bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal‐spatial pattern of organic carbon sequestration by Chinese lakes since 1850
Authors: Wang Mei , Wu Jianghua , Chen Huai , Yu Zicheng , Zhu Qiu'an , Peng Changhui , Anderson Nicholas John , Luan Junwei
Published: December 2017

In the last century, lakes in China have been subject to forcing by climate change, intensification of agriculture, and urban expansion, though their effects on lake OC sequestration are poorly understood. We compiled dry mass and OC burial rates from 82 210Pb‐dated lake sediment records in China. The average post‐1950 focusing‐corrected lake mass accumulation rate (MARFC) of 256 ± 56 g m−2 yr−1 (median ± SE) and focusing‐corrected OC accumulation rate (CARFC) of 8 ± 3 g C m−2 yr−1 were significantly higher than the 1850–1900 rates (p < 0.05). However, the magnitude of increase in CARFC was most marked in the subtropical lakes of the East Plain (EP) and on the Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau (YG), where the post‐1950 CARFC was about three times that of the 1850–1900 (p < 0.05), due to the agricultural intensification and urban expansion in recent decades. Moreover, MARFC was significantly higher in the EP than that on the Mongolia‐Xinjiang Plateau (MX) for all time periods (p < 0.05). Lake CARFC in YG was significantly higher than rates in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) for the post‐1950 and MX for the 1850–1900 (p < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that the controls on lake CARFC varied among regions, with catchment climate variables the most important regulators in MX, Northeast China, and QTP, but the in‐lake nutrient concentrations were more important in YG and EP (p < 0.05). The results from this study show how modern limnic OC sequestration has changed with human disturbance and climate change in China.
Uncoupling indicators of water quality due to the invasive zooplankter, Bythotrephes longimanus
Authors: Walsh Jake R. , Lathrop Richard C. , Vander Zanden M. Jake
Published: December 2017

Cultural eutrophication of lakes due to excess loading of nutrients is a global problem affecting the provisioning of freshwater ecosystem services. Lake water quality is often described by trophic state indicators such as water clarity or concentrations of nutrients, chlorophyll, and cyanobacteria toxins. While these indicators are widely assumed to covary, capturing the same basic aspects of water quality, they can be uncoupled by changes in lake food webs. Outbreak of the invasive predatory zooplankton, Bythotrephes longimanus, in Lakes Mendota and Monona, Wisconsin (U.S.A.) in 2009 led to a decline in the herbivore, Daphnia pulicaria, and in turn, water clarity. We use 20‐yr datasets for Lakes Mendota and Monona to evaluate interactions among nutrients, zooplankton, and phytoplankton that resulted in this trophic cascade. After invasion, diatoms increased in both lakes resulting in reduced water clarity, whereas cyanobacteria did not change in either lake. Multivariate time series analysis revealed that D. pulicaria grazing controlled edible diatoms in both lakes. Cyanobacteria biomass was positively associated with both D. pulicaria and summer nutrient concentrations. These results further clarify the limitations of top‐down control in eutrophic lakes: grazing by zooplankton can control edible phytoplankton taxa, but largely inedible cyanobacteria may be more limited by nutrient concentrations. Accordingly, despite declining clarity in Lake Mendota, the number of beach closures due to cyanobacteria blooms declined following Bythotrephes invasion. Our study reveals how these two indicators of water quality—water clarity and cyanobacteria blooms—can become uncoupled during a food web shift.
Isothiocyanates and Xenobiotic Detoxification
Authors: Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal , Konsue Nattaya , Ioannides Costas
Published: December 2017

The potential of isothiocyanates to antagonize the carcinogenicity of structurally diverse chemicals has been established in animals. A feasible mechanism of action involves protecting DNA by reducing the availability of the genotoxic metabolites of chemical carcinogens by either inhibiting their generation and/or stimulating their detoxification. In vivo as well as in vitro studies conducted in rat/human primary hepatocytes and precision‐cut tissue slices have revealed that isothiocyanates can impair cytochrome P450 activity, including the CYP1 family which is the most active in the bioactivation of carcinogens, by virtue of being mechanism‐based inactivators. The aromatic phenethyl isothiocyanate is the most effective of those studied, whereas aliphatic isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane and erucin necessitate high doses in order to manifest such effects that may not always be achievable through the diet. In all systems studied, isothiocyanates are strong inducers of detoxification enzyme systems including quinone reductase, glutathione S‐transferase, epoxide hydrolase, and UDP‐glucuronosyl transferase. Indeed, in smokers phenethyl isothiocyanate intake increases the urinary excretion of inactive mercapturate metabolites of toxic chemicals present in tobacco. Glucosinolates, the precursors of isothiocyanates, have also the potential to upregulate detoxification enzyme systems, but their contribution to the cancer chemoprevention linked to cruciferous vegetable consumption remains to be evaluated.
A Randomized Trial of Lorcaserin and Lifestyle Counseling for Maintaining Weight Loss Achieved with a Low‐Calorie Diet
Authors: Shaw Tronieri Jena , Wadden Thomas A. , Berkowitz Robert I. , Chao Ariana M. , Pearl Rebecca L. , Alamuddin Naji , Leonard Sharon M. , Carvajal Ray , Bakizada Zayna M. , Pinkasavage Emilie , Gruber Kathryn A. , Walsh Olivia A. , Alfaris Nasreen
Published: December 2017

Objective

Improving the maintenance of lost weight remains a critical challenge, which can be addressed by long‐term behavioral and/or pharmacological interventions.

Methods

This study investigated the efficacy of combined behavioral and pharmacological treatment in facilitating weight loss maintenance (WLM) in 137 adults (86.1% female; 68.6% black; BMI = 37.0 ± 5.6 kg/m2) who had lost ≥ 5% of initial weight during a 14‐week low‐calorie diet (LCD) program (mean = 9.3 ± 2.9%). Participants were randomly assigned to lorcaserin (10 mg twice a day) or placebo and were provided 16 group WLM counseling sessions over 52 weeks.

Results

At 24 weeks post randomization, more lorcaserin‐treated than placebo‐treated participants maintained a ≥ 5% loss (73.9% vs. 57.4%; P = 0.033), and the lorcaserin‐treated participants lost an additional 2.4 ± 0.8 kg versus a 0.6 ± 0.8 kg gain for placebo (P = 0.010). However, at week 52, groups did not differ on either co‐primary outcome; 55.1% and 42.6%, respectively, maintained ≥ 5% loss (P = 0.110), with gains from randomization of 2.0 ± 0.8 kg and 2.5 ± 0.8 kg (P = 0.630), respectively. From the start of the LCD, groups maintained reductions of 7.8% and 6.6%, respectively (P = 0.318).

Conclusions

Combined behavioral and pharmacological treatment produced clinically meaningful long‐term weight loss in this group of predominantly black participants. Lorcaserin initially improved upon weight loss achieved with WLM counseling, but this advantage was not maintained at 1 year.
PanCancer insights from The Cancer Genome Atlas: the pathologist's perspective
Authors: Cooper Lee AD , Demicco Elizabeth G , Saltz Joel H , Powell Reid T , Rao Arvind , Lazar Alexander J
Published: December 2017

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) represents one of several international consortia dedicated to performing comprehensive genomic and epigenomic analyses of selected tumour types to advance our understanding of disease and provide an open‐access resource for worldwide cancer research. Thirty‐three tumour types (selected by histology or tissue of origin, to include both common and rare diseases), comprising >11 000 specimens, were subjected to DNA sequencing, copy number and methylation analysis, and transcriptomic, proteomic and histological evaluation. Each cancer type was analysed individually to identify tissue‐specific alterations, and make correlations across different molecular platforms. The final dataset was then normalized and combined for the PanCancer Initiative, which seeks to identify commonalities across different cancer types or cells of origin/lineage, or within anatomically or morphologically related groups. An important resource generated along with the rich molecular studies is an extensive digital pathology slide archive, composed of frozen section tissue directly related to the tissues analysed as part of TCGA, and representative formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained diagnostic slides. These H&E image resources have primarily been used to verify diagnoses and histological subtypes with some limited extraction of standard pathological variables such as mitotic activity, grade, and lymphocytic infiltrates. Largely overlooked is the richness of these scanned images for more sophisticated feature extraction approaches coupled with machine learning, and ultimately correlation with molecular features and clinical endpoints. Here, we document initial attempts to exploit TCGA imaging archives, and describe some of the tools, and the rapidly evolving image analysis/feature extraction landscape. Our hope is to inform, and ultimately inspire and challenge, the pathology and cancer research communities to exploit these imaging resources so that the full potential of this integral platform of TCGA can be used to complement and enhance the insightful integrated analyses from the genomic and epigenomic platforms. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Microwave Absorption Properties of FeNi Nanocrystals Decorating Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Su Zhibin , Tan Li , Tao Jin , Zhang Can , Yang Ruiqiang , Wen Fusheng
Published: January 2018

The composite of FeNi nanocrystals (size of 10–100 nm) decorating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets (FeNi@rGO) is prepared by hydrothermal reaction and hydrogen reduction. Compared with sole FeNi nanocrystals, the FeNi@rGO composite possesses a lower frequency of the optimal reflection loss (RL) and a greatly enhanced RL value. An optimal RL of −26.7 dB has been achieved at 4.8 GHz by measuring the composite with thickness of 4.55 mm, which is attributed to the combination of FeNi with excellent magnetic loss and rGO with outstanding dielectric loss, respectively. Obviously, the FeNi@rGO composite has an enormous potential as a microwave absorbing candidate due to its admirable microwave absorption performance.
The complex life cycles of two long‐lived potential vorticity cut‐offs over Europe
Authors: Portmann R. , Crezee B. , Quinting J. , Wernli H.
Published: December 2017

Potential vorticity (PV) cut‐offs are stratospheric air masses separated from the circumpolar stratospheric reservoir on an isentropic surface. They typically form via Rossby wave breaking and can strongly influence midlatitude weather; however, the processes governing their evolution are not fully understood. A detailed analysis of two exceptionally long‐lived PV cut‐offs over Europe is presented to identify the main dynamical and physical processes during their life cycle. To this end, operational analyses from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are used together with the cloud‐top height product from EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites). A combination of Eulerian and Lagrangian diagnostics reveals a complex temporal evolution of the intensity and vertical structure of the two PV cut‐offs. They diabatically decay or reappear on lower isentropes and, at the same time, intensify or become reabsorbed by the stratospheric reservoir on higher isentropes. This complex three‐dimensional evolution is influenced by a combination of direct and indirect diabatic effects. Convective latent heating, long‐wave radiative cooling, and turbulent entrainment of overshooting clouds can all directly modify PV of the cut‐off air parcels (direct diabatic effects). In addition, if the cut‐off is located in a region with sufficient baroclinicity and low‐level moisture, it can contribute to large‐scale diabatic ascent, similar to warm conveyor belts in classical extratropical cyclones. The divergent wind and the anticyclonic circulation associated with the low‐PV outflow in the upper troposphere can lead to deformation and filamentation of the PV cut‐off (indirect diabatic effects). This study extends our understanding of PV cut‐offs by (a) emphasizing their intricate vertical structure and temporal evolution, (b) revealing the complex interplay of diabatic processes and how they contribute to the decay and intensification of cut‐offs, and (c) indicating the challenge in correctly forecasting these dynamically important flow features.
The Bumipreneur dilemma and Malaysia's technology start‐up ecosystem
Authors: Kelman Sarah
Published: January 2018

This article examines the emergence of a technology‐based start‐up ecosystem in Malaysia that is modeled on the tech economy of Silicon Valley and borrows a number of notions about value, capital, and merit. Malaysia is encouraging distinct forms of entrepreneurship as a tool for national economic development and for the socioeconomic mobility of Malay Muslims, who are the recipients of affirmative action–style benefits from the state. I propose that Malaysia's entrepreneurial ambitions have engendered a dilemma within the start‐up ecosystem: Malays must utilize their special benefits while being viewed as lacking in entrepreneurial spirit for doing so. This dilemma is the result of the specific forms of cultural and financial capital that are needed to navigate a challenging economic landscape that is far from a meritocracy.
Effects of Emulsifier Types and Levels in Combination With Glycerol on the Gelatinization and Retrogradation Properties of Gluten‐Free Rice‐Based Wonton Wraps
Authors: Prakaywatchara Petcharat , Wattanapairoj Chatchai , Thirathumthavorn Doungjai
Published: December 2017

A gluten‐free diet is a treatment for celiac disease and gluten‐related disorders. Gluten‐free wontons can be prepared; however, their quality changes during storage. The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of emulsifier types and levels combined with glycerol on the gelatinization and retrogradation properties of rice‐based wonton wraps compared with control samples. Four emulsifiers are used in this study, namely glycerol monostearate (GMS), diacetyl tartaric esters of mono‐ and diglycerides (DATEM), and distilled monoglycerides (DMG). A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is used to determine the gelatinization and retrogradation properties. The results shows that the addition of glycerol alone (Ctrl 2) or in combination with emulsifier could decrease retrograded enthalpy, and a greater effect on retrogradation reduction is found in the samples incorporating both glycerol and an emulsifier. The highest enthalpy of retrograded samples is presented in Ctrl 1 (no addition of glycerol and/or emulsifier), and the lowest retrograded enthalpy is found in the sample with 1% DMG and glycerol. The formation of the amylose–lipid complex (ALC) is suppressed by glycerol. An efficient emulsifier to inhibit starch retrogradation in gluten‐free wonton wraps was DMG.
Orientational Dependence of Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance Signals in Laser-Driven Atomic Magnetometers
Authors: Colombo Simone , Dolgovskiy Vladimir , Scholtes Theo , Grujić Zoran D. , Lebedev Victor , Weis Antoine
Published: January 2018

We have investigated the dependence of lock-in-demodulated

$$ {M}_x $$

M
x

-magnetometer signals on the orientation of the static magnetic field

$$ {\mathbf{B}}_0 $$

B
0

of interest. Magnetic resonance spectra for 2400 discrete orientations of

$$ {\mathbf{B}}_0 $$

B
0

covering a

$$ 4\pi $$

4
π

solid angle have been recorded by a PC-controlled steering and data acquisition system. Off-line fits by previously derived lineshape functions allow us to extract the relevant resonance parameters (shape, amplitude, width, and phase) and to represent their dependence on the orientation of

$$ {\mathbf{B}}_0 $$

B
0

with respect to the laser beam propagation direction. We have performed this study for two distinct

$$ {M}_x $$

M
x

-magnetometer configurations, in which the rf-field is either parallel or perpendicular to the light propagation direction. The results confirm well the algebraic theoretical model functions. We suggest that small discrepancies are related to hitherto uninvestigated atomic alignment contributions.
Hakim Mohammad: A Persian Military Surgeon in Safavid Era (1501–1736 CE)
Authors: Khodaie S‐Ali , Ghaffari Farzaneh , Zargaran Arman , Naseri Mohsen
Published: December 2017

Background

Wars and injuries have accompanied mankind throughout history. Physicians and surgeons from various civilizations made difficult attempts to manage wounds and injuries. Among various civilizations, the Persian Empires had great armies which were well equipped. One of the most important organizations in Persian troops was the military surgery.

Methods

This study presents a brief biography of Hakim Mohammad (a military surgeon in Safavid era) and introduces his book,Dhakhira‐yi‐Kamilah.

Results and Discussion

Safavid kings (1501–1736 CE) with unifying all of Persian regions and provinces reconstructed the Persian Empire. Great scholars and physicians were raised in this era. It seems that Persian physicians and surgeons were well trained in Safavid era and many of them were even employed by other countries like Ottoman Empire and India. Hakim Mohammad as a military surgeon was one of such physicians who served in Ottoman Empire for some time. He gathered his surgical experiences and others in the book ofDhakhira‐yi‐Kamilah. This book was written in Persian. He has mainly written about the management of wounds and practical techniques. Later, he came back to his homeland and dedicated his book to the king of Persia.
Chemical glycomics enrichment: imaging the recycling of sialic acid in living cells
Authors: Gilormini Pierre André , Lion Cédric , Vicogne Dorothée , Guérardel Yann , Foulquier François , Biot Christophe
Published: January 2018

The development of metabolic oligosaccharide engineering (MOE) over the past two decades enabled the bioimaging studies of glycosylation processes in physio‐pathological contexts. Herein, we successfully applied the chemical reporter strategy to image the fate of sialylated glycoconjugates in healthy and sialin‐deficient patient fibroblasts. This chemical glycomics enrichment is a powerful tool for tracking sialylated glycoconjugates and probing lysosomal recycling capacities. Thus, such strategies appear fundamental for the characterization of lysosomal storage diseases.
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
Authors: Alshamiri Kamal M. , Abbod Hatem B.
Published: December 2017

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation of the lung is a rare lesion that commonly affects the lower respiratory tract, which manifests as progressive respiratory distress in the neonatal period. This case is highlighted to raise awareness of the variable evolving morphological and radiological appearance of this entity.
Warm dense matter research at HIAF
Authors: Cheng Rui , Lei Yu , Zhou Xianming , Wang Yuyu , Chen Yanhong , Zhao Yongtao , Ren Jieru , Sheng Lina , Yang Jiancheng , Zhang Zimin , Du Yingchao , Gai Wei , Ma Xinwen , Xiao Guoqing
Published: December 2017

The research activities on warm dense matter driven by intense heavy ion beams at the new project High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) are presented. The ion beam parameters and the simulated accessible state of matter at HIAF are introduced, respectively. The progresses of the developed diagnostics for warm dense matter research including high energy electron radiography, multiple-channel pyrometer, in-situ energy loss and charge state of ion detector are briefly introduced.
Custom Fabrication of a 3‐Dimensionally Printed Helmet for Improved Socialization and Subjective Self‐Assessment in a Case of Acquired Cranial Defect: A Case Presentation
Authors: Colasante Cesar , Sanford Zachary , Castro Nileyma , Bartels Matthew N.
Published: December 2017

Traumatic injury and subsequent residual cosmetic deformity are subject of intense scrutiny for their effects on objective health measures assessing patient morbidity and mortality. Although these remain principal concerns of all members of the treatment team, of less immediate yet lasting importance to the patient are the social costs of such disfigurement. Subjective feelings of unease and embarrassment can hinder social reintegration and encourage deteriorating psychosocial health. The following presents a case of one such individual who sustained traumatic brain injury and associated pneumocephalus and osteomyelitis requiring surgical debridement with bifrontal craniectomy and lobotomy. Postoperative management was cosmetically improved by the application of a custom‐fabricated, 3‐dimensionally printed helmet used in place of generic over‐the‐counter hardware, and the associated improvement reported in patient satisfaction is reported.

Level of Evidence

V
Espondilectomia para sarcoma lombar primário de Ewing em crianças
Authors: Oliveira Carolina , Vital Luísa , Serdoura Francisco , Pinho André Rodrigues , Veludo Vitorino
Published: December 2017

O sarcoma de Ewing da coluna vertebral é raro, e seu tratamento é multidisciplinar. Não há consenso sobre o método ideal de controle local do tumor; no entanto, a ressecção em bloco com margens negativas está associada a uma melhora da sobrevida. Os autores relatam um caso de uma paciente de 5 anos do sexo feminino que inicialmente se apresentou com dor lombar, tendo sido diagnosticada com sarcoma de Ewing de acordo com o estudo imagiológico por radiograﬁa, ressonância magnética e biópsia óssea. A paciente foi submetida a vertebrectomia após quimioterapia, de acordo com o protocolo Euro Ewing. Aos três anos de seguimento, não apresentou restrições nas atividades da vida diária, e, até o momento, não houve evidência de recidiva.
Dislocação patelar aguda irredutível devido a uma nova variante anatômica - a patela entalhada
Authors: Duarte-Silva Miguel , Rodeia Joaquim , Gomes Tiago , Guerra-Pinto Francisco
Published: December 2017

As luxações irredutíveis da patela são raras e são geralmente associadas a mecanismos complexos. Os autores relatam o caso clínico de uma luxação patelar lateral irredutível devido a uma variante anatômica. Os autores atenderam um paciente de 16 anos que apresentou uma luxação lateral da patela de redução impossível por manipulação fechada, mesmo sob anestesia geral. Durante o estudo de imagem, a tomografia computadorizada (TC) mostrou um entalhe na faceta medial da patela, impactada no côndilo lateral, o que impediu a redução. Esta variante anatômica foi posteriormente confirmada durante a cirurgia. Em uma TC bilateral de acompanhamento, esta variante anatômica também estava presente no joelho contralateral, normal, excluindo o remodelamento traumático como o motivo deste entalhe patelar. Os autores utilizaram uma abordagem parapatelar medial para a redução aberta do deslocamento e para o reparo do retináculo medial. De acordo com Wiberg, existem três tipos diferentes de patela. Os autores descrevem uma variação da patela de tipo III com um entalhe na margem medial que não está incluída na classificação anterior. Ressalta-se a importância de um estudo de TC na presença de luxação irredutível e o reconhecimento desta variante anatômica da patela, já que manobras agressivas foram testadas sem sucesso. A redução aberta parece ser a melhor opção neste cenário.
Three challenges for future research on cochlear implants
Authors: Pisoni David B. , Kronenberger William G. , Harris Michael S. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: January 2018

Cochlear implants (CIs) often work very well for many children and adults with profound sensorineural (SNHL) hearing loss. Unfortunately, while many CI patients display substantial benefits in recognizing speech and understanding spoken language following cochlear implantation, a large number of patients achieve poor outcomes. Understanding and explaining the reasons for poor outcomes following implantation is a very challenging research problem that has received little attention despite the pressing clinical significance. In this paper, we discuss three challenges for future research on CIs. First, we consider the issue of individual differences and variability in outcomes following implantation. At the present time, we still do not have a complete and satisfactory account of the causal underlying factors that are responsible for the enormous individual differences and variability in outcomes. Second, we discuss issues related to the lack of preimplant predictors of outcomes. Very little prospective research has been carried out on the development of preimplant predictors that can be used to reliably identify CI candidates who may be at high risk for a poor outcome following implantation. Other than conventional demographics and hearing history, there are no prognostic tools available to predict speech recognition outcomes after implantation. Finally, we discuss the third challenge — what to do with a CI‐user who has a poor outcome. We suggest that new research efforts need to be devoted to studying this neglected clinical population in greater depth to find out why they are doing poorly with their CI and what novel interventions and treatments can be developed to improve their speech recognition outcomes. Using these three challenges as objectives for future research on CIs, we suggest that the field needs to adopt a new narrative grounded in theory and methods from Cognitive Hearing Science and information processing theory. Without knowing which specific biological and neurocognitive factors are responsible for individual differences or understanding the underlying sensory and neurocognitive basis for variability in performance, it is impossible to select a specific approach to habilitation after a deaf adult or child receives a CI. Deaf adults and children who are performing poorly with their CIs are not a homogeneous group and may differ in many different ways from each other, reflecting the dysfunction of multiple brain systems associated with both congenital and acquired deafness. Hearing loss is not only an ear issue, it is also a brain issue too reflecting close links between perception and action and brain, body and world working together as a functionally integrated information processing system to support robust speech recognition and spoken language processing after implantation.
Robert L. Wesson Receives 2017 Edward A. Flinn III Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2017

Robert L. Wesson received the 2017 Edward A. Flinn III Award at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 13 December 2017 in New Orleans, La. The award honors an “individual or small group who personifies the Union’s motto ‘unselfish cooperation in research’ through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities.”
Controllable deuteration of halogenated compounds by photocatalytic D2O splitting
Authors: Liu Cuibo , Chen Zhongxin , Su Chenliang , Zhao Xiaoxu , Gao Qiang , Ning Guo-Hong , Zhu Hai , Tang Wei , Leng Kai , Fu Wei , Tian Bingbing , Peng Xinwen , Li Jing , Xu Qing-Hua , Zhou Wu , Loh Kian Ping
Published: January 2018

Deuterium labeling is of great value in organic synthesis and the pharmaceutical industry. However, the state-of-the-art C–H/C–D exchange using noble metal catalysts or strong bases/acids suffers from poor functional group tolerances, poor selectivity and lack of scope for generating molecular complexity. Herein, we demonstrate the deuteration of halides using heavy water as the deuteration reagent and porous CdSe nanosheets as the catalyst. The deuteration mechanism involves the generation of highly active carbon and deuterium radicals via photoinduced electron transfer from CdSe to the substrates, followed by tandem radicals coupling process, which is mechanistically distinct from the traditional methods involving deuterium cations or anions. Our deuteration strategy shows better selectivity and functional group tolerances than current C–H/C–D exchange methods. Extending the synthetic scope, deuterated boronic acids, halides, alkynes, and aldehydes can be used as synthons in Suzuki coupling, Click reaction, C–H bond insertion reaction etc. for the synthesis of complex deuterated molecules.
Author Correction: Ultrafast bridge planarization in donor-π-acceptor copolymers drives intramolecular charge transfer
Authors: Roy Palas , Jha Ajay , Yasarapudi Vineeth B. , Ram Thulasi , Puttaraju Boregowda , Patil Satish , Dasgupta Jyotishman
Published: January 2018

The original version of this Article omitted the following from the Acknowledgements:

“Satish Patil thanks Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India for a Swarnajayanti fellowship.”

This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
A non-dispersion strategy for large-scale production of ultra-high concentration graphene slurries in water
Authors: Dong Lei , Chen Zhongxin , Zhao Xiaoxu , Ma Jianhua , Lin Shan , Li Mengxiong , Bao Yang , Chu Leiqiang , Leng Kai , Lu Hongbin , Loh Kian Ping
Published: January 2018

It is difficult to achieve high efficiency production of hydrophobic graphene by liquid phase exfoliation due to its poor dispersibility and the tendency of graphene sheets to undergo π−π stacking. Here, we report a water-phase, non-dispersion exfoliation method to produce highly crystalline graphene flakes, which can be stored in the form of a concentrated slurry (50 mg mL−1) or filter cake for months without the risk of re-stacking. The as-exfoliated graphene slurry can be directly used for 3D printing, as well as fabricating conductive graphene aerogels and graphene−polymer composites, thus avoiding the use of copious quantities of organic solvents and lowering the manufacturing cost. This non-dispersion strategy paves the way for the cost-effective and environmentally friendly production of graphene-based materials.
Linked cycles of oxidative decarboxylation of glyoxylate as protometabolic analogs of the citric acid cycle
Authors: Springsteen Greg , Yerabolu Jayasudhan Reddy , Nelson Julia , Rhea Chandler Joel , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan
Published: January 2018

The development of metabolic approaches towards understanding the origins of life, which have focused mainly on the citric acid (TCA) cycle, have languished—primarily due to a lack of experimentally demonstrable and sustainable cycle(s) of reactions. We show here the existence of a protometabolic analog of the TCA involving two linked cycles, which convert glyoxylate into CO2 and produce aspartic acid in the presence of ammonia. The reactions proceed from either pyruvate, oxaloacetate or malonate in the presence of glyoxylate as the carbon source and hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant under neutral aqueous conditions and at mild temperatures. The reaction pathway demonstrates turnover under controlled conditions. These results indicate that simpler versions of metabolic cycles could have emerged under potential prebiotic conditions, laying the foundation for the appearance of more sophisticated metabolic pathways once control by (polymeric) catalysts became available.
Large area growth of MoTe2 films as high performance counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Patil Supriya A. , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Mengal Naveed , Liu Hailiang , Song Wooseok , An Ki-Seok , Jeong Sung Hoon , Kim Hak-Sung , Jung Jongwan
Published: January 2018

A cost effective and efficient alternative counter electrode (CE) to replace commercially existing platinum (Pt)-based CEs for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is necessary to make DSSCs competitive. Herein, we report the large-area growth of molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) thin films by sputtering-chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on conductive glass substrates for Pt-free CEs of DSSCs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel curve analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed that the as-synthesized MoTe2 exhibited good electrocatalytic properties and a low charge transfer resistance at the electrolyte-electrode interface. The optimized MoTe2 CE revealed a high power conversion efficiency of 7.25% under a simulated solar illumination of 100 mW cm−2 (AM 1.5), which was comparable to the 8.15% observed for a DSSC with a Pt CE. The low cost and good electrocatalytic properties of MoTe2 thin films make them as an alternative CE for DSSCs.
Surface functionalization of electrospun scaffolds using recombinant human decorin attracts circulating endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Hinderer Svenja , Sudrow Katrin , Schneider Maria , Holeiter Monika , Layland Shannon Lee , Seifert Martina , Schenke-Layland Katja
Published: January 2018

Decorin (DCN) is an important small leucine-rich proteoglycan present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of many organs and tissues. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are able to interact with the surrounding ECM and bind to molecules such as DCN. Here, we recombinantly produced full-length human DCN under good laboratory practice (GLP) conditions, and after detailed immunological characterization, we investigated its potential to attract murine and human EPCs (mEPCs and hECFCs). Electrospun polymeric scaffolds were coated with DCN or stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1α) and were then dynamically cultured with both cell types. Cell viability was assessed via imaging flow cytometry. The number of captured cells was counted and compared with the non-coated controls. To characterize cell-scaffold interactions, immunofluorescence staining and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed. We identified that DCN reduced T cell responses and attracted innate immune cells, which are responsible for ECM remodeling. A significantly higher number of EPCs attached on DCN- and SDF-1α-coated scaffolds, when compared with the uncoated controls. Interestingly, DCN showed a higher attractant effect on hECFCs than SDF-1α. Here, we successfully demonstrated DCN as promising EPC-attracting coating, which is particularily interesting when aiming to generate off-the-shelf biomaterials with the potential of in vivo cell seeding.
Species-specific Posture of Human Foetus in Late First Trimester
Authors: Ohmura Yoshiyuki , Morokuma Seiichi , Kato Kiyoko , Kuniyoshi Yasuo
Published: January 2018

The ontogeny associated with the arm-hanging posture, which is considered ape-specific, remains unknown. To examine its ontogeny, we measured foetal movements of 62 human foetuses aged 10–20 gestation weeks using four-dimensional sonography. We observed that the first-trimester foetuses show this particular species-specific posture. After 11 weeks of gestation, all foetuses showed the arm-hanging posture, and the posture was most frequently observed at 14–16 weeks of gestation. Moreover, this posture often involved extension of both arms and both legs, indicating that it is not myogenic but neurogenic. Furthermore, early ontogeny suggests that it originates because of subcortical activity. Such posture extension bias and persistence indicates that vestibulospinal tract maturation involves the ontogeny of arm-hanging posture during 14–16 weeks of gestation.
Dial-in Topological Metamaterials Based on Bistable Stewart Platform
Authors: Wu Ying , Chaunsali Rajesh , Yasuda Hiromi , Yu Kaiping , Yang Jinkyu
Published: January 2018

Recently, there have been significant efforts to guide mechanical energy in structures by relying on a novel topological framework popularized by the discovery of topological insulators. Here, we propose a topological metamaterial system based on the design of the Stewart Platform, which can not only guide mechanical waves robustly in a desired path, but also can be tuned in situ to change this wave path at will. Without resorting to any active materials, the current system harnesses bistablilty in its unit cells, such that tuning can be performed simply by a dial-in action. Consequently, a topological transition mechanism inspired by the quantum valley Hall effect can be achieved. We show the possibility of tuning in a variety of topological and traditional waveguides in the same system, and numerically investigate key qualitative and quantitative differences between them. We observe that even though both types of waveguides can lead to significant wave transmission for a certain frequency range, topological waveguides are distinctive as they support robust, back scattering immune, one-way wave propagation.
Variation in salinity tolerance between and within anadromous subpopulations of pike (Esox lucius)
Authors: Sunde Johanna , Tamario Carl , Tibblin Petter , Larsson Per , Forsman Anders
Published: January 2018

Environmental heterogeneity is a key determinant of genetic and phenotypic diversity. Stable and homogenous environments tends to result in evolution of specialism and local adaptations, while temporally unpredictable environments may maintain a diversity of specialists, promote generalist strategies, or favour diversified bet hedging strategies. We compared salinity tolerance between two anadromous subpopulations of pike (Esox Lucius) that utilize freshwater spawning sites with different salinity regimes. Eggs from each population were artificially fertilized and incubated in a salinity gradient (0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 psu) using a split-brood design. Effects on embryonic development, hatching success, survival of larvae, and fry body length were compared between populations and families. The population naturally spawning in the stable freshwater habitat showed signs of specialization for freshwater spawning. The population exposed to fluctuating selective pressure in a spawning area with occasional brackish water intrusions tolerated higher salinities and displayed considerable variation in reaction norms. Genetic differences and plasticity of salinity tolerance may enable populations to cope with changes in salinity regimes associated with future climate change. That geographically adjacent subpopulations can constitute separate units with different genetic characteristics must be considered in management and conservation efforts to avoid potentially negative effects of genetic admixture on population fitness and persistence.
Assessment of Polysaccharides from Mycelia of genus Ganoderma by Mid-Infrared and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Yuhan , He Huaqi , Wu Jingzhu , Wang Chunyang , Chao Kuanglin , Huang Qing
Published: January 2018

Ganoderma lingzhi (G. lingzhi), G. sinense, G. applanatum, etc. belongs to the Ganoderma genus of polypore mushrooms which contain rich polysaccharides valuable for nutrition and positive medicinal effects. In order to evaluate polysaccharide content in Ganoderma mycelia obtained in the fermentation process quickly and accurately, in this work we employed infrared spectroscopy to examine different Ganoderma stains of samples from diversified sources. Through mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy, we could identify the most relevant spectral bands required for polysaccharide evaluation, and through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, we could establish the quantification model for making satisfactory prediction of polysaccharide ingredient content. As such, we have achieved an effective and convenient approach to quantitative assessment of the total polysaccharides in Ganoderma mycelia but also demonstrated that infrared spectroscopy can be a powerful tool for quality control of Ganoderma polysaccharides obtained from industrial production.
A novel rat CVB1-VP1 monoclonal antibody 3A6 detects a broad range of enteroviruses
Authors: Saarinen Niila V. V. , Laiho Jutta E. , Richardson Sarah J. , Zeissler Marie , Stone Virginia M. , Marjomäki Varpu , Kantoluoto Tino , Horwitz Marc S. , Sioofy-Khojine Amirbabak , Honkimaa Anni , Hankaniemi Minna M. , Flodström-Tullberg Malin , Hyöty Heikki , Hytönen Vesa P. , Laitinen Olli H.
Published: January 2018

Enteroviruses (EVs) are common RNA viruses that cause diseases ranging from rash to paralytic poliomyelitis. For example, EV-A and EV-C viruses cause hand-foot and mouth disease and EV-B viruses cause encephalitis and myocarditis, which can result in severe morbidity and mortality. While new vaccines and treatments for EVs are under development, methods for studying and diagnosing EV infections are still limited and therefore new diagnostic tools are required. Our aim was to produce and characterize new antibodies that work in multiple applications and detect EVs in tissues and in vitro. Rats were immunized with Coxsackievirus B1 capsid protein VP1 and hybridomas were produced. Hybridoma clones were selected based on their reactivity in different immunoassays. The most promising clone, 3A6, was characterized and it performed well in multiple techniques including ELISA, immunoelectron microscopy, immunocyto- and histochemistry and in Western blotting, detecting EVs in infected cells and tissues. It recognized several EV-Bs and also the EV-C representative Poliovirus 3, making it a broad-spectrum EV specific antibody. The 3A6 rat monoclonal antibody can help to overcome some of the challenges faced with commonly used EV antibodies: it enables simultaneous use of mouse-derived antibodies in double staining and it is useful in murine models.
The gating mechanism in cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels
Authors: Mazzolini Monica , Arcangeletti Manuel , Marchesi Arin , Napolitano Luisa M. R. , Grosa Debora , Maity Sourav , Anselmi Claudio , Torre Vincent
Published: January 2018

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels mediate transduction in several sensory neurons. These channels use the free energy of CNs’ binding to open the pore, a process referred to as gating. CNG channels belong to the superfamily of voltage-gated channels, where the motion of the α-helix S6 controls gating in most of its members. To date, only the open, cGMP-bound, structure of a CNG channel has been determined at atomic resolution, which is inadequate to determine the molecular events underlying gating. By using electrophysiology, site-directed mutagenesis, chemical modification, and Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy, we demonstrate that opening of CNGA1 channels is initiated by the formation of salt bridges between residues in the C-linker and S5 helix. These events trigger conformational changes of the α-helix S5, transmitted to the P-helix and leading to channel opening. Therefore, the superfamily of voltage-gated channels shares a similar molecular architecture but has evolved divergent gating mechanisms.
Exactly solvable model of two trapped quantum particles interacting via finite-range soft-core interactions
Authors: Kościk Przemysław , Sowiński Tomasz
Published: January 2018

The exactly solvable model of two indistinguishable quantum particles (bosons or fermions) confined in a one-dimensional harmonic trap and interacting via finite-range soft-core interaction is presented and many properties of the system are examined. Particularly, it is shown that independently on the potential range, in the strong interaction limit bosonic and fermionic solutions become degenerate. For sufficiently large ranges a specific crystallization appears in the system. The results are compared to predictions of the celebrated Busch et al. model and those obtained in the Tonks-Girardeau limit. The assumed inter-particle potential is very similar to the potential between ultra-cold dressed Rydberg atoms. Therefore, the model can be examined experimentally.
Determinants of E2-ubiquitin conjugate recognition by RBR E3 ligases
Authors: Martino Luigi , Brown Nicholas R. , Masino Laura , Esposito Diego , Rittinger Katrin
Published: January 2018

RING-between-RING (RBR) ubiquitin ligases work with multiple E2 enzymes and function through an E3-ubiquitin thioester intermediate. The RBR module comprises three domains, RING1, IBR and RING2 that collaborate to transfer ubiquitin from the E2~Ub conjugate, recognised by RING1, onto a catalytic cysteine in RING2 and finally onto the substrate in a multi-step reaction. Recent studies have shown that RING1 domains bind E2~Ub conjugates in an open conformation to supress ubiquitin transfer onto lysine residues and promote formation of the E3 thioester intermediate. However, how the nature of the E2 influences the ubiquitin transfer process is currently unclear. We report here a detailed characterization of the RBR/E2-conjugate recognition step that indicates that this mechanism depends on the nature of the E2 enzyme and differs between UbcH5 and UbcH7. In the case of UbcH5~Ub an interaction with ubiquitin is necessary to stabilize the transfer complex while recognition of UbcH7~Ub is driven primarily by E2-RING1 contacts. Furthermore our analysis suggests that RBRs, in isolation and in complex with ubiquitin-loaded E2s, are dynamic species and that their intrinsic flexibility might be a key aspect of their catalytic mechanism.
Characterisation of the antibacterial properties of the recombinant phage endolysins AP50-31 and LysB4 as potent bactericidal agents against Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Park Sangjin , Jun Soo Youn , Kim Chang-Hwan , Jung Gi Mo , Son Jee Soo , Jeong Seong Tae , Yoon Seong Jun , Lee Sang Yup , Kang Sang Hyeon
Published: January 2018

The recombinant phage endolysins AP50-31 and LysB4 were developed using genetic information from bacteriophages AP50 and B4 and were produced by microbial cultivation followed by chromatographic purification. Subsequently, appropriate formulations were developed that provided an acceptable stability of the recombinant endolysins. The bacteriolytic properties of the formulated endolysins AP50-31 and LysB4 against several bacterial strains belonging to the Bacillus genus including Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) strains were examined. AP50-31 and LysB4 displayed rapid bacteriolytic activity and broad bacteriolytic spectra within the Bacillus genus, including bacteriolytic activity against all the B. anthracis strains tested. When administered intranasally, LysB4 completely protected A/J mice from lethality after infection with the spores of B. anthracis Sterne. When examined at 3 days post-infection, bacterial counts in the major organs (lung, liver, kidney, and spleen) were significantly lower compared with those of the control group that was not treated with endolysin. In addition, histopathological examinations revealed a marked improvement of pathological features in the LysB4-treated group. The results of this study support the idea that phage endolysins are promising candidates for developing therapeutics against anthrax infection.
A Novel Dual-Step Nucleation Pathway in Crystalline Solids under Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Meher Subhashish , van Rooyen Isabella J. , Lillo Thomas M.
Published: January 2018

Innovations in nanostructuring of inorganic crystalline solids are often limited by prerequisite critical nucleation energy and solute supersaturation for formation of a phase. This research provides direct evidence supporting the viability of an unconventional irradiation-induced nanostructuring process, via transmission electron microscopy, that circumvents these preconditions. Using polymorphic silicon carbide (SiC) as a prototype, a surprising two-step nucleation route is demonstrated through which nanoscale distribution of the second phase is achieved by reaction of solutes with neutron irradiation-induced precursors. In the first step, nanoscale α–SiC precipitates in a β–SiC matrix unexpectedly nucleate heterogeneously at structural defects. This occurs at significantly lower temperatures compared with the usual β→α transition temperature. Subsequently, α–SiC precipitate acts as a surrogate template for its structural and compositional transition into a fission product precipitate, palladium silicide. These discoveries provide a modern view of irradiation engineering in polymorphic ceramics for advanced applications.