bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Solar Flare Effects of 6 September 2017 in the Ionosphere and in the Earth's Magnetic Field Using Spherical Elementary Current Systems
Authors: Curto J. J. , Marsal S. , Blanch E. , Altadill D.
Published: October 2018

The interval 4–10 September 2017 was one of the most flare‐productive periods of the solar cycle 24, producing strong‐to‐severe space weather episodes. Thus, on 6 September, the solar active region AR 30023 produced an X‐9 level flare. The arrival of the associated coronal mass ejection produced severe geomagnetic storming on 7 and 8 September, preceded by two significant solar flare effects (Sfe) that could be seen in the lit hemisphere. In this article, we analyze the impact of these flares on the ionosphere as registered on the vertical incidence ionospheric sounder located at Ebre Observatory. We put the emphasis on the use of this instrument to detect solar flares by means of the absorption observed in its ionograms. We also analyze the impacts of these flares on the Earth's magnetic field and the temporal evolution of the second Sfe event using the technique of spherical elementary current systems, which allows tracing in detail the current system evolution during the Sfe lifetime. As expected, a sharp increase in current intensities occurred at the beginning. The peak of the disturbance was reached after a few minutes, when hard X‐rays were dominant, while a slow decay followed the advent of soft X‐rays and EUV rays. The modeled current systems appear abnormally displaced in longitude with respect to the subsolar point. The northern vortex shows up about 2 hr in advance of the subsolar point meridian, while the southern vortex is about 3 hr behind it. Both remain static, showing no significant shift over the whole episode. Although the event occurred during the equinox, a clear prevalence of the Northern Hemisphere was observed.
Fusion of Hydraulic Tomography and Displacement Back Analysis for Underground Cavern Stability Investigation
Authors: Gao Xu , Yeh Tian‐Chyi Jim , Yan E‐Chuan , Wang Wen‐ke , Cai Jing‐Sen , Liang Yue , Ge Jian , Qi Yue‐ming , Hao Yong‐hong
Published: October 2018

This paper first elucidates the importance of hydraulic heterogeneity of a rock mass on the design of an underground water‐sealed storage cavern. It then introduces an information fusion approach that integrates hydraulic tomography, displacement back analysis, and a stochastic successive linear estimator to map spatially varying hydraulic conductivity (Ks), Young's modulus (E′), cohesion (c′), and internal friction angle (ϕ′). This algorithm yields statistically unbiased estimate of the Ks, E′, c′, and ϕ′ fields and their uncertainty due to insufficient samples of their heterogeneity. Afterward, this uncertainty is translated into the probability of failure distribution around the cavern for the risk assessment. Results show that heterogeneity of Ks plays an important role in the deformation and failure of the cavern. They also show that the proposed approach can reveal more detailed parameter distributions than kriging approach, based on a large number of samples of the parameters before excavations. Further, the predicted probability of failure distribution based on the proposed approach can effectively reflect the actual failure locations.
Predicting Runoff Signatures Using Regression and Hydrological Modeling Approaches
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Chiew Francis H. S. , Li Ming , Post David
Published: October 2018

Accurate prediction of runoff signatures is important for numerous hydrological and water resources applications. However, there are lack of comprehensive evaluations of various approaches for predicting hydrological signatures. This study, for the first time, introduces regression tree ensemble approach and compares it with other three widely used approaches (multiple linear regression, multiple log‐transformed linear regression, and hydrological modeling) for assessing prediction accuracy of 13 runoff characteristics or signatures, using a large data set from 605 catchments across Australia. The climate, in particular, mean annual precipitation and aridity index, has the most significant influence on the runoff signatures. Physical catchment attributes including forest ratio, slope, and soil water holding capacity also have significant influence (p < 0.05) on the runoff signatures. All four approaches can predict the long‐term average and high flow signatures accurately. The regression approaches can also well predict majority of the other runoff signatures, with the Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency larger than 0.60. The regression tree ensemble outperforms the two linear regressions in predicting signatures of flow dynamics. The hydrological models, calibrated to one specific objective criterion, cannot predict many of the runoff signatures, particularly those reflecting low flows and flow dynamics. This is because in most hydrological model applications, the simulations allow satisfactory predictions of long‐term average and high flow signatures. In applications where a specific runoff signature is needed, regression relationships that directly relate that runoff signature to catchment attributes give the best predictions. Here the regression tree ensemble is overall best and offers significant potential, being able to predict most of the runoff signatures very well.
Global Investigation of Soil Moisture and Latent Heat Flux Coupling Strength
Authors: Lei Fangni , Crow Wade T. , Holmes Thomas R. H. , Hain Christopher , Anderson Martha C.
Published: October 2018

As a key variable in the climate system, soil moisture (SM) plays a central role in the Earth's terrestrial water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles through its coupling with surface latent heat flux (LH). Despite the need to accurately represent SM/LH coupling in Earth system models, we currently lack quantitative, observation‐based, and unbiased estimates of its strength. Here we utilize the triple‐collocation (TC) approach introduced in Crow et al. () to SM and LH products obtained from multiple satellite remote sensing platforms and land surface models (LSMs) to obtain unbiased global maps of SM/LH coupling strength. Results demonstrate that relative to coupling strength estimates acquired directly from remote sensing‐based data sets, the application of TC generally enhances estimates of warm‐season SM/LH coupling, especially in the western United States, the Sahel, central Asia, and Australia. However, relative to triple‐collocation estimates, LSMs (still) overpredict SM/LH coupling strength along transitional climate regimes between wet and dry climates, such as the central Great Plains of North America, India, and coastal Australia. Specific climate zones with biased relations in LSMs are identified to geographically focus the reexamination of LSM parameterizations. TC‐based coupling strength estimates are robust to our choice of LSM contributing SM and LH products to the TC analysis. Given their robustness, TC‐based coupling strength estimates can serve as an objective benchmark for investigating model‐predicted SM/LH coupling.
Brain scans from 21,297 individuals reveal the genetic architecture of hippocampal subfield volumes
Authors:   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, van der Meer Dennis ,   for the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition and Genetics Study, Rokicki Jaroslav , Kaufmann Tobias , Córdova-Palomera Aldo , Moberget Torgeir , Alnæs Dag , Bettella Francesco , Frei Oleksandr , Doan Nhat Trung , Sønderby Ida E. , Smeland Olav B. , Agartz Ingrid , Bertolino Alessandro , Bralten Janita , Brandt Christine L. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Djurovic Srdjan , van Donkelaar Marjolein , Dørum Erlend S. , Espeseth Thomas , Faraone Stephen V. , Fernández Guillén , Fisher Simon E. , Franke Barbara , Haatveit Beathe , Hartman Catharina A. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Håberg Asta K. , Jönsson Erik G. , Kolskår Knut K. , Le Hellard Stephanie , Lund Martina J. , Lundervold Astri J. , Lundervold Arvid , Melle Ingrid , Monereo Sánchez Jennifer , Norbom Linn C. , Nordvik Jan E. , Nyberg Lars , Oosterlaan Jaap , Papalino Marco , Papassotiropoulos Andreas , Pergola Giulio , de Quervain Dominique J. F. , Richard Geneviève , Sanders Anne-Marthe , Selvaggi Pierluigi , Shumskaya Elena , Steen Vidar M. , Tønnesen Siren , Ulrichsen Kristine M. , Zwiers Marcel P. , Andreassen Ole A. , Westlye Lars T.
Published: October 2018

The hippocampus is a heterogeneous structure, comprising histologically distinguishable subfields. These subfields are differentially involved in memory consolidation, spatial navigation and pattern separation, complex functions often impaired in individuals with brain disorders characterized by reduced hippocampal volume, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and schizophrenia. Given the structural and functional heterogeneity of the hippocampal formation, we sought to characterize the subfields’ genetic architecture. T1-weighted brain scans (n = 21,297, 16 cohorts) were processed with the hippocampal subfields algorithm in FreeSurfer v6.0. We ran a genome-wide association analysis on each subfield, co-varying for whole hippocampal volume. We further calculated the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability of 12 subfields, as well as their genetic correlation with each other, with other structural brain features and with AD and schizophrenia. All outcome measures were corrected for age, sex and intracranial volume. We found 15 unique genome-wide significant loci across six subfields, of which eight had not been previously linked to the hippocampus. Top SNPs were mapped to genes associated with neuronal differentiation, locomotor behaviour, schizophrenia and AD. The volumes of all the subfields were estimated to be heritable (h2 from 0.14 to 0.27, all p < 1 × 10–16) and clustered together based on their genetic correlations compared with other structural brain features. There was also evidence of genetic overlap of subicular subfield volumes with schizophrenia. We conclude that hippocampal subfields have partly distinct genetic determinants associated with specific biological processes and traits. Taking into account this specificity may increase our understanding of hippocampal neurobiology and associated pathologies.
Biosynthetic energy cost for amino acids decreases in cancer evolution
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wang Yirong , Li Jun , Chen Han , He Xionglei , Zhang Huiwen , Liang Han , Lu Jian
Published: October 2018

Rapidly proliferating cancer cells have much higher demand for proteinogenic amino acids than normal cells. The use of amino acids in human proteomes is largely affected by their bioavailability, which is constrained by the biosynthetic energy cost in living organisms. Conceptually distinct from gene-based analyses, we introduce the energy cost per amino acid (ECPA) to quantitatively characterize the use of 20 amino acids during protein synthesis in human cells. By analyzing gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we find that cancer cells evolve to utilize amino acids more economically by optimizing gene expression profile and ECPA shows robust prognostic power across many cancer types. We further validate this pattern in an experimental evolution of xenograft tumors. Our ECPA analysis reveals a common principle during cancer evolution.
Modulation of proteoglycan receptor PTPσ enhances MMP-2 activity to promote recovery from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Luo Fucheng , Tran Amanda Phuong , Xin Li , Sanapala Chandrika , Lang Bradley T. , Silver Jerry , Yang Yan
Published: October 2018

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by focal CNS inflammation leading to the death of oligodendrocytes (OLs) with subsequent demyelination, neuronal degeneration, and severe functional deficits. Inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are increased in the extracellular matrix in the vicinity of MS lesions and are thought to play a critical role in myelin regeneration failure. We here show that CSPGs curtail remyelination through binding with their cognate receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase σ (PTPσ) on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). We report that inhibition of CSPG/PTPσ signaling by systemically deliverable Intracellular Sigma Peptide (ISP), promotes OPC migration, maturation, remyelination, and functional recovery in animal models of MS. Furthermore, we report a downstream molecular target of PTPσ modulation in OPCs involving upregulation of the protease MMP-2 that allows OPCs to enzymatically digest their way through CSPGs. In total, we demonstrate a critical role of PTPσ/CSPG interactions in OPC remyelination in MS.
High-efficiency optogenetic silencing with soma-targeted anion-conducting channelrhodopsins
Authors: Mahn Mathias , Gibor Lihi , Patil Pritish , Cohen-Kashi Malina Katayun , Oring Shir , Printz Yoav , Levy Rivka , Lampl Ilan , Yizhar Ofer
Published: October 2018

Optogenetic silencing allows time-resolved functional interrogation of defined neuronal populations. However, the limitations of inhibitory optogenetic tools impose stringent constraints on experimental paradigms. The high light power requirement of light-driven ion pumps and their effects on intracellular ion homeostasis pose unique challenges, particularly in experiments that demand inhibition of a widespread neuronal population in vivo. Guillardia theta anion-conducting channelrhodopsins (GtACRs) are promising in this regard, due to their high single-channel conductance and favorable photon-ion stoichiometry. However, GtACRs show poor membrane targeting in mammalian cells, and the activity of such channels can cause transient excitation in the axon due to an excitatory chloride reversal potential in this compartment. Here, we address these problems by enhancing membrane targeting and subcellular compartmentalization of GtACRs. The resulting soma-targeted GtACRs show improved photocurrents, reduced axonal excitation and high light sensitivity, allowing highly efficient inhibition of neuronal activity in the mammalian brain.
Quasiparticle interference and nonsymmorphic effect on a floating band surface state of ZrSiSe
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Chang Tay-Rong , Huang Cheng-Yi , Pan Haiyang , Nie Xiao-Ang , Wang Xin-Zhe , Jin Zhe-Ting , Xu Su-Yang , Huang Shin-Ming , Guan Dan-Dan , Wang Shiyong , Li Yao-Yi , Liu Canhua , Qian Dong , Ku Wei , Song Fengqi , Lin Hsin , Zheng Hao , Jia Jin-Feng
Published: October 2018

Non-symmorphic crystals are generating great interest as they are commonly found in quantum materials, like iron-based superconductors, heavy-fermion compounds, and topological semimetals. A new type of surface state, a floating band, was recently discovered in the nodal-line semimetal ZrSiSe, but also exists in many non-symmorphic crystals. Little is known about its physical properties. Here, we employ scanning tunneling microscopy to measure the quasiparticle interference of the floating band state on ZrSiSe (001) surface and discover rotational symmetry breaking interference, healing effect and half-missing-type anomalous Umklapp scattering. Using simulation and theoretical analysis we establish that the phenomena are characteristic properties of a floating band surface state. Moreover, we uncover that the half-missing Umklapp process is derived from the glide mirror symmetry, thus identify a non-symmorphic effect on quasiparticle interferences. Our results may pave a way towards potential new applications of nanoelectronics.
Genome-wide association studies of brain imaging phenotypes in UK Biobank
Authors: Elliott Lloyd T. , Sharp Kevin , Alfaro-Almagro Fidel , Shi Sinan , Miller Karla L. , Douaud Gwenaëlle , Marchini Jonathan , Smith Stephen M.
Published: October 2018

The genetic architecture of brain structure and function is largely unknown. To investigate this, we carried out genome-wide association studies of 3,144 functional and structural brain imaging phenotypes from UK Biobank (discovery dataset 8,428 subjects). Here we show that many of these phenotypes are heritable. We identify 148 clusters of associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and imaging phenotypes that replicate at P < 0.05, when we would expect 21 to replicate by chance. Notable significant, interpretable associations include: iron transport and storage genes, related to magnetic susceptibility of subcortical brain tissue; extracellular matrix and epidermal growth factor genes, associated with white matter micro-structure and lesions; genes that regulate mid-line axon development, associated with organization of the pontine crossing tract; and overall 17 genes involved in development, pathway signalling and plasticity. Our results provide insights into the genetic architecture of the brain that are relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders, brain development and ageing.
The UK Biobank resource with deep phenotyping and genomic data
Authors: Bycroft Clare , Freeman Colin , Petkova Desislava , Band Gavin , Elliott Lloyd T. , Sharp Kevin , Motyer Allan , Vukcevic Damjan , Delaneau Olivier , O’Connell Jared , Cortes Adrian , Welsh Samantha , Young Alan , Effingham Mark , McVean Gil , Leslie Stephen , Allen Naomi , Donnelly Peter , Marchini Jonathan
Published: October 2018

The UK Biobank project is a prospective cohort study with deep genetic and phenotypic data collected on approximately 500,000 individuals from across the United Kingdom, aged between 40 and 69 at recruitment. The open resource is unique in its size and scope. A rich variety of phenotypic and health-related information is available on each participant, including biological measurements, lifestyle indicators, biomarkers in blood and urine, and imaging of the body and brain. Follow-up information is provided by linking health and medical records. Genome-wide genotype data have been collected on all participants, providing many opportunities for the discovery of new genetic associations and the genetic bases of complex traits. Here we describe the centralized analysis of the genetic data, including genotype quality, properties of population structure and relatedness of the genetic data, and efficient phasing and genotype imputation that increases the number of testable variants to around 96 million. Classical allelic variation at 11 human leukocyte antigen genes was imputed, resulting in the recovery of signals with known associations between human leukocyte antigen alleles and many diseases.
Mannich base limits Candida albicans virulence by inactivating Ras-cAMP-PKA pathway
Authors: Rajasekharan Satish Kumar , Kamalanathan Chakkaravarthi , Ravichandran Vinothkannan , Ray Arvind Kumar , Satish Ann Susan , Mohanvel Sucharitha Kannappan
Published: October 2018

Mannich bases and its derivatives are regarded as supreme pharmacophores in therapeutics. The study investigates the antimycotic potential of Mannich bases, 1-((1H-benzimidazol-1-yl) methyl) urea (C1) and 1-((3-hydroxynapthalen-2-yl) methyl) thiourea (C2), against Candida albicans. Biofilm and hyphal inhibitory activities of the Mannich bases were tested by crystal violet quantification, fluorescence imaging cAMP rescue, qRT PCR, and by molecular docking analysis. The compounds inhibited the biofilms of C. albicans and restrained the filamentation abilities of the pathogen. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the presence of urea or thiourea moiety in the tail section is essential for interacting with adenylate cyclase (AC). The Mannich bases seemed to block Ras-cAMP-PKA pathway by inhibiting second messenger activity required for hyphal induction and biofilm formation. In conclusion, the study warrants point-of-care testing of C1/C2 and provides a starting point for deriving several structurally modified Mannich bases which might plausibly replace the prevailing antimycotic drugs in future.
Metabolic abnormalities in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and induction of specific leukemic cell death using photodynamic therapy
Authors: Oka Takashi , Mizuno Hajime , Sakata Masumi , Fujita Hirofumi , Yoshino Tadashi , Yamano Yoshihisa , Utsumi Kozo , Masujima Tsutomu , Utsunomiya Atae
Published: October 2018

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive T-cell neoplasm caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). Therapeutic interventions have not been associated with satisfactory outcomes. We showed that the porphyrin metabolic pathway preferentially accumulates the endogenous photosensitive metabolite, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in ATL, after a short-term culture with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). PpIX accumulated 10–100-fold more in ATL leukemic cells when compared to healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Patient specimens showed dynamic changes in flow cytometry profiles during the onset and progression of ATL. Furthermore, 98.7% of ATL leukemic cell death in the ATL patient specimens could be induced with 10 min of visible light exposure, while 77.5% of normal PBMCs survived. Metabolomics analyses revealed that a specific stage of the metabolic pathway progressively deteriorated with HTLV-I infection and at the onset of ATL. Therefore, this method will be useful in diagnosing and identifying high-risk HTLV-I carriers with single cell resolutions. Photodynamic therapy in the circulatory system may be a potential treatment due to its highly-specific, non-invasive, safe, simultaneous, and repeatedly-treatable modalities.
Plantar cutaneous afferents influence the perception of Subjective Visual Vertical in quiet stance
Authors: Foisy A. , Kapoula Z.
Published: October 2018

The estimation of Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) involves the allocentric, gravitational and egocentric references, which are built by visual, vestibular and somatosensory afferents. Our goals were to assess the influence of plantar cutaneous afferents on the perception of SVV, and to see if there is a difference according to the efficiency of plantar cutaneous afferents. We recruited 48 young and healthy subjects and assessed their SVV and postural performances in quiet stance with a force platform, at 40 or 200 cm, in four ground conditions: on firm ground, on foam, with a bilateral, or with a unilateral 3 mm arch support. We also assessed the efficiency of our subjects’ plantar afferents with the plantar quotient method and divided them in two groups: subjects with a normal use of plantar afferents and subjects with Plantar Exteroceptive Inefficiency (PEI). The results showed significant decreases in the counter clockwise SVV deviation only with the unilateral arch support, at near distance, and among the typically behaving subjects. We conclude that asymmetric foot cutaneous afferents are able to bias the egocentric vertical reference and hence influence the perception of SVV. This influence disappears among subjects with PEI, probably because of a distortion of the plantar signal.
Aberrant neuronal differentiation is common in glioma but is associated neither with epileptic seizures nor with better survival
Authors: Beier Christoph Patrick , Rasmussen Tine , Dahlrot Rikke Hedegaard , Tenstad Helene Broch , Aarø Julie Slinning , Sørensen Mai Froberg , Heimisdóttir Sólborg Berglind , Sørensen Mia Dahl , Svenningsen Per , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Beier Dagmar , Kristensen Bjarne Winther
Published: October 2018

The mechanisms of glioma-associated seizures (GAS) have yet to be fully elucidated. Proneural subtype, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations, and epileptic seizures are closely associated suggesting that aberrant neuronal differentiation contributes to glioma-associated seizures. In a population-based cohort (n = 236), lack of stem cell marker expression (nestin, musashi) was significantly associated with IDH1 mutations and GAS at diagnosis. In vitro data suggested an association of IDH1 mutations and a more differentiated phenotype. Out of eight glioma stem cell (GSC) lines, seven revealed positivity for the synaptic marker protein synaptophysin. Three had synapse-like structures identified by electron microscopy and were either vGlut1 (glutamatergic) or GAD67 (GABAergic) positive. In vivo, >10% synaptophysin-positive tumour cells were present in >90% of all gliomas. Synaptophysin expression was associated with proneural subtype and vGlut1 expression, suggesting that most synapse-like structures in glioma are glutamatergic. However, we found null associations between vGlut1 protein/mRNA expression and survival, GAS at onset, development of GAS after resection, and refractory GAS. Synapse-like structures were neither functional nor activated by spontaneous action potentials or cellular networks. Thus, aberrant neuronal differentiation including glutamatergic synapse-like structures is detectable in glioma but is associated neither with epileptic seizures nor with better survival.
Identification of a Novel OX40L+ Dendritic Cell Subset That Selectively Expands Regulatory T cells
Authors: Marinelarena Alejandra , Bhattacharya Palash , Kumar Prabhakaran , Maker Ajay V. , Prabhakar Bellur S.
Published: October 2018

We have previously shown GM-CSF derived bone-marrow dendritic cells (G-BMDCs) can induce the selective expansion of Tregs through the surface-bound molecule OX40L; however, the physiological role of this ex vivo derived DC subset remained to be elucidated. We determined GM-CSF administration to mice induced the generation of in vivo derived OX40L+ DCs, phenotypically similar to ex vivo OX40L+G-BMDCs, in the spleen, brachial lymph nodes and liver. The generation of OX40L+ DCs correlated with increased percentages of functionally suppressive Tregs in the spleen, brachial lymph nodes, and liver of GM-CSF treated mice. DCs from GM-CSF treated mice expanded Tregs in CD4+ T-cell co-cultures in an OX40L dependent manner, suggesting OX40L+ DCs may play a role in peripheral Treg homeostasis. Furthermore, comparing the transcriptome data of OX40L+ DCs to that of all immune cell types revealed OX40L+ DCs to be distinct from steady-state immune cells and, microarray analysis of OX40L+G-BMDCs and OX40L−G-BMDCs revealed higher expression of molecules that are associated with tolerogenic phenotype and could play important roles in the function of OX40L+ DCs. These findings suggest that OX40L+ DCs may represent a unique DC subset induced under inflammatory conditions that may play an essential role in maintaining Treg homeostasis.
Rapid and selective concentration of bacteria, viruses, and proteins using alternating current signal superimposition on two coplanar electrodes
Authors: Han Chang-Ho , Woo Seong Yong , Bhardwaj Jyoti , Sharma Abhinav , Jang Jaesung
Published: October 2018

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is usually effective close to the electrode surface. Several techniques have been developed to overcome its drawbacks and to enhance dielectrophoretic particle capture. Here we present a simple technique of superimposing alternating current DEP (high-frequency signals) and electroosmosis (EO; low-frequency signals) between two coplanar electrodes (gap: 25 μm) using a lab-made voltage adder for rapid and selective concentration of bacteria, viruses, and proteins, where we controlled the voltages and frequencies of DEP and EO separately. This signal superimposition technique enhanced bacterial capture (Escherichia coli K-12 against 1-μm-diameter polystyrene beads) more selectively (>99%) and rapidly (~30 s) at lower DEP (5 Vpp) and EO (1.2 Vpp) potentials than those used in the conventional DEP capture studies. Nanometer-sized MS2 viruses and troponin I antibody proteins were also concentrated using the superimposed signals, and significantly more MS2 and cTnI-Ab were captured using the superimposed signals than the DEP (10 Vpp) or EO (2 Vpp) signals alone (p < 0.035) between the two coplanar electrodes and at a short exposure time (1 min). This technique has several advantages, such as simplicity and low cost of electrode fabrication, rapid and large collection without electrolysis.
Functionalization of gold-nanoparticles by the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin C-terminus for tumor cell ablation using the gold nanoparticle-mediated laser perforation technique
Authors: Becker Annegret , Leskau Miriam , Schlingmann-Molina Barbara L. , Hohmeier Susanne C. , Alnajjar Suhayla , Murua Escobar Hugo , Ngezahayo Anaclet
Published: October 2018

A recombinant produced C-terminus of the C. perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE) was conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to produce a C-CPE-AuNP complex (C-CPE-AuNP). By binding to claudins, the C- CPE should allow to target the AuNPs onto the claudin expressing tumor cells for a subsequent cell killing by application of the gold nanoparticle-mediated laser perforation (GNOME-LP) technique. Using qPCR and immunocytochemistry, we identified the human Caco-2, MCF-7 and OE-33 as well as the canine TiHoDMglCarc1305 as tumor cells expressing claudin-3, -4 and -7. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements of Caco-2 cell monolayer showed that the recombinant C-CPE bound to the claudins. GNOME-LP at a laser fluence of 60 mJ/cm2 and a scanning speed of 0.5 cm/s specifically eliminated more than 75% of claudin expressing human and canine cells treated with C-CPE-AuNP. The same laser fluence did not affect the cells when non-functionalized AuNPs were used. Furthermore, most of the claudin non-expressing cells treated with C-CPE-AuNP were not killed by GNOME-LP. Additionally, application of C-CPE-AuNP to spheroids formed by MCF-7 and OE-33 cells grown in Matrigel reduced spheroid area. The results demonstrate that specific ablation of claudin expressing tumor cells is efficiently increased by activated C-CPE functionalized AuNPs using optical methods.
Accuracy of theoretical catalysis from a model of iron-catalyzed ammonia synthesis
Authors: Kepp Kasper P.
Published: October 2018

Density functional theory is central to the study of catalytic processes, but its accuracy is widely debated, and lack of data complicates accuracy estimates. To address these issues, this work explores a simple eight-step process of iron-catalyzed ammonia synthesis. The models’s importance lies in the availability of experimental data and the accessibility of coupled-cluster CCSD(T) calculations, enabling direct assessment of method accuracy for all reaction steps. While many functionals accurately describe the net process N2 + 3H2 → NH3, errors of +100 kJ mol−1 occur in many individual steps for popular functionals such as PBE, RPBE, and B3LYP, which are much worse than commonly assumed. Inclusion of the stoichiometric reaction coefficients reveals major accuracy bottlenecks surprisingly distinct from the N–N dissociation step and dependent on the applied functional. More focus should be directed to these problematic steps in order to improve the accuracy of modeling the catalytic process.
RNA-seq of macrophages of amoeboid or mesenchymal migratory phenotype due to specific structure of environment
Authors: Čermák Vladimír , Gandalovičová Aneta , Merta Ladislav , Fučíková Jitka , Špíšek Radek , Rösel Daniel , Brábek Jan
Published: October 2018

M2-polarized macrophages have been shown to adapt their 3D migration mode to physical properties of surrounding extracellular matrix. They migrate in the integrin-mediated adhesion and proteolytic activity-dependent “mesenchymal” mode in stiff matrices and in the integrin and protease-independent “amoeboid” mode in low density, porous environments. To find out what impact the switching between the migration modes has on expression of both protein-coding and non-coding genes we employed RNA sequencing of total RNA depleted of ribosomal RNA isolated from macrophages migrating in either mode in 3D collagens. Differentially expressed genes from both categories have been detected and the changes in expression of selected genes were further validated with RT-qPCR. The acquired data will facilitate better understanding of how mechanical properties of tissue microenvironment reflect in macrophage immune function and how the transitions between mesenchymal and amoeboid migratory modes are regulated at the gene expression level.
An “off–on” phosphorescent aptasensor for the detection of thrombin based on PRET
Authors: Xiong Yan , Liang Meiyu , Cheng Yue , Zou Jiarui , Li Yan
Published: October 2018

An “off–on” phosphorescent aptasensor was developed to detect thrombin based on PRET and the formation of an antiparallel G-quadruplex.
Noncovalent spin-labeling of RNA: the aptamer approach
Authors: Saha Subham , Hetzke Thilo , Prisner Thomas F. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th.
Published: October 2018

In the first example of noncovalent spin-labeling of unmodified RNA, the MG aptamer was used to capture a tetramethylrosamine-based nitroxide spin label with high affinity.
Renewable boronic acid affiliated glycerol nano-adsorbents for recycling enzymatic catalyst in biodiesel fuel production
Authors: Liu Lei , Ma Gaojian , Zeng Min , Du Wei , Yuan Jinying
Published: October 2018

Renewable boronic acid affiliated silica nanoparticles exhibit pH-responsive glycerol adsorption/release behavior to recycle free lipases in biodiesel production.
Identifying reactive organo-selenium precursors in the synthesis of CdSe nanoplatelets
Authors: Riedinger Andreas , Mule Aniket S. , Knüsel Philippe N. , Ott Florian D. , Rossinelli Aurelio A. , Norris David J.
Published: October 2018

Bis(acyl) selenides are identified as selenium precursors that can provide additional control over the synthesis of CdSe nanoplatelets.
An efficient multifunctional hybrid electrocatalyst: Ni2P nanoparticles on MOF-derived Co,N-doped porous carbon polyhedrons for oxygen reduction and water splitting
Authors: Sun Tingting , Zhang Shaolong , Xu Lianbin , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: October 2018

Ni2P nanoparticles synergized with MOF-derived Co,N-doped porous carbon polyhedrons contribute to superior multifunctional electrocatalytic performances for oxygen reduction and water splitting.
Intermolecular π-hole/n→π* interactions with carbon monoxide ligands in crystal structures
Authors: Doppert Michael Timothy , van Overeem Hannah , Mooibroek Tiddo Jonathan
Published: October 2018

Intermolecular π-hole/n→π* interactions with carbon monoxide ligands are abundant in the solid state, particularly with fac-like M(CO)3 fragments. The interaction is somewhat directional and DFT calculations suggest energies up to about −10 kcal mol−1 for adducts of charge neutral complexes.
Effect of reaction environment andin situformation of the precursor on the composition and shape of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the thermal decomposition method
Authors: Baaziz Walid , Pichon Benoit P. , Grenèche Jean-Marc , Begin-Colin Sylvie
Published: October 2018

In this work, we investigate the effect of the reaction environment and thein situformation of an iron precursor on the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) through thermal decomposition.
In situ removal of a native oxide layer from an amorphous silicon surface with a UV laser for subsequent layer growth
Authors: Ehlers Christian , Kayser Stefan , Uebel David , Bansen Roman , Markurt Toni , Teubner Thomas , Hinrichs Karsten , Ernst Owen , Boeck Torsten
Published: October 2018

An in situ method for selectively heating a substrate by a laser pulse was modelled and investigated experimentally.
Target stoichiometry and growth temperature impact on properties of BiVO4 (010) epitaxial thin films
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Kou Shiwen , Zhang Feng , Zhang Weifeng , Guo Haizhong
Published: October 2018

Phase-pure BiVO4 epitaxial film fabricated from a nonstoichiometric target at 680 °C shows higher photocatalytic activity than the polycrystalline sample.
Potential models for the simulation of methane adsorption on graphene: development and CCSD(T) benchmarks
Authors: Vekeman J. , G. Cuesta I. , Faginas-Lago N. , Wilson J. , Sánchez-Marín J. , Sánchez de Merás A.
Published: October 2018

Different force fields for the graphene–CH4 system are proposed including pseudo-atom and full atomistic models.
Probing the band gap of liquid ammonia with femtosecond multiphoton ionization spectroscopy
Authors: Vogler Tim , Vöhringer Peter
Published: October 2018

The solvated electron primary yield is used in a multiphoton-ionization action-spectroscopic experiment to explore the band gap of liquid ammonia.
Determination of possible configurations for Li0.5CoO2delithiated Li-ion battery cathodesviaDFT calculations coupled with a multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III)
Authors: Han Woo Gyu , Park Woon Bae , Singh Satendra Pal , Pyo Myoungho , Sohn Kee-Sun
Published: October 2018

A plausible configuration for Li0.5CoO2was pinpointed using NSGA-III-assisted DFT calculations involving redox potential, band gap energy and magnetic moment.
Antimicrobial glycoconjugate vaccines: an overview of classic and modern approaches for protein modification
Authors: Berti Francesco , Adamo Roberto
Published: October 2018

Glycoconjugate vaccines obtained by chemical linkage of a carbohydrate antigen to a protein are part of routine vaccinations in many countries.
One-pot growth of Co(OH)2 nanowire bundle arrays on in situ functionalized carbon cloth for robust flexible supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Gui Qiuyue , Jiang Jian , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Jinping
Published: October 2018

One-pot growth of Co(OH)2 nanowire arrays on in situ functionalized carbon cloth is reported for high-performance bendable pseudocapacitive electrodes.
3D isomorphous lanthanide coordination polymers displaying magnetic refrigeration, slow magnetic relaxation and tunable proton conduction
Authors: Bera Siba Prasad , Mondal Arpan , Roy Subhadip , Dey Bijoy , Santra Atanu , Konar Sanjit
Published: October 2018

Four lanthanide 3D coordination frameworks with 1D hydrophilic channels along the crystallographic c direction have been investigated for their proton conduction and magnetic properties.
Simultaneous supramolecular activation of NO photodonor/photosensitizer ensembles by a calix[4]arene nanoreactor
Authors: Di Bari Ivana , Granata Giuseppe , Consoli Grazia M. L. , Sortino Salvatore
Published: October 2018

A calix[4]arene-based micellar nanoscaffold allows the co-encapsulation of photosensitizers with a NO photodonor, activating their response to light, otherwise precluded/limited in water medium, resulting in the simultaneous photogeneration of cytotoxic 1O2 and NO.
Mussel-inspired preparation of C60 nanoparticles as photo-driven DNA cleavage reagents
Authors: Ma Yihan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Cheng Yinjia , Chen Xiaosui , Li Yong , Zhang Aiqing
Published: October 2018

Designing and constructing favorable water-dispersible fullerenes and their derivatives are of huge importance for biological applications addressing DNA-cleavage and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Controllable synthesis of NiO/Ni3S2 hybrid arrays as efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Du Xiaoqiang , Wang Qibin , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: October 2018

NiO/Ni3S2 affords a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH at a cell voltage of 1.59 V, i.e., comparable to the commercial 20 wt% IrO2/C–40 wt% Pt/C couple (1.55 V at 10 mA cm−2).
Step-economical synthesis of 3-amido-2-quinolones by dendritic copper powder-mediated one-pot reaction
Authors: Ahn Byung Hoon , Lee Ill Young , Lim Hee Nam
Published: October 2018

The one-pot protocol by the dendritic copper powder-mediated Knoevenagel condensation/annelation is delineated here for the synthesis of 3-amido-2-quinolones.
Palladium(ii)-mediated rapid 11C-cyanation of (hetero)arylborons
Authors: Zhang Zhouen , Niwa Takashi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Hosoya Takamitsu
Published: October 2018

A highly efficient method applicable to the synthesis of a wide range of [11C]cyanoarenes, including PET tracers for aromatase imaging, has been developed by a palladium(ii)-mediated rapid 11C-cyanation of (hetero)arylborons with [11C]cyanides.
Dissolution and homogeneous photocatalysis of polymeric carbon nitride
Authors: Huang Chaofeng , Wen Jing , Shen Yanfei , He Fei , Mi Li , Gan Ziyu , Ma Jin , Liu Songqin , Ma Haibo , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: October 2018

After dissolution, a homogeneous carbon nitride photocatalyst showed boosted activity; meanwhile, the hallmarks of heterogeneous catalysts (facile separation and recycling) were retained.
A novel antimicrobial peptide, Ranatuerin-2PLx, showing therapeutic potential in inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Zhang Luyao , Ma Chengbang , Zhang Yingqi , Xi Xinping , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Burrows James F. , Chen Tianbao
Published: October 2018

Antimicrobial peptides are a promising resource for developing novel antibiotic and even anticancer drugs. Here, a 28-mer polypeptide, Ranatuerin-2PLx (R2PLx), was identified from lyophilised skin secretions. The chemically synthetic replicates exhibited moderate and broadspectrum antimicrobial effect against various microorganisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, minimal inhibitory concentration = 256 µM). In addition, R2PLx was found to inhibit the proliferation of several tumour cells, especially showing more potent effect on prostate cancer cell, PC-3. The early cell apoptosis was observed in 6 h by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, as well as the activation of Caspase-3 at 5 µM peptide concentration. R2PLx may therefore be promising for developing new therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Moreover, the artificial deficiency of conserved rana-box loop or net positive charge in C-terminal domain notably reduced the biological activities of the truncated and substituted isoforms, respectively, suggesting for maintaining their biological potency of ranatuerin family requires both cysteine-bridged segment and cationincity within the loop domain in C-terminus.
Dihydro-sphingosine 1-phosphate interacts with carrier proteins in a manner distinct from that of sphingosine 1-phosphate
Authors: Mishima Yuko , Kurano Makoto , Kobayashi Tamaki , Nishikawa Masako , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Tozuka Minoru , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: October 2018

Dihydro-sphingosine 1-phosphate (DH-S1P) is an analog of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which is a potent lysophospholipid mediator. DH-S1P has been proposed to exert physiological properties similar to S1P. Although S1P is known to be carried on HDL via apolipoprotein M (apoM), the association between DH-S1P and HDL/apoM has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to elucidate this association and to compare it with that of S1P and HDL/apoM. First, we investigated the distributions of S1P and DH-S1P among lipoproteins and lipoprotein-depleted fractions in human serum and plasma samples and observed that both S1P and DH-S1P were detected on HDL; furthermore, elevated amounts of DH-S1P in serum samples were distributed to the lipoprotein-depleted fraction to a greater degree than to the HDL fraction. Concordantly, a preference for HDL over albumin was only observed for S1P, and not for DH-S1P, when the molecules were secreted from platelets. Regarding the association with HDL, although both S1P and DH-S1P prefer to bind to HDL, HDL preferentially accepts S1P over DH-S1P. For the association with apoM, S1P was not detected on HDL obtained from apoM knockout mice, while DH-S1P was detected. Moreover, apoM retarded the degradation of S1P, but not of DH-S1P. These results suggest that S1P binds to HDL via apoM, while DH-S1P binds to HDL in a non-specific manner. Thus, DH-S1P is not a mere analog of S1P and might possess unique clinical significance.
Coordinated control of power loss and capacitor voltage ripple reduction for AC voltage boosted FBSM MMC with second harmonic circulating current injection
Authors: Xiang Muchao , Hu Jiabing , Qiu Yufeng
Published: October 2018

Reducing the converter loss, sub‐module voltage ripple and handling DC short‐circuit faults in high‐voltage direct current systems are crucial for the economical and reliable operation of modular multilevel converters (MMCs). This study proposes a coordinated control method of power loss reduction and capacitor voltage balancing for AC voltage boosted full‐bridge sub‐module (FBSM)‐MMC by controlling the second harmonic component in the circulating current. The relationship between converter loss and second harmonic circulating current (SHCC) is firstly derived for AC voltage boosted FBSM‐MMC. From the analysis, it can be seen that the converter loss and ripple can be optimised by injecting the SHCC into the arm current when compared with SHCC elimination. Simulation results of an AC voltage boosted FBSM‐MMC with typical parameters using PSCAD/EMTDC confirm the feasibility and validity of the proposed loss and ripple reduction method.
Evaluation framework for mobile ticketing applications in public transit: a case study
Authors: Bartin Bekir , Ozbay Kaan , Yang Hong
Published: October 2018

Both in the US and abroad, various transit agencies have started to implement mobile ticketing applications, which save commuters time during ticket purchase and allows them to avoid surcharges typically incurred when purchasing tickets on‐board. Mobile ticketing applications also have a high potential to help transit agencies reduce costs, give them a better understanding of commuter behaviour, and allow them to make their services more efficient. However, it is not a straightforward task to predict the customers’ reaction and gain their trust and to increase the adoption rate of this relatively new technology. A comprehensive evaluation plan is required to detect and fix critical usability problems during both the application development and system wide implementation phases. To address this need, a four‐stage evaluation framework is proposed in this study for mobile ticketing technologies in public transit to improve their usability and enhance their adoptability by the potential users. The proposed evaluation framework was employed when New Jersey transit's mobile ticketing application, MyTix, introduced in 2013, was being developed.
Proposal of a new virtual evaluation approach of preventive safety applications and advanced driver assistance functions – application: AEB system
Authors: Chelbi Nacer Eddine , Gingras Denis , Sauvageau Claude
Published: October 2018

This study presents a new virtual evaluation approach of preventive safety applications and advanced driver assistance functions. The approach identifies the worst‐case scenarios for a given advanced driver assistance function, AEB system in this study, based on field operational tests (FOT) [safety pilot model deployment (SPMD), in this study]. The authors begin with a description of the studied AEB system and a synthesis of the most relevant tests scenarios. Then, they model the distribution of each test parameter retrieved from the SPMD database by applying two estimation methods (kernel method and expectation‐maximisation algorithm). A comparison was made between the two methods to choose the best one. These distributions are then sampled using the proposed sampling strategy based on Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm. Then, the idea is to take the samples of each parameter retrieved with this sampler, simulate them on a vehicular software simulator (PreScan) and to get their simulation results. For each test and in case of impact, a proportional score to the speed of impact reduction is attributed. Finally, a risk classification is done based on the scoring results which allows to recover high and very high‐risk cases to build a set of worst‐case scenarios.
Hierarchical hub location problem for freight network design
Authors: Hwang Jaemin , Lee Jin Su , Kho Seung‐Young , Kim Dong‐Kyu
Published: October 2018

In order to minimise the total cost of the logistics part of the network design, it is necessary to use the hub‐and‐spoke network structure to achieve economies of scale in transportation. Most of the models used to design hub networks have considered a single level of hub type, but they do not reflect the hub scale by freight volume in the network. The aim of this study was to design a hub‐and‐spoke network with hierarchical hubs and develop a model for the evaluation of logistics systems. The developed model determined the number of each level of hubs to be opened, identified the locations of these hubs, and allocated the demand nodes to the hubs. In this study, the development of algorithms for solving problems was also investigated. This model provides new insights and approaches into these research areas. The proposed algorithm contributes to the more generalised field of combinatorial optimisation problems, particularly for the problems associated with the design of a hierarchical hub network.