bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell lineage and cell cycling analyses of the 4d micromere using live imaging in the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii
Authors: Özpolat B Duygu , Handberg-Thorsager Mette , Vervoort Michel , Balavoine Guillaume
Published: December 2017

Cell lineage, cell cycle, and cell fate are tightly associated in developmental processes, but in vivo studies at single-cell resolution showing the intricacies of these associations are rare due to technical limitations. In this study on the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii, we investigated the lineage of the 4d micromere, using high-resolution long-term live imaging complemented with a live-cell cycle reporter. 4d is the origin of mesodermal lineages and the germline in many spiralians. We traced lineages at single-cell resolution within 4d and demonstrate that embryonic segmental mesoderm forms via teloblastic divisions, as in clitellate annelids. We also identified the precise cellular origins of the larval mesodermal posterior growth zone. We found that differentially-fated progeny of 4d (germline, segmental mesoderm, growth zone) display significantly different cell cycling. This work has evolutionary implications, sets up the foundation for functional studies in annelid stem cells, and presents newly established techniques for live imaging marine embryos.
A homozygous FANCM mutation underlies a familial case of non-syndromic primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Fouquet Baptiste , Pawlikowska Patrycja , Caburet Sandrine , Guigon Celine , Mäkinen Marika , Tanner Laura , Hietala Marja , Urbanska Kaja , Bellutti Laura , Legois Bérangère , Bessieres Bettina , Gougeon Alain , Benachi Alexandra , Livera Gabriel , Rosselli Filippo , Veitia Reiner A , Misrahi Micheline
Published: December 2017

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) affects ~1% of women under forty. Exome sequencing of two Finnish sisters with non-syndromic POI revealed a homozygous mutation in FANCM, leading to a truncated protein (p.Gln1701*). FANCM is a DNA-damage response gene whose heterozygous mutations predispose to breast cancer. Compared to the mother's cells, the patients’ lymphocytes displayed higher levels of basal and mitomycin C (MMC)-induced chromosomal abnormalities. Their lymphoblasts were hypersensitive to MMC and MMC-induced monoubiquitination of FANCD2 was impaired. Genetic complementation of patient's cells with wild-type FANCM improved their resistance to MMC re-establishing FANCD2 monoubiquitination. FANCM was more strongly expressed in human fetal germ cells than in somatic cells. FANCM protein was preferentially expressed along the chromosomes in pachytene cells, which undergo meiotic recombination. This mutation may provoke meiotic defects leading to a depleted follicular stock, as in Fancm-/- mice. Our findings document the first Mendelian phenotype due to a biallelic FANCM mutation.
Evolutionary transitions between beneficial and phytopathogenic Rhodococcus challenge disease management
Authors: Savory Elizabeth A , Fuller Skylar L , Weisberg Alexandra J , Thomas William J , Gordon Michael I , Stevens Danielle M , Creason Allison L , Belcher Michael S , Serdani Maryna , Wiseman Michele S , Grünwald Niklaus J , Putnam Melodie L , Chang Jeff H
Published: December 2017

Understanding how bacteria affect plant health is crucial for developing sustainable crop production systems. We coupled ecological sampling and genome sequencing to characterize the population genetic history of Rhodococcus and the distribution patterns of virulence plasmids in isolates from nurseries. Analysis of chromosome sequences shows that plants host multiple lineages of Rhodococcus, and suggested that these bacteria are transmitted due to independent introductions, reservoir populations, and point source outbreaks. We demonstrate that isolates lacking virulence genes promote beneficial plant growth, and that the acquisition of a virulence plasmid is sufficient to transition beneficial symbionts to phytopathogens. This evolutionary transition, along with the distribution patterns of plasmids, reveals the impact of horizontal gene transfer in rapidly generating new pathogenic lineages and provides an alternative explanation for pathogen transmission patterns. Results also uncovered a misdiagnosed epidemic that implicated beneficial Rhodococcus bacteria as pathogens of pistachio. The misdiagnosis perpetuated the unnecessary removal of trees and exacerbated economic losses.
Multiple Emplacement and Exhumation History of the Late Mesozoic Dayunshan–Mufushan Batholith in Southeast China and Its Tectonic Significance: 1. Structural Analysis and Geochronological Constraints
Authors: Ji Wenbin , Faure Michel , Lin Wei , Chen Yan , Chu Yang , Xue Zhenhua
Published: December 2017

The South China Block (SCB) experienced a polyphase reworking by the Phanerozoic tectonothermal events. To better understand its Late Mesozoic tectonics, an integrated multidisciplinary investigation has been conducted on the Dayunshan–Mufushan composite batholith in the north‐central SCB. This batholith consists of two major intrusions that recorded distinct emplacement features. According to our structural analysis, two deformation events in relation to batholith emplacement and subsequent exhumation are identified. The early one (D1) was observed mostly at the southern border of the batholith, characterized by a top‐to‐the‐SW ductile shearing in the early‐stage intrusion and along its contact zone. This deformation, chiefly associated with the pluton emplacement at ca. 150 Ma, was probably assisted by farfield compression from the northern Yangtze foreland belt. The second but main event (D2) involved two phases: (1) ductile shearing (D2a) prominently expressed along the Dayunshan detachment fault at the western border of the batholith where the syntectonic late‐stage intrusion and minor metasedimentary basement in the footwall suffered mylonitization with top‐to‐the‐NW kinematics; and (2) subsequent brittle faulting (D2b) further exhumed the entire batholith that behaved as rift shoulder with half‐graben basins developed on its both sides. Geochronological constraints show that the crustal ductile extension occurred during 132–95 Ma. Such a Cretaceous NW–SE extensional tectonic regime, as indicated by the D2event, has been recognized in a vast area of East Asia. This tectonism was responsible not only for the destruction of the North China craton but also for the formation of the so‐called “southeast China basin and range tectonics.”
Fabrication of Metallic Fibers with High Melting Point and Poor Workability by Unidirectional Solidification
Authors: Yokota Yuui , Nihei Takayuki , Tanaka Kunihiro , Sakairi Koichi , Chani Valery , Ohashi Yuji , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Kamada Kei , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: December 2017

Innovative method acceptable for production of Iridium (Ir) and Ruthenium (Ru) metal fibers with high melting point and poor workability is developed using an alloy‐micro‐pulling‐down (A‐μ‐PD) method and ceramic crucibles with sufficient mechanical and thermal shock resistance. As‐grown (as‐solidified) Ir and Ru fibers are approximately 1 mm in diameter and their lengths exceed 15 and 0.3 m, respectively. Both Ir and Ru fibers are composed of number of elongated grains oriented along a growth direction, which is attributable to the unidirectional solidification. The flexibility and oxidation resistance of the Ir fiber grown by the A‐μ‐PD method is considerably improved as compared to a commercial Ir wire made by wire‐drawing process.
Flexible Broadband Image Sensors with SnS Quantum Dots/Zn2SnO4 Nanowires Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Li Ludong , Lou Zheng , Shen Guozhen
Published: December 2017

Broadband image sensors are widely studied and applied in many fields. However, developing high‐performance flexible broadband imaging is still a great challenge that needs to be overcome. This study demonstrates a flexible broadband image sensor with SnS quantum dots (QDs)/Zn2SnO4 (ZTO) nanowires (NWs) hybrid nanostructures as the sensing elements, which is prepared by decorating ZTO NWs with SnS QDs via a two‐step vapor deposition method. Compared with pristine ZTO NWs, the hybrid QDs/NWs exhibit much higher photoconductive gain and specific detectivity in UV region and extended photoresponse ranging from UV to NIR region. In addition, individual hybrid QDs/NW photodetector built on polyethylene terephthalate substrate shows an excellent flexibility, mechanical stability, folding endurance, and long‐term stability. Integrated into a 10 × 10 array, a flexible broadband image sensor is fabricated. Under bending states, the flexible image sensor can still identify clearly the target images composed of white light and red light, revealing the outstanding target identification ability. The superior performance of the devices indicates that the QDs/NWs hybrid nanostructures have a tremendous application potential in future flexible broadband imaging technology.
Defect‐Rich Ni3FeN Nanocrystals Anchored on N‐Doped Graphene for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Shulin , Li Meng , Han Min , Xu Dongdong , Yang Jing , Lin Yue , Shi Nai‐En , Lu Yanan , Yang Rui , Liu Bitao , Dai Zhihui , Bao Jianchun
Published: December 2017

Owing to their unique optical, electronic, and catalytic properties, metal nitrides nanostructures are widely used in optoelectronics, clean energy, and catalysis fields. Despite great progress has been achieved, synthesis of defect‐rich (DR) bimetallic nitride nanocrystals or related nanohybrids remains a challenge, and their electrocatalytic application for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has not been fully studied. Herein, the DR‐Ni3FeN nanocrystals and N‐doped graphene (N‐G) nanohybrids (DR‐Ni3FeN/N‐G) are fabricated through temperature‐programmed annealing and nitridation treatment of NiFe‐layered double hydroxides/graphene oxide precursors by controlling annealing atmosphere. In the nanohybrids, the DR‐Ni3FeN nanocrystals are anchored on N‐G, and mainly show twin crystal defects besides ≈10% of stacking faults. Such nanohybrids can efficiently catalyze OER in alkaline media with a small overpotential (0.25 V) to attain the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a high turnover frequency (0.46 s−1), superior to their counterparts (the nearly defect‐free Ni3FeN/N‐G), commercial IrO2, and the‐state‐of‐art reported OER catalysts. Except for the superior activity, they show better durability than their counterparts yet. As revealed by microstructural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical analyses, the enhanced OER performance of DR‐Ni3FeN/N‐G nanohybrids originates from the abundant twin crystal defects in Ni3FeN active phase and the strong interplay between DR‐Ni3FeN and N‐G.
Synthetic Light‐Curable Polymeric Materials Provide a Supportive Niche for Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Vining Kyle H. , Scherba Jacob C. , Bever Alaina M. , Alexander Morgan R. , Celiz Adam D. , Mooney David J.
Published: December 2017

Dental disease annually affects billions of patients, and while regenerative dentistry aims to heal dental tissue after injury, existing polymeric restorative materials, or fillings, do not directly participate in the healing process in a bioinstructive manner. There is a need for restorative materials that can support native functions of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which are capable of regenerating dentin. A polymer microarray formed from commercially available monomers to rapidly identify materials that support DPSC adhesion is used. Based on these findings, thiol‐ene chemistry is employed to achieve rapid light‐curing and minimize residual monomer of the lead materials. Several triacrylate bulk polymers support DPSC adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation in vitro, and exhibit stiffness and tensile strength similar to existing dental materials. Conversely, materials composed of a trimethacrylate monomer or bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate, which is a monomer standard in dental materials, do not support stem cell adhesion and negatively impact matrix and signaling pathways. Furthermore, thiol‐ene polymerized triacrylates are used as permanent filling materials at the dentin‐pulp interface in direct contact with irreversibly injured pulp tissue. These novel triacrylate‐based biomaterials have potential to enable novel regenerative dental therapies in the clinic by both restoring teeth and providing a supportive niche for DPSCs.
Overcoming Fill Factor Reduction in Ternary Polymer Solar Cells by Matching the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital Energy Levels of Donor Polymers
Authors: Lee Jihoon , Tamilavan Vellaiappillai , Rho Kyung Hwan , Keum Sangha , Park Ki Hong , Han Daehee , Jung Yun Kyung , Yang Changduk , Jin Youngeup , Jang Jae‐Won , Jeong Jung Hyun , Park Sung Heum
Published: December 2017

Despite the potential of ternary polymer solar cells (PSCs) to improve photocurrents, ternary architecture is not widely utilized for PSCs because its application has been shown to reduce fill factor (FF). In this paper, a novel technique is reported for achieving highly efficient ternary PSCs without this characteristic sharp decrease in FF by matching the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of two donor polymers. Our ternary device—made from a blend of wide‐bandgap poly[4,8‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐alt‐2,5‐dioctyl‐4,6‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,3(2H,5H)‐dione) (PBDT‐DPPD) polymer, narrow‐bandgap poly[4,8‐bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2‐thienyl]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐ 6‐diyl)] (PTB7‐Th) polymer, and [6,6]‐phenyl C70‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM)—exhibits a maximum power conversion efficiency of 10.42% with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.80 V, a short‐circuit current of 17.61 mA cm−2, and an FF of 0.74. In addition, this concept is extended to quaternary PSCs made by using three different donor polymers with similar HOMO levels. Interestingly, the quaternary PSCs also yield a good FF (≈0.70)—similar to those of corresponding binary PSCs. This study confirms that the HOMO levels of the polymers used on the photoactive layer of PSCs are a crucial determinant of a high FF.
All‐Dielectric Meta‐Reflectarray for Efficient Control of Visible Light
Authors: Sun Shang , Zhou Zhenxing , Zhang Chen , Yang Wenhong , Song Qinghai , Xiao Shumin
Published: December 2017

Wide‐bandgap material based all‐dielectric metasurfaces have been ideal platforms for the realization of arbitrary phase control in visible spectrum. While TiO2 metasurfaces are very promising in broadband and high‐efficiency anomalous transmission, meta‐hologram, and meta‐lenses et al., the current realizations are strongly dependent on the sophisticated fabrication technique to fabricate TiO2 nano‐pillars with aspect ratio > 10. Herein we experimentally demonstrate a much simpler approach to realize efficient phase control of visible light. By exploiting TiO2 nano‐blocks as meta‐atoms on a ground metal plane, we find that TiO2 metasurface with aspect ratio around 1‐1.5 is good enough to produce phase changes covering ‐π to π and high reflection efficiency simultaneously. Based on the phase control of the meta‐reflectarray, anomalous reflection with a ratio between anomalous reflection and normal reflection ∼ 74/26 have been experimentally realized using a combination of typical electron‐beam lithography, electron‐beam evaporation, and a simple lift‐off process. Similarly, high performance TiO2 metasurface in form of hologram has also been demonstrated for red (633 nm), green (520 nm), and blue (445 nm) wavelengths. We believe this research shall route a new way to cost‐effective all‐dielectric metasurfaces and advance their applications in encryption, anti‐counterfeiting, and wearable displays.
A Zero‐Dimensional Organic Seesaw‐Shaped Tin Bromide with Highly Efficient Strongly Stokes‐Shifted Deep‐Red Emission
Authors: Zhou Chenkun , Lin Haoran , Shi Hongliang , Tian Yu , Pak Chongin , Shatruk Michael , Zhou Yan , Djurovich Peter , Du Mao‐Hua , Ma Biwu
Published: December 2017

The synthesis and characterization is reported of (C9NH20)2SnBr4, a novel organic metal halide hybrid with a zero‐dimensional (0D) structure, in which individual seesaw‐shaped tin (II) bromide anions (SnBr42−) are co‐crystallized with 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium cations (C9NH20+). Upon photoexcitation, the bulk crystals exhibit a highly efficient broadband deep‐red emission peaked at 695 nm, with a large Stokes shift of 332 nm and a high quantum efficiency of around 46 %. The unique photophysical properties of this hybrid material are attributed to two major factors: 1) the 0D structure allowing the bulk crystals to exhibit the intrinsic properties of individual SnBr42− species, and 2) the seesaw structure enabling a pronounced excited state structural deformation as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
A General Approach Towards Triazole‐Linked Adenosine Diphosphate Ribosylated Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Liu Qiang , Kistemaker Hans A. V. , Bhogaraju Sagar , Dikic Ivan , Overkleeft Herman S. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Ovaa Huib , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J. , Filippov Dmitri V.
Published: December 2017

Current methods to prepare adenosine diphosphate ribosylated (ADPr) peptides are not generally applicable due to the labile nature of this post‐translational modification and its incompatibility with strong acidic conditions used in standard solid‐phase peptide synthesis. A general strategy is presented to prepare ADPr peptide analogues based on a copper‐catalyzed click reaction between an azide‐modified peptide and an alkyne‐modified ADPr counterpart. The scope of this approach was expanded to proteins by preparing two ubiquitin ADPr analogues carrying the biological relevant α‐glycosidic linkage. Biochemical validation using Legionella effector enzyme SdeA shows that clicked ubiquitin ADPr is well‐tolerated and highlights the potential of this strategy to prepare ADPr proteins.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed C−H Difluoromethylation of Ketoximes: Tuning the Regioselectivity from the meta to the para Position
Authors: Yuan Chunchen , Zhu Lei , Zeng Runsheng , Lan Yu , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: December 2017

A highly para‐selective CAr−H difluoromethylation of ketoxime ethers under ruthenium catalysis has been developed. A wide variety of ketoxime ethers are compatible with the reaction, which leads to the corresponding para‐difluoromethylated products in moderate to good yield. A mechanistic study clearly showed that chelation‐assisted cycloruthenation is the key factor in the para selectivity of the difluoromethylation of ketoxime ethers. Density functional theory was used to gain a theoretical understanding of the para selectivity.#
A Cesium Rare‐Earth Silicate Cs3RESi6O15 (RE=Dy–Lu, Y, In): The Parent of an Unusual Structural Class Featuring a Remarkable 57 Å Unit Cell Axis
Authors: Terry Rylan , Vinton Daniel , McMillen Colin D. , Kolis Joseph W.
Published: December 2017

The structure of Cs3RESi6O15, where RE=Dy–Lu, Y, In, is unusual in that it contains octahedrally coordinated rare‐earth ions; their relative orientation dictates the structure, as they rotate about the c‐axis supported by the cyclic Si6O15 framework. The repeat unit of the rotation is eight units generating a very long (ca. 57 Å) unit cell axis. This unusual repeat unit is created by the structural flexibility of the hexasilicate ring, which is in turn affected by the size of the rare earth ion as well as the size of alkali ion residing within the silicate layers. Previous work showed for the smaller Sc3+ ion, the rotation of the octahedra is not sufficient to achieve closure at an integral repeat unit and an incommensurate structure results. The products are prepared as large, high quality single crystals using a high‐temperature (650 °C) hydrothermal method with CsOH and F− mineralizers. The presence of fluoride is essential to the formation of the product.
Photochemical Creation of Fluorescent Quantum Defects in Semiconducting Carbon Nanotube Hosts
Authors: Wu Xiaojian , Kim Mijin , Kwon Hyejin , Wang YuHuang
Published: December 2017

Quantum defects are an emerging class of synthetic single‐photon emitters that hold vast potential for near‐infrared imaging, chemical sensing, materials engineering, and quantum information processing. Herein, we show that it is possible to optically direct the synthetic creation of molecularly tunable fluorescent quantum defects in semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotube hosts through photochemical reactions. By exciting the host semiconductor with light that resonates with its electronic transition, we find that halide‐containing aryl groups can covalently bond to the sp2 carbon lattice. The introduced quantum defects generate bright photoluminescence that allows tracking of the reaction progress in situ. We show that the reaction is independent of temperature but correlates strongly with the photon energy used to drive the reaction, suggesting a photochemical mechanism rather than photothermal effects. This type of photochemical reactions opens the possibility to control the synthesis of fluorescent quantum defects using light and may enable lithographic patterning of quantum emitters with electronic and molecular precision.
“Head‐to‐Middle” and “Head‐to‐Tail” cis‐Prenyl Transferases: Structure of Isosesquilavandulyl Diphosphate Synthase
Authors: Gao Jian , Ko Tzu‐Ping , Chen Lu , Malwal Satish R. , Zhang Jianan , Hu Xiangying , Qu Fiona , Liu Weidong , Huang Jian‐Wen , Cheng Ya‐Shan , Chen Chun‐Chi , Yang Yunyun , Zhang Yonghui , Oldfield Eric , Guo Rey‐Ting
Published: December 2017

We report the first X‐ray crystallographic structure of the “head‐to‐middle” prenyltransferase, isosesquilavandulyl diphosphate synthase, involved in biosynthesis of the merochlorin class of antibiotics. The protein adopts the ζ or cis‐prenyl transferase fold but remarkably, unlike tuberculosinol adenosine synthase and other cis‐prenyl transferases (e.g. cis‐farnesyl, decaprenyl, undecaprenyl diphosphate synthases), the large, hydrophobic side chain does not occupy a central hydrophobic tunnel. Instead, it occupies a surface pocket oriented at 90° to the hydrophobic tunnel. Product chain‐length control is achieved by squeezing out the ligand from the conventional allylic S1 binding site, with proton abstraction being achieved using a diphosphate‐Asn‐Ser relay. The structures revise and unify our thinking as to the mechanism of action of many other prenyl transferases and may also be of use in engineering new merochlorin‐class antibiotics.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Aryl Iodides by Anodic Iododesilylation
Authors: Möckel Robert , Hille Jessica , Winterling Erik , Weidemüller Stephan , Faber Tabea Melanie , Hilt Gerhard
Published: December 2017

An electrochemical access to iodinated aromatic compounds starting from trimethylsilyl‐substituted arenes is presented. By design of experiments, highly efficient and mild conditions were identified for a wide range of substrates. A functional group stability test and the synthesis of an important 3‐iodobenzylguanidine radiotracer illustrate the scope of this process.
Enhanced oil recovery from high‐salinity reservoirs by cationic gemini surfactants
Authors: Yuan Tingjiao , Liu Zhe , Gao Ruimin , Hu Guangfa , Zhang Gai , Zhao Jianshe
Published: December 2017

In order to enhance oil recovery from high‐salinity reservoirs, a series of cationic gemini surfactants with different hydrophobic tails were synthesized. The surfactants were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and 1H‐NMR. According to the requirements of surfactants used in enhanced oil recovery technology, physicochemical properties including surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), contact angle, oil/water interfacial tension, and compatibility with formation water were fully studied. All cationic gemini surfactants have significant impact on the wettability of the oil‐wet surface, and the contact angle decreased remarkably from 98° to 33° after adding the gemini surfactant BA‐14. Under the condition of solution salinity of 65,430 mg/L, the cationic gemini surfactant BA‐14 reduces the interfacial tension to 10−3 mN/m. Other related tests, including salt tolerance, adsorption, and flooding experiments, have been done. The concentration of 0.1% BA‐14 remains transparent with 120 g/L salinity at 50 °C. The adsorption capacity of BA‐14 is 6.3–11.5 mg/g. The gemini surfactant BA‐14 can improve the oil displacement efficiency by 11.09%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46086.
Laccase‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Lignin‐Like Oligomers and their Application as UV‐Blocking Materials
Authors: Lim Jieyan , Sana Barindra , Krishnan Ranganathan , Seayad Jayasree , Ghadessy Farid J. , Jana Satyasankar , Ramalingam Balamurugan
Published: December 2017

The laccase‐catalyzed oxidative polymerization of monomeric and dimeric lignin model compounds was carried out with oxygen as the oxidant in aqueous medium. The oligomers were characterized by using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI‐TOF MS) analysis. Oxidative polymerization led to the formation of oligomeric species with a number‐average molecular weight (Mn) that ranged from 700 to 2300 Da with a low polydispersity index. Spectroscopic analysis provided insight into the possible modes of linkages present in the oligomers, and the oligomerization is likely to proceed through the formation of C−C linkages between phenolic aromatic rings. The oligomers were found to show good UV light absorption characteristics with high molar extinction coefficient (5000–38 000 m−1 cm−1) in the UV spectral region. The oligomers were blended independently with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by using solution blending to evaluate the compatibility and UV protection ability of the oligomers. The UV/Vis transmittance spectra of the oligomer‐embedded PVC films indicated that these lignin‐like oligomers possessed a notable ability to block UV light. In particular, oligomers obtained from vanillyl alcohol and the dimeric lignin model were found to show good photostability in accelerated UV weathering experiments. The UV‐blocking characteristics and photostability were finally compared with the commercial low‐molecular‐weight UV stabilizer 2,4‐dihydroxybenzophenone.
Optimal Distance Function for Locally Weighted Average Prediction of Just‐in‐Time Methods
Authors: Fujimoto Yusuke , Maruta Ichiro , Sugie Toshiharu
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses the optimal distance function for Just‐in‐Time prediction. We focus on the standard Locally Weighted Average (LWA) prediction with Mahalanobis distance, and find the optimal distance which minimizes the prediction error. The key idea of this work is to introduce an integral which works as a model of the LWA prediction. This integral approximates the LWA prediction, and it becomes easier to discuss analytically. The main result of this paper is to show that the optimal distance function for such integral is constructed through a convex optimization. A numerical example and an experiment with a motor are shown to demonstrate the validity of the proposed distance function.
Anisotropic equation of state of charged and neutral vector boson gases in a constant magnetic field: Astrophysical implications
Authors: Quintero Angulo G. , Pérez Martínez A. , Pérez Rojas H.
Published: December 2017

We obtain the pressures and equations of state (EoSs) of charged and neutral vector boson gases in a constant magnetic field. The axial symmetry imposed on the system by the field splits the pressures in parallel and perpendicular directions along the magnetic axis, which leads to anisotropic EoSs. The values of pressures and energy densities are on the order of those of Fermi gases in compact objects. This opens the possibility of existence of magnetized boson stars. Under certain conditions, the perpendicular pressure might be negative, imposing a bound to the stability of the star. Other implications of negative pressures are also discussed.
Search for flavor‐changing neutral currents in rare top decays
Authors: Gaitan R. , Garcés E. A. , Martinez R. , Montes de Oca J. H.
Published: December 2017

Models beyond the Standard Model with extra scalars have been highly motivated by the recent discovery of a Higgs boson. The Two Higgs Doublet Model Type III considers the most general case for the scalar potential, allowing mixing between neutral CP‐even and CP‐odd scalar fields. This paper presents the results of the study on the t → cγ, t → ch, and t → cg decays at one‐loop level if neutral flavor changing is generated by top‐charm‐Higgs coupling given by the Yukawa matrix.
The mechanism study of miR‐125b in occurrence and progression of multiple myeloma
Authors: Gao Da , Xiao Zhen , Li Hui‐Ping , Han Dong‐Hai , Zhang Ya‐Peng
Published: December 2017

Although many efforts have contributed to improve our knowledge of molecular pathogenesis about multiple myeloma (MM), the role and significance of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in MM cells, along with the core mechanism remains virtually absent. The mRNA levels of miR‐125b and MALAT1 in MM cell lines were detected by qRT‐PCR. The influence of Lenti‐Sh‐miR‐125b on cell viability and the Notch‐1 pathway‐related proteins were assessed by MTT method and western blot, respectively. We also investigated the regulation effect between MALAT1 and Notch1 pathway. Moreover, the connection between Notch1 signaling and MM cell growth was discussed in‐depth. The reverse effect of pcDNA‐Notch1 on the cell viability and Notch‐1 pathway proteins induced by Si‐MALAT1 was also studied. Furthermore, miR‐125b overexpressing MM cell lines were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. MiR‐125b and MALAT1 were inversely expressed in MM cell lines. Lenti‐Sh‐miR‐125b inhibited the expression of MALAT1 and Notch‐1 protein. Binding sites were confirmed between miR‐125b and MALAT1, and silencing MALAT1 did not alter the expression of Notch‐1. The apoptosis rate was increased and the survival rate was decreased obviously in GSI XII (targeted cleavage of Notch‐1 receptor) group, along with the inhibited Notch1 and HES1 proteins. Moreover, the decreased cell viability and Notch‐1 pathway proteins induced by Si‐MALAT1 could be reversed by pcDNA‐Notch1. Lenti‐Sh‐miR‐125b promoted survival and decreased Notch1 and HES1 proteins levels, while this effect was reversed by si ‐MALAT1. MiR‐125b regulated MALAT1 expression via Notch1 signaling pathway to regulate cell growth, thus participating in the occurrence and progression of MM, which functioned as a therapeutic target for tracking MM.
Screening active components of modified Xiaoyao powder as NRF2 agonists
Authors: Yang Yujie , Wang Yanran , Wang Ting , Jiang Xuehua , Wang Ling
Published: December 2017

Nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF2) regulates antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxifying enzymes, such as NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Modified Xiaoyao powder (MXP) is most frequently used in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in China. This study aimed to screen active components of MXP for antioxidant stress and chemoprevention, which depend on NRF2‐NQO1 signalling pathway. A total of 25 monomeric compounds contained in MXP were screened using an antioxidant response element–luciferase reporter. The most potent antioxidant response element–luciferase inducers were chosen to further examine their effects on NRF2 and NQO1 in MCF‐7 cells. These results were then confirmed by determining the oxidative stress levels and chemopreventive effect on inhibiting carcinogenesis transformation in NRF2 knockdown (NRF2KD) and NRF2 wild‐type MCF‐10A cells. We found that quercetin, kaempferol, and atractylenolide II in MXP were potent NRF2 inducers, which could up‐regulate the expression of NRF2 and its downstream enzymes NQO1. In addition, these components could decrease reduced oxidative stress and inhibit carcinogenesis transformation, which depended on NRF2‐NQO1 pathway. In conclusion, NRF2‐NQO1 pathway plays an essential role in mediating the activity of MXP and its active components, at least in part; some beneficial effects of MXP may be applicable to breast cancer chemoprevention. Our study firstly found MXP active components including quercetin, kaempferol, and atractylenolide II. Our results firstly demonstrate that NRF2‐NQO1 pathway plays an essential role in mediating the activity of MXP and its active components in breast cancer chemoprevention. Our study firstly found that atractylenolide II is a novel NRF2 inducer.
MicroRNA Detection by DNA‐Mediated Liposome Fusion
Authors: Jumeaux Coline , Wahlsten Olov , Block Stephan , Kim Eunjung , Chandrawati Rona , Howes Philip D. , Höök Fredrik , Stevens Molly M.
Published: December 2017

Membrane fusion is a process of fundamental importance in biological systems that involves highly selective recognition mechanisms for the trafficking of molecular and ionic cargos. Mimicking natural membrane fusion mechanisms for the purpose of biosensor development holds great potential for amplified detection because relatively few highly discriminating targets lead to fusion and an accompanied engagement of a large payload of signal‐generating molecules. In this work, sequence‐specific DNA‐mediated liposome fusion is used for the highly selective detection of microRNA. The detection of miR‐29a, a known flu biomarker, is demonstrated down to 18 nm within 30 min with high specificity by using a standard laboratory microplate reader. Furthermore, one order of magnitude improvement in the limit of detection is demonstrated by using a novel imaging technique combined with an intensity fluctuation analysis, which is coined two‐color fluorescence correlation microscopy.
Coronary artery disease, revascularization, and clinical outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Real‐world results from the East Denmark Heart Registry
Authors: Millan‐Iturbe Oscar , Sawaya Fadi J. , Lønborg Jacob , Chow Danny H.F. , Bieliauskas Gintautas , Engstrøm Thomas , Søndergaard Lars , De Backer Ole
Published: December 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an established therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis. The optimal treatment strategy for concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been tested prospectively in a randomized clinical trial. This study aimed to describe the degree of CAD, revascularization strategies, and long‐term clinical outcomes in a large‐scale all‐comers TAVR‐population. Nine hundred and forty‐four consecutive patients underwent TAVR. Obstructive CAD was reported in 224 patients (23.7%)—of these, 150 (66.9%) presented with one‐vessel disease (1‐VD), 51 (22.8%) with 2‐VD, and 23 (10.3%) with 3‐VD. Two‐thirds underwent coronary revascularization before TAVR; half of those patients with 1‐VD and only one‐third of those with multivessel disease were completely revascularized. In general, borderline stenoses (50%–70%) were more frequently revascularized in proximal coronary segments than in more distal segments. Long‐term survival rates by Kaplan–Meier analysis of the total TAVR population at 5 and 9 years were 64.7% and 54.1%, respectively. A diagnostic coronary angiography was performed in 16.5% of patients within 5 years after TAVR; only 4.8% underwent consequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There was no difference in survival and need for revascularization post‐TAVR between those patients with or without obstructive CAD ± revascularization. Neither was there a survival difference between those with or without previous CABG and/or chronic total occlusion(s). In conclusion, CAD is prevalent in TAVR patients and pre‐TAVR coronary revascularization is typically focused on treating proximal and high‐grade stenosis. A selective pre‐TAVR PCI strategy results in favorable clinical outcomes with very low rates of post‐TAVR coronary revascularization.
A case of herpes simplex virus pneumonia detected by sputum cytodiagnosis
Authors: Yoshimi Mayumi , Satou Yu , Mori Masaya
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

A sputum test is noninvasive and simple. It contributed to correct diagnosis of a patient with severe acute respiratory failure. We again point out the usefulness of sputum cytodiagnosis for differentiating severe pneumonia.
Rare 48, XYYY syndrome: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Abedi Maryam , Salmaninejad Arash , Sakhinia Ebrahim
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

48, XYYY syndrome is a rare condition. A male with 32‐year‐old and three Y chromosomes is described. This syndrome is phenotypically similar to Klinefelter syndrome. In this patient, Semi‐Klinefelter characteristics such as tall stature, teeth dysmorphology, long length of fingers, partial deformity of the joints, likewise mental health problems were obvious.
Graft‐versus‐host disease, a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Ofosu Andrew , Zabolotsky Andrew , Rufail Miguel , Spataro Joseph , Civan Jesse
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a rare but fatal complication that poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Our case highlights the need for further studies to develop therapeutic modalities to improve outcomes in patients who develop GHVD following OLT.
Effect of Potassium Nitrate Modification on the Performance of Copper‐Manganese Oxide Catalyst for Enhanced Soot Combustion
Authors: Zhao Han , Zhou Xiaoxia , Huang Weimin , Pan Linyu , Wang Min , Li Qinru , Shi Jianlin , Chen Hangrong
Published: December 2017

An enhanced catalytic activity and improved reusability were achieved by applying facile KNO3 modification during the synthesis of a copper‐manganese mixed oxide (CuMnO). Upon KNO3 modification, the characteristic finishing temperature (Tf) of catalytic soot combustion was decreased from 360 °C for CuMnO to 338 °C for the K‐modified product CuMnO(K). Moreover, this Tf value for CuMnO(K) remained remarkably low (346 °C) even after five runs of an activity test. The excellent performance of CuMnO(K) is attributed to its well‐dispersed nanoparticle morphology, which is totally different from the microspherical features of CuMnO and is beneficial for its sufficient contact with the soot particles. Additionally, an interesting phase evolution of CuMnO(K) was observed for the first time from Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 to the mixed phases of CuO, K2Mn4O8, and MnOx during the consecutive test runs. These mixed phases are believed to be responsible for the enhancement and stabilization of the catalytic activity. Furthermore, the mechanism for the morphology transformation upon KNO3 modification and for the phase evolution during soot combustion was investigated.
Boron‐ and Iron‐Incorporated α‐Co(OH)2 Ultrathin Nanosheets as an Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalyst
Authors: Liu Yunhua , Jin Zhaoyu , Li Panpan , Tian Xianqing , Chen Xiaojuan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2017

Electrochemical water splitting is a critical technology for various energy storage and conversion devices, but it is greatly restricted by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, an effective electrocatalyst of boron‐ and iron‐incorporated α‐Co(OH)2 (B‐α‐Co5.8Fe LDH)ultrathin nanosheets was synthesized for the OER by using sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as a mild alkali and boron source in ethylene glycol/water system (EG‐W). Benefiting from the large accessible surface area (563 m2 g−1) and the synergistic effect of Co−Fe−B,the catalyst (B‐α‐Co5.8Fe LDH) exhibits improved activity and stability in 1 M KOH solution with a low overpotential (264 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and Tafel slope (34 mV dec−1). In addition, this method was also applied to fabricate boron‐ and iron‐incorporated α‐Ni(OH)2. This study should inspire a new pathway to design highly efficient OER catalysts.
Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Cationic Carbosilane Dendrons and Their Hybrids with Nucleic Acids
Authors: Gutierrez‐Ulloa Carlos E. , Buyanova Marina Yu. , Apartsin Evgeny K. , Venyaminova Alya G. , de la Mata Fco. Javier , Gómez Rafael
Published: December 2017

The first example of non‐covalent functionalization of single‐ and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with cationic carbosilane dendrons via pyrene anchor groups is reported herein. The non‐covalent functionalization of the CNT surface with dendrons is compatible with the covalent functionalization of CNT tips and defect sites with amino‐compounds. The modified CNTs have been shown to bind therapeutic oligonucleotides efficiently. The results obtained may provide useful insight for the design of multifunctional nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery.
Harnessing the Power of Real‐World Evidence (RWE): A Checklist to Ensure Regulatory‐Grade Data Quality
Authors: Miksad Rebecca A. , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: December 2017

The role of real‐world evidence (RWE) in regulatory, drug development, and healthcare decision‐making is rapidly expanding. Recent advances have increased the complexity of cancer care and widened the gap between randomized clinical trial (RCT) results and the evidence needed for real‐world clinical decisions. Instead of remaining invisible, data from the >95% of cancer patients treated outside of clinical trials can help fill this void.
A hierarchical spatiotemporal analog forecasting model for count data
Authors: McDermott Patrick L. , Wikle Christopher K. , Millspaugh Joshua
Published: December 2017

Analog forecasting is a mechanism‐free nonlinear method that forecasts a system forward in time by examining how past states deemed similar to the current state moved forward. Previous applications of analog forecasting has been successful at producing robust forecasts for a variety of ecological and physical processes, but it has typically been presented in an empirical or heuristic procedure, rather than as a formal statistical model. The methodology presented here extends the model‐based analog method of McDermott and Wikle (Environmetrics, 27, 2016, 70) by placing analog forecasting within a fully hierarchical statistical framework that can accommodate count observations. Using a Bayesian approach, the hierarchical analog model is able to quantify rigorously the uncertainty associated with forecasts. Forecasting waterfowl settling patterns in the northwestern United States and Canada is conducted by applying the hierarchical analog model to a breeding population survey dataset. Sea surface temperature (SST) in the Pacific Ocean is used to help identify potential analogs for the waterfowl settling patterns.
Florence–Orsay: A Joint Laboratory with Olivier
Authors: Gatteschi Dante , Verdaguer Michel
Published: December 2017

The present essay gathers a few anecdotes and slices of the authors' scientific lives, trying to show how Olivier Kahn occupied a pivotal position in molecular magnetism and why it is possible today to speak of his scientific legacy.
Exposure to levonorgestrel increases nest acquisition success and decreases sperm motility in the male fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Frankel Tyler , Yonkos Lance , Ampy Franklin , Frankel Jack
Published: December 2017

Progestins are utilized as a component of human contraceptives, and commonly enter the environment via wastewater treatment plant effluent. Certain progestins activate fish androgen receptors and cause decreases in fecundity and masculinization of females. We used a nest acquisition assay and computer-assisted sperm analysis to examine the effects of levonorgestrel on male fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) reproductive fitness. Males were exposed to 0, 10, or 100 ng/L levonorgestrel for 14 d. Combinations of a control male and a male from one of the treatments were placed into a competitive nesting assay, and the time each male spent holding the nest and time spent exhibiting aggressive behaviors were analyzed at 48 h postexposure. Semen samples were analyzed for total motility, straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, linearity, beat cross frequency, and wobble at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s postactivation. Males exposed to either 10 or 100 ng/L of levonorgestrel exhibited increased nest acquisition success and lower levels of aggression compared with control–control pairings, as well as decreases in multiple sperm motion characteristics. Our results suggest that further research is required to ascertain the effects of levonorgestrel on male gamete quality and reproductive behaviors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1131–1137. © 2017 SETAC
Early Paleozoic volcanic rocks with VMS mineralization from eastern Tianshan Orogen: Implication for tectonic evolution
Authors: Deng Xiao‐Hua , Wang Jing‐Bin , Santosh M. , Wang Yu‐Wang , Long Ling‐Li , Zhang Hui‐Qiong , Yang Li‐Ya , Xu Jun , Chen Xi , Chen Lei
Published: December 2017

The Early Paleozoic volcanic rocks of Daliugou Formation at the southern margin of the Turpan‐Hami Basin in the eastern Tianshan Orogen host important volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. Here, we report zircon U–Pb ages of dacite and tuff from the hangingwall and footwall of the VMS deposit, and granodiorite that intruded the volcanics. Our data reveal that the dacite crystallized at 441.4 ± 2.6 Ma and carry older xenocrysts of 2,664, 1,854, and 1,074 Ma. Zircons in the intensively altered tuff crystallized at 440.4 ± 2.9 Ma, with inherited grains of 2,517.4 ± 31.9, and 782.9 ± 11.1 Ma. Zircons in the granodiorite yield a weighted mean age of 430.0 ± 1.7 Ma. The volcanics in the Daliugou Formation evolved from basaltic andesite (>450 Ma) and tuff (450–440 Ma) to dacitic lava (440–420 Ma). We envisage a subduction‐related tectonic setting for the Daliugou Formation rocks when the eastern Kalatag area transformed from an island arc before 450 Ma, through back‐arc basin during 450–440 Ma, to island arc during 440–420 Ma.
Palaeomagnetism and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology of Cretaceous redbeds from central Tibet and tectonic implications
Authors: Meng Jun , Zhao Xixi , Wang Chengshan , Liu Hao , Li Yalin , Han Zhongpen , Liu Tao , Wang Meng
Published: December 2017

Understanding the magnitude of intra‐Asian crustal shortening and the collision age of Lhasa–Qiangtang terranes requires quantitative constraints on the crustal motion. The key to this is defining the palaeogeography of the Tibetan Plateau, which constitutes a poorly known factor over the entire convergence history. New detrital zircon U–Pb geochronological and palaeomagnetic data from the terrestrial Abushan Formation in the Qiangtang terrane demonstrate that central Tibet was located at 27.5 ± 3.0°N during the time interval of ~111–83 Ma. Our results suggest 7.5 ± 2.9° continental shortening has occurred between central Qiangtang and Mongolia during the India–Asia convergence. Declination anomaly indicates the central Qiangtang terrane has experienced significant clockwise rotation (57.3 ± 3.9°) relative to stable Eurasia. The compilation of palaeomagnetic results since the Cretaceous reveals ~8.5° northward drift of the Lhasa terrane from 123 ± 9 to 97 ± 7 Ma and the palaeolatitudinal overlap between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes after ~111–103 Ma. Together with the onset age of the terrestrial Abushan Formation, our results provide the youngest timing (ca. ~111–103 Ma) for the closure of the Bangong Meso‐Tethys Ocean, as well as for the final collision of the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes.