bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balance of Emission and Dynamical Controls on Ozone During the Korea‐United States Air Quality Campaign From Multiconstituent Satellite Data Assimilation
Authors: Miyazaki K. , Sekiya T. , Fu D. , Bowman K. W. , Kulawik S. S. , Sudo K. , Walker T. , Kanaya Y. , Takigawa M. , Ogochi K. , Eskes H. , Boersma K. F. , Thompson A. M. , Gaubert B. , Barre J. , Emmons L. K.
Published: November 2018

Global multiconstituent concentration and emission fields obtained from the assimilation of the satellite retrievals of ozone, CO, NO2, HNO3, and SO2 from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2, Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere, Microwave Limb Sounder, and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)/OMI are used to understand the processes controlling air pollution during the Korea‐United States Air Quality (KORUS‐AQ) campaign. Estimated emissions in South Korea were 0.42 Tg N for NOx and 1.1 Tg CO for CO, which were 40% and 83% higher, respectively, than the a priori bottom‐up inventories, and increased mean ozone concentration by up to 7.5 ± 1.6 ppbv. The observed boundary layer ozone exceeded 90 ppbv over Seoul under stagnant phases, whereas it was approximately 60 ppbv during dynamical conditions given equivalent emissions. Chemical reanalysis showed that mean ozone concentration was persistently higher over Seoul (75.10 ± 7.6 ppbv) than the broader KORUS‐AQ domain (70.5 ± 9.2 ppbv) at 700 hPa. Large bias reductions (>75%) in the free tropospheric OH show that multiple‐species assimilation is critical for balanced tropospheric chemistry analysis and emissions. The assimilation performance was dependent on the particular phase. While the evaluation of data assimilation fields shows an improved agreement with aircraft measurements in ozone (to less than 5 ppbv biases), CO, NO2, SO2, PAN, and OH profiles, lower tropospheric ozone analysis error was largest at stagnant conditions, whereas the model errors were mostly removed by data assimilation under dynamic weather conditions. Assimilation of new AIRS/OMI ozone profiles allowed for additional error reductions, especially under dynamic weather conditions. Our results show the important balance of dynamics and emissions both on pollution and the chemical assimilation system performance.
A Versatile Method for Ice Particle Habit Classification Using Airborne Imaging Probe Data
Authors: Praz C. , Ding S. , McFarquhar G. M. , Berne A.
Published: November 2018

A versatile method to automatically classify ice particle habit from various airborne optical array probes is presented. The classification is achieved using a multinomial logistic regression model. For each airborne probe, the model determines the particle habit (among six classes) based on a large set of geometrical and textural descriptors extracted from the two‐dimensional image of a particle. The technique is applied and evaluated using three probes with significantly different specifications: the high volume precipitation spectrometer, the two‐dimensional stereo probe, and the cloud particle imager. Performance and robustness of the method are assessed using standard machine learning tools on the basis of thousands of images manually labeled for each of the considered probes. The three classifiers show good performance characterized by overall accuracies and Heidke skill scores above 90%. Depending on the application and user preferences, the classification scheme can be easily adapted. For a more precise output, intraclass subclassification can be achieved in a nested fashion, illustrated here with columnar crystals and aggregates. A comparative study of the classification output obtained with the three probes is presented for two aircraft flight periods selected when the three probes were operating together. Results are globally consistent in term of proportions of habit identified (once blurry and partial images have been automatically discarded). A perfect agreement is not expected as the three considered probes are sensitive to different particle size range.
High-Grade Dysplasia in Resected Main-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (MD-IPMN) is Associated with an Increased Risk of Subsequent Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Majumder Shounak , Philip Nissy A. , Singh Nagpal Sajan Jiv , Takahashi Naoki , Mara Kristin C. , Kendrick Michael L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Levy Michael J. , Gleeson Ferga C. , Petersen Bret T. , Pearson Randall K. , Topazian Mark D. , Vege Santhi Swaroop , Chari Suresh T.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

There is lack of consensus on post-operative surveillance for resected non-invasive intraductal papillary neoplasms (IPMNs). In this study we explored risk factors for subsequent PC in patients with MD-IPMN undergoing partial pancreatectomy.

METHODS:

We searched the Mayo Clinic surgical pathology database for all cases of resected MD-IPMN between 1997 and 2014. Cases with histologically confirmed main pancreatic duct involvement either isolated or in a mixed pattern with branch-duct involvement were included. Outcomes of PC in the remnant pancreas, and death related to MD-IPMN were assessed with survival analyses (Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression).

RESULTS:

Among the 179 patients with resected MD-IPMN the incidence of concomitant PC and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in the resected specimen was 23 and 14%, respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.31 years (range 0.12–13.5 years). Excluding 28 subjects who either underwent initial total pancreatectomy or partial pancreatectomy with surgical margins positive for PC/HGD, the 5-year incidence of subsequent PC was 12%, including 60.6% and 15.6% in those with initial PC and HGD, respectively. The 10-year incidence of PC was 21.2% overall, 60.6% for PC, 38.3% for HGD, and 3.0% for LGD. Risk of subsequent PC was significantly higher for those with initial PC compared with HGD (HR = 4.95, 95% CI: 1.63–15.03, p = 0.005 and for HGD compared with LGD (HR = 11.30, 95% CI: 1.55–82.26, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with MD-IPMN with PC or HGD undergoing segmental pancreatectomy are at higher risk of subsequent PC and may benefit from post-operative surveillance. The post-operative surveillance intervals in resected MD-IPMNs need to be tailored based on dysplasia grade.
Asexual reproduction and growth rate: independent and plastic life history traits in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Anderson Jennifer L , Nieuwenhuis Bart P S , Johannesson Hanna
Published: November 2018

Trade-offs among traits influencing fitness are predicted by life history theory because resources allocated to one function are unavailable to another. Here we examine the relationship between two such traits, asexual reproduction and growth rate, in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, where shared genetic and physiological factors and a source–sink energetic relationship between growth and reproduction may constrain the evolution of these traits. To test growth–reproduction relationships in this species, we independently selected on mycelial growth rate or asexual spore production in a heterogeneous lab-derived population and evaluated the response of the non-selected traits. Combined with phenotypes for the 20 wild strains used to produce the heterogeneous population and the genome-wide genotypes of 468 strains, these data show that growth and reproduction are highly plastic in N. crassa and do not trade off either among wild strains or after laboratory selection in two environments. Rather, we find no predictable growth–reproduction relationship in the environments tested, indicating an effective absence of genetic constraint between these traits. Our results suggest that growth rate and asexual reproduction may not respond predictably to environmental change and suggest that reliance on a single trait as a proxy for fitness in fungal studies may be inadvisable.
Photoreduction of gaseous oxidized mercury changes global atmospheric mercury speciation, transport and deposition
Authors: Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Sitkiewicz Sebastian P. , Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Oliva-Enrich Josep M. , Dávalos Juan Z. , Notario Rafael , Jiskra Martin , Xu Yang , Wang Feiyue , Thackray Colin P. , Sunderland Elsie M. , Jacob Daniel J. , Travnikov Oleg , Cuevas Carlos A. , Acuña A. Ulises , Rivero Daniel , Plane John M. C. , Kinnison Douglas E. , Sonke Jeroen E.
Published: November 2018

Anthropogenic mercury (Hg(0)) emissions oxidize to gaseous Hg(II) compounds, before deposition to Earth surface ecosystems. Atmospheric reduction of Hg(II) competes with deposition, thereby modifying the magnitude and pattern of Hg deposition. Global Hg models have postulated that Hg(II) reduction in the atmosphere occurs through aqueous-phase photoreduction that may take place in clouds. Here we report that experimental rainfall Hg(II) photoreduction rates are much slower than modelled rates. We compute absorption cross sections of Hg(II) compounds and show that fast gas-phase Hg(II) photolysis can dominate atmospheric mercury reduction and lead to a substantial increase in the modelled, global atmospheric Hg lifetime by a factor two. Models with Hg(II) photolysis show enhanced Hg(0) deposition to land, which may prolong recovery of aquatic ecosystems long after Hg emissions are lowered, due to the longer residence time of Hg in soils compared with the ocean. Fast Hg(II) photolysis substantially changes atmospheric Hg dynamics and requires further assessment at regional and local scales.
A conserved enhancer regulates Il9 expression in multiple lineages
Authors: Koh Byunghee , Abdul Qayum Amina , Srivastava Rajneesh , Fu Yongyao , Ulrich Benjamin J. , Janga Sarath Chandra , Kaplan Mark H.
Published: November 2018

Cytokine genes are regulated by multiple regulatory elements that confer tissue-specific and activation-dependent expression. The cis-regulatory elements of the gene encoding IL-9, a cytokine that promotes allergy, autoimmune inflammation and tumor immunity, have not been defined. Here we identify an enhancer (CNS-25) upstream of the Il9 gene that binds most transcription factors (TFs) that promote Il9 gene expression. Deletion of the enhancer in the mouse germline alters transcription factor binding to the remaining Il9 regulatory elements, and results in diminished IL-9 production in multiple cell types including Th9 cells, and attenuates IL-9-dependent immune responses. Moreover, deletion of the homologous enhancer (CNS-18) in primary human Th9 cultures results in significant decrease of IL-9 production. Thus, Il9 CNS-25/IL9 CNS-18 is a critical and conserved regulatory element for IL-9 production.
Perforin inhibition protects from lethal endothelial damage during fulminant viral hepatitis
Authors: Welz M. , Eickhoff S. , Abdullah Z. , Trebicka J. , Gartlan K. H. , Spicer J. A. , Demetris A. J. , Akhlaghi H. , Anton M. , Manske K. , Zehn D. , Nieswandt B. , Kurts C. , Trapani J. A. , Knolle P. , Wohlleber D. , Kastenmüller W.
Published: November 2018

CD8 T cells protect the liver against viral infection, but can also cause severe liver damage that may even lead to organ failure. Given the lack of mechanistic insights and specific treatment options in patients with acute fulminant hepatitis, we develop a mouse model reflecting a severe acute virus-induced CD8 T cell-mediated hepatitis. Here we show that antigen-specific CD8 T cells induce liver damage in a perforin-dependent manner, yet liver failure is not caused by effector responses targeting virus-infected hepatocytes alone. Additionally, CD8 T cell mediated elimination of cross-presenting liver sinusoidal endothelial cells causes endothelial damage that leads to a dramatically impaired sinusoidal perfusion and indirectly to hepatocyte death. With the identification of perforin-mediated killing as a critical pathophysiologic mechanism of liver failure and the protective function of a new class of perforin inhibitor, our study opens new potential therapeutic angles for fulminant viral hepatitis.
Proteolysis of histidine kinase VgrS inhibits its autophosphorylation and promotes osmostress resistance in Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Deng Chao-Ying , Zhang Huan , Wu Yao , Ding Li-Li , Pan Yue , Sun Shu-Tao , Li Ya-Jun , Wang Li , Qian Wei
Published: November 2018

In bacterial cells, histidine kinases (HKs) are receptors that monitor environmental and intracellular stimuli. HKs and their cognate response regulators constitute two-component signalling systems (TCSs) that modulate cellular homeostasis through reversible protein phosphorylation. Here the authors show that the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris responds to osmostress conditions by regulating the activity of a HK (VgrS) via irreversible, proteolytic modification. This regulation is mediated by a periplasmic, PDZ-domain-containing protease (Prc) that cleaves the N-terminal sensor region of VgrS. Cleavage of VgrS inhibits its autokinase activity and regulates the ability of the cognate response regulator (VgrR) to bind promoters of downstream genes, thus promoting bacterial adaptation to osmostress.
Valley coherent exciton-polaritons in a monolayer semiconductor
Authors: Dufferwiel S. , Lyons T. P. , Solnyshkov D. D. , Trichet A. A. P. , Catanzaro A. , Withers F. , Malpuech G. , Smith J. M. , Novoselov K. S. , Skolnick M. S. , Krizhanovskii D. N. , Tartakovskii A. I.
Published: November 2018

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide a unique possibility to generate and read-out excitonic valley coherence using linearly polarized light, opening the way to valley information transfer between distant systems. However, these excitons have short lifetimes (ps) and efficiently lose their valley coherence via the electron-hole exchange interaction. Here, we show that control of these processes can be gained by embedding a monolayer of WSe2 in an optical microcavity, forming part-light-part-matter exciton-polaritons. We demonstrate optical initialization of valley coherent polariton populations, exhibiting luminescence with a linear polarization degree up to 3 times higher than displayed by bare excitons. We utilize an external magnetic field alongside selective exciton-cavity-mode detuning to control the polariton valley pseudospin vector rotation, which reaches 45° at B = 8 T. This work provides unique insight into the decoherence mechanisms in TMDs and demonstrates the potential for engineering the valley pseudospin dynamics in monolayer semiconductors embedded in photonic structures.
Author Correction: Limitation of Fermi level shifts by polaron defect states in hematite photoelectrodes
Authors: Lohaus Christian , Klein Andreas , Jaegermann Wolfram
Published: November 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 2b in which the bottom of the pink-shaded conduction band region was incorrectly positioned at a value of 1.75 eV. The correct conduction band minimum has a value of 2.2 eV. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
A review of deep learning in the study of materials degradation
Authors: Nash Will , Drummond Tom , Birbilis Nick
Published: November 2018

Deep learning is revolutionising the way that many industries operate, providing a powerful method to interpret large quantities of data automatically and relatively quickly. Deterioration is often multi-factorial and difficult to model deterministically due to limits in measurability, or unknown variables. Deploying deep learning tools to the field of materials degradation should be a natural fit. In this paper, we review the current research into deep learning for detection, modelling and planning for material deterioration. Driving such research are factors such as budget reductions, increasing safety and increasing detection reliability. Based on the available literature, researchers are making headway, but several challenges remain, not least of which is the development of large training data sets and the computational intensity of many of these deep learning models.
A tRNA-derived RNA Fragment Plays an Important Role in the Mechanism of Arsenite -induced Cellular Responses
Authors: Liu Shengxuan , Chen Yu , Ren Yuping , Zhou Jiehua , Ren Junping , Lee Inhan , Bao Xiaoyong
Published: November 2018

Chronic exposure to environmental heavy metals is a worldwide health concern. It is acknowledged to be an important cause of lower respiratory tract damage in children. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the heavy metal-induced cellular stress/toxicity are not completely understood. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNA) and more recently identified tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs), are critical to the posttranscriptional control of genes. We used deep sequencing to investigate whether cellular sncRNA profiles are changed by environmental heavy metals. We found that the treatment of arsenite, an important groundwater heavy metal, leads to abundant production of tRFs, that are ~30 nucleotides (nts) long and most of which correspond to the 5′-end of mature tRNAs. It is unlikely for these tRFs to be random degradation by-products, as the type of induced tRFs is heavy metal-dependent. Three most inducible tRFs and their roles in arsenite-induced cellular responses were then investigated. We identified that p65, an important transcription factor belonging to NF-κB family and also a key factor controlling inflammatory gene expression, is a regulated target of a tRF derived from 5′-end of mature tRNA encoding AlaCGC (tRF5-AlaCGC). tRF5-AlaCGC activates p65, subsequently leading to enhanced secretion of IL-8 in arsenite response. In this study, we also identified that endonuclease Dicer and angiogenin temporally control the induction of tRF5-AlaCGC, providing an insight into the control of tRF biogenesis and subsequently the prevention of cellular damage.
Incorporating terminal velocities into Lagrangian stochastic models of particle dispersal in the atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Reynolds Andy M.
Published: November 2018

Lagrangian stochastic models for simulation of tracer-particle trajectories in turbulent flows can be adapted for simulation of particle trajectories. This is conventionally done by replacing the zero-mean fall speed of a tracer-particle with the terminal speed of the particle. Such models have been used widely to predict spore and pollen dispersal. Here I show that this modification predicts that particles become uniformly distributed throughout the air column, which is at variance with the seminal experimental studies of Hirst et al. (1967) that demonstrated spore concentrations (and pollen concentrations) declined exponentially with height in unstable air. This discrepancy arises because the terminal speed, which is a Lagrangian property of a particle, has always been treated as if it were an Eulerian property of an ensemble of particles. In this study models are formulated correctly. I show that the mean acceleration of a tracer-particle should be replaced by the mean acceleration of a particle. Model predictions for aerial density profiles then agreed with the observations of Hirst et al. (1967) and with observations of ground-level concentrations but differed significantly from predictions obtained using conventional models. In accordance with the results of numerical simulations, the models also predict that particles are moving downwind marginally more slowly than the wind itself. Finally, the new modelling approach can be extended to predict the dispersal of small insects with active flight behaviours.
High fish density delays wound healing in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Sveen Lene Rydal , Timmerhaus Gerrit , Krasnov Aleksei , Takle Harald , Stefansson Sigurd Olav , Handeland Sigurd Olav , Ytteborg Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

In this study, we look closer at how high fish densities influence wound repair mechanisms in post-smolt Atlantic salmon. The fish were wounded with a 5 mm skin punch biopsy needle and stocked at two different densities, a high fish density (100 kg/m3) treatment and a low fish density treatment (20 kg/m3) serving as the control. The healing wounds were followed for 57 days with samples taken 1, 3, 7, 14, 36, 43 and 57 days post wounding. The transcriptomic analysis suggests that high fish density enhance inflammation and represses cell proliferation, tissue secretion and collagen synthesis in the healing wounds. The histological analysis further showed delayed epidermal and dermal repair in the high fish density treatment compared to control. The overall wound contraction was also altered by the treatment. In conclusion, high fish density enhances immune responses and delay tissue repair, which ultimately results in delayed wound healing.
Hybrid in vitro diffusion cell for simultaneous evaluation of hair and skin decontamination: temporal distribution of chemical contaminants
Authors: Matar Hazem , Amer Nevine , Kansagra Sneha , Pinhal Andreia , Thomas Elliot , Townend Scott , Larner Joanne , Chilcott Robert P.
Published: November 2018

Most casualty or personnel decontamination studies have focused on removing contaminants from the skin. However, scalp hair and underlying skin are the most likely areas of contamination following airborne exposure to chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions of contaminants with scalp hair and underlying skin using a hybrid in vitro diffusion cell model. The in vitro hybrid test system comprised “curtains” of human hair mounted onto sections of excised porcine skin within a modified diffusion cell. The results demonstrated that hair substantially reduced underlying scalp skin contamination and that hair may provide a limited decontamination effect by removing contaminants from the skin surface. This hybrid test system may have application in the development of improved chemical incident response processes through the evaluation of various hair and skin decontamination strategies.
Active Confirmation Bias in the Evaluative Processing of Food Images
Authors: Ounjai Kajornvut , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Takahashi Muneyoshi , Matsuda Tetsuya , Lauwereyns Johan
Published: November 2018

Predictive processing is fundamental to many aspects of the human mind, including perception and decision-making. It remains to be elucidated, however, in which way predictive information impacts on evaluative processing, particularly in tasks that employ bivalent stimulus sets. Various accounts, including framing, proactive interference, and cognitive control, appear to imply contradictory proposals on the relation between prediction and preference formation. To disambiguate whether predictive cues produce congruent biases versus opponent mechanisms in evaluative processing, we conducted two experiments in which participants were asked to rate individual food images. The image database included appetitive and aversive items. In each trial, a cue predicted, with varying degrees of reliability, the valence of the impending food image. In both experiments, we found that the ratings exhibited congruent biases as a function of the reliability of the predictive cue, with the highest evaluations following the most reliable positive-valence predictions. Eye prepositioning further showed a selective spatial bias suggestive of response preparation in line with the predictions. The response times also exhibited a pattern of results consistent with selective preparation, producing slow responses following invalid predictions. The data suggested an active form of evaluative processing, implementing a confirmation bias that aims to accommodate the prediction.
A proxy-year analysis shows reduced soil temperatures with climate warming in boreal forest
Authors: Halim Md Abdul , Thomas Sean C.
Published: November 2018

Scientists unequivocally agree that winter air temperature (TA) in northern high latitudes will increase sharply with anthropogenic climate change, and that such increases are already pervasive. However, contrasting hypotheses and results exist regarding the magnitude and even direction of changes in winter soil temperature (TS). Here we use field and satellite data to examine the ‘cold soil in a warm world’ hypothesis for the first time in the boreal forest using a proxy year approach. In a proxy warm year with a mean annual temperature similar to that predicted for ~2080, average winter TS was reduced relative to the baseline year by 0.43 to 1.22 °C in open to forested sites. Similarly, average minimum and maximum winter TS declined, and the number of freeze-thaw events increased in the proxy warm year, corresponding to a reduction in the number of snow-covered days relative to the baseline year. Our findings indicate that early soil freezing as a result of delayed snowfall and reduced snow insulation from cold winter air are the main drivers of reduced winter active-layer TS (at ~2-cm depth) under warming conditions in boreal forest, and we also show that these drivers interact strongly with forest stand structure.
Effects of Involved Laser Photons on Radiation and Electron-Positron Pair Production in one Coherence Interval in Ultra Intense Lasers
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Zhi-meng , Deng Zhi-gang , Hong Wei , Teng Jian , He Shu-kai , Zhou Wei-min , Gu Yu-qiu
Published: November 2018

Electron radiation and γ photon annihilation are two of the major processes in ultra intense lasers (UIL). Understanding their behavior in one coherence interval (CI) is the basis for UIL-matter interaction researches. However, most existing analytic formulae only give the average over many CIs. Present understanding of these two multi-photon processes in one CI usually assume that they emit forward and their spectra have a cutoff at the energy of the electron/γ. Such assumptions ignore the effects of involved laser photons (EILP). We deduced the formulae for these two processes in one CI with EILP included and give the conditions for the EILP to be significant. Strong EILP introduces new behaviors into these two processes in one CI, such as large angle emission and emit particles above the usually assumed cutoff. Simulations show that the EILP would be significant when laser intensity reaches 2 × 1022 W/cm2, which is within the reach of state-of-art lasers.
Loss of miR-144 signaling interrupts extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction leading to worsened cardiac function
Authors: He Quan , Wang Fangfei , Honda Takashi , James Jeanne , Li Jing , Redington Andrew
Published: November 2018

We have previously shown that MicroRNA (miR) -144 is a key modulator of the acute cardioprotection associated with remote ischemic preconditioning and post myocardial infarction (MI) remodeling. In this study we examine the biology of the remodeling response after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male miR-144 KO mice, and wild-type littermates (WT). Collagen content and cross linking were determined by hydroxyproline and pyridinoline assays, MI size and scar thickness were measured post PicoSirius Red staining, and cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. miR-144 KO mice developed normally with normal cardiac function, however after MI, infarction size was greater and scar thickness was reduced in miR-144 KO mice compared with WT littermates. miR-144 KO mice had a lower incidence of acute cardiac rupture compared with WT littermates early after MI but there was impaired late remodeling, reflected by increased total cardiac collagen content and collagen cross-linkage associated with changes in Zeb1/LOX1 axis, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. We conclude that miR-144 is involved in extracellular matrix remodeling post MI and its loss leads to increased myocardial fibrosis and impaired functional recovery.
An alpha-fetoprotein electrochemical immunosensor based on a carbon/gold bi-nanoparticle platform
Authors: Idris Azeez O. , Mabuba Nonhlangabezo , Arotiba Omotayo A.
Published: November 2018

We report an electrochemical immunosensor for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on an immobilisation layer of carbon and gold bi-nanoparticles. XRD and immunosensor responses to 10 ng mL−1alpha-fetoprotein: (a) GCE/antibody/BSA, (b) GCE/AuNPs/antibody/BSA, (c) GCE/CNPs/antibody/BSA, (d) GCE/CNPs/AuNPs/antibody/BSA.
Actinide-transition metal bonding in heterobimetallic uranium– and thorium–molybdenum paddlewheel complexes
Authors: Ayres Alexander J. , Zegke Markus , Ostrowski Joseph P. A. , Tuna Floriana , McInnes Eric J. L. , Wooles Ashley J. , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: November 2018

Heterobimetallic An–Mo (An = U, Th) paddlewheel complexes featuring dative Mo → An bonds are reported.
Photostability of oxazoline RNA-precursors in UV-rich prebiotic environments
Authors: Janicki Mikołaj J. , Roberts Samuel J. , Šponer Jiří , Powner Matthew W. , Góra Robert W. , Szabla Rafał
Published: November 2018

Oxazoline precursors of RNA nucleosides are highly photostable molecules and could survive long-term UV-irradiation on the early Earth.
Q-Graphene-loaded metal organic framework nanocomposites with water-triggered fluorescence turn-on: fluorimetric test strips for directly sensing trace water in organic solvents
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Feng Luping , Hua Yue , Liu Huan , Yin Mengyuan , Lv Xiaoxia , Li Shuai , Wang Hua
Published: November 2018

Q-Graphene-loaded MOF nanocomposites were coated onto test strips with H2O-triggered fluorescence turn-on for probing H2O in organic solvents.
Emissive intelligent supramolecular gel for highly selective sensing of Al3+ and writable soft material
Authors: Ma Xinxian , Zhang Zhifeng , Xie Hongping , Ma Yinghu , Liu Chenglong , Liu Shiwei , Liu Minghua
Published: November 2018

A fluorine-containing acylhydrazone was newly designed and found to form gels in a mixed solvent of DMSO–ethylene glycol. The gelator could show brilliant blue light upon mixing with Al3+, which could be erased by F− ions and thus forming an erasable gel.
Low temperature, rapid and controllable growth of highly crystalline ZnO nanostructures via a diluent hydrolytic process and its application to transparent super-wetting films
Authors: Wang Huijie , Yu Jing , Liu Huan , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: November 2018

The low temperature rapid hydrolytic growth of highly crystalline ZnO nanostructures and their application in transparent superwetting films.
Understanding the interactions of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with cell membrane models
Authors: Mendonça Carlos M. N. , Balogh Debora T. , Barbosa Simone C. , Sintra Tânia E. , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Martins Luís F. G. , Morgado Pedro , Filipe Eduardo J. M. , Coutinho João A. P. , Oliveira Osvaldo N. , Barros-Timmons Ana
Published: November 2018

IL–phospholipid interactions were studied using Langmuir monolayers and molecular simulations.
Operando investigations of lithiation and delithiation processes in a BiVO4 anode material
Authors: Ruud Amund , Sottmann Jonas , Vajeeston Ponniah , Fjellvåg Helmer
Published: November 2018

Conversion and alloying reactions in BiVO4 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Antiferromagnetic ordering based on intermolecular London dispersion interactions in amphiphilic TEMPO ammonium salts
Authors: Exner Jessica , Eusterwiemann Steffen , Janka Oliver , Doerenkamp Carsten , Massolle Anja , Niehaus Oliver , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Pöttgen Rainer , Neugebauer Johannes , Studer Armido , Eckert Hellmut
Published: November 2018

Intermolecular London dispersion interactions between aliphatic chains can promote antiferromagnetic coupling in amphiphilic nitroxide radical ion salts.
Preparation of bimetallic Au/Pt nanotriangles with tunable plasmonic properties and improved photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ma Liang , Ding Si-Jing , Yang Da-Jie
Published: November 2018

We prepared hollow Au/Pt/Au nanotriangles with high visible light absorption, a strong tip- and center-focused local field, and superior photocatalytic activity.
Novel benzoyl thioureido benzene sulfonamides as highly potent and selective inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase IX: optimization and bioactive studies
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Wanqi , Huang Jin , Zhao Zhenjiang , Li Honglin , Xu Yufang
Published: November 2018

Novel benzoyl thioureido benzene sulfonamides as CA IX inhibitors such as 6a displayed inhibitory activity against CA IX with an IC50 value of 0.48 nM and about 1500-fold selectivity over CA II were reported.
S,N-Co-doped carbon nanoparticles with high quantum yield for metal ion detection, IMP logic gates and bioimaging applications
Authors: Song Jinping , Ma Qi , Zhang Sufang , Liu Huijun , Guo Yong , Feng Feng
Published: November 2018

S,N-CNPs with high quantum yield exhibited potential multiple applications including metal ion detection, IMP logic gate fabrication and bioimaging.
Adsorptive removal of p-nitrophenol from water with mechano-synthesized porous organic polymers
Authors: Zeng Heng , Lu Weigang , Hao Leiduan , Helms Gregory L. , Zhang Qiang , Luo Zhiping
Published: November 2018

An environmentally friendly synthesis of porous organic polymers for removing organic pollutants from water.
Multi-modal, ultrasensitive, wide-range humidity sensing with Ti3C2 film
Authors: Muckley Eric S. , Naguib Michael , Ivanov Ilia N.
Published: November 2018

MXene (Ti3C2)-based humidity sensor demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to water vapor from 0.1%–95% RH with <20 mTorr H2O detection limit.
Urushiol-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their self-assembly into a Janus membrane as a highly efficient hemostatic material
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Cheng Wei , Chen Shuning , Xu Wenqin , Lin Jinhuo , Liu Haiqing , Chen Qinhui
Published: November 2018

MSN@U based on urushiol with catechol groups possessed rapid hemostatic performance because they self-assembled into a Janus membrane at the interface.
Recent advances in nanomaterials for enhanced photothermal therapy of tumors
Authors: Hu Jing-Jing , Cheng Ying-Jia , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: November 2018

Recent advances in nanomaterials for enhanced therapeutic efficacy of photothermal therapy in tumor treatment were highlighted.
Signatures of consolidated superparamagnetic and spin-glass behavior in magnetite–silver core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Singh Pinki , Shukla Manjari , Upadhyay Chandan
Published: November 2018

A detailed investigation of magnetization relaxation for silver-coated magnetite nanostructures with three different types of magnetic behavior in a single particle is presented.
Correction: Metal enhanced fluorescence biosensing: from ultra-violet towards second near-infrared window
Authors: Fothergill Sarah Madeline , Joyce Caoimhe , Xie Fang
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘Metal enhanced fluorescence biosensing: from ultra-violet towards second near-infrared window’ by Sarah Madeline Fothergill et al., Nanoscale, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8nr06156d.
Taiwanoids A–D, four dimeric diterpenoids featuring tetracyclic [7. 75, 9. 4. 05, 10. 08, 9] octodecane from Taiwania cryptomerioidesim
Authors: Wang Wen-Li , Zhu Dong-Rong , Luo Jie , Liu Fei-Yan , Chen Chen , Zhu Tian-Yu , Li Ling-Nan , Han Chao , Luo Jian-Guang , Kong Ling-Yi
Published: November 2018

Taiwanoids A–D (1–4) representing four dimeric diterpenoids featuring an uncommon tetracyclic core were isolated from the leaves of Taiwania cryptomerioides.
Continuous synthesis of elastomeric macroporous microbeads
Authors: Bennett Jeffrey A. , Campbell Zachary S. , Abolhasani Milad
Published: November 2018

Macroporous microbeads are synthesized by microfluidic production of silica-loaded polymeric microdroplets followed by porogen removal via selective etching.
Visualization of the effect of additives on the nanostructures of individual bio-inspired calcite crystals
Authors: Ihli Johannes , Clark Jesse N. , Kanwal Nasima , Kim Yi-Yeoun , Holden Mark A. , Harder Ross J. , Tang Chiu C. , Ashbrook Sharon E. , Robinson Ian K. , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: November 2018

Bragg coherent diffraction imaging to visualize the effects of lysine and magnesium on the internal structures of calcite crystals.
Probing surfaces of atmospherically relevant organic particles by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS)
Authors: Wingen L. M. , Finlayson-Pitts B. J.
Published: November 2018

EASI-MS is a promising technique for probing the chemical structures of inhomogeneous airborne organic particles.
Topology and porosity control of metal–organic frameworks through linker functionalization
Authors: Lyu Jiafei , Zhang Xuan , Otake Ken-ichi , Wang Xingjie , Li Peng , Li Zhanyong , Chen Zhijie , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wasson Megan C. , Yang Ying , Bai Peng , Guo Xianghai , Islamoglu Timur , Farha Omar K.
Published: November 2018

Topology and porosity control of Zr6-based MOFs was achieved by introducing steric functionalization into the conformations of substituted tetracarboxylate linkers.
Do the properties of gels constructed by interlinking triply-responsive microgels follow from those of the building blocks?
Authors: Lu Dongdong , Zhu Mingning , Wang Wenkai , Wu Shanglin , Saunders Brian R. , Adlam Daman J. , Hoyland Judith A. , Hofzumahaus Cornelius , Schneider Stefanie , Landfester Katharina
Published: November 2018

OEGMA microgels that are pH-, temperature- and light-responsive are used to form injectable triply responsive gels and relationships between gel and building block properties studied.
Rheology and microrheology of deformable droplet suspensions
Authors: Foglino M. , Morozov A. N. , Marenduzzo D.
Published: November 2018

Pressure-driven flow and micro-rheology of deformable droplets reveal a novel hard-to-soft transition.
Self-healing cellulose nanocrystal-stabilized droplets for water collection under oil
Authors: Lin Xinxing , Ma Wei , Chen Lihui , Huang Liulian , Wu Hui , Takahara Atsushi
Published: November 2018

Superhydrophobic magnetic cellulose nanocrystal nanoparticles are presented for the removal of water droplets from oil by forming self-healing under oil particle-stabilized droplets.
Designing soft pyroelectric and electrocaloric materials using electrets
Authors: Darbaniyan Faezeh , Dayal Kaushik , Liu Liping , Sharma Pradeep
Published: November 2018

A temperature variation can electrically polarize a pyroelectric material.
Facile and versatile solid state surface modification of silk fibroin membranes using click chemistry
Authors: Raynal Laetitia , Allardyce Benjamin J. , Wang Xungai , Dilley Rodney J. , Rajkhowa Rangam , Henderson Luke C.
Published: November 2018

Reported is a fast and versatile protocol to surface modify pre-cast silk membranes targeting tyrosine residues.
A structural perspective of plant antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Campos Marcelo Lattarulo , Lião Luciano Morais , Alves Eliane Santana Fernandes , Migliolo Ludovico , Dias Simoni Campos , Franco Octávio Luiz
Published: November 2018

Among the numerous strategies plants have developed to fend off enemy attack, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand out as one of the most prominent defensive barriers that grant direct and durable resistance against a wide range of pests and pathogens. These small proteins are characterized by a compact structure and an overall positive charge. AMPs have an ancient origin and widespread occurrence in the plant kingdom but show an unusually high degree of variation in their amino acid sequences. Interestingly, there is a strikingly conserved topology among the plant AMP families, suggesting that the defensive properties of these peptides are not determined by their primary sequences but rather by their tridimensional structure. To explore and expand this idea, we here discuss the role of AMPs for plant defense from a structural perspective. We show how specific structural properties, such as length, charge, hydrophobicity, polar angle and conformation, are essential for plant AMPs to act as a chemical shield that hinders enemy attack. Knowledge on the topology of these peptides is facilitating the isolation, classification and even structural redesign of AMPs, thus allowing scientists to develop new peptides with multiple agronomical and pharmacological potential.
Identification of active site residues implies a two-step catalytic mechanism for acyl-ACP thioesterase
Authors: Jing Fuyuan , Yandeau-Nelson Marna D. , Nikolau Basil J.
Published: November 2018

In plants and bacteria that use a Type II fatty acid synthase, isozymes of acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) hydrolyze the thioester bond of acyl-ACPs, terminating the process of fatty acid biosynthesis. These TEs are therefore critical in determining the fatty acid profiles produced by these organisms. Past characterizations of a limited number of plant-sourced acyl-ACP TEs have suggested a thiol-based, papain-like catalytic mechanism, involving a triad of Cys, His, and Asn residues. In the present study, the sequence alignment of 1019 plant and bacterial acyl-ACP TEs revealed that the previously proposed Cys catalytic residue is not universally conserved and therefore may not be a catalytic residue. Systematic mutagenesis of this residue to either Ser or Ala in three plant acyl-ACP TEs, CvFatB1 and CvFatB2 from Cuphea viscosissima and CnFatB2 from Cocos nucifera, resulted in enzymatically active variants, demonstrating that this Cys residue (Cys348 in CvFatB2) is not catalytic. In contrast, the multiple sequence alignment, together with the structure modeling of CvFatB2, suggests that the highly conserved Asp309 and Glu347, in addition to previously proposed Asn311 and His313, may be involved in catalysis. The substantial loss of catalytic competence associated with site-directed mutants at these positions confirmed the involvement of these residues in catalysis. By comparing the structures of acyl-ACP TE and the Pseudomonas 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA TE, both of which fold in the same hotdog tertiary structure and catalyze the hydrolysis reaction of thioester bond, we have proposed a two-step catalytic mechanism for acyl-ACP TE that involves an enzyme-bound anhydride intermediate.
Decreased microRNA-182-5p helps alendronate promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in osteoporosis via the Rap1/MAPK pathway
Authors: Pan Bao-Long , Tong Zong-Wu , Li Shu-De , Wu Ling , Liao Jun-Long , Yang Yu-Xi , Li Hu-Huan , Dai Yan-Juan , Li Jun-E , Pan Li
Published: November 2018

Osteoporosis (OP) is a serious health problem that contributes to osteoporotic structural damage and bone fragility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can exert important functions over bone endocrinology. Therefore, it is of substantial significance to clarify the expression and function of miRNAs in bone endocrine physiology and pathology to improve the potential therapeutic value for metabolism-related bone diseases. We explored the effect of microRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p) on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in OP rats after alendronate (ALN) treatment by targeting adenylyl cyclase isoform 6 (ADCY6) through the Rap1/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Rat models of OP were established to observe the effect of ALN on OP, and the expression of miR-182-5p, ADCY6 and the Rap1/MAPK signaling pathway-related genes was determined. To determine the roles of miR-182-5p and ADCY6 in OP after ALN treatment, the relationship between miR-182 and ADCY6 was initially verified. Osteoblasts were subsequently extracted and transfected with a miR-182-5p inhibitor, miR-182-5p mimic, si-ADCY6 and the MAPK signaling pathway inhibitor U0126. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation were also determined. ALN treatment was able to ease the symptoms of OP. miR-182-5p negatively targeted ADCY6 to inhibit the Rap1/MAPK signaling pathway. Cells transfected with miR-182 inhibitor decreased the expression of ALP, BGP and COL I, which indicated that the down-regulation of miR-182-5p promoted cell differentiation and cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study shows that down-regulated miR-182-5p promotes the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in OP rats through Rap1/MAPK signaling pathway activation by up-regulating ADCY6, which may represent a novel target for OP treatment.
Association between SCN1A polymorphism rs3812718 and valproic acid resistance in epilepsy children: a case–control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhi Jian , Chen Jie , Chen Hai Liang , Zhang Lin Yan , Xu Duo , Jiang Wen Ting
Published: November 2018

Resistance to valproic acid (VPA), a first-line antiepileptic drug (AED), is occurring at an alarming rate, particularly in children. Signal nucleotide polymorphisms are considered crucial in this process. Therefore, we investigated whether the SCN1A polymorphism rs3812718 could be associated with VPA resistance. A total of 231 children with epilepsy who were solely administered VPA were enrolled. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples and was genotyped by the Mass Array method. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was conducted between the drug responsive and resistant patients who were exposed to voltage-gated sodium channels. Results revealed that the TT genotype was associated with a higher risk of developing drug resistance (OR = 2.636, 95% CI 1.08–6.433, P = 0.033). After adjusting for the risk factors, a significant difference was still observed between the responsive and resistant groups (OR = 2.861, 95% CI 1.141–7.174, P = 0.025). Moreover, the recessive model was associated with a decreased drug resistance (OR = 0.402, 95% CI 0.167–0.968, P = 0.042) after correcting the risk factors. Meta-analysis of nine studies revealed similar results. In conclusion, our results proved that the rs3812718 TT genotype was associated with a high risk of developing drug resistance, and the recessive model could decrease the risk of VPA resistance.
Association of genetic polymorphisms of SelS with Type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Long , Zheng Ying-Ying , Chen You , Ma Yi-Tong , Yang Yi-Ning , Li Xiao-Mei , Ma Xiang , Xie Xiang
Published: November 2018

Background: Selenoprotein S (SelS) gene expression is positively correlated to triglyceride (TG) concentrations and is associated with diabetes in animal model. However, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of SelS and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains unclear. Methods: In the present study, we genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs12910524, rs1384565, rs2101171, rs4965814) of SelS gene using TaqMan genotyping method in a case–control study (1947 T2DM patients and 1639 control subjects). Results: We found both rs1384565 CC genotype (12.1 compared with 6.6%, P<0.001) and C allele (35.2 compared with 24.4%, P<0.001) were more frequent in the T2DM patients than in the controls. Logistic regression analysis suggested after adjustment of other confounders, the difference remained significant between the two groups (CC compared with TT, P=0.002, OR = 1.884, 95% CI: 1.263–2.811; CT compared with TT, P<0.001, OR = 1.764, 95% CI: 1.412–2.204). Conclusion: The present study suggested that genetic polymorphisms of SelS were associated with T2DM in a Chinese population.
An efficient method for FITC labelling of proteins using tandem affinity purification
Authors: Chaganti Lalith K. , Venkatakrishnan Navneet , Bose Kakoli
Published: November 2018

Fluorescence-based assays are extremely diverse, sensitive and robust experimental methods for investigating the conformational changes, enzyme kinetics, dynamics and molecular interactions. A prerequisite for most of these experimental approaches is to label the protein of interest with one or more extrinsic fluorophores with desired photophysical properties. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), due to its high quantum efficiency and conjugate stability, is most widely used fluorescence labelling reagent for such experimental approaches. However, the bottlenecks in this labelling reaction is requirement of high protein concentration, maintenance of protein stability during the labelling process as well as high background fluorescence due to ineffective removal of unreacted FITC, prior to fluorescence studies. Therefore, to overcome these inadequacies or limitations, we have modified the existing protocol by introducing tandem affinity purification tags at the N- and C-terminus of target protein. Using this modified method, we have efficiently labelled target protein with significant decrease in precipitation, degradation and background fluorescence of unreacted FITC. This facile and rapid technique may also be used as a basis for labelling procedures with other fluorophores and hence has a broad application in spectroscopic studies.