizvi Asfa , Ahmed Bilal , Zaidi Almas , Khan Mohd. Saghir
Published: February 2019

The bacterial management of heavy metal toxicity to durum wheat under a metal stressed environment was demonstrated.
Novel chalcone derivatives containing a 1,2,4-triazine moiety: design, synthesis, antibacterial and antiviral activities
Authors: Tang Xu , Su Shijun , Chen Mei , He Jun , Xia Rongjiao , Guo Tao , Chen Ying , Zhang Cheng , Wang Jun , Xue Wei
Published: February 2019

A series of novel chalcone derivatives containing the 1,2,4-triazine moiety were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by1H NMR,13C NMR and elemental analyses.
Mechanism unravelling for ultrafast and selective 99TcO4− uptake by a radiation-resistant cationic covalent organic framework: a combined radiological experiment and molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: He Linwei , Liu Shengtang , Chen Long , Dai Xing , Li Jie , Zhang Mingxing , Ma Fuyin , Zhang Chao , Yang Zaixing , Zhou Ruhong , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: February 2019

Separation of TcO4– by a cationic covalent organic framework is achieved for the first time, showing advantages of extremely fast sorption kinetics, ultrahigh uptake capacity, good anion-exchange selectivity, and excellent radiation resistance.
Nanocatalysis by noble metal nanoparticles: controlled synthesis for the optimization and understanding of activities
Authors: Rodrigues Thenner S. , da Silva Anderson G. M. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: February 2019

This review discusses the importance of physical/chemical control in metallic NPs for the optimization and understanding of catalytic performances.
A quasi-solid-state Li–S battery with high energy density, superior stability and safety
Authors: Cao Yi , Zuo Pengjian , Lou Shuaifeng , Sun Zhen , Li Qin , Huo Hua , Ma Yulin , Du Chunyu , Gao Yunzhi , Yin Geping
Published: February 2019

We report a [Li(triglyme)]+[TFSI]− complex-assisted quasi-solid-state Li–S battery, which shows excellent capacity performance and cycling stability.
The association ofFOXP3gene polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility: a comprehensive systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yan , Qi Xiaoxue , Bian Ce , Ling Chen , Yi Tao , Mu Xiyan , Zhao Xia
Published: February 2019

The role of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) protein in tumorigenesis has long been controversial and existing data on the association between FOXP3 gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility were inconsistent. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to better clarify the relationship. A comprehensive search of studies published from July 2008 to June 2018 was conducted. The statistical analyses of the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were performed using the Revman 5.2 software. A total of 12 articles with 19 case–control studies and 10389 participants were included. Three FOXP3 polymorphisms and six cancer types were evaluated. While no significant results were observed in overall and breast cancer groups for rs3761548 (A/C) polymorphisms, the pooled data showed an elevated risk of cancer in variant AA genotypes and A allele for Chinese population (AA vs. AC+CC: OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.39; AA vs. CC: OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.89; A vs. C: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.78). Neither the overall group analyses nor the subgroup analyses stratified by cancer type and ethnicity proposed any significant association of rs2280883 (C/T) and rs3761549 (T/C) polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility. This meta-analysis suggested that FOXP3 rs3761548 (A/C) polymorphisms were associated with increased cancer risk in Chinese population while rs2280883 (C/T) and rs3761549 (T/C) polymorphisms were not. More large-sample researches with diverse ethnicities and cancer types are needed to draw a concrete conclusion.
Engineering of receptor-binding proteins in bacteriophages and phage tail-like bacteriocins
Authors: Dams Dorien , Brøndsted Lone , Drulis-Kawa Zuzanna , Briers Yves
Published: February 2019

Bacteriophages and phage tail-like bacteriocins (PTLBs) rely on receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) located in tail fibers or spikes for an initial and specific interaction with susceptible bacteria. Bacteriophages kill bacteria through a lytic, replicative cycle, whereas PTLBs kill the target through membrane depolarization in a single hit mechanism. Extensive efforts in the engineering of RBPs of both phages and PTLBs have been undertaken to obtain a greater understanding of the structural organization of RBPs. In addition, a major goal of engineering RBPs of phages and PTLBs is the production of antibacterials with a customized spectrum. Swapping of the RBP of phages and PTLBs results in a shift in activity spectrum in accordance with the spectrum of the new RBP. The engineering of strictly virulent phages with new RBPs required significant technical advances in the past decades, whereas the engineering of RBPs of PTLBs relied on the traditional molecular techniques used for the manipulation of bacteria and was thus relatively straightforward. While phages and PTLBs share their potential for specificity tuning, specific features of phages such as their lytic killing mechanism, their self-replicative nature and thus different pharmacokinetics and their potential to co-evolve are clear differentiators compared with PTLBs in terms of their antibacterial use.
The Relationship Between Culture, Quality of Life, and Stigma in Hispanic New Mexicans With Dysphagia: A Preliminary Investigation Using Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Padilla Aaron H. , Palmer Phyllis M. , Rodríguez Barbara L.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to (a) identify the relationship between level of acculturation, and quality of life (QOL) and stigma and (b) explore the QOL experiences for Hispanic New Mexicans with dysphagia.

Method

This study includes 7 New Mexicans who self-identified as Hispanic. This prospective investigation was completed in 2 phases. In the quantitative phase, all participants completed the (a) the SWAL-QOL (
McHorney et al., 2000
), (b) the Neuro-QoL Stigma subtest (
Gershon et al., 2012
), and (c) the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans–II (ARSMA-II;
Cuellar, Arnold, & Maldonado, 1995
). In the qualitative phase, 3 participants were selected from the quantitative phase to complete the qualitative phase. These participants were selected to allow for distribution across levels of acculturation, and each of them participated in interviews designed to explore QOL experiences. Interviews were analyzed to identify themes. The occurrence of themes is discussed as a function of level of acculturation.

Results

There is no clear relationship between acculturation and QOL. A strong nonsignificant correlation was observed between acculturation and stigma. QOL experiences, as identified from the interviews, were classified into 2 broad categories: emotional experiences (stigma, distrust, fear, frustration, religion, and impact) and swallow safety (symptoms, treatment, triggers, and compensatory strategies).

Conclusions

Level of acculturation did not relate to measures of mental health or fatigue. Yet, both quantitative and qualitative analyses support a relationship between level of acculturation, and symptom reporting and religion, as well as patient perception of stigma.
Equipping Nurses and Care Staff to Manage Mealtime Difficulties in People With Dementia: A Systematic Scoping Review of Training Needs and Interventions
Authors: Faraday James , Salis Christos , Barrett Anne
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Mealtime difficulties are prevalent in dementia, posing major challenges to people with dementia (PWD), carers, and clinical services. Speech-language pathologists have a recognized role in providing training to carers of PWD who have mealtime difficulties. The aims of this study are (a) to identify the training needs of nurses and care staff with regard to managing mealtime difficulties in PWD, (b) to describe existing training interventions on this topic, and (c) to investigate the extent to which these interventions are relevant to the needs of nurses and care staff.

Method

A systematic search was carried out to identify studies relevant to the aims of the review. Data were extracted and then synthesized using thematic analysis and a synthesis matrix. Study quality was appraised using a validated appraisal tool.

Results

Various themes were identified in relation to the training needs of nurses and other care staff who manage mealtime difficulties in PWD. These were as follows: person-centered care; dealing with uncertainty; strategies, skills, and knowledge; and creating the right environment. Existing training interventions were described and compared against the training needs. The review found some correspondence between interventions and staff needs, but also some gaps.

Conclusions

Training interventions on this topic should be more systematically developed and better reported to facilitate effective implementation. Evidence to date indicates that training should do more to help staff deal with uncertainty. Further research assessing the benefits of speech-language pathologists' involvement in the development of training interventions is recommended because of this profession's specialist skills and knowledge with regard to both dysphagia and communication.
Reading Development in Children With Cochlear Implants Who Communicate via Spoken Language: A Psycholinguistic Investigation
Authors: Bell Nicola , Angwin Anthony J. , Wilson Wayne J. , Arnott Wendy L.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study sought to comprehensively examine the reading skills and subskills of children with cochlear implants (CIs) and gain insight into the processes underlying their early reading development.

Method

Fourteen 6- to 9-year-old children with CIs were assessed on a range of reading and spoken language measures. Their performances were compared to a control group of 31 children with normal hearing (NH) of the same chronological and mental age. Group differences were examined using
t
tests and regression modeling.

Results

Children with CIs performed significantly worse than children with NH on reading accuracy, phonological processing, and spoken language tasks. The predominant predictor of reading comprehension was word reading accuracy for the CI group and listening comprehension for the NH group. Word reading profiles were similar across groups, with orthographic and phonological processing skills both contributing significant variance.

Conclusions

Children with CIs demonstrated more early reading difficulties than their peers with NH. As predicted by the Simple View of Reading model, successful reading comprehension for all children related to skills in listening comprehension and word recognition. The CI group's increased reliance on word reading accuracy when comprehending written text may stem from reduced word recognition automaticity. Despite showing reduced reading accuracy, children with CIs appeared to draw on orthographic and phonological skills to a similar degree as children with NH when reading words in isolation.
Toward Routine Assessments of Auditory Filter Shape
Authors: Shen Yi , Kern Allison B. , Richards Virginia M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

A Bayesian adaptive procedure, that is, the quick auditory filter (qAF) procedure, has been shown to improve the efficiency for estimating auditory filter shapes of listeners with normal hearing. The current study evaluates the accuracy and test–retest reliability of the qAF procedure for naïve listeners with a variety of ages and hearing status.

Method

Fifty listeners who were naïve to psychophysical experiments and exhibit wide ranges of age (19–70 years) and hearing threshold (−5 to 70 dB HL at 2 kHz) were recruited. Their auditory filter shapes were estimated for a 15-dB SL target tone at 2 kHz using both the qAF procedure and the traditional threshold-based procedure. The auditory filter model was defined using 3 parameters: (a) the sharpness of the tip portion of the auditory filter,
p
; (b) the prominence of the low-frequency tail of the filter, 10log(
w
); and (c) the listener's efficiency in detection, 10log(
K
).

Results

The estimated parameters of the auditory filter model were consistent between 2 qAF runs tested on 2 separate days. The parameter estimates from the 2 qAF runs also agreed well with those estimated using the traditional procedure despite being substantially faster. Across the 3 auditory filter estimates, the dependence of the auditory filter parameters on listener age and hearing threshold was consistent across procedures, as well as consistent with previously published estimates.

Conclusions

The qAF procedure demonstrates satisfactory test–retest reliability and good agreement to the traditional procedure for listeners with a wide range of ages and with hearing status ranging from normal hearing to moderate hearing impairment.
Modified downhill simplex method for fast adaption of optical filters in optical communication systems
Authors: Baudzus L. , Krummrich P.M.
Published: February 2019

The authors propose a control method based on the downhill simplex (Nelder–Mead) method for adaptive optical filters used for channel equalisation in optical communication systems. The performance of this method is compared to gradient methods in numerical simulations. The results show that the proposed method can adapt the filter to more rapid changes of the transmission channel than the gradient methods.
DVSNet: deep variance‐stabilised network robust to spatially variant characteristics in imaging
Authors: Yoo S.B. , Han M.
Published: February 2019

In real imaging systems, unwanted noises or artefacts can be caused by an image reconstruction error during photon‐to‐digital conversion. The generated noises typically tend to have spatially variant characteristics in an acquired image due to their signal dependencies. The noise characteristics via a preliminary study are analytically introduced and an image restoration scheme based on deep variance‐stabilised network is proposed. Specifically, to improve the robustness of restoration performance to the noise properties, variance‐stabilising transformation and binning priors are properly combined with a deep neural network as a layer structure particularly designed for denoising. Experimental results show the suggested network model outperforms existing state‐of‐the‐art denoising methods based on convolutional neural network.