bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteasome inhibition blocks necroptosis by attenuating death complex aggregation
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Mocarski Edward S.
Published: March 2018

Proteasome inhibitors have achieved clinical success because they trigger intrinsic and extrinsic cell death to eliminate susceptible human cancers. The ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation system regulates signaling pathways by controlling levels of components such as cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)1 and cIAP2 in TNF-mediated cell death. Here, we sought to evaluate the contribution of necroptosis to the cell death pattern induced by the specific proteasome inhibitor Carfilzomib (Cf). Proteasome inhibitor-sensitive multiple myeloma cell lines die in response to Cf by apoptosis in combination with serine protease-dependent death, without any contribution of RIPK3-dependent necroptosis. Proteasome inhibition leads to the induction of apoptotic markers such as activated caspase-3 rather than necroptotic markers such as phosphorylated-MLKL in all cell lines tested. In HT-29 cells, Cf attenuates the late RIPK1 interaction with TNFR1 during TNF-induced necroptosis without altering the sensitivity of cIAP antagonists. Cf treatment results in decreased translocation of death signaling components RIPK1, FADD, caspase-8, cFLIP, and RIPK3 to detergent insoluble fractions. Our results show that proteasome inhibition with Cf impairs necroptosis and favors apoptosis even in cells with intact necroptotic machinery. Following the induction of TNFR1-mediated necroptosis, proteasome activity stabilizes effective aggregation and activation of ripoptosome/necrosome complexes.
Early-life exposure to low-dose oxidants can increase longevity via microbiome remodelling in Drosophila
Authors: Obata Fumiaki , Fons Clara O. , Gould Alex P.
Published: March 2018

Environmental stresses experienced during development exert many long-term effects upon health and disease. For example, chemical oxidants or genetic perturbations that induce low levels of reactive oxygen species can extend lifespan in several species. In some cases, the beneficial effects of low-dose oxidants are attributed to adaptive protective mechanisms such as mitohormesis, which involve long-term increases in the expression of stress response genes. Here we show in Drosophila that transient exposure to low concentrations of oxidants during development leads to an extension of adult lifespan. Surprisingly, this depends upon oxidants acting in an antibiotic-like manner to selectively deplete the microbiome of Acetobacter proteobacteria. We demonstrate that the presence of Acetobacter species, such as A. aceti, in the indigenous microbiota increases age-related gut dysfunction and shortens lifespan. This study demonstrates that low-dose oxidant exposure during early life can extend lifespan via microbiome remodelling rather than mitohormesis.
Replica molding-based nanopatterning of tribocharge on elastomer with application to electrohydrodynamic nanolithography
Authors: Li Qiang , Peer Akshit , Cho In Ho , Biswas Rana , Kim Jaeyoun
Published: March 2018

Replica molding often induces tribocharge on elastomers. To date, this phenomenon has been studied only on untextured elastomer surfaces even though replica molding is an effective method for their nanotexturing. Here we show that on elastomer surfaces nanotextured through replica molding the induced tribocharge also becomes patterned at nanoscale in close correlation with the nanotexture. By applying Kelvin probe microscopy, electrohydrodynamic lithography, and electrostatic analysis to our model nanostructure, poly(dimethylsiloxane) nanocup arrays replicated from a polycarbonate nanocone array, we reveal that the induced tribocharge is highly localized within the nanocup, especially around its rim. Through finite element analysis, we also find that the rim sustains the strongest friction during the demolding process. From these findings, we identify the demolding-induced friction as the main factor governing the tribocharge’s nanoscale distribution pattern. By incorporating the resulting annular tribocharge into electrohydrodynamic lithography, we also accomplish facile realization of nanovolcanos with 10 nm-scale craters.
Ionic liquid gating control of RKKY interaction in FeCoB/Ru/FeCoB and (Pt/Co)2/Ru/(Co/Pt)2 multilayers
Authors: Yang Qu , Wang Lei , Zhou Ziyao , Wang Liqian , Zhang Yijun , Zhao Shishun , Dong Guohua , Cheng Yuxin , Min Tai , Hu Zhongqiang , Chen Wei , Xia Ke , Liu Ming
Published: March 2018

To overcome the fundamental challenge of the weak natural response of antiferromagnetic materials under a magnetic field, voltage manipulation of antiferromagnetic interaction is developed to realize ultrafast, high-density, and power efficient antiferromagnetic spintronics. Here, we report a low voltage modulation of Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) interaction via ionic liquid gating in synthetic antiferromagnetic multilayers of FeCoB/Ru/FeCoB and (Pt/Co)2/Ru/(Co/Pt)2. At room temperature, the distinct voltage control of transition between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic ordering is realized and up to 80% of perpendicular magnetic moments manage to switch with a small-applied voltage bias of 2.5 V. We related this ionic liquid gating-induced RKKY interaction modification to the disturbance of itinerant electrons inside synthetic antiferromagnetic heterostructure and the corresponding change of its Fermi level. Voltage tuning of RKKY interaction may enable the next generation of switchable spintronics between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic modes with both fundamental and practical perspectives.
Aerosol effects on cloud water amounts were successfully simulated by a global cloud-system resolving model
Authors: Sato Yousuke , Goto Daisuke , Michibata Takuro , Suzuki Kentaroh , Takemura Toshihiko , Tomita Hirofumi , Nakajima Teruyuki
Published: March 2018

Aerosols affect climate by modifying cloud properties through their role as cloud condensation nuclei or ice nuclei, called aerosol–cloud interactions. In most global climate models (GCMs), the aerosol–cloud interactions are represented by empirical parameterisations, in which the mass of cloud liquid water (LWP) is assumed to increase monotonically with increasing aerosol loading. Recent satellite observations, however, have yielded contradictory results: LWP can decrease with increasing aerosol loading. This difference implies that GCMs overestimate the aerosol effect, but the reasons for the difference are not obvious. Here, we reproduce satellite-observed LWP responses using a global simulation with explicit representations of cloud microphysics, instead of the parameterisations. Our analyses reveal that the decrease in LWP originates from the response of evaporation and condensation processes to aerosol perturbations, which are not represented in GCMs. The explicit representation of cloud microphysics in global scale modelling reduces the uncertainty of climate prediction.
Batch production of 6-inch uniform monolayer molybdenum disulfide catalyzed by sodium in glass
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Zou Xiaolong , Zhang Zhepeng , Hong Min , Shi Jianping , Chen Shulin , Shu Jiapei , Zhao Liyun , Jiang Shaolong , Zhou Xiebo , Huan Yahuan , Xie Chunyu , Gao Peng , Chen Qing , Zhang Qing , Liu Zhongfan , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: March 2018

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become essential two-dimensional materials for their perspectives in engineering next-generation electronics. For related applications, the controlled growth of large-area uniform monolayer TMDs is crucial, while it remains challenging. Herein, we report the direct synthesis of 6-inch uniform monolayer molybdenum disulfide on the solid soda-lime glass, through a designed face-to-face metal-precursor supply route in a facile chemical vapor deposition process. We find that the highly uniform monolayer film, with the composite domains possessing an edge length larger than 400 µm, can be achieved within a quite short time of 8 min. This highly efficient growth is proven to be facilitated by sodium catalysts that are homogenously distributed in glass, according to our experimental facts and density functional theory calculations. This work provides insights into the batch production of highly uniform TMD films on the functional glass substrate with the advantages of low cost, easily transferrable, and compatible with direct applications.
Shallow very-low-frequency earthquakes accompany slow slip events in the Nankai subduction zone
Authors: Nakano Masaru , Hori Takane , Araki Eiichiro , Kodaira Shuichi , Ide Satoshi
Published: March 2018

Recent studies of slow earthquakes along plate boundaries have shown that tectonic tremor, low-frequency earthquakes, very-low-frequency events (VLFEs), and slow-slip events (SSEs) often accompany each other and appear to share common source faults. However, the source processes of slow events occurring in the shallow part of plate boundaries are not well known because seismic observations have been limited to land-based stations, which offer poor resolution beneath offshore plate boundaries. Here we use data obtained from seafloor observation networks in the Nankai trough, southwest of Japan, to investigate shallow VLFEs in detail. Coincident with the VLFE activity, signals indicative of shallow SSEs were detected by geodetic observations at seafloor borehole observatories in the same region. We find that the shallow VLFEs and SSEs share common source regions and almost identical time histories of moment release. We conclude that these slow events arise from the same fault slip and that VLFEs represent relatively high-frequency fluctuations of slip during SSEs.
Author Correction: Human eyes with dilated pupils induce pupillary contagion in infants
Authors: Fawcett Christine , Arslan Melda , Falck-Ytter Terje , Roeyers Herbert , Gredebäck Gustaf
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Grain density and its impact on grain filling characteristic of rice: mechanistic testing of the concept in genetically related cultivars
Authors: Das Kaushik , Panda Binay B. , Shaw Birendra P. , Das Satya R. , Dash Sushanta K. , Kariali Ekamber , Mohapatra Pravat K.
Published: March 2018

Physiological factors controlling assimilate partitioning was compared in relation to panicle architecture of lax- (Upahar) and compact-panicle (Mahalaxmi) rice cultivars. Grain number and ethylene production at anthesis are low, but filling rate is high in the former compared to high grain number and ethylene production and poor filling trait of the latter. Similar to Mahalaxmi, its progenitors Pankaj and Mahshuri, had attributes of high grain number and grain density, but grain filling was higher and ethylene evolution was lower. Disturbed genetic coherence owing to imbalance of gene groups brought in the cross combinations of Mahshuri and Pankaj could be responsible for high ethylene production leading to semi sterility of Mahalaxmi as the hormone slackened endosperm starch bio-synthesis enzyme activities. Mahalaxmi inherited grain compactness trait of its progenitors, but not the physiological attribute for reduced ethylene production, which impacted grain filling. Upahar, the progeny genotype of Mahalaxmi and IR62 cross, inherited the dominant allele for low ethylene production and good grain filling traits from the high yielding IR62. In conclusion grain filling in compact-panicle rice becomes poor subject to expression of recessive allele for high ethylene production, but the allele is amenable for suppression by corresponding dominant allele in a genetic breeding.
Low incubation temperature during early development negatively affects survival and related innate immune processes in zebrafish larvae exposed to lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Qirui , Kopp Martina , Babiak Igor , Fernandes Jorge M. O.
Published: March 2018

In many fish species, the immune system is significantly constrained by water temperature. In spite of its critical importance in protecting the host against pathogens, little is known about the influence of embryonic incubation temperature on the innate immunity of fish larvae. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were incubated at 24, 28 or 32 °C until first feeding. Larvae originating from each of these three temperature regimes were further distributed into three challenge temperatures and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a full factorial design (3 incubation × 3 challenge temperatures). At 24 h post LPS challenge, mortality of larvae incubated at 24 °C was 1.2 to 2.6-fold higher than those kept at 28 or 32 °C, regardless of the challenge temperature. LPS challenge at 24 °C stimulated similar immune-related processes but at different levels in larvae incubated at 24 or 32 °C, concomitantly with the down-regulation of some chemokine and lysozyme transcripts in the former group. Larvae incubated at 24 °C and LPS-challenged at 32 °C exhibited a limited immune response with up-regulation of hypoxia and oxidative stress processes. Annexin A2a, S100 calcium binding protein A10b and lymphocyte antigen-6, epidermis were identified as promising candidates for LPS recognition and signal transduction.
Celecoxib alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by restoring autophagic flux
Authors: Liu Cong , Liu Lian , Zhu Hai-Dan , Sheng Jia-Qi , Wu Xiao-Li , He Xing-Xing , Tian De-An , Liao Jia-Zhi , Li Pei-Yuan
Published: March 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a kind of liver lipid synthesis and degradation imbalance related with metabolic syndrome. Celecoxib shows the function of ameliorating NAFLD, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we discuss the possible mechanisms of celecoxib alleviating NAFLD by restoring autophagic flux. Lipids were accumulated in L02 cells treated with palmitate as well as SD rats fed with high-fat diet. Western blot showed that LC3 II/I was higher and p62 was lower on the early stage of steatosis while on the late stage both of them were higher, indicating that autophagic flux was activated on the early stage of steatosis, but blocked on the late stage. Rapamycin alleviated steatosis with activating autophagic flux while chloroquine aggravated steatosis with inhibiting autophagic flux. COX-2 siRNA and celecoxib were used to inhibit COX-2. Western blot and RFP-GFP-LC3 double fluorescence system indicated that celecoxib could ameliorate steatosis and restore autophagic flux in L02 cells treated with palmitate as well as SD rats fed with high-fat diet. In conclusion, celecoxib partially restores autophagic flux via downregulation of COX-2 and alleviates steatosis in vitro and in vivo.
Genomics-Based Identification of Microorganisms in Human Ocular Body Fluid
Authors: Kirstahler Philipp , Bjerrum Søren Solborg , Friis-Møller Alice , la Cour Morten , Aarestrup Frank M. , Westh Henrik , Pamp Sünje Johanna
Published: March 2018

Advances in genomics have the potential to revolutionize clinical diagnostics. Here, we examine the microbiome of vitreous (intraocular body fluid) from patients who developed endophthalmitis following cataract surgery or intravitreal injection. Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the intraocular cavity and can lead to a permanent loss of vision. As controls, we included vitreous from endophthalmitis-negative patients, balanced salt solution used during vitrectomy and DNA extraction blanks. We compared two DNA isolation procedures and found that an ultraclean production of reagents appeared to reduce background DNA in these low microbial biomass samples. We created a curated microbial genome database (>5700 genomes) and designed a metagenomics workflow with filtering steps to reduce DNA sequences originating from: (i) human hosts, (ii) ambiguousness/contaminants in public microbial reference genomes and (iii) the environment. Our metagenomic read classification revealed in nearly all cases the same microorganism that was determined in cultivation- and mass spectrometry-based analyses. For some patients, we identified the sequence type of the microorganism and antibiotic resistance genes through analyses of whole genome sequence (WGS) assemblies of isolates and metagenomic assemblies. Together, we conclude that genomics-based analyses of human ocular body fluid specimens can provide actionable information relevant to infectious disease management.
Angular dependence of vortex instability in a layered superconductor: the case study of Fe(Se,Te) material
Authors: Grimaldi Gaia , Leo Antonio , Nigro Angela , Pace Sandro , Braccini Valeria , Bellingeri Emilio , Ferdeghini Carlo
Published: March 2018

Anisotropy effects on flux pinning and flux flow are strongly effective in cuprate as well as iron-based superconductors due to their intrinsically layered crystallographic structure. However Fe(Se,Te) thin films grown on CaF2 substrate result less anisotropic with respect to all the other iron based superconductors. We present the first study on the angular dependence of the flux flow instability, which occurs in the flux flow regime as a current driven transition to the normal state at the instability point (I*, V*) in the current-voltage characteristics. The voltage jumps are systematically investigated as a function of the temperature, the external magnetic field, and the angle between the field and the Fe(Se,Te) film. The scaling procedure based on the anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau approach is successfully applied to the observed angular dependence of the critical voltage V*. Anyway, we find out that Fe(Se,Te) represents the case study of a layered material characterized by a weak anisotropy of its static superconducting properties, but with an increased anisotropy in its vortex dynamics due to the predominant perpendicular component of the external applied magnetic field. Indeed, I* shows less sensitivity to angle variations, thus being promising for high field applications.
Author Correction: Human Sexual Cycles are Driven by Culture and Match Collective Moods
Authors: Wood Ian B. , Varela Pedro L. , Bollen Johan , Rocha Luis M. , Gonçalves-Sá Joana
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Mycobacterium ahvazicum sp. nov., the nineteenth species of the Mycobacterium simiae complex
Authors: Bouam Amar , Heidarieh Parvin , Shahraki Abodolrazagh Hashemi , Pourahmad Fazel , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Hashemzadeh Mohamad , Baptiste Emeline , Armstrong Nicholas , Levasseur Anthony , Robert Catherine , Drancourt Michel
Published: March 2018

Four slowly growing mycobacteria isolates were isolated from the respiratory tract and soft tissue biopsies collected in four unrelated patients in Iran. Conventional phenotypic tests indicated that these four isolates were identical to Mycobacterium lentiflavum while 16S rRNA gene sequencing yielded a unique sequence separated from that of M. lentiflavum. One representative strain AFP-003T was characterized as comprising a 6,121,237-bp chromosome (66.24% guanosine-cytosine content) encoding for 5,758 protein-coding genes, 50 tRNA and one complete rRNA operon. A total of 2,876 proteins were found to be associated with the mobilome, including 195 phage proteins. A total of 1,235 proteins were found to be associated with virulence and 96 with toxin/antitoxin systems. The genome of AFP-003T has the genetic potential to produce secondary metabolites, with 39 genes found to be associated with polyketide synthases and non-ribosomal peptide syntases and 11 genes encoding for bacteriocins. Two regions encoding putative prophages and three OriC regions separated by the dnaA gene were predicted. Strain AFP-003T genome exhibits 86% average nucleotide identity with Mycobacterium genavense genome. Genetic and genomic data indicate that strain AFP-003T is representative of a novel Mycobacterium species that we named Mycobacterium ahvazicum, the nineteenth species of the expanding Mycobacterium simiae complex.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during pregnancy: quantifying and assessing the electric field strength inside the foetal brain
Authors: Kibret Behailu , Premaratne Malin , Sullivan Caley , Thomson Richard H. , Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: March 2018

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment option for severe mental illness during pregnancy. However, there is little knowledge about the amount of electric field produced inside the foetus, which is important to understand the effects of ECT on the foetal excitable tissues. Thus, in this paper, the electric field strength inside the foetus was computed and compared to the basic restriction of the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). A computational human phantom representing a 30-weeks pregnant female, four types of electrode placements and a range of stimulus pulse width (0.25 ms–2 ms) and frequency (10 Hz–140 Hz) were used to compute the electric field inside the foetus. A linear relationship between the maximum electric field inside the foetal brain and the electrode current was derived. The results suggest that, considering the maximum current output, pulse width, and frequency range of constant-current ECT devices, the electric field produced inside the foetal brain is most likely below the ICNIRP basic restriction. This is based on the practical scenario of a 30-weeks foetus with a bottom-up and head-down foetal position and the mother taller than 1.62 m.
Conduit stability effects on intensity and steadiness of explosive eruptions
Authors: Aravena Álvaro , Cioni Raffaello , de’Michieli Vitturi Mattia , Neri Augusto
Published: March 2018

Conduit geometry affects magma ascent dynamics and, consequently, the style and evolution of volcanic eruptions. However, despite geological evidences support the occurrence of conduit widening during most volcanic eruptions, the factors controlling conduit enlargement are still unclear, and the effects of syn-eruptive variations of conduit geometry have not been investigated in depth yet. Based on numerical modeling and the application of appropriate stability criteria, we found out a strong relationship between magma rheology and conduit stability, with significant effects on eruptive dynamics. Indeed, in order to be stable, conduits feeding dacitic/rhyolitic eruptions need larger diameters respect to their phonolitic/trachytic counterparts, resulting in the higher eruption rates commonly observed in dacitic/rhyolitic explosive events. Thus, in addition to magma source conditions and viscosity-dependent efficiency for outgassing, we suggest that typical eruption rates for different magma types are also controlled by conduit stability. Results are consistent with a compilation of volcanological data and selected case studies. As stability conditions are not uniform along the conduit, widening is expected to vary in depth, and three axisymmetric geometries with depth-dependent radii were investigated. They are able to produce major modifications in eruptive parameters, suggesting that eruptive dynamics is influenced by syn-eruptive changes in conduit geometry.
Probing the Phylogenomics and Putative Pathogenicity Genes of Pythium insidiosum by Oomycete Genome Analyses
Authors: Rujirawat Thidarat , Patumcharoenpol Preecha , Lohnoo Tassanee , Yingyong Wanta , Kumsang Yothin , Payattikul Penpan , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Suriyaphol Prapat , Reamtong Onrapak , Garg Gagan , Kittichotirat Weerayuth , Krajaejun Theerapong
Published: March 2018

Pythium insidiosum is a human-pathogenic oomycete. Many patients infected with it lose organs or die. Toward the goal of developing improved treatment options, we want to understand how Py. insidiosum has evolved to become a successful human pathogen. Our approach here involved the use of comparative genomic and other analyses to identify genes with possible functions in the pathogenicity of Py. insidiosum. We generated an Oomycete Gene Table and used it to explore the genome contents and phylogenomic relationships of Py. insidiosum and 19 other oomycetes. Initial sequence analyses showed that Py. insidiosum is closely related to Pythium species that are not pathogenic to humans. Our analyses also indicated that the organism harbours secreted and adhesin-like proteins, which are absent from related species. Putative virulence proteins were identified by comparison to a set of known virulence genes. Among them is the urease Ure1, which is absent from humans and thus a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target. We used mass spectrometric data to successfully validate the expression of 30% of 14,962 predicted proteins and identify 15 body temperature (37 °C)-dependent proteins of Py. insidiosum. This work begins to unravel the determinants of pathogenicity of Py. insidiosum.
Brettanomyces bruxellensis population survey reveals a diploid-triploid complex structured according to substrate of isolation and geographical distribution
Authors: Avramova Marta , Cibrario Alice , Peltier Emilien , Coton Monika , Coton Emmanuel , Schacherer Joseph , Spano Giuseppe , Capozzi Vittorio , Blaiotta Giuseppe , Salin Franck , Dols-Lafargue Marguerite , Grbin Paul , Curtin Chris , Albertin Warren , Masneuf-Pomarede Isabelle
Published: March 2018

Brettanomyces bruxellensisis a unicellular fungus of increasing industrial and scientific interest over the past 15 years. Previous studies revealed high genotypic diversity amongstB. bruxellensisstrains as well as strain-dependent phenotypic characteristics. Genomic assemblies revealed that some strains harbour triploid genomes and based upon prior genotyping it was inferred that a triploid population was widely dispersed across Australian wine regions. We performed an intraspecific diversity genotypic survey of 1488B. bruxellensisisolates from 29 countries, 5 continents and 9 different fermentation niches. Using microsatellite analysis in combination with different statistical approaches, we demonstrate that the studied population is structured according to ploidy level, substrate of isolation and geographical origin of the strains, underlying the relative importance of each factor. We found that geographical origin has a different contribution to the population structure according to the substrate of origin, suggesting an anthropic influence on the spatial biodiversity of this microorganism of industrial interest. The observed clustering was correlated to variable stress response, as strains from different groups displayed variation in tolerance to the wine preservative sulfur dioxide (SO2). The potential contribution of the triploid state for adaptation to industrial fermentations and dissemination of the speciesB. bruxellensisis discussed.
Effect of antibiotics and NSAIDs on cyclooxygenase-2 in the enamel mineralization
Authors: Serna Muñoz Clara , Pérez Silva Amparo , Solano Francisco , Castells María Teresa , Vicente Ascensión , Ortiz Ruiz Antonio José
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in childhood could disturb enamel mineralization. Forty-two Swiss mice were divided into seven groups: controls; amoxicillin; amoxicillin/clavulanate; erythromycin; acetaminophen; ibuprofen and celecoxib, to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). SEM-EDX analysis was conducted on all cusps of the third molars. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), aluminum, potassium, sodium, magnesium and chlorine were quantified. The stoichiometric Ca/P molar ratios were calculated. Immunohistochemical quantification of COX2 in incisors was carried out by image analysis using COX2-specific immunostaining. Groups treated with antibiotics showed no significant differences in the content of the chemical elements. Only acetaminophen and celecoxib showed a significant decrease in Ca and P compared with the control samples. Ca/P ratios showed no difference. Groups treated with amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, erythromycin and acetaminophen showed significantly lower amounts of immunoreactive COX2 at the enamel organ maturation stage of the mouse incisors. Our results suggest that COX2 is involved in the maturation stage of the enamel organ and that its inhibition would appear to alter amelogenesis, producing hypomineralization.
Microfluidic-based measurement of RBC aggregation and the ESR using a driving syringe system
Authors: Kang Yang Jun
Published: March 2018

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation in a driving syringe are simultaneously measured by quantifying blood press index (Ipress) and RBC aggregation index (IRA) in a microfluidic device.
Improving curcumin solubility and bioavailability by encapsulation in saponin-coated curcumin nanoparticles prepared using a simple pH-driven loading method
Authors: Peng Shengfeng , Li Ziling , Zou Liqiang , Liu Wei , Liu Chengmei , McClements David Julian
Published: March 2018

Curcumin is a bioactive phytochemical that can be utilized as a nutraceutical or pharmaceutical in functional foods, supplements, and medicines.
Attogram measurement of 210Pb in drinking water by ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Baskaran Kamesh Viswanathan , Blanchet-Chouinard Guillaume , Larivière Dominic
Published: March 2018

In this article, we report the first the use of inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS, Agilent 8800) as a rapid alternative for the time-consuming measurement of 210Pb in drinking water by radiometric approaches.
Discovery of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitors using machine learning based virtual screening
Authors: Zhang Hongao , Liu Wei , Liu Zhihong , Ju Yingchen , Xu Mengyang , Zhang Yue , Wu Xinyu , Gu Qiong , Wang Zhong , Xu Jun
Published: March 2018

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an immune checkpoint, is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.
Controlled doping of transition metal dichalcogenides by metal work function tuning in phthalocyanine compounds
Authors: Benjamin Christopher J. , Zhang Suki , Chen Zhihong
Published: March 2018

We explored surface charge transfer interaction between a family of phthalocyanine (Pc) compounds and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
The stability limits of highly active nitrogen doped carbon ORR nano-catalysts: a mechanistic study of degradation reactions
Authors: Naumov Olga , Naumov Sergej , Abel Bernd , Varga Aron
Published: March 2018

A new approach in electrode catalysis bearing immense potential for electrochemical technologies is the prospect of precious metal free electrodes.
Pentacyclic adenine: a versatile and exceptionally bright fluorescent DNA base analogue
Authors: Bood Mattias , Füchtbauer Anders F. , Wranne Moa S. , Ro Jong Jin , Sarangamath Sangamesh , El-Sagheer Afaf H. , Rupert Déborah L. M. , Fisher Rachel S. , Magennis Steven W. , Jones Anita C. , Höök Fredrik , Brown Tom , Kim Byeang Hyean , Dahlén Anders , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus , Grøtli Morten
Published: March 2018

A highly fluorescent, non-perturbing, pentacyclic adenine analog was designed, synthesized, incorporated into DNA and photophysical evaluated.
Structural evolution and stability of non-crosslinked fiber networks with inter-fiber adhesion
Authors: Picu R. C. , Sengab A.
Published: March 2018

Inter-fiber adhesion drives self-organization of non-crosslinked fiber networks leading to either network disintegration or the formation of a stable cellular network.
Energetic derivatives of 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2H,2′H-3,3′-bipyrazole (TNBP): synthesis, characterization and promising properties
Authors: Tang Yongxing , He Chunlin , Imler Gregory H. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: March 2018

Energetic derivatives of 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2H,2′H-3,3′-bipyrazole (TNBP) have been synthesized and show promise as explosives.
Functionalization of cotton fabrics with highly durable polysiloxane–TiO2 hybrid layers: potential applications for photo-induced water–oil separation, UV shielding, and self-cleaning
Authors: Hu Jiangtao , Gao Qianhong , Xu Lu , Wang Minglei , Zhang Maojiang , Zhang Kuo , Liu Weihua , Wu Guozhong
Published: March 2018

Using a facile strategy to prepare multifunctional cotton fabrics is an important and urgent issue in the sustainable development of natural fibers.
A robust tissue laser platform for analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies
Authors: Chen Yu-Cheng , Chen Qiushu , Wu Xiaoqin , Tan Xiaotian , Wang Juanhong , Fan Xudong
Published: March 2018

Laser emission-based detection and imaging technology has attracted significant interest in biomedical research due to its high sensitivity, narrow linewidth, and superior spectral and spatial resolution.
Syntheses of 1,2,3-triazole-BODIPYs bearing up to three carbohydrate units
Authors: Nguyen Alex L. , Griffin Kaitlin E. , Zhou Zehua , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Vicente M. Graça H.
Published: March 2018

BODIPYs bearing up to three glucose units were synthesized and their cytotoxicity and uptake investigated in human HEp2 cells.
Hierarchically porous graphene for batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Bulbula Shimeles T. , Lu Yi , Dong Ying , Yang Xiao-Yu
Published: March 2018

Hierarchical porous graphene based materials are explored for their application as electrochemical storage devices due to their large specific surface area, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and excellent specific capacity.
A single-molecule porphyrin-based switch for graphene nano-gaps
Authors: Wu Qingqing , Hou Songjun , Sadeghi Hatef , Lambert Colin J.
Published: March 2018

Stable single-molecule switches with high on–off ratios are an essential component for future molecular-scale circuitry.
Electrically excited hot-electron dominated fluorescent emitters using individual Ga-doped ZnO microwires via metal quasiparticle film decoration
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiang Mingming , Zhang Zhenzhong , Li Binghui , Zhao Haifeng , Shan Chongxin , Shen Dezhen
Published: March 2018

Hybrid architectures comprising ZnO:Ga microwires via metal nanostructures decoration were fabricated to construct wavelength-tuning emitters, with plasmons dominated emission characteristics.
Diarylethene-based xerogels: the fabrication of more entangled networks driven by isomerization and acidofluorochromism
Authors: Wang Haoran , Zhao Jinyu , Yang Guojian , Zhang Fushuang , Sun Jingbo , Lu Ran
Published: March 2018

The organogels were formed from fully-conjugated styrylbenzoxazoles and styrylbenzothiazoles without traditional gelation groups.
In vivoandin vitroidentification ofZ-BOX C – a new bilirubin oxidation end product
Authors: Ritter Marcel , Neupane Sandesh , Seidel Raphael A. , Steinbeck Christoph , Pohnert Georg
Published: March 2018

A new bilirubin degradation end product was isolated and characterized.
Bottlebrush polymers with self-immolative side chains
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhang Liangcai , Zhang Minghui , Liu Zhengping , Zhu Wen , Zhang Ke
Published: March 2018

Bottlebrush polymers with self-immolative polymer side chains were prepared, which can precisely disassemble to release molecular cargos under UV-irradiation.
Palladium-catalysed coupling of α-halo vinylphosphonate and α-phosphonovinyl sulfonate with alkylzincs: straightforward and versatile synthesis of α-alkyl vinylphosphonates
Authors: Zhang Li , Fang Yewen , Jin Xiaoping , Guo Ting , Li Ruifeng , Li Yan , Li Xie , Ye Qilin , Luo Xiang
Published: March 2018

Easy and efficient access to α-alkylated vinylphosphonates via Pd-catalysed Negishi coupling!
Electrical conductivity and dielectric behaviour of nanocrystalline La0.6Gd0.1Sr0.3Mn0.75Si0.25O3
Authors: Dhahri Ah , Dhahri E. , Hlil E. K.
Published: March 2018

A complex impedance spectrum for La0.6Gd0.1Sr0.3Mn0.75Si0.25O3 sample at different temperatures with electrical equivalent circuit.
A urinary metabolomics (GC-MS) strategy to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of chlorogenic acid in adrenocorticotropic hormone-treated rats
Authors: Zhao Le , Zhang Zixu , Zhou Mingmei , Gou Xiaojun , Zeng Yang , Song Jing , Ma Weini , Xu Ying
Published: March 2018

Chlorogenic acid showed antidepressant-like activity in chronic ACTH-treated rats, providing a potential drug candidate for prevention and treatment of tricyclic antidepressant treatment-resistant depression. Related metabolic pathways were shown.
Intrusion of polyethylene glycol into solid-state nanopores
Authors: Sun Yueting , Xu Chengliang , Li Yibing
Published: March 2018

The mechanism of PEG molecule penetration into nanopores upon mechanical pressure is understood.
One-step in situ growth of ZnS nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxides and their improved lithium storage performance using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose binder
Authors: Lu Lun , Jing Liwei , Yang Zhizheng , Yang Guangyu , Wang Cheng , Wang Jinguo , Wang Huiyuan , Jiang Qichuan
Published: March 2018

ZnS nanoparticles are in situ grown on reduced graphene oxides (rGO) via a simplified one-step hydrothermal method.
Optical modulation of microfibers and application to ultrafast fiber lasers
Authors: Zhao Ruwei , Li Guoru , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang
Published: March 2018

Microfibers with suitable diameters were used as saturable absorbers, realizing an all-fiber-structure mode-locked fiber laser.
White light-induced cell apoptosis by a conjugated polyelectrolyte through singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Liang Jiamei , Wu Pan , Tan Chunyan , Jiang Yuyang
Published: March 2018

A conjugated polyelectrolyte PPET3 functions as an efficient photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy and induces cell apoptosis under white light irradiation.
An exploration of nucleic acid liquid biopsy using a glucose meter
Authors: Gu Yu , Zhang Ting-Ting , Huang Zhi-Feng , Hu Shan-Wen , Zhao Wei , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: March 2018

A proof-of-concept strategy for a circulating miRNA assay using a personal glucose meter (PGM) was proposed.
Design of responsive foams with an adjustable temperature threshold of destabilization
Authors: Fameau Anne-Laure , Cousin Fabrice , Derrien Romain , Saint-Jalmes Arnaud
Published: March 2018

We show the first example of foams with a temperature threshold of destabilization which can be continuously set between 20 °C and 75 °C.
Viscoelastic multistable architected materials with temperature-dependent snapping sequence
Authors: Che Kaikai , Yuan Chao , Qi H. Jerry , Meaud Julien
Published: March 2018

A novel concept of multimaterial architected materials whose snapping response can be controlled by varying the ambient temperature.
Rational design of oxide/carbon composites to achieve superior rate-capability via enhanced lithium-ion transport across carbon to oxide
Authors: Jeong Jun Hui , Kim Myeong-Seong , Choi Yeon Jun , Lee Geon-Woo , Park Byung Hoon , Lee Suk-Woo , Roh Kwang Chul , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: March 2018

The superior rate-capability of nano-perforated graphene wrapped Li4Ti5O12 composite indicate that lithium-ion transport across the carbon coating layer is critical to the rate capability of carbon-coated oxides.
Influence of lanthanides on spin-relaxation and spin-structure in a family of Fe7Ln4 single molecule magnets
Authors: Prodius Denis , Mereacre Valeriu , Singh Prashant , Lan Yanhua , Mameri Samir , Johnson Duane D. , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K.
Published: March 2018

A family of undecanuclear Fe–Ln clusters, comprising butterfly motifs, was explored and two are found to behave as single molecule magnets.
Efficiency enhancement of TiO2self-powered UV photodetectors using a transparent Ag nanowire electrode
Authors: Xu Jinzhuo , Yang Wei , Chen Hongyu , Zheng Lingxia , Hu Mingxiang , Li Yanmei , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: March 2018

We realized design solutions to enhance the photoresponsive performance of self-powered TiO2UV photodetectors by employing Ag nanowires as metal contacts.
Effects of Treatment Intensity on Outcomes in Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Wambaugh Julie L. , Wright Sandra , Boss Emily , Mauszycki Shannon C. , DeLong Catharine , Hula William , Doyle Patrick J.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This investigation was designed to examine the effects of treatment intensity (i.e., dose frequency) on the outcomes of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) for acquired apraxia of speech.

Method

Five men with chronic apraxia of speech and aphasia received both intense SPT (3 hr per day/3 days per week) and nonintense/traditional SPT (SPT-T; 1 hr per day/3 days per week) in the context of single-case experimental designs. Each treatment was applied separately to a designated set of experimental words with 1 treatment applied at a time. Twenty-seven treatment sessions were conducted with each phase of treatment. Accuracy of articulation of target sounds within treated and untreated experimental words was measured during the course of the investigation.

Results

All participants demonstrated improved articulation with both treatment intensities. Better maintenance of gains for treated items was found with SPT-T for 2 participants as measured at an 8-week posttreatment retention probe. Superior maintenance of increased accuracy of production of untreated items was also observed with SPT-T for all participants.

Conclusion

A less intense (distributed) application of SPT facilitated better maintenance of improved articulatory accuracy for untreated items, and in some cases treated items, than intense SPT.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5734053
What Matters in Semantic Feature Analysis: Practice-Related Predictors of Treatment Response in Aphasia
Authors: Gravier Michelle L. , Dickey Michael W. , Hula William D. , Evans William S. , Owens Rebecca L. , Winans-Mitrik Ronda L. , Doyle Patrick J.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study investigated the predictive value of practice-related variables—number of treatment trials delivered, total treatment time, average number of trials per hour, and average number of participant-generated features per trial—in response to semantic feature analysis (SFA) treatment.

Method

SFA was administered to 17 participants with chronic aphasia daily for 4 weeks. Individualized treatment and semantically related probe lists were generated from items that participants were unable to name consistently during baseline testing. Treatment was administered to each list sequentially in a multiple-baseline design. Naming accuracy for treated and untreated items was obtained at study entry, exit, and 1-month follow-up.

Results

Item-level naming accuracy was analyzed using logistic mixed-effect regression models. The average number of features generated per trial positively predicted naming accuracy for both treated and untreated items, at exit and follow-up. In contrast, total treatment time and average trials per hour did not significantly predict treatment response. The predictive effect of number of treatment trials on naming accuracy trended toward significance at exit, although this relationship held for treated items only.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the number of patient-generated features may be more strongly associated with SFA-related naming outcomes, particularly generalization and maintenance, than other practice-related variables.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5734113
Tau-U: A Quantitative Approach for Analysis of Single-Case Experimental Data in Aphasia
Authors: Lee Jaime B. , Cherney Leora R.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Tau-U is a quantitative approach for analyzing single-case experimental design (SCED) data. It combines nonoverlap between phases with intervention phase trend and can correct for a baseline trend (Parker, Vannest, & Davis, 2011). We demonstrate the utility of Tau-U by comparing it with the standardized mean difference approach (Busk & Serlin, 1992) that is widely reported within the aphasia SCED literature.

Method

Repeated writing measures from 3 participants with chronic aphasia who received computer-based writing treatment are analyzed visually and quantitatively using both Tau-U and the standardized mean difference approach.

Results

Visual analysis alone was insufficient for determining an effect between the intervention and writing improvement. The standardized mean difference yielded effect sizes ranging from 4.18 to 26.72 for trained items and 1.25 to 3.20 for untrained items. Tau-U yielded significant (
p
< .05) effect sizes for 2 of 3 participants for trained probes and 1 of 3 participants for untrained probes. A baseline trend correction was applied to data from 2 of 3 participants.

Conclusions

Tau-U has the unique advantage of allowing for the correction of an undesirable baseline trend. Although further study is needed, Tau-U shows promise as a quantitative approach to augment visual analysis of SCED data in aphasia.
Sentence Diversity in Early Language Development: Recommendations for Target Selection and Progress Monitoring
Authors: Hadley Pamela A. , McKenna Megan M. , Rispoli Matthew
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This clinical focus article describes how to assess and when to target diverse, simple sentences as part of early language intervention.

Method

The theoretical foundations and clinical motivations for assessing sentence diversity based on unique combinations of subjects and verbs are explained, followed by a description of how to compute the measure. Sentence diversity is then related to familiar developmental measures of lexical diversity, utterance length, and grammatical complexity in a sample of 40 typically developing toddlers at 30 months of age. Descriptive and correlational analyses are used to demonstrate how sentences become more diverse as utterances also become longer and more complex.

Conclusions

The ability to produce simple sentences with diverse subject–verb combinations is proposed as a general developmental expectation for toddlers at 30 months of age. All 40 children produced at least 10 different subject–verb combinations in 30 min of parent–toddler conversation. Sentence diversity is also associated with familiar developmental measures. Recommendations are provided for using the measure of sentence diversity to inform treatment planning and monitor progress for young children with language disorders.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5895976
Polarisation smoothing generalised MUSIC algorithm with PSA monostatic MIMO radar for low angle estimation
Authors: Tan Jun , Nie Zaiping
Published: March 2018

The polarisation smoothing generalised multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm for low angle estimation with polarisation sensitive array (PSA) monostatic multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar is proposed. The proposed method takes advantage of the virtual aperture of the MIMO radar and the polarisation diversity of the PSA simultaneously to improve the resolution, which has better performance than generalised MUSIC algorithm when the direct and the reflected signals are out of phase. Simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
How to support fuel‐efficient driving?
Authors: Gilman Ekaterina , Georgiev Georgi V. , Tikka Piiastiina , Pirttikangas Susanna , Riekki Jukka
Published: March 2018

Energy efficient personal transportation requires fuel‐efficient and route aware driving. Driving coaching systems can provide to drivers all the information and guidance that is needed to learn these skills. However, persuading drivers to change their driving behaviour is a challenging task. The authors identify functional, design, safety, and persuasive features for systems supporting fuel‐efficiency. Moreover, they analyse how these features are supported by state‐of‐the‐art systems targeting reduced fuel consumption. Finally, based on their analysis, they discuss open issues and opportunities for future development of fuel‐efficiency support systems. The literature and the reviewed research in this study illustrate the needs for overall situation assessment and benefits of careful and multifaceted approach for systems design when it comes to eco‐driving: an effective system will make use of a versatile design toolkit in order to obtain enduring behavioural results.